Laparoscopic antireflux surgery for the treatment of severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been increasing since the advent of the minimally invasive laparoscopic operation through the abdomen.
GERD patients often ask their doctors whether the surgery or drugs (there are five proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) now on the market to treat GERD) are the best option for treating this chronic condition.
One study evaluated the incidence of side effects, namely bowel dysfunction, following laparoscopic antireflux surgery in order to add perspective to its safety and effectiveness.
The study involved 109 patients who underwent laparoscopic antireflux surgery, 77 percent of whom completed a survey regarding pre-existing and postoperative bowel symptoms.
About 36 percent of patients developed new bowel symptoms after surgery, including bloating in 19 percent of patients and diarrhea in 18 percent. Four patients also reported fecal incontinence.
The severity of the diarrhea ranged from mild to debilitating, and most patients with diarrhea had symptoms for two years after the surgery.
Researchers concluded that patients undergoing laparoscopic antireflux surgery should be aware of potential bowel dysfunction, particularly diarrhea, following surgery. Further, GERD patients should discuss the benefits and disadvantages of PPI therapy and antireflux surgery with their doctors before deciding on a treatment.
The American Journal of Medicine Volume 114, Issue 1 January 2003, Pages 6-9
As I said earlier this year:
I can assure you the number of people who actually need a drug for heartburn is less than one in 100 of those taking it. In other words, people are being prescribed drugs for heartburn when it is one of the easiest medical problems to treat. Most people ignore that heartburn is an important clue from their body and rely on a drug to suppress the symptoms.
This is the equivalent of driving your car and ignoring the engine light that comes on on your dashboard to warn you of a problem. Using a drug Band-Aid to cover the light allows you to ignore the problem and, although it may solve the problem in the short-term, the implications for ignoring this important clue are quite obvious. You could be looking at more costly repairs by not acknowledging the symptom.
So what is the solution for heartburn?
There are several key points:
1. Drink adequate amounts of clean water. 2. Follow the nutrition plan being careful to avoid sugar. 3. Use one to two cloves of raw fresh garlic per day to eradicate H. pylori, which is a factor for many with heartburn. 4. Use high-quality probiotics.
And what is the solution for not getting burned by the pharmaceutical companies any more?
Knowledge.
You can start with some of the "Related Articles" below, and I also strongly recommend you read "Trust Us, We're Experts." This accessible and often startling book blows the lid right off the industries that manipulate "scientific fact" to ridiculous (but, sadly, effective) ends to sell gobs of their harmful products. It truly belongs on every American's bookshelf.
Related Articles:
Why Inhibiting Acid Production With Prilosec and Prevacid Could Make Ulcers Worse Prilosec and Prevacid Natural Alternatives How to Cure Your Heartburn Now That Prilosec Will Go Over the Counter (OTC) Dissatisfaction with Heartburn Drugs Common Low Fat Diets Worsen Heartburn
Why Inhibiting Acid Production With Prilosec and Prevacid Could Make Ulcers Worse
Prilosec and Prevacid Natural Alternatives
How to Cure Your Heartburn Now That Prilosec Will Go Over the Counter (OTC)
Dissatisfaction with Heartburn Drugs Common
Low Fat Diets Worsen Heartburn