Once you’ve had a positive diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), the next step is to establish the right treatment for you.
These can include reflux medication, changes in diet, lifestyle tweaks and surgery. Surgery is usually only recommended if lifestyle measures or medicines haven’t helped.
There are a number of surgical procedures available – here we look at the Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication surgery.
What is Nissen fundoplication?
Reflux disease often results from a weak or damaged stomach valve called the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter (LOS), which allows stomach contents to reflux into the oesophagus.
The Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication procedure involves a section of the top of the stomach being wrapped around the oesophagus to mimic the function of the LOS and stitched into place. The procedure tightens the closing mechanism at the lower end of the oesophagus, creating a one-way valve which prevents stomach acid from moving back into your oesophagus.
How is Nissen fundoplication performed?
Nissen Fundoplication is usually done through laparoscopic surgery under general anaesthetic and takes about 1.5 hours – the abdomen is accessed by four incisions and inflated by gas. If clips or non-dissolvable stitches are used, they will be removed after about seven to 10 days.
How much does Nissen fundoplication cost?
In the US, it can typically cost around $10,000 to $15,000.
How effective is Nissen fundoplication?
Studies have found that many patients undergoing the procedure are symptom-free after 10 years, with one study reporting that the long-term outcome is considered “good or excellent” by 90 per cent of patients. Patients report low rates of complications following the surgery.
What are disadvantages of Nissen fundoplication?
Because the valve at the top of your stomach is tighter, it can lead to a build-up of gas in your stomach and cause belching, bloating and flatulence.
Some patients also report difficulty in eating and digesting food, and others have problems with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). These side effects usually resolve over the course of a few months; however they can persist in about 1 in 100 cases. If the wrap is thought to be too tight, the surgeon may suggest oesophageal dilatation to weaken it.
After surgery, you are advised to avoid certain foods or drinks such as fizzy drinks.
Get your reflux diagnosed first
An early and objective diagnosis of reflux, such as Peptest provides, opens the door to lifestyle changes, and future treatment.
Peptest can also assess the success or failure of any reflux treatment after the treatment is administered.
Find out more about Peptest and order your Peptest home testing kit now.
Please note: This blog post is for information only and is not an endorsement or critique of the RefluxStop device. You should always consult your doctor prior to undertaking any treatment for reflux. The last update to this blog content took place in January 2023.
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