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Re: Post fundoplication effects

From: S. Carvajal, M.D.

Comments

In my practice, patient go home on the day after surgery. Most stop taking pain medications on the fourth or fifth day after surgery. There are some patients that complain of more pain and require medications for up to two weeks. They start eating with in hours of leaving the operating room. They're eating a soft diet avoiding breads and whole meats. Most are eating normally by three to four weeks. We teach our patience to eat slowly, chew well, take small bites, and use liquids to help swallow. Everybody has difficulty swallowing at first. This is due to swelling of the esophagus. It is rare for a patient to get food caught where something would be to be done about. Everybody complains of bloating and excess flatus production. Although most patients are able to burp, initially is more difficult to do so and therefore any air swallowed leads to bloating and flatus. This resolves completely by approximately two months. Most patients are back to work by between two and three weeks after the operation. I have operated on many people who were back to work within three to four days of surgery. I know one patient who golfed on the third day after his operation. He was unable to golf for many years prior to his operation because he vomited with every swing. After the operation, he is able to play golf normally. Every surgeon will have different expectations and results. I would encourage you to speak to your surgeon about what is to be expected following surgery.

Last changed: January 12, 2008