Fundoplication Surgery
Your doctor may suggest fundoplication to treat certain types of gastroesophageal conditions. Laparoscopic fundoplication, or fundoplication, is the surgical procedure to treat different gastrointestinal conditions like Hiatal hernias or GERD.
Why Is Fundoplication Surgery Performed?
GERD symptoms are usually caused by a hiatal hernia that hasn't been controlled very well by medication. Fundoplication surgery is used to remove the hernia. It can also used for people who don't have a hiatal hernia.
Fundoplication surgery is also an option when taking medications that don't completely relieve your symptoms. The remaining symptoms can be caused by the reflux of your stomach juices.
You may want surgery because taking medication over an extended time for GERD gives you unwanted side effects. Or if you are willing to accept the risk of surgery to control your GERD symptoms.
Suppose you have asthma, cough with reflux, or hoarseness, and your symptoms don't improve by taking medication. In that case, you may ask your doctor about fundoplication surgery.
Types of Fundoplication Surgery
There are several different types of fundoplication surgery. Your doctor will discuss with you the difference before you decide if the surgery is for you. The types of surgery vary on how many degrees your fundus wraps around your esophageal sphincter.
- The Nissen fundoplication (360 degrees): This is the standard fundoplication procedure that is performed. Your surgeon will wrap your fundus around the bottom of your esophagus completely.
- The Toupet fundoplication (270 degrees): If your surgeon performs this surgery, he will leave a little room instead of completely encircling your esophagus. It has a similar effect that a standard fundoplication does. Still, it makes it easier to release built-up pressure such as burping.
What to Expect After Surgery?
If a large incision, or open surgery, is used, you most likely will spend a few days in the hospital. You'll sleep through the operation because a general anesthetic is used. It could take you up to 4 to 6 weeks to go back to your regular routine or go back to work with open surgery.
If the laparoscopic method is used, you may only be in the hospital for one day. With this operation, a general anesthetic is used as well. Because the incisions are not large, you'll have less pain. Most people can continue their regular routine or go back to work within 2 to 3 weeks.
You might need to change your eating habits after having either surgery. You can only eat soft food until the healing is completed. You should also eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. This will give the food more time to slide down the esophagus.
The Risks of Surgery
There could be some risks to the surgery, such as difficulty swallowing because the esophagus is wrapped too tight, or the stomach is wrapped too high. Or the esophagus could slide out of the portion of the stomach that is bound.
You could have heartburn which returns or bloating and gas buildup because you can’t burp. You could have excess gas plus the risks of anesthesia.
It's your choice when you discuss it with your doctor.
References:
https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw95701
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/fundoplication#Summary
