GERD Treatment & Surgery

Regaining comfort and restoring your life.

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Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when stomach acid or contents regularly flow back into the esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach). This backflow, or reflux, can irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause persistent heartburn, chest discomfort, and other unpleasant symptoms. When GERD becomes chronic, it can disrupt daily life, cause inflammation, and even lead to long-term complications such as Barrett’s esophagus.

At Surgical Associates of WNY (SAWNY), we understand how frustrating and painful chronic reflux can be. Our surgeons provide advanced diagnostic testing and surgical solutions designed to treat the underlying cause, not just the symptoms, helping you find lasting relief and better quality of life.

Understanding GERD

The esophagus has a muscular valve at its lower end called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). In healthy digestion, the LES opens to let food pass into the stomach, then closes tightly to keep acid from flowing backward. In patients with GERD, the LES may weaken or relax abnormally, allowing acid to escape into the esophagus. Over time, this causes burning pain (heartburn), regurgitation, and sometimes damage to the esophageal lining.

Common symptoms of GERD include:

  • Frequent heartburn (often worse after meals or at night)
  • Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
  • Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of food “sticking”
  • Chest pain that mimics heart conditions
  • Persistent cough, hoarseness, or throat irritation

While occasional reflux is common, GERD is diagnosed when symptoms occur more than twice a week or lead to inflammation or injury.

Diagnostic Testing

Before determining treatment, your care team at SAWNY will perform a comprehensive evaluation to confirm GERD and assess its severity. This may include:

  • Endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera is guided through the mouth to examine the esophagus and stomach lining. Biopsies may be taken to assess inflammation or tissue changes.
  • Esophageal Manometry: Measures muscle strength and coordination in the esophagus to evaluate swallowing and the function of the LES.
  • pH Testing (Bravo® System): A small capsule temporarily attached to the esophagus measures acid exposure over 48 hours to determine reflux frequency and intensity.

These tests help your surgeon understand your specific anatomy and reflux pattern so that treatment can be individualized.

Surgical Treatment Options

SAWNY’s surgeons specialize in minimally invasive and advanced techniques to restore the function of the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent acid reflux. Surgical options include:

  • Nissen Fundoplication: The upper portion of the stomach (fundus) is wrapped around the lower esophagus to strengthen the LES and block reflux. This procedure can often be performed laparoscopically for faster recovery and less pain.
  • LINX® Reflux Management System: A small, flexible ring of magnetic titanium beads is placed around the LES. The magnets allow food and liquid to pass into the stomach but prevent acid from flowing back up.
  • Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF): A procedure performed entirely through the mouth without external incisions. It reconstructs the valve between the esophagus and stomach to prevent reflux.

Your surgeon will discuss which procedure is best suited for your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals. All surgical treatments are designed to provide long-term relief, reduce or eliminate the need for medication, and restore comfort.

Recovery And Long-Term Results

After surgery, most patients experience rapid improvement in symptoms and can return to regular activity within days. Dietary adjustments may be recommended during healing, and you’ll receive a customized recovery plan from your surgeon and care team. Regular follow-up visits ensure that healing progresses smoothly and that reflux symptoms remain controlled.

SAWNY’s team also assists patients managing workers’ compensation cases when GERD or related conditions are work-related, ensuring that every aspect of care, from diagnosis to recovery, is coordinated and supportive.