Does Laproscopic Fundoplication cure Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

It is reported that 50-60% of the population have gastric problems. For some it aggravates and we could see people popping pills every morning and evening and they are the people suffering from Gastritis. The types of gastritis are chronic, acute and atrophic gastritis.

The causes of Gastritis could be because of irritation due to inordinate use of alcohol, regularly vomiting for many years and may be due to longer usage of pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs. ‘Stress’ is certainly a major contributing factor for this. ‘H. pylori’ (Helicobacter pylori) infection is another major reason for gastritis. Some of us get ‘genetically’ transferred. This type of gastritis is mostly seen in European countries and this can be potentially cured by proper dosage of drugs prescribed. There are different prescriptions available across the world.

 

GERD

GERD

Other types are 1. Pernicious aneamia which is a kind of anaemia that finds during stomach lacks vitamin B12, a naturally present required properly absorbing and digesting.

2. Bile reflux: The bile is back flowing from the bile tract into the stomach. The bile tract is connecting the liver and gall bladder

3. And other bacteria and viruses infections

When does gastritis get elevated to ‘gastroesophageal reflux disease’? The symptoms are from mild to aggressive like reflux after having food, empty stomach, nausea and vomiting. In chronic and poorly treated GERD, people vomit fresh blood. Is Reflux Cure possible through 'Lap Nissen Surgery'?

Our concern and discussion here is whether it is curable or manageable. Except the one caused H. Pylori, all others need a complete lifestyle changes and we will discuss them later.

Many are taking medicines for more than 10 years including myself. I have been taking 'reflux medications' ‘Proton Pump Inhibitors’ (PPI) medicines like Pantaprozole, Esomiprozole, omeprazole and ranitidine etc. Self-medication is another jeopardy in managing ‘GERD’ and this irresistible too. One can say whenever I visit the gastroenterologist; he prescribes the same medicines and advices.

Lap Fundoplication

Lap Fundoplication

When the symptoms are not subsided after taking PPI for more than 2 years, one can go for analysis of ‘Nissen fundoplication’ which can reportedly and potentially cure the disease. There are few types surgeries are performed for treating GERD. The most performed is Niseen Fundoplication and I have undergone the same. Being a para medical trained and a consultant for HIV projects, I could not realise the need of the surgery for more than 10 years and none of the doctors I visited suggested.

If you want to see the 'Laproscopic Nissen Fundoplication procedure' in youtube: Please visit HERE

Ok. Does this cure is a million dollar question. 60% of the cases reported as relieved and 20 percent reported no much change and another 20 percent say situation worsen with involuntary aerophagia, bloating, difficult to swallow etc. and they need a balloon therapy, where a balloon is inserted to dilate the tightly wrapped sphincter and some of them require further surgery.

‘Top 5 ways of preventing 'Heartburn GERD’:

• Food: Manage heartburn by Take bland food as possible. Avoid coffee, tea, excessive alcohol, smoking (strictly avoid), reduce dairy product and yoghurt may be taken.
• Exercise: take mild regular exercise like walking and other yoga practices regularly. Pranayama helps a lot.
• Handling stress: Live the moment not the whole life in one moment or a day of carrying past in head and worrying about future etc. consult a therapist in this case.
• Nutrition like Vitamin B12, B6 and other nutrient rich foods need to be taken in a regular interval.
• Strictly follow the  'heartburn GERD' treament prescribed and avoid self-medication and taking untested medicines prescribed by quacks.  

Final words:

In my case, the symptoms were reduced but still bloating and ‘aerophagia’ is present. It has been reported that >50% of the people said they felt good after two years. So, we may have to wait for 2 years if the symptoms are not very bad after surgery. Once operated you need to follow the fore mentioned prevention. Otherwise you may get the symptoms worse and may be like before.  Read more on sinusitis and its management by clicking here.