On the Arrowhead Hospital Campus
18699 North 67th Ave., Suite 280
Glendale, Arizona 85308
602-995-0822

Nissen Fundoplication

If you suffer from gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) or a hiatal hernia and need surgery, the board-certified general surgeons at Arizona Preferred Surgeons in Glendale, Arizona, are here for you. They offer Nissen fundoplication to correct these medical problems and reduce your risk of complications.

Nissen Fundoplication Q & A

What is Nissen fundoplication?

Nissen fundoplication is a surgery to treat gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernias, which happen when the top part of your stomach bulges through your diaphragm. Nissen fundoplication tightens the valve between your stomach and esophagus to repair tissues and reduce unpleasant symptoms.

Is Nissen fundoplication right for me?

After your doctor reviews your symptoms and medical history with you, they let you know if Nissen fundoplication is the right choice to treat your GERD. Symptoms of GERD include:

  • Chest pain
  • Heartburn
  • Lump in your throat
  • Food regurgitation
  • Difficult swallowing
  • Sleeping problems
  • New asthma
  • Laryngitis
  • Chronic cough

Your heartburn might be worse after eating or when lying down. Your specialist also completes a physical exam and could recommend blood tests, an upper endoscopy, acid probe testing, esophageal testing, and X-rays or another imaging procedure.

How should I prepare for Nissen fundoplication?

To get ready for Nissen fundoplication, follow your surgeon’s instructions. Stop taking any medications you’re asked to. Arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery. Don’t eat or drink anything the morning of your scheduled procedure.

What happens during Nissen fundoplication?

Right before Nissen fundoplication, you receive an anesthetic to make you fall asleep. Your surgeon makes one or more incisions in your abdomen, wraps your upper stomach around your lower esophagus, then closes the incisions.

What should I expect after Nissen fundoplication?

After Nissen fundoplication, you can expect to spend a night or two in the surgery center. You could have a sore throat for a day or so. You might need a temporary tube to clear your stomach of digestive juices during the healing process. Your surgeon could insert an IV line to deliver fluids into your body until you resume eating.

Eat only soft foods during the first 7-10 days after surgery. Take your medications as directed and get plenty of rest. Begin light exercise only when your surgeon asks you to. Avoid strenuous activity until you’re given the OK to do otherwise, and attend all your follow-up appointments.

To learn more about Nissen fundoplication and find out if it’s right for you, call the Arizona Preferred Surgeons office today or book an appointment online.