What is Nissen fundoplication surgery?

Nissen fundoplication surgery is a surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, according to Mayo Clinic. During this surgery, the surgeon reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter by wrapping the top of a patient's stomach around it.

Strengthening the esophageal sphincter helps reduce the amount of acid that backs up into the esophagus, allowing the tissue inside to heal, explains WebMD. Nissen fundoplication is usually performed laparoscopically, and if a patient has a hiatal hernia, that condition is repaired at the same time. The surgery is most often performed on patients who are not responding well to medication or are unable to take medications for GERD.