Acid Reflux Surgery Recovery

Acid reflux surgery, also known as Nissen fundoplication, is warranted in individuals who have exhausted nonsurgical treatments for severe acid reflux, including diet changes and medication or if it is suspected that lifelong medication will be necessary. The surgery is minimally invasive and has a success rate of up to 80 percent.

Acid Reflux Surgery

Acid reflux occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach are fluxed back into the esophagus causing pain and discomfort. Many times reflux is caused by a weakening of the sphincter muscle that lies between the stomach and esophagus. During acid reflux surgery, a portion of the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the sphincter, making it tighter and more difficult for reflux to occur.

Most fundoplication procedures are conducted laparoscopically. In this procedure, three to four small incisions are made into which surgical instruments are inserted. These instruments are fitted with small video cameras and lights which allow the surgeon to successfully operate without creating a long incision. The abdomen is filled with carbon dioxide gas to give the surgeons room to work.

Immediately Following Surgery

After waking from surgery you may experience some discomfort in the joints due to the infusion of carbon dioxide into your system. After the surgery is complete, you will likely be released from the hospital the following day. You will be advised to stay home from work for another few days and after about a week you will feel strong enough to resume normal activities.

Post-Operative Diet

After recovery from the surgery itself, the post-surgical diet is the most important part of the recovery process. The diet after fundoplication surgery will gradually go from liquid to soft to normal over the course of several weeks. Following the diet strictly prevents distention of the stomach and esophagus and helps the stomach to heal.

For the first day or two post-surgery a clear liquid diet is recommended which consists of only broths, juice, decaffeinated tea or gelatin. For the next three to four days a liquid diet is recommended which includes plain yogurt, some ice creams, milk and strained soups. If you are recovering well, you may begin to incorporate soft foods into the diet, which include things like cheeses, soft breads, pancakes and ground or finely diced meat. Your diet can resume to normal after approximately eight weeks.

Post-Operative Pain

It is common to experience pain when swallowing food after acid reflux surgery, particularly if you are introducing a new food into your post-operative diet. Gradually the pain will subside as the opening between the esophagus and stomach begins to accommodate larger volumes of food.

Promote Healing

During your recovery, be sure to avoid chewy breads, tough cuts of meat, spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, fatty foods, seeds, or raw vegetables which are hard on the stomach and difficult to digest. Avoid carbonated beverages or gas-producing foods which can fill the stomach with air and cause pressure on the fundoplication. Also, eating a greater number of smaller meals will prevent distention and promote healing.