Indication:
Patients with persistent, severe reflux of acid from the stomach up into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)
which does not respond to aggressive medical treatment. This may include patients whose symptoms persist despite medication or
just as importantly patients whose symptoms improve but continue to have irritation of the esophagus despite
medication.
Preoperative Evaluation:
All patients receive upper endoscopy (EGD) as well as a measurement of how well the esophagus moves (esophageal manometry).
Additionally, some patients require a measurement of how much acid enters the esophagus (24 hour pH probe).
Procedure:
Through five very small incisions the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide and using a television camera and long, thin instruments
the stomach is wrapped around the lowest part of the esophagus.
Length of Stay: Average is two days.
Recovery: Usually two to three weeks with regards to activity. Recovery varies with regards to how quickly certain types of foods are eaten. Nearly all patients can permanently stop their anti-ulcer medications (Maalox, Pepcid, Zantac, Prilosec, etc).
