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Table of Contents
Pre / Post Nissen Fundoplication Care
Nissen fundoplication is a surgical procedure to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or chronic acid reflux. The procedure is also used to treat hiatal hernias.
During the procedure, Dr Ganesh will make 5 to 8 small incisions (cuts) in your abdomen. The process involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach (the fundus) around the lower part of your oesophagus. The wrap is sewn in place with permanent sutures attaching it to your oesophagus and ribs.
This creates a new valve at the junction between your stomach and oesophagus, preventing acid reflux. It also helps to strengthen the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle at this junction that normally keeps stomach contents from flowing back into your oesophagus.
After surgery, you will have a temporary feeding tube to help you heal and recover before you can eat solid foods again.
You will also have a nasogastric tube (NG tube) in place, which drains fluids from your stomach and prevents vomiting.
These tubes will be removed when you are able to eat and drink without vomiting. Your surgeon may also place a drain in your side to remove any excess fluid that may build up after surgery.
These drains are usually removed before you leave the hospital.
Most people stay in the hospital for 3-5 days after Nissen fundoplication surgery.
Nissen fundoplication is typically recommended for people who suffer from chronic acid reflux and have not achieved relief from other GERD treatments, such as lifestyle changes, antacids, or proton pump inhibitors.
This can cause symptoms like frequent heartburn, chest pain, and coughing. In some cases, it can even lead to oesophageal cancer.
In most cases, patients will be assessed through a physical examination and gastroscopy to determine if surgery is necessary.
For this reason, it is important to discuss your treatment options with our clinic before deciding whether or not Nissen fundoplication is suitable for you.
How Do I Prepare For My Nissen Fundoplication?
If you are scheduled for Nissen Fundoplication, there are a few things you can do to prepare.
These are the steps you should follow:
Finally, try to relax and stay positive. While having surgery can be scary, the Nissen Fundoplication is a relatively routine procedure that has helped many people find relief from GERD symptoms. At G&L Surgical Clinic, our team endeavours to deliver the support you require and ensure that your condition is improved.
Before you come in for your Nissen Fundoplication, please be sure to bring the following items with you to the hospital:
Please also arrange for someone to drive you home after you are discharged (usually at least 3-5 days following the procedure).
If you have questions about what to bring or how to prepare for your procedure, please call our clinic, and we will be happy to assist you.
Nissen Fundoplication is typically performed under general anaesthesia, and patients are usually required to fast for at least six hours before surgery.
This is to reduce the risk of complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
If you are scheduled for Nissen Fundoplication, our clinic will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.
In general, there is no need to stop taking regular medications before surgery, with the exception of blood thinners such as Coumadin or aspirin.
If you are taking any of these medications, please be sure to let us know so that we can provide specific instructions.
In addition, we will need to know about any allergies or other medical conditions you have. Once we have this information, we will be able to provide you with tailored pre-operative instructions.
Before a Nissen Fundoplication, Dr Ganesh will review the patient’s medical history and symptoms. You will also be required to undergo a physical exam.
In some cases, additional testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of symptoms.
Standard tests used to evaluate patients for a Nissen Fundoplication include barium swallow, upper GI endoscopy (gastroscopy), and pH monitoring.
These tests will assist our clinic in recommending a personalised treatment plan suited to your condition and determine whether or not Nissen fundoplication is the best course of treatment.
The average hospital stay after Nissen fundoplication is 3-5 days. Most people report feeling much better within 2-4 weeks after surgery.
Eating slowly and avoiding large meals or meals high in fat is important to prevent nausea and vomiting. You should also avoid lying down for at least 3 hours after eating.
These dietary restrictions are typically only necessary for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
For the first 4-6 weeks after surgery, you may also need to take antacids or other medications to help with heartburn or indigestion.
Overall, most people report good results after Nissen Fundoplication surgery and can return to their normal activities within a few weeks.
Navigating your way through recovery after a Nissen Fundoplication procedure is a process unique to each patient. Healing will vary in pace and pattern. This guide offers an understanding of the likely experiences and a sense of reassurance as you undertake this journey.
Symptoms
The occurrence of certain symptoms post-surgery is perfectly normal. There may be discomfort or pain in your abdomen or throat due to the surgical incision and handling of your oesophagus. This should lessen gradually.
Patients often experience bloating and flatulence. This common post-operative experience is a result of the body adjusting to the new arrangement of your stomach. It’s a temporary state that will ease as your body accommodates the changes.
A sensation of early satiety, feeling full after eating small quantities, is also reported by some patients. This is a normal experience that generally resolves with time.
Activity
Rest is paramount in the initial phase of recovery. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise that could exert pressure on your abdominal area.
Begin with mild movements like brief walks, which promote blood circulation and support healing. Increase the duration and intensity of your walks gradually as you progress through recovery.
You can typically resume normal activities, including more vigorous exercise, around four to six weeks after surgery. However, it’s crucial to listen to your body and consult your healthcare provider if uncertain.
Diet
The alterations made to your stomach during Nissen Fundoplication will affect how much and what you can eat. Feeling full more quickly than before the procedure is common, and it’s, therefore, advisable to have smaller, more frequent meals.
Initially, start with a liquid diet and gradually transition to a soft food diet, then solid foods over several weeks. Staying hydrated is important, but try to consume fluids between meals instead of with them to prevent feeling overly full.
Avoid hard-to-digest foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables, during the early recovery phase. Opt instead for foods that are easy to digest, like soups, broths, and pureed foods. Once your body adjusts to the new configuration of your stomach, you can gradually reintroduce other foods.
Bowel Movements
Changes in bowel movements after the procedure are likely. Constipation is a common side effect of surgery and related medications. To combat this, increase your fluid intake and consume fibre-rich foods once your diet advances to solid foods.
Over-the-counter remedies or a gentle laxative may be necessary if constipation becomes problematic. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
Bowel function generally returns to normal within several weeks post-surgery. If you experience persistent changes, please contact your healthcare provider.
Incision Care
Proper care of your surgical incision is a critical part of recovery. Keep the area clean and dry to minimise the risk of infection. Before you leave the hospital, you will be shown how to clean your incision correctly.
In the initial healing phase, avoid baths and hot tubs. Opt instead for showers and ensure you gently pat the incision dry afterwards.
Watch for signs of infection, including increased redness, swelling, or a discharge that resembles pus, and report these to our team immediately.
Most people make a full recovery after their appendix is removed and do not require additional follow-up procedures.
You will be required to stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after your appendix is removed, and you may be discharged once your vital signs and pain levels have normalised.
At GL Surgical, we understand that every patient is unique and deserves individualised care.
Having had experience treating patients with GERD, Dr Ganesh at G & L Surgical Clinic strives to provide you with the proper diagnosis and treatment for you to recover fully.
Furthermore, G & L Surgical Clinic staff have been thoroughly and consistently trained to make your experience comfortable and hassle-free.
If you suspect that you have GERD or experience frequent heartburn, you can be assured that we will properly diagnose and assess you and ensure that you receive the care necessary for your recovery.
Organise a consultation with our team for further assistance, and we will be happy to assist you with your queries.
What Are The Best Foods To Eat After A Nissen Fundoplication
You can maintain your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt. Drink plenty of fluids (unless advised otherwise by your doctor). It it common that bowel movements become irregular right after a Nissen Fundoplication.
What Should You Not Eat After A Nissen Fundoplication?
Avoid foods that cause constipation such as dairy products, red meat, processed foods (pizza, frozen dinners, pasta), sugar products (cakes, pies, pastries, doughnuts) and caffeinated drinks.
What Should I Avoid Drinking After A Nissen Fundoplication?
Avoid carbonated beverages for about six weeks after a Nissen Fundoplication to reduce complications such as gas. Avoid chewing gum and drinking through a straw as this can increase the intake of air into the stomach, further leading to bloating.
What Is The Fastest Way To Recover From A Nissen Fundoplication?
Gentle exercises, such as walking, can help you heal faster. Avoid lifting anything heavy or performing strenuous activities for at least four weeks.
G&L Surgical Clinic will do our best to provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses before your procedure. With a comprehensive financing service, we endeavour to assist you in finding the most suitable financing option to enjoy a seamless and pleasant experience. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. We are here to help you get the care you need.
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