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GERD surgery

Treatment for chronic acid reflux and heartburn

For people with acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), frequent heartburn makes it difficult to enjoy certain foods and drinks. GERD does more than disrupt meals—it can hurt your quality of life and lead to more severe health issues.

Your health care provider may recommend GERD surgery when medications and lifestyle changes don’t ease your acid reflux symptoms. At Allina Health, you’ll get expert care from a specialized surgery team dedicated to stopping the pain and improving your wellbeing.

Find a GERD surgeon near you to schedule a consult. 

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Treatment for GERD (chronic heartburn) at Allina Health

At Allina Health, you’ll get the highest quality care for you as a whole person, addressing how ongoing GERD symptoms impact your physical and mental health.

Acid reflux can be complicated. We will answer your questions and work together to ensure a seamless experience and the best possible outcome. 

Exceptional care by an experienced surgery team

Your expert GERD surgery team will guide you every step of the way, from your first consultation through recovery.

When it comes to GERD treatment, you deserve the best possible results. We deliver exceptional outcomes by prioritizing safety and keeping your unique health needs at the center.

Your care team may include:

  • your care circle (family, friends and others close to you)  
  • a surgeon and doctor's assistant
  • a nurse navigator  
  • a social worker and care manager 
  • physical therapists, occupational therapists or both.

Types of GERD surgery

There are several options for GERD surgery at Allina Health—open, minimally invasive (laparoscopic) and robotic surgery.

Surgeries and procedures offered at Allina Health include:

  • Nissen fundoplication surgery. This minimally invasive surgery strengthens the connection between the esophagus and stomach, preventing food and acid from coming back up. Nissen fundoplication is often performed during a hiatal hernia repair.
    (Diet guidelines after fundoplication surgery)
  • LINX procedure. The LINX Reflux Management System is a minimally invasive procedure that implants a ring-shaped magnetic device around the esophagus. The magnetic beads exert pressure at the bottom of the esophagus to prevent acid from coming back up.
  • TIF procedure. Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) is an incision-free and scarless alternative to Nissen fundoplication that Allina Health doesn’t perform as often.
  • Minimally invasive, laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery for GERD has smaller incisions and scars, allowing a much shorter recovery time. This is the most common type of GERD surgery used at Allina Health. 

How to decide if GERD surgery is right for you

GERD surgery isn’t for everyone. Your GERD care team will work closely with you to find the best surgical or non-surgical treatment for you.

Consider GERD surgery for acid reflux if:

  • Lifestyle changes and medication don’t improve your symptoms.
  • You don’t want to take daily medication for the rest of your life.
  • Acid reflux symptoms and medication impact your daily routine and quality of life.
  • You have had aspiration pneumonia from the reflux.  
  • Your adult-onset asthma gets worse.
  • You have a family history of esophageal cancer. 

What to expect

Your specialized care team will share what you can expect before, during and after GERD surgery for acid reflux. You’ll likely take sedative medication, meaning you’ll sleep during surgery.

Your surgery takes about two to four hours, depending on the type of GERD surgery. Recovery time varies from person to person and depends on the type of GERD surgery. It’s typically an outpatient procedure, so you may be able to go home the same day.

Some people may experience mild side effects after acid reflux surgery, including bloating and gas build-up, and pain at the incision site.

Insurance coverage and costs

Contact your health insurance provider about medical coverage and get a price estimate before scheduling GERD surgery. You will pay any deductible amounts and any charges your policy doesn’t cover.

Related links

Reviewed by: Hui Sen Chong, MD, Reflux and Digestive Center medical director

First published: 12/21/2021
Last reviewed: 12/21/2021

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