Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a very common
condition affecting five to seven percent of the world's
population. Many of those people go untreated because they don't
know that the symptoms may signal a more serious condition.1
Causes & Risk Factors
Anyone, including infants and children, can have GERD. Causes
and risk factors for GERD can include: hiatal hernia (part of the
stomach moves above the diaphragm - the muscle separating the chest
and abdominal cavities), scleroderma and obesity; smoking and
alcohol may also increase the risk of GERD.2
GERD can also be brought on or worsened by pregnancy and
medications for certain conditions (seasickness, asthma, heart
disease, high blood pressure, Parkinson's Disease, excessive
menstrual bleeding, insomnia and depression).
Symptoms
You may feel a burning in the chest or throat which is commonly
called heartburn. Sometimes, you can taste stomach fluid in the
back of the mouth. This is known as acid indigestion. If you have
these symptoms more than twice a week, you may have GERD.2 Other
symptoms of GERD can include:
- Feeling that food may be left trapped behind the
breastbone
- Increased heartburn when bending, stooping, lying down, or
eating
- Nausea after eating
- Difficulty swallowing
- Regurgitation of food
Treatment
If it is not treated, GERD can lead to more serious health
problems. In some cases, you might need medication or surgery. Your
doctor will discuss treatment options with you in detail, which may
include:4
Lifestyle / Dietary Changes
Some GERD patients have found that following lifestyle and
dietary changes can ease their symptoms:
- Avoid bending over or exercising just after eating
- Avoid foods and beverages that trigger symptoms
- Avoid clothes or belts that fit tightly around your waist
- Do not lie down with a full stomach
- Do not smoke
- Eat smaller meals
- Lose weight, if you are overweight
- Reduce stress
- Sleep with your head raised about 6 inches (tilt entire bed, or
use a wedge under your body, not just with normal pillows)
Medication
Over-the-counter antacids after meals and at bedtime may help
some GERD patients, but the benefits do not last very long and
certain medications have side effects of diarrhea or constipation.
Other over-the-counter and prescription drugs can provide longer
relief of symptoms, but they work more slowly than antacids. Your
doctor or nurse can tell you how to properly take these drugs.
Surgery
When medication, lifestyle or dietary changes do not ease your
symptoms, GERD surgery, known as Nissen fundoplication, may be
recommended.
During surgery, the upper curve of the stomach (fundus) is
wrapped around the esophagus and sewn into place so that the lower
portion of the esophagus passes through a small tunnel of stomach
muscle. Surgery strengthens the valve between the esophagus and
stomach, which stops acid from backing up into the esophagus as
easily.
If the procedure is done using open surgery, a large incision is
made through the abdomen or chest. This procedure can also be done
using a laparoscopic surgical technique which is less invasive but
has certain limitations due to the long-handled, rigid instruments
used.
Heartburn and other symptoms should improve after surgery, but
your doctor may recommend that you still take medication if your
heartburn continues.
If your doctor recommends surgery to treat GERD, you may be a
candidate for a safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure -
da Vinci Surgery. Using the most advanced technology available, the
da Vinci System enables your doctor to perform this delicate
operation with breakthrough precision, superior vision, dexterity,
and improved access to the affected area. da Vinci Surgery offers
GERD patients many potential benefits over traditional surgery,
including:
- Lower risk of esophageal tears (perforations)3
- Lower risk of complications3
- Lower blood loss and need for transfusions3
- Fewer complications3
- Safety and precision3
- Shorter hospital stay3
This procedure is performed using the da VinciSurgical System, a
technological breakthrough that enables surgeons to operate with
unmatched precision, dexterity and control. By overcoming the
limits of both traditional open and laparoscopic surgery, da Vinci
is revolutionizing surgery.
As with any surgery, these benefits cannot be guaranteed since
surgery is specific to each patient, condition and procedure.
That's why it is important to always talk to your doctor about all
treatment options, the risks and benefits.
While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da
Vinci® System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual
results may vary. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not
be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about
all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.
Are You a Candidate for da Vinci Surgery?
The following physicians are trained to use the da Vinci
Surgical System at Lourdes for general procedures:
Only you and your doctor can decide if da Vinci Surgery may
be right for you.
1. International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal
Disorders, www.about GERD.org, URL:
http://www.aboutgerd.org/site/news-events/press-releases/2004-1125-heartburn-heartache
2. "GERD", National Institutes of Health, URL www.nlm.nih.gov,
URL: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/gerd.html
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
