Solutions for Acid Reflux (GERD)

Although it’s common to have occasional heartburn, it often can be a symptom of a larger problem.

This is often a symptom of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux. This happens when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, the tube that moves food from your mouth to your stomach. It may occur after eating and may worsen when lying down or bending over.

Complications of Untreated GERD

When left untreated, chronic reflux can cause painful irritation called esophagitis. It can also cause precancerous changes in the lining of the esophagus, called Barrett’s esophagus, which is believed to be a precursor to the development of esophageal cancer. In rare cases, severe reflux can cause hoarseness, permanent vocal changes, and even severe narrowing of the esophagus, called strictures.

Solutions for Acid Reflux

Pardee offers a comprehensive programmatic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of acid reflux. Our fellowship-trained surgeons specialize in the stomach and esophagus for the treatment of conditions such as acid reflux. Providing an all-in-one acid reflux program approach allows the patient to experience a condensed timeline resulting in less wait time from consultation and testing to diagnostics and treatment. Our team can ensure that unnecessary testing is avoided and resources, such as a dietitian, are available as part of the treatment process.

If your heartburn isn’t helped by changes to your diet or medication, then surgery may be an option. Our surgeons are highly trained to repair the underlying cause of GERD. Below is a list of acid reflux surgeries performed at UNC Health Pardee.

Acid Reflux (GERD) Surgery

Pardee offers several advanced options to alleviate acid reflux. Each patient is thoroughly evaluated by the reflux team to determine which option is recommended for their circumstances.

TIF (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication)

This endoscopic procedure is used when open fundoplication is not appropriate. It creates a barrier between the stomach and the esophagus, preventing the reflux of stomach acid. This procedure does not require incisions. A device called an EsophyX is inserted through the patient’s mouth while they are under general anesthesia. Several folds are created at the base of the esophagus which form a new valve. Since it does not require incisions, this can be a good option for people with GERD, however, hernias cannot be repaired with this procedure.

Fundoplication Surgery

As the gold standard, this surgical procedure is completed laparoscopically allowing the surgeon to repair the patient’s hiatal hernia and resolve the reflux simultaneously. Once the hernia is repaired, the surgeon will partially wrap the stomach around the esophagus to recreate a functional valve that closes the gap that previously allowed stomach contents to regurgitate into the esophagus. Partial wraps are preferred over full wraps to reduce the potential for post-surgery problems swallowing.

Acid Reflux Tests

The following tests can be utilized to help us determine the best treatment for you.

Barium Swallow

Also called an esophagram, this X-ray of your esophagus allows your doctor to evaluate your degree of reflux and look for a hiatal hernia.

Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Your doctor inserts a flexible tube into your mouth to view the inside of your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

Esophageal Manometry

A tiny electronic device is inserted through your nose via a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. It detects weaknesses within the esophagus by monitoring strength and patterns of muscle function.