If your gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD symptoms don’t respond to medications, your doctors may consider anti-reflux surgery. However, there is no research to show that medications or surgery will reduce the risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus or eventually cancer. GERD is a condition where acid from the stomach comes out into the esophagus (a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach and is made of different layers).
An alternative to anti-reflux surgery is a procedure called an esophagectomy. This type of surgery involves removing the affected portions of your esophagus, and replacing them with tissue from your stomach or large intestine. This is an invasive procedure and requires recovery time, so many doctors prefer trying other noninvasive methods before proceeding to surgery. For more information about this surgery speak with your doctor.
