Your Child's Recovery
The doctor wrapped the upper part of your child's stomach (fundus) around the lower part of the esophagus. This prevents stomach acid from moving back into the esophagus.
Your child may be sore and have some belly pain for several weeks after surgery. If your child had laparoscopic surgery, there may also be some shoulder or back pain. This pain is caused by the gas used to inflate the belly to help see the organs better. The pain usually lasts about 1 or 2 days.
For up to 6 weeks after the surgery, it may be hard for your child to swallow and burp. Your child may also have belly cramps, feel bloated, or pass more gas than before. The cramping and bloating usually go away in 2 to 3 months. But your child may pass more gas for a long time.
Because the surgery makes the stomach a little smaller, your child may get full sooner when eating. In 2 to 3 months, the stomach adjusts and your child will be able to eat the usual amounts of food.
How quickly your child recovers depends on whether your child had a laparoscopic or open surgery. After laparoscopy, most children can go back to their normal routine in about 2 to 3 weeks. After open surgery, children may need 4 to 6 weeks to get back to their normal routine.
This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for your child to recover. But each child recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to help your child get better as quickly as possible.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter N297 in the search box to learn more about "Fundoplication Surgery in Children: What to Expect at Home".