A Surgical Overview Of Fundoplication Surgery For GERD Patients
If you’ve been diagnosed with GERD, you know just how painful and annoying this condition can be. While it’s not life-threatening, you may not want to live with having to take medication each day. Fundoplication surgery can be a great fit for some patients who have been living with GERD symptoms. As with any type of surgery, you must understand what it entails so that you can feel comfortable undergoing it.
Why Is Fundoplication Surgey Performed?
Fundoplication surgery is performed to treat the symptoms associated with GERD. This type of surgery is recommended for those who:
- Have Symptoms From A Hiatal Hernia
- Aren’t Responding To Medication
- Are Having Side Effects From Medication
Fundoplication surgery is not the first type of treatment that is recommended for patients diagnosed with GERD. Rather, medication is the first line of defense against treating this condition. If you’ve tried medication and aren’t noticing any improvement in your condition, then surgery can be the next step.
What Is Fundoplication Surgery?
Fundoplication surgery is done by a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeon to treat the underlying issue of GERD in the patient. If a portion of the stomach slipped into the chest it is placed back in the abdomen assuring the lower part of the esophagus is positioned below the diaphragm as well. During the procedure, the fundus, which is the upper part of the stomach, is wrapped around the esophagus. This is sewn into a permanent position. This works to stop the backing up of acid into the esophagus.
Over time, the esophagus will heal from the previous backed up acid that was burning its lining.
This particular procedure is typically done using laparoscopic or robotic surgery to provide the best results possible for the patient.
Is LINX Surgery An Alternative To Fundoplication Surgery?
LINX, known formally as the magnetic sphincter augmentation, is a procedure that is intended to eliminate the symptoms associated with GERD. This type of minimally invasive surgery employs the use of a small implantation device. The device is made of a magnetic core with titanium beads. It’s placed around the esophagus to assist in the esophageal sphincter’s barrier function.
This type of procedure doesn’t utilize the fundus for barrier support. Rather, it relies on the titanium beads. Since LINX is minimally invasive, it offers a quick recovery time for patients and eliminates any nasty scars. LINX is a widely accepted procedure for treating GERD alongside the fundoplication procedure.
What To Expect From Fundoplication Surgery?
Fundoplication surgery is typically performed in a minimally invasive way to help reduce the patient’s recovery time and scar.
Laparoscopic or Robotic Surgery
The most common technique for fundoplication surgery, laparoscopic surgery is done via very small incisions. Dr. Fiszer can also use a robot which enhances the visualization.
You can expect to spend an average of one night at the hospital once the surgery is completed. Recovery time will range anywhere from two to three weeks. Since there will be smaller incisions, your recovery time will be much shorter and your risk for infection post-surgery is greatly reduced.
After your surgery is complete, you will be given instructions from your doctor about what diet to follow for the first few weeks. Before going back to eating normally.
Who Is Eligible For Fundoplication Surgery?
If you have been experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease that is not responding to medical treatment or you do not wasn’t to be on antacid medication for the rest of your life you may be a good candidate for anti reflux surgery. Based on your medical and surgical history and the results of your tests Dr. Fiszer will discuss with you which procedure is be the best in your specific case.
If you think you are already a good candidate please call our office for a consultation at 786-310-2283 and start living reflux free!.
