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When is surgery needed for heartburn?

If prescription drugs are not relieving heartburn, or if you have serious complications of heartburn, you may need surgery. The operation is relatively simple and is called fundoplication. Its purpose is to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. The stomach is tied in such a way as to prevent acid from flowing backward into the esophagus. This surgery is successful for more than 85% of people.