Anti Reflux treatment in Dubai
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If you’re experiencing chronic acid reflux or GERD, anti-reflux surgery (Laparoscopic Fundoplication) could be the lasting solution you need.
Dr Ashok Bohra, a GERD specialist in Dubai, specialises in performing anti-reflux surgery to treat various oesophagal issues. Through precise and effective anti-reflux surgery in Dubai, he addresses the root causes of acid reflux, restoring comfort and preventing potential complications when traditional treatments have proven ineffective.
Say goodbye to persistent heartburn and hello to a healthier, symptom-free life with anti-reflux treatment Dubai.
Understanding Anti-Reflux Surgery
Anti-reflux surgery is a treatment option for acid reflux, also known as GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease).
GERD arises when food or stomach acid flows back from the stomach into the oesophagus, the tube which links the mouth to the stomach.
Reflux often results from inadequate closure of the muscles at the junction where the oesophagus meets the stomach.
Symptoms of GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms may include:
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation (Acid Reflux)
- Non-cardiac chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sore throat
- Asthma symptoms, like chronic coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath
If you experience any of these symptoms frequently, especially if they are persistent or severe, it’s essential to consult a GERD specialist in Dubai to get proper treatment.
Causes of GERD
Gastroesophageal” refers to the stomach and oesophagus, while “reflux” means to flow back or return. Reflux occurs when stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus. During digestion, the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES) opens to allow food passage into the stomach and subsequently closes to prevent the backflow of food and acidic juices into the oesophagus.
Gastroesophageal reflux happens when the LES weakens or relaxes inappropriately, allowing stomach contents to flow back into the oesophagus. If you are suffering from symptoms of GERD, it is essential to consult a GERD specialist in Dubai to explore effective treatment options.
Factors that can contribute to GERD include:
- Hiatal hernia
- Smoking
- Being overweight or obese
- Large meals
- Eating too soon before bed
- Pregnancy
- Consuming spicy or fatty foods, peppermint, and alcohol
- Blood pressure medications and muscle relaxants
- Weight loss surgeries like gastric sleeve
Complications of Chronic Acid Reflux or GERD
Chronic acid reflux can lead to various complications if left untreated. Here’s some potential consequences:
- Oesophagitis: This is the inflammation of the oesophagal lining caused by prolonged exposure to stomach acid, causing pain, difficulty swallowing, and bleeding.
- Oesophageal Stricture: Chronic inflammation and irritation can cause scar tissue to form in the oesophagus, narrowing the passage and making swallowing difficult.
- Barrett’s Oesophagus: This is a precancerous condition where chronic acid exposure causes changes in the oesophagal lining cells.
- Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: Some people with GERD also develop LPR, which is reflux that travels into your throat. Acid might sneak up into your throat while you sleep.
- Respiratory Problems: Acid reflux can irritate the airways, triggering asthma symptoms or causing chronic cough and hoarseness.
Diagnosis of GERD
Diagnosing GERD can involve a combination of approaches to assess the severity and underlying cause. The diagnosis of GERD by Dr Ashok Bohra involves:
- Medical History: Dr Ashok will likely begin by discussing your symptoms, including their frequency, severity, and any potential triggers. He may also inquire about your medical history, medications, and lifestyle habits.
- Diagnostic Tests: Dr Ashok will evaluate your oesophagus to diagnose GERD. These tests may include:
- Upper endoscopy: A procedure using a flexible tube with a camera to visually inspect the oesophagus, stomach, and upper portion of the small intestine for inflammation or other issues.
- Oesophageal pH test: A test that measures the acidity level in the oesophagus over 24 hours to detect acid reflux episodes.
- Oesophageal manometry: A test that measures the rhythmic muscle contractions of the oesophagus when swallowing to assess motility disorders and the function of the lower oesophagal sphincter.
- Barium Study: An X-ray imaging test where the patient swallows to visualise the oesophagus and detect abnormalities like reflux
Acid Reflux Treatment Dubai
Gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medicines, and, in some instances, surgery. Various options for treatment for acid reflux in adults include:
Lifestyle Changes:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid trigger foods like spicy or fatty meals, peppermint, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Quit smoking to manage GERD.
- Do not lie down immediately after a meal.
- Wear loose clothes.
- Sleep with head end raised
Medicines:
Antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and prokinetics can help reduce acid production and improve oesophagal motility. However, long-term use of PPIs is reported to cause significant side effects.
Anti-Reflux Surgery – Nissen Fundoplication
Nissen fundoplication is the most common surgical procedure for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
In this procedure, muscles of the diaphragm at the hiatus are repaired, and the upper part of the stomach (fundus) is wrapped around the lower oesophageal sphincter to enhance the sphincter’s strength and prevent acid reflux. It’s usually performed as laparoscopic reflux surgery, which means smaller incisions and shorter recovery time.
The procedure of Nissen Fundoplication Surgery in Dubai
The Nissen fundoplication surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and typically lasts 1 to 2 hours.
Dr Ashok will use laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication surgery, which is associated with less pain, minimal scarring, and a quicker return to normal activities.
Five small incisions will be made on your abdomen to allow the insertion of tubes. Through these ports, he will insert a laparoscope, enabling him to see inside your abdomen and carry out the procedure.
He will then stitch your diaphragm to reduce the size of the opening through which your oesophagus passes.
Finally, the top part of your stomach will be wrapped around your lower oesophagus and stitched in place to create a valve effect.
Recovering from a Nissen Fundoplication Surgery
It’s possible that you could be discharged on the same day of your surgery, but Dr Ashok might advise a longer hospital stay for observation.
You may experience:
- Upper abdominal and shoulder discomfort, which will improve in 2 to 3 days.
- Discomfort from your wound sites for which pain medications will be prescribed.
- Nausea or vomiting resulting from the effects of the anaesthesia, which usually subside within 24 to 48 hours.
- Diet: Immediately after surgery, you will start with clear fluids. Over the next few days, you can transition to thicker liquids, then soft foods, and finally, a regular diet. You will also receive advice to eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and avoid eating before lying down or going to bed. A diet sheet will be provided to help you.
- Regular Exercise: You will be advised to mobilise early and return to normal activities as soon as possible. You will need to avoid strenuous exercises or activities for 2 to 3 months.
- Resumption of Activities: Depending on the surgery and the nature of your occupation, you can resume work within a few weeks.
Consult Dr Ashok Bohra for Acid-Reflux Treatment Dubai
Dr Ashok Bohra is a leading GERD specialist in Dubai for those seeking expert care in acid reflux treatment. With over 30 years of experience, Dr Ashok brings extensive knowledge and expertise to his practice, ensuring personalised attention and the highest standard of treatment for each patient.