What is Gastroesophageal Reflux?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, also known by the acronym GERD, is a condition that develops when the contents inside the stomach return to the esophagus. This is because the food follows a certain path until it reaches the stomach. When something different happens during this route, the initial result is the GERD.
Medical Travel Brazil has partnered with some of the best surgeons who, in addition to being experts and researchers in the area, are nationally and internationally renowned for the quality and exclusivity of the care provided and precision in surgical results. Here we explain the real benefits of the procedure and how we can improve your quality of life with a highly safe and warmly supported medical trip by our team of Concierges, Doctors and Nurses.
How does the Gastroesophageal Reflux begin?
Feeding, in human beings, starts in the mouth then passes through the esophagus, which starts in the neck and goes down to the stomach. This organ contains the gastric juices, that are responsible for digesting food. In it, it is possible to identify several elements of digestion, which is the transformation the solid food that was chewed into liquid to be directed to the small intestine. The gastric juice contains hydrochloric acid. If this acid flows back into the esophagus, it may cause symptoms such as heartburn and a burning feeling in the throat, which may be accompanied by gas, belching and intense chest pain.
How is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease diagnosed?
Considering the clinical symptoms diagnosed by a specialist physician, an upper digestive endoscopy and pH monitoring are some of the tests needed to establish an accurate diagnosis of the disease.
Who is a good candidate for a hiatus hernia/gastroesophageal reflux surgery?
This procedure is indicated for patients who suffer from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease when treatment with medication is no longer effective to alleviate or resolve the symptoms of the disease.
Before the procedure, the patient has to undergo clinical treatment, where an accurate diagnosis of the GERD is performed. It may cause hiatus hernia, a condition in which a part of the stomach rises into the chest through an opening that connects the esophagus to the stomach.
How is a Gastroesophageal Reflux Hiatal Hernia Surgery performed?
The surgery is performed by videolaparoscopy through small holes made in the abdomen so that the surgeon can access the terminal esophagus, where the hiatus hernia is corrected. Also, the doctors perform a procedure called valve, which is a device that prevents intense reflux from happening. The purpose of the procedure is not to fully eliminate reflux, but to reduce it by 97% to 98% so as to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Discover the step-by-step of the gastroesophageal reflux surgery:
- Anamnesis:
An appointment with the healthcare professional is scheduled to assess and propose the ideal treatment.
- Clinical tests:
To perform the surgery, the doctor will ask for a blood test and a few other specific tests.
- Hospitalization and surgery:
The surgery is performed by videolaparoscopy under general anesthesia and the procedure lasts 30 to 40 minutes, on average. The patient may stay in the hospital from 24 to 48 hours before starting post-surgical care at home.
4.Post-surgery:
With this procedure, the patient’s post-surgical period is more sensitive, since an exclusively liquid diet is required during the first month and it may take from 30 to 60 days before the patient can return to a regular diet.
In addition, to help with a faster and safer recovery, it is crucial that the patient rest in the first post-surgical days, avoid driving and avoid intense physical exertion.
We take care of every detail in your medical trip
The first step is choosing the ideal procedure. Select a physician and schedule an initial appointment so we can get to know you better and assess your health. We will be ready to accompany and guide you on the following steps.
Rest assured: we will define all the details of your journey together, from your arrival in Brazil to your trip back home. During this follow-up, we will have the chance to choose the appropriate hotel or SPA, according to the procedure chosen. At Medical Travel Brazil, everything is planned to meet your needs.
Medical Travel Package
Includes transfers from and to:
Airport + Hotel + Clinic + Hospital
Hotel or SPA post surgery
Exclusive Concierge Service
Highly qualified medical team
Meet our professionals
We have some of the best surgeons in Brazil to provide our clients with the safety of performing their long-awaited surgery with renowned professionals, chosen by the patients themselves.
