Laparoscopic Fundoplication - During fundoplication surgery, the upper curve of the stomach (the fundus) is wrapped around the esophagus camera.gif and sewn into place so that the lower portion of the esophagus passes through a small tunnel of stomach muscle. This surgery strengthens the valve between the esophagus and stomach (lower esophageal sphincter), which stops acid from backing up into the esophagus as easily. This allows the esophagus to heal. This procedure can be done through the abdomen or the chest. The chest approach is often used if a person is overweight or has a short esophagus. This procedure is often done using a laparoscopic surgical technique. Outcomes of the laparoscopic technique are best when the surgery is done by a surgeon with experience using this procedure.