"Heartburn" or "reflux disease" symptoms consist of mid chest burning or discomfort that occurs after eating. This is the result of "backwash" of food and stomach juices into the esophagus. Other symptoms are belching, a sour taste in the mouth, or "vomiting" of undigested food material. First and foremost heart disease needs to be ruled out. Once this is done a more thorough investigation into reflux disease can be started.
Medical and behavioral therapy are the first line treatments but surgery can offer lasting results in selected patients. If you have any questions please contact my office for an appointment.
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Reflux is caused by a faulty esophageal "valve." Usually food passing from the esophagus into your stomach through this "one way" valve will not return back up the esophagus. A weak valve will cause "two way traffic" and food and stomach contents will reflux into the esophagus. Treatment is usually first medical to relieve the acid effects of the reflux. Only surgery can repair the faulty valve however. The operation can now be done laparoscopically using five small incisions. As always the open traditional incision is a possibility if anatomical or bleeding challenges dictate. Recovery after the laparoscopic approach is around two to three weeks.
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