Patients with hiatal hernia can try to alleviate symptoms by taking over-the-counter medication or prescription medication, losing weight, changing their diet, and avoiding smoking. If these actions fail to control the symptoms or complications appear, surgical repair of the hernia may be necessary.

Nissen fundoplication is a surgical procedure used to treat larger, symptomatic hiatal hernia and reflux. During fundoplication surgery, the upper curve of the stomach (known as the fundus) is carefully wrapped around the junction of the esophagus and stomach and sewn into place. This creates a barrier that prevents the flow of acid into the esophagus. The hiatal opening is also reduced in size with sutures.

Nissen fundoplication can be done as either traditional "open" surgery or a laparoscopic procedure. The open procedure involves an incision of about 8 inches in the abdomen, while the laparoscopic approach is a minimally invasive technique using significantly smaller incisions.

The Jackson Clinic’s state-of-the-art laparoscopic surgical procedure allows for hiatal hernia treatment to be made through the tiniest of incisions, with reduced recovery time, shorter hospital stay and fewer complications.