A 52-year-old man presents with heartburn associated with reflux of sour-tasting material into the mouth. Some of these episodes are accompanied by increased salivation, coughing, and occasional regurgitation of food. Such episodes have become more frequent during the past 6 months despite treatment over the past several years with various treatment combinations, including antacids, histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), and protein pump inhibitors (PPIs). He denies any bleeding or abnormalities in his stools. He is slightly overweight and has mild hypertension, which is well-controlled with an antihypertensive medication. Vital signs are within normal ranges and the physical examination is unremarkable. An upper endoscopy reveals a large hiatal hernia and coalescing linear erosions throughout the esophageal circumference and a 5.5 cm circumferential cherry red patch above the gastroesophageal junction. Biopsy of the patch reveals columnar metaplasia, but no dysplasia. What surgical treatment can improve the patient's symptoms most efficiently? A. Laparoscopic fundoplication B. Whipple procedure C. Esophagectomy D. Laser ablation