Which of the following procedures would be recommended for a patient diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

The recommended procedure for a patient diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is Nissen fundoplication. This surgical intervention involves wrapping the top part of the stomach (the fundus) around the lower esophagus to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. It is particularly effective for patients who have severe GERD symptoms that are not adequately controlled through lifestyle changes and medication.

Nissen fundoplication is specifically designed to address the anatomical and physiological issues associated with GERD. By enhancing the competency of the lower esophageal sphincter, this procedure provides long-term relief from symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation, which are hallmark characteristics of GERD.

Other surgical procedures listed, such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open appendectomy, are unrelated to the treatment of GERD and do not address the underlying causes of esophageal reflux. Fundoplication alone, without the "Nissen" descriptor, might imply variations of the fundoplication technique that may not have the same established efficacy for treating GERD as the Nissen method does. Thus, the Nissen fundoplication remains the most recognized and effective surgical intervention for managing GERD symptoms in