Laparoscopic fundoplication
Dr. Justin Greenslade’s practice offers a suite of advanced general surgical procedures tailored to your needs.
What is a laparoscopic fundoplication?
Anti-reflux surgery, or Laparoscopic Fundoplication surgery is a procedure to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD or GERD), also called acid reflux. It is a condition where the stomach contents (food or liquid) rise up from the stomach into the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
Normally, the stomach contents do not enter the oesophagus due to a constricted lower oesophageal sphincter (known as LES), which is a ring of muscle fibres that surrounds the lower-most end of the oesophagus where it joins the stomach. The LES acts like a valve between the oesophagus and stomach preventing food from moving backward into the oesophagus but in patients with acid reflux, stomach content travels back into the oesophagus because of a weak or relaxed LES.
Common Symptoms
Heartburn is the most common symptom - typically a burning pain in the lower chest, behind the breastbone. Other symptoms may include:
- Bitter or sour taste in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea
- Dry cough or wheezing
- Regurgitation of food
- Hoarseness or changes in voice
- Chest pain
Possible Causes and Triggers
The exact cause of LES weakness in GORD is unknown, but contributing factors may include obesity, smoking, pregnancy, and possibly alcohol. Foods that can worsen reflux symptoms include:
- Spicy foods
- Onions
- Chocolate
- Caffeinated drinks
- Mint flavourings
- Tomato-based foods
- Citrus fruits
- Certain medications may also aggravate reflux
Cost of laparoscopic fundoplication
If you have private health insurance, Dr Greenslade gap covers the surgery (ie. billed to your health fund – no out of pocket cost to you).
We suggest contacting your health fund to confirm that you’re covered for reflux surgery (item number: 30756). However, there will be out of pocket expenses for the anaesthetist and the assistant surgeon but rebates from Medicare and your private health insurance may apply.
Greenslopes Private Hospital does accept self-funded patients for this surgery but the cost is around $14,000 all up if you don’t have private health insurance.
Start your weight loss surgery journey with Brisbane Bariatric Centre today
If you’re thinking about weight loss surgery or just want to know what’s possible, we’re here to help. Get in touch to book a chat with Dr Justin Greenslade and find out what’s right for you.
