Fundoplication is a procedure used to relieve Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and its associated symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation of acid stomach contents.
The operation involves repairing any hiatus hernia which might be present, and then using part of the upper stomach (fundus), to wrap around the lower part of the oesophagus.
This creates a ‘valve between the oesophagus and the stomach, to prevent acid from the stomach refluxing into the oesophagus.
The type of fundoplication is determined by the amount of degrees the stomach is wrapped around the oesophagus:
Your surgeon will determine which fundoplication will be appropriate for your condition.
Laparoscopic method- 5 very small incisions are made. A Laparoscope is inserted through the incisions. This method takes approximately 1- 2 hours to complete.
Laparoscopic method can take 2-3 days
Most patients have a good result from the fundoplication without any complications. However a small number of patients who have the laparoscopic method may develop problems due to the wrap being too tight, the wrap slipping into the chest, or the wrap coming ‘undone’, this is rare. Some complications of the open method can be; an infection of the wound, delay in healing, chest infection and blood clots in the legs.