GERD Surgery: How Lap Nissen Fundoplication Works

If you are tired of living with the severe symptoms of GERD, perhaps it is time to consider lap Nissen fundoplication surgery to fix it once and for all.

What is Lap Nissen Fundoplication?

Lap Nissen fundoplication is one of the oldest and most widely used anti-reflux surgeries. It is popular because it addresses the fundamental cause of GERD, which is the weak anatomy of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Compared with other options, lap Nissen fundoplication is one of the best solutions for patients with severe symptoms. However, it is also the most invasive.

What Happens During Lap Nissen Fundoplication?

Typically, GERD occurs when the LES is either too loose or too short. Lap Nissen fundoplication fixes both of these issues by strengthening and lengthening the LES using stomach tissue and wrapping it around the LES and securing it.

Unlike TIF and LINX surgeries, the Nissen fundoplication approach is a complete solution by reinforcing the sphincter to stop stomach acid from splashing back up into the esophagus.

The Benefits of Lap Nissen Fundoplication

The benefits of lap Nissen fundoplication are plentiful, including the fact that you can stop taking your daily heartburn medication immediately after the surgery; you don’t have to wait to wean off it. The procedure also reduces or eliminates other severe symptoms of GERD in most patients. It also happens to be one of the most trusted and efficient GERD surgery options and has been for more than 60 years.

Lap Nissen Fundoplication Recovery Process

Physicians recommend taking a couple of weeks off after surgery to recuperate. You may experience some bloating for a few months after surgery, and some patients have Dysphasia (difficulty swallowing) for 6-8 weeks post-surgery.

The surgery is often performed laparoscopically; therefore, you will have only tiny scars in your abdomen. You may have to stay overnight in the hospital for a night or two for observation. For the first two weeks post-surgery, you will be on a liquid diet, then a semi-solid diet for 3-4 weeks after, and return to unrestricted eating 8 weeks after the procedure. You can then resume normal life without GERD and heartburn medications!

If you are ready to put GERD in the rear-view mirror once and for all, contact the Tampa Bay Reflux Center to discuss lap Nissen surgery in Tampa.