Forsyth Medical Center 
Esophagus
Heartburn/GERD
| Surgeons at Forsyth have a minimally invasive way to treat heart burn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). |
Frequent or chronic heartburn is a common problem among American adults. About 15 to 30 percent of men and women between the ages of 25 to 50 suffer from chronic heartburn.
Heartburn is caused by a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux, which is the backup of stomach acids into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux may occur frequently when the valve-like mechanism between the esophagus and stomach does not fulfill its function of keeping the stomach acids in place.
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Do you have questions about heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Visit our Health Library for answers. |
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Surgery
Surgeons perform the procedure through five small incisions, each about a quarter-inch long. A surgical instrument called a laparoscope is inserted through the incisions. A video camera at the end of the laparoscope allows the surgeon to see a magnified view of the patient's internal organs on a video monitor.
Recovery
Since the incisions are so small, patients typically go home a day or two after surgery, experience less pain, and can resume normal activities quickly.
