Endoscopic fundoplication
Preparation:
As for general anaesthesia
Procedure:
The procedure is performed using the Esophyx device which fits over a conventional endoscope and is passed into the stomach, through the mouth. The stomach is then inflated and the devise used to reduce any hiatus hernia. By angling the endoscope to look back on itself nylon staplers are inserted to “ink-well” the oesophagus in the upper part of the stomach (fundus). There are no external incisions in the abdominal wall.
Anaesthetic:
General anaesthetic is generally used but it is possible to perform the procedure using intra venous sedation
Post Operative Care:
Patients can start eating after recovery from anaesthesia. There may be mild abdominal pain and shoulder tip pain which resolves spontaneously. Most patients are able to go home on the day of the procedure and can resume normal activities within 24 hours.
The endoscopic fundoplication appears to be free of the complications of bloating, diarrhoea and inability to belch which are observed in a proportion of patients undergoing a lapareoscopic or conventional fundoplication. As with other endoscopic procedures [see diagnostic and therapautic endoscopy] there is often a feeling of bloating immediately after the procedure and some patients may experience a sore throat.
OPC Codes: Awaiting OPC codes as this is a new procedure
