LAPAROSCOPY FOR GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX

Reflux disease, known as GERD is a condition in which acidic contents of stomach reflux or re-enter the food pipe and even throat

What are the symptoms of GERD?

The typical symptoms of GERD are burning in the chest (heartburn) and regurgitation of sour or bitter liquid, sometimes mixed with food, to the throat or mouth.
Other relatively common symptoms include chest pain, which may simulate cardiac disease, and the feeling of food sticking in the esophagus. Less often GERD may cause throat burning, coughing, asthma, or recurrent pulmonary infections (recurrent bronchitis or aspiration pneumonia).

It is diagnosed on endoscopy and 24 hour pH monitoring. CT scan may be required to rule out Hiatus Hernia

The initial approach of treatment is dietary and lifestyle modifications, e.g., decreasing the intake of foods that increase gastric acidity, cessation of smoking and alcohol intake, etc. Drug therapy is used in combination with lifestyle changes. Acid-suppressing agents and drugs that enhance upper gastrointestinal motility are often prescribed. Surgery is the required to manage GERD if the patient is unwilling or unable to cope with the lifestyle changes necessary for the management of reflux disease of if the medical management is no longer helpful. A Nissen’s fundoplication is the most common procedure performed.