Heartburn (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease – GERD)
Heartburn That Doesn’t Go Away – More Than Just an Inconvenience
Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when the valve between the esophagus and the stomach does not function properly, allowing stomach acid to regularly flow back into the esophagus. The symptoms are well known: burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste in the mouth, morning hoarseness, nighttime cough, and sleep disturbances. Long-term exposure to acid can damage the esophageal lining and lead to more serious conditions, including Barrett’s esophagus, which requires regular monitoring.
Medication Relieves – Surgery Treats the Cause
Proton pump inhibitors such as pantoprazole or omeprazole effectively reduce acid production and relieve symptoms, but they do not address the underlying cause of the disease. Once therapy is discontinued, symptoms often return. For patients who do not respond adequately to medical therapy or do not wish to rely on long-term medication, surgical treatment offers a definitive solution.
Using fundoplication with the Da Vinci robotic system, the natural barrier between the esophagus and the stomach is reconstructed. This minimally invasive approach provides high precision, reduced surgical risk, and faster recovery, with shorter hospital stays and less postoperative pain.
Life Without Heartburn – Long-Term Results
Most patients experience rapid and significant symptom improvement within the first weeks after surgery. Return to normal daily activities is typically possible within one to two weeks, depending on overall health and recovery progress.
Long-term outcomes are excellent, with most operated patients permanently discontinuing heartburn medication and experiencing a marked improvement in quality of life.
Heartburn that interferes with daily life does not have to be permanent – modern surgery offers an effective and long-lasting solution.
Assoc. Prof. Marko Kraljević, MD
MEDICAL TEAM
With extensive experience in the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, Dr. Marko Kraljević performs robotic antireflux procedures using Da Vinci technology. This minimally invasive and precise approach enables long-term symptom control, faster recovery, and a significant improvement in patients’ quality of life.
