Anti-reflux procedures reduce reflux by strengthening the barrier between the stomach and esophagus. Options may include fundoplication or LINX depending on testing and anatomy.
These procedures are performed surgically to reinforce the “valve” area between the esophagus and stomach. Your clinician uses pre-procedure testing to determine the best option and confirm it’s likely to help. Recovery and results depend on the specific approach.
These are done under general anesthesia. Risks vary by procedure and can include difficulty swallowing, gas/bloating, bleeding, infection, or need for revision. Your surgeon will review what to expect based on your testing and health history.
Preparation for anti-reflux surgery is similar to other operations done under general anesthesia. You’ll be asked to stop eating and drinking for a set time before surgery (often after midnight or at least 6–8 hours before), and your team will review which medications to continue, adjust, or hold—especially blood thinners, diabetes medicines, and certain pain or anti-inflammatory drugs.
You may also have preoperative testing such as endoscopy, pH testing, manometry, or imaging to confirm reflux and plan the operation. You’ll receive written instructions about bathing, clothing, arrival time, and arranging a driver and home support for the first few days after surgery. Always follow the specific directions from Idaho Gastro and your surgeon for your scheduled procedure.
On the day of surgery, you’ll check in, review your history, and meet the anesthesia and surgical teams. An IV will be started for fluids and medications. Once you’re asleep under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes several small laparoscopic incisions in your upper abdomen to place a camera and instruments.
For fundoplication, the top of the stomach is mobilized and wrapped around the lower esophagus to recreate a competent valve, often with repair of a hiatal hernia if present. For LINX, a small, flexible ring of magnetic beads is placed around the lower esophageal sphincter to support it while still allowing normal swallowing. After the wrap or device is in place and the hiatal hernia repair is complete, the instruments are removed and the small incisions are closed with sutures or skin glue. You’ll then be taken to recovery while you wake up from anesthesia.
After surgery, you’ll spend time in a recovery area where your breathing, pain, and vital signs are monitored. Most patients stay in the hospital overnight after fundoplication; many LINX patients are discharged the same day or the next morning, depending on how they’re doing. It’s normal to have some shoulder or chest discomfort from the laparoscopic gas, soreness at the incision sites, and changes in swallowing early on.
You’ll receive a specific diet plan—often liquids and soft foods at first after fundoplication, with gradual progression, and a more active solid-food plan after LINX to keep the device moving well. Walking is encouraged soon after surgery, but you’ll need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks. Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medicine and until you feel comfortable turning your body quickly. Call your care team right away or seek emergency care if you develop severe chest or abdominal pain, trouble swallowing that suddenly worsens, high fever, persistent vomiting, or difficulty breathing, as these can be signs of a complication that needs prompt attention.
Si su seguro exige una remisión o una autorización previa, nuestra oficina de facturación hará todo lo posible por obtenerla antes de que se presten los servicios. Si decide continuar sin la autorización requerida, es posible que el seguro deniegue la cobertura. Si es usted un paciente de Medicare, es posible que se le pida que firme un Aviso Previo al Beneficiario (ABN) en el que reconozca su responsabilidad financiera en caso de que el seguro no pague. Si está afiliado a un plan de seguro privado, se le pedirá que firme un formulario de servicios no cubiertos.