Surgery For Acid Reflux - A Good Idea

GERD is an extremely painful disease that affects millions of people. The medical name for GERD is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. It has many different symptoms that mimic other illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose by physicians.

Symptoms of GERD vary from person to person, therefore physicians will not write a prescription right away. If he or she is not sure, over the counter medications will be recommended.

Most of the time, these work to reduce or eliminate the symptoms, however, in severe cases, the over the counter remedies do not work and the patient continues to suffer terribly and require further tests.

The tests for GERD are both invasive and expensive. Doctors will try everything else before performing these tests. When all else fails, procedures like x-rays with a barium swallow, an upper gastrointestinal x-ray series, an upper endoscopies, an esophageal manometry, and a 24-hour pH are common tests that are used to diagnose GERD.

After the diagnosis of GERD, the physician will advise the patient of his or her options for treatment. For those who have moderate severe symptoms, over the counter and prescription drugs along with lifestyle changes will be recommended.

For patients who suffer from GERD so severe that they are in constant pain, the physician may recommend surgery.

The surgery for GERD is both invasive and painful. There has been controversy in the medical profession as to the need for surgery for GERD.

For those patients whose symptoms are rather severe and is causing them so much pain and discomfort, the physician may suggest surgery.

The type of surgery that is used most often in cases of GERD is called a Nissen Fundoplication. This procedure basically takes the upper part of the stomach and tightly wraps it around the lower part of the esophagus. By doing this, the esophageal barrier is strengthened preventing acid reflux from occurring. When performed, the surgery will eliminate GERD totally. Many physicians recommend this type of surgery to relieve their patients suffering. This procedure is considered to be a safe surgery, and have very good results. Because it is done laproscopically it is minimally invasive.

The debate in the medical community has been going on for years. Those who oppose surgery for GERD claim that if the patient institutes lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise the symptoms of GERD will disappear and surgery will not be necessary. If the symptoms continue, surgery should be the last option used.

Jill Seimer offers tips for healthy living at RefluxLife.com and discussed natural healing of heartburn from her experience using natural cures for acid reflux.