Surgery for Benign Gastro-Oesophageal Disorders
Surgery may be recommended if you suffer from a Benign Gastro-Oesophageal Disorder such as Gastro-oesophageal Reflux (GORD), Hiatus Hernia or Achalasia. You can count on our many years of experience in this area. As multi-disciplinary team of surgeons, specialist doctors, dietitians and support staff, we are here to help and plan the most comfortable, most effective personalised treatment plan for you.
Laparoscopic fundoplication
(anti-reflux surgery)
Laparoscopic fundoplication surgery is an effective procedure for the treatment of Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD). It is performed via keyhole technique and involves using the upper portion of the stomach (known as the fundus) to “wrap” (hence the term “plication”) around the lower oesophagus. This aims to re-create or strengthen the valve-like function of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) to prevent reflux of gastric acid juice or bile fluid up into the oesophagus, causing heartburn.
There are some variations to this procedure, and the chosen procedure will depend on your surgeon’s preference. These variation usually relates to the degree of circumferential wrap around the oesophagus. For example, a Nissen fundoplication is a 360 degree wrap and therefore is also called a total fundoplication. A “partial” fundoplication could also be performed and the two main types performed are known as the Anterior 180 degree fundoplication or a Toupet posterior 270 degree fundoplication.
Laparoscopic fundoplication is an ideal treatment in patients who have a long-standing history of GORD, responsive to anti-acid medications and a positive pH oesophageal test. It is also recommended in patients with complications as a result of their reflux disease such as oesophagitis, stricture or Barrett’s Oesophagus.
Before we plan your surgery, our specialist surgeons will always support you to fully understand your diagnosis, the results of your pre-operative tests, and the recommended treatment options. They use their expertise gathered through many years of experience, treating our Perth based patients and providing excellence in surgical outcomes. We will support you with kindness, clear communication and support, before, during and after your procedure.
About Us
At The Surgeons Collective we work as a team of expert surgeons, as well as hepatologists, gastro-enterologists and accredited dietitians.
Benign oesophageal disorders
Repair of hiatal hernias
Hiatal hernias occur when the muscle in this area weakens, becomes stretched and widens, thereby allowing the stomach to protrude upwards into the chest cavity. In mild cases this does not usually cause any symptoms. But if it becomes bigger, as a patient you can experience symptoms such as heartburn. This is because the muscle around the hiatus (or known as crus) helps in the valve function of the lower oesophagus to prevent reflux.
Much larger hiatal hernias, also called “Giant Hiatal Hernias” occur when the entire stomach slips into the chest cavity.
In severe cases other organs such as the spleen, small or large bowel also protrude into the chest cavity.
Hiatus Hernia repair surgery is most commonly performed via laparoscopy and it involves:
- Returning the slipped stomach and/or other involved organs back to its normal location into the abdominal cavity.
- Repairing the hiatal hernia using non-absorbable surgical sutures. Sometimes, a “mesh” is used in certain circumstances to help strengthen the repair and reduce risk of recurrence of the hernia.
- “Fundoplication” - using the upper portion of the stomach (known as the fundus) to form a “wrap” around the lower oesophagus to re-create a “valve” to help reduce reflux after your surgery.
Sometimes, especially in very large hiatal hernias, open surgery may be the safest option. Your surgeon will always look at the total of the available information: your personal situation, your medical history, previous surgery, and the safest and most comfortable treatment options. As a team of experienced surgeons and specialised doctors, our commitment is to never give up on your health and to support you throughout the process: from the tests that will clarify your diagnosis, to supporting you during your stay at the hospital and planning your recovery.
Laparoscopic heller's myotomy
Laparoscopic Heller’s Myotomy is a key-hole procedure to treat Achalasia.
Achalasia is a rare condition which causes in difficulty in swallowing solid foods or liquids. This occurs when there is an abnormal function of the Lower Oesophageal Sphincters (LOS). The LOS normally acts as a special valve which allows food to pass down into the stomach and at the same time prevents gastric fluids from refluxing back up. In Achalasia, the LOS muscles are unable to “relax” and remains contracted and narrowed, therefore patients experience difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) or the sensation of food that feels stuck in your lower oesophagus.
A Heller’s Myotomy is performed by cutting this abnormal oesophageal muscle, allowing food to pass through. By doing this, many patients will develop gastro-oesophageal reflux. Therefore, the second part of the procedure will involve a fundoplication, to re-create a new “valve” to prevent reflux.
This procedure is highly successful in carefully selected patients and in most cases results in immediate improvement in symptoms.
Our team is fully committed to the wellbeing of our patients and every surgeon, specialist doctor or health professional on the team loves what they do. That’s why we can guarantee that we don’t just focus on providing excellent surgical outcomes. We also commit to offering you support, kindness and excellent care as we guide you through your treatment journey.
We never give up on your health
Obtaining a diagnosis that involves surgery is never an easy moment and as a team of health professionals, we are here to help you. To us, that means a 100% commitment to providing expert surgery, as well as personalised care. Genuine support and kindness is what you can expect from every single team member here at The Surgeons Collective in Perth. It starts with clear communication to explain your diagnosis, followed by organising your tests and treatment options or your surgical procedure at the earliest convenience.
If you have any questions in regards to oesophagus surgery or any other matter regarding your condition, please contact our friendly reception team at The Surgeons Collective today.
Contact us
THE SURGEONS COLLECTIVE
McCourt St Medical Centre
Level 1, Suite 10, 2 McCourt Street
West Leederville,
Perth 6007, WA
THE SURGEONS COLLECTIVE
Monday - Thursday | 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday | 9:00am - 1:30pm
