GERD Treatment in New Jersey
Acid Reflux Surgery

GERD affects more than 20% of American adults - you're not alone. Unlike occasional heartburn after spicy food, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid repeatedly flows backward into your esophagus - the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach - causing persistent symptoms and potential complications.

No, acid reflux and GERD are not the same, although they are closely related. Acid Reflux is the physical process where stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. This happens occasionally to most people, especially after eating spicy foods. GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a chronic medical condition that occurs when acid reflux happens frequently - typically 2 or more times per week.

GERD severity ranges from mild discomfort to life-threatening complications. Mild GERD can be managed with lifestyle changes, while severe GERD may require surgical intervention to prevent worsening symptoms and esophageal cancer.

High-fat foods, acidic foods and certain beverages can all weaken the esophageal sphincter or increase acid production.

Large meals or eating within 3 hours of bedtime, smoking (which weakens LES and increases acid production), and lying down after eating all contribute to GERD.

Medical Conditions

• Hiatal hernia - Part of stomach bulges through diaphragm (NJBC repairs these surgically)
• Obesity - Increased abdominal pressure
• Pregnancy - Hormonal changes and physical pressure
• Certain medications - Some blood pressure, asthma, and pain medications

The primary symptoms of GERD are:

• Heartburn - Burning sensation in chest, especially after eating
• Regurgitation - Sour or bitter taste from stomach contents reaching your mouth
• Chest pain - Often confused with cardiac issues
• Dysphagia - Difficulty swallowing or feeling food is stuck

Advanced GERD warning signs include, chronic cough (particularly at night), hoarseness from vocal cord irritation, dental erosion from stomach acid, and sleep disruption from nighttime symptoms all indicate more severe GERD requiring medical attention.

Avoid these common trigger foods: fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, mint, spicy foods, and large meals within 3 hours of bedtime.

Some people with GERD experience little to no heartburn or regurgitation - this is called "silent GERD." These patients may have symptoms not associated with typical GERD symptoms. Chronic cough or throat clearing, hoarseness or voice changes, dental erosion from acid exposure and recurrent respiratory infections are among silent GERD symptoms.

Silent GERD can still cause serious complications including esophageal damage and cancer risk, which is why endoscopic evaluation is necessary even for patients with atypical or minimal symptoms.

If you experience symptoms 2+ times weekly for several weeks, or any concerning symptoms above, schedule an appointment at one of our New Jersey locations near you to speak with a doctor.
Call 908-481-1270.

A medical evaluation such as an upper endoscopy is recommended for all GERD patients because it helps our doctors determine the best treatment approach for your specific situation. The procedure which gives a visual of the upper portion of a patient's digestive system through a tiny camera attached to a long thin tube is important for everyone with GERD symptoms. This minimally invasive procedure allows NJBC doctors to:

• Visualize damage in the esophagus from acid exposure
• Assess the severity of inflammation and erosion
• Rule out other conditions that may mimic GERD symptoms
• Plan the most appropriate surgical approach based on your anatomy

The endoscopy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and takes about 15-20 minutes. This evaluation, combined with your symptom history and response to medications, helps us recommend whether LINX, Nissen fundoplication, or conservative treatment is best for your specific situation.

Call us at 908-481-1270 for same-week appointments.

Consider surgery if you:

• Take daily acid-blocking medication with incomplete relief
• Experience progressive symptoms despite maximum medications
• Want to eliminate dependence on lifelong medications
• Have a hiatal hernia contributing to symptoms

Our surgeons will review your complete medical history, symptom severity, response to previous treatments and recommend an endoscopy to determine if you're a surgical candidate.

LINX Procedure:

• Magnetic ring device that opens to allow food down then closes to prevent stomach contents moving up, no anatomy changes
• Shorter surgery time (30-45 minutes)
• May be reversible if needed
• Better for patients wanting to maintain ability to vomit/belch

Nissen Fundoplication:

• Stomach wrap technique, permanent anatomy change
• Longer track record (50+ years of data)
• May be better for very severe GERD or large hiatal hernias
• Typically covered by more insurance plans

During consultation, we'll recommend the best option based on your specific anatomy and symptoms.

Timeline varies by procedure and individual, but typically:

• Hospital stay: Same day or overnight
• Return to desk work: 1-2 weeks
• Light exercise: 2-3 weeks
• Full activities: 4-6 weeks
• Complete dietary freedom: 6-8 weeks

Most patients notice significant symptom improvement within days to weeks after surgery.

Yes, most patients return to normal eating within 6-8 weeks after surgery. During recovery, you'll progress through soft foods to regular diet. Many patients find they can enjoy foods that previously triggered symptoms.

As with any surgery, there are risks including:

• Infection (less than 1%)
• Bleeding (rare)
• Difficulty swallowing (usually temporary)
• Gas-bloat syndrome (more common with Nissen)
• Need for reoperation (5-10% over 10 years)

Our minimally invasive approach significantly reduces these risks compared to traditional open surgery. We'll discuss all potential complications during your consultation.