What is Laparoscopic Fundoplication?
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is a minimally invasive procedure to correct gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The surgery tightens the junction between the esophagus and the stomach to prevent acid reflux.
The esophagus is the tube between your mouth and stomach. It is part of your gastrointestinal (GI) system.
Why Laparoscopic Fundoplication is done?
Fundoplication surgery is most often used to treat GERD symptoms that are likely to be caused in part by a hiatal hernia and that have not been well controlled by medicines. The surgery may also be used for some people who do not have a hiatal hernia. Surgery also may be an option when:
- Treatment with medicines does not completely relieve your symptoms, and the remaining symptoms are proved to be caused by reflux of stomach juices.
- You do not want or, because of side effects, you are unable to take medicines over an extended period of time to control your GERD symptoms, and you are willing to accept the risks of surgery.
- You have symptoms that do not adequately improve when treated with medicines. Examples of these symptoms are asthma, hoarseness, or cough along with reflux.
How Laparoscopic Fundoplication is done ?
Five small incisions are made in the abdomen where a camera and working surgical instruments are placed.The esophagus is mobilized and the opening in the diaphragm (crural opening) is identified.The crural opening is then closed.The fundus (upper part of the stomach) is then wrapped around the lower portion of the esophagus.The fundoplication is formed by suturing the stomach around the esophagus.
Post operative recovery
Following surgery, patients stay in the hospital for one night. They start drinking one day after surgery and are discharged home. They will follow dietary restrictions for about two weeks and can start advancing their diet after the clinic visit two weeks after surgery.You will be sent home on a soft diet, which means you can eat almost everything
What should I do to take care of myself after Laproscopic Fundoplication?
- Advancing Your Diet
- Clear liquid diet:Start with a clear liquid diet for the first 24 hours. Drink at least 4 – 6 cups of clear, non-carbonated liquids to meet fluid needs
- Full liquid diet:Stay on a full liquid diet for approximately 1 – 2 weeks to promote healing.
- Soft diet:If you are doing well on the full liquid diet, advance to the soft diet for approximately 1 week.
- Eat slowly, and chew food very well
Advantages of Laproscopic Fundoplication
- Faster recovery.
- Less pain.
- Shorter hospital stay.