Fundoplication Specialist
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Center for Advanced Surgery
Gastro-Esophageal and Endoscopic Surgeons located in Dallas, Plano, & Tyler, TX
If you have a condition like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a hiatal hernia, it can make your life miserable with recurring chest pain and heartburn. When other treatments aren't helping, fellowship-trained gastroesophageal surgeons Marc Ward, MD, and Steven Leeds, MD, at the Center for Advanced Surgery use expert fundoplication techniques to resolve your symptoms. Call one of their offices in Dallas, Plano, or Tyler, Texas, to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.
Fundoplication Q&A
What is fundoplication?
Fundoplication is a surgical treatment option for people who have severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a hiatal hernia. The procedure strengthens the junction between your esophagus and stomach.
Fundoplication has been used as a treatment for GERD and hiatal hernias for many years. It’s typically successful, with patients experiencing long-term relief of their symptoms.
To perform fundoplication, your surgeon at the Center for Advanced Surgery wraps the top of your stomach (the fundus) around the bottom of your esophagus. There are several ways to perform fundoplication.
How is fundoplication performed?
Approaches to fundoplication include:
Nissen 360-degree wrap
Nissen fundoplication is the most common type. In this procedure, your surgeon wraps your fundus all the way around the lower part of your esophagus. This tightens the sphincter at the bottom of your esophagus and prevents you from burping and vomiting.
Toupet 270-degree posterior wrap
In Toupet fundoplication, your surgeon wraps your fundus around two-thirds of the back area of the lower part of your esophagus. Toupet fundoplication creates a kind of substitute valve that allows you to burp or vomit if necessary.
Watson anterior 180-degree wrap
In the Watson approach to fundoplication, your surgeon at the Center for Advanced Surgery reconstructs the part of your esophagus next to your diaphragm. They then wrap your fundus halfway around the front of the lower section of your esophagus and attach it to the diaphragm.
The Center for Advanced Surgery team uses minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. These techniques only require small incisions, meaning you experience lower levels of pain and a faster recovery than you would with open surgery.
What conditions does fundoplication treat?
Fundoplication is an option for treatment-resistant GERD and hiatal hernias.
GERD is a chronic condition where stomach acid repeatedly flows back up your esophagus, causing heartburn, chest pain, and nausea. It develops when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) at the bottom of your esophagus weakens and doesn't seal off your stomach properly.
A hiatal hernia happens if part of your stomach pushes through a gap in your diaphragm. It can cause similar symptoms to GERD.
Why would I need to undergo fundoplication?
For most people, dietary changes, weight loss, avoiding triggers like spices and alcohol, and taking medication can control and relieve the symptoms of GERD and hiatal hernias.
If none of these methods are working, the Center for Advanced Surgery team can discuss other options, such as fundoplication. There are also advanced devices like the LINX® Reflux Management System available that could be a suitable alternative.
Find out more about fundoplication and your treatment options for GERD and hiatal hernias by calling the Center for Advanced Surgery today or booking an appointment online.
"We see patients for Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Achalasia, and Hiatal Hernia. Call us to book your appointment today."