Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat. An article from Dr. Steven Williams site states that with most people, GERD can be controlled with medication, but when symptoms persist despite medication, surgery is the only option.
Medical tourism platforms like Medditour help the patients seeking Acid reflux surgery by connecting them to global hospitals and facilitators for international treatments at affordable cost.
In this article, we will discuss why acid reflux surgery is done, the procedure, and how medical tourism can help in acid reflux surgery in India and Turkey.
When is Acid reflux surgery done?
Acid reflux surgery is done to alleviate the symptoms of GERD, which include heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. The surgery is usually recommended for people who do not respond to medication or lifestyle changes or who have severe complications such as Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer.
There are two main types of acid reflux surgery: fundoplication and LINX device implantation. Fundoplication is a procedure that involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to strengthen it and prevent acid reflux. The LINX device, on the other hand, is a small ring of magnetic beads that is implanted around the LES to help keep it closed.
What is the procedure for acid reflux surgery?
The procedure for acid reflux surgery depends on the type of surgery being performed. Fundoplication is usually done laparoscopically, which means that small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) is used to guide the surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon will wrap the upper part of the stomach around the LES and sew it in place.
LINX device implantation is also done laparoscopically. The surgeon will make several small incisions in the abdomen and place the LINX device around the LES. The device consists of magnetic beads that open when food is swallowed and then close to prevent acid reflux.
Medical News Today states that laparoscopic GERD surgery typically has excellent success rates.
Impact of medical tourism on acid reflux surgery
Medical tourism has become increasingly popular in recent years, as people travel to other countries to receive medical care at a lower cost. India and Turkey are two popular destinations for medical tourism, including acid reflux surgery.
Medical tourism can help in acid reflux surgery in India and Turkey by offering lower costs for the procedure. The cost of acid reflux surgery in India and Turkey is much lower than in countries such as the United States or Canada.
In addition to lower costs, medical tourism can also offer access to experienced surgeons who specialize in acid reflux surgery. Many hospitals in India and Turkey have state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained medical staff to perform the procedure with the same level of care as hospitals in developed countries.
Medical tourism companies like Medditour provide opportunities for the patients seeking acid reflux surgery to combine their treatment with vacation at the medical tourism destinations, which will help them recover sooner at the stress-free zones here.
In conclusion, acid reflux surgery is a procedure done to alleviate the symptoms of GERD, which includes heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. The surgery is usually recommended for people who do not respond to medication or lifestyle changes. Medical tourism can help in acid reflux surgery in India and Turkey by offering lower costs and access to experienced surgeons who specialize in the procedure.