Fundoplication is a surgery on the stomach and esophagus. It is done to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is also called acid reflux, or heartburn. This occurs when acid from the stomach goes up the esophagus. A hiatal hernia may also be fixed during this procedure. This type of hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pokes into the chest cavity. This hernia increases the chance and severity of GERD.
The surgery is most often done for the following reasons:
If you are planning to have fundoplication, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
In rare cases, the procedure may need to be repeated. This may happen if the wrap was too tight, the wrap slips, or if a new hernia forms.
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Your doctor may do the following:
Leading up to the surgery:
General anesthesia will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery.
The doctor will make a small incision. The laparoscope (a small tool with a camera on the end) will be inserted into the abdomen. It will allow the doctor to view the inside of the body on a video screen. Gas will be pumped into the abdomen to improve the view. The doctor will make other, small incisions in the skin. Small surgical instruments will be inserted. The stomach will then be wrapped around the esophagus. If needed, the hernia will be repaired.
In some cases, the doctor may need to switch to an open surgery . He will make a wide incision in the abdomen to do the surgery.
2-4 hours
You will have discomfort during recovery. Ask your doctor about medicine to help with the pain.
Two days or more (depending on your condition)
It will take about two weeks to recover.
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/
The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
http://www.sages.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
http://www.cag-acg.org/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
References:
EsophyX receives FDA clearance for performing transoral incisionless fundoplication surgery. Medical News Today website. Available at: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/83410.php. Published September 24, 2007. Accessed August 19, 2009.
Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.sages.org/.
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.sts.org/sections/aboutthesociety/practiceguidelines/antibioticguideline/.
Transoral incisionless fundoplication with EsophyX. Endogastric Solutions website. Available at: http://www.endogastricsolutions.com/esophyx_for-pt.htm. Accessed August 19, 2009.
Treating GERD. Ohio State University Medical Center website. Available at: http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/digestive_disorders/gerd_heartburn/diagnosing_treating_gerd/treating_gerd/Pages/index.aspx. Accessed August 19, 2009.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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