Sign In



Remember Me

MedlinePlus®

A service of the National Library of Medicine.

MerckSource received the 2006 WebAward for Outstanding Website Development from the Web Marketing Association at the annual WebAward competition.






MerckSource was honored at the Healthcare Internet Conference in Atlanta, receiving the 2006 Gold eHealthcare Leadership Award for best health/healthcare content.






MerckSource received the 2006 WWW site Award of Excellence from the Health Improvement Institute. This award honors excellence in health communications.






More Awards

Resource Library

Powered by:   Print This Page   Add To My Folder

This information is provided by an independent source. Merck & Co., Inc. is not responsible for this content. Please discuss any and all treatment options with your healthcare professional. The manufacturer of a product generally has the most complete information about that product.

Krames Index Print This Article Print This Article
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
<  Previous     Page 7 of 7           
<<  First Page                      

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

 
<  Previous     Page 7 of 7           
<<  First Page                      

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care.
Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem.
©2001 The StayWell Company, 1100 Grundy Lane, San Bruno, CA 94066-3030.
www.staywell.com 800 333-3032. All rights reserved.
Print This Page   Add To My Folder

20351091(1)-12/03-EBS-CON