Anti-reflux Surgery

This is a keyhole operation through five small holes under general anaesthetic. The oesophageal opening into the chest is dissected and hiatus hernia any (where present) repaired followed by the wrapping of the fundus of the stomach (fundoplication) around the gastro-oesophageal junction. The aim of this is to strengthen the lower oesophageal sphincter. Risks of the surgery are small but these need to be discussed with the patient.

Anti reflux surgery has a high degree of patient satisfaction in both the short and long term. After surgery there is some difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) this will normally settle over 3 months; a softer diet is therefore needed for the first few weeks. In the longer term there can be recurrence in some patients for a need for medication; but this is normally at a lower dose.