Q: I have been diagonsed for acute calculus cholecystitis - acute onset of pain in abdomen - RUQ started late night. Severe gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatus hernia. I am under medication Nexpro 20 mg for the past 1 year for GERD. Esophageal monometry indicates low LES pressure. I have been advised surgery lapfundoplication for GERD and cholecystectomy. Will lapfundoplication cure GERD and hiatus hernia? What is the sucess rate of lapfundaplication? What are the after effects of this surgery? Do I continue medication life long for GERD?

A:Yes, Laparoscopic Fundoplication is a curative surgery. Patient need not take any medication following this surgery. Life long medication controls symptoms but disease progresses and may progress to Barretts Oesophagus which is a pre malignant condition. Surgery is therefore highly recommended. It is possible to perform both surgeries simultaneously by laparoscopy.