Bart d - lap nissen op script

Laparoscopic Anti Reflux Surgery
Patient Information
1. What is Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease? Reflux disease (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder also known as GORD) is a condition that results from the acid in the stomach going up in to the Oesophagus (gullet) causing inflammation of the lower part of Normally, this acid reflux is prevented by the sphincter in the lower part of the oesophagus. In patients with reflux disease, this sphincter which acts as valve does not function normally. a) Heart Burn: A burning feeling in the upper abdomen. It can travel through the chest and into the throat and neck.
b) Regurgitation: A warm salty, bitter taste in the mouth. It occurs when stomach contents flow back into the mouth, Dysphagia: Food is sometimes stuck in the oesophagus and may be painful in swallowing. Always need to be investigated a) Chest pain: Pain in the chest reflecting spasm in the oesophagus and can mimic a heart attack.
b) Hoarseness: This can develop if the acid and or stomach contents reach the mouth and throat.
Choking/ Wheezing: It may occur at night when stomach a) A weak lower oesophageal sphincter.
b) Hiatus Hernia: This occurs when part of the stomach bulges up through the diaphragm and into the chest.
Hiatus hernia is common in the population but not everybody with Hiatus hernia will suffer from GORD. Other factors that may contribute to GORD are fatty foods, smoking, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, obesity and pregnancy.
The first step in treating GORD includes lifestyle and diet modifications. These are usually very effective.
Try to limit or avoid foods that can exacerbate GORD (eg: alcohol). Eat small Meals, avoid late evening meals, cut down or stop smoking, lose weight, avoid tight fitting clothes. Elevate the head of bed by placing blocks under the bedpost. Antacids : Gaviscon is usually the first drug recommended to relieve heartburn and other mild GORD symptoms. H2 blocker: Cimetidine and Ranitidine, impede acid production. Proton pump inhibitors or PPI: These drugs are extremely effective at decreasing the 24-hour acid output by the stomach. Omeprazole, Lansoprazole are commonly used PPI.
Anti-reflux procedures are used to treat GORD. They work by strengthening the valve mechanism at the junction of the oesophagus and stomach, thus preventing reflux of acid into the oesophagus.
The procedure can be performed using keyhole (laparoscopic) or open surgery. The advantage of keyhole surgery being quicker recovery time and smaller scars. Indeed most operations are now performed as day 7. Patient selection for operation: Who needs this? In majority of the cases this reflux disease can be successfully treated with medication. Patients suitable for surgery are: a) Poorly controlled symptoms despite medication.
b) When medication fails to prevent potential complication of Undesirable side effects from conventional medications and/ d) Young patients who do not wish to take medication for life.
e) Patient with Barrett's oesophagus.
This operation requires general anaesthesia (patients are put to sleep). All patients will be assessed in preoperative assessment clinic. Some blood test, a chest x-ray and an ECG (heart trace) may be required prior to surgery. The procedure most commonly performed is Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication with repair of Hiatus Hernia. Usually it is completed using keyhole surgery using 5 small incisions on the abdomen. The Hiatus Hernia (defect in the diaphragm) is repaired with stitches. Next the uppermost part of the stomach is wrapped loosely around the lower part of the oesophagus and secured with stitches; this will strengthen the valve at the bottom of the oesophagus and prevents reflux of acid from the stomach into the oesophagus thereby 9.What Preparation do you need to take before operation? A good shower the night before or morning of the operation is recommended. Patients are advised not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the operation. You can take some of your medications with a sip of water in the morning of surgery. Medications such as aspirin, warfarin, anti-inflammatory medications (such as diclofenac) may need to be stopped temporarily prior to surgery. Do not worry all preoperative medication issues will be discussed in the 10. The day of surgery and Hospital stay: Patients are advised to arrive at the hospital the morning of the operation. They will be reviewed by one of the team member and Anaesthetists. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. Most of the time the procedure will take ½ to 1 hr. You will be taken to the recovery room until you are fully awake.
In the majority of cases patients are discharged home on the same day (day-case surgery) or the following morning. There are some risks and side effects associated with this operation like any other surgical procedureComplications of anaesthesia are usually not common provided that patients are fit otherwise. The Anaesthetist will discuss these prior to Bleeding or bruising associated with the small skin incisions. Infections in the operation site which is very rare. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. This can occur after prolonged periods of immobility. It is more common in patients that are overweight and/or smoke. Early mobilisation, hydration and compression stockings lower Complications specific to anti-reflux surgery: Very rarely damage to the oesophagus, stomach or lung lining (Pleura) Conversion to open surgery (Less than 1%).
Small risk of splenic injury and splenectomy (Less than 1%).
Very rarely severe complications may result in death. However, the risk of serious complication is very small (about 1 in 1000, UK national Difficulty swallowing: Most common, about 30% of patient experience this after surgery, but usually temporarily for 4-6 weeks.
Abdominal bloating and flatulence: Very common. Caused by inability to expel excess air in the stomach. This problem tends to get better with time, but some degree of increased passage of wind often remains. Indigestion - usually settles quickly.
Loss of Weight : Because of feeling full earlier some patients eat less You will be allowed to begin to sip liquids a few hours after operation. You should initially avoid all food with lumps, Very hot or very cold food. Avoid breads, crackers, biscuits, pancakes and toast, carbonated On day 2 - soft diet such as soup, yoghurt, custard etc is acceptable. Try to eat slowly ideally over 1 hour period initially. You should take plenty of drink to keep food moist. It is better to avoid tomato products, peppermint, black pepper, caffeine, alcohol, onions, green peppers, "gum chewing", fatty foods, beans, raw vegetables, fibre supplements as these can be irritating.
Food may get stuck in the gullet. Take small sips of water and walk round until the food moves down to stomach in this situation.
For first 2 weeks eat soft food (e.g steamed fish, mash potatoes) and After 6 weeks you should be able to eat a regular diet. However, people often find they are able to eat less than they used to.
14. When to seek medical attention following operation? You will be reviewed in the outpatient clinic 6 weeks post operatively. But one must seek urgent medical advice if there is (which is very rare) 1. High fever2. Bleeding3. Abdominal swelling that is increasing.
4. Pain that is not relieved by your medications5. Persistent nausea or vomiting6. Persistent cough or shortness of breath7. Purulent drainage (pus) from any of the wounds8. Redness surrounding any wound that is worsening or getting bigger9. Inability to swallow solids or drink liquids Majority of the patients - almost 95%, remain symptom free and do not require anymore anti acid medications after the procedure. Follow-up indicates that 10 years after surgery, 80-85% of patients continue to 1. Wound Care: The five small wounds are closed with stitches that dissolve and do not need to be removed. You can bath or shower normally on next day after the operation.
2. Pain Control: Post-operative pain is generally mild and a simple painkiller for 3-7 days usually helps.
3. Bowels and Bladder: You should not experience any difficulty in opening your bowels or passing urine following your operation. However, you may be prone to constipation when taking some painkillers. Occasionally some patients suffer from diarrhoea after their operation but this normally settles quickly. You should expect to resume normal activities approximately 4 to 6 weeks following your surgery. Driving should be avoided until you can perform an 'emergency stop' without hesitation. We suggest not driving for at least 2 weeks (Please check with your insurance company). You should avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks as it increases the risk of developing hernias through small wounds.
You will be given 2 weeks sick note for work if requested (which may be extended by the GP if necessary). Any further queries please contact Mr. Decadt's (Consultant Surgeon, Upper G.I) Secretary:

Source: http://www.bartdecadt.co.uk/pdf/Laparoscopic_Nissen_Fundoplication.pdf