Nissen fundoplication is a procedure for the treatment of a gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD, the contents of the stomach, including gastric acid, are refluxed back into the esophagus causing symptoms of burping, heartburn, chest pain, cough, or bad taste in the mouth. This can occur when a muscle between the stomach and the esophagus, called lower esophageal sphincter (LES), becomes weak and incompetent. When anti-acid medications are no longer helpful, surgery is usually the next step in the treatment of GERD. In Nissen fundoplication, a surgeon wraps and sutures the upper portion of a stomach (fundus) around the esophagus to tighten the connection between the two and prevent the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. This surgery can be performed either using an open approach, where a single incision is made on the abdomen to access the area, or a laparoscopic approach. In laparoscopic or robotic approaches, a small video camera (laparoscope) and various instruments are introduced into the abdomen through several (3-5) small incisions on the abdomen. This minimally invasive surgery results in less pain, allows faster healing, and minimizes the amount of scarring on the abdomen.
