Definition: A procedure to repair a hiatal hernia (where the stomach pushes up into the chest) and strengthen the valve between the esophagus and stomach to prevent acid reflux.
Procedure Steps:
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia.
- Access: Laparoscopic.
- Reduction: The stomach is pulled down from the chest into its normal abdominal position.
- Repair: The gap in the diaphragm (the hiatus) is tightened with stitches around the esophagus.
- Fundoplication: The top part of the stomach (the fundus) is wrapped around the lower esophagus, creating a new, one-way valve.
- Closing: The incisions are closed.
Purpose / Benefits:
- Purpose: To cure gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and repair the associated hiatal hernia.
- Benefits:
- Provides long-term relief from heartburn and regurgitation.
- Eliminates or reduces the need for lifelong medication.
- Prevents complications of chronic reflux (like Barrett’s esophagus).
