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Top Surgeons for Reflux Surgery in Los Angeles

The Khalili Center’s General Surgery Team specializes in a wide range of minimally invasive procedures. Our team has some of the best reflux surgeons in Los AngelesOur medical center is led by Theodore Khalili, MD, FACS, founder and Director of Weight Loss Surgery of Southern California. 

Dr. Khalili is a pioneer in the field of bariatric surgery in Los Angeles. He has also trained several surgeons in laparoscopic procedures and other minimally invasive surgery techniques. Through our surgeons’ expertise and the center’s proven success rate, we give you the best treatment options and patient care.

Read more about our doctors here and discover how they can make your reflux surgery a success.

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My name is Dr. Theodore Khalili, surgeon and founder of Weight Loss Surgery of Southern California. I founded the Center because I have dedicated my life-long professional work to patient care. My approach to patient-centric partnerships and service-oriented facilities offer a comprehensive and holistic approach to bariatric treatment – all in one place.

I believe that patient care does not end right after surgery – it’s only the beginning. I founded the Center to give patients access to a supportive community that guides them through each step of the weight loss journey. We work with a team of registered dieticians, psychologists and general doctors to create tailored, best-in-class care available.

I have performed over 8,000 bariatric surgeries…

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Dr. Theodore M. Khalili,
Founder and Director
Khalili Center for Bariatric Care


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Laparoscopic Reflux Surgery for GERD

GERD is a digestive health disorder that occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. The back-flow is called acid reflux, which can irritate the lining of your esophagus(1). Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery, commonly referred to as laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, is the standard surgical treatment for GERD. It has a 90% success rate among patients(2)

Fundoplication involves reinforcing the “valve” between the esophagus and the stomach by wrapping the upper portion of the stomach around the lower esophagus. There are various partial fundoplication techniques, but the Nissen fundoplication is almost always chosen to control GERD.

Other Surgery Options for GERD.

Aside from laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, there is an evolving array of new GERD treatments that are still under evaluation. The newest surgical therapy is the EsophyX Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF). TIF is performed with an endoscope that is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach.

In March 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the LINX System(3). It consists of a surgically implanted device to help manage reflux symptoms for people with GERD

Payment Options for a GERD Surgery

All of our procedures at the Khalili Center are eligible for payment plans. We also offer insurance verification to determine if your insurance company can cover the cost of the procedure. Our customer care team is ready to assist you with general inquiries and requests on which type of appointment you prefer. Your appointment will be saved in our loading calendar.

You may inquire about the procedure cost through our phone number or email. Insurance phone numbers are also available upon request. We offer consultations to find the appropriate procedure for you. After the surgery, we also provide follow-up consultations to ensure optimal recovery. 


How to Know if Reflux Surgery Is Right for You

Several tests are necessary to determine if you are the right candidate for anti-reflux surgery(4).  At the Khalili Center, you can obtain a thorough medical evaluation by one of our qualified surgeons in laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery to find out if the procedure is appropriate for you. 

You can also consult your primary care physician or gastroenterologist to better understand the risks and benefits before undergoing GERD surgery. 

A doctor might recommend for you to have an upper endoscopy to evaluate for reflux-related damages. Additional testing includes a 24-hour pH test with impedance and an esophageal manometry study. These tests are also helpful in confirming the diagnosis of mild or severe GERD.


How Does Laparoscopic Reflux Surgery Work?

In a fundoplication procedure, the Khalili Center uses a minimally invasive surgical technique called laparoscopy. Our surgeons use small incisions (1/4 to 1/2 inch) to enter the abdomen through cannulas (narrow tube-like instruments). A tiny video camera (laparoscope) is inserted through the small incision. It gives the surgeon a magnified view of the patient’s internal organs on a television screen.

Generally, this technique results in less pain, smaller scars, a shorter hospital stay, a faster return to work, and a lower risk of subsequent wound infections and hernias(5). If the fundoplication surgery cannot be completed using the laparoscopy technique, it can be converted to a traditional open surgery that involves an incision in the upper abdomen. In either case, an experienced surgeon of the Khalili Center will safely handle the procedure. 


Preparing for GERD Surgery

The Khalili Center’s preoperative preparation includes medical evaluation, blood work, chest X-ray, and an electrocardiogram (EKG). Before the surgery, your surgeon may request that you completely empty your colon and cleanse your intestines. You may also be requested to drink clear liquids only and refrain from taking medications. 


What to Expect After the Procedure

The outcomes for patients after having anti-reflux procedures are generally excellent. A vast majority of patients reported effective symptom reduction, a high level of satisfaction, and an improved quality of life(6)After surgery, nearly all patients are taken off of reflux medication. Patients have also consistently reported that if they were to do things again, they would decide to undergo antireflux surgery.

Patients are generally admitted to the hospital for 1-3 days after the surgery. This observation period ensures that the patient is free of nausea and vomiting. The recovery period typically takes one to two weeks. After this, you can get back to most of your normal activities.

What Are the Risks of Undergoing Reflux Surgery?

Although antireflux surgery is considered safe and effective, undesirable side effects can occur. Complications include the following:

  • Adverse reaction to general anesthesia
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Bleeding
  • Increased flatulence or diarrhea
  • Injury to the esophagus, spleen, stomach, or internal organs
  • Infection of the wound, abdomen, or blood

Understanding GERD

One of the most common reflux symptoms is heartburn, which is an uncomfortable, burning sensation in the chest. Other symptoms of GERD also include chest pain, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation of fluid into the esophagus, or hoarseness.

GERD is caused by the improper mechanical function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It is a circular band of muscle around the bottom of the esophagus that allows food and liquid to flow into your stomach. Moreover, a hiatal hernia can also lead to GERD. Hiatal hernia results when the LES moves above the diaphragm; thus it is less able to prevent reflux.

Treatment of GERD includes antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Unfortunately, these acid suppression medications do not work for some people. In those cases, acid reflux surgery may be an option. Untreated GERD and long-term acid exposure can damage the esophagus, such as esophageal ulcers and esophagitis (inflammation). It may also develop into a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which increases one’s risk of esophageal cancerWhen a GERD surgery is your only option, trust only Khalili. Call us at 310-858-1242 today and connect with us. 


 

References

  1. About GERD. International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. (19 Sept. 2019). Surgical treatments. https://www.aboutgerd.org/surgery/surgical-treatments.html 
  2. Moore, M., Afaneh, C., Benhuri, D., Antonacci, C., Abelson, J., & Zarnegar, R. (2016). Gastroesophageal reflux disease: a review of surgical decision making. World journal of gastrointestinal surgery, 8(1), 77.
  3. Zadeh, J., Andreoni, A., Treitl, D., & Ben-David, K. (2018). Spotlight on the Linx™ Reflux Management System for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: evidence and research. Medical Devices (Auckland, NZ), 11, 291.
  4. Ibid.
  5. Velanovich, V. (2000). Laparoscopic vs open surgery. Surgical endoscopy, 14(1), 16-21.
  6. Kaufman, J. A., Houghland, J. E., Quiroga, E., Cahill, M., Pellegrini, C. A., & Oelschlager, B. K. (2006). Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-related airway disorder. Surgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques, 20(12), 1824-1830.

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