Chronic heartburn affects as many as 1 in 5 Americans and is caused by an abnormality that allows stomach acid to leak back into the esophagus.

Gastroenterologist Suresh Chavakula explains, "GERD- the acronym stands for gastroesopheagal reflux disease, a loose valve so to speak between the stomach and the esophagus and the gastric acid material can reflux up into the esophagus and cause a variety of symptoms."

Gastroenterologist Asif Choudhury says that symptoms can include heartburn, but there are many other issues that can cause or occur because of GERD. Often times a change in diet or taking prescription, acid-reducing medications isn't enough. "It may be so problematic that medication doesn't help those are the cases, fundoplication is needed."

Dr. Choudhruy explains that fundoplication is a surgical procedure often used to treat gerd. The procedure repairs the stomach valve that is allowing acid to leak into the esophagus. "Kind of a wrapping of the upper part of the stomach around the esophagus, lower part of the food pipe, so that it doesn't herniate into the chest."

Dr. Choudhury also says that fundoplication surgery using a laparoscopic technique is being done more often, allowing a quicker recovery time for patients. For the most serious of cases, additional treatments may be required. "Usually we do endoscopy on and off, we stretch their food pipe so that they can swallow well."

When fundoplication is successful, it eliminates the need for long-term medication.

The laparoscopic fundoplication procedure has been used safely and effectively in people of all ages, even babies.