Treatment

Nissen Fundoplication

Overview

Nissen Fundoplication is a surgical procedure used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It helps patients who struggle with acid reflux and do not get relief from acid reflux medicine or other GERD treatments. This procedure involves wrapping the top part of the stomach (fundus) around the esophagus to prevent stomach acid from flowing back up. It is one of the most effective acid reflux surgeries for long term relief.

Why Nissen Fundoplication is Required?

People who suffer from chronic acid reflux, also known as GERD may require nissen fundoplication surgery when:

• GERD medications and lifestyle changes fail to control symptoms.
• Frequent acid reflux causes esophagus damage (esophagitis).
• There is a risk of Barrett’s esophagus (a precancerous condition).
• Severe heartburn affects daily life causing pain and discomfort.
• There is a hiatal hernia which makes reflux worse.

If left untreated GERD can cause serious complications. That is why nissen surgery is recommended when other options do not work.

Key Advantages of Nissen Fundoplication

• Provides long term relief from acid reflux and GERD symptoms.
• Reduces or eliminates the need for GERD medications like reflux medicine or acid reflux prescription medicine.
• Helps heal the esophagus from acid damage.
• Prevents complications like ulcers, strictures and Barrett’s esophagus.
• Improves quality of life by reducing heartburn, regurgitation and bloating.
• Performed as laparoscopic nissen fundoplication, meaning smaller incisions, less pain and quicker recovery.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Taking Nissen Fundoplication Treatment?

Before undergoing nissen fundoplication procedure, your doctor will guide you through the necessary steps:

• Medical Evaluation: Tests like endoscopy, pH monitoring and manometry will check your esophagus function.
• Adjusting Medications: You may need to stop taking some GERD medications before surgery.
• Fasting Before Surgery: You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 8-12 hours before the procedure.
• Lifestyle Changes: Stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding foods that trigger reflux can improve surgery outcomes.

How Nissen Fundoplication is Performed?

The nissen fundoplication operation is commonly done using laparoscopic fundoplication, a minimally invasive technique:

• Small incisions are made in the abdomen.
• A tiny camera and surgical instruments are inserted.
• The top part of the stomach (fundus) is wrapped around the lower esophagus.
• This creates a new valve to prevent acid from flowing back up.
• The incisions are closed, and the patient is monitored for recovery.

This procedure also called lap nissen fundoplication usually takes about 1-2 hours and requires a short hospital stay.

What You Can Expect?

• Before the Procedure
• You will receive anesthesia so you will be asleep during surgery.
• The surgeon will make small incisions in your abdomen.
• During the Procedure
• The stomach is wrapped around the esophagus and secured in place.
• The surgery takes about 1-2 hours.
• After the Procedure
• You may experience mild pain and bloating.
• You will be on a liquid diet for a few days.
• Gradually you will transition to soft foods and then normal meals.
• Most patients can return to normal activities within 2-3 weeks.

Risk and Potential Complications

While nissen fundoplication is generally safe, there are some nissen fundoplication complications to be aware of:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) in the initial days.
• Gas bloating syndrome (feeling full or gassy after meals).
• Rare risks include infection, bleeding or injury to nearby organs.
• Some patients may experience recurring reflux symptoms in rare cases.

Results/Outcomes

• Most patients who undergo nissen fundoplication procedure experience:
• Significant reduction or complete elimination of reflux symptoms.
• Decreased reliance on GERD medication or reflux meds.
• Better quality of life with fewer dietary restrictions.
• Healing of acid related esophageal damage.
• Long-lasting results with a low chance of reflux returning.