What should I expect the day of the Surgery?

• He usually arrives at the hospital the morning of the operation.

• A qualified member of the medical staff will place a small needle / catheter in your vein in order to administer medications during surgery.

• Presurgical medications are often required.

• You will be given general anesthesia, and you will fall asleep during the operation, which can take several hours.

• Following the operation, you will be sent to the recovery room until you are fully awake.

• Most patients stay in the hospital the night of surgery and may require additional days of hospital stay.

How is surgery performed?

• Laparoscopic antireflux surgery (commonly referred to as laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication) involves reinforcing the “valve” between the esophagus and the stomach by wrapping the lower end of the esophagus with the upper portion of the stomach, resembling the bread that surrounds the stomach. the sausage of a "hot dog" [hot dog, pancho].

• In a laparoscopic procedure, surgeons use small incisions (one-quarter to one-half inch) to access the abdomen through cannulas (narrow tubular instruments). The laparoscope, which is connected to a small video camera, is inserted through the small incision, giving the surgeon a magnified view of the patient's internal organs on a television screen.

• The entire operation is performed “in” after the abdomen is expanded by gas being inflated.

​

What  happens after surgery?

• Patients are encouraged to participate in light activities at home after surgery.

• Postoperative pain is usually mild, although some patients may need to be prescribed some medication to relieve the pain.

• Anti-reflux medication is usually not necessary after the operation.

• Some surgeons modify their patients' diet after surgery, starting with a liquid diet followed by gradual progress to solid foods. You should ask your surgeon about dietary restrictions immediately after the operation.

• You will likely be able to return to your normal activities in no time. Such activities include: taking showers, driving a car, climbing stairs, lifting objects, working, and having sex.

• Call and ask for a check-up doctor's appointment within two weeks of your operation.

Are there Side Effects to this Surgery?

Studies have shown that the vast majority of patients who undergo the procedure are either symptom free or have significant improvement in their GERD symptoms.

• Long-term side effects from this procedure are generally rare.

• Some patients experience temporary difficulty swallowing immediately after the operation. This usually resolves between one and three months after surgery.

• Sometimes, patients may require a procedure to expand the esophagus (endoscopic dilation) or, rarely, a new operation.

• The ability to burp or vomit may be limited following this procedure. Some patients report that they have a bloated stomach.

• Although it occurs rarely, some patients report that they have no improvement in their symptoms.

​​

​