A variety of conditions may lead to the rise of Gastro esophageal Reflux Disease, known as GERD. Obesity, pregnancy, smoking, eating acidic foods, too much of alcohol or caffeine, and use of aspirin may lead to the stomach acid repeatedly flowing into the esophagus. 

This irritates the lining of the esophagus and gives rise to a host of symptoms. A medical examination may lead to recommendation of laparoscopic fundoplication, a procedure that reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter. Read on to learn more about this surgery and why India is the best place to get it done. 

Symptoms when you may need laparoscopic fundoplication

• People may be unaware that they have GERD but often complain of heartburn or regurgitation of sour liquid. 
• They may have difficulty swallowing food. There may be chronic cough and chest pain. Some patients may suffer from Asthma. 
• This condition may also affect the voice box and cause laryngitis. Due to the acid teeth enamel is likely to be damaged. 
• These are the common symptoms of GERD that lead doctors to conduct tests and carry out detailed diagnostics as a precursor to recommending laparoscopic fundoplication to effect a cure. 

Diagnosis

Physicians typically carry out diagnostic checks involving upper endoscopy, measuring pH levels in the esophagus, and X-ray using barium, or esophageal manometry to learn about the esophageal functions. The physician may recommend laparascopic fundoplication to resolve the situation if lifestyle changes and medication prove ineffective. 

Treatment through laparoscopic fundoplication

Doctors may first try medication and lifestyle changes, and if these are not effective, they will then recommend laparoscopic fundoplication to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter. The patient arrives at the hospital and stays on an empty stomach overnight. 

The next day a general anesthetic is administered. The next step is making incisions in the abdomen in order to insert the laparascope and specialized instruments. 

Using these, the surgeon then wraps the upper part of the stomach known as the fundus around the lower esophagus and sutures it in place. 

This process creates a valve that strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter and prevents acid reflux in future. The patient stays in the hospital for a day or two before being discharged. Patients are advised to rest for about ten days before beginning a normal routine. 

Success rate in laparoscopic fundoplication

The process of laparoscopic fundoplication is minimally invasive and hence there are high chances of success. Patients will notice that they no longer suffer from acid reflux and that most of their symptoms have been eliminated due to the surgery. Their quality of life improves. 

Risks in laparoscopic fundoplication

As with any surgical procedures, there are a few risks attached to laparoscopic fundoplication. One should anticipate risks such as bleeding and infection at the sutures, as well as damage to the stomach or spleen. 

Some patients may experience bloating or difficulty swallowing. Some patients will experience acid reflux all over again. The stomach wrap procedure may develop a hernia and another surgery may be indicated. 

Why India is the best for laparoscopic fundoplication 

The procedure is not high risk but it does call for high skills on the surgeon’s part. India is your best option to get this procedure done for a number of reasons: 

• India has excellent, highly qualified and experienced surgeons, support staff, and healthcare professionals assuring prompt services. 
• There is no waiting period: fly in and get it done.
• India has many private clinics and hospitals equipped with latest world class equipments and manned by highly qualified professionals. 
• It costs fare less for laparascopic fundoplication to be done in India even after taking into account travel and other costs. 
• Indians are known for a caring approach, which boosts the patient’s morale. 

Fly in to India, get laparascopic fundoplication done, and also enjoy a brief vacation on the side.