When is a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication done?

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Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is indicated for people who are diagnosed with gastro-oesophagal reflux disease (GERD) that doesn’t get better or treated with conservative treatment like medication. Gastro-oesophagal reflux is when stomach acid flows upwards to the tube that connects the mouth, and the stomach called the oesophagus. This can irritate the lining of the oesophagus.

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GERD can cause symptoms such as:

• - Chest pain
• - A burning sensation on your chest, which normally occurs after eating
• - Regurgitation of food
• - Difficulty swallowing
• - Chronic cough
• - A sensation of a lump in your throat
• - Inflammation of the voice box called laryngitis

A laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication can also be indicated to repair the lower oesophagal sphincter.

 

What does laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication entail?

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This procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and using a laparoscopic keyhole technique which offers quicker recovery and minimal scarring. During the Nissen fundoplication procedure, Dr Moodley will make keyhole incisions in the abdomen and pass through a laparoscope and other surgical tools. He will then wrap the upper curve of the stomach, called the fundus, around the oesophagus and sew it into place. The lower portion of the oesophagus will then be passed through a small tunnel of the stomach's muscle. The wrapping of the fundus can be partial or complete.

This then strengthens the lower oesophagal sphincter and also prevents stomach acids from flowing back to the oesophagus. After the procedure, the surgical tools and the laparoscope will be removed, and the incisions will be stitched close. The average hospital stay is 3 days. You will be on a liquid to a soft diet for the first week after surgery and can thereafter progress your diet at your own pace.