Fundoplication - Laparoscopic Surgery

Fundoplication is a surgery on the stomach and esophagus. It is done to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is also called acid reflux, or heartburn. This occurs when acid from the stomach goes up the esophagus. A hiatal hernia may also be fixed during this procedure. This type of hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pokes into the chest cavity. This hernia increases the chance and severity of GERD. In addition to the fundoplication a gastrostomy or feeding tube may be placed if you child has problems eating.

Reasons for Procedure:

• Eliminate persistent GERD symptoms that are not relieved by medicine
• Correct acid reflux that is contributing to asthma symptoms
• Repair a hiatal hernia, which may be responsible for making GERD symptoms worse
• Eliminate the source of serious, long-term complications resulting from too much acid in the esophagus
• Enable the child to have adequate amounts of nutrition

Surgical Treatment:

The doctor will make several small incisions in the skin. Small surgical instruments will be inserted. The stomach will then be wrapped around the esophagus. If needed, the hernia will be repaired. If necessary a gastrostomy will be placed at the end of the procedure.

In rare cases if there is bleeding or problems with visualization, the doctor may need to switch to an open surgery. In these cases, he will make an open incision in the abdomen to complete the surgery.