GORD Surgery Patient Info

Pre-operative care

You will undergo some routine bloods and other tests (such as an x-ray and an electrocardiogram) as part of a work-up for surgery.

Post-operative care

Day of surgery:
• After the operation you will remain in the recovery area of the operating theatre for 1-2 hours. Following that you will be transferred to the ward.
• You should try to get up and go for a walk (visiting a toilet is a good reason for this short walk) aided by a nurse.
• You can drink liquids on the evening of the surgery.
• Please ask the nurses for pain-killers and anti-sickness medication. You may feel nauseous and in some discomfort but we don’t want you to be in pain and retch.

Post-operative advice

• Patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication usually need to stay in for at least one night in hospital after surgery.
• You should not need anti-acid medications after surgery.
• You will be discharged on medications to prevent vomiting. Retching and vomiting after surgery can disrupt the new valve and thus you should avoid consuming excessive alcohol.
• You can have fluids soon after surgery once you have recovered from the anaesthesia.
• You should drink only liquids for the first 2 days after surgery.
• You should refrain from drinking fizzy drinks for at least 6-8 weeks after surgery. You should also avoid caffeine containing drinks
Eating after a fundoplication
• There is usually some difficulty in swallowing after a fundoplication for the first 6-8 weeks.
• It is likely that you will lose some weight in this period.
• Eat small meals frequently. Try to sit upright while eating and do not lie down for at least 2 hours after eating.
• Chew your food well and take small bites
• During this period you will be able to eat soft foods. In addition to liquids, semi-solids and pureed foods you should be able to eat foods that are mashable with a fork.

Some of the foods that you should be able to eat:
• Soups, broths, yoghurts, smoothies
• Scrambled egg, well cooked and soft rice and pasta, minced meats, mashed potato, fish

Please avoid:
• Red meats, untoasted bread, cake and large chunks of potato including chips as these are likely to be difficult to swallow
• Gas producing foods such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and onions