Understanding GORD and Hiatal Hernia
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) occurs when acid from the stomach flows back into the oesophagus because the valve at the junction — the lower oesophageal sphincter — does not close properly. In many people, this weakness is associated with a hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm.
Typical symptoms include:
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Chest discomfort
- Chronic cough
- Difficulty swallowing
For some patients, symptoms can be managed without surgery by:
- Adjusting lifestyle habits
- Avoiding dietary triggers
- Losing weight
- Taking long-term acid-suppressing medication
While these measures can control symptoms, they do not correct the underlying problem. They offer control rather than a cure.
For patients who remain symptomatic despite medication or who wish to avoid lifelong tablets, surgery offers the only permanent solution. Conservative management remains appropriate for patients who are unfit for surgery or considered high-risk due to other medical conditions.
Hiatal hernias can vary in severity. Small hernias often worsen reflux, while larger ones — especially paraoesophageal hernias — can cause anaemia, vomiting, or even obstruction. These almost always require surgery.
Surgical Treatment – Why Laparoscopic Fundoplication?
The gold-standard surgical treatment for GORD and hiatal hernia is fundoplication. This operation:
- Restores normal anatomy
- Reconstructs and strengthens the lower oesophageal sphincter
- Prevents acid from flowing back into the oesophagus
- Reduces or removes the need for long-term medication
Mr Ricardo Camprodon performs all fundoplication procedures laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) using several tiny incisions rather than one large cut. Compared with open surgery, this approach offers:
- Smaller scars and less pain
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster return to daily activities
- Lower risk of complications
Types of fundoplication:
- Nissen Fundoplication – a 360° wrap of the stomach around the oesophagus, providing the strongest anti-reflux valve
- Toupet Fundoplication – a 270° partial wrap, often chosen for patients with weaker swallowing muscles
Additional steps for larger or more complex hernias:
- Hiatal Repair – tightening the diaphragm opening to keep the stomach in place
- Mesh Reinforcement – selectively used in very large or recurrent hernias to strengthen the repair
Paraoesophageal Hernia Repair
Paraoesophageal hernias are less common but can be dangerous if the stomach twists or becomes trapped in the chest. They may cause chest pain, anaemia, or obstruction.
Over the past three years, Mr Camprodon has repaired more than 35 paraoesophageal hernias, all performed laparoscopically. When necessary, larger or recurrent hernias are reinforced with mesh.
This approach restores normal anatomy while minimising recovery time, with outcomes showing faster discharge and lower recurrence rates than national benchmarks.
Revision Surgery and Tertiary Referrals
A small number of patients who undergo reflux surgery elsewhere may later develop recurrent symptoms or complications. These redo procedures are more technically complex and are often referred to as Mr Camprodon from other centres.
All revision operations are performed laparoscopically, avoiding the trauma of open surgery. Careful preoperative planning, a tailored surgical approach, and specialist expertise help ensure excellent long-term outcomes.
Surgical Outcomes – Independently Verified
All results are audited and independently verified through NHS Model Hospital benchmarking and Mr Camprodon’s personal eLogbook. This provides transparency and reassurance for both patients and referrers.
Over the past three years:
- More than 100 laparoscopic antireflux and hiatal hernia operations have been performed, including over 35 paraoesophageal repairs and multiple complex redo procedures
- All were completed laparoscopically, with zero conversions to open surgery (compared with around 10% nationally still done open)
Independent NHS Model Hospital data confirm:
- Hospital stay: median of 1 day (UK average: 2 days)
- Readmissions within 30 days: ~2% (UK average: 6%)
- Reoperation within 1 year: 0% (UK average: ~1%)
➡️ In practice, this means patients under Mr Camprodon and the RCG Health multidisciplinary team recover faster, face fewer complications, and are less likely to need further surgery compared with national averages.
Why Patients Choose Mr Camprodon and the RCG Health Team
- Led by an experienced consultant – Mr Ricardo Camprodon, Upper GI and General Surgeon with extensive expertise in reflux and hernia surgery
- Multidisciplinary team approach – surgical, medical, nursing, and dietetic expertise supporting patients throughout their care
- High-volume practice – over 100 antireflux and hiatal hernia operations in the past three years
- Superior outcomes – NHS-audited results consistently outperform UK averages
- All-laparoscopic approach – with zero conversions to open surgery
- Trusted referral service – regularly managing complex cases from other hospitals
- Patient-centred care – clear explanations, accessible resources, and tailored aftercare
Reassurance for Patients
Patients can feel confident knowing their care with Mr Camprodon and the multidisciplinary team at RCG Health will be:
- Safe – every procedure is performed laparoscopically, minimising pain and risk
- Effective – restoring normal anatomy, strengthening the oesophageal valve, and reducing or eliminating the need for lifelong medication
- Efficient – with audited results showing shorter hospital stays, smoother recovery, and better long-term outcomes than the national average
Whether treating reflux, repairing a hiatal or paraoesophageal hernia, or performing complex revision surgery, the aim is always the same: safe treatment, effective results, and long-term relief.