Heartburn (also known as GERD and acid reflux) affects most people during some time in their lives. But if you suffer from this condition frequently, you know just how painful and uncomfortable it can be — keeping you up at night, burning your esophagus, restricting the foods you can enjoy, etc.
Acid reflux takes place when gastrointestinal acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus and it’s not going to go away without medical intervention, unfortunately.
In fact, many of the patients who have come to see me here in Freehold for GERD treatment did not seek GERD medical care early-on and eventually faced more complex GI issues that required surgery.
Acid Reflux (GERD) Symptoms are Often Underdiagnosed
The most frequent symptom of GERD, heartburn, is so common it may not be seen as part of a chronic disease (but it is).
Symptoms may also include frequent trouble swallowing, sore throat, coughing or hoarseness in the morning. If you are experiencing any of these, first consult with a gastroenterologist who specializes in acid reflux diagnosis, treatment and disease management.
After performing tests to diagnose your case, your GI physician will prescribe:
- Medications and vitamin D
- Dietary changes
- Stress management techniques
- Portion control changes
- Smoking cessation
Heartburn Treatment Solutions in New Jersey
For some people, these traditional non-surgical treatment options are not successful. At that point, minimally invasive surgery to strengthen the barrier between the stomach and esophagus may be the optimal solution to dramatically improve — and even alleviate — chronic symptoms.
A laparoscopic surgery technique to treat GERD is called a “fundoplication” where the top part of the stomach is wrapped around the bottom of the esophagus to help strengthen the muscle in order to prevent it from allowing food and acid to come back up.
To do this, a laparoscope, a thin tube with a tiny camera, is used to put tiny incisions in your belly. The procedure usually takes a couple of hours to perform.
The procedure is performed as overnight stay surgery which allows most patients to go home the next morning after the procedure. Regular activities resume in about 10 days but, initially, there will be a soft, bland diet prescribed during the healing process.
Don’t Treat Chronic Heartburn with Over-the-Counter Medications
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms noted here, see your doctor to confirm the condition and begin medical treatment to relieve symptoms. As with any medical condition, act now, before the pain and discomfort grow into something more serious.
Partner with a GERD Surgeon Who Specializes in GI Surgery
If you have not been successful with treatment for your acid reflux, talk with your doctor about a minimally invasive, laparoscopic, surgical solution.
“Dr. Seun” regularly performs GI surgery at top hospitals and surgicenters here in Central New Jersey and offers advanced expertise performing the safest, most advanced laparoscopic and general surgery operations.
About Dr. Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS
Dr. Seun is a top NJ bariatric surgeon and the medical director at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. He is board-certified, Columbia and Yale University fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgery.
To learn more, visit his YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732)-982-2002.