Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is when acid backs up from the stomach to your food tube (esophagus). You may experience, chronic heartburn, frequent coughing, regurgitation of food, painful swallowing and weightloss. All those with GERD have a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which is the muscle between the stomach and the esophagus. The risk of having a weak LES increases in those who are overweight, smoke, drink alcohol and caffein. Your doctor may order the following tests in order to confirm that you do indeed have GERD. These tests include an upper GI endoscopy to look for scarring or sores in the esophagus, an esophageal manometry to test the strength of the LES, and a pH test to monitor acid levels in your esophagus for 24 hours.

How is laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication performed?
The operation that restores function to the LES is called a Nissen Fundoplication. This procedure can be performed laparoscopically. Laparoscopic surgery uses a long camera or laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen and allows the surgeon to see inside the body. Three or four additional incisions are made near the laparoscope through which the surgeon inserts long surgical instruments. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide, a gas, to allow your surgeon a better view of the operative area. The surgeon uses these instruments to wrap a portion of the stomach around the LES to reinforce this weakened muscle. The small incisions are closed with sutures and covered with surgical tape resulting in barely visible scars.

What are the benefits?
• Four or five tiny scars instead of one large abdominal scar
• Shorter hospital stay
• Reduced pain after the procedure
• Quicker recovery time and faster return to daily activities and work

What can I expect after surgery?
Many people feel better in a few days however it may take longer for others. Listen to your doctor’s instructions after surgery for the best outcome. Your doctor will explain the complications that may occur during this procedure.

How safe is the laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication?
If performed by experts like Dr. Butch Rosser, laparoscopic common bile duct exploration is as safe as “open” surgery in carefully selected cases.

Appointment
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