Toupet Fundoplication


What is a Toupet Fundoplication?
A toupet fundoplication is used to treat conditions such as heartburn or acid reflux. It is also performed after a muscle splitting procedure to treat the esophageal condition called achalasia, where the esophagus fails to relax. A toupet fundoplication is where the floppy portion the upper stomach is partially wrapped around the esophagus to create a valve. This valve helps prevent reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.

How is a Laparoscopic Toupet Fundoplication performed?
Laparoscopic surgery uses a thin, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope which is inserted through a small incision in the umbilicus. The laparoscope is connected to a tiny video camera which projects a video image of the operative site onto video monitors in the operating room. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide, a gas, to allow your surgeon a better view of the operative area. The floppy portion of the upper stomach is passed behind the esophagus and attached to either side of the esophagus with sutures as well as being attached to the diaphragm muscle which separates the abdominal and chest cavity.

Please note that Dr. Rosser usually performs the toupet fundoplication in conjunction with the heller myotomy procedure. Please click here for more information on this procedure.

Why Laparoscopic?

  • ___Six tiny scars instead of one large abdominal scar.
  • ___Shorter hospital stay.
  • __ Reduced post-operative pain.
  • ___Shorter recovery time and quicker return to daily activities, including work.
  • What can I expect after surgery?
    After surgery you will have a swallow study to evaluate the esophagus. If there are no complications you can expect to be discharged home on the second day after surgery. During your recovery you will be on a liquid diet for two weeks after surgery and after that will progress to soft foods eventually returning to a normal diet.

    To make an appointment with Dr. Rosser, please call 212-420-4337.