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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
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Preparing for Surgery
If other types of treatment haven't brought you relief, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure called laparoscopic fundoplication. If you smoke, try to quit beforehand, since smoking adds risk to surgery and recovery. You may also have to stop taking certain medications. Before surgery, your general health will be checked with routine blood and other tests. Then you'll be admitted to the hospital, usually on the same day as your surgery. 11a1676

11b1676 Schedule Lab Tests
Your doctor may request blood tests, an ECG (electrocardiogram), and a chest x-ray to check your heart and lungs.


11c1676 Don't Eat or Drink
No food or drink (including water) may be taken after midnight on the evening before surgery. If you have been told to take your regular medications, take them with small sips of water.


11d1676 Ask About Medications
Ask your doctor if you need to stop taking any other medications before surgery. Also ask about stopping supplements, including vitamins and herbal preparations.


11e1676 Arrange for Help
You'll want to take it easy right after surgery, so arrange for help at home. Plan to have someone drive you to the hospital and pick you up afterward.


Risks and Complications
Any surgery has risks and complications. For laparoscopic fundoplication, these include:
  • Injury to the liver, spleen, esophagus, or stomach during surgery
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Increased gas or bloating
  • An inability to vomit
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Failure of the operation to completely eliminate GERD


 
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