SPECIALIST
Home / Fundoplication
Fundoplication
Fundoplication is one of the most common surgeries used to treat heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). GERD is a chronic backup of stomach acid or contents into your esophagus, the tube that food goes down when you eat.
GERD can weaken the muscles that help move food down into your stomach, including the sphincter that closes the opening between the esophagus and stomach. Fundoplication helps strengthen this opening to prevent food and acid from going back up.
This procedure is usually successful and has a good long-term outlook. Let’s take a look at how it’s done, what recovery’s like, and how your lifestyle may need to change to help keep your digestive tract strong.
Types of fundoplication
Several types of fundoplication are possible:
- Nissen 360-degree wrap. The fundus is wrapped all the way around the bottom of your esophagus to tighten the sphincter. This prevents you from any burping or vomiting that may make your GERD worse.
- Toupet 270-degree posterior wrap. The fundus is wrapped about two-thirds of the way around the back side, or posterior, of the bottom of your esophagus. This creates a sort of valve that lets you more easily release gas through burps or vomit when necessary.
- Watson anterior 180-degree wrap. The part of the esophagus next to the diaphragm is reconstructed. Then, the fundus is wrapped halfway around the front, or anterior, of the bottom of the esophagus and attached to part of the diaphragm tissue.
How do I prepare for this procedure
To prepare for this surgery, you may be asked to do the following:
- Consume only clear liquids for at least 24 to 48 hours before the surgery. No solid foods or colored sodas and juices will be allowed during this period.
- Take any prescribed medications to help clear out your digestive tract during the final 24 hours before surgery.
- Don’t take any anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Ask your doctor if you should stop taking blood thinners. This includes warfarin (Coumadin). These can increase your risk of complications during surgery.
- Tell your doctor about medications and dietary or herbal supplements you’re taking. You may be asked to stop taking them so they don’t interfere with the surgery.
- Have a family member or close friend take you to the hospital. Have someone available to take you home when you’re released, too.