What is the success rate of surgery to correct reflux? What are the risks and side effects? Can the surgery be undone? I am 29 and do not want to pop a pill once a day for the rest of my life.

Lucian

Surgery for reflux, called a Nissen fundoplication, is very successful. About 90-95 percent of patients get relief of heartburn. There are some side effects, however. About 5-8 percent of patients get dysphagia (trouble swallowing) after the operation. Most of the time this will be transient, and swallowing will return to normal.

The operation is performed using so-called minimally invasive surgical techniques (also called laparoscopic surgery). The upper portion of the stomach is wrapped around the bottom of the esophagus to create a stronger barrier against reflux of stomach contents. Most people are hospitalized for one to three days and can return to work in one to two weeks.

If the operation fails it is difficult to do a second operation. The current operation has been used for about five years, and there is every indication that the results will be long-lasting, but for obvious reasons that is still an unknown.

If you are considering surgery it is important that you choose an experienced surgeon and have a thorough pre-op evaluation.