Scoping Your Acid Reflux
Living with acid reflux can be a daily struggle. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows into the food pipe, irritating the delicate lining of the esophagus. The result is a range of chronic symptoms like heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, sore throat, and general discomfort. Acid reflux can impact both comfort and quality of life. The causes are linked to several conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a hiatal hernia. For chronic cases, endoscopic procedures can offer relief. This minimally invasive technique has been around for decades. However, advancements in endoscopy have made the path to comfort and improved well-being more accessible than ever.
Is your acid due to GERD?
Any individual with acid reflux occurring several times per week should seek an assessment to determine the root cause of the condition. GERD is a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and is the most common cause of acid reflux. This process can lead to irritation and discomfort, impacting daily life. With GERD, the valve that prevents this backwash of stomach acid is weakened or compromised. Common causes include obesity, smoking, dietary choices, pregnancy, or certain medications. In many cases, an underlying hiatal hernia can cause chronic acid reflux.
Hiatal hernia and acid reflux
Many people are familiar with the term hernia, which is when spaces in muscle tissue allow part of an organ or tissue to protrude through the opening. A hiatal hernia occurs when a part of the stomach protrudes into the chest through the diaphragm. This anatomical anomaly is linked to acid reflux. Hiatal hernias can move or disrupt the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. The combination of GERD and hiatal hernia can exacerbate symptoms. Hiatal hernias are common and often go undetected but can worsen with age.
A revolutionary approach to endoscopy
In order to effectively treat GERD and hiatal hernia, endoscopic procedures have emerged as a revolutionary approach. This innovative method offers new possibilities for effective and less invasive treatments. Unlike traditional surgical methods, endoscopy uses a flexible tube with a light and a camera. This tool assesses and repairs the affected areas. This less invasive technique offers potential benefits, including reduced recovery time, decreased risk of complications, and minimal scarring. Endoscopic procedures allow healthcare providers to visualize, diagnose, and treat various esophagus conditions, minimizing the impact on surrounding tissues and organs.
The fundoplication technique
Nissen fundoplication is a cornerstone of endoscopic interventions for GERD. This minimally invasive surgery offers a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical approaches. Fundoplication starts with making multiple small incisions the size of buttonholes around the stomach. The endoscopic tool is inserted into an incision. Next, small surgical tools go through the other incisions to wrap the upper stomach around the lower esophagus. The procedure aims to restore the function of the lower esophageal sphincter. When performed with endoscopy, fundoplication provides patients with a more comfortable recovery.
Hiatal hernia repair through endoscopy
Another use for endoscopic surgery is repairing hiatal hernias. The procedure repositions the stomach and reinforces the diaphragmatic opening. Hernia repairs require specialized endoscopic instruments, allowing for precise maneuvers to address anatomical abnormality. Endoscopic surgery is ideal for small openings in the muscle wall that create chronic symptoms impacting quality of life. Innovative endoscopic procedures, such as transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF), are also growing in popularity. The surgeon will choose the best procedure based on the condition’s severity and the patient’s general health.
Empower lives through endoscopic procedures
Acid reflux can severely impact the quality of life, limit diet, and even worsen overall health. While there are medications and other techniques available, such approaches may not be enough to improve symptoms. Endoscopic procedures offer relief from acid reflux. Through small incisions, people struggling with acid reflux get sustained relief with smaller scars and a faster recovery.
