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Laparoscopic surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Laparoscopic surgery uses a thin, lighted tube (laparoscope) that is inserted into the abdominal cavity through a very small incision in the wall of the abdomen. The laparoscope allows the surgeon to see inside the abdomen without making a large incision. Surgical instruments can also be inserted through additional small incisions.

Laparoscopic surgery may take about the same or more time to perform as open surgery, but the time required for recovery is usually shorter. It costs about the same as open surgery, which requires a large incision. The main advantages of laparoscopic surgery are that the small incisions leave smaller scars, and recovery from the surgery takes less time.

Laparoscopic surgical techniques are being used more often to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When choosing a surgeon, experience is the most important consideration. Find out the number of these procedures the surgeon has performed and their success rate.

Author Merrill Hayden
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Katy E. Magee, MA
Associate Editor Michele Cronen
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Peter J. Kahrilas, MD
- Gastroenterology
Last Updated April 18, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 18, 2006
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.