Reflux Surgery: Is A Lap Nissen Fundoplication Right For Me?
If you’re reading this blog, chances are you’ve already made the decision to get surgery for your GERD and you’re now researching the best way to do so! If so, congratulations! Going the surgery route may seem like a frightening, last-resort option, but with chronic acid reflux and GERD, it’s actually the best and only way to get rid of your symptoms, and your PPI’s, for good.
At Tampa Bay Reflux Center, our reflux surgeons are subspecialized in minimally invasive surgeries for chronic acid reflux and GERD and one of their most popular surgeries is the Lap Nissen Fundoplication. Why? Well, there are a few reasons.
Read on to discover what a Lap Nissen Fundoplication is, how it works, and whether it’s the right surgery for you!
What Is A Lap Nissen Fundoplication?
Patients with GERD have a lower esophageal sphincter that is too weak or too long. The Lap Nissen Fundoplication allows surgeons to restore normal function of the esophageal sphincter in order to eliminate most or all acid reflux and heartburn symptoms.
How Does A Nissen Fundoplication Surgery Work?
A Nissen Fundoplication is minimally invasive, laparoscopic surgery that consists of folding (plicating) the stomach a full 360 degrees around the lower esophageal sphincter (unlike the TIF plication surgery, which only creates a 200-300 degree plication). This wrapping of the stomach around the esophageal juncture reinforces and restores the acid barrier by allowing it to compress enough to keep stomach acid from flowing back up the esophagus.
Benefits Of A Lap Nissen Fundoplication?
One of the main reasons that the Lap Nissen Fundoplication surgery is so popular is because it is the reflux surgery with the most years on the market, resulting in over six decades of data on the success and durability of the procedure. Furthermore, 90-95% of Lap Nissen surgery patients are able to quit their daily acid reflux and heartburn medications immediately post-procedure. Best of all? The Lap Nissen surgery is generally covered in some capacity by all insurers, and typically fully covered by Medicaid.
Is The Lap Nissen Fundoplication Right For You?
Typically, the Lap Nissen surgery works best for patients with severe symptoms of GERD or in advanced cases. Additionally, you may be a good candidate for a Lap Nissen Fundoplication surgery if…
You are a person who is older
You have Medicaid or can get full/partial coverage from an insurer
You can take 2 weeks time off from work for recovery
You are prepared to undergo a liquid diet for up to 2 weeks post-op, and semi-solid diet for weeks 3 and 4 post-op.
You don’t mind having a larger scar than you would have with a TIF or LINX procedure.
You want to quit your PPI’s immediately or as soon as possible, preferably without having to wean.
You want an option that is sure-fire, tried-and-tested, and effective!
More Information
Now that you know almost all there is to know about the Lap Nissen Fundoplication surgery, we hope that you feel more confident in choosing it as the procedure for you! If you’d like to learn more about this procedure, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us today or book an appointment with one of our reflux surgeons.