About the Director

A. This procedure is designed to improve the natural barrier between the stomach and the esophagus. The surgeon wraps the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus to prevent the flow of acids from the stomach into the esophagus.

Q. Which patients are ideal candidates for the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication procedure?

A. Laparoscopic surgery is an option for selected patients with severe chronic heartburn that still disrupts their lives, despite lifestyle modifications and medication. Other heartburn sufferers who may benefit from laparoscopic surgery include younger patients (less than 50 years of age) facing a lifetime of medications, patients who find medications a financial burden, patients who are noncompliant with their drug regimen, and patients who prefer a single intervention to long-term therapy. Diagnostic testing is critical for all patients to document the disease and determine whether surgery is an appropriate option.

Q. How successful is the surgery?

A. Long term studies show that over 90% of patients are symptom-free after a laparoscopic surgical procedure to correct gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Q. What can a patient expect following surgery?

A. After laparoscopic surgery, patients can expect some minor pain in their abdomen where the small incisions were made. This usually disappears in 24 to 48 hours. Patients are usually allowed liquids soon after surgery. They will be given a liquid diet the following morning. A soft diet should be continued with no bread or steak.

Q. Are there any side effects after the surgery?

A. Generally, side effects subside 3-4 weeks postoperatively and may include difficult swallowing, gas and bloating. Early satiety and increased flatus have been the most common side effects noted.

Q. What is the new Stretta Procedure?

A. Please take a look at our Stretta Procedure page. It has complete details on this new procedure for heartburn.