The operation, called a fundoplication, involves wrapping the top of the stomach around the esophagus. This is like wrapping a scarf around your neck. The fundoplication creates normal LES pressure. It does not have to be tight to do this. For almost all people having this operation heartburn ends immediately.
Most people do have some difficulty swallowing afterwards.
This usually lasts for about 1 - 3 weeks. The best way to do this operation is by video endoscopic laparoscopy. Patients get general anesthesia and are fully asleep. In our hands the operations average about 2 hours. Our patients are usually in the hospital 1 - 3 days afterward.