Why choose surgery for my reflux?

GERD is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing uncomfortable symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain. While medical management can help alleviate these symptoms, some patients may require surgery to repair a hiatal hernia, which is a common cause of GERD. Occasionally for preference or medication side effect reasons, some patients cannot tolerate being on anti-acid medication long-term. Robotic hiatal hernia repair surgery has emerged as a safer and more effective option compared to medical management alone.

Here are some of the benefits of robotic hiatal hernia repair:

1. Long-Term Symptom Relief.

   Robotic surgery provides long-term symptom relief for GERD patients by repairing the underlying cause of the disease. Medical management only provides temporary relief of symptoms and does not address the underlying problem. If a hiatal hernia is present and causing reflux, a surgery can correct this condition, resulting in long-term symptom relief.

2. Improved Quality of Life.

   Robotic hiatal hernia repair surgery improves patients' quality of life by significantly reducing GERD symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain. Studies have shown that patients who undergo robotic surgery for hiatal hernia repair experience a better quality of life compared to those who receive medical management alone.

3. Minimal Post-Operative Pain.

   Robotic surgery is associated with minimal post-operative pain compared to traditional open surgery. The small incisions made during robotic surgery result in less tissue damage and faster recovery time.

4. Fast Recovery Time.

   Robotic hiatal hernia repair surgery has a short recovery time of only 1-3 weeks. By contrast, with management using medications, they may be required daily. The quick recovery time allows patients to return to normalcy and be medicine free!

5. Lower Risk of Recurrence.

   Surgical repair is a durable option that will provide lasting relief for most patients. The robot allows added precision and accuracy, reducing the risk of hernia recurrence.

6. Cost-Effective.

   While robotic surgery may have a higher upfront cost compared to medical management, it can be more cost-effective in the long run. Medical management can require ongoing medication and doctor's visits, which can add up over time. In contrast, robotic hiatal hernia repair surgery provides a one-time solution that can save patients money in the long run.

In conclusion, robotic hiatal hernia repair surgery offers many benefits over medical management alone, including long-term symptom relief, improved quality of life, minimal post-operative pain, fast recovery time, lower risk of complications and recurrence, and cost-effectiveness. These benefits make robotic surgery an excellent option for patients who require hiatal hernia repair surgery. Make an appointment to see Dr. Harper today if you would like to discuss your reflux and decide if surgery is the right option for you.