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Acid Reflux: Movement of stomach acid and juices into the esophagus. This occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter or the valve between the esophagus and stomach relaxes. This normally occurs in everybody only occasionally. People who have symptoms have acid reflux commonly. Antacids: Medications that work to neutralize the acid level or pH of the stomach juices. Medications such as Rolaids, TUMS, and Milk of Magnesia would be described under this classification. Barrett's Esophagus: The replacement of esophagus cells with stomach cells due to the long-term effects of acid in the esophageal tube where it does not belong. Barrett's esophagus may be a condition that leads to cancer of the esophagus. It has been found that 1% of patients with Barrett's esophagus will develop cancer of the esophagus each year that they have it. Therefore, a patient with Barrett's esophagus who is living with the disease for 50 years has a 50% chance of developing cancer of the esophagus. Barium Swallow: An X-ray in which contrast material is swallowed and goes down the esophageal tube and stomach. This will show evidence of abnormalities. Digestive System: A group of organs including the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, small and large bowel as well as the anus. This allows for the breakdown of food, digestion of food and elimination of waste. Endoscopy: A procedure that entails use of a fiberoptic camera on a long tube that can be inserted into the esophagus and stomach through the mouth. This can detect conditions such as strictures, ulcers, hiatus hernias or growths. Esophageal Manometry: This is a procedure used to determine the function of the valve between the stomach and the esophagus and the "squeeze ability" of the esophageal muscle. It is used for patients that potentially need to have anti-reflux
Esophageal Ulcer: This is an erosion in the sensitive tissue of the esophageal tube secondary to esophagitis. It may lead to bleeding as well as pain. Esophagitis: This is a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. This entails inflammation of the esophageal lining cells. There are multiple degrees of esophagitis. Esophagus: The tube that carries food after it is chewed in the mouth and passes the throat. It connects the throat to the stomach. GERD: This is the abbreviation for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease known also as reflux with the main symptoms being heartburn. H2 Receptor Antagonist: One type of acid suppressor that prevents a substance called histamine from producing acid in the stomach. Heartburn: The most common symptom of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. This is usually described as a burning in the chest that may radiate up toward the throat. This is caused by acid juices that back flow from the stomach into the esophagus. It usually becomes more severe after eating, lying down or even bending over. Laparoscopy: This is the performance of surgery by inflating the belly with CO2 or carbon dioxide gas and using a camera connected to a scope to visualize the tissues in the abdomen. Surgery is performed through long instruments that are inserted through "punch holes" in the abdomen. These are small incision sites. Lower Esophageal Sphincter: This is the valve or "door" between the esophagus and the stomach. When this valve or door is weak and does not always close it allows for both acid juices and food to come back up into the esophagus and/or the throat. Nissen Fundoplication: This is an operation initially designed in 1954 by Dr. Rudolph Nissen to prevent the acid reflux of the stomach into the esophagus. Up until 1991 this was performed by a long incision between the breastbone and the belly button and required 5-10 days for a hospital stay. Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication: This is a 360 degree wrapping of the stomach around the esophagus, which is the same procedure as the open, however, it is performed through five small incisions under the laparoscopic surgical technique. Paraesophageal Hernia: This occurs when the stomach twists upon itself and moves into the chest alongside the esophagus. Patients may have difficulty swallowing or reflux symptoms. There is a risk for the stomach to loose its blood flow and potentially rupture. If patients have symptoms these should be repaired laparoscopically. Repair by the traditional method through the chest can result in tremendous morbidity. Pro-Motility Agents: These are medications that speed up the rate of digestion. They are used to help keep stomach acids and food in the stomach and help to pass out of the stomach more quickly. Proton Pump Inhibitors: These medications would be classified as the most powerful antacid medications that completely prevent the production of acid by the stomach. The two available medications are Prevacid and Prilosec. Regurgitation: The backflow of food or liquids from the stomach into the esophageal tube and up into the throat. Reoperative Surgery: Statistically 1% of Nissen fundoplications will come undone each year. Patients with problem may be candidates for repeat laparoscopic surgery with similar results to the first surgery. Toupet Procedure: This is a partial wrap or fundoplication of the stomach around the esophagus. This surgery is used for patients who have difficulty with the "squeeze" ability of their esophagus to push food down from the esophagus into the stomach. Laparoscopic Toupet Procedure: This procedure is the traditional Toupet procedure performed by the laparoscopic technique. |