About Acid Reflux, GERD, & Heartburn Surgery
Do you suffer from heartburn, also known as gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD)? This occurs when stomach acids reflux or comes “back up” from the stomach into the esophagus after eating, which can cause a significant amount of discomfort and dramatically reduce quality of life. Conditions such as esophagitis (chronic inflammation of the esophagus), chronic regurgitation, poor control or Barrett’s esophagus often result in the need for acid reflux surgery.
If you suffer from chronic heartburn, acid reflux or other conditions associated with this health problem, learn more about minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery with board-certified surgeon Dr. Surya Challa.
During this procedure, a laparoscope is inserted through a few small incisions. In laparoscopic acid reflux surgery, Dr. Challa operates from outside the body using small tools inserted into the abdomen, as opposed to “open” surgery, where the surgeon operates directly in the body. If a Hiatal Hernia is identified, he repairs the hernia first. He then tightens the lower esophagus to prevent acid from moving from the stomach into the esophagus and causing acid reflux.
Because of smaller incisions, laparoscopic acid reflux surgery is more minimally invasive than traditional “open” acid reflux surgery and our Chesapeake patients benefit from less post-operative discomfort, a shorter recovery, a shorter hospital stay and less post-operative scarring. Dr. Challa has performed over 200 of these surgeries. The state-of-the-art facilities at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center allow both advanced laparoscopic and robotic approaches.
FAQ: Acid Reflux Surgery in Chesapeake, VA
Is Chesapeake acid reflux surgery performed under general anesthesia?
Yes. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
How long does this surgery take?
Depending on the size of the hernia, surgery takes anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours.
What is the recovery like following this surgery?
Our acid reflux surgery patients typically resume their daily activities in 1-2 weeks. Most patients are advised pureed foods and no carbonation. We do advise that patients refrain from strenuous activities like exercise for about 4 weeks.
How long do the results last?
Laparoscopic GERD surgery has excellent clinical outcomes and patients rarely need follow-up procedures.
Is there scarring following this surgery?
Typically the scars are limited to the laparoscopic sites and are minimal following acid reflux surgery in Chesapeake.How many of these procedures has Dr. Challa performed?
Dr. Challa has performed around two hundred GERD surgical procedures with a very high patient satisfaction rate. Majority have been performed with minimally invasive laparoscopic methods. Recently, Dr Challa has started utilizing the Da Vinci Robotic System to perform these surgeries.
What areas of Virginia does Dr. Challa serve?
Since Chesapeake Vein Center & MedSpa is located in Chesapeake, VA, we are conveniently located to all Virginia Beach and Norfolk county patients
Is a hospital stay required?
Usually overnight patient stay is required prior to discharge. It is not uncommon to stay longer following acid reflux surgery, depending on other patient factors including for example, a large hiatal hernia.
What makes Chesapeake Vein Center and MedSpa different?
Dr. Challa rigorously reviews all medical protocols at Chesapeake Vein Center and MedSpa prior to application. An advantage of having a surgeon such as Dr. Challa actively practicing at the same site is the higher standard that medical offices typically adhere to. You can be assured that these practices are safe, effective and tested.
Is Dr. Surya Challa actively practicing in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes! Dr. Challa actively sees and treats patients at Chesapeake Vein Center and MedSpa. This means that our office adheres to a higher standard of care, equal to that of medical offices. Other medical spas are often ‘overseen’ by a medical director, or may be simply ‘associated’ with a medical director; neither of these situations carries any guarantee that the medical director even practices out of that location.