Post Reflux Surgery Information

What to expect

-Surgery should take about 1.5-2.5 hours

-Recovery from anesthesia lasts about an hour after surgery completion

-Pain or discomfort usually minimal at incision sites

-Most common sensation after surgery is a feeling of fullness in the chest that lasts about 3-5 days

-Sensation of difficulty swallowing may be present for about 2-3 weeks after surgery

-Absorbable sutures used to close the skin along with glue, no staples or stitches will need to be removed

-Skin glue will start to peal on its own at about 10 days, when this happens you can peel the glue off

Diet

-After surgery, you will be on a full liquid to puree diet for about 2 weeks until seen in the office. A full liquid or puree diet consists of things like soups, protein shakes, yogurt, mashed potatoes, etc. Avoid hot or cold food/drinks for the first few days after surgery as this can cause esophageal spasm. Everyone loves coffee but may need to avoid for first few days after surgery. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Wound care

-You may shower 24 hours after surgery with soap and water. Skin incisions are fully closed at 24 hours when sutured together.

Limitations after surgery

-THE most important reminder for patients is not to lift, push, or pull more than 15 lbs for the first 6 weeks after surgery. Any pressure on your surgical site can disrupt the repair and cause a recurrence.

-Normal daily activities of living and cardio exercise is strongly encouraged.

Follow up appointment

-Appointment should be set before your surgery at 2 weeks after operative date

When to contact provider

-Fever: Temperature > 101 F

-Uncontrolled pain

-Continuous shortness of breath- if severe call 911

-Continuous chest pain or pressure- if severe call 911

Pain

-Narcotic medications are not used to treat pain after surgery. Instead a superstrength form of ibuprofen will be prescribed for 5 day course after surgery

-Tylenol 325 mg in addition to this medication may be used for pain control

-Again, most patients do not complain of incisional pain after surgery