Fundoplication in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about fundoplication:
Fundoplication is surgery to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The top part of your child's stomach is wrapped around the lower part of the esophagus. This prevents stomach acid from moving up into your child's esophagus.
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How to prepare your child for surgery:
Your child may need an endoscopy with biopsy (small tissue samples are taken) or a pH study before surgery. Ask your child's surgeon more about these tests. Do not give your child anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery. Your child's surgeon will tell you which medicines to give or not give your child the morning of surgery.
What will happen during your child's surgery:
- Your child will be given general anesthesia to keep him or her asleep and pain-free during surgery. Your child may be given antibiotics to prevent an infection.
- Your child's surgery may be done as an open procedure. During an open procedure, a large incision will be made in his or her abdomen. Your child's surgery may instead be done laparoscopically. Several small incisions will be made in his or her abdomen. Your child's surgeon will put a scope and tools through the incisions to do the surgery.
- The upper portion of your child's stomach will be wrapped around the esophagus. This will help the valve between the esophagus and stomach close better. The surgeon may also repair the muscles in the esophagus if they are weak. The incisions are then closed with stitches or surgical tape and covered with bandages.
What to expect after your child's surgery:
Your child may have a nasogastric (NG) tube in his or her nose. The NG tube goes through your child's nose and into his or her stomach. It will be attached to suction. This will prevent fluid from backing up into the stomach. It also allows your child's surgery area to start healing. Your child may have a catheter in his or her bladder. Healthcare providers will help your child walk down the halls to prevent blood clots. Your child can go home when he or she is eating and drinking and pain is controlled.
Risks of surgery:
Your child may bleed more than expected or get an infection. If your child's wrap slips or moves his or her GERD may come back. This may cause bloating or trouble swallowing. Your child may have a reaction to the anesthesia. Your child's esophagus, stomach, or other organs may be damaged during surgery.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your child has trouble breathing, chest pain, or a fast heartbeat.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your child has a fever or chills, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Your child's incision is bleeding.
- Your child has blood in his or her bowel movement (may be bright red or black).
Call your child's doctor or surgeon if:
- Your child has pus or redness around the surgery area.
- Your child is not able to eat or drink.
- Your child's stomach is full or bloated.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Medicines:
Your child may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics help prevent or treat a bacterial infection.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given to your older child. Your child's healthcare provider will tell you how much medicine to give, and how often to give it.
- Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has the flu or a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for your child as directed:
- Slowly give your child soft foods as directed. Ask your child's healthcare provider when he or she can eat his or her usual foods again.
- Have your child return to daily activities and exercise as directed. He or she should slowly start to do more each day.
Care for the surgery area as directed:
Keep the area clean and dry. When your child is allowed to bathe or shower, carefully wash the area with soap and water. Dry the area and put on a new, clean bandage if directed.
Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your child's visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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