Treatment for Acid Reflux: Why Dr. Ahmed Hassn Recommends Full Nissen Fundoplication
Acid reflux is one of the most common digestive problems, and choosing the right treatment for acid reflux can make a lasting difference to comfort and quality of life. Many patients start with lifestyle changes or acid reflux medicine, but when symptoms keep coming back, a permanent surgical solution may be worth considering. As a stomach surgeon who has performed thousands of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgeries, Dr. Ahmed Hassn explains why he usually recommends the full Nissen fundoplication procedure over partial wraps, and what patients should expect from treating acid reflux this way.
What is the best treatment for acid reflux?
There is no single answer to what is the best treatment for acid reflux, since it depends on how often symptoms occur and how well they respond to simpler measures. Mild, occasional reflux often improves with dietary changes, weight management, and over the counter treatment for acid reflux such as antacids. When symptoms are more frequent, doctors may prescribe stronger acid reflux medicine, including proton pump inhibitors, to reduce acid production. For patients who continue to experience reflux despite medication, or who do not want to remain on long-term medicine, nissen fundoplication surgery offers a more durable solution.
Also Read – GERD diet: Foods to avoid to reduce Acid Reflux
What is the Nissen fundoplication procedure?
The Nissen fundoplication procedure is a type of anti-reflux surgery in which the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower end of the esophagus. This creates a stronger valve that helps stop stomach acid from flowing back up. Today, most surgeons perform this as a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, using small incisions, a camera, and specialised instruments rather than open surgery. This keyhole approach generally means less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster return to normal activities compared with traditional open surgery.
Why I recommend the full Nissen fundoplication for treating acid reflux
As a stomach surgeon who has performed thousands of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgeries, I usually recommend the full Nissen fundoplication procedure (a 360-degree wrap) to my patients rather than the partial wraps of 270 or 180 degrees. Here is why.
The full wrap offers the best long-term cure
The full 360-degree wrap provides the most effective and long-lasting control of acid reflux. Partial wraps, such as the 270-degree or 180-degree options, have a higher chance of reflux coming back over time.
Side effects are usually mild and temporary
Some people worry about side effects like gas bloat or difficulty swallowing after the full wrap surgery. In my experience, these issues are rarely severe or permanent. Gas bloat, which means feeling full of gas and unable to easily burp, is often a sign that the surgery is working well. It shows that stomach acid is not coming back up. This gas discomfort usually improves over time and can be helped with simple medications.
Difficulty swallowing is uncommon and treatable
If the surgery is done properly and with careful technique, difficulty swallowing right after the operation is uncommon, happening in about 3% of patients. When it does occur, it is usually temporary and easily treated with simple endoscopic procedures to stretch the esophagus. Long-term swallowing problems are very rare.
There is always a backup plan
In the less than 1% of patients who have persistent swallowing difficulties, we can convert the full 360-degree wrap to a partial wrap as a backup option.
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication procedure steps
While every case is planned around the patient’s anatomy, the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication procedure steps generally follow a similar pattern. The surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen, then uses a camera and long instruments to free the lower esophagus and upper stomach. The stomach is then wrapped fully around the lower esophagus to recreate a natural valve, and the wrap is secured with sutures. Most patients go home within a day or two and are advised to follow a soft diet for a short period while the wrap settles.
In summary
I favour the full Nissen fundoplication because it offers the most durable cure for acid reflux, with side effects that are usually mild, temporary, and treatable. This gives patients the best chance to live comfortably without reflux symptoms in the long run. If you have questions about acid reflux treatment or surgery options, always consult a qualified specialist who can guide you based on the latest knowledge and experience.
FAQs
What is the treatment for acid reflux?
Treatment for acid reflux ranges from lifestyle and dietary changes to acid reflux medicine, and, for persistent cases, surgery such as the Nissen fundoplication procedure.
What is the Nissen fundoplication procedure?
It is a surgical treatment for acid reflux in which the upper stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus to strengthen the valve that keeps stomach acid from moving back up.
What are the treatment options for acid reflux?
Options include dietary and lifestyle changes, over the counter treatment for acid reflux, prescription acid reflux medicine, and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication surgery for patients who need a longer-term solution.
How to stop acid reflux long-term?
For many patients, addressing triggers and using medicine controls symptoms well. Those with persistent or severe reflux may achieve longer-lasting relief through the Nissen fundoplication procedure.
