Areas of care

Heartburn and Reflux Surgery

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Conditions and procedures

What heartburn and reflux surgery includes

What is heartburn and reflux surgery?

A hiatal hernia happens when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm, the large muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can cause heartburn or a sour-tasting fluid in the throat, and if it is not controlled it can damage the esophagus. Esophagitis is swelling and irritation, called inflammation, of the tissue lining the esophagus, and it can make swallowing painful or difficult. Most people with heartburn are treated without surgery; surgery is considered only for selected patients after evaluation.

Each procedure below is one our surgeons perform. Whether any of them is right for you is a decision you make with your surgeon.

Hiatal Hernia
The upper stomach bulges upward through the diaphragm. Some hiatal hernias cause no symptoms, while others contribute to reflux.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Stomach contents move back into the esophagus, causing heartburn or a sour taste. Uncontrolled reflux over time can damage the esophagus.
Esophagitis
Inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, which can cause painful or difficult swallowing.

Common reasons patients are referred

Reflux symptoms that continue despite medication
A hiatal hernia found on imaging or endoscopy
Esophagitis identified during endoscopy
A gastroenterologist has recommended surgical evaluation

When professional evaluation may be appropriate

Heartburn several times a week that medication no longer controls
Food feels like it sticks, or swallowing is painful
You have unexplained weight loss along with reflux symptoms
You have chest pain you are unsure about — treat it as an emergency and call 911

If your symptoms feel urgent

Severe or sudden pain, a high fever, bleeding that will not stop, chest pain, or trouble breathing needs immediate attention. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room rather than waiting for an appointment or using a website form.

About this information

The information on this website is general education about conditions our surgeons treat. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and it cannot tell you whether you need surgery. Please speak with your physician about your own care.

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Which surgeon to see

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