Fundoplication procedure
Fundoplication, or anti-reflux surgery, is often used to reduce acid reflux symptoms. A fundoplication involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the esophagus and sewing it into place. The area sewn creates a narrow passage that serves as an anti-reflux valve.
Multiple types of fundoplication procedures exist:
- Nissen fundoplication wraps a portion of the upper stomach entirely around the esophagus to create an anti-reflux valve.
- Dor and Toupet fundoplications are known as partial fundoplications. In these procedures, the stomach is wrapped ½ to ¾ of the way around the esophagus to create an anti-reflux valve.
Advantages
- Improves symptoms and damage done to the esophagus
Disadvantages
- Fundoplication surgery changes your natural anatomy, which may cause unpleasant side effects.
- Patient is advised to eat smaller, more frequent meals long term
- Patients may have increased bloating due to difficulty belching