Laparoscopic fundoplication (1688)

Key points below

What is laparoscopic fundoplication?

Gastro-esophageal (GE) reflux occurs when the contents in the stomach flow back into the esophagus. This can irritate the esophagus. Surgery for GE reflux is needed when other treatments do not work.
Laparoscopic means a type of surgery using special instruments and a camera. Fundoplication means wrapping the stomach around the esophagus. This keeps the stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.

How is the surgery done?

Several small cuts will be made on the abdomen. A special camera goes through the cut near the belly button. The camera lets the doctor see during the operation. Other instruments needed for surgery will be put in through the other cuts. Your child may have a gastrostomy feeding tube (G-tube) put in during surgery. Children who are not able to take all of their food by mouth use a G-tube.
The surgery will take 2 to 3 hours. Your child will normally stay in the hospital for a few days after the surgery.

How do I prepare my child for surgery?

Before the surgery, your child will meet with the doctor who will do the surgery. The doctor will explain how the surgery will be done.
Your child may go to the “pre-op” clinic in Day Surgery before surgery. The doctors or nurse practitioners in this clinic will tell you how:
– Your child’s pain can be controlled.
– Your child will sleep during the surgery.
Blood tests will also be done on this day, if they are needed. To schedule an appointment, call (414) 266-3535.

What will happen after the surgery?

If your child is eating food by mouth, the doctor will let you know when it is okay for your child to start eating a soft diet. Soft foods will pass into your child’s stomach much easier. It is important for your child to drink fluids with meals. This helps food pass into the stomach.
If your child gets feedings through a G-tube, you will learn how to feed your child and how much food to give through the G-tube.
A dietitian will meet with you to review the meal plan for your child. You will get handouts that tell you what your child can eat.
Your child will get pain medicine by mouth or by G-tube to help with pain.
Paper tape, called Steri-Strips®, will stay on the cuts for 7 to 10 days. If they do not fall off on their own after 10 days, you may take them off.

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child:

Has a hard time swallowing food.
Vomits or throws up the food eaten.
Has skin around the cuts that looks red, puffy or has drainage.
Has a temperature of 101.5*F (38.6*C) or higher.
Has redness or drainage from the G-tube.
Has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.