Reflux Surgery & Hiatal Hernia Repair
Get Longlasting Relief from Acid Reflux (GERD)
Reflux Surgery
GERD (GastroEosphageal Reflux Disease) is a condition where acid from the stomach flows back into your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth with your stomach). This results in Heartburn symptoms which is a harsh, burning sensation in the area between your ribs or just below your neck. Other symptoms can include vomiting, feeling food or liquid coming back up into your throat or mouth, trouble swallowing, and coughing or wheezing often.
The most common causes of reflux symptoms including weak sphincter muscle of the stomach and hiatal hernia. A Hiatal hernia is a hole in the diaphragm muscle that causes part of the stomach to move into the chest
Dr. O’Connor is one of a few hernia surgeon specialists in the WNC who have received specialty training in surgical management of reflux and Hiatal hernia. He is well versed in both surgical and non surgical management of reflux disease.
He takes a patient centered approach to reflux management, discussing all of the options with patients to help them select a treatment that helps them achieve their goals. He takes great pride in providing minimally invasive surgical options to help patients recover quickly, minimize complications and provide durable relief of symptoms.
DR. SEAN O'CONNOR
Anti-Reflux Operations
Fundoplication
This procedure involves wraping the upper portion of the stomach around the esophagus to prevent gastric acid from entering the esophagus. Types of fundoplication include
- Nissen Fundoplication (360 degree wrap)
- Toupet Fundoplication (270 degree wrap)
- Dor Fundoplication (180 degree anterior wrap)
Linx
Linx magnetic sphincter augmentation is a chain of magnetic beads that can be wrapped around the lower esophagus to prevent reflux of gastric acid.
For select patients, this can be an effective alternative to fundoplication, with a lower risk of bloating or difficulty swallowing.
Gastric Bypass
Obesity is another common cause of GERD. Gastric Bypass is an excelent greatement for GERD because it seperates the acid producing cells away from the esophagus. In select patients, it can be a very effective treatment for GERD with the added benefit of weight loss, control of diabetes and other medical problems associated with obesity.
Hiatal Hernias
A hiatal hernia or paraesophageal hernias occur when there is a weakness or opening in the diaphragm. The stomach bulges through the weakened diaphragm, sometimes causing reflux, difficulty swallowing and vomiting. These can be repaired in a minimally invasive fashion at the same time as reflux surgery.
Schedule a Hiatal Hernia or Reflux Surgery Consultation.
How to prepare for a Reflux surgery or Hiatal Hernia repair
Dr. Sean O’Connor will speak with you about the preparation of your hernia surgery. Be sure to:
- Inform your physician about any medications (prescriptions & over-the-counter medicines), herbs or supplements you’re currently taking.
- Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and other NSAIDs at least seven to 14 days before surgery.
- Stop smoking; smoking affects blood flow and can slow healing following hernia repair.
- Gently wash the surgical area the night before the hernia surgery.
- Follow any additonal directions you are given for not eating or drinking before surgery.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
What to Expect
The Day of Surgery
Arrive at the hospital at your scheduled time. You’ll be asked to change into a gown. Shortly after, an IV will be inserted in your hand or arm to provide fluids and medicine.
Prior to surgery, an anesthesiologist will talk with you to explain the types of anesthesia used to prevent pain during the surgery.
Surgery is performed either laparoscopically or robotically, so it will require a general anesthesia. Local numbing medicine is used at the incision sites to help with post operative pain
After Reflux or Hiatal hernia Surgery
Most patients stay overnight in the hospital. Swallowing can feel a little different in the first week after and nausea is common. You will have nausea medication to take to help with this and you will be on a liquid diet for 1 week after surgery
You should stay active, so walking, going up stairs and even low impact exercise (stationary bike or eliptical) is fine after surgery. Avoid lifting heavier than 20 lbs for the first week.
You will be on a liquid diet for the first week after surgery, so all foods must be pourable (soup, protein shakes, thin yogurt, thin oat meal). Avoid anything with carbonation and drinking out of straws. After the first week you can advance your diet starting with soft foods (steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, ground beef)
Get to Know Dr. O'Connor
Dr. O’Connor is a proud Appalachian native, and grew up in Knoxville TN. His parents still live there and he visits often. He has a brother and a sister who are also in the region.
Dr. O’Connor went to Medical school at ETSU Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson city TN. He then did his General Surgery residency at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem, NC. He then completed a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery focusing on complex hernia repair at the Prisma Health Hernia Center in Greenville SC.
Dr. O’Connor loves any and all outdoor sports. On weekends you can find him cycling, camping with his family or playing at the lake.
Dr. O’Connor met his wife in college and has spent many years adventuring and traveling with her. They now have two young daughters who are energetic and very fun.
