Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Following your recent endoscopy, the findings are in keeping with acid reflux (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or GORD). This is a common condition where stomach acid flows back into the gullet (oesophagus), causing irritation.
Your endoscopy showed one or more of the following:
- Oesophagitis – inflammation of the oesophagus caused by acid irritation
- Hiatus Hernia – where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest
- Cameron’s Lesions – small erosions often seen in association with a large hiatus hernia
These findings are not cancerous, but they can cause symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, or anaemia (due to small amounts of blood loss). Other less common symptoms include a feeling of fullness or bloating, belching, shortness of breath, chronic cough, hoarseness or sore throat and nausea/vomiting.
First-Line Management
Most patients with these findings respond well to medical treatment, which includes:
- A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as omeprazole or lansoprazole to reduce acid production
- These can be taken together with Famotidine (an H2 antagonist) which is another type of antacids
- Lifestyle changes such as:
- Losing weight if overweight
- Avoiding large meals or eating late at night
- Elevating the head of the bed
- Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and smoking
We recommend a trial of medical treatment via your GP, usually for several weeks to months.
When to Consider Referral for Surgery
Surgery is not usually needed but may be considered in certain situations. Please see your GP to discuss referral if:
- Your symptoms do not improve despite appropriate medication
- You cannot tolerate acid-reducing medication
- You prefer not to take long-term medication
- You have ongoing complications such as anaemia, frequent regurgitation, or aspiration
- A large hiatus hernia is present and causing significant symptoms
If any of these apply to you, your GP can refer you to the Upper GI Surgical Team for further assessment. Surgery usually involves a laparoscopic (keyhole) procedure to repair the hernia and reduce reflux.
Follow-Up
We do not routinely follow up all patients with reflux findings in clinic, but your GP will continue your care and can re-refer if needed.
If you develop any new or concerning symptoms (such as difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or weight loss), please speak to your GP.
Resources
• NHS – https://
• Guts UK – https://
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Endoscopy service.
About this information
Service:
Endoscopy
Reference:
H/003
Approval date:
1 December 2025
Review date:
1 December 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.