Jackson Surgical Associates

What Is GERD Surgery?

During a laparoscopic fundoplication, the LES is recreated by wrapping the very top of the stomach around the lower part of the esophagus. This GERD surgery typically lasts between two and four hours.

Laparoscopic surgery is performed through several small incisions instead of a single long one, as in a traditional open procedure. As a result, there is less pain, a quicker recovery time, a shorter hospital stay, and lower risk of infection.

In some cases, open fundoplication surgery may be needed. If your doctor feels it is not safe to continue with a laparoscopic procedure once surgery has started, he or she will complete the operation through a larger incision in your abdomen. This is called an open procedure, or open fundoplication. This surgery requires a longer recovery time, up to one week in the hospital and from four to six weeks at home.

Preparing for GERD Surgery

If you smoke, try to quit beforehand, since smoking adds risk to surgery and recovery. You may also have to stop taking certain medications. Before surgery, your general health will be checked with routine blood and other tests. You will be admitted to the hospital, usually on the same day as your surgery.

You will be asked to sign a consent form authorizing your doctor to perform the surgery. You may also be given a mild laxative or enema to clear your system. An anesthesiologist may meet with you to discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used to keep you free of pain throughout surgery.

During GERD Surgery

First you will be given an anesthetic and any other medications through an IV (intravenous) tube. You will be asleep during the surgery.

Your abdomen will be inflated with carbon dioxide (Co2) gas to provide more space for your doctor to see and work. The laparoscope, which has a camera attached, is then inserted through an incision to send images to a video screen. Small surgical instruments may be inserted through the other incisions.

The Co2 gas is removed at the end of at the end of surgery.

Recovering After GERD Surgery

After you wake in the recovery room, you will be given extra oxygen to help you breathe. You may also have an IV in your arm for fluids and medication. You will have small bandages over your incisions, and you will be given medications to relieve any discomfort you may feel.

Later that day or the next morning, you will probably be out of bed and walking around. Within a day or so after surgery, you will start a liquid diet. Your doctor will determine when you can begin eating soft foods.

Most people go home one to three days after laparoscopic surgery and return to work one to two days thereafter. Because only small incisions are made, you will likely experience less pain than after open surgery.

You may be able to start on a liquid diet soon after surgery. When your small incisions heal, the scars may be nearly invisible. Best of all, you will be able to eat without the pain and discomfort that GERD can cause.

At Home

Take it easy when you return home. Do not do any heavy lifting or vigorous activities. Follow your doctor’s advice about showering, driving, and returning to work. Eat slowly and be careful about what you eat: Eat frequent, small meals and avoid carbonated drinks.

Follow Up

During the first week to month after GERD surgery, your doctor may meet with you to check on your progress and answer your questions. If you have any skin staples or stitches, they will be removed.

This is a good time to ask your doctor for tips on maintaining a healthy diet after you are fully recovered. Any follow-up visits will be scheduled as needed.

Be sure to call your doctor if you develop any of the following:

• Bleeding from the incision(s)
• Cough or shortness of breath
• Fever (over 101) or chills
• Increased abdominal swelling or pain
• Nausea or vomiting