GERD Surgery for Infants

Most of the time, surgery is not recommended or needed for treatment of GERD in infants. When it is suggested, the surgery that is usually performed is the Nissen fundoplication. In Nissen fundoplication, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the esophagus when the stomach contracts and this is supposed to prevent the acid reflux that is occurring. Of course, as with any surgery, a complete discussion of the pros , cons and risks needs to take place.

How Is GERD Diagnosed in Infants

Sometimes the doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis by just the information that is received from the parent, but on occasion, some further tests may be perscribed.
The doctor may want your infant to have an upper GI series. This is an xray test that may identify obstructions or narrowing in the esophagus, stomach or upper intestine.
He may also want to try a ph probe. During a ph probe, the patient has to swallow a thin tube that has a probe on the end and this probe measures levels of stomach acid.
An upper GI endoscopy is also an option, and I have referred to this procedure in an earlier post as I have had this done two times.

GERD Treatment for Infants

I want to emphasize that if you feel your infant may have GERD, it is best to make an appointment to see your pediatrician. That being said, here are some of the treatments he or she may recommend that you try:

1. Elevate the head of the infants crib or bassinet.

Obviously we are using gravity in this instance to combat GERD.

2. Hold the baby upright for approximately 30 minutes after his/her feeding.

3. Changing feeding scheduled times.

4. Try some solid food.

Infant Gerd

Most infants vomit occasionally after eating, but if you would consider it frequent, this may be due to your child having GERD. Along with frequent vomiting, frequent or persisent coughing is also a symptom of infant GERD. As I have discussed before, GERD occurs when stomach acids move upward through the esophagus. Usually, GERD in infants is from the incoordination of the gastrointestinal tract, and the infant is otherwise in good health. Most babies will outgrow GERD, but it is still not a bad idea to have it checked by your doctor if you suspect a problem.

GERD Surgery

Basically, if you have been diagnosed with GERD, there are two options. Remain on medication to control your GERD or elect to have surgery. To date, the opinion of my doctor, is that I should just stay on the medicine and he does not suggest surgery for me........but this could change someday (As I've stated before, I am perfectly content to remain on the medication for life, thank you very much!!).

The surgery for GERD is known as Fundoplication. GERD patients have a problem with the flap that is at the bottom of their esophagus. It either doesnt close properly to prevent your stomach acid from going back up , thus creating heartburn or it is so deteriorated that it cannot do its job. Fundoplication is a procedure that repairs this flap, hopefully to the point that it stops the acid from coming back up. I cannot comment on how effective this surgery is, because I haven't had it, but I have read positive things about it and reports of success.

Gerd Endoscopy

One of the tests that I have had done to check out my gerd situation is known as an Endoscopy. I actually have had 2 of these over the past 5 years. An Endoscopy involves putting a thin tube with a camera and light on the end of it down your throat to examine your esophagus to see whats going on down there. You are not allowed to eat anything after midnight the night before the procedure and you also need a driver to accompany you there, because you will be a little whoozy after the test. It is an outpatient procedure and the procedure itself only takes around 10 to 15 minutes. It is basically painless, they dope you up with a sedative, to help relax you and prevent you from gagging and throwing up all over the place while they try to get the scope down your throat. You can expect that the rest of that day is shot, but after a good nights sleep, you should be back to your old self the very next day.

GERD Diet

As I stated previously, I have GERD and since I have been on medication to control it, I really don't worry about the foods that eat and my diet, but this is not the right way , nor is it the healthy way to go. One thing to keep in mind is that your diet itself did not cause your GERD, but your diet can seriously aggravate your heartburn symptoms. Here is the list of the foods that are most popularly reported to cause or worsen your heartburn: fried foods, fatty foods, chocolate, alcohol, caffeinated soda, spicy foods and citrus fruits. So .................... what the heck is left?? But seriously, not only will cutting down on these food categories lessen your heartburn attacks, it was also cause you to become healthier. Now in my case, the only way I could prevent getting heartburn is was to eat nothing. Everything gave me heartburn prior to me getting on medication.