GERD Surgery: What is the best treatment for acid reflux? Is acid reflux surgery effective?

Acid reflux, AKA GERD, is a very common disorder among the population. Patients who suffer from acid reflux are looking for the best treatment for GERD. It is a difficult question to ask: 'What is the best treatment for acid reflux? Is acid reflux surgery effective?' If you have a long-term reflux problem with a stomach hernia, most probably the best treatment for acid reflux could be surgery.

A successful acid reflux surgery can fix the problem permanently. After the surgery, there will be no need for non-stop use of drugs (PPIs). There is an ongoing debate on the treatment modalities, but one certain fact that everybody accepts is management should be individualised for the best outcomes for acid reflux treatment.

What is the evidence saying about the treatment for acid reflux?

"Anti-reflux surgery is an effective treatment option compared with medical treatment for GERD patients selected for surgical treatment." as per a recent multicenter study from Korea. In addition to good medical outcomes, in a Cochrane Database review, they found that the GERD‐specific quality of life was better in the laparoscopic fundoplication group than in the medical treatment group. This improvement in quality of life after acid reflux surgery is short-term; there are promising outcomes in the long term as well.

Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery, also known as laparoscopic fundoplication, offers several advantages over medical treatments for reflux disease, such as medications. Here are some of the benefits:

🔬 Precise Treatment: Laparoscopic surgery allows surgeons to visualize and manipulate the affected areas with great precision. This improves the accuracy of the procedure, ensuring that the underlying cause of reflux is effectively addressed.

⏱️Long-term Relief: Unlike medication that provides temporary relief, laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery aims to correct the anatomical defect causing reflux. This can lead to long-term relief from symptoms and reduced reliance on medication.

🌙 Improved Quality of Life: Surgery can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with chronic reflux. It can alleviate symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing, allowing patients to enjoy their daily activities without interruption.

👨‍⚕️ Reducing Medication Dependency: With successful surgery, many patients can reduce or even eliminate the need for reflux medications. This can save costs and minimize potential side effects associated with long-term medication use.

🧑‍⚕️ Individualized Approach: Laparoscopic surgery is highly customizable to each patient's specific situation. Surgeons can tailor the procedure to address the severity of reflux and any accompanying conditions, providing a personalized treatment plan.

⚕️ Collaboration with Other Surgeries: Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery can be combined with other procedures if necessary. For example, if a patient requires a hiatal hernia repair along with reflux treatment, both can be done during the same surgery.

It's important to note that the suitability of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery depends on an individual's specific condition and should be discussed with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment approach. 😊🔍

Dr. Tugan Tezcaner, MD, FACS, FEBS(EBSQ)

General&Laparoscopic Surgeon

Valiant Hospital, City Walk, Dubai