Acid Reflux Surgery - Plicator

Acid reflux is the problem that will stay with the sufferers for their whole life. It is caused by a lack of strength of the lower esophageal sphincter. Acid reflux causes harmful fluids to rise from the stomach into the esophagus, causing corrosive damage due to the stomach acid found in the liquid.

In addition to the possibility of developing serious health disorders such as erosive esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal cancer, patients suffering with acid reflux have to deal with the pain of heartburn on a daily basis. But all of that may change.

There is a new acid reflux surgery that is finding its way into clinics across the nation which may help to snuff out acid reflux for those who undergo the acid reflux surgery.

Known as the Plicator procedure, this acid reflux treatment option requires a mere twenty minutes and is an outpatient process. Does it sound too good to be true? Here’s a simple explanation of what exactly happens when one undergoes a Plicator procedure.

Plicator Acid Reflux Surgery Procedure

• The Plicator, which is a small electronic device, is placed on the end of an endoscopy tube. Endoscopies are a simple process done by doctors in which a tube is lowered into the digestive tract via the mouth while the patient is in a state of conscious sedation.
• The Plicator travels through the digestive tract until it reaches the stomach. Once the Plicator is firmly in place in the stomach, it is maneuvered so that it can grab the tissue that is located in between the stomach and the esophagus. The Plicator then closes its arms, causing it to crimp the tissue. A single suture is placed to secure the fold that was made by the Plicator.
• As a result, the area between the stomach and the esophagus now has a much tighter opening. This can aid the lower esophageal sphincter in being able to effectively open and close the passageway between the stomach and the esophagus.

That’s all there is to it! People who undergo this acid reflux surgery procedure usually experience no ill effects, and can often return to regular levels of activity the following day.

Research studies were conducted at many institutes to help determine the effectiveness of this acid reflux surgery procedure when it comes to relieving heartburn. The studies showed that the need for prescription heartburn medications was eliminated in 70 percent of all patients who underwent Plicator acid reflux surgery.

Also, 80 percent of all patients undergoing the acid reflux surgery saw a lessened amount of reflux post-procedure. Patients are often advised to follow a diet of soft foods for a few days while the suture sets after undergoing the acid reflux surgery.

The effects of the acid reflux surgery can be seen almost suddenly; within a few days of the acid reflux surgery, most people are able to wane themselves off of their heartburn medications.

People who have the acid reflux surgery performed usually experience sore throats or abdominal pain after the procedure, but these problems usually clear up within a few days.