It’s not much fun having to avoid foods that are spicy, fatty or fried, citrus fruits, chocolate, drinks with caffeine or alcohol, mint flavorings and tomato-based foods (such as salsa, chili, pizza or spaghetti). You certainly can’t have your pick of entrées at a restaurant. If you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) you are all too familiar with limited menu choices and discomfort that can be severe enough to affect your daily life. A surgical procedure called Nissen fundoplication may be an alternative for relief.   

GERD occurs when the muscle at the end of your esophagus does not close properly. Stomach contents can then reflux, or leak back, into the esophagus resulting in irritation. You may have GERD if you have the symptoms of heartburn or acid indigestion twice a week or more. Heartburn causes a burning sensation that can start behind the lower breastbone and then move up toward the neck. When you have acid indigestion, you can taste stomach fluid in the back of your mouth. In some people reflux symptoms may also include a dry cough, asthma symptoms or difficult swallowing.  

Heartburn and reflux are usually not serious. In fact, one in ten people experience heartburn symptoms at least once a week. But if left untreated, GERD can result in serious complications, such as esophageal bleeding or ulcers, narrowing of the esophagus that can interfere with the ability to swallow, a precancerous condition called Barrett’s esophagus, or problems with breathing and sleeping. Wheezing, bronchitis or pneumonia also may develop when reflux causes stomach fluid to overflow into the breathing tubes.  

Most cases of GERD can be easily treated with lifestyle changes and/or medications. But for some people, Nissen fundoplication surgery may be an option when over-the-counter or prescription medications are no longer effective and lifestyle changes do not improve symptoms.   

Fundoplication involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lowest part of the esophagus to create a tight band designed to significantly decrease reflux. The procedure may be performed using a laparoscope, an instrument that is connected to a tiny video camera and then inserted through a small incision to look at the abdomen and pelvis. The surgeon is then able to see a magnified view of the patient’s internal organs on a television screen, and the entire operation is performed internally. Fundoplication also may be performed as a standard surgical procedure without a laparoscope.  

Post-operative pain following laparoscopic fundoplication is generally mild, and patients can leave the hospital after one to three days. Normal activities can be resumed after a short time, and anti-reflux medicine is usually not necessary following the procedure. Diet may be modified after surgery, beginning with liquids before gradually eating solid foods. The procedure is considered safe, but as with any operation complications may occur. Following fundoplication, studies have shown that the majority of patients either have no symptoms of GERD or show significant improvement.  

Visit our Heartburn Center online to learn more about GERD today.

To find out more about Nissen fundoplication surgery, talk to your doctor or call 281-580-0000 to find a physician near you.