Why Choose Surgery
for Chronic GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing discomfort and impacting daily life. While lifestyle modifications and medications can provide relief for some, those with persistent and severe symptoms may find that surgery offers a more lasting solution.

GERD occurs when stomach acid regularly flows back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. Chronic GERD can significantly diminish the quality of life, affecting sleep, daily activities, and overall well-being. When conservative measures fall short, surgery becomes a viable option for those seeking lasting relief.

While lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are effective for many GERD sufferers, they may not provide a permanent solution for everyone. Some individuals experience incomplete symptom control, undesirable side effects from medications, or concerns about long-term medication use. Surgical interventions aim to address these challenges by targeting the root causes of GERD.

While medication can control GERD symptoms for some people, it’s not a cure-all. For those with chronic GERD, surgery can offer a long-term solution and a significant improvement in quality of life. Here are some reasons why surgery might be right for you:

• Medication doesn’t control your symptoms: If you’ve tried multiple medications without success, or if you experience side effects from medication, surgery can offer a permanent solution.
• GERD is impacting your quality of life: Are you constantly avoiding trigger foods? Do you struggle to get a good night’s sleep due to heartburn? If GERD is interfering with your daily life, surgery can help you regain control and live life to the fullest.
• You have complications from GERD: In some cases, chronic GERD can lead to complications like Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition. Surgery can help prevent these complications and protect your long-term health.

There are two main types of surgery for GERD:

• Nissen Fundoplication: This is the most common type of GERD surgery. It involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter, creating a stronger valve that prevents acid reflux.
• LINX Reflux Management System: This is a newer, minimally invasive procedure that uses a small band of magnetic beads to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter.

Chronic GERD can significantly impact your quality of life. While medication can offer temporary relief, surgery provides a permanent solution by addressing the root cause of the problem: a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or a hiatal hernia. Here are some key benefits of choosing surgery for chronic GERD:

• Long-Term Symptom Relief:
  Surgical procedures for GERD address the underlying causes of acid reflux by strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or repairing hiatal hernias. This leads to sustained relief from symptoms, allowing you to enjoy life without the constant burden of heartburn, regurgitation, and other GERD-related discomfort.
• Reduced Reliance on Medications:
  Surgery can eliminate the need for long-term medication use, freeing you from the potential side effects and dependency associated with daily medication intake. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who experience adverse reactions to medication or prefer a more natural approach to managing their condition.
• Improved Quality of Life:
  Chronic GERD can significantly impact your daily activities, sleep, and overall well-being. By addressing the root cause of the issue, surgery aims to restore normal functioning of the digestive system, allowing you to reclaim control over your life. You can enjoy your favorite foods without fear of triggering symptoms, sleep soundly without the discomfort of acid reflux, and participate in activities you may have avoided due to your condition.
• Minimally Invasive Techniques:
  Advances in surgical technology, such as da Vinci robotic surgery, offer cutting-edge minimally invasive options for GERD treatment. Compared to traditional open surgery, these techniques offer several benefits, including:
  • Smaller incisions: This allows for less tissue disruption and promotes faster healing.
  • Reduced pain: Minimally invasive procedures typically result in less postoperative discomfort than open surgery.
  • Shorter recovery times: You can often return to your daily activities sooner after minimally invasive surgery.
• Reduced Risk of Complications:
  Left untreated, chronic GERD can lead to serious complications, such as Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition. Surgery can help prevent these complications and protect your long-term health.

Overall, choosing surgery for chronic GERD can offer a multitude of benefits that improve your quality of life and allow you to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.

When considering surgery for chronic GERD, selecting a trusted surgical team is crucial. Capital Surgeons Group, based in Austin, stands as a beacon of excellence in providing specialized care for GERD sufferers. Here’s why individuals choose Capital Surgeons Group for GERD surgery:

• Expertise in Advanced Techniques:
  The surgeons at Capital Surgeons Group are well-versed in utilizing advanced surgical techniques, including da Vinci robotic surgery, ensuring precision and optimal patient outcomes.
• Personalized Care:
  The group takes a personalized approach, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and preferences, recognizing that each patient’s journey is unique.
• Proven Track Record:
  With a history of success in hernia repair and GERD treatment, Capital Surgeons Group offers a proven track record, instilling confidence in patients seeking surgical solutions.