Understand the cause
Your specialist reviews symptoms and treatment history. Testing may include endoscopy, acid monitoring, swallowing studies, or esophageal manometry.
Acid Reflux &
Hiatal Hernia Repair
Understand your options for persistent heartburn and reflux. Start a conversation about care in North Dallas.
Understanding reflux
When heartburn keeps coming back.
Acid reflux happens when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth and stomach. Repeated symptoms or complications may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach moves through the diaphragm into the chest. It can contribute to reflux, but not every hiatal hernia needs surgery.
If symptoms persist, a specialist can help identify the cause and discuss medicines, lifestyle changes, and whether a procedure may be appropriate.
Treatment options
A plan based on your anatomy and symptoms.
Anti-reflux surgery and endoscopic treatments work in different ways. The options below are available at Peak Health Surgicare. Your surgeon will use your symptoms, anatomy, and test results to recommend an appropriate approach.
Hiatal hernia repair
The surgeon moves the stomach back into the abdomen and repairs the opening in the diaphragm. An anti-reflux procedure may be performed at the same time.
Nissen fundoplication
The upper stomach is wrapped fully around the lower esophagus to strengthen the barrier against reflux.
Partial fundoplication: Toupet or Dor
A partial wrap uses a portion of the upper stomach to reinforce the reflux barrier. The choice depends on factors including esophageal function and surgical history.
Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF)
TIF uses an instrument passed through the mouth to reinforce the valve between the stomach and esophagus. Suitability depends on testing and anatomy, including the size of any hiatal hernia.
LINX magnetic sphincter augmentation
A small ring of magnetic beads is placed around the lower esophagus to support the reflux barrier. A specialist must assess whether it is an appropriate option.
After gastric sleeve
Reflux after bariatric surgery deserves a closer look.
Reflux can develop or worsen after sleeve gastrectomy. Evaluation should consider your previous operation, current anatomy, symptoms, and testing.
Your surgeon may discuss medical treatment, hernia repair, or revision options when appropriate. A revision is a separate decision with its own risks and requirements.
What to expect
From evaluation to recovery.
Follow your care plan
If a procedure is recommended, your team explains preparation, anesthesia, and the expected stay. Follow their instructions for medicines, fasting, and transportation.
Recover with guidance
Diet, activity, return to work, and follow-up depend on the procedure and your health. Your team will provide individualized discharge instructions and a contact for concerns.
Risks & recovery
Know the benefits and tradeoffs.
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, injury to nearby organs, and reactions to anesthesia. Anti-reflux procedures may cause difficulty swallowing, bloating, or difficulty belching or vomiting.
Symptoms or a hernia can return, and additional treatment may be needed. Your surgeon will explain risks and alternatives for your situation.
Meet our physicians
Get to know Dr. Frenzel and Dr. Holt.
Explore their backgrounds, then contact the team to discuss a consultation for reflux or hiatal hernia care.
Clayton Frenzel, D.O.
Board-certified in general surgery, with fellowship training in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery.
Meet Dr. Frenzel →
Brian L. Holt, M.D.
Board-certified general surgeon with a focus on bariatric and metabolic surgery.
Meet Dr. Holt →Insurance & costs
Check coverage before scheduling.
Insurance may cover reflux surgery when medically necessary. Coverage, prior authorization, network participation, and out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan and the proposed procedure.
Contact the facility and your insurance plan to verify benefits. Ask whether facility, surgeon, and anesthesia charges are billed separately.
Common questions
Does every hiatal hernia need surgery?
No. Treatment depends on symptoms, hernia type, and complications. Some people need no treatment; others may benefit from medication or surgery after evaluation.
Can I stop reflux medicines after surgery?
Some patients need less medication after treatment, but this is not guaranteed. Change medicines only with guidance from your treating clinician.
Will I go home the same day?
The expected stay depends on the procedure, your health, and your recovery. Confirm the plan and transportation requirements with your team before scheduling.
How do I get started?
Call Peak Health Surgicare to ask about reflux care and consultation arrangements. You can also review the physician profiles above.
Take the next step
Questions about reflux care?
Call our team or send a general inquiry about consultation arrangements and services at Peak Health Surgicare.
Use the form for general questions. Please leave out medical records, symptoms, insurance numbers, and other sensitive health information. Ask our team how to share clinical details securely.