Antireflux surgery is a surgical procedure that involves wrapping part of the stomach, called the fundus, around the lower esophagus. The esophagus, or food pipe, has a barrier to keep stomach acid and contents from splashing or refluxing back up into the esophagus. This barrier is called the lower esophageal sphincter. By wrapping part of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter, this procedure strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. If a hiatal hernia exists, it can be repaired at the same time.

Antireflux surgery can be performed as a minimally invasive procedure.  Click here to watch animated versions of open and minimally invasive antireflux surgeries. This means that the surgeon creates four to five small incisions, instead of the one large incision that open surgery involves. The surgeon then uses a fiber-optic light and camera to see the esophagus and stomach. Using special instruments designed for MIP, the surgeon completes the surgery.

In some cases, your surgeon may find it necessary to convert from a minimally invasive procedure to open surgery.

The minimally invasive procedure for reflux has become a common approach and offers the following benefits versus open surgery:

• Shorter hospital stay (one to three days, instead of open surgery’s five to seven days)
• Faster return to normal activities
• Shorter recovery time (as little as one to two weeks compared to open surgery’s four to six weeks)
• Less scarring
• Less discomfort or pain