You Don't Have to Suffer with Heartburn

	Susan Brashier benefitted from laparoscopic nissen fundoplication surgery at South Central.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the abnormal backflow, or reflux, of stomach acid and juices into the esophagus, the tube that leads from the throat to the stomach. This backflow occurs when the valve between the lower end of the esophagus and the stomach does not close tightly enough. The main symptom of GERD is a frequent, uncomfortable feeling of burning, warmth, heat, or pain just behind the breastbone, commonly referred to as heartburn. Another symptom includes having a sour taste in the back of the throat that can be so severe that it causes nausea and sometimes vomiting. This symptom typically occurs when reclining and can awaken you during sleep.

Many people who develop GERD have the condition all of their lives. They first try long-term lifestyle changes and medications that treat the condition. But for those who still suffer from the condition, surgery is an option.

According to South Central Regional Medical Center general surgeon Chad Saul, MD, the laparoscopic nissen fundoplication surgery offered at South Central is life changing. After surgery, most patients have no more symptoms of GERD. Dr. Saul says, "During this surgical procedure, the upper curve of the stomach—the fundus—is wrapped around the esophagus and sewn into place so that the lower portion of the esophagus passes through a small tunnel of stomach muscle. This surgery strengthens the valve between the esophagus and stomach, which stops acid from backing up into the esophagus as easily."

Susan Brashier of Heidelberg, a patient of Dr. Saul, began having stomach problems in 1983 that got progressively worse. Susan says, "I had reflux during the day and during the night it kept me and my husband up. I took prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and would sit up at night hoping that it would relieve the pain I was feeling." Her gastroenterologist, Dr. Carolyn Cegielski of Jefferson Medical Associates in Laurel, referred her to Dr. Saul.

"Dr. Saul spoke with me about the procedure and discussed all of my options. I had the surgery one Tuesday morning and was discharged from South Central the following Friday. It was an easy recovery and I was only out of work for a week. Now, I can eat anything. It is hard to believe that I will never again have to get up in the middle of the night with reflux. I have not been up one, single night since I had the surgery. It is absolutely unbelievable," she continues. "I would suggest this procedure to anyone suffering from long-term problems like this. Today I am not on any medications and I feel wonderful."

For more information about the laparoscopic nissen fundoplication procedure, contact Laurel Surgery Clinic at 649-7802.

The editorial content of this online publication is taken from the print version of Life Matters published by South Central Regional Medical Center.

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