Reflux surgery

Heartburn, or reflux, is a burning sensation in the chest that occurs when stomach acid refluxes up into the oesophagus. It may be triggered by things like spicy foods or alcohol and tends to be exacerbated by smoking and obesity. It often occurs during pregnancy. Most people get reflux occasionally and don’t require surgery. But some suffer from constant reflux, and medication no longer controls the symptoms. In these situations, reflux surgery can be an appropriate option.

Scheduling your surgery

To schedule your reflux surgery, you’ll need to be referred by your GP. Ask your GP to refer you directly to Richard Flint and I will be in touch to set up an initial consultation.

Reflux surgery is performed laparoscopically. The first step is to repair the hiatus hernia by mobilizing the stomach back from the chest and suture-tightening the diaphragm around the oesophagus. The second step, called a fundoplication is to encircle the oesophagus with part of the stomach. This oesophagus can be encircled completely (called Nissen), or partially (Toupet or anterior) depending on the severity and pattern of symptoms.

Reflux surgery is best offered to those who can no longer control symptoms with lifestyle or medication. Proper patient selection is key to a good outcome, so preoperative testing is imperative. A gastroscope is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and on occasion a pH test and oesophageal manometry are required.

When to consider surgery for reflux

There are many treatment options your GP will likely consider before referring you for surgery, including antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or h2-receptor blockers.

However, if these treatments aren’t working, surgery might be the answer.

Fundoplication is the type of surgery performed to treat severe cases of GORD aiming to strengthen the lower oesophageal sphincter to prevent acid reflux.

Here is a video of a laparoscopic fundoplication surgery.

Acid reflux

Click the section below to watch a video of a fundoplication performed laparoscopically and learn more about the surgery.

1. Acid reflux

More about acid reflux

What to expect

During your consultation We’ll review your medical history together and discuss the symptoms you’re having to help me determine the severity of the issue and the best course of action.
After your consultation We’ll book you in for surgery and provide detailed pre-operation information and instructions to make sure you fully understand what to expect on the day of the surgery, including a detailed outline of your planned post-surgery care.

Patient information for reflux surgeries

Download our pre- and post-op patient guides for more information on what to expect during the process. Please note, these are general information brochures. When you are booked in for your surgery, you’ll receive any personalised information and details about your specific procedure.