Nissen Fundoplication in Mexico — Tijuana, Guadalajara & Puerto Vallarta
Permanent surgical solution for chronic acid reflux (GERD) and hiatal hernia. Stop omeprazole for good. FACS-certified surgeon. 90% of patients reflux-free at 10 years. Save 60–75% vs. U.S. prices.
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What Is Nissen Fundoplication?
The laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the gold-standard surgical treatment for chronic GERD and hiatal hernia. It recreates the lower esophageal sphincter — the natural valve that prevents stomach acid from traveling up into the esophagus — by wrapping the upper portion of the stomach (fundus) 360° around the lower esophagus.
Dr. López performs it through 4–5 incisions of less than 1 cm under general anesthesia. The hiatal hernia is repaired simultaneously in the same procedure. Duration: 60–90 minutes. Hospital discharge: next morning.
Definitive Solution
90–95% of patients stop acid-suppressing medication entirely within 3–6 months of surgery. No more daily omeprazole, pantoprazole, or antacids.
Laparoscopic
5 small incisions (<1 cm). Magnified camera visualization. No large abdominal opening. Hospital discharge the next day.
Hiatal Hernia Repaired
The diaphragmatic opening (hiatus) is closed with permanent sutures (cruroplasty) in the same operation — preventing recurrence.
Fast Recovery
Desk work in 2–3 weeks. Full activity by 4–6 weeks. Most international patients travel home on Day 4–5.
How the Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication Is Performed
- Laparoscopic access — 4–5 incisions of 5–12 mm. CO₂ insufflation creates the working space.
- Hiatal hernia reduction — the stomach is repositioned below the diaphragm.
- Cruroplasty — the enlarged diaphragmatic hiatus is closed with permanent sutures to prevent recurrence.
- Fundic mobilization — short gastric vessels are divided to fully mobilize the gastric fundus.
- 360° fundoplication wrap — the fundus is wrapped completely around the lower esophagus and sutured in place, recreating the anti-reflux valve.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Fundoplication?
Surgery is recommended when:
- GERD symptoms persist despite 6+ months of PPI therapy
- You want a permanent solution — no more daily medication
- Endoscopy confirms hiatal hernia with esophagitis grade B, C, or D
- Regurgitation affecting sleep, work, or quality of life
- Paraesophageal hernia (risk of volvulus)
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) causing chronic cough or hoarseness
Required pre-op studies:
- Upper endoscopy confirming hiatal hernia and esophagitis grade
- Esophageal manometry (motility study)
- 24-hour pH monitoring if diagnosis is uncertain
- Standard pre-op labs and cardiac clearance
You can send existing studies via WhatsApp for Dr. López to review at no cost before your consultation.
Recovery After Nissen Fundoplication
| Period | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| First 24h | Hospital stay; liquid diet; mild discomfort when swallowing — normal and expected |
| Days 2–7 | Soft/pureed diet at home; no antacids needed; light activity |
| Weeks 2–3 | Return to desk work; semi-solid diet; follow-up teleconsult |
| Months 1–2 | Normal diet and full physical activity resumed |
| 3–6 months | Esophageal erosions healed; 90%+ patients completely off PPIs |
What disappears after surgery: chronic acid reflux · nighttime regurgitation · daily omeprazole dependence · reflux-related cough · GERD-related chest pain.
Note on dysphagia: Mild difficulty swallowing for the first 4–6 weeks is normal while the wrap settles. Soft diet during this period. Resolves spontaneously in nearly all patients.
Medical tourism tip: Plan a 5-day trip — Day 1 pre-op review, Day 2 surgery, Day 3 hospital discharge, Day 4 follow-up, Day 5 fly home. All further follow-up by teleconsult from home.
3 Surgical Locations for U.S. & Canadian Patients
🌉 Tijuana, Baja California
Hospital DREAMS — accredited private hospital 20 minutes from the San Diego border. Most convenient for California, Arizona, and Nevada patients. English-speaking team, airport pickup, modern laparoscopic suites.
✈️ Fly into SAN · 🚗 20 min from border
🏙️ Guadalajara, Jalisco
Hospital Puerta de Hierro (Andares) and Hospital Innovare. Direct flights from LAX, ORD, DFW, IAH, and 20+ U.S. cities.
✈️ Direct from 20+ U.S. cities
🌴 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Hospital CMQ Riviera Nayarit. International facility on the Pacific coast. Direct flights from LAX, ORD, DFW, and Vancouver.
✈️ Direct from PVR · Recovery in paradise
Related Conditions & Procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
Over 90% of patients maintain excellent results long-term. A small percentage may experience recurrence years later — usually associated with uncontrolled obesity or intense physical strain. Revision laparoscopic surgery is available when needed.
In 90–95% of cases, yes. Most patients discontinue acid-suppressing medication within the first weeks to months after surgery. The goal is permanent freedom from daily PPIs — and the vast majority of patients achieve it.
Yes, it is required. Upper endoscopy confirms the hiatal hernia, grades esophagitis severity, and rules out Barrett’s esophagus or other conditions. Esophageal manometry is also needed. You can send your existing studies to Dr. López via WhatsApp for a free review before committing to surgery.
Nissen is a 360° wrap — the most effective for eliminating reflux. Toupet is a 270° partial wrap, preferred when esophageal manometry shows reduced motility (peristalsis), to minimize the risk of persistent dysphagia. Dr. López evaluates manometry results for every patient to choose the right technique.
In the U.S., laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with hospital and anesthesia typically costs $20,000–$35,000+. Our all-inclusive package in Mexico covers surgeon, anesthesiologist, hospital, and operating room at 60–75% less. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your studies and chosen location.
Yes. Fundoplication controls the acid reflux that causes Barrett’s, but does not reverse existing mucosal damage. It does prevent progression toward dysplasia. Patients with Barrett’s require periodic endoscopic surveillance even after surgery — which can be coordinated with your gastroenterologist back home.
This is called recurrent or revisional fundoplication. It is technically more complex due to scar tissue, but Dr. López has experience in laparoscopic revision procedures. A full work-up (endoscopy + pH study + manometry) is needed to assess the anatomy before planning revision surgery.
Yes — and it is often recommended. Gastric sleeve can worsen reflux if an existing hiatal hernia is not repaired at the same time. Dr. López routinely combines hiatal hernia repair with gastric sleeve or bypass in a single session for patients with both obesity and GERD.
Stop Living on Antacids — Get a Permanent Fix
Free teleconsult · Send your endoscopy for review · Tijuana, Guadalajara & Puerto Vallarta · English team 7 days a week
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