Nissen fundoplication

Nissen fundoplication is a surgical procedureto treat gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) and hiatus hernia. In GERD it is usually performed when medical therapy has failed, but in particular types of hiatus hernia (the paraoesophageal variant), it is the first-line procedure.

The procedure

In fundoplication, the fundus(upper part) of the stomachis wrapped around (-plication) the inferior part of the esophagus, preventing the reflux of gastric acid(in GERD) or preventing the sliding of the fundus through the enlarged hiatus in the diaphragm.

The procedure is often done laparoscopically(keyhole surgery).

Complications

Complications include gas bloat syndrome, dysphagia(trouble swallowing) and excessive scarring. The procedure can also undo itself over time, leading to recurrence of the symptoms. If the symptoms warrant repeated surgery, the surgeon may use Marlexor another form of artificial mesh to strengthen the connection.

History

Dr. Rudolph Nissen first performed the procedure in 1951, and the procedure therefore bears his name.

External links

• FUNDO, a page on fundoplication in children with reflux disease.
• Laparoscopy teaching site(WARNING: contains surgery footage).

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissen+fundoplication Wikipedia article Nissen fundoplication.