Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the ‘gold-standard’ for treating acid reflux. It is performed if you don’t respond to medications or lifestyle changes to treat acid reflux.

A laparoscopic Nissen procedure is minimally invasive surgery to help strengthen your muscle valve, called the lower oesophageal sphincter, at the opening between your oesophagus and stomach. This aims to prevent food and acid going back up your oesophagus.

A Nissan fundoplication is usually performed laparoscopically but sometimes open surgery is required.

Laparoscopic Nissen is performed through very small incisions with your surgeon watching on a video monitor. During surgery, the top of your stomach, called the fundus, is wrapped around the bottom of your oesophagus. This strengthens the valve between your oesophagus and stomach that is not working properly. If you have a hiatal hernia, this will be repaired at the same time as your Nissen Fundoplication.

You may have a full fundoplication where your stomach is wrapped around your oesophagus so that it completely encircles it. Partial fundoplication is an alternative that involves wrapping your stomach only partway around your oesophagus.

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is performed under general anaesthesia. It typically takes about 1.5 hours to perform.

Yes. Although a Nissan fundoplication is usually performed by laparoscopic surgery it is major surgery and you will need to have a couple of weeks to recover.

The recovery process after a Laparoscopic Nissan fundoplication procedure is reasonably fast. You can go home the same day or after a night or two in the hospital.

You will have pain relief medication to take as directed at home.

You can expect to go back to work or your normal routine in two to three weeks, depending on your job role.

After a Nissen fundoplication, you will be advised to only eat soft foods for two weeks until the surgery heals.

Vigorous exercise, sport, and lifting heavy objects should be avoided for about six weeks after a Nissen fundoplication surgery.

The cost of a Laparoscopic Nissen procedure will depend on the exact surgery you require, if you need a hiatal hernia repair as well, and your Ramsay hospital of choice.

These are guide package prices that estimate the costs of your surgery. You will receive a formal quotation price following your consultation with one of our expert surgeons. This formal quote for your Laparoscopic Nissen surgery will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. Laparoscopic Nissen 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 Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication 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.