Is Acid Reflux curable through surgery?

In very severe cases where no medicines seem to work, and there is the danger of the acid and fluids entering the lungs then the doctor might prescribe surgery for Acid Reflux. A procedure commonly known as anti-reflux surgery (or fundoplication) is performed on the esophagus and stomach to prevent the reflux from occurring. The procedure is especially useful for those Acid Reflux patients who have also developed a hiatal hernia. The surgeon pulls down the herniated sac and stitches it below the diaphragm. Then the opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes is also tightened. The surgeon will also make an artificial LES by wrapping the upper part of the stomach, next to the opening from where the esophagus enters the stomach, around the lower esophagus. To perform this surgery the doctor may make an incision in the abdomen or make small puncture sites in the abdomen (laproscopy) through which he will pass a small viewing device and surgical instruments. Laproscopy minises the blood loss from surgery and the patient recovers mush faster.

 A new line of treatment for Acid Reflux is endoscopy. The advantage of an Endoscopy is that it is non surgical, and therefore does not require a very long stay in the hospital. Done under mild sedation, the patients are often sent home the very same day and can resume normal activities within a day. Under this procedure a tiny instrument, like a sewing machine, is attached to a long tube or endoscope which has a camera attached at its tip. When the endoscope is passed through the food pipe, with the help of the video camera, the surgeon places a few stitches near the LES. The stitches tighten the opening of the LES valve preventing acid reflux. Although it is a very recent development, doctors are seeing good results from the procedure.  

 Acid Reflux surgery is usually very effective and its results can be felt for upto 10 years. However many patients may still continue taking anti reflux drugs, especially if they have developed other complications along with Acid Reflux.