Laparoscopic Reflux Surgery Dallas, TX | Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Dallas, TX

What is Laparoscopic Reflux Surgery?

Laparoscopic reflux surgery, also known as fundoplication, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure employed for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It corrects gastro-oesophageal reflux by creating an effective valve mechanism in the bottom of the esophagus, preventing reflux from the stomach into the esophagus.

What is Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy, also known as keyhole surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical technique where a laparoscope - a flexible fiber-optic lighted instrument attached with a camera - is introduced into the abdomen or pelvis through a few small keyhole incisions along with tiny specialized instruments to visualize, diagnose, and repair abnormalities of the structures.

Indications for Laparoscopic Reflux Surgery

The indications for laparoscopic reflux surgery include:

Reflux not controlled on medication and lifestyle measures
Reflux with complications not treatable with medication, eg Barrett’s stricture
Volume reflux: fluid in the mouth or regurgitation
You do not wish to take lifelong medications to control acid reflux symptoms
You cannot tolerate acid reflux medications due to side effects

Preparation for Laparoscopic Reflux Surgery

Preparation for surgery will involve the following steps:

Your surgeon will thoroughly explain the procedure in detail and obtain your written consent for surgery.
Preoperative workup, such as medical evaluation and blood work will be done.
Additional tests may be advised if required depending on your medical history.
An anesthesiologist will meet you to discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used during surgery.
You may take a shower the night prior to or the morning of the operation.
You should refrain from food or drink the night prior to your surgery.
If you are on any medicines such as blood thinners or any supplements, they may need to be stopped temporarily prior to surgery.
Refrain from smoking as it affects the healing process.

Procedure for Laparoscopic Reflux Surgery

Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery, commonly referred to as Laparoscopic Fundoplication, involves reinforcing the “valve” between the esophagus and the stomach by wrapping the upper portion of the stomach around the lowest portion of the esophagus.

The procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours and involves the following steps:

General anesthesia is administered to keep you asleep throughout the procedure.
The surgical site (abdomen) is marked and thoroughly cleaned.
A few small keyhole incisions are made on the abdomen.
A laparoscope is inserted through one of the incisions.
Carbon dioxide gas is pumped into the abdomen for better visualization of the structures through the laparoscope.
Small miniature instruments are inserted through the other incisions.
The laparoscope provides a magnified view of the internal structures on a television screen so your surgeon can stitch the diaphragm to reduce the size of the hole the esophagus passes through.
The top part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower portion of the esophagus and stitched in place. This reinforces the lower oesophageal sphincter so that food does not reflux back into the oesophagus.
Finally, your surgeon will check for any bleeding, rinse out the abdominal cavity, and close the small keyhole incisions.

Postoperative Care and Instructions

Post-procedure care and instructions will include the following steps:

You will be transferred to the recovery area where you will be asleep until the anesthesia wears off.
It is normal for you to feel soreness in the throat due to the breathing tube used during surgery as well as pain in the abdominal area once you gain consciousness.
You may experience bloating, cramping, and pain in the shoulder due to the carbon dioxide gas that was used during surgery.
You will be given pain medicines and anti-nausea medications to relieve your discomfort.
Your nurse will monitor your blood oxygen level and other vital signs as you recover in the recovery area.
Instructions on surgical site care, diet, and bathing will be provided.
You can return to your normal activities, such as showering, driving, and walking within a short period of time.
Complete recovery usually takes about 4 weeks, and you should gradually increase your activity level with light activities.
Refrain from strenuous activities and do not lift anything heavier than 10 kg.
Strictly adhere to follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.