Heartburn is the most common gastric complaint in the western world. More than sixty million Americans suffer from this condition. Twenty-Five percent of those have chronic symptoms refractory to modern anti-acid medication (e.g., Prilosec). Moreover, some patients develop severe complications such as stricture and Barrett's esophagus, a known pre-malignant condition. Those patients can see gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) eradicated with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. This constitutes a definitive mechanical solution to a mechanical problem (defective lower esophageal sphincter - LES), thus alleviating the need for anti-acid medication for the rest of the patient's life. This operation is currently performed in 90 minutes with a two day hospital stay. Return to work is allowed after one week.
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