Aerophagia/Surgery

Hi all,

I did the pH impedance test on Thursday and it's fair to say that it made me burp a hell of a lot. I have a feeling that I one day gained aerophagia which is what has probably set the whole gerd thing off.

Anyway, I've read some papers about surgery and aerophagia and how surgery should be approached with the utmost caution. I don't seem to get any bloating or what not, just the constant burping. I'd give anything to take this heartburn away. Has anybody who had aerophagia undergone surgery and come out the other side OK?

Thanks,
Paul

Hi Paul,

Welcome to Healing Well! Sorry to hear you're suffering!

From what I've read, sometimes people with reflux to swallow extra air. I don't know how much searching you've done, but here's a resource that pretty much answers your question. It is very important that if you have the surgery, you get the floppy/loose wrap, rather than the full 360 wrap.

Here's the link. Unfortunately, you'll have to copy it and paste it into your browser to get it to work. I tried to create a live link but it's being stubborn.

http://www.laparoscopyhospital.com/TABLE_OF_CONTENTS_files/pdf/Laparoscopic%20Fundoplication%20Nissen%20versus%20Toupet.pdf

If you and your GI doctor decide to go the surgical route, be sure that you seek out the most qualified, experienced surgeon you can find. This procedure is an art form, and a great Nissen surgeon will do two things; extensively test you (manometry, 24 hr pH monitor, endoscopy, possibly stomach emptying test) to determine if you're a good candidate for surgery (and which version of the surgery is best for you), and be skilled enough to do a great procedure if you're deemed a good candidate.

Again, glad you've joined us! Good luck with your search for answers.
Best wishes,
Denise

Also read that article, and that offers some relief. I sometimes worry that it makes things complicated, which is ironic as it perpetuates the problem!

Thanks Denise - I made a new thread with the results (sorry, not entirely sure of the etiquette of threads!)

Best,
Paul