LES or laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery is useful in treating GERD when drug prescriptions or lifestyle changes are no longer effective. Jacob Rinker, MD, FAS, is a Casper acid reflux expert at Wyoming Medical Associates and specializes in treating GERD and its symptoms.
What Happens During the Surgery?
Your surgeon will apply general anesthesia to put you to sleep during the operation. Next, Dr. Jacob Rinker sterilizes the stomach with an antibacterial and covers it with sterile drapes.
The doctor uses a scope, or a special camera, to examine the abdominal cavity under this treatment option. Up to six minor cuts are made on your abdomen wall. Then, the surgeon inflates your stomach with carbon dioxide gas. The abdominal walls are separated from the internal organs, and this offers the surgeon an ideal space for the surgery.
The doctor inserts the laparoscope via the incision to take images and transmit them to an external monitor. Experts also use other equipment such as a nasal cannula alongside the laparoscope.
For treatment, the specialist corrects the hernia by wrapping the upper part of the abdomen near the esophagus. The doctor checks for any bleeding and rinses your abdominal cavity. Lastly, the tiny incisions are closed and you are put into an oxygen mask to remove excess anesthesia in your body.
Why is LES Surgery the right Treatment for GERD?
The surgery aims at preventing food reflux to the esophagus and is the most effective treatment in the management of GERD. The surgical procedure is ideal for patients who would like to stop medications in treating GERD and involves creating a one-way-valve to stop the acid reflux.
Laparoscopic surgery is the most common as it is less invasive; you will experience minimal post-recovery pain and return to your normal lifestyle quickly.
Who is the Right Candidate for LES Surgery?
Patients with chronic GERD are the right candidates for LES surgery. However, even though it has lots of benefits, it is not ideal for some people.
Your doctor will do a comprehensive examination and assess any risks associated with the surgery. It is advisable to stop taking any other medication one week before the surgery.
How Much Time Does an LES Surgery Take?
Before the surgery, the doctor will do a pre-surgical evaluation. Then, the specialist schedules a surgery in a few weeks.
Since you will be under general anesthesia, you will be asleep throughout the operation, which will last a few hours. After the operation, you will stay in the hospital for one day. But you can stay longer, depending on the progress of your recovery.
Side Effects or Complications After an LES Surgery
Following the procedure patients should not lift heavy items or take part in strenuous activities. The incision area might swell but will clear off within a few days. It is important to contact your specialist if you experience redness, high fever, bleeding, or pain. The strips will eventually fall off and if they do not, the doctor removes them during your next appointment.
If you are looking for alternatives to treat acid reflux or GERD, Wyoming Medical Associates are specialists in less invasive LES surgery.