Basic Facts About Fundoplication
Fundoplication is a procedure wherein the upper portion of the stomach, called the fundus, is wrapped around the lower portion of the patient's esophagus.
It is done as a treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD when the patient does not respond to medical therapy well.
The innovator was Dr.
Rudolph Nissen, when he published two cases he worked on in 1955.
He called it 'gastroplication', until it was named to Nissen Fundoplication to recognize his work.
What Happens in a Fundoplication? The aim of this procedure is to use some of the portion of the stomach to strengthen the weakened lower esophageal sphincter of the patient.
This is achieved by using the contractile action of the stomach to compress on the lower sphincter to prevent its abnormal relaxation.
In effect, this would prevent the reflux of gastric contents to the esophagus of the client, thereby providing relief from the symptoms associated with the disorder.
Fundoplication is a very effective procedure, wherein majority of the clients are fully relieved from their complaints.
Things to Expect After a Fundoplication Like any other surgery, fundoplication can cause discomfort to the patient in the immediate post-operative period.
As the anesthesia subsides, the patient might feel pain on the surgical site.
If it is an open procedure, the surgical site is more visible; if it is a laparoscopic procedure, there is less scar on the patient's skin.
It is also important to know that open fundoplication has a longer recovery time than the laparoscopic procedure.
Feelings of being bloated, is also expected after the surgery.
Air fills the stomach as it is trapped inside of it, and it might cause a sensation of pressure to the patient.
This might be very uncomfortable but he must be informed that this is normal and will subside after 1-2 weeks of recovery.
Muscle spasms are also a side effect of the procedure, and this can be very painful to the patient.
He might not be able to eat solid foods during this time, so it is best to switch to a liquid diet until his bowel function returns to normal.
One serious complication of fundoplication is dumping syndrome.
This is caused by too rapid emptying of gastric contents into the intestines because of the reduced size of the stomach.
The patient must avoid eating large meals and must lie down for at least 30 minutes after eating.
What to Remember to Avoid Complications from Fundoplication Frequent follow-ups must be done to ensure that the patient has no problem after a fundoplication.
This would enable his physician to detect any deviation and would also enable him to institute early corrective measures.
The patient's knowledge regarding what to do and what not to do after a fundoplication is also vital.
He must avoid straining and bending, as this puts pressure on his abdomen and his surgical site, which might break his stitches.
He must know what diet he should take, such as a high fiber diet and avoid consuming products that would irritate his stomach.
Following these simple measures would ensure that he will not experience fundoplication complications in the future.
It is done as a treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD when the patient does not respond to medical therapy well.
The innovator was Dr.
Rudolph Nissen, when he published two cases he worked on in 1955.
He called it 'gastroplication', until it was named to Nissen Fundoplication to recognize his work.
What Happens in a Fundoplication? The aim of this procedure is to use some of the portion of the stomach to strengthen the weakened lower esophageal sphincter of the patient.
This is achieved by using the contractile action of the stomach to compress on the lower sphincter to prevent its abnormal relaxation.
In effect, this would prevent the reflux of gastric contents to the esophagus of the client, thereby providing relief from the symptoms associated with the disorder.
Fundoplication is a very effective procedure, wherein majority of the clients are fully relieved from their complaints.
Things to Expect After a Fundoplication Like any other surgery, fundoplication can cause discomfort to the patient in the immediate post-operative period.
As the anesthesia subsides, the patient might feel pain on the surgical site.
If it is an open procedure, the surgical site is more visible; if it is a laparoscopic procedure, there is less scar on the patient's skin.
It is also important to know that open fundoplication has a longer recovery time than the laparoscopic procedure.
Feelings of being bloated, is also expected after the surgery.
Air fills the stomach as it is trapped inside of it, and it might cause a sensation of pressure to the patient.
This might be very uncomfortable but he must be informed that this is normal and will subside after 1-2 weeks of recovery.
Muscle spasms are also a side effect of the procedure, and this can be very painful to the patient.
He might not be able to eat solid foods during this time, so it is best to switch to a liquid diet until his bowel function returns to normal.
One serious complication of fundoplication is dumping syndrome.
This is caused by too rapid emptying of gastric contents into the intestines because of the reduced size of the stomach.
The patient must avoid eating large meals and must lie down for at least 30 minutes after eating.
What to Remember to Avoid Complications from Fundoplication Frequent follow-ups must be done to ensure that the patient has no problem after a fundoplication.
This would enable his physician to detect any deviation and would also enable him to institute early corrective measures.
The patient's knowledge regarding what to do and what not to do after a fundoplication is also vital.
He must avoid straining and bending, as this puts pressure on his abdomen and his surgical site, which might break his stitches.
He must know what diet he should take, such as a high fiber diet and avoid consuming products that would irritate his stomach.
Following these simple measures would ensure that he will not experience fundoplication complications in the future.
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