The heartburn and discomfort of GERD affect as many as 20% of Americans. To provide you with long-term symptom relief, the skilled surgeons at the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery offer the latest advancements in minimally invasive surgery at their Peoria, Arizona, office to correct the root cause of acid reflux and provide you with long-lasting symptom relief. Find out if GERD surgery is right for you by calling the office or scheduling a consultation online today.
Our practice is located at 14155 N. 83rd Ave. Suite 105 in Peoria, AZ. Call us to schedule your appointment today or call us at (623) 486-7700.
request an appointmentWhat is Gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that develops when stomach acids persistently flow back into your esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation in the lining of your esophagus.
This back flow often results when the esophageal valve that opens and closes to let food into your digestive tract weakens and doesn’t close properly. GERD can also develop as the result of a hiatal hernia.
While many people have acid reflux from time to time, chronic GERD usually occurs at least once a week. Factors that can influence your risk for developing GERD include:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Hiatal hernia
Without proper treatment, GERD can result in chronic inflammation in your esophagus that causes ulcers, esophageal narrowing, and precancerous changes in the esophageal lining.
What are the symptoms of GERD?
Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD, causing a burning sensation in your throat and chest, usually after eating.
Other common symptoms of GERD include:
- Chest pain
- Sour taste
- Chronic cough
- Difficulty swallowing
GERD symptoms can trigger existing asthma and even interfere with your quality of sleep. When recurrent GERD symptoms become severe enough to interfere with your quality of life, surgery may be an option for treatment.
How does minimally invasive surgery treat GERD?
The Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery offers two types of minimally invasive surgery to treat GERD.
One option for surgical treatment is the Nissen fundoplication technique that reinforces the esophageal valve to stop the backflow of acid into your esophagus. Minimally invasive surgery involves a thin laparoscope that your surgeon inserts into a small incision in your abdomen to make the necessary repairs.
The second surgical option for treating GERD is hernia repair surgery if your condition is triggered by a hiatal hernia. A hiatal hernia can cause heartburn and other GERD symptoms when your diaphragm pushes your stomach upwards into your chest. Minimally invasive surgical techniques allow your surgeon at the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery to correct the hernia and reposition your stomach to reduce the backflow of stomach acid into your esophagus.
Both of these surgical procedures reduce your risk for infection and complications that come with traditional open surgery. This ensures you enjoy a faster recovery and less trauma to your body. Surgical repair for GERD-related issues can provide long-term relief of chronic heartburn and discomfort, reducing your dependence on acid-neutralizing medications.
If other treatments aren’t effective at alleviating your severe GERD symptoms, find out if minimally invasive surgery is right for you by calling the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery or requesting a consultation online today.
