- Laparoscopic nissen
fundoplication surgery requires 5-6 small incisions over
your abdomen. These incisions will be closed with internal
stitches and supported externally with steri strips (butterfly
tape) and covered with gauze dressings or with staples.
- 48 hours after your
surgery you may remove the gauze dressing and shower allowing
soap and water to run over the incisions and pat dry. If
steri strips are present, they will probably fall off within
one week. If they do not fall off by themselves, you may
peel them off.
- You may experience
some discomfort at the incision sites and surrounding areas.
Your doctor will prescribe a pain medication before you
leave the hospital. You may also use a heating pad on low
setting for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day for comfort and
to help reduce minimal swelling. For minimal discomfort
acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used. Follow the instructions
on the label.
- After nissen fundoplication
surgery, you may experience a tight feeling as you swallow
food. To help minimize this feeling, avoid dry foods and
chew all foods well. Eat 5-6 small meals a day instead
of 3 large meals. You may also experience gassiness and
bloating. For this problem, you may use any over-the-counter
anti-gas product (simethicone) and avoid fatty and gas forming
foods. Esophageal spasms may occur after surgery if
you drink fluids that are too hot or too cold. Try to drink
fluids that are at room temperature. If these problems become
severe, please call our office.
- Some bruising may
occur at the incisional areas. This is normal and will gradually
fade. Some shoulder pain is not unusual and will resolve.
This is often caused by gas.
- Physical activity
should not include any heavy lifting, pulling or pushing
until discussed with your doctor during your follow-up visit.
- You should be able
to return to work within 7-10 days, and resume driving approximately
5 days after surgery unless you are still taking prescription
pain medication, still experiencing pain or a lot of soreness.
- You should schedule
a follow-up appointment with your physician for 7-14 days
after surgery. If you have staples, they will need to be
removed by your physician 7-10 days after surgery.
- Call the office for
the following signs and symptoms:
....Increased redness or swelling at or beyond the incisions
....Any drainage from the incisions
....Persistent diarrhea
....Temperature above 101
Virginia Beach (ph#. 422-2212)
Chesapeake (ph# 548-1038)
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