Acid Reflux Specialist
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Advanced Surgical Associates of West Florida
Richard S. Gordon, MD
Bariatrics & Robotic and General Surgery located in Largo, FL, Clearwater, FL & Trinity, FL
Acid reflux is common among American adults, with nearly 20% of the population experiencing chronic acid reflux symptoms weekly. At Advanced Surgical Associates of West Florida, Richard Gordon, MD, specializes in surgeries to treat the underlying cause of acid reflux. Dr. Gordon offers the laparoscopic LINX® procedure and Nissen fundoplication surgery to stop heartburn for good and lower your risk for esophageal damage. To schedule a surgical consultation for acid reflux, call the office in Largo, Clearwater or Trinity, Florida, today or book an appointment online.
Acid Reflux Q&A
What is acid reflux?
Acid reflux is when stomach acids flow back up into your esophagus, causing heartburn and irritation in your throat.
Acid reflux develops when the muscles of your lower esophagus become weak, and your lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t close properly during the digestion process. This allows acids to flow backwards.
You may also be at greater risk for acid reflux if you have a hiatal hernia, a condition where your stomach bulges through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle.
If you have acid reflux several times a week and your symptoms become chronic, you’re considered to have gastroesophageal acid reflux disease (GERD).
When should I seek treatment for acid reflux?
You should seek treatment for acid reflux if you’re no longer able to control your symptoms with diet changes and over-the-counter medications. Symptoms of acid reflux include:
- Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
- Sour taste in your mouth
- Bad breath
- Sore throat
Without treatment acid reflux and GERD can lead to a persistent cough and cause damage in the tissues of your esophagus. Tissue damage can increase your risk for long-term health complications, including esophageal cancer.
If prescription medications aren’t able to control your symptoms, you may be a candidate for surgery. Advanced Surgical Associates of West Florida offers anti-reflux surgery to ease your symptoms and protect your upper digestive health.
What’s involved in surgery for acid reflux?
Advanced Surgical Associates of West Florida offers two surgical options to treat acid reflux and GERD – the LINX procedure and Nissen fundoplication.
LINX procedure
The LINX procedure is a simple device made up of titanium magnets. The device fits over your muscle and allows food and drink to pass by but doesn’t permit gastric acids to flow through.
Dr. Gordon places the LINX device during an outpatient laparoscopic procedure. With this type of treatment, there are no dietary changes or restrictions.
You may be a candidate for the LINX procedure if you aren't getting relief of acid reflux symptoms with the maximum dosage of acid-reducing medications.
Nissen fundoplication
Nissen fundoplication is a surgery to wrap the top part of your stomach around your lower esophagus to prevent reflux symptoms.
This type of surgery requires an overnight stay in the hospital and you will need to follow dietary restrictions temporarily while you heal.
You may be a candidate for Nissen fundoplication if LINX isn’t an option or if you have a large hiatal hernia.
If you need relief from chronic acid reflux symptoms, schedule an anti-reflux surgery consultation online or call the Advanced Surgical Associates of West Florida office nearest to you today.
