Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Surgery

On the day of your surgery, your consultant will talk you through what will happen and answer any last questions you may have. You’ll also be seen by an anaesthetist, who’ll review your medical history. 

When you’re ready, you’ll be shown to your own private patient pod where you can change into a gown before being taken to the operating suite. 

Your anaesthetist will administer a general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep for the procedure. 

During the procedure: 

1. Your surgeon will make several small incisions in the abdomen.

2. A camera and fine instruments are inserted through these to view and repair the area.

3. Either the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower oesophagus to strengthen the valve, or a small magnetic ring device is placed around the lower oesophagus. 

4. Your surgeon will close the incisions with dissolvable stitches.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux surgery usually takes around 1 to 2 hours, after which you’ll recover in our private, comfortable facilities with support from our expert nursing team. On waking, you may have an oxygen mask to help your breathing and a small plastic tube in your arm connected to a drip to keep you hydrated until you’re ready to drink normally. 

Preventing sickness is very important after this type of surgery, so you’ll be given anti-sickness medication during the operation. If you feel nauseous at any point afterwards, please tell the nursing team straight away so they can help.

As you recover, you’ll start drinking sips of water and gradually move on to other fluids, as long as you’re comfortable and not feeling sick. You’ll be monitored closely and given regular pain relief and anti-sickness medication to keep you comfortable.

Once you feel well enough, you’ll be able to go home. You’ll need someone to collect you, and you should avoid driving for at least a few days, or until your consultant confirms it’s safe. Your team will give you personalised advice for your diet and aftercare at home.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux surgery is considered a safe and effective procedure, but all surgeries carry some risks. Your consultant will talk you through these before the operation. 

Potential risks include:

• scarring – all incisions leave scars, which usually fade over time

• severe swallowing difficulty that may need a second keyhole procedure to repair 

• wound infection

• damage to the spleen or the oesophagus that may require further surgery 

• chest infection 

• deep vein thrombosis (DVT) 

• pulmonary embolism

There’s a small risk that the operation cannot be completed using keyhole surgery. In rare cases, the keyhole technique may not be technically possible, or there may be damage to surrounding organs that makes it safer to convert to open surgery. If this happens, you’ll have a larger scar and your recovery will take longer. Your consultant will explain this risk fully before your surgery is planned.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux surgery usually provides long-lasting relief from GORD. However, in around 5% of cases, a further operation may be needed in the future if the repair loosens or natural movement inside the abdomen affects the stitches.

Before your procedure, you’ll attend a pre-admission clinic where you’ll be assessed and asked questions about your medical history, any allergies, and current medications. You’ll be given personalised information on any specific preparation that’s needed. 

Preparation usually involves: 

• stopping smoking to help with healing

• stopping certain medications, such as blood thinners, if advised

• fasting for several hours before surgery

• arranging for someone to accompany you home

Your team will provide you with clear aftercare advice before you leave, so you feel confident managing your recovery at home. Your consultant will review your progress in follow-up appointments to make sure you’re healing as expected and that your symptoms continue to improve.

The operation aims to increase the pressure of the valve mechanism at the lower end of your oesophagus. Because of this, it’s normal for swallowing to feel more difficult in the first few weeks after surgery. This should gradually improve, and you’ll be given detailed guidance on what to eat during this time.

Usually, you can start with soups the day after your operation, but it’s best to avoid drinks that are very hot, very cold, or fizzy. You’ll be advised to stay on a liquid diet for the first 3 to 4 days, then transition to soft foods that are easy to swallow for the first 2 weeks. This means avoiding foods with large or chewy pieces, such as bread or red meat. As you recover, take your time when eating and make sure you chew thoroughly.

It’s also common to find it harder to belch after this type of surgery. You may pass more wind, or you might experience trapped wind, which can be uncomfortable. These symptoms are expected and usually settle with time. Over-the-counter medicines that help absorb gas may offer relief.

Most people can return to normal daily activities when they feel ready, which is often within a few days to a week. You can usually start driving again after about a week, once your consultant confirms it’s safe. You should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for around a month after the operation.

Please contact our Surgery Centre for pricing.

At Welbeck, our gastroenterologists and general surgeons are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book gastro-oesophageal reflux surgery, you must be referred by either your GP or a gastroenterologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a gastroenterologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.