Gastresophageal Reflux Surgery

Surgical Associates of Marshall County offer treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal cancer and other conditions of the esophagus with minimally invasive gastresophageal reflux surgery.

When acid reflux symptoms or esophageal cancer do not respond to other forms of treatment, esophageal surgery may be necessary. At Surgical Associates of Marshall County, we offer esophageal surgery with experienced surgeons who specialize in minimally invasive laparoscopic methods that provide the most modern, safe and effective ways of treating conditions of the esophagus.

When is Gastresophageal Reflux Surgery Needed?

Several different conditions may necessitate gastresophageal reflux surgery, including:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition results from the malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus. A weakened LES allows acid to enter the esophagus from the stomach, leading to symptoms like acid reflux and heartburn.
• Barrett’s esophagus. Those afflicted with this condition experience intestinal metaplasia, or a process by which the normal esophageal lining is replaced with tissue resembling the intestinal lining. Barrett’s esophagus carries no signs or symptoms of its own, but frequently accompanies GERD and can rarely lead to a dangerous form of esophageal cancer.
• Esophageal cancer. When cancerous growths occur in the lining of the esophagus, surgery may be necessary to remove them. Though esophageal cancer is rare in the United States, it usually affects the lower esophagus and is more common in men than women.
• Esophageal mobility disorders. Conditions like achalasia interfere with the muscle contractions of the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow. Sufferers may also experience regurgitation, chest pain and weight loss.

What to Expect from Gastresophageal Reflux Surgery

The form of gastresophageal reflux surgery used will depend on the most effective treatment for your condition.

• Fundoplication is frequently used to treat GERD by wrapping the upper segment of the stomach (fundus) around the LES to strengthen it. Fundoplication is highly effective in resolving GERD and is especially recommended for those who do not respond well to medication or do not wish to take GERD medication indefinitely.
• Esophagectomy refers to the removal of sections of the esophagus and is often used to treat esophageal cancer. The section removed depends on the size and location of the tumor, while the surrounding lymph nodes and nearby sections of the stomach may also need to be removed. After esophagectomy, the remaining esophagus is connected to the stomach, while a portion of the stomach or intestine may be used to replace the esophagus.
• Esophagomyotomy is used to treat esophageal mobility disorders and decreases the pressure of the LES to allow food to pass through into the stomach.

Gastresophageal reflux surgery and all procedures at Surgical Associates of Marshall County are performed with laparoscopic techniques when possible. This means the entire operation will be done with a specialized surgical scope that will minimize the risks of complication, reduce your recovery time and lessen post-operative pain.

To learn more about gastresophageal reflux surgery at Surgical Associates of Marshall County, please call 256-840-5547 (Albertville) or 256-571-8734 (Guntersville) or complete our online contact form.