Acid Reflux Surgery
May 04, 2026
Acid reflux is relatively common and happens when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus (the tube that carries food to the stomach). It creates heartburn and possibly a sour taste in the mouth. For some, acid reflux becomes frequent or severe enough to cause ongoing symptoms or damage. This is known as GERD (gastroesphogeal reflux).
Joshua Kays, MD, surgeon with Franciscan Physician Network Indy Southside Surgical in Indianapolis, discusses the complications of acid reflux and how robotic foregut surgery can address it.
Key Takeaways: Acid Reflux Surgery
- Acid reflux is common but shouldn’t be ignored.
- The esophagus plays a significant role in controlling reflux, until a valve becomes weakened.
- There are surgery options available for acid reflux, but it depends on the patient’s condition.
- The recovery process requires some dedication to diet. Still, after a few months you’ll get your lifestyle back from constant acid reflux.
When Acid Reflux Becomes A Bigger Problem
Dr. Kays noted that some common home treatments for GERD include antacids like Tums or Maalox or acid-suppressing medication like Pepcid or Prilosec.“If someone needs these medications occasionally, like no more than 1-2 times per week, this is not alarming,” Dr. Kays said. “However, if someone needs these medications daily, and they still have symptoms or worsening symptoms then they should talk to their doctor.”
Other reasons to talk to your doctor include difficulty with swallowing, pain with swallowing or a feeling like things are getting caught in the esophagus. These may be signs of something more involved than simple reflux.
How The Esophagus And LES Affect Acid Reflux
Dr. Kays explained that in the digestive tract, there is a ring of specialized muscle fibers located where the esophagus meets the stomach. This ring is called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES. Its job is to act like a valve which stays tightly closed most of the time to keep stomach contents where they belong. When you swallow, the LES briefly relaxes to let food pass into the stomach. But, in some people, this muscle doesn’t work as well as it should, which allows stomach acid and food to flow back up into the esophagus.
One big factor in the proper function of the LES is its position. It should be located within the abdomen. However, some people develop a condition where the LES moves up into the chest. This is called a hiatal hernia, and it can also lead to reflux.
One big factor in the proper function of the LES is its position. It should be located within the abdomen. However, some people develop a condition where the LES moves up into the chest. This is called a hiatal hernia, and it can also lead to reflux.
Surgical Options For Acid Reflux And Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal hernia and anti-reflux surgery are almost exclusively performed in a minimally invasive way, either laparoscopically or robotically. The surgeon will return the LES to its proper position in the abdomen, narrow the opening in the diaphragm to the correct size and wrap the stomach around the LES to help reinforce it.What To Expect From Acid Reflux Surgery Recovery
Patients typically stay one night in the hospital and leave on a liquid diet. This allows healing to occur with no stress to the repair site. The patient’s diet gradually progresses over the next several weeks until the patient is eating regular food with no limits.“With this surgery, patients often have complete resolution of their symptoms and can stop taking medication all together,” said Dr. Kays.
Can Weight Loss Help Reduce Acid Reflux?
One of the most overlooked contributors to GERD is extra weight, especially increased abdominal girth. If you are overweight or obese, weight loss in itself can resolve reflux symptoms.
