Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux or heartburn, is one of the most common — yet most neglected — diseases in the United States. Our collaborative team of experts have created a comprehensive program to help diagnose and treat GERD. The Reflux Program will provide a personalized, coordinated plan of care for each patient.
The first step in treatment of GERD is lifestyle change. Trigger foods, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine should be avoided entirely. Timing your meals at least four hours before laying down can help. Some people need to sleep with their mattress on blocks, which allows gravity to fight nighttime symptoms. If you are overweight, even a modest weight loss can really help.
In conjunction with lifestyle changes, medicine can be very effective. This ranges from short-acting (e.g. Tums) to long-term (e.g. Prilosec). Ask your doctor what may be best for you.
Surgery may be right for you. Here are some examples that can be discussed with your doctor:
Endoscopic Interventions includes radiofrequency ablation of the esophagus. These treatments can destroy Barrett’s but require medication and/or surgery down the line for a more permanent fix. Endoscopic interventions are done similarly to endoscopy, with twilight anesthesia and no cuts.
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypas /Gastric Exclusion is also a minimally invasive surgery. The previously mentioned procedures are less successful for patients who are significantly overweight. In that case, the best procedure is a bariatric surgery, which will help with weight loss and cure your reflux at the same time.
Laparoscopic Toupet or Nissen Fundoplication is also a minimally invasive surgery. You are put to sleep and any hiatal hernia is repaired. The top of your stomach is wrapped around itself on your esophagus to recreate the lower esophageal sphincter.
LINX® Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation is a minimally invasive surgery. You are put to sleep and any hiatal hernia is repaired. A magnetic “bracelet” is placed around your esophagus to recreate the lower esophageal sphincter.
*Anti-reflux surgery may only last 10 to 15 years. This may ultimately result in the need for repeat surgery or resuming a small dose of anti-acid medicine down the line.
Several factors can lead to GERD. Genetics play a role, and diet and lifestyle factors are major contributors too. Often, there is a problem with the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle complex where the esophagus turns into the stomach. This can be related to muscle tone, medications, or a total disruption (for example, a hiatal hernia). We get reflux when the lower esophageal sphincter is not working properly.
Uncontrolled GERD can lead to major problems. Acid exposure in the esophagus can cause narrowing, severe inflammation, ulcers, and Barrett’s esophagus. Left untreated, Barrett’s esophagus can even lead to cancer of the esophagus.
There are a few tests to diagnose GERD and figure out the best treatment. Some examples include:
UPMC offers a comprehensive hernia approach with hernia surgery available at all UPMC hospitals and general surgery locations in central Pa.
UPMC Specialty Care Gastroenterology Associates: Hanover, Pa.
Medical Office Building
310 Stock St.
Suite 8
Hanover, PA 17331
Phone: 717-316-3030
UPMC Gastroenterology Associates of Central PA: Mechanicsburg, Pa.
2035 Technology Parkway, Suite 200
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Phone: 717-988-8567
UPMC Gastroenterology Associates of Central PA providers have advanced training in digestive medicine and are board-certified in both gastroenterology and internal medicine. Our office is proud to be a part of UPMC in central Pa.'s Specialty Care practice network.
UPMC Specialty Care Gastroenterology Associates: York, Pa. (Formerly Gastro Associates of York)
2690 Southfield Dr.
Suite A
York, PA 17403
*Our telephones are answered Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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