An anti reflux or acid reflux is when acid flows in the wrong direction from your stomach back up into your oesophagus. It causes symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, an unpleasant sour taste in your mouth, and swallowing problems.

Acid reflux can happen if you have:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – when the lowermost muscle of your oesophagus (called the lower oesophageal sphincter) does not function normally as it is either weak or relaxes inappropriately.
• Hiatus hernia – when part of your stomach slides into your chest cavity as the diaphragm opening becomes weak with age or there is pressure on your abdomen.

There are some factors that may contribute to acid reflux including fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, obesity and pregnancy.

Initially, your doctor will usually advise lifestyle modifications and medications. If these don’t help or if you wish to be free of long-term medication, then your doctor might recommend surgery.

Laparoscopic repair surgery for acid reflux is very effective in controlling acid reflux.

If you have a hiatus hernia this will be repaired during the operation. The hernia sac is pulled down from the chest and stitched so that it stays in your abdomen.

Anti reflux surgery involves your surgeon tightening the opening in your diaphragm, through which your oesophagus passes from your chest into the abdomen. During the procedure, part of your stomach that is closest to the entry of the oesophagus is gathered, wrapped and stitched around the lower end of your oesophagus.

This anti reflux surgery, called laparoscopic Nissan Fundoplication tightens the closing mechanism at the lower end of your oesophagus and creates a one-way valve from the oesophagus to your stomach which prevents stomach acid from moving back into your oesophagus.

As anti reflux surgery is normally performed laparoscopically you will usually be able to go home on the same day as your surgery or after a night’s stay in hospital.

You will be given pain relief medication for you to take as directed at home.

You will be given dietary advice that you must follow. You may find it difficult to swallow initially and also have some bloating and discomfort after eating. You can expect to start with liquids and gradually move onto soft foods. You should avoid very solid foods, such as meat, bread and pasta and fizzy drinks for the first six weeks.

You should rest and avoid any strenuous activity for the first two weeks.

The cost of an anti reflux surgery will depend on the exact type of surgery you require, if you have a hiatal hernia, and your Ramsay hospital of choice.

You will receive a formal quotation price following your consultation with one of our expert surgeons. This formal quote for your anti reflux surgery will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. Antireflux surgery is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before starting your treatment.

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your anti reflux surgery yourself. These include:

• Interest-free finance – 0% interest, no deposit and affordable monthly instalments.
• All-inclusive Total Care - one-off pre-agreed payment for access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance.
• Pay as you go – flexible funding to pay for treatment as and when costs arise. Often used if your treatment costs are difficult to assess.

We have strict protocols in place to keep you safe when visiting one of our Ramsay Health Care hospitals.