Procedure · General Surgery
Anti-RefluxSurgery
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. A definitive answer for medication-resistant GERD.
Anti-reflux surgery offers patients with refractory GERD a definitive alternative to lifelong acid-suppressing medication. At Sulphur Surgical Clinic we perform laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication — often combined with hiatal hernia repair — with a careful preoperative workup so the right operation is matched to the right patient.
When anti-reflux surgery makes sense.
Most reflux can be managed with lifestyle changes and acid-suppressing medication. Surgery becomes the right answer when:
- Reflux persists despite optimal medical therapy
- You have side effects or concerns about long-term medication use
- You have a large hiatal hernia contributing to symptoms
- There are complications of long-standing reflux (esophagitis, stricture, Barrett's esophagus)
- You prefer a definitive solution rather than lifelong daily medication
Before surgery we typically perform upper endoscopy and may order pH monitoring and esophageal manometry to confirm the diagnosis and choose the right operation.
The operation.
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication
The most common and most durable anti-reflux operation. The upper part of the stomach (fundus) is wrapped 360° around the lower esophagus, recreating a competent valve mechanism that prevents acid from flowing back up. Performed laparoscopically through small incisions; most patients stay one night in the hospital and report immediate relief of reflux symptoms.
Hiatal hernia repair
Most anti-reflux operations also involve repairing an associated hiatal hernia — restoring the stomach to its normal position below the diaphragm and tightening the opening in the diaphragm that allowed it to herniate. The two procedures are commonly done together in a single operation.
Recovery in plain terms.
Most patients go home the day after surgery. The first 2–3 weeks involve a graduated diet — clear liquids, then full liquids, then soft foods, then back to regular eating as comfort allows. Light activity within a few days; full activity within about 4 weeks.
The first few weeks involve some adjustment. Mild difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), increased gas, and an inability to belch normally are common and almost always improve over the first 2–3 months. We'll prepare you for what's normal and what isn't, and stay closely involved during recovery.
Why Sulphur Surgical Clinic
Care close to home, by surgeons who have practiced here for decades.
i.
Three board-certified surgeons
Drs. Devin Seale, Stephen Castleberry, and Matthew Ayo — all MD, FACS, board-certified in General Surgery, in active full-time clinical practice and accepting new patients.
ii.
Two locations across Southwest Louisiana
Main office on Cypress Street in Sulphur; vein center satellite on West Sale Road in Lake Charles. Procedures performed in partnership with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital and Imperial Calcasieu Surgical Center.
iii.
50 years caring for Calcasieu Parish
Founded in 1975, locally owned, family-run. Faster scheduling than hospital-based centers and a personal, surgeon-led experience — not a corporate system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions patients ask about this procedure.
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the chronic backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, caused by a weakened lower esophageal sphincter — the valve between the stomach and esophagus. Over time, repeated acid exposure can damage the esophagus, cause Barrett's esophagus (a precancerous change), and contribute to other complications. Common symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, chronic cough, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing.
Who should consider anti-reflux surgery?
Anti-reflux surgery is appropriate when GERD has not responded adequately to medical therapy, when you have side effects from long-term medication, when there is a large hiatal hernia contributing to symptoms, or when you prefer a definitive solution to lifelong medication. Workup typically includes upper endoscopy and sometimes pH monitoring and esophageal manometry to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.
What is fundoplication?
Nissen fundoplication is the most common anti-reflux operation. The upper part of the stomach (fundus) is wrapped around the lower esophagus to recreate a competent valve mechanism. It is performed laparoscopically through small incisions, takes about 90 minutes, and most patients go home the next day. Most patients report immediate relief of their reflux symptoms.
Will I need to take reflux medication after surgery?
Most patients are able to come off acid-suppressing medication after a successful anti-reflux operation. Some need a small dose for occasional symptoms, particularly in the first few months as the body adjusts. We'll work with you to taper medication safely.
What is recovery like?
Most patients spend one night in the hospital and go home the following day. The first 2–3 weeks involve a graduated diet: clear liquids, then full liquids, then soft foods, then back to regular eating as comfort allows. Light activity within a few days; full activity within about 4 weeks. We'll give you specific dietary guidance and review what to expect during the early postoperative period.
Why choose Sulphur Surgical Clinic?
Anti-reflux surgery benefits from thorough preoperative evaluation and careful patient selection — the right operation done on the right patient produces excellent results. We take the workup seriously, perform laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (often combined with hiatal hernia repair), and stay closely involved during the early recovery and dietary adjustments.
Ready to schedule?
Most patients are seen within two weeks.
Sulphur main office: (337) 527-6363
Lake Charles vein center: (337) 425-9300