Anti-reflux surgery and hiatus hernia repair can be useful for selected patients when the diagnosis is clear and the expected benefits outweigh the risks of an operation.

Assessment before surgery

Before considering surgery, your surgeon will review your symptoms, medication response and anatomy. Gastroscopy and, in selected patients, further tests of reflux or oesophageal function may be needed to confirm the cause of symptoms and plan treatment.

What surgery aims to do

Hiatus hernia surgery restores the stomach and lower oesophagus to an appropriate position and repairs the opening in the diaphragm. An anti-reflux procedure may also be performed to improve the barrier between the stomach and oesophagus.

Medication and surgery

Many people with reflux are appropriately treated with medication and do not need surgery. Do not stop long-term acid-suppressing medication without discussing the plan with your doctor, particularly if it was prescribed for a specific ongoing indication.