Reflux & Foregut Surgery
Reflux Surgery at CCM Health: Finally Find Relief from Chronic Heartburn and Acid Reflux
If heartburn has become part of your daily life, you don’t have to keep living with it.
At CCM Health, Dr. Robert Johnson specializes in diagnosing and treating acid reflux, GERD, hiatal hernias, swallowing disorders, and other conditions affecting the esophagus and upper digestive tract. Whether lifestyle changes, medication, advanced endoscopy, or minimally invasive surgery is the right solution, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan designed around your symptoms and goals.
Many patients travel to larger cities for reflux care. Now, advanced evaluation and treatment are available closer to home in southwest Minnesota.
CCM Health’s Mission CCM Health provides exceptional patient care that focuses on improving the health and well-being of those we serve.
Ready to Learn More?
Reflux and foregut surgery is a big decision, and you don’t have to make it alone. Click the interest form link below, complete our contact form, and one of our patient navigators will reach out to answer your questions and help you take the next step.
CCM Health – Reflux and Foregut Surgery Interest Form
Prefer to talk to someone right away? Call (320) 269-8877 to speak with the CCM Health Reflux and Foregut care team.
What is GERD?
When Is Heartburn More Than Just Heartburn?
Occasional heartburn is common. But frequent acid reflux can indicate Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a chronic condition that occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus.
Left untreated, GERD may lead to inflammation, scarring, swallowing difficulties, Barrett’s esophagus, or even increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
If you’re relying on heartburn medication every day, it’s time to find out why.
Symptoms We Evaluate
Symptoms That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
You should consider seeing a reflux specialist if you experience:
- Heartburn more than twice each week
- Acid reflux after meals
- Regurgitation of food or stomach acid
- Difficulty swallowing
- Food getting stuck
- Chronic cough
- Hoarseness
- Frequent throat clearing
- Chest discomfort after eating
- Persistent nausea
- Bloating
- Feeling full quickly
- Unexplained weight loss
Waking up at night with symptoms
Conditions We Treat
Comprehensive Foregut Care
Dr. Johnson treats many disorders involving the esophagus, stomach, and upper digestive tract, including:
- GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
- Chronic acid reflux
- Hiatal hernias
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Esophageal strictures
- Swallowing disorders (Dysphagia)
- Gastroparesis
- Esophagitis
- Paraesophageal hernias
- Foregut disorders
- Achalasia
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Finding the Cause of Your Symptoms
No two patients experience reflux the same way.
That’s why your evaluation begins with understanding exactly what’s causing your symptoms. Depending on your condition, Dr. Johnson may recommend advanced testing to evaluate how your esophagus and stomach are functioning.
Testing may include:
- Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
- Bravo™ Wireless pH Monitoring
- Esophageal Manometry
- Barium Swallow (Esophagram)
- Tissue Biopsy
- Advanced Endoscopic Evaluation
By identifying the source of your symptoms, we can recommend the treatment that offers the best long-term relief.
Personalized Treatment Options
Treatment Designed Around You
Most patients don’t need surgery.
Your treatment plan may include:
Lifestyle & Nutrition
Simple adjustments to eating habits, meal timing, weight management, and sleep positioning can significantly reduce reflux symptoms.
Medication Management
When appropriate, medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, or other therapies may help reduce acid production and allow healing.
Advanced Endoscopy
Some digestive conditions can be diagnosed or treated without traditional surgery using minimally invasive endoscopic procedures.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
When medication no longer controls symptoms—or you simply don’t want to take medication for life—surgery may provide lasting relief.
Dr. Johnson specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques designed to restore the normal barrier between the stomach and esophagus while helping patients return to everyday life more quickly.
Meet Your Specialist
Expert Reflux Care Close to Home
Dr. Robert Johnson is fellowship-trained in advanced gastrointestinal, bariatric, and minimally invasive surgery. His practice includes comprehensive evaluation and treatment of GERD, hiatal hernias, swallowing disorders, foregut disease, bariatric surgery, and advanced endoscopy.
Patients throughout western Minnesota now have access to specialized reflux care without traveling long distances.
Why Choose CCM Health?
Local Care. Advanced Expertise.
At CCM Health you’ll find:
- Fellowship-trained reflux specialist
- Advanced endoscopic procedures
- Minimally invasive surgical options
- Personalized treatment plans
- Convenient appointments close to home
- Coordination with your primary care provider
- Comprehensive follow-up care
Frequently Asked Questions
Many patients achieve long-term relief through lifestyle changes, medication, or minimally invasive surgery depending on the cause of their reflux.
If you experience heartburn more than twice a week, symptoms despite medication, difficulty swallowing, or ongoing regurgitation, you should be evaluated.
No. Most patients begin with conservative treatment. Surgery is considered when symptoms continue despite medication or when anatomical problems such as a hiatal hernia are present.
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest, often contributing to chronic acid reflux and GERD symptoms.
Yes. Dr. Johnson performs advanced endoscopic procedures to diagnose and treat a variety of upper digestive conditions.
No. Dr. Johnson can see patients that call (320) 269-8877 and schedule an appointment. He sees patients in Montevideo and Clara City in Minnesota.
