Acid Reflux Surgery
Long-term relief for persistent acid reflux and GERD.
Treatment for acid reflux that continues despite medication and lifestyle changes.
Achalasia Surgery Overview
Acid reflux surgery strengthens the barrier between the esophagus and stomach to help prevent stomach contents from flowing backward.
Surgery may be considered when gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes persistent heartburn, regurgitation, or damage to the esophagus. Our team reviews your symptoms, diagnostic testing, previous treatments, and overall health to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Conditions Commonly Treated
The Clarus Surgery team diagnoses and treats:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Chronic heartburn
- Acid or food regurgitation
- Reflux-related chest discomfort
- Nighttime reflux symptoms
- Chronic cough or hoarseness related to reflux
- Inflammation or damage to the esophagus
- Hiatal hernia associated with reflux
When Surgery Is Recommended
Acid reflux surgery may be recommended when:
- Medication does not provide adequate symptom relief
- Symptoms return when medication is discontinued
- Regurgitation continues despite treatment
- Reflux causes inflammation or damage to the esophagus
- A hiatal hernia contributes to GERD symptoms
- Long-term medication is not the preferred treatment
- Diagnostic testing confirms chronic acid reflux
Clarus Surgical Approach
At Clarus Surgery, treatment recommendations are based on your symptoms, diagnostic testing, swallowing function, anatomy, and previous response to medication. If surgery is recommended, our team will explain the procedure, expected recovery, and potential benefits and risks. When appropriate, minimally invasive techniques may be used to treat reflux and repair an associated hiatal hernia.
Have questions about acid reflux surgery? Contact our team to schedule an evaluation.
Preparing for Acid Reflux Surgery
Before surgery, the Clarus Surgery team and anesthesia team provide detailed preparation instructions. General preparation instructions include:
- Do not eat solid foods or consume milk, creamer, gum, candy, or mints after midnight before surgery.
- Follow instructions regarding clear liquids. If no stop time is provided, discontinue clear liquids at midnight.
- Follow medication instructions provided by your anesthesia team, and notify the Clarus Surgery team if you are taking or begin taking any prescription blood thinners before surgery.
- Have a care partner remain in the building during surgery to receive updates from your care team.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you through the first night after surgery.
Additional preparation instructions may vary depending on your medical history and treatment plan.
Recovery Following Acid Reflux Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and individual healing.
Diet & Activity Guidelines
Follow the diet instructions provided by your surgical team and begin walking immediately after surgery. Your diet may progress gradually as your digestive system heals.
Expected Recovery Symptoms
Temporary soreness, bloating, fatigue, and mild swallowing discomfort are common during recovery.
Driving & Daily Activities
Return to normal activities as tolerated. Driving is generally permitted once narcotic pain medication has been discontinued for 48 hours.
Incision Care & Follow-Up Visits
Showering is permitted immediately after surgery. Follow-up is typically scheduled two weeks after surgery.
Post-Surgical Medication Guidance
Following surgery, some patients may require prescription pain medication or other medications to support recovery. Recommendations vary based on the procedure performed, medical history, and individual recovery needs.
Pain Management
Take medications as directed by your care team. Many patients gradually transition from prescription pain medication to over-the-counter pain relief as recovery progresses.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact our team immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe or worsening chest or abdominal pain
- Inability to swallow liquids
- Persistent vomiting
- Coughing up blood or persistent bleeding
- Fever greater than 101.5°F
- Pain not relieved with medication
- White, yellow, or green drainage from the incision
Small amounts of clear or pink-tinged drainage can be normal during early healing. After-hours calls are answered by the on-call service, which will reach the general surgery provider on call. If you feel your situation is an emergency, call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room and ask the treating team to contact us immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I consider surgery for acid reflux?
Acid reflux surgery may be considered when medication and lifestyle changes do not control GERD, symptoms return without medication, or reflux damages the esophagus. Clarus Surgery reviews your symptoms and diagnostic testing before determining whether surgery may be appropriate.
How does acid reflux surgery work?
Acid reflux surgery strengthens the barrier between the stomach and esophagus to help prevent stomach contents from flowing backward. The specific surgical approach depends on your anatomy, swallowing function, diagnostic findings, and overall health. The Clarus Surgery team will explain the recommended procedure during your evaluation.
How long is recovery after acid reflux surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure performed and individual healing. Patients generally begin walking shortly after surgery and gradually return to daily activities. Clarus Surgery provides specific instructions for eating, lifting, driving, incision care, and returning to work.
Will I still need acid reflux medication after surgery?
Some patients may reduce or discontinue reflux medication after surgery, while others may continue treatment based on their symptoms and test results. The Clarus Surgery team will monitor your recovery and explain whether medication remains necessary following your procedure.
How effective is surgery for chronic acid reflux?
Acid reflux surgery can provide long-term symptom improvement for appropriately selected patients with confirmed GERD. Results vary based on the procedure, anatomy, diagnostic findings, and overall health. Clarus Surgery completes an evaluation to determine whether surgery is likely to provide meaningful relief.
