RefluxStop Surgical Procedure for GERD | MIC Hospital, Berlin, Germany

9.70

Berlin, Germany

Overview

Age group

Adults

Type of care

Inpatient, Outpatient

Method

Surgical

About the offer

RefluxStop surgery is a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure designed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This operation repositions the gastroesophageal junction to a stable location beneath the diaphragm. During the procedure, a small, inactive implant is placed on the upper stomach, but it is not wrapped around the esophagus. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, utilizing minimally invasive "keyhole" access. The surgery typically lasts around one hour. A critical initial step is to reduce any hiatal hernia. The distal esophagus is mobilized, to position the lower esophageal sphincter complex within the abdomen. The surgeon focuses on achieving adequate intra-abdominal esophageal length while minimizing tension. The next step is to repair the diaphragmatic hiatus, typically via a procedure called cruroplasty. This repair is carefully calibrated to restore the opening without over-tightening, thereby reducing the risk of postoperative swallowing difficulties due to constriction. Following this, the gastric fundus is mobilized, and the short gastric vessels may be divided. Dissection is then continued posteriorly toward the angle of His, aiming for a tension-free, "floppy" fundus. This increased mobility facilitates the reconstruction of the regular junction geometry and helps create a stable pocket for the implant. Rather than performing a full circumferential wrap, this operation focuses on reconstructing the angle of His and establishing a limited attachment between the stomach and the esophagus. This approach involves partial plication rather than complete fundoplication, aiming to support a functional flap valve without encircling the esophagus. After reconstructing the junction, the implant is introduced and placed into a pocket formed by the outer stomach wall and surrounding tissue. The implant is fully covered by stomach tissue and is not left exposed in the abdomen; it is also not positioned as a ring around the esophagus. Functionally, the implant acts as a mechanical “stop,” helping to prevent the gastroesophageal junction and sphincter region from sliding upward into the chest. This supports a stable position for the intra-abdominal sphincter. Notably, the food passageway remains unencircled. The implant height and the pocket construction are critical technical aspects. If the implant is placed too low, it can lead to persistent reflux. The placement is typically aimed to be high enough to block upward movement during breathing and straining. Additionally, proper pocket closure is essential. If the closure is too tight, it may increase the risk of tissue injury and device-related complications. An appropriately snug closure is designed to secure the implant without exerting excessive pressure on the stomach wall. Recovery is usually relatively fast compared with open surgery. Discharge typically occurs within a few days, depending on the patient’s course.

What’s included

Medical service

Examination

clinical history-taking
medical records review
physical examination
consultation with a surgeon
consultation with an anesthesiologist

Laboratory tests

complete blood count (CBC)
blood type test (ABO, Rh)
biochemical analysis of blood (kidney and liver function tests, electrolytes, glucose)
inflammation blood tests
coagulation studies
urinalysis

Diagnosis

upper endoscopy
ambulatory reflux monitoring
esophageal manometry
barium swallow/contrast esophagram
electrocardiogram (ECG)
chest X-ray

Treatment

pre-procedure patient preparation
laparoscopic RefluxStop surgical procedure
post-procedure care
symptomatic treatment

Other

cost of essential medicines
cost of essential materials
cost of the RefluxStop implant
general anesthesia
hospitalization
nursing service
discharge medical records
further recommendations

Extra add-ons

Local transportation

Airport transfer

Single room

Hospital meals

Personal coordinator

AiroCare

AiroMedical support

Payment protection

Patient advocacy

Price match

Meet the provider

Dr. med. Björn Siemssen

general & visceral surgery, proctology, reflux & hernia

9.70

Excellent

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FAQ

What is RefluxStop surgery?

It is a laparoscopic anti-reflux operation that repositions the lower esophagus/sphincter below the diaphragm, repairs any hiatal hernia, and places a small, non-active silicone implant on the outside of the upper stomach wall to help keep the junction from sliding upward.

How is RefluxStop different from Nissen fundoplication?

RefluxStop is designed to treat reflux without wrapping the stomach around (and compressing) the esophagus, aiming to reduce side effects associated with an encircling wrap.

Where is the implant placed?

It is positioned on the outside of the upper stomach and invaginated/covered by stomach wall tissue rather than placed as a ring around the esophagus.