Heartburn Center in Whiteville, NC
Comprehensive GERD diagnosis and treatment—from lifestyle management to advanced anti-reflux surgery—ending chronic heartburn for good.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Trusted GERD Treatment Since 1956
When Heartburn Becomes More Than Occasional Discomfort
Occasional heartburn is common—but when it happens two or more times a week, disrupts your sleep, or forces you to rely on daily antacids, you likely have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). And GERD isn't just uncomfortable—it's dangerous.
Chronic acid reflux damages the esophagus over time, leading to painful inflammation (esophagitis), narrowing (strictures), precancerous changes (Barrett's esophagus), and even esophageal cancer. Many people suffer for years, thinking medication is their only option—but there's a better solution.
20% of Americans have GERD—but only a fraction get proper treatment
Most people manage symptoms with medication instead of treating the underlying cause. Anti-reflux surgery can eliminate GERD permanently, ending dependence on daily medication.At Walters Surgical Associates, our Heartburn Center provides comprehensive GERD evaluation and treatment—from diagnostic testing to minimally invasive anti-reflux surgery. If you're tired of living with chronic heartburn, we can help.
You don't have to live with heartburn forever.
Signs You May Have GERD
Chronic Heartburn
Burning sensation in chest or throat two or more times per week, especially after eating or when lying down.
Nighttime Reflux
Waking up with sour taste, coughing, or choking sensation. Acid reflux disrupts sleep and damages the esophagus while you rest.
Medication Dependence
Daily use of antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) just to function normally. Symptoms return when you stop medication.
Difficulty Swallowing
Food feels stuck in throat or chest. May indicate esophageal narrowing (stricture) from chronic acid damage.
Chronic Cough or Hoarseness
Persistent throat clearing, hoarse voice, or chronic cough not caused by respiratory illness—often due to acid irritating the throat.
Regurgitation
Sour or bitter liquid backing up into throat or mouth, especially after meals or when bending over.
Comprehensive GERD Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective GERD treatment. At our Heartburn Center, we use advanced diagnostic testing to evaluate the severity of your reflux, assess esophageal damage, and determine the best treatment approach.
Upper Endoscopy (EGD) — Camera examination of esophagus and stomach to visualize damage, strictures, Barrett's esophagus, or hiatal hernia
pH Monitoring — 24-hour test measuring acid levels in the esophagus to confirm reflux and assess severity
Esophageal Manometry — Measures esophageal muscle function and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure to evaluate reflux mechanism
Barium Swallow X-Ray — Imaging study to detect hiatal hernia, strictures, or anatomical abnormalities contributing to reflux
Thorough testing ensures we treat the cause, not just the symptoms. Your diagnostic results guide our treatment recommendations—whether that's medication adjustment, lifestyle changes, or surgical intervention.
GERD Treatment Options
Lifestyle Modifications
Weight loss, dietary changes, elevated sleeping position, avoiding trigger foods. Effective for mild GERD but rarely sufficient for moderate to severe cases.
Medication Management
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, antacids. Reduce acid production and relieve symptoms but don't fix the underlying problem. Long-term PPI use has risks.
Anti-Reflux Surgery
Nissen fundoplication. Permanently corrects the anatomical cause of reflux, eliminating symptoms and medication dependence. Minimally invasive approach.
Anti-Reflux Surgery: The Permanent Solution
When medication isn't enough—or when you're tired of taking pills every day for the rest of your life—anti-reflux surgery offers a permanent solution. The most common procedure is Nissen fundoplication, performed laparoscopically through small incisions.
During the procedure, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus to strengthen the valve (lower esophageal sphincter) that prevents acid reflux. This restores normal anatomy and stops reflux permanently—without medication.
90%+ success rate in eliminating GERD symptoms
Eliminates medication dependence —no more daily PPIs
Minimally invasive laparoscopic approach with small incisions
Fast recovery —most patients home in 1-2 days
Prevents esophageal damage and cancer risk from chronic reflux
Covered by insurance when medically necessary
Most patients wish they'd done it sooner. Anti-reflux surgery has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any surgical procedure—because it permanently solves a problem that's been disrupting life for years.
When to Consider Anti-Reflux Surgery
Medication isn't working or you need increasingly higher doses to control symptoms
You're tired of daily medication and want a permanent solution
You have a hiatal hernia contributing to reflux
You have Barrett's esophagus or other precancerous changes from chronic reflux
Nighttime reflux disrupts your sleep despite medication
You're young and facing decades of medication dependence
You have respiratory symptoms(chronic cough, asthma) caused by reflux
You want to prevent long-term complications like esophageal cancer
What to Expect: Your GERD Treatment Journey
Comprehensive Evaluation
Meet with our board-certified surgeons to discuss your symptoms and medical history. We'll review any previous testing and determine which diagnostic tests are needed to assess your reflux severity.
Diagnostic Testing
Complete endoscopy, pH monitoring, or other tests to evaluate esophageal damage and reflux mechanism. Results guide our treatment recommendations.
Treatment Planning
We'll discuss all treatment options—medication adjustment, lifestyle changes, or anti-reflux surgery. If surgery is recommended, we'll explain the procedure, benefits, and recovery timeline.
Surgery & Recovery (If Needed)
Minimally invasive anti-reflux surgery performed through small incisions. Most patients go home in 1-2 days and return to normal activities in 2-3 weeks—heartburn-free.
Insurance & Payment
GERD diagnostic testing and anti-reflux surgery are typically covered by insurance when medically necessary. Our billing team will verify your coverage and work with your insurance company to maximize your benefits.
Questions about coverage? Call us at (910) 642-3214 and we'll help you understand your benefits.
End Chronic Heartburn for Good
Don't spend another year dependent on medication or suffering through sleepless nights. Schedule a consultation to explore your GERD treatment options.
Call (910) 642-3214