How is a weakened LES muscle treated.?

Question

I have been having problems keeping anything down and, I was told that I also have acid reflux, I have lost alot of weight and energy. The doctors are saying they need to do more tests but they think that I have a weakened LES muscle.
If they are right how do they treat it ? And has anyone ever had this?

Lisette · Accepted Answer

You can start by not overeating (if you do) as this causes the stomach to rise towards the stomach/esophagus junction.  Depending on your age, getting old can cause it to be less effective.  There are some foods that you can eat as well to help strengthen.  There is also a procedure called gastroesophageal fundoplication, or stomach wrap. In a one hour, minimally invasive procedure performed under general anesthesia, the top of the stomach is wrapped gently around the esophagus to imitate normal LES pressure. Laparoscopy, which involves the insertion of a thin tube with a camera on the end so the surgeon can see inside the body and operate without the need for a large or “open” incision, allows for small incisions (¼ to ½ inch), shorter recovery time and less post-operative pain.

N · Answer

There are surgical options. Botox can be injected into the muscles to stiffen them. More invasive procedures like Nissen fundoplication which wraps part of the stomach around the lower esophagus to strengthen it. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissen_fundoplication
http://www.surgery.usc.edu/thoracic/esophagealmotilitydisorders.html

Good luck!

Trending News

How is a weakened LES muscle treated.?

2 Answers