GERD in Infants and Children (cont.)
Surgery for GERD
Surgery is not often used to treat GERD in children. When it is necessary, the Nissen fundoplication is the most often performed surgery. During this procedure, the top part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus. This procedure forms a cuff that contracts and closes off the esophagus when the stomach contracts, preventing reflux. In some patients, a pyloroplasty to improve gastric emptying may be performed at the same time. A pyloroplasty is a surgical procedure in which the lower portion of the stomach, the pylorus, is cut and re-sutured to relax the muscle and widen the opening into the intestine. The Nissen fundoplication
procedure is usually effective, but it is not without risk. Discuss the
potential risks and benefits of this operation with your child's doctor.
SOURCES:
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
American Association of Family Physicians.
Medscape.
Reviewed by Jonathan L Gelfand, MD on July 10, 2008
Portions of this page © Cleveland Clinic 2008
Last Editorial Review: 7/10/2008
- pantoprazole, Protonix - Explains the medication pantoprazole (Protonix), a drug used for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), like other PPI's it also is used for treating ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, and the Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
- Endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, EGD) - Learn about the endoscopy procedure which examines the esophagus, stomach and duodenum to detect gastrointestinal and digestive disorders on MedicineNet.com
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD, Heartburn) - Learn about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, acid reflux, heartburn) symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, and nausea. Causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention information is also included.
Latest Medical News
Digestion RSS