title: Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Tips for Success.
abstract: Gastroesophageal reflux disease affects almost 20% of the population in the United States. Today, proton pump inhibitors are the most frequently prescribed drugs, with an estimated cost of 10 billion dollars per year. Although these medications control heartburn in the majority of patients, other symptoms such as regurgitation and respiratory symptoms often are not controlled, particularly in patients with large hiatal hernias. In these patients a properly performed laparoscopic fundoplication controls esophageal and extraesophageal symptoms and avoids life-long medical therapy. Key elements for the success of a fundoplication are careful patient selection, a complete preoperative evaluation, and a properly executed operation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Center for Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Marco G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Patti
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Center for Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schlottmann
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Center for Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Timothy M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Farrell
mesh_terms: D018662:Fundoplication / Q000379:methods*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D006356:Heartburn / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D018579:Patient Selection; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors
keywords: ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring; esophageal manometry; gastric bypass; gastroesophageal reflux disease; heartburn; laparoscopic fundoplication; morbid obesity; upper endoscopy