LAPAROSCOPIC FUNDOPLICATION

Posted By CHRIS BALSTON on September 26, 1998 at 01:54:34:







About six years ago I underwent a series of gastric operations following complications arising from a vagotomy. The follow-up surgery included a further vagotomy and pyroplasty, a gastroenterotomy abd, very shortly afterwards, surgery to repair a consequent incisional hernia. All this surgery, entailing as it did no less than four laparotomies, has led to severe weakness in my abdominal cavity and gullet, and I was advised at the time that I may well suffer complications in the future.
I now have a pronounced hiatal hernia and consequent, and almost permanent, biliary reflux which is not controlled by Losec (Opeprasole) or other proton pump inhibitors. A recent barium test revealed that my gullet is not contracting as it should when I swallow.
My surgeon has now recommended a "Laparoscopic Fundiplication" (whatever that is), but has cautioned that the operation carries no guarantee of success and that it could, possibly, even make matters worse!
From the information which I have supplied do you think that the operation proposed would carry a better than 50% chance of success?
I should very much appreciate any advice or assistance about this very unpleasant and worrying condition.
Thank you.
CHRIS BALSTON