Anti Reflux Surgery at Winfield 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.

Winfield Hospital Specialists

Mr Tim Cook

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Mr David Cooper

Mr David Cooper is a Vascular and General Surgeon at Winfield Hospital in Gloucester who specialises in varicose vein surgery.
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Mr Simon Dwerryhouse

Mr Simon Dwerryhouse is a Consultant General surgeon who specialises in Laparoscopic surgery in Gloucestershire
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Mr Jonothan Earnshaw

Mr Jonothan Earnshaw is a Consultant General Surgeon at Winfield Hosiptal in Gloucester
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Mr Steve Hornby

Mr Steve Hornby is a Consultant Upper GI and Robotic Surgeon in Gloucestershire
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Mr Andrei Ilczyszyn

Mr Andrei Ilczyszyn is a Consultant General Surgeon in Gloucestershire who specialises in minimally invasive general surgery.
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Mr Oliver Old

Mr Oliver Old is a Consultant General Surgeon in Gloucester
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Mr Sachin R Kulkarni

Mr S R Kulkarni is a Vascular and General Surgery Consultant based at Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucester Royal Hospital and conducts Vascular Interventional list and Clinic at Great Western Hospital, Swindon.
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Mr Thomas Roe

Mr Thomas Roe is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon at Winfield Hospital in Gloucester with a special interest in pelvic floor conditions.
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Mr Mike Scott

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Mr Thomas Walker

Mr Thomas Walker is an Upper Gastrointestinal and General Surgeon in Gloucester working at Winfield Hospital.
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Mr Richard Wilson

Mr Richard Wilson is a Vascular and General Surgeon working across the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
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Anti Reflux Surgery