Acid reflux results from a deficient valve between the esophagus and the stomach. Looking from within the stomach, there should be a sort of “flapper” valve that stops the acid and other fluids from the stomach from going up or refluxing back into the esophagus.
The picture on the left shows an open, deficient valve that would allow acid reflux back to the esophagus. By recreating the natural valve, reflux is prevented.
Anti-reflux surgery can be done using traditional open or laparoscopic methods and creating the valve from outside the stomach. With new tools, similar results can be achieved by operating from within the stomach.
If you need further information,
please contact Janet at 650-777-4062
Trans-Oral Antireflux Surgery
Albert Wetter, M.D.