Acid Reflux (GERD) Treatment & Surgery in Port Charlotte, FL

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when stomach acid or contents flow back into the esophagus often enough to cause symptoms or irritation. Many people improve with lifestyle changes and medicine. When they do not, or when reflux comes with a hiatal hernia, anti-reflux surgery can reinforce the valve between the esophagus and stomach. We care for patients from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood and across Charlotte County and Southwest Florida.

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Symptoms of GERD

Heartburn
Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
Chronic cough, hoarseness or sore throat
Trouble swallowing
Chest discomfort (always rule out heart causes first)

When to see a surgeon

Consider seeing a surgeon if symptoms continue despite medicine, if you have regurgitation or trouble swallowing, if you would rather not take medicine long term, or if you have a hiatal hernia. Chest pain, vomiting blood, black stools or food stuck in the esophagus need urgent care.

If you need emergency care, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

What to expect

Evaluation usually includes an upper endoscopy (EGD), and may include MiVu™ mucosal integrity testing during the EGD, acid (pH) monitoring, esophageal function testing and imaging.

Anti-reflux surgery (fundoplication) is usually done laparoscopically. The top of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus to strengthen the valve, and any hiatal hernia is repaired at the same time.

Recovery

Expect a soft diet at first, with temporary bloating or tightness when swallowing that usually improves over the following weeks. Your surgeon will guide your diet and activity.

Who performs this at Charlotte Harbor Surgical

Matthew Tufts M.D., F.A.C.S., Vincent Brown M.D., and Charles Campbell D.O. perform this procedure. Consultations and follow-up visits take place at our Port Charlotte office.

Frequently asked questions

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when stomach acid or contents flow back into the esophagus often enough to cause symptoms or irritation, such as heartburn, regurgitation, a sour taste, cough or hoarseness.

What can I do at home to reduce reflux?

Helpful steps include avoiding large or late meals, raising the head of your bed, losing excess weight, stopping smoking and limiting foods that trigger your symptoms.

When should reflux be checked by a surgeon?

Consider an evaluation if symptoms continue despite medicine, if you have trouble swallowing or regurgitation, if you would rather not take medicine long term, or if you have a hiatal hernia.

Will I still need reflux medicine after surgery?

Many patients are able to reduce or stop reflux medicine after anti-reflux surgery, but results vary and some people still need medicine. Your surgeon will discuss what to expect for you.

Can untreated reflux cause problems?

Long-standing reflux can inflame the esophagus and, in some people, lead to narrowing or Barrett’s esophagus. An upper endoscopy (EGD) can check for these changes.

Schedule a consultation

Call our Port Charlotte office at 4245 Kings Hwy, Unit A, Port Charlotte, FL 33980, or request an appointment online.

Call (941) 391-5102 Book online ↗ Directions & hours

Port Charlotte Location: 4245 Kings Hwy, Unit A, Port Charlotte, FL 33980

Call (941) 391-5102 · Mon–Thu 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Fri 7:30 am–12:00 pm. If you need urgent care and you have decided to go to an emergency room please use AdventHealth Port Charlotte.

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