This page will give you information about anti-reflux surgery. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.

You can also download and print a PDF version of this factsheet, with space for your own questions or notes.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes 1 to 2 hours.

Your surgeon may use keyhole surgery. They will make several small cuts on your abdomen. Your surgeon will insert surgical instruments, along with a telescope, inside your abdomen and perform the operation.

Your surgeon will stitch your diaphragm to reduce the size of the hole your oesophagus passes through. They will wrap and stitch the top part of your stomach around your lower oesophagus.

Your surgeon can wrap your stomach all the way round your oesophagus or just part-way round.

What complications can happen?

General complications

• pain
• bleeding
• infection of the surgical site (wound)
• unsightly scarring
• developing a hernia in the scar
• blood clots

Specific complications

• damage to structures such as your bowel, bladder or blood vessels
• developing a hernia near one of the cuts
• surgical emphysema
• difficulty swallowing for a few months
• pneumothorax
• making a hole in your oesophagus or stomach
• tear of the stitches used for the wrap
• damage to your liver

Long-term problems

• continued difficulty swallowing
• incomplete control of reflux symptoms
• tissues can join together in an abnormal way
• weight loss
• abdominal discomfort
• diarrhoea

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home within a few days.

You should be able to return to work after 3 to 4 weeks, depending on how much surgery you need and your type of work.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

You should make a full recovery, with the symptoms of acid reflux gone or much improved.

Summary

Acid reflux can cause heartburn or acid in your mouth. The acid can cause the lining of your oesophagus to become inflamed or scarred. Surgery may be recommended if your symptoms continue while you are taking medication.

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