Nissen Fundoplication

What is Nissen fundoplication?

Nissen fundoplication is a surgery to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and prevent recurrent acid reflux. GERD develops when your esophageal valve weakens and allows stomach acids to flow back into your esophagus.

Over time, the backflow of acid can damage the lining of your esophagus and cause ulcers, pain, and swallowing problems. Untreated GERD also increases your risk for esophageal cancer.

Nissen fundoplication aims to tighten the muscles at the bottom of your esophagus to keep acids in your stomach.

When should I consider Nissen fundoplication surgery?

You might be a candidate for Nissen fundoplication surgery if medications, weight loss, and diet changes aren’t enough to control chronic acid reflux.

The Southwest Surgical Associates providers determine if you’re a candidate for this type of surgery by reviewing your medical history and the severity and frequency of your acid reflux symptoms.

What happens during Nissen fundoplication?

During Nissen fundoplication surgery, your Southwest Surgical Associates surgeon uses minimally invasive, laparoscopic techniques to tighten the valve below your esophagus to prevent acid from flowing backward.

Laparoscopic surgery requires only small incisions to access the treatment area. Through the small incisions, your surgeon inserts a slender scope and passes specialized surgical tools to repair the weak valve.

They also wrap the gastric fundus, a part of your stomach, around your lower esophagus to improve the natural barrier between your stomach and esophagus.

The laparoscope has an attached camera that sends real-time images of the surgical site to an external monitor. Your surgeon views high-definition images of your esophagus to complete your surgery with a high level of precision.

How long does it take to recover from Nissen fundoplication?

After a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, you can expect to stay in the hospital overnight for observation. Because your provider only needs small incisions to complete surgery, you can expect to heal within a week or two.

Southwest Surgical Associates also offers open surgery if you’re not a candidate for laparoscopic techniques. You may need to stay in the hospital for 4-5 days and should plan for 5-6 weeks of recovery time.

During your consultation, your surgeon discusses which type of surgery is right for you. They also provide comprehensive after-care services to help you heal fully after your Nissen fundoplication surgery.

Call the Southwest Surgical Associates office near you to schedule a consultation for Nissen fundoplication or book an appointment online today.

For post op instructions click here