GERD Surgery in Boulder, CO

Almost everyone experiences gastroesophageal reflux at some time. The usual symptom is heartburn, an uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone, most commonly occurring after a meal. In some individuals, this reflux is frequent or severe enough to cause more significant problems, which is a disease. Thus, GERD is a clinical condition that occurs when the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus is severe enough to impact the patient’s life and/or damage the esophagus.

In cases of severe conditions, Alpine Surgical offers GERD surgery in Boulder, CO, led by experienced surgeons Richard Fox, MD, and Akin Beckley, MD, PhD, who focus on safe, proven techniques and care that puts your comfort and long-term health first.

Surgical Relief for Chronic Acid Reflux

GERD Symptoms

Classic symptoms of GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, include:

• Repeated bouts of heartburn (a burning feeling in the chest) and acid regurgitation
• Bitter or sour-tasting fluids (acid reflux) in the back of the mouth or throat
• Belching
• Pain in the upper abdomen
• Worsening of the above symptoms when bending over or lying down
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• A dry cough, hoarseness or a sore throat

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Acid Reflux and GERD

We will work with you to determine the best treatment option to relieve your symptoms. These may include lifestyle changes, medication, and possible surgery.

Some of the following lifestyle or medication changes may alleviate your symptoms of GERD:

• Avoid smoking, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, citrus, colas, and fatty foods
• Raise the head of your bed
• Avoid eating food close to bedtime (eat meals at least 3-4 hours before lying down, avoid bedtime snacks)
• Eat moderate portions of food and smaller meals
• Eat meals more slowly
• Lose excess weight
• Some over-the-counter antacids may offer relief

If the above-mentioned lifestyle or medication changes do not offer relief, you need to undergo additional testing. Surgery may be an option when treatment with medications does not completely relieve symptoms.

It is also a good option for patients whose symptoms are well-controlled but who don’t want to take medication. It’s also ideal for patients who have complications of reflux disease, such as ulcers, strictures, or Barrett’s esophagus. Anti-reflux operations (minimally invasive or open Nissen fundoplication) may help patients with persistent symptoms despite medical treatment.

Minimally Invasive Anti-Reflux Surgery (Nissen Fundoplication)

Surgery is an alternative that is generally applied when long-term medical management is either ineffective or undesirable, or when certain complications of GERD are present. This surgery is commonly referred to as minimally invasive fundoplication surgery.

Minimally invasive fundoplication surgery will improve the natural barrier between your stomach and esophagus. This prevents the flow of acids from the stomach into the esophagus and strengthens the valve between the esophagus and stomach, stopping acid from backing up into the esophagus as easily. It can also be performed as an open surgery if necessary.

Anti-reflux surgery can fail, similar to hernia repairs in other parts of the body. The recurrence rate is not well defined but may be in the range of 10-30% over 20 years. A number of factors can contribute to this breakdown. In some individuals, even after surgery, reflux symptoms may persist, and medication may be necessary.

Getting Back to Normal

Minimally invasive surgery usually requires one overnight hospital stay. You should be able to return to normal activities between one and two weeks, compared with four to six weeks for traditional surgery. Take it easy upon your return home, avoiding heavy lifting and vigorous exercise.

You may advance your diet as you are able. You should continue all of your usual home medications. Your anti-reflux medicine should be continued until your initial follow-up, but it may be discontinued during the postoperative visit.

Minimally Invasive GERD Surgery at Alpine Surgical

If long-term treatment is not working and symptoms are still manifesting, Dr. Fox or Dr. Beckley can provide minimally invasive (laparoscopic) GERD surgery to help you. Schedule an appointment to learn more about the procedure and how it can help alleviate your symptoms.