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GORD - PATIENT INFORMATION
Introduction
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common problem that causes pain, discomfort and stress to many people. Patients are often severely inconvenienced by their symptoms, both in their working and social lives. Following the onset of the condition symptoms become progressively worse, requiring repeated visits to a general practitioner and escalating amounts of prescribed medication. Without definitive treatment, these symptoms continue for most of the patient's life. This information is intended to update patients on a new and effective technique - laparoscopic antireflux surgery - which can definitively treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
What is Reflux ?
Reflux is a condition where the contents of the stomach returns into the oesophagus or even the throat and mouth. The acidic nature of the stomach contents causes "burning" of the lining of the oesophagus producing pain (Heartburn) and oesophagitis (damage and inflammation of the lining of the oesophagus).
What are the Symptoms ?
Heartburn
Repeating or Regurgitation of acid/bitter gastric contents, food and fluid into the oesophagus, throat or mouth.
Pain or difficulty in swallowing
Night waking with heartburn and coughing attacks due to inhalation of small amounts of gastric contents.
What is Hiatus Hernia ?
Hiatus Hernia is a condition often associated with reflux. It occurs when the lower oesophagus and upper part of the stomach slides up through the diaphragm into the lower part of the chest cavity. A variety of abnormalities and problems can occur with Hiatus Hernia alone and/or in combination with Reflux. Reflux can also occur in the absence of Hiatus Hernia.
Traditional Treatment
Although powerful anti-acid drugs (H2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors) improve the symptomatic control of patients with reflux and Hiatus Hernia, they do not provide a long term solution.
Research now shows that acid exposure in the lower oesophagus is not significantly reduced compared to patients who receive no treatment.
Patients are prescribed prolonged medication often without complete symptomatic relief.
Long term medication is expensive and patients are increasingly concerned about the potential side effects.
Laparoscopic Fundoplication and Repair of Hiatus Hernia
The procedure is performed through five small incisions of 5mm. The lower oesophagus is mobilised and the fundus of the stomach is wrapped symmetrically around the lower oesophagus over a length of approximately 2 cm and held in place by stitches to create a new valve (fundoplication). The Hiatus Hernia is also repaired with stitches. The operation takes between one to one and a half hours. The post-operative discomfort is likened to having done "too many" sit-up exercises. Patients are able to walk around on the evening following surgery and can drink and eat a few hours after surgery. Patients are usually well enough to go home in the evening on the first day after surgery or on the morning of the second day after surgery.
Please note that this information is designed to help promote understanding of the conditions described. It does not serve as a guide to diagnosis or treatment. You should always consult your General Practitioner who is qualified to give you expert medical advice. Surgical techniques are constantly being modified and improved- please ask your surgeon for information regarding the technique, associated risks and complications. As with all medical treatments no guarantee of success is offered or implied
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