Is a chronic condition occurring in 20% of adults and is causing gastroesophageal acidity reflux due to the fact that the muscles of the diaphragm do no properly close the entry of the stomach and as a result stomach acid can reflux upward into the oesophagus causing this burning sensation. Long-term GERD can lead to a Barrett’s oesophagus (pre-cancer).

Causes
Obesity, moderate/high alcohol intake, smoking, fried fatty food, postprandial activity, lack of sports.

Symptoms
A burning sensation in the chest, especially when laying down, back-flow of food or acid liquid in the throat, upper belly or chest pain, trouble swallowing (dysphagia), sensation of a lump in the throat.

Diagnostics
Gastroscopy, manometry with 24h pH monitoring, barium swallow test.

Treatment

• Eating smaller and less spicy meals, not eating 3h before going to bed, sleeping on your left side on a big pillow, herbal (chamomile, ginger, liquorice root), drinking more water, and especially losing weight helps.
• Medications: PPI (Esome/Omeprazole), H2-blockers (Cimetidine/Tagamet), antiacids.
• Anti-reflux surgery (laparoscopic diaphragmatic crural repair with a fundoplication (rap of the stomach to enhance better closure of the stomach entry).

Fundoplication rap of the stomach

Risks of the surgery
Dysphagia (10%), Hematoma/bleeding (<1%), difficulty to burb, bloating, increased flatulence, gastric or oesophageal perforation (<1%), relapse of GERD (in 20%), wound infection.

Why chose Professor Guido Mannaerts MD PhD
Is a Netherlands double board certified gastrointestinal and oncological surgeon with who is dedicated to minimal scar incision surgical approaches.
As being an Adjunct Professor at the UAE University and a broad research background Professor Guido is aiming for state of the art surgical care using the latest techniques.
His pleasant, honest, patient-centred care and being committed to achieve the best results for you makes you feel being treated like a family expert.