Nissen Fundoplication (Reflux Surgery) in Turkey

Nissen fundoplication is a surgical procedure that treats GORD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) by strengthening the lower oesophageal sphincter, the muscular valve between your oesophagus (food pipe) and stomach that normally prevents acid from flowing upward.

During the procedure, your surgeon wraps the top portion of your stomach (the fundus) around the lower end of your oesophagus and stitches it in place. This creates a new, tighter valve that prevents acid from escaping into your oesophagus, effectively curing the reflux rather than just managing the symptoms.

The procedure is performed laparoscopically through 4-5 small incisions in your abdomen. A camera and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions, allowing your surgeon to perform the wrap with precision while you are under general anaesthesia. The operation typically takes 60-90 minutes.

For many patients, Nissen fundoplication means permanently stopping the PPI medications they have been taking for years, eliminating the burning pain, and being able to eat and sleep without restriction.

Nissen fundoplication is recommended for patients with chronic GORD that is not adequately controlled by medication, or who prefer a permanent surgical solution over lifelong medication.

You may be a good candidate if:

• You have confirmed GORD that responds inadequately to PPI medication
• You are taking maximum-dose PPIs and still experiencing symptoms
• You have a large hiatal hernia contributing to your reflux
• You experience regurgitation (not just heartburn) that medication does not resolve
• You want to stop taking daily reflux medication permanently
• You have Barrett's oesophagus as a complication of long-term reflux

Your suitability is confirmed through:

• Endoscopy (to examine the oesophagus and stomach)
• 24-hour pH monitoring (to confirm acid reflux)
• Oesophageal manometry (to test oesophageal muscle function)

You may not be suitable if:

• Your reflux is well-controlled with occasional medication
• You have certain oesophageal motility disorders
• You have significant other health conditions that make general anaesthesia risky

Your anti-reflux surgery journey is fully managed.

Before your procedure

A free consultation reviews your diagnosis, medication history, and any previous investigations (endoscopy, pH study). If pre-operative tests are needed, these can be arranged in Turkey.

On the day

You are admitted to hospital and seen by your surgeon and anaesthetist. The laparoscopic procedure takes 60-90 minutes under general anaesthesia. You are asleep throughout.

Hospital stay (3 nights)

You wake in recovery and are moved to your room. You will be on a liquid diet initially, progressing to soft foods. Some discomfort and difficulty swallowing is normal in the first few days, this settles as the swelling resolves. Your surgeon monitors your recovery and provides dietary guidance.

Hotel and home

After discharge, you spend a final night at your 5-star hotel. You receive detailed dietary instructions and aftercare guidance. Most patients can fly home within 4-5 days of surgery.

Recovery from laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication requires patience, particularly with diet.

Days 1-3 (hospital): Liquid diet only. Some difficulty swallowing and bloating are normal. Pain at the incision sites is managed with medication.

Days 4-14: Progress to soft, pureed foods. Eat small meals frequently rather than large ones. Avoid carbonated drinks. Some patients experience temporary difficulty burping or increased flatulence, this is normal and settles.

Weeks 2-4: Gradually introduce normal-textured foods. Continue eating smaller, more frequent meals. Most patients return to desk work within 2 weeks.

Weeks 4-6: Most patients can eat normally, though portion sizes may be slightly smaller than before. Avoid very hard, dry, or tough foods until you feel comfortable.

Long-term:

• Over 90% of patients experience complete resolution of reflux symptoms
• Most patients can stop PPI medication entirely
• Rare cases may need to continue low-dose medication
• The wrap typically remains effective for 10-20 years or more

Nissen fundoplication is a well-established procedure with a strong safety profile, but all surgeries carry some risk.

Common and temporary effects:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) in the first 2-4 weeks (resolves as swelling settles)
• Bloating and increased flatulence (your body adjusts over weeks)
• Inability to burp or vomit (common initially, usually improves over time)
• Abdominal discomfort at incision sites

Less common risks:

• Wrap slippage or failure over time (may require revision surgery, uncommon)
• Injury to surrounding structures during surgery (rare)
• Infection at incision sites (rare)
• Gas bloat syndrome (persistent bloating, uncommon and usually manageable)

Your surgery is performed by an experienced general surgeon in a government-licensed hospital, with a 3-night hospital stay for close monitoring.