After the Procedure:

How long your child stays in the hospital depends on how the surgery was done.

• Children who have laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery usually stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days.
• Children who have open surgery may spend 2 to 6 days in the hospital.

Your child can start eating again about 1 to 2 days after surgery. Liquids are usually given first.

Some children have a g-tube placed during surgery. This tube can be used for liquid feedings, or to release gas from the stomach.

If your child did not have a g-tube placed, a tube may be inserted through the nose to the stomach to help release gas. This tube is removed once your child starts eating again.

Your child will be able to go home once they are eating food, have had a bowel movement and are feeling better.

Outlook (Prognosis):

Heartburn and related symptoms should improve after anti-reflux surgery. However, your child may still need to take medications for heartburn after surgery.

Some children will need another operation in the future to treat new reflux symptoms or swallowing problems. This may happen if the stomach was wrapped around the esophagus too tightly or it loosens.

The surgery may not be successful if the repair was too loose.