Fundoplication is surgery to wrap the upper stomach around the lower esophagus. It makes backing up of acid into the esophagus from the stomach less likely. The surgery is most often done to:Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like: In rare cases, the procedure may need to be repeated. This may happen if the wrap was too tight, the wrap slips, or if a new hernia forms. Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:Your doctor may do the following:Leading up to the surgery:General anesthesia will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery. A wide incision will be made in the abdomen. This is to expose the stomach and lower esophagus. The upper portion of the stomach will be wrapped around the esophagus. This will create pressure on the lower part of the esophagus. It will reduce the chance of stomach acid moving up the esophagus. If a hiatal hernia exists, the stomach will be placed entirely back in the abdomen. The opening in the diaphragm where the hernia poked through will be tightened. You will have discomfort during recovery. Ask your doctor about medication to help with the pain. After the procedure, you can expect the following:It will take about 6 weeks to recover. Call your doctor if any of these occur:If you think you are having an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesSociety of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic SurgeonsCanadian Association of GastroenterologyGastroesophageal reflux disease. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116914/Gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-GERD. Updated December 4, 2017. Accessed January 10, 2018. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn). The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center website. Available at: https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/digestive-diseases/heartburn. Accessed January 10, 2018. Hiatal hernia. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116557/Hiatal-hernia. Updated January 2, 2017. Accessed January 10, 2018. Nissen fundoplication. MUSC Health Digestive Disease Center website. Available at: http://ddc.musc.edu/public/surgery/laparoscopic/fundoplication.html. Accessed January 10, 2018. Last reviewed November 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daus Mahnke, MD Last Updated: 12/20/2014