Reflux Surgery
Reflux occurs when the valve between the oesophagus and the stomach doesn’t function properly, allowing acid to go up into the oesophagus. This can cause discomfort and heartburn. Often you will feel acid in the back of your throat. Some people have a chronic cough associated with this.
Most people with reflux have mild symptoms requiring no treatment, some people require medication to decrease the amount of acid in the stomach. Many patients choose not to continue with drug treatment and elect to have an anti-reflux operation.
An anti reflux operation is performed under general anaesthetic as a laparoscopic (keyhole) procedure. Depending on the specific of the cause of your reflux, the procedure can involve narrowing the valve mechanism between the oesophagus and stomach, and also wrapping part of the stomach around the oesophagus. Most people’s symptoms are relieved extremely well with this procedure.
After the procedure you would usually need to remain in hospital for 1-2 nights and can return to your normal daily activity within a week. We will discuss with you the specific dietary intake you can have for the weeks following the surgery.