GERD Surgery: Nissen Fundoplication for severe Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Dr. Tan Chun Hai
Upper Gastrointestinal Specialist, Dual Fellowship Trained Surgeon
MBBS (Melbourne), Masters of Medicine (Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (General Surgery)
Table of Content
Nissen Fundoplication for Chronic Acid Reflux
Frequent acid reflux and heartburn may indicate a chronic condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
When lifestyle changes and medications fail, surgical treatment becomes a viable option, offering long-term relief and reducing the risk of severe complications such as oesophageal cancer.
What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acids flow back into the oesophagus (food pipe). While occasional acid reflux is common, frequent symptoms may indicate a condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
GERD is a chronic condition that can cause lasting damage, including inflammation, ulceration, and narrowing of the oesophagus. In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and oesophageal cancer.
Common Misconceptions About GERD
Myth: "Acid Reflux is Common, Hence Not Serious"
Occasional acid reflux is common and usually harmless. However, when it progresses into GERD, it becomes a chronic condition that can cause ongoing damage to the oesophagus.
Severe GERD may lead to complications such as oesophagitis (inflammation), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and even oesophageal cancer.
Myth: "Only Unhealthy People Have Acid Reflux"
Many believe that acid reflux is limited to those who are overweight or have unhealthy habits.
In reality, GERD can affect healthy individuals too. This condition stems from a physical issue with the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), which may occur due to factors like age, pregnancy, or persistent abdominal pressure.
Myth: "Medications Will Cure Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease"
Over-the-counter and prescribed medications can help manage GERD symptoms by reducing stomach acid, but they don’t address the root cause: a faulty lower oesophageal sphincter (LES).
This physical issue still allows stomach contents to reflux into the oesophagus.
Troubled by GERD symptoms? Discuss your treatment options with our doctor today.
Overview
How Does Antireflux Surgery Help?
The goal of surgery for GERD is to provide a long-term solution and reduce the risk of severe complications, such as Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer.
The procedure works by reconstructing the “barrier” between the stomach and oesophagus, effectively preventing acid reflux.
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication for GERD
The surgical treatment for GERD often involves a procedure called fundoplication. This is typically performed laparoscopically, using small incisions, which reduces post-operative pain and promotes faster recovery compared to open surgery.
GERD occurs when the valve (lower oesophageal sphincter) between the oesophagus and stomach doesn’t function properly, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the oesophagus.
Fundoplication addresses this issue by wrapping the upper part of the stomach (the fundus) around the lower oesophagus. This reinforces the barrier, preventing acid reflux and restoring proper valve function.
Acid Reflux Caused by Hiatal Hernias
A hiatal hernia may also be the cause of patients suffering from acid reflux. A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes into the chest, due to a weakness in the diaphragm. This puts pressure on the valve between the oesophagus and stomach, known as the lower oesophageal sphincter, hence making acid reflux more likely to occur.
Hernias don’t go away on their own and surgery is the only effective treatment. If a hiatal hernia is the cause of your acid reflux, your surgeon may carry out both a hiatal hernia repair and an antireflux surgery to treat your symptoms.
20+ Years of Clinical Experience
Dr. Tan Chun Hai
Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric & General Surgeon
Endoscopy & Minimally-Invasive Surgery Specialist
Dr. Tan Chun Hai is a dual fellowship-trained specialist in Laparoscopic (keyhole) Stomach Cancer Surgery and Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery. He is proficient in minimally invasive surgical techniques, treating conditions such as gallstones, appendicitis, GERD, and upper gastrointestinal cancers of the stomach and oesophagus.
In addition to his surgical expertise, Dr Tan specialises in performing endoscopies and managing a wide range of digestive disorders. These include abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
When applicable, Dr. Tan provides same-day treatment within a few hours of diagnosis. Dr. Tan subscribes to a less invasive practice, promoting less postoperative pain and shorter hospital stays.
Have a digestive health concern?
Send us your enquiry or give us a call at 6250 5610
For emergencies after hours, send us a text via WhatsApp > head to Gleneagles Urgent Care Centre and request for Dr. Tan Chun Hai
Our Clinic: 6A Napier Road, Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block, #05-36A, Singapore 258500
Frequently Asked Questions
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) can increase the risk of developing oesophageal cancer over time:
Chronic acid reflux associated with GERD can lead to a condition called Barrett’s oesophagus, where the normal lining of the oesophagus is replaced with abnormal cells. These abnormal cells have the potential to develop into a type of oesophageal cancer called adenocarcinoma.
While not all individuals with GERD will develop Barrett’s oesophagus or oesophageal cancer, long-term untreated GERD increases the risk. If you have concerns, it’s advisable to consult an upper gastrointestinal specialist or gastroenterologist.
Oesophageal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the oesophagus (food pipe that runs from your throat to the stomach). Worldwide, oesophageal cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths.
Risk factors of oesophageal cancer include heavy alcohol use, smoking and Barret’s oesophagus (damage caused by acid reflux). Significant weight loss and painful or difficulty swallowing are some of the symptoms of oesophageal cancer.
Common signs of GERD include:
- A burning sensation in your chest known as heartburn. This usually occurs after meals, and can get worse at night or while lying down.
- Backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquids from the stomach into the oesophagus.
- Upper abdominal or chest pain.
- Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia.
Antireflux surgery can be a consideration when all other treatment options (medications) have been exhausted. Surgery offers a more sustainable treatment solution, preventing symptoms from recurring. It also reduces an individual’s risk of developing severe complications from GERD, such as cancer.
Antireflux surgery can also be an option for patients concerned with the side effects of acid reflux medications from long-term use.
A consultation with our surgeon starts from SGD 200, excluding GST.
The cost of antireflux surgery varies based on the specific procedure (e.g., Nissen fundoplication or hiatal hernia repair) and the complexity of the case. It includes considerations such as surgeon fees, hospital charges, and consumables.
For an accurate estimate, book an appointment with our doctor today.
Surgicare Bariatric and General Surgery is part of the specialist panel for most Integrated Shield and Corporate Insurance Plans.
To ensure your peace of mind, our staff is readily available to assist you with claims, financial estimates for your procedure(s), and treatment pre-authorisations.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
