Why is this procedure done?
GERD is gastroesophageal reflux. You may hear it called reflux. Other times, people may call it GERD. Normally, food goes from the mouth through the food pipe and then into the belly. The food pipe is also called the esophagus. This illness happens when the contents of the belly leak backwards into the food pipe. This leaking can bother the food pipe. You may have heartburn, burping, bloating, and belly pain after eating. Your doctor may treat GERD in many different ways. Sometimes, doctors use drugs or suggest changes in lifestyle. Other times, doctors suggest diet changes or surgery. ‚
A hiatal hernia may cause reflux. This is when part of the stomach is up in the chest. It sticks up through the muscle that divides the chest and abdomen. Stomach acid goes up into the esophagus and causes GERD. ‚
Fundoplication is a procedure done to prevent GERD. The doctor wraps the upper part of the stomach around the lower part of the food pipe. ‚
This procedure is most often done to: ‚
- Get rid of GERD signs that are not treated by drugs
- Treat acid reflux that may trigger asthma signs
- Fix a hiatal hernia
- Lower the risk of long-term problems like cancer of the food pipe
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What will the results be?
The signs should improve after the procedure. The stomach acid will no longer bother the lining of the food pipe. You may have a lower risk for having changes in the lining of the food pipe. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Swallowing test
- Special x-rays to look inside your stomach
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Your doctor will put a tube called an endoscope in your mouth and down to the esophagus. Your doctor will ask you to swallow to help the scope pass through your throat.
- When the scope reaches the first part of the stomach, your doctor will put small surgical tools into your mouth through the scope to do the procedure.
- Your doctor will put small clips on the inside where the esophagus meets the stomach. The clips will help prevent the food or stomach acid from leaking backwards.
- The procedure takes about 1 hour.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You may have to stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days.
- You will feel pain in your throat. You will get drugs to help with this.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Lessen stomach acid
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Trouble swallowing
- Reflux signs come back
- Limited ability to burp or throw up
- Gas pains
- Injury to organs
Helpful tips
This procedure allows for a shorter hospital stay and fewer problems since there is no cut made in the belly. ‚
Where can I learn more?
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerd/index.aspx#5 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚