Reflux (oesophageal) surgery

Days before surgery

Medication and supplements

• Some medication will need to be withheld before surgery.

• Bring your regular medications in their original packaging to the hospital, and follow instructions on which ones to take on the day of surgery.

Special considerations

• Notify us if you develop a cough, infection, or any change in health in the week before surgery.

• Arrange help at home for the first few days after surgery, especially for transportation, meals, and household tasks.

• Plan not to drive for a week after surgery, so arrange for transport and assistance as needed.

• It is normal to feel anxious. Bring something to help you relax, such as headphones, music, or a book.

The day before surgery

• Shower or bathe the night before or morning of surgery.

• Do not shave the surgical area; this will be done by the surgical team if needed.

• Eat a light meal the evening before and avoid alcohol after 8pm.

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless instructed otherwise (some medications may be taken with a sip of water).

The day of surgery

• Remove all jewellery, piercings, make-up, and nail polish before coming to the hospital.

• Wear comfortable clothing and bring any hearing aids or glasses you may need.

• You may wish to bring a friend or family member to accompany you and drive you home.

• Arrive at the hospital at the specified time and bring all necessary paperwork and identification.

When do I arrive?

You will be required to arrive at the hospital a few hours before surgery so that the hospital staff can be prepared for the operation.

• If you have a morning operation, arrive at the hospital at 7am. Do not have any food or drink after midnight prior (do not have breakfast).

• If you have an afternoon operation, arrive at the hospital at 11am. Have your last Optifast no later than 8am and drink only water until 10am. Do not have anything after 10am.

For more information, download the reflux surgery guide below.

General recovery timeline

• First week: Focus on rest, wound care, and gentle movement.

• Two to four weeks: Gradually return to full activities.

• Four to six weeks: Continue purée diet.

Wound care

• Your wounds will usually have dissolving sutures and will be covered in a waterproof tape dressing. Keep your wound dry for the first 24 to 48 hours. After this period, you may shower, but avoid submerging the incision in water (baths, swimming) for 2 weeks.

• Inspect the dressing after showering. The waterproof dressing may become wet or loose. If it happens, you may remove it, but try not to disturb the sticky plaster dressing underneath, which is adhered to the wound. This plaster normally falls off after about 2 weeks.

• Do not apply ointments, antiseptics, or powders to the incision. Simply keep it clean and dry.

• Monitor for signs of infection: Notify your surgical team if you notice excessive redness, drainage, swelling, or increasing pain at the incision area.

Pain relief

Take prescribed pain medication as directed. It’s normal to require medication for the first 1 to 2 weeks.

For more information about pain relief, get in touch or download the reflux surgery guide below.

Diet

• It’s important to maintain a purée diet for 6 weeks following surgery. This is to allow the hiatal hernia repair and fundoplication to heal. Avoid any solid food. It could impact and disrupt the stitches during this time.

• It’s common to feel nauseated and bloated in the first few weeks following surgery. Your stomach capacity will be reduced, and swelling at the surgery area may make swallowing feel tight.

• After 6 weeks, you can start eating again, chewing slowly.

For more information about diet restrictions, get in touch or download the reflux surgery guide below.

Activity and mobility

• Early movement is encouraged: get up and walk as soon as you are able, even on the day of surgery. Walking helps prevent blood clots, improves breathing, and speeds up recovery.

• No absolute bed rest is needed; staying active helps your recovery.

• You may resume driving when you can perform an emergency stop without pain, usually after 3 to 5 days.

Medications

Take your medications exactly as prescribed on your medication discharge instruction sheet. Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, all of your medications and vitamins can be swallowed as they are given. Alternatively you may crush tablets, use chewable or liquid forms.

For more information about medications, get in touch or download the reflux surgery guide below.

Contact Dr Flint at the rooms or your GP if you experience:

• Fever above 38°C.

• Increasing redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision.

• Severe or worsening pain not relieved by medication.

• Severe nausea and/or an inability to swallow.

P. 03 375 4480

For more information, download the reflux surgery guide below.

I am an independent surgeon, but I operate out of St George’s Hospital, one of Christchurch’s leading healthcare facilities. Enjoy comfortable surroundings and the support of dedicated nursing staff delivering quality care throughout your stay.

Reflux surgery usually requires a 1–2-night stay.

It depends on the type of medication. Here is a pre-op guide to find out more. If you have any doubt or further questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me or your GP.

Your stomach holds less because of swelling and the new wrap. Eat small meals and stop when full.

Swelling at the repair site narrows the passage. This usually improves by around 6 weeks.

Your stomach no longer refluxes, and gas can build up more easily. This is temporary and usually resolves with time.

One mild episode is unlikely to cause harm. Prolonged vomiting or the inability to swallow for more than 2 hours should be reviewed.

Yes. Some people can still burp small amounts. That’s completely normal and healthy. The goal of surgery is to stop reflux, not trap all gas.

Both are generally fine. If either causes bloating or discomfort, stop and try again after a week, in small amounts.

It’s common to feel reflux-like symptoms in the first 4–6 weeks after surgery, but this doesn’t usually mean the repair has failed. These symptoms are often not caused by acid. Instead, they result from swelling at the surgical site, which can temporarily affect how the lower oesophageal sphincter and diaphragm work together. This may slow down how the oesophagus clears swallowed air or fluids, which can sit above the wrap and feel like reflux.

In some cases, pressure from the stomach or pooling of saliva and secretions above the repair can also mimic heartburn. After years of reflux, the oesophagus can remain very sensitive, so even normal post-surgery sensations might feel like the old reflux. These symptoms usually settle as healing progresses.

Visit the FAQs if you have more questions, or get in touch with me for any other concerns.