Fundoplication (risks)
Can you please outline the possible risks (and benefits) of Fundoplication surgery? I am in contact with a mom who is embarking on the surgery for her eight-year-old daughter.
A fundoplication is a major operation which entails all the complications of being in the hospital and having surgery. There is a significant chance (as high as 20%) that the child may have dysmotility after surgery such as gagging, bloating, retching, or diarrhea. Sometimes the “Nissen” is too tight and must be dilated. It can also be too loose and not help the problem. If there was another problem contributing to the GER (gastroesophageal reflux) such as poor gastric emptying, the stomach still can’t empty and can’t vomit either. Most of the dysmotility resolves over several months, but may not. Otherwise, the procedure may work perfectly well for many years.
CP/TK 7-13-10
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