Eating should be a one-way journey — from your mouth to your stomach. For individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), this process is interrupted when stomach acid and food flow back into the esophagus, leading to chronic heartburn and discomfort.
At Angelina Surgical Associates in Lufkin, Texas, our board-certified surgeons specialize in minimally invasive procedures to treat GERD and restore your quality of life.
GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter — the valve between the esophagus and stomach — weakens or fails to close properly. This allows stomach contents, including acid, to reflux into the esophagus. Unlike the stomach, the esophagus is not equipped to handle acid exposure, often resulting in inflammation, pain, and irritation.
While occasional heartburn is common, GERD is diagnosed when symptoms become chronic — affecting daily activities or occurring multiple times a week. Though lifestyle changes and medications may offer relief, surgery is often recommended for long-term control when conservative treatments fail.
We begin treatment with conservative methods like dietary adjustments and medications. However, when these aren’t enough, our surgeons offer two highly effective, minimally invasive surgical options:
This minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions and a laparoscope to wrap the upper part of the stomach around the esophagus, strengthening the valve and stopping reflux.
Both procedures are designed to restore normal function, reduce symptoms, and minimize recovery time.
Copyright © 2025 Angelina Surgical Associates, All right reserved | Privacy Policy