Millions of Americans suffer from the discomfort of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD. Now, a minimally invasive procedure called Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication, is helping ease the pain for people living with reflux. On Thursday, May 21, you can watch Joseph B. Petelin, MD, FACS, an internationally renowned expert in minimally invasive surgery, perform a Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication, live, during a one-hour Webcast from Shawnee Mission Medical Center.
Gastroesophageal reflux is caused by a backflow of stomach acid which can irritate or damage the lining of the esophagus. People with reflux disease often have frequent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation of gastric acid into the mouth. During the surgery, a new "valve" is constructed between the esophagus and the stomach by wrapping the upper portion of the stomach around the lowest part of the esophagus, preventing the reflux.
