Medication and Surgery for GERD or Acid Reflux Disease

Previously published in Examiner

Part 10 of the GERD series

Many Montrealers suffer from GERD, or Gastroesophageal reflux disease. This disease is chronic, meaning people suffer from it for many years. Perhaps you suffer from it yourself of you know a person or two who is drinking pepto bismal like it is soda pop.

Montrealers will go to their family doctors or walk in clinic if they are concerned about GERD. The doctor will then refer them to a gastroenterologist. If you prefer a private clinic you can try: The Montreal Clinic J.S. Benhamron for Gastroenterology, the consultation is covered by medicare.

How to Treat GERD continued

Prescription-strength medications

As stated before, the H-2-receptor blockers will come in prescription strength.

Several proton pump inhibitors will come in prescription form as well They include:omeprazole (Prilosec), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), esomeprazole (Nexium), rabeprazole (Aciphex), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and pantoprazole (Protonix).

Sometimes these medications can lead to bone density loss and a risk for bone fracture; therefore, your doctor may prescribe calcium tablets to keep the bones strong.

Many Montrealers suffer from GERD, or Gastroesophageal reflux disease. This disease is chronic, meaning people suffer from it for many years. Perhaps you suffer from it yourself of you know a person or two who is drinking pepto bismal like it is soda pop.

Montrealers will go to their family doctors or walk in clinic if they are concerned about GERD. The doctor will then refer them to a gastroenterologist. If you prefer a private clinic you can try: The Montreal Clinic J.S. Benhamron for Gastroenterology, the consultation is covered by medicare.

How to Treat GERD continued

Prescription-strength medications

As stated before, the H-2-receptor blockers will come in prescription strength.

Several proton pump inhibitors will come in prescription form as well They include:omeprazole (Prilosec), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), esomeprazole (Nexium), rabeprazole (Aciphex), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and pantoprazole (Protonix).

Sometimes these medications can lead to bone density loss and a risk for bone fracture; therefore, your doctor may prescribe calcium tablets to keep the bones strong.

Word of caution: If you are taking a blood thinner such as clopidogrel (Plavix) you will need to let your doctor know. These GERD medications may interfere.

There are medications called prokinetic agents which will strengthen the valve between the esophagus and the stomach and help empty out the stomach contents faster. They are not prescribed as often because they produce various side effects such as depression, anxiety, and some neurological problems.

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Sometimes if the combined medications do not work well enough, surgery will be recommended.

Surgery

Nissen fundoplication

Nissen fundoplication tightens the lower esophageal sphincter and wraps the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus in order to prevent acid reflux. This can be done by open surgery where the surgeon will make a long incision into your abdomen. It can also be done by laparoscopic surgery where several small incisions are made in the abdomen and the tube (catheter) with a camera is inserted.

EndoCinch endoluminal gastroplication

The EndoCinch endoluminal gastroplication is a surgery where several stitches are sewn into the stomach near the weakened sphincter value and sown up together to make a barrier where the acid reflux cannot pass through. This procedure is sometimes used when the patient is not a candidate for the Nissen Fundoplication surgery. Research is still going on at present as it is still not clear when to use this procedure.

Source:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gerd/DS00967/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

There are medications called prokinetic agents which will strengthen the valve between the esophagus and the stomach and help empty out the stomach contents faster. They are not prescribed as often because they produce various side effects such as depression, anxiety, and some neurological problems.

Sometimes if the combined medications do not work well enough, surgery will be recommended.

Surgery

Nissen fundoplication

Nissen fundoplication tightens the lower esophageal sphincter and wraps the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus in order to prevent acid reflux. This can be done by open surgery where the surgeon will make a long incision into your abdomen. It can also be done by laparoscopic surgery where several small incisions are made in the abdomen and the tube (catheter) with a camera is inserted.

EndoCinch endoluminal gastroplication

The EndoCinch endoluminal gastroplication is a surgery where several stitches are sewn into the stomach near the weakened sphincter value and sown up together to make a barrier where the acid reflux cannot pass through. This procedure is sometimes used when the patient is not a candidate for the Nissen Fundoplication surgery. Research is still going on at present as it is still not clear when to use this procedure.

Source:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gerd/DS00967/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs