Fundoplication, usually a specific variation called Nissen fundoplication, is the standard surgery for
GERD (
gastroesophageal reflux disease). During this surgery, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to strengthen the sphincter and prevent acid reflux. This surgery for GERD may be done using a laparoscope (which is a specialized video camera) and requires only tiny incisions in the abdomen. Laparoscopic fundoplication is usually preferred over the older method because the recovery is quicker and the risk of complications is decreased. People who have a laparoscopic fundoplication can leave the hospital in 1 to 3 days and return to work in 2 to 3 weeks.
Other surgeries for strengthening the LES include the Bard EndoCinch™ system and the Stretta® system. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved an implant (Enteryx®) that may help people who wish to avoid GERD surgery.
(Click GERD Surgery to learn more about these surgeries and their success rates.)
