General Surgery Blogs

Dr. Steven Williams in Boise, Idaho

14Nov

What is Nissen Fundoplication?

Dr. Steve Williams | Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) | | View Counts (14750) |Return|

Nissen fundoplication is a common surgical procedure used to treat GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) as well as hiatal hernias. It is often a last resort for patients with GERD, used only when other medical treatments have failed. For hiatal hernias, however, it is the most common surgical treatment.

Fundoplication is a surgical technique in which the upper area of the stomach (the gastric fundus) is wrapped, to varying degrees, around the bottom of the esophagus. A Nissen Fundoplication is known as a "complete fundoplication," in which the fundus is completely wrapped around the esophagus. The fundus is then stitched into place, which improves the lower esophageal sphincter's ability to close.

Nissen fundoplication also involves stitching (suturing) a hole in the diaphragm (known as the esophageal hiatus). This step helps treat concurrent instances of hiatal hernia, which occurs when the fundus moves upwards through the diaphragm.

The procedure was first performed in 1955 by Dr. Rudolph Nissen (he referred to it as "gastroplication"), but it didn't become a popular surgical procedure until the 1970s, when it was named for him. The procedure is now performed laparoscopically, meaning that it is only minimally invasive.

Benefits of Nissen Fundoplication for People with GERD

Although Nissen fundoplication is usually a last resort for GERD, long-suffering patients often seek the surgery. Although PPI (proton pump inhibitors) drugs and antacids can reduce or mask the effects of acid reflux, these drugs often have a variety of damaging side effects. When these drugs aren't able to properly treat GERD, gastric contents like acid and bile can create their own medical problems.

Efficacy and Safety

The procedure is typically effective. Studies report that 89.5% of patients who have undergone Nissen fundoplication remain symptom-free after 10 years. It is also generally considered safe, with a mortality rate lower than 1%. Complications can include bloating, difficulty swallowing, and scarring.

Surgery Idaho | Boise General Surgery

Contact Our Boise General Surgery Office

Related

Symptoms of Gallbladder Pain

Symptoms of Gallbladder Pain

Describing Gallbladder PainAs I often tell patients, it seems that gallbladder pain is divided into ...

Read More >
Is Your Pain Gallstones?

Is Your Pain Gallstones?

Gallstones are simply hard deposits that settle in the gallbladder. Sometimes, you don't even kn...

Read More >
Do You Need Your Gallbladder?

Do You Need Your Gallbladder?

The gallbladder does have a function within our body. Unlike the appendix, which has only been theor...

Read More >
Recovering from GERD Surgery

Recovering from GERD Surgery

Plan to take it easy after surgery to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. Most patients are in th...

Read More >
The 4 F's of Gallbladder Surgery

The 4 F's of Gallbladder Surgery

The gallbladder’s function is to store bile that is produced by the liver. For those with gallbladd...

Read More >
Do I Have to Change the Way I Eat After Gallbladder Surgery?

Do I Have to Change the Way I Eat After Gallbladder Surgery?

Most people who have their gallbladders removed do not have to alter their diet at all. Perhaps this...

Read More >

Subscribe

Name

Contact Dr. Steven Williams

Boise's Best General Surgeon

  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *

Call or Contact Us Now
Practicing General Surgery in the Boise area since 2002