A laparoscope is a long flexible tube with a tiny video camera that allows Dr. Ihde to look inside your body to perform surgery without making a large incision. Using the laparoscope, Dr. Ihde introduces special surgical instruments through tiny incisions in the abdomen and performs the surgery while viewing the surgical site on a video monitor.
Nissen Fundoplication is the most frequently performed surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and provides excellent reduction of GERD symptoms for the majority of patients. Since 1951, Nissen Fundoplication has demonstrated its effectiveness in resolving heartburn-type symptoms in addition to the more unusual symptoms of GERD such as asthma and other upper respiratory conditions.
During the Nissen Fundoplication surgery, Dr. Ihde wraps the upper portion of the stomach (fundus) around the base of the esophagus, reinforcing the lower esophageal sphincter and helping it to function normally. Published studies show that between 88 and 95% of patients treated for acid reflux disease with Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication, experience reduced GERD symptoms and, depending on the extent of esophageal damage, medications for GERD can be reduced or stopped.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery for Acid Reflux Disease
Laparoscopic surgery uses several tiny incisions instead of the single large incision used in a traditional open surgery. This results in:
- Less discomfort at incision sites
- Shorter recovery time
- Shorter hospital stay
- Smaller, more easily concealed scars
- Less internal scarring
- Reduced blood loss and less risk of infection