Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication

At Advanced Houston Surgical we are geared towards supporting you in your weight loss goals. Dr. Chaudhry is a highly trained board-certified surgeon who can perform a number of surgeries for those looking to improving their overall health including acid reflux surgery in Houston.

At Advanced Houston Surgical, the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is considered the standard surgical approach for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a result of the lower esophageal sphincter not tightening properly and allowing stomach acids to enter the esophagus. This can cause extreme discomfort and pain for the individual and can lead to some longer term issues in the esophagus like ulcers, bleeding, Barrett’s esophagus (which is a precursor to esophageal cancer). This makes treatment of GERD a severely important step to take. However, many of the common medications (proton pump inhibitors like pantoprazole and omeprazole) used to treat GERD can also have many long-term side effects that can lead to anemia, bone loss, and serious gastrointestinal infections.

Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication procedure

Dr. Chaudhry uses a specialized method to treat GERD by using the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication procedure. To do this, the operation follows a number of major steps. First, the patient is prepped and placed under anesthesia for surgery. Next, the patient is provided with a breathing tube. Dr. Chaudhry will then begin the procedure and make 5 small keyhole-like incisions on the abdomen. He will then use thin instruments to reach the part of the stomach he needs and positions the (upper part) of the stomach to wrap around the lower end of the esophagus so he can stitch it into place. By stitching it up, it helps to close the lower esophageal sphincter and helps prevent further damage to the esophagus.

Recovery time and what to expect

Upon waking up after your acid reflux surgery in Houston, be careful to follow doctor’s instructions on how to manage pain, and how to take care of your body immediately after acid reflux surgery. You can expect to go back to work or resume your everyday life after about 2-3 weeks. In the meantime, your body will be undergoing some major changes and adjustments.

One of the larger benefits of getting the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication surgery is the tiny incisions made on the body. The other version of this particular type of weight loss procedure involves fully cutting into the abdomen and making one large incision to open the body up. The smaller incisions will still need their time to heal but less so than the other method.

Much like other bariatric surgeries, the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication procedure will require you to be on a strict diet moving forward. You will begin with a liquid diet for the first week. This portion of your recovery will allow you to consume foods like broth, plain mashed potatoes, pureed fruit, and pudding. Hydrating with water will be essential as well to let your body heal properly. Be sure to eat and drink separately to avoid giving yourself unpleasant gas and bloating. Stop eating when you feel full.

Once you find you can eat soft foods without trouble, you may build upon your diet to include moderately soft foods like pasta, fish, ground meat, and cooked vegetables. Avoid anything that will be too heavily loaded with sugar or carbonation to ensure you are getting the best results from your procedure as possible. Keep up with the same pace of the first week after your acid reflux surgery by continuing to eat slow, chewing carefully, and stopping when you feel full.

Nourish your body with foods that are filled with the vitamins and minerals you need. On top of taking vitamin supplements recommended to you by your doctor, do everything possible to make sure you are eating healthy and clean. Anything with too much fat or sugar can be hard on the body and may make recovery difficult.

As for physical activity, it is always important to pay attention to your body, the way it feels, and what it may be telling you. Start slow by going on short walks. If it makes you feel better, have someone join you on your walks and see if they can help record your progress. Build up from your short walks by making them longer as time goes on. Ask Dr. Chaudhry for further guidance on a proper fitness routine that can be managed by you.

As you move ahead in your weight loss journey following your laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication surgery, it would be wise to surround yourself with a group of people that can support you and lift your spirits as you recover. This may include friends or family who want to see you reach your weight loss goals and begin an overall healthier lifestyle. You may also find an extra boost through a support group that contains others who have been through the same thing and can relate to you on a personal level. It is important to remain positive, trust Dr. Chaudhry, and do everything you can to make sure your recovery runs smoothly.

Am I a candidate for a Nissen fundoplication surgery?

If you have any of the following, you may be a candidate for acid reflux surgery:

• Failure of medical management
• Need for long-term medical therapy
• Complications of GERD (stricture, severe esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus)
• Adverse effects from medical treatment
• Poor quality of life
• Presence of a hiatal hernia or paraesophageal hernia
• Presence of extraesophageal symptoms (asthma, chronic cough, hoarseness, chest pain, aspiration)