What is GERD?
GERD (chronic acid reflux) is disorder that affects the esophagus and stomach. If you have GERD, your stomach acid and contents persistently flow back up through your esophagus. And causes pain and Reflux symptoms.

How is GERD treated? 
For the most part patients can take  Antiacids medications and that will solve the problem

When is surgery indicated?
+ When the reflux is continues and interferes with patient activity and lifestyle.
+ When you cannot stop taking antacids not even for day.
+ When you are having second reflux damage.
+ Chronic sore throat and chronic laryngitis or raspy voice.
+ When long term therapy with antacids can cause Osteoporosis and other undesired side effects like vitamin deficiencies and kidney failure.

How do I get diagnosed?
Upper endoscopy is very helpful to see the stomach and esophagus and rule out other disorders. Bravo Ph Prove its s small capsule in your esophagus that measure how much acid goes back to your esophagus  and how long stays there.

Esophageal manometry. It measures how your esophagus works and moves and confirm that you have a normal working esophagus but a Lower esophageal sphincter pressure.

What are the surgical options?
Nissen Fundoplication. A Nissen fundoplication is a surgery to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). During the procedure, a surgeon creates a sphincter (tightening muscle) at the bottom of the esophagus to prevent acid reflux. Most people notice a significant decrease in acid reflux symptoms after the surgery.

What is a Nissen fundoplication?
A Nissen fundoplication is a surgery to correct Gastro Esophageal reflux. The surgery tightens the junction between the esophagus and the stomach to prevent acid reflux. The esophagus is the tube between your mouth and stomach. It is part of your gastrointestinal (GI) system. Laparoscopic or Robotic procedures use tiny incisions (cuts) and cameras to view inside the body.

 
What are the advantages of a Nissen fundoplication versus Medical teraphy?
Most people notice an improvement in acid reflux symptoms after a Nissen fundoplication. Relieving GERD keeps you more comfortable and reduces the chance of developing Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus raises the risk cancer.

In the long term studies, over 10 years after the surgery  Nissen fundoplication shows superiority in life style of surgical treatment versus medication.

For patients whose GERD symptoms are stable and controlled with Medication continuing medical therapy and laparoscopic antireflux surgery are equally effective, although surgery may result in better symptom control and quality of life.

What are the risks or complications of a Nissen fundoplication?
The primary risk of Nissen fundoplication surgery is that symptom relief does not always last. Some patients need another surgery after two to three years. Like all surgeries, Nissen fundoplication also carries a risk of infection at the incision site.

What is the recovery time after a Nissen fundoplication?
For the first seven to 10 days after surgery, many surgeons will recommend soft food diet Usually, you can return to usual activities and light exercise within a few days of surgery.