Table Of Contents
- What is Nissen Laparoscopic Fundoplication?
- How is Laparoscopic Fundoplication performed?
- What are the advantages of Laparoscopic Fundoplication?
- How to care after Laparoscopic Fundoplication?
- Final thoughts
What is Nissen Laparoscopic Fundoplication?
A Nissen fundoplication is a surgical procedure used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The surgery tightens the junction between the esophagus and the stomach thus preventing acid reflux.
The thin tube connecting your mouth and stomach is known as the esophagus. It is a portion of your GI tract.
GERD occurs when the digestive system affects the esophagus. If you have GERD, the stomach acid and its substances persistently flow back up through the esophagus.
How is Laparoscopic Fundoplication performed?
If you have been dealing with symptoms of acid reflux, proper medication and lifestyle can give you immense relief. However, if symptoms persist even after non-invasive treatments, consult your healthcare practitioner, who might
recommend Nissen fundoplication surgery.
Nissen Fundoplication can be done in two types:
- Laparoscopic – using tiny incisions and cameras to check the internals of the body
- Open – use one large incision so that the surgeon can access the inside of the body using large tools
Before the surgery, the surgeon will recommend some tests to check your stomach and esophagus.
- GI X-rays – to take images of your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine
- Esophageal manometry – that measures the esophageal pressure when you swallow
- Upper endoscopy – to examine the upper section of your stomach
- pH probe – to check for acid in the esophagus
The doctor will give you anesthesia to help you fall asleep during the surgery. In open surgery, he will make a large incision and wrap the upper area of the stomach (fundus) around the lower area of the esophagus. Then, they seal the
incision using surgical staples.
In a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, the surgeon will make 4-5 small incisions in your abdomen. He will then send a small tube with a camera into your abdomen that will access your body’s internals through a monitor. There are small operating tools that wrap the upper region of the stomach around the lower esophagus. The surgeon will close the incision with stitches.
What are the advantages of Laparoscopic Fundoplication?
Usually, people will notice an improvement in acid reflux symptoms after Nissen laparoscopic fundoplication. Here are some benefits of Laparoscopic Fundoplication.
- Speedy recovery
- Minimal pain
- Shorter stay at the hospital
How to care after Laparoscopic Fundoplication?
The surgeon will recommend a soft food diet for the first ten days. You can go back to your daily activities and light exercise within a few days of surgery. Make sure to avoid doing any rigorous activity for a minimum of three weeks.
Call your doctor if you notice any swelling or inflammation around the incision. If you experience bleeding, inflammation, fever, hot skin around the incision, or vomiting, call your doctor immediately.
Final thoughts
Nissen Laparoscopic Fundoplication is a small invasive surgical procedure to treat GERD. If you are suffering from acid reflux which still hasn’t healed from medication or other non-invasive treatment, your medical practitioner will recommend surgery based on the severity of the condition. After Nissen Laparoscopic Fundoplication, you will notice a decrease in GERD symptoms.
