Is Surgery An Effective Solution For Acid Reflux?

Those with acid reflux know that the problem is one that will stay with them for life. Caused by a lack of strength of the lower esophageal sphincter, acid reflux causes harmful fluids to rise from the stomach into the esophagus, causing corrosive damage due to the stomach acid found in the liquid.

The most common symptom of acid reflux is the agony of heartburn, but there are other health risks associated with it such as Barrett's esophagus, erosive esophagitis and esophageal cancer.

But all of that may change. There is a new surgical procedure that is finding its way into clinics across the nation which may help to snuff out acid reflux for those who undergo the surgery. Known as the Plicator procedure, this treatment option requires a mere twenty minutes and is an outpatient procedure. Does it sound too good to be true? Heres a simple explanation of what exactly happens when one undergoes a Plicator procedure.

- The Plicator, a small electronic device, is place on the end of an endoscopy tube. Endoscopies are procedures wherein a tube gets lowered into the digestive tract through the mouth while the patient is sedated, but conscious.

- Once the Plicator reaches the stomach, it is used to grab the tissue located between the stomach and the esophagus. It then closes its "arms", crimping the tissue. A suture is placed to hold the tissue in place.

- This results in a tighter opening between the stomach and esophagus, helping the lower esophageal sphincter to maintain the passageway more easily.

Those who undergo this procedure usually don't experience any unwanted side effects, and are often back to their normal activities the following day. Several studies have been done to measure the effectiveness of the procedure for eliminating heartburn.

The studies showed that the need for prescription heartburn medications was eliminated in 70 percent of all patients who underwent the procedure! Also, 80 percent of all patients undergoing the surgery saw a lessened amount of reflux post-procedure. After undergoing the surgery, patients are often advised to follow a diet of soft foods for a few days while the suture sets.

The effects of the surgery are seen very quickly. Within several days following the procedure, most people were able to decrease their heartburn medication. Sore throats and abdominal pain occurred in some patients, but only lasted for a few days. If this sounds like a procedure that would help you with your acid reflux, talk to your doctor about it and get their informed advice.