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How to Have GERD Surgery Without Incisions
By Patricia Salber MD, MBA (The Doctor Weighs In)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, is common, costly, and often chronic. For some people, it may mean taking medications for long periods of time. For others, surgery may be required to get long-lasting relief.
What is GERD?
GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter becomes lax and allows moderate to large amounts of acidic stomach contents to regurgitate (reflux) into the esophagus. This causes esophageal inflammation (esophagitis) and, sometimes, ulcerations, scarring (strictures), and a variety of non-gastrointestinal symptoms, such as a chronic cough and asthma.
It can also be associated with the development of Barrett’s esophagus, a condition where the lining of the esophagus responds to the chronic irritation by transforming its cell type to one that more closely resembles that of the lining of the intestine. The reason why this is important is that Barrett’s esophagus is considered a risk factor for the development of an uncommon, but potentially deadly form of cancer — esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Traditional approaches to treatment
Before we explore the pros and cons of incisionless surgery for GERD, here’s a quick review of…
