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Fundoplication Surgery for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Risks or complications following fundoplication surgery include:
- Difficulty swallowing because the stomach is wrapped too high on the esophagus or is wrapped too tightly.
- The esophagus sliding out of the wrapped portion of the stomach so that the valve (lower esophageal sphincter) is no longer supported.
- Heartburn that comes back.
- Bloating and discomfort from gas buildup because the person is not able to burp.
- Excess gas.
- Risks of anesthesia.
- Risks of major surgery (infection or bleeding).
For some people, the side effects of surgery—bloating caused by gas buildup, swallowing problems, pain at the surgical site—are as bothersome as GERD symptoms. The fundoplication procedure cannot be reversed, and in some cases it may not be possible to relieve the symptoms of these complications, even with a second surgery.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: August 5, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology | |
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