Reflux
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Symptoms
The symptoms below may occur:
- Pain in the stomach area or behind the sternum
- Bad taste or smell in the mouth
- Hoarseness
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Asthma
Examinations
The problem can be diagnosed through a few examinations. The stomach and esophagus can be examined through the mouth by gastroscopy. A biopsy may be taken during the examination for microscopic examination.
In addition, an X-ray of the esophagus may also provide more clarity. During the X-ray, reflux is provoked by tilting the examination table with the head end down.
Additional examinations may be performed if necessary. For example, during a PH-metry, the acidity in the esophagus can be measured through a tube for 24 hours. During a manometry, the pressure in the esophagus is measured through a pressure measuring probe.
Treatment
An attempt is first made to reduce the reflux through medication. If this treatment does not work, surgery is performed. Surgery can also be performed on young people who will otherwise have to take medication for life.
A Nissen fundoplication is an operation in which the stomach is closed to protect the esophagus from stomach acid. This is done by constructing a kind of collar around the transition between the stomach and esophagus. This collar forms a new gastric valve that allows food to pass to the stomach, but not acidic stomach contents to the esophagus. The procedure can be done laparoscopically (keyhole surgery).
Aftercare
After surgery, you will have a tube in your stomach that goes through your nose. An X-ray will be taken the first day after surgery. If this shows no abnormalities you can start drinking and liquid feeding. After this you can continue to expand your nutrition. Make sure you eat slowly, chew well and do not drink while eating. It is best to avoid gas-containing beverages to avoid belching. After surgery, you can normally stop taking medication for reflux.
You may develop swallowing problems after surgery due to difficulty passing food through the narrow collar. This may persist for four to six months.