Gastro-oesophageal Reflux and Hiatus Hernia

Gastroesophageal reflux is a very common condition which leads to symptoms of heartburn, regurgitation, upper abdominal pain, nausea and sometimes difficulty swallowing. It affects up to 20% of New Zealanders and up to half of these individuals would benefit from either long-term treatment or surgery.

Medical treatment is effective in most individuals and generally takes the form of suppressing acid production in the stomach. This is achieved with drugs such as zantac, losec and somac. In some individuals the control of symptoms is imperfect and surgery might be considered. In others, control may be fine, but they choose to have surgery over long-term use of medication. Surgery generally is accomplished laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) and gives very good results. There are some small risks and in up to 20% of patients who have the operation (laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication) symptoms may recur years later, though not usually as bad. The Wakefield Clinic has specialist expertise with this form of surgery which is not performed by most surgeons.

To download further information, visit our download page.