Anti Reflux Surgery at Springfield Hospital

What is an anti reflux?

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.

Anti reflux surgery is performed to stop acid reflux that can cause chronic heartburn and inflammation and damage to your oesophagus lining.

Ramsay Health Care uses the latest techniques for antireflux surgery. We have highly experienced and skilled surgeons to perform your anti reflux surgery with the aim of giving you long-lasting relief from the symptoms of acid reflux. Anti reflux surgery at Ramsay is typically performed laparoscopically so you can get back to normal life as soon as possible.

We have appointments without waiting and at a time convenient to you. Our consultants will thoroughly assess your symptoms and fully explain their recommendations whilst answering any questions you may have.

Springfield Hospital Specialists

Mr Tom Browne

Mr Tom Browne is a consultant surgeon specialising in vascular surgery
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Ms Neda Farhangmehr

Ms Neda Farhangmehr is a Consultant General, Upper GI, and Laparoscopic Surgeon in Essex, who specialises in laparoscopic surgery, benign Upper GI and cancer surgery.
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Mr Toby Hammond

Consultant General & Colorectal Surgeon, Mr Toby Hammond specialises in colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease and hernias.
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Mr Samer-ul Haque

Mr Samer-ul Haque is a Laparoscopic General, Colorectal & Emergency Surgeon in Essex
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Mr Naga Venkatesh Jayanthi

Mr Jayanthi is a Consultant General and Bariatric Surgeon in Hertfordshire and Essex who specialises in bariatric surgery, gallstones, hernia, endoscopy and gastric cancer.
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Mr Sritharan Kadirkamanathan

Mr Sritharan Kadirkamanathan is a Consultant General Surgeon in Essex, Chelmsford.
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Mr Bruno Lorenzi

Mr Lorenzi is a Consultant Surgeon, who specialises in laparoscopic, upper GI and weight loss surgery.
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Mr Yazan Masannat

Mr Yazan Masannat is a Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at Springfield Hospital who specialises in breast cancer surgery.
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Mr Thomas Pearson

Mr Thomas Pearson is a General Surgeon in Chelmsford, Essex who specialises in hernia repair, pilonidal disease, gall stones, haemorrhoids, fissures, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, crohn’s, and diverticular disease.
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Mr Shahab Siddiqi

Mr Shahab Siddiqi is a General Surgeon at Springfield Hospital in Essex and Rivers Hospital in Herfordshire
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Mr Simon Smith

Mr Simon Smith is Consultant General surgeon in Essex who specialises in breast and endocrine surgery.
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Mr Cheuk Bong Tang

Mr Tang is a Consultant General Surgeon in Essex specialising in cholecystectomies, hernia repairs, gastrectomies, Heller's myotomies for achalasia and upper GI endoscopies.
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Mr Harun Thomas

Mr Harun Thomas is a consultant Surgeon in Springfield, Essex who specialises in breast surgery.
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