Laparoscopic fundoplication is a keyhole procedure performed for patients with severe acid reflux that does not respond to medical drug treatment.

 It is done to prevent acid from the stomach travelling the wrong way into the oesophagus. The operation is predominantly laparoscopic (keyhole) although very occasionally, conversion to open surgery may be necessary.

The procedure involves narrowing the defect through which the oesophagus passes into the stomach (called the hiatus) as well as wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower oesophagus (the wrap) to recreate the valve at the lower end of the oesophagus. The wrap itself may be complete or partial depending on the circumstances. The operation takes up to 2 hours to perform and is carried out under a general anaesthesia.

An overnight hospital stay is normal following the procedure, but occasionally some patients can go home on the same day.

For approximately a month after the surgery patients will need to eat a soft, puree type diet until swelling from the operation settled.  Bread and meat are likely to cause the most trouble and are to be avoided.

Dietary advice will be provided before you go home. Acid lowering medication can be stopped immediately after the procedure.