Laparoscopic Myotomy and Fundoplication for Achalasia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
A laparoscopic myotomy is a procedure to open the valve between your esophagus and stomach. A fundoplication is a procedure to wrap part of your stomach around part of your esophagus. This prevents acid reflux. A laparoscope (tube with a camera on the end) is used to do the surgery, along with other tools.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Seek care immediately if:
- You have a fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher or a fever with chills.
- You have severe pain in the procedure area.
- You see signs of an infection, such as swelling, red streaks, or pus.
- You have trouble swallowing.
- You have severe nausea and are vomiting.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever of 99°F (37.2°C) to 100.9°F (38.2°C).
- You have new or worsening pain, even after you take pain medicine.
- You have diarrhea or constipation.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Antacids may be needed if you continue to have acid reflux. Your healthcare provider will tell you when to take these and for how long to take them.
- Gas relief medicine may be recommended to relieve bloating. Your provider will tell you how many times each day to take these, and for how long to take them.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Eat foods and drink liquids as directed. Do not have meat, liquid that contains carbonation (such as soft drinks), or bread for 2 weeks, or as directed. Your healthcare provider may want you to stay on a liquid diet for a few days or weeks. He or she will give you specific instructions for a liquid diet.
- Care for the incision areas as directed. Your provider will tell you when you can remove any bandages covering the areas. He or she will tell you when it is okay to take a shower. You may need to keep the incision areas covered to prevent them from getting wet. Do not take a bath, swim, or soak in a hot tub until your provider says it is okay. Check the incision areas every day for signs of infection, such as swelling, red streaks, or pus.
- Follow your healthcare provider's directions for activity. He or she will tell you when you can drive, return to work, and do your regular activities. This should be within 2 weeks of your procedure. You may be able to drive sooner, if you are no longer taking opioid pain medicine. Do not lift anything heavy for 6 weeks, or as directed. Your provider may give you a weight limit for lifting. For example, he or she may say do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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