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From: S. Carvajal, M.D.
Date: 05/17/00
Time: 02:10:58
It is very abnormal to burp as many times as you have been doing. Although bacteria in the colon can generate a small amount of gas, the vast majority of the flatus we pass is secondary to swallow air. In the stomach, all gas burped is secondary to air swallowing. It is not uncommon for people with significant reflux disease to swallow air in an attempt to improve their symptoms. In fact, this practice makes the symptoms worse. At times, patients with anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorders can air swallow. When this happens, the constant burping causes the reflux symptoms . After laparoscopic fundoplication, burping is made more difficult initially and therefore all swallowed cause bloating and increased flatus. No operation can stop air swallowing. I do not recommend laparoscopic fundoplication for anybody that air swallows. Although some surgeons use mesh around the esophageal hiatus, I believe this is a bad practice and would not recommend it. There has been some reports of the mesh eroding into the esophagus or stomach and causing severe complications. At this time, I would recommend a second opinion from a experienced and reputable surgeon who specializes in laparoscopic fundoplication.