Many people have their fair share of stomach troubles. For example, some spicy foods can cause heartburn that has you reaching for the antacid. But if you are diagnosed with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), it's a whole new level of discomfort.
GERD is a serious digestive condition that occurs when stomach acid regurgitates into the esophagus. This is because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to prevent this from happening. You may need help with heartburn, chest pain, coughing, or trouble swallowing.
The surgeons at Sierra Pacific Surgical are proud to offer revolutionary options for people suffering from chronic acid reflux GERD symptoms. Robotic acid reflux surgery (Nissen fundoplication) is a simple but effective procedure that may improve your quality of life. Read below or call our Sacramento, CA office to see how this minimally invasive surgery is performed.
When you have GERD or acid reflux, your stomach contents may come back up into your esophagus. The main cause is that your lower esophageal sphincter does not close completely.
The stomach's acidic environment is meant to kill off many of the nasty bacteria that may cause you harm. But if it regurgitates back upwards, you'll know about it – because the side effects can be quite painful and intrusive. GERD symptoms, like heartburn and chest pain, may prevent you from enjoying your favorite meals. You may also frequently feel like you have food stuck in your throat, leading to persistent coughing or trouble swallowing.
Sierra Pacific Surgical can perform minimally invasive surgery to reinforce the muscle band that connects the lower esophagus to the stomach. It's called Nissen fundoplication, named after the surgeon who first performed this procedure in the 1950s.
Anti-reflux surgery begins with small incisions in the abdominal area; then, we use advanced robotic instruments for reconstruction. Our techniques are designed to produce excellent results for GERD patients with as little downtime as possible.
During our anti-reflux procedure in Sacramento, CA, we may wrap the top portion of the stomach around the bottom of the esophagus to strengthen the sphincter. If a hiatal hernia is present, we can also repair the issue by carefully shifting the stomach back into the abdominal cavity.
Many people who have had anti-reflux surgery at Sierra Pacific Surgical are thrilled with their results. Our robotic techniques cut down on post-operative discomfort so you can return to daily activities quickly and without issue. If you require medication to treat acid reflux symptoms regularly, you may be able to lower your dosage or stop the medication completely. Plus, you'll be able to eat all of the foods that you love without worry.
If you need help with heartburn or are suffering from any of the above GERD symptoms, it's definitely worth discussing a surgical option at Sierra Pacific Surgical. Our team is trained to perform minimally invasive robotic surgery so you can get your life back to normal in no time. Although you might be hesitant at first, the key to successful surgery is finding a professional you can trust. Call our Sacramento, CA clinic to learn about our innovative processes and procedures today.