Permanent Relief Is Here
For individuals living with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic heartburn, regurgitation, and disrupted sleep are common struggles. Medications and lifestyle adjustments may temporarily relieve symptoms, but these measures often fail to resolve the underlying cause, a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or hiatal hernia. Laparoscopic fundoplication is a minimally invasive, long-term solution for patients seeking to address GERD at the source.
Limitations of traditional treatments
Medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers mask symptoms but do not fix a weak LES or hiatal hernias. Long-term PPI use poses risks for nutrient deficiencies or kidney issues. Lifestyle changes such as diet and sleep adjustments can help patients with mild GERD but often fail in more severe cases, allowing progression to esophageal damage. Even older open surgeries, which are now rare, involve longer recovery and higher risks. Most options offer temporary relief, not lasting solutions.
How surgery works
Laparoscopic fundoplication is a minimally invasive surgery to treat severe GERD by reinforcing the weakened LES, the valve between the stomach and the esophagus. Using small abdominal incisions and a camera-guided tool, the surgeon wraps the upper part of the stomach, known as the fundus, around the esophagus to tighten the LES, preventing acid reflux. The procedure takes approximately 1–2 hours under general anesthesia. The most common techniques include the Nissen 360-degree wrap and partial fundoplication.
Risks vs rewards
Like all surgeries, laparoscopic fundoplication carries some risks, though serious complications are rare. Common side effects include difficulty swallowing, bloating, or gas, which often resolve within weeks as the body adjusts. Rare complications like infection, organ injury, or wrap slippage can occur. Studies show that most patients achieve long-term GERD relief, reducing reliance on medications, which carry risks over time.
Are you a candidate?
If struggling with severe GERD symptoms like persistent heartburn and regurgitation that do not improve with medications or lifestyle changes, a patient might be a good candidate for laparoscopic fundoplication. This surgery is especially helpful for individuals with major issues due to a weak LES or a hiatal hernia. Candidates must be generally healthy, ready to commit to recovery guidelines, and non-smokers since smoking can slow down healing.
Steps to full recovery
Most patients go home within 1–2 days and follow a phased diet, going from liquids to soft foods and a regular diet over 4–6 weeks. Mild discomfort and temporary bloating are common after surgery, but heavy lifting and vigorous exercise should be avoided for 4–6 weeks. Most patients return to work in 2–3 weeks, with complete recovery in 6–8 weeks. Long-term success depends on avoiding reflux triggers like overeating or smoking.
Lasting GERD solutions
Laparoscopic fundoplication offers a promising solution for individuals battling the persistent and often debilitating symptoms of GERD. By addressing the root causes, this minimally invasive procedure provides a more durable remedy than traditional treatments that only manage symptoms. Patients struggling with severe GERD who want a long-term solution should consult with a healthcare provider to determine if laparoscopic fundoplication is the right choice.
