Laparoscopic Nissens fundoplication for GERD
Lower esophageal sphincter is reinforced by a procedure called Nissen fundoplication. To prevent the back up or reverse flow of acid in the esophagus, A surgical gastroenterologist who specializes in the laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery for GERD performs this procedure. The surgeon wraps the fundus (the upper part of the stomach) around the lower esophagus and then sewn it in place. This procedure helps in reinforcing the lower esophageal sphincter (the valve between the stomach and esophagus) and ensures that stomach acid will not back up in the esophagus.
The surgery is often performed to treat hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Laparoscopic Fundoplication for GERD
A gastro surgeon performs this procedure through the chest or abdomen. The selection of any of the two approaches depends on the person – for obese individuals chest approach is used. Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication surgical technique is often the preferred method. With this procedure, the results are outstanding especially when the surgery is performed by a surgical gastroenterologist who specializes in laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD.
If a person has a hiatal hernia, which can cause gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, it will also be repaired during this surgery.
Why the Surgery is Done?
Gastroenterologist often recommend this surgery when the symptoms of GERD have not been managed by medications and are also partly due to hiatal hernia. In some people, even in the absence of hiatal hernia, symptoms are present -surgery is recommended to treat their condition. Surgery may also be recommended to those who are taking medicines but are not getting any relief from taking medicines. Some people do not want to take medicines to control their GERD symptoms if they have to take medicines for long time. They prefer the option of undergoing surgery to avoid the side effects of medicines.
Some people may have hoarseness, asthma and acid reflux along with cough. If they are unable to manage their symptoms with medicines, they prefer acid reflux surgery.
How well the Surgery Works?
In a majority of people who have got laparoscopic surgery done for the treatment of GERD, symptoms vanish as the esophagus heals with the improvement in its strength and support. However, in some people, the symptoms may come back forcing them to take medicines to manage the symptoms; they may also require another operation (revision surgery).
GERD Surgery Cost in Hyderabad
The average cost of GERD surgery in Hyderabad is around Rs. 40,000 and the minimum can be somewhere between Rs. 25000 to Rs. 35000. The maximum cost of the surgery in Hyderabad can go up to Rs. 1, 10,000 or more.
Bottom Line
If you have decided to try a treatment which is worth trying, then think of whether it is safe and comfortable to try. Many people consider taking medicines especially when they have few problems to manage – for them surgery may not be a good choice. GERD is painful, disturbing and troublesome, but not a dangerous disease – in many cases, lifestyle changes prove beneficial.
However, fundoplication surgery for the treatment of GERD if done by an experienced and expert surgical gastroenterologist can successfully and completely eliminate the need for long-term treatment with medicines. It is always the best practice to weigh the potential risks, cost and complications of the surgery against the inconvenience and cost of taking medicines regularly.