Reflux Symptoms and Treatment

Who put acid in the coffee?

An uncomfortable burning feeling behind the breast bone or sharp tasting fluid spilling up into the mouth are the hallmarks of a condition known as gastric reflux.

Reflux is a common digestive problem. In many cases, it can be treated effectively by your pharmacist or family doctor. But sometimes surgery is the best solution.

From within the Northern Clinic in Takapuna, Northridge Specialists offers minimally invasive laparascopic surgery to correct reflux.

Quick recovery, instant results

Laparascopic surgery means we do the minimum amount of cutting to get the maximum result. Incisions are tiny compared to traditional surgical procedures, so there's less post-operative discomfort and recovery time is shorter.

In most cases, you'll spend about 2 days in hospital after your operation. Best of all, your reflux symptoms should be eliminated immediately. No more heartburn, no more medication, no special diet.

The problem of reflux

Reflux is when a weak valve allows digestive juices to spill up from the stomach.

Common symptoms include:

• Heartburn - an uncomfortable burning or acidic feeling behind the breastbone.
• Sharp tasting fluid spilling up into the mouth or throat.
• A feeling that food doesn't want to go down.
• Regurgitating food up into the mouth suddenly.
• Waking up coughing and spluttering.
• Waking up feeling nauseous, but the feeling goes away after you're up.
• Severe, frightening lower chest pain.

When to see a doctor

Most people will experience reflux at some time in their lives. Occasional attacks of heartburn can be treated with over-the-counter indigestion remedies. But you should consult your doctor if you experience any of these more severe symptoms:

• Your symptoms are not responding to over-the-counter treatments.
• Food sticks frequently
• You have severe chest pain.
• Your 'indigestion' comes on with exercise
• You notice that your stools are a tarry black colour with a particularly offensive smell
• Your symptoms are getting in the way of life, and you're constantly being careful about what you eat.

Your doctor will help you decide whether to continue with the medication approach to reflux treatment, or whether to investigate a permanent cure by referring you to Northridge Specialists.

A closer look at reflux surgery

There are several different ways to fix reflux with laparascopic surgery. They all aim at preventing acid from spilling up out of the stomach by recreating a valve effect at the junction of the oesophagus and stomach. Northridge will perform two tests to determine if you're a candidate for laparascopic surgery, and which procedure would be the best solution.

One test is a gastroscopy, which involves passing a very small video camera down into your stomach. This is done under sedation, so it won't bother you. The other test is a motility study. This checks the contractions of your oesophagus to ensure it is normal.

The operation is done under a full anaesthetic. Mr Fris and his anesthetist will see you before your surgery, outline what will happen that day, and discuss any further concerns you may have. (Many patients are more concerned about the anaesthetic than the surgery)

There are 5 very small incisions covered by small water proof dressings, so you can shower that night! As we have specialists in pain management, you need not worry about postoperative pain. However, you will be uncomfortable…..after all, if you cut your finger in the garden it will be uncomfortable.

Most patients are able to have a cup of tea or a bowl of soup that evening, a normal breakfast the following morning, and then home. There is no special diet. Patients will initially tire quickly and need an afternoon nap, but most people are thinking of going back to full activities (such as the gym) in about 3 weeks.

Results are immediate. There is no heartburn or regurgitation when they return to their room after surgery, even though they are lying flat. Initially there is an “awareness” when they swallow, but our experience is that difficulty in swallowing ( Dysphagia) is not common ( < 5% in our series). Similarly, patients are able to belch (Our series < 2% have any difficulty). Wound infections are very uncommon, as are DVT (blood clots in leg)

However, sutures used in creating a new valve can pull out of the soft tissue, and so there is a recurrence rate of symptoms of 10%. However, of these recurrent symptom patients, about 60% do not actually have reflux ! An unexplained phenomenon ! However, most respond well to medication ie still controllable. Out patient satisfaction rate is 92% after surgery.