The Nissen fundoplication is a fairly big operation. The hole in the diaphragm through which the oesophagus passes is also tightened. With an experienced surgeon, the operation can be done safely with few serious risks. Sometimes a feeding gastrostomy is inserted at the same time to provide supplementary feeding afterwards. After surgery Creating a valve at the lower end of the oesophagus prevents reflux of gastric acid, thereby allowing any oesophagitis to heal.
Vomiting is abolished and stricturing improves.
The operation is usually very successful but has some disadvantages. Because part of the stomach is used to create the antireflux valve, the stomach volume is a little smaller to begin with and smaller, frequent meals are needed. In a crisis, your child may learn to vomit past the valve but if your child is poorly and keeps trying to vomit, it is best to open the gastrostomy tube for relief. Repeat surgery Nissen fundoplication may stop working properly in some cases after a few months or years because the valve weakens and then some of the symptoms of GOR return. In this case, antireflux medicines may be effective but if the reflux is severe, the operation needs to be repeated.