Nissen Fundoplication Surgery (performed conventionally or laparoscopically) is a common surgical treatment for both hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). As with any surgery, a certain amount of pain and soreness is to be expected in the belly area, as well as shoulder soreness if you’ve had a laparoscopic procedure. Cramping, bloating, and excess gas are all normal for up to 3 months following surgery. While you’re in recovery, there are steps you can take to ease any lingering discomfort and expedite the healing process.
Activity. Moderate daily walking improves blood flow, preventing constipation and minimizing the risk of infection. Try not to lift heavy objects or overdo physical activity following surgery, and listen to your body’s cues when it’s time to rest.
Diet. Start on soft foods before gradually adding easy-to-swallow foods (ground meat, soft vegetables, pasta) into your diet. Instead of 3 large meals, break up your eating into 5 or 6 “mini-meals” throughout the day. Avoid carbonated drinks and drinking through straws to minimize swallowing excess air.
Medications. Consult with your doctor before and after surgery to make sure your prescribed medications are safe to take while you’re recovering. Take all prescription pain meds, antibiotics and antacids as directed for the full duration of your recovery.
Incision Care. If your incisions are covered with medical tape or steri-strips after surgery, let these fall off naturally. Wash your incisions daily with warm, soapy water and gently pat dry. Avoid using rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your incisions, and if the area rubs against clothing or the incisions are “weeping”, cover the area with gauze, but change the gauze out daily when you clean.
Open surgery may require a 6-10 day hospital stay, whereas laparoscopic patients are often discharged within 3 days, sometimes even the day after surgery. Full recovery averages from 6-8 weeks, which may sound like a long time until you take into account that when evaluated 10 or 20 years after a Nissen fundoplication surgery, most patients report 70-90% relief.
Though Nissen Fundoplication surgery is better known as a treatment for GERD, it’s an attractive option for hiatal hernia patients who want to avoid using hernia mesh to treat the condition. The technique wraps a portion of the stomach around the esophagus’ affected area, suturing it into place. For hiatal hernias, primary sutures are used to underpin and reinforce the repair. This approach allows for smaller surgical incisions, lowers the risk of infection, prevents recurrence of the original condition, and most importantly, is a less painful procedure that allows the patient a quicker return to work and life as usual.
