At the beginning of treatment for “Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease”, patients often choose antacid medication to reduce symptoms. If symptoms persist and patients do not respond to treatment, or if patients do not want to take medication to control symptoms continuously, “esophageal sphincter surgery” becomes an option for treating acid reflux… which can solve the problem at its root and precisely!
Heartburn, sour belching.. early symptoms of “acid reflux”
Acid reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease : GERD) is a condition where “acid” or acidic stomach juices flow back into the esophagus. This is caused by the lower esophageal sphincter not closing tightly, resulting in symptoms such as burning sensation in the chest, tightness, frequent belching, nausea, sour taste in the mouth and throat, sore throat, chronic cough, or difficulty swallowing.
Acid reflux.. if left chronic, may lead to serious diseases!
If patients have had acid reflux symptoms for a long time, it may cause esophageal ulcers, and recurrent symptoms can lead to inflammation and esophageal stricture. Additionally, the esophageal lining may change and increase the risk of “esophageal cancer” in the future. Patients will have warning Alarm Symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, or passing blood in stool. Esophageal sphincter repair surgery can prevent these complications.
Check acid reflux condition… with advanced tools If symptoms suggest acid reflux, gastroenterologists will perform diagnostic tests using the following tools:
24 hours pH monitoring is a standard diagnostic tool for acid reflux. It measures how much acid refluxes into the esophagus by inserting a small tube through the nose connected to an acid measuring device. The patient must carry the device for 24 hours to analyze the amount of acid reflux. If a high amount is found, surgery may be considered for that individual.
Generally, 24h pH monitoring is used together with esophageal motility testing or esophageal Manometry to locate the exact position of the esophageal sphincter. This allows precise placement of the pH probe and also evaluates esophageal contractions, providing important information for surgery.
Quiz! Before patients undergo.. esophageal sphincter surgery
- Confirm whether it is truly acid reflux or just a suspicion
- How long have you been treating acid reflux and by what methods?
- Have you undergone endoscopy for a clear diagnosis? How can you be sure it is not another disease?
- Before surgery, have you had pH monitoring and Manometry tests?
After completing all 4 steps, proceed to surgery
Esophageal sphincter surgery is a laparoscopic procedure where part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter to repair and improve its function. The surgeon must plan how tightly to wrap the stomach, so “preoperative examination, careful evaluation, and planning are the most important”.
What are the benefits of esophageal sphincter surgery?
- The surgery takes about 1-2 hours
- Minimally invasive with less pain
- Small scars
- Recovery time is only 2 – 3 days
Phyathai 2 Hospital is fully equipped to provide comprehensive acid reflux treatment with accurate diagnosis, various treatment options, and a team of doctors and modern medical technology to help you stop! acid reflux… before it becomes a chronic problem.
