Sunday, January 20, 2008

Surgery For Acid Reflux - A Good Idea

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jill_Seimer] Jill Seimer GERD is an extremely painful disease that affects millions of people. The
medical name for GERD is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. It has many different
symptoms that mimic other illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose by
physicians. Symptoms of GERD vary from person to person, therefore physicians will not write
a prescription right away. If he or she is not sure, over the counter
medications will be recommended. Most of the time, these work to reduce or eliminate the symptoms, however, in
severe cases, the over the counter remedies do not work and the patient
continues to suffer terribly and require further tests. The tests for GERD are both invasive and expensive. Doctors will try everything
else before performing these tests. When all else fails, procedures like x-rays
with a barium swallow, an upper gastrointestinal x-ray series, an upper
endoscopies, an esophageal manometry, and a 24-hour pH are common tests that are
used to diagnose GERD. After the diagnosis of GERD, the physician will advise the patient of his or her
options for treatment. For those who have moderate severe symptoms, over the
counter and prescription drugs along with lifestyle changes will be recommended. For patients who suffer from GERD so severe that they are in constant pain, the
physician may recommend surgery. The surgery for GERD is both invasive and painful. There has been controversy in
the medical profession as to the need for surgery for GERD. For those patients whose symptoms are rather severe and is causing them so much
pain and discomfort, the physician may suggest surgery. The type of surgery that is used most often in cases of GERD is called a Nissen
Fundoplication. This procedure basically takes the upper part of the stomach and
tightly wraps it around the lower part of the esophagus. By doing this, the
esophageal barrier is strengthened preventing acid reflux from occurring. When
performed, the surgery will eliminate GERD totally. Many physicians recommend
this type of surgery to relieve their patients suffering. This procedure is
considered to be a safe surgery, and have very good results. Because it is done
laproscopically it is minimally invasive. The debate in the medical community has been going on for years. Those who
oppose surgery for GERD claim that if the patient institutes lifestyle changes
such as diet and exercise the symptoms of GERD will disappear and surgery will
not be necessary. If the symptoms continue, surgery should be the last option
used. Jill Seimer offers tips for healthy living at [http://www.refluxlife.com] RefluxLife.com and discussed [http://www.refluxlife.com/treatment/natural_treatments.html] natural healing of heartburn from her experience using natural cures for acid reflux. Article Source: [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jill_Seimer ] http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jill_Seimer [http://ezinearticles.com/?Surgery-For-Acid-Reflux---A-Good-Idea&id=344373 ] http://EzineArticles.com/?Surgery-For-Acid-Reflux---A-Good-Idea&id=344373 xanax prescription look like
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