Pre-operative preparation for fundoplication
- Drugs such as aspirin, blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medications and Vitamin E are to be stopped a week prior to surgery.
- Quit smoking
- After midnight the night before the operation, you should not eat or drink anything
Post-Operative care for Anti-Reflux Surgery
Activity: YOU should stay active but avoid straining yourself. Total healing time after surgery is up to 4-6 weeks. Daily walks and light aerobic exercises can be done and rather are good for you. Early return to activity helps in faster recovery.
Return to Work: Patients with office desk job can return to work within 7 days, patients with physically demanding work routine may return to work in 10-14 days. Strenuous exercises, and heavy weight lifting should be avoided for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
Pain: though outside incisions are tiny but internally it’s a complex surgery. You may experience some pain in the mid chest, back, shoulders, throat and abdomen for few days post operation. We usually prescribe pain medicines.
Bowel Function: Your bowel function may be sluggish after surgery because of general anaesthetic, bowel manipulation during surgery and pain killers. Drink lots of fluid and mild stool softener or laxative for clear motion.
Some patients may feel bloating sensation after surgery as they swallow air out of habit because of GERD. Medicines can be given to help relive bloating.
Diet: Initial diet will be liquids and slowly changed to soft foods. Soft diet is continued for 3-6 weeks. .Eat small bites slowly and some fluid or water may be required to gulp it down. Avoid carbonated drinks for few weeks after surgery.
Wound Care: Thin ‘steri-strips’ bandage will be there on the skin of the incision site for first week. It is normal to have slight discoloration around incision site.
