Keyhole Surgery for Heartburn

This webpage will give you information about Keyhole Surgery for Heartburn.

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition where acid from the stomach travels up into the oesophagus (gullet). This happens if the valve between the stomach and the oesophagus does not work effectively. Acid reflux can cause ‘heartburn’ or acid in the back of the mouth.


What are the benefits of Keyhole surgery?

Keyhole surgery, or minimally invasive surgery, is a surgical method used to access the interior of the body through a small incision, removing the need for open surgery. Keyhole surgery is most commonly used to access the abdomen and the female pelvic organs in a procedure known as a laparoscopy.Surgery is aimed at curing the symptoms of acid reflux.

 

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

Drugs that lower the acid content in the stomach are effective at controlling symptoms and healing inflammation.

Surgery is only recommended if the symptoms continue or if you feel that you would prefer not to stay on medication.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes between one and two hours.

Your surgeon will usually use the laparoscopic technique. Your surgeon will make several small cuts on your abdomen. They will place surgical instruments, along with a telescope, inside your abdomen and perform the operation .

Technique for Laparoscopic Surgery

Your surgeon will stitch the diaphragm to reduce the size of the hole the oesophagus passes through. They will then wrap and stitch the top part of the stomach around the lower oesophagus.

Your surgeon can wrap the stomach all the way round the oesophagus or just part-way round.

 


What complications can happen?

General complications:-

Pain

Bleeding

Infection in the surgical site (wound)

Unsightly scarring

Developing a hernia in the scar

Blood clots

Specific complications:-

Damage to internal organs

Developing a hernia near one of the cuts

Surgical emphysema

Difficulty swallowing

Air in the chest cavity

Making a hole in the oesophagus or stomach

Tear of the stitches used for the wrap

Damage to the liver

Long-term problems

Incomplete control of reflux symptoms

Weight loss

Abdominal discomfort

Diarrhoea

 

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home within a few days.

 

You should be able to return to work after three to four weeks but this may vary depending on the extent of surgery and your type of work.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

You should make a full recovery, with the symptoms of acid reflux gone or much improved.

 

Summary

Acid reflux can cause heartburn or acid in the mouth. The acid can cause the lining of the oesophagus to become inflamed or scarred. Surgery may be recommended if your symptoms continue while you are on medication.


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