Surgical solution to chronic heartburn.

Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest that may start in the upper abdomen and radiate into the neck, sometimes is mistaken for a heart attack. Acid backs up into the esophagus, creating a sour or bitter taste in the throat and mouth, especially when lying down or sleeping.

The medical name for chronic heartburn is qastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While many people are able to control chronic acid reflux with prescription medications, some continue to suffer from heartburn symptoms. This can lead to complications such a esophageal scarring and strictures; aspiration of stomach material, which may trigger asthma attacks or pneumonia; reflux laryngitis; and cellular changes that, in some rare cases, may lead to cancer of the esophagus.

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, 36-44% of U.S. adults experience GERD once a month; 14% report it once a week; and seven percent (more than 9,000,000 people) endure daily bouts.

A new procedure - laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication - may offer a solution. The surgeon makes five or six tiny incisions in the abdomen, through which is inserted a lighted scope and miniature instruments. During the two- to four-hour operation, the surgeon re-creates the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that normally keeps stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus, by wrapping the top of the stomach around the esophagus and stitching it into place. "It's important to have a short, loose wrap because, if it's too long, you create an obstruction to...