All you need to know about Fundoplication. Let’s go

What is fundoplication? Why is it so famous?

Fundoplication is perhaps the most widely recognized medical procedures used to treat indigestion
brought about by gastroesophageal reflux issue (GERD). GERD is a persistent reinforcement of stomach
corrosive or substance into your throat, the cylinder that food goes down when you eat.
GERD can debilitate the muscles that assist with dropping food down into your stomach, including the
sphincter that shuts the opening between the throat and stomach. Fundoplication reinforces this
opening to keep food and corrosive from returning up.
This strategy is generally fruitful and has a decent long-haul standpoint. How about we investigate how
it’s done, what recuperation resembles, and how your way of life may have to change to assist with
keeping your digestive tract strong.

How do I know if am eligible for fundoplication?

Fundoplication is a last-resort surgery for GERD or a hiatal hernia, which happens when your stomach
pushes up through your diaphragm. Your doctor may not recommend this surgery if you haven’t already
tried other treatments, home remedies, or lifestyle changes to control your GERD symptoms, such as:

• Losing weight, especially if you’re overweight or obese
• Eating a gerd-friendly diet or avoiding foods that can trigger reflux, such as alcohol or caffeine
• Taking medications for conditions that contribute to GERD, such as insulin for diabetes, or medications that help strengthen your esophagus or stomach muscles

Your doctor may also not recommend this surgery if it won’t help resolve your symptoms. For example,
if you have mild gastroparesis, a condition in which your stomach empties slowly, fundoplication will
probably help. But fundoplication won’t help treat severe gastroparesis, so other treatments may be
necessary.

Which type of fundoplication surgery do I need to take? How many are there?

Several types of fundoplication are possible:

1. Nissen 360-degree wrap. The fundus is wrapped all the way around the bottom of your
   esophagus to tighten the sphincter. This prevents you from any burping or vomiting that may
   make your GERD worse.
2. Toupet 270-degree posterior wrap. The fundus is wrapped about two-thirds of the way around
   the back side, or posterior, of the bottom of your esophagus. This creates a sort of valve that
   lets you more easily release gas through burps or vomit when necessary.
3. Watson anterior 180-degree wrap. The part of the esophagus next to the diaphragm is
   reconstructed. Then, the fundus is wrapped halfway around the front, or anterior, of the bottom
   of the esophagus and attached to part of the diaphragm tissue.

Each procedure can be done laparoscopically. This means that your surgeon makes several small
incisions and inserts tiny surgical instruments and a small, thin tube with a camera and light to perform
the surgery.
This makes your recovery time faster and leaves smaller scars than an open procedure.

Pre surgery preparations for fundoplication, here are few points to keep in mind?

To prepare for this surgery, you may be asked to do the following:

1. Consume only clear liquids for at least 24 to 48 hours before the surgery. No solid foods or
   colored sodas and juices will be allowed during this period.
2. Take any prescribed medications to help clear out your digestive tract during the final 24 hours
   before surgery.
3. Don’t take any anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen
   (Tylenol).
4. Ask your doctor if you should stop taking blood thinners. This includes warfarin (Coumadin).
   These can increase your risk of complications during surgery.
5. Tell your doctor about medications and dietary or herbal supplements you’re taking. You may be
   asked to stop taking them so they don’t interfere with the surgery.
6. Have a family member or close friend take you to the hospital. Have someone available to take
   you home when you’re released, too.

Fundoplication surgery and how it is done?

When you get to the hospital for the surgery, you’ll check in and be led into a room where you can
change into a hospital gown.
Then, your doctor will put intravenous (IV) tubes into your veins for both fluid regulation and anesthesia
during the surgery. You’ll be asleep during the entire procedure.
Each type of fundoplication has slightly different steps. But each takes about two to four hours and
follow a similar overall procedure. Here’s a general overview of a fundoplication surgery:

1. Several small cuts are made through the skin and peritoneum, a layer of tissue around your gut.
2. A thin, lighted tube with a camera and tiny surgical tools are inserted into the cuts.
3. Your fundus is wrapped around tissue from your lower esophagus.
4. Dissolvable stitches are used to attach the fundus to your esophagus.
5. Any gas in the abdomen is vented out and all tools are removed from the surgical site.
6. The cuts are closed with dissolvable stitches.

How does post-surgery recovery look like?

Here’s what to expect during your recovery:

• You’ll go home about 36 to 48 hours after surgery. You may need to stay in the hospital for up to
  a week if you had an open surgery.
• You’ll have some surgical dressings or adhesive strips over your incisions. These stop bleeding
  and drainage. They can be removed about two to seven days following surgery.
• You may need to receive food through a gastrostomy tube. This may be the case for some time
  after a fundoplication. Your doctor will give you instructions for use, and you’ll likely get supplies
  and food sent to your home. You may not need the tube after a few weeks. But if you need the
  tube permanently, you’ll work with your doctor or gastrointestinal (GI) specialist to learn how
  best to use it.
• You can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). These can relieve pain or discomfort
  after you leave the hospital. If these don’t help, your doctor may prescribe a stronger
  medication.
• Don’t bathe right away. Wait about two days or until after dressings are removed.
• Clean your incisions with warm, clean water and a gentle, unscented soap. Your surgeon will probably use dissolvable stitches under the skin that don’t need to be removed. See your doctor right away if the incisions get redder and more irritated or leak pus during the first two weeks after surgery.
• Take a few days off. Wait until your doctor says it’s fine to drive, return to work, or do regular activities. This is usually about three to seven days after you get out of the hospital.
• Go to follow-up appointments. If required, see your doctor to make sure your incisions are healing properly and you aren’t experiencing any complications.

Some of the dietary plans you need to follow post-surgery

Post-surgery you many need to change your diet plan to prevent any long-term discomfort.
Here’s an outline of what to expect over the first few months:

• 2 weeks after surgery. Eat soft or liquid foods, including yogurt, soup, and pudding. Only drink
  beverages like water, milk, and juice — don’t drink soda or carbonated beverages that can
  increase gas buildup in your stomach.
• 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. Slowly introduce solid — yet still softened — foods back into your
  diet. Try pasta, breads, mashed potatoes, peanut butter, and cheese.
• 1 to 3 months after surgery and beyond. You’ll be able to gradually return to the diet you had
  before. You may want to stop eating foods that can get stuck in your esophagus, such as steak,
  chicken, or nuts.

Complications after fundoplication surgery

Some reported complications of fundoplication include:

• Piercing of the lining or walls in your esophagus, stomach, or tissues around your lungs, which is
  more likely during laparoscopic procedures
• Infection of the surgical site
• Stitches breaking open and exposing the surgical area
• Lung infections, such as pneumonia
• Having trouble swallowing
• Dumping syndrome, when food travels too fast from your stomach to intestines
• Nausea and gagging
• Gas buildup in your stomach
• Inability to throw up when needed
• Reflux continuing to happen
• Needing follow-up surgery

Conclusion

Write down your health goals and keep them front-and-center: Being mindful of your long-term
lifestyle changes will help you make small steps to achieving them every day.

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