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Could surgery help your reflux?

Losing weight, raising the head of the bed, not eating late at night: All of these can help alleviate the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Over-the-counter and prescription medications also can offer relief. But for those with symptoms that persist despite these interventions, surgery may help.

Fundoplication is the most common surgical procedure used to treat GERD. The upper part of the stomach (the fundus) is "wrapped" around the base of the esophagus and sewn down with sutures. Fundoplication tightens the opening between the stomach and the esophagus, making it difficult for food and stomach acid to go the wrong way.

This procedure generally works well. Most people see a dramatic improvement in their symptoms, however, some patients still may need to take medicine. Occasionally, the fundoplication is too tight, making it difficult to swallow food. That can be corrected, though.

If you've tried medicines and at-home remedies but your GERD isn't responding, discuss surgical options with your doctor. Heartburn relief still may be achievable. When picking a surgeon, ask how many procedures he has done and what his success rate is.

Tedd Mitchell, M.D., president and CEO of Dallas' Cooper Clinic, writes HealthSmart every week.