Atrium Health Navicent Surgery Macon

Reflux Surgeries

Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication

This surgery is done for patients with severe Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). During this procedure the upper curve of the stomach is wrapped around the esophagus and sewn into place. This helps strengthen the valve between the stomach and the esophagus which helps to stop acid from backing up into the esophagus as easily as before.

Before Surgery

  • Your doctor will review allergies and all of your medications including over the counter medications and any herbs or vitamins
  • You will not be allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure.

During Surgery

  • General anesthesia will be used and it will be done either open or laparoscopically.
  • Open Surgery- A large incision is made on the chest or abdomen and the procedure is done. You will be in the hospital 4-6 days after this surgery.
  • Laparoscopic Surgery- With this procedure several small incisions are made and the procedure will be done using surgical instruments that are inserted through the small incisions. You will be in the hospital 2-3 days after this surgery.

After Surgery

  • You will be taken to recovery for a short time to wake up; then taken to your hospital room.
  • You will be given strict dietary instructions on what and how to eat after this surgery. You will need to eat only soft foods until you are completely healed. You will have to change your diet and eat more slowly after this surgery.

Risks of this Procedure

  • Infection
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Return of GERD symptoms

Linx Device Placement

This procedure is done for patients who have severe acid reflux or GERD. The Linx system is placed around the esophagus and the ends are attached. This system will stretch when you are eating to allow you to swallow food; it will then help constrict the esophagus to reduce the amount of acid that can come back up and help prevent acid reflux.

Before Surgery

  • Your doctor will review allergies and all of your medications including over the counter medications and any herbs or vitamins
  • You will not be allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure.

During Surgery

  • General anesthesia will be used
  • The procedure will be done laparoscopically through several small incisions made in the abdomen and the Linx system will be applied around the esophagus.

After Surgery

  • You will be taken to recovery for a short time to wake up; you should go home the same day.
  • You should be able to return to a normal diet as soon as you can tolerate it. You may feel like you are having difficulty swallowing but this is normal and expected.
  • You will receive a LINX Implant Card after surgery that you should always carry with you to let others know you have this device.
  • You will not be able to have a MRI after having this procedure.

Risks of this Procedure

  • Infection
  • Inability to swallow
  • Painful swallowing
  • Nausea and vomiting