3 Key Questions to Ask Your Reflux Surgeon
Deciding to have any surgery is a big decision. If you’re suffering from reflux symptoms and think surgery might be the right choice for you, what are the key questions you should ask your reflux surgeon before you decide to go ahead?
RefluxUK's 3 key questions for your reflux surgeon:
What is their experience?
There is a great deal of evidence that the more experience a surgeon has with a procedure or group of procedures, the better the outcome will be and the less likely there will be complications. Ask your surgeon about their experience; how many of the operations have they done? The more the better. How good are their results? Do they know them? What is their re-operation rate? In the case of LINX®️ what is their ex-plant rate? Where else do they operate? It’s not just about the surgeon but the whole team around them. We would suggest that the surgeon should be doing a minimum of 15-20 operations of the type you’re planning to have every year.
How do they decide which operation is right
The key to any successful surgery is what happens beforehand. How is the surgeon reaching the diagnosis? What tests are they using? Are they referring cases to a multi-disciplinary team (MDT)? There are differences in the diagnostic technology in use and your surgeon should have access to the most up to date tests. A multi-disciplinary team is important, especially for the cases that are complex or less straightforward.
What will happen after surgery?
Post-operative care is obviously particularly important. What will happen when you’re discharged from the hospital? Will there be a number to call if you start having difficulties? You should be confident that you know what to expect in the post-op period and what to do if you need advice.
Why choose RefluxUK
At RefluxUK, we offer patients a service that we believe to be of the highest possible standard and quality.
- The average anti-reflux surgeon in the UK does 11 surgeries a year - our surgeons do upwards of 200.
- RefluxUK utilises an MDT with an array of world-leading experts in their fields, as well as the highest quality diagnostic tests, to ensure that surgery is right for you.
- Uniquely, RelfuxUK offers frequent contact with our Specialist Nurse after your procedure in case you have any queries or concerns. Your consultant will follow-up with you regularly within the first year after treatment and annually for up to 10 years if you wish.
