Reflux Treatment

What is Anti-Reflux Surgery?

Anti-reflux surgery, or fundoplication, is a surgical procedure used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). During this surgery, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower oesophagus, creating a valve-like mechanism that prevents stomach acid from flowing back up. 


Who is Suitable for Anti-Reflux Surgery?

  • Individuals with severe GORD who are not adequately controlled with medications.
  • Patients who experience frequent regurgitation or heartburn, even on medication.
  • Patients who prefer not to be on medications in the long term.
  • People with complications from GORD, such as oesophageal ulcerations or Barrett's oesophagus.


Benefits of Anti-Reflux Surgery 

Anti-reflux surgery offers several benefits for individuals with chronic GORD, including:

  • Relief from GORD Symptoms: Alleviate symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing, providing significant relief and improving quality of life.
  • Reduced Medication Dependence: For individuals who rely on long-term medication to manage GORD, surgery may reduce or eliminate the need for daily medication, offering a more sustainable solution.
  • Improved Oesophageal Health: By preventing the backward flow of stomach acid into the oesophagus, anti-reflux surgery can help prevent complications such as esophageal inflammation, ulcers, and likely reduce the chances of developing premalignant changes or cancer of the oesophagus.


Types of Anti-Reflux Surgery

There are different types of anti-reflux surgery procedures available, including:

  • Nissen Fundoplication: This is a common type of surgery performed for hiatus hernia repair. It involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach (fundus) around the lower oesophagus to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent acid reflux.
  • Toupet Fundoplication: A partial wrap procedure that addresses the hernia while preserving the ability to swallow effectively. It involves wrapping only a portion of the stomach around the ¾ of the lower oesophagus.
  • Dor Fundoplication: A partial wrap procedure that addresses the hernia while preserving the ability to swallow effectively. It involves wrapping only a portion of the stomach around ½ of the lower oesophagus.
  • Weight loss surgery: Reflux in patients with obesity is a significant and common problem. Often, a weight loss operation can help with obesity-causing reflux and also create a low-pressure system to prevent reflux from recurring.


Alternative Options to Anti-Reflux Surgery 

In addition to anti-reflux surgery, alternative treatment options are available for managing GORD. These may include:

  • Medication: Prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor blockers, can help reduce stomach acid production and alleviate GORD symptoms. However, they provide temporary relief and may not address the underlying cause.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: This may involve weight loss, avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, maintaining an upright posture after meals, and quitting smoking.
  • Weight loss surgery: Losing weight, especially via a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is an excellent way to reduce reflux.


Preparation Before Anti-Reflux Surgery

Before undergoing anti-reflux surgery, several preparatory steps are necessary. These may include:

  • Medical Evaluation: A thorough medical evaluation will assess the individual's overall health, determine the severity of GORD, and rule out any underlying conditions.
  • Pre-operative Instructions: Patients will receive specific instructions regarding dietary restrictions, medication management, and lifestyle modifications in the weeks leading up to the surgery. It is crucial to follow these instructions closely to ensure optimal surgical outcomes.


Anti-Reflux Surgery Procedure

Anti-reflux surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Steps involved in the procedure include:

  • Your surgeon makes five small incisions in the upper abdomen, inserting a telescope and several other instruments into the abdomen. The procedure is done by watching a monitor.
  • The hole in the diaphragm through which the oesophagus passes is then tightened with sutures.
  • Your surgeon wraps the upper part of the stomach (called the fundus) around the lower oesophagus to create a valve, suturing it in place.
  • The laparoscope and other instruments are removed, and the gas is released.
  • The tiny incisions are then closed.


What to Expect After Anti-Reflux Surgery?

After anti-reflux surgery, patients can expect the following:

  • Hospital Stay: Most patients can expect to stay in the hospital for a day or two after the surgery to monitor their recovery and manage postoperative discomfort.
  • Diet Progression: You will start with a liquid diet immediately postoperatively. You will go home on a puree diet for four weeks if tolerated. You can then gradually transition to solid foods as guided by your surgeon or dietitian.
  • Recovery and Healing: It may take several weeks for the incisions to heal completely, and you should follow your surgeon's instructions regarding activity restrictions and wound care. Generally, the restrictions after this type of surgery are minimal.


Anti-Reflux Surgery Care Plan

Wound Care

  • The small incisions are covered with waterproof dressings so you can shower. 
  • They should be removed after ten days. 


Pain Management

  • You may feel soreness around the incision areas. As (during the procedure), the abdomen was distended with gas.
  • Your surgeon may prescribe pain medicine to keep you comfortable for the first few days. 
  • You may experience discomfort in the abdomen, chest, or shoulder area for several days. 


Activity

  • Shortly after surgery, you can gradually resume your daily activities.
  • You are encouraged to start walking as early as possible to reduce the risks of blood clots and pneumonia.
  • You are advised not to lift heavy objects (more than 3 kg) for six weeks. 


Work

  • You can get back to work in two to three weeks.


Anti-Reflux Surgery Prognosis

The outcome of treatment varies from person to person. Surgery is beneficial in approximately 90% of patients. Many patients who have suffered for years from heartburn and required medication to control the symptoms find that all symptoms are alleviated as soon as they awake from surgery, and no longer need medication. 


Anti-Reflux Surgery Risks

As with any surgical procedure, anti-reflux surgery carries potential risks and complications, including infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anaesthesia, damage to surrounding structures, and post-operative discomfort. Fundoplication may involve certain side effects. 


These can include trouble swallowing, inability to burp or vomit, bloating and passing more wind. These side effects do not occur in everyone. Patients should discuss these risks with their surgeons and be aware of the potential complications.


What if Anti-Reflux Surgery is Delayed?

If anti-reflux surgery is delayed when it is medically recommended, ongoing reflux may continue to damage the oesophagus and affect quality of life. Over time, persistent acid exposure can lead to complications such as inflammation of the oesophagus (oesophagitis), ulcers, scarring or narrowing of the oesophagus (stricture), and swallowing difficulties. In some cases, long-standing reflux may contribute to the development of Barrett’s oesophagus, which carries a small risk of progressing to oesophageal cancer.


Delaying surgery may also mean that symptoms such as chronic heartburn, regurgitation, cough, or chest discomfort continue despite medication, potentially impacting sleep, eating, and daily activities. For this reason, if surgery has been recommended after appropriate assessment, it is generally advisable to discuss the timing and risks of delay with your specialist.

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