Recovery after hiatus hernia surgery/ Laparoscopic Nissen’s Fundoplication:
Hiatus hernia surgery in Mumbai or Nissen’s fundoplication can be done either as “open surgery” or through “laparoscopy”. Laparoscopic technique is the method of choice of the majority of the surgeons. Laparoscopy is performed through 4 to 5 key-holes on the abdomen which are from 0.5 to 1 cm in size. As compared to open surgery there is very little trauma to the abdomen in laparoscopy, hence leading to an early recovery.
The laparoscopic technique has the following advantages:
- Less pain
- Early mobilization out of bed
- Less trauma to the abdomen
- Smaller scars
- Early discharge and recovery
- Early return to work
- Less loss of pay
Most of the times, patients are started on oral liquids within 6 hours after surgery. Usually no urinary catheter is inserted and patients are advised to get out of bed and walk to the washroom within 4 to 6 hours of surgery. There is mild pain on the first day and you may experience varying degree of nausea. Usually this settles down by the next morning and most patients do fine with oral pain-killer tablets. Most patients may get discharged on the morning after the surgery.
It is advisable to stay off work for about a week. First 2 days, patients are on liquid diet. After that for 4 to 5 days they are kept on soft diet. Normal diet can be started from a week after surgery but it must be less oily and spicy for a few weeks. Initially patients’ may experience some difficulty in swallowing as the valve has been tightened. They may experience mild choking sensation in the chest after food intake. These symptoms usually settle down in a few weeks.
Most patients get back to work within a week’s time. You will need to visit your surgeon once again to check the wounds and dressing etc.
Recover after open surgery is longer as compared to laparoscopic surgery and as of today, open surgery is performed only for a very selected group of patients.
Hiatus hernia surgery or laparoscopic Nissen’s fundoplication is a surgical procedure performed for the treatment of Hiatus Hernia and GERD. Myths and fear of surgery sometimes lead to delay in treatment and may give rise to complications that could have been avoided. This surgery is generally safe and if you are detected with a hiatus hernia, please visit your surgeon for the right advice.
Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker is a Bariatric Surgeon in Mumbai and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon.
Affiliations: Global Hospital, Parel; Apollo Hospitals, CBD Belapur, Tardeo and Chembur; Currae Hospital, Thane; Suchak hospital, Malad and Namaha Hospital, Kandivali; Belle Vue Hospital, Andheri West for Bariatric Surgery, Hernia Surgery and Gallbladder Surgery etc.
Mobile: +91 9819566618
Email: draparnagovil@gmail.com
Website: www.bestbariatricsurgeon.org , www.aparnagovilbhasker.com
