Most people experience heartburn now and then. After a large or spicy meal, a burning feeling in the chest or throat is common. But when symptoms keep returning, they can start affecting daily life. Persistent symptoms may keep you awake at night, stop you from enjoying your favourite foods and leave you relying on medication that doesn’t always provide full relief.
If this sounds familiar, you may be wondering what other options are available. For some people, fundoplication surgery can provide long-term relief from their symptoms and reduce the need for medication. In this blog, we’ll explain what fundoplication surgery is, who it can help and what you can expect from the procedure.
What is chronic acid reflux?
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back up into your oesophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Reflux can cause a burning feeling in your chest, known as heartburn, or leave a sour taste in your mouth.
Chronic acid reflux is when these symptoms last longer than a day or two and become more frequent. If you find yourself experiencing reflux several times a week, it may begin to affect your sleep, diet and day-to-day wellbeing.
Common symptoms include:
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation of food or acid
- A sour or bitter taste in your mouth
- Bloating, nausea or a recurring cough
- Difficulty swallowing
If acid reflux continues for a long time without treatment, it can irritate the oesophagus. Over time, this can raise the risk of complications such as Barrett’s oesophagus (a condition where the cells in your oesophagus grow abnormally). If you’re experiencing frequent symptoms, it’s important to speak to a doctor.
How does fundoplication surgery work?
Fundoplication is a type of surgery used to treat chronic acid reflux and help stop acid from travelling the wrong way. Normally, a small muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus acts like a valve, keeping food and acid in the stomach. If this muscle becomes weak, acid can leak upwards and cause reflux. Fundoplication works by tightening this valve so it can do its job properly again.
During the operation, the top part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower end of the oesophagus and secured with stitches. This tightens the valve at the bottom of the oesophagus, making it harder for acid to flow back up.
Most fundoplication procedures are carried out using minimally invasive keyhole (laparoscopic) or robot-assisted techniques. These involve just a few small cuts in the abdomen rather than a single large incision, which usually means less pain and a quicker recovery.
There are a few variations of the operation. The most common is a Nissen fundoplication, where the stomach is wrapped fully around the oesophagus. Sometimes a partial wrap may be more suitable, depending on your symptoms and overall health.
When fundoplication surgery may be right for you
Not everyone with reflux needs surgery. Many people find that their symptoms improve with lifestyle changes or medication.
Surgery may be considered if these aren’t helping. It may be an option if reflux keeps coming back, medicine isn’t working or is causing side effects, your symptoms are affecting sleep or diet, or the oesophagus is inflamed or narrowed.
Before recommending surgery, your surgeon will usually arrange investigations such as an endoscopy. An endoscopy is when a thin flexible tube with a camera is gently passed down the throat to look at the oesophagus and stomach. These tests confirm chronic acid reflux and ensure that surgery is the most suitable treatment.
Benefits of fundoplication surgery
For people living with chronic acid reflux, fundoplication can bring lasting relief.
Some of the main benefits include:
- Lasting symptom control – surgery tackles the underlying cause rather than just easing symptoms
- Less reliance on medication – many patients can reduce or stop acid-suppressing drugs after surgery
- Improved quality of life – enjoying meals and sleeping comfortably without constant worry about heartburn
- Protection from complications – reducing the risk of further damage to the oesophagus over time
At Mr Achal Khanna’s clinic in Milton Keynes, fundoplication is performed using minimally invasive techniques, including advanced robot-assisted surgery.
This modern approach offers important advantages compared with traditional open surgery, such as:
- Smaller incisions and minimal scarring
- Shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery
- Reduced pain after surgery
- Greater precision, leading to enhanced results
This blend of surgical expertise and the latest technology helps patients achieve safe, effective results with a smoother recovery.
What to expect during your fundoplication surgery
Fundoplication is carried out under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep throughout. The operation usually takes between one and two hours.
Instead of a large incision, your surgeon will make several small cuts in your abdomen. A thin tube with a camera provides a clear view of the oesophagus and stomach, while special instruments are used to wrap the top part of the stomach around the lower oesophagus and stitch it in place.
Because the procedure is minimally invasive, most people only need to stay in the hospital for a short time – often just one to three days.
Recovering from fundoplication surgery
Recovery varies from person to person, but many people can return to light activities within a couple of weeks. It’s important to give your body time to rest and recover.
In the early days after surgery, you’ll start with liquids and gradually move on to soft foods. This gives your oesophagus time to heal and reduces the chance of swallowing difficulties. Over time, you can return to a varied, balanced diet.
It’s not unusual to feel bloated or find swallowing a little difficult at first, but these side effects usually improve as your body adapts. Your surgeon will give you clear guidance on eating, activity and follow-up care to support your recovery.
Most people are back to their normal routines within four to six weeks, and the results of surgery often provide long-lasting relief.
Find lasting chronic acid reflux relief with Mr Achal Khanna
Living with chronic acid reflux can be exhausting, but you don’t have to put up with constant discomfort or rely on medication that doesn’t fully solve the problem. Fundoplication surgery offers a proven, long-term solution for people whose symptoms have not improved with other treatments.
As a leading private upper GI surgeon in Milton Keynes, Mr Achal Khanna specialises in advanced laparoscopic and robot-assisted techniques that minimise recovery time and provide safe, lasting results. His patient-centred approach means you will receive clear advice, expert assessment and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Book your consultation with Mr Achal Khanna today and take the next step towards lasting relief from chronic acid reflux.