What’s wrong with heartburn in the middle of the night after esophageal cancer surgery?

by Specialist

Let’s start by understanding the causes of heartburn. After surgical removal of the middle and lower esophagus, the loss of the former normal anti-reflux function of the gastric cardia and the absence of vagal nerve function make it easy for food from the stomach to reflux into the esophagus, leaving you with frequent symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, food reflux, fullness and discomfort, and possibly choking at night, affecting rest and even aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia.

After surgery, you may also experience several symptoms:

    Because part of the stomach is lifted into the chest cavity, directly adjacent to the heart and lungs, eating tends to cause the volume of the stomach to expand, thus affecting heart and lung function and causing symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, and panic;

  1. The food tends to “get stuck” or “hang” in the surgical anastomosis, which lacks elasticity, causing choking, nausea, vomiting, etc. when eating too fast;

  2. The altered position of the stomach and the lack of vagus nerve function can easily lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction, resulting in acid reflux, heartburn, fullness, poor appetite, diarrhea, etc.

    3. .

  3. For a longer period of time after surgery, you may also feel pinprick-like pain or numbness and discomfort at the incision, which is aggravated by changes in weather.

If you experience postoperative heartburn, acid reflux, or other discomfort, follow these dietary principles:

    Eat small, frequent meals, chew slowly at each meal, avoid spicy, stimulating foods, do not eat too much, and meditate or take an appropriate walk for about 30 minutes after the meal before going to bed.

  1. The head of the bed should be raised or the upper half of the body should be padded at an angle to prevent reflux when sleeping.

  2. Adjust your mind, adopt a healthy lifestyle, abstain from smoking and alcohol, and follow your doctor’s instructions for regular review. If you experience any of these uncomfortable symptoms, consult your doctor for the appropriate medication prescribed for you to relieve them.

.