A new way to treat acid reflux

The da Vinci® surgical system takes laparoscopic surgery to the next level by providing surgeons with better vision and precision.

For an estimated 21 million Americans, living with chronic acid reflux disease (GERD) can mean being in a constant state of pain and discomfort. Luckily, for many sufferers, their condition can be controlled with simple antacids or over-the-counter medications. Some may require prescribed medications for relief.

Nevertheless, for those whose symptoms can’t be relieved with a simple tablet, more aggressive treatment may be required. “The reasons why that might happen is a stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia,” explains Dr. Christopher Johnson. “This condition disrupts the normal anatomy of where the stomach and the esophagus meet. Reduction of the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) means stomach acid will move up into the esophagus, causing symptoms of acid reflux. GERD can also cause other complications that cannot be resolved with medications alone; therefore, surgery may become the only option.”

For many decades, doctors have performed a surgical procedure called Nissen fundoplication to help prevent further acid reflux. During the procedure, surgeons are tasked with recreating the natural orientation of the stomach and esophagus in the body. It can be performed either as a traditional open surgery through a large open incision in the abdomen or a laparoscopic procedure, which is performed through a tiny incision. Nevertheless, Dr. Johnson explains that even performing the surgery laparoscopically still has its drawbacks. “Laparoscopic surgery still leaves the surgeon limited in reach, and it is also limited in scope of use,” he says.

The use of the da Vinci® surgical system at South Lake Hospital changes all that by combining the advantages of both open and laparoscopic surgical techniques, according to Dr. Johnson, who was one of the first physicians to undergo additional training to perform this procedure robotically. “The da Vinci® device is a minimally invasive tool that allows surgeons to do an open operation through a small opening,” he explains. “Using the device, I can simulate all the fingerlike movements and wristed maneuvers without having to place my hand inside the body. And unlike with laparoscopic surgery, I can work in the fairly tight space without the instrument becoming disruptive.”

While the da Vinci® device offers a multitude of advantages for surgeons, the patients also experience several benefits, including significantly less pain, fewer complications, less scarring, a shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery from surgery.

“The results so far have been good. We have had no failures or complications and 93 percent of the people who have received this operation go on to eliminate all their medications,” Dr. Johnson says.

Having the da Vinci® surgical system gives those who suffer from acid reflux disease an option for lasting relief that is less invasive than ever before. “Before, many people would choose to continue taking medication for the rest of their life instead of having surgery,” Dr. Johnson says. “But now I can offer a great alternative that has had very successful results. This tool gives me a mechanical fix for a mechanical problem.”