Reflux and Foregut Surgery

For patients & families
Surgeons discussed techniques for anti-reflux surgery, a procedure that wraps part of the stomach around the lower esophagus to help prevent stomach contents from flowing backward.[e11931-c8,e11931-c11] They emphasized the importance of creating a loose, short wrap—generally under 2 centimeters—so that it stops reflux without blocking food from passing through.[e11931-c11,e11931-c12] The team described using specialized instruments that can seal blood vessels while producing very little heat, which protects nearby organs like the stomach and spleen.[e11931-c1,e11931-c3] Surgeons also talked about repairing the opening in the diaphragm (the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen) to prevent the stomach from sliding upward into the chest.[e11931-c4,e11993-c8] In cases where a child needs a second operation because the first wrap loosened or a hernia developed, the surgeons stressed the need to completely undo the old wrap and carefully repair the diaphragm opening before creating a new wrap.[e11993-c7,e11993-c9] After surgery, children typically start drinking clear liquids right away and go home the next morning.