nissen's fundoplication

[clm75]

I am thinking about getting Nissen's Fundoplication done soon, and scared to do this I haven't heard anything good on this. What should I ask the Doctor to make sure he knows what he doing?

[Flycaster305]

I was, like Smiley2000 diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus, and also my vocal cords were eroding from acidity.  As I was considering these conditions and the need to have surgery, my teeth suddenly started turning black (!) as acid eroded my tooth enamel.  I didn't have to have the 24hr PH study, a smile to the surgeon was proof to the surgeon, but did have the impedance study.  Believe me, black teeth took all hesitation about the surgery away from me!  

[Smiley2000]

Hi,

In my experience, a criteria for surgical candidate:  Barrets sells present, on maximal treatment (PPI's) and still symptomatic and ENT symptoms can be regarded as uncontrollable GERD.  I would also say that a 24hr PH or Impedance study should also be done to indicate how severe reflux is.  And a big Hiatal Hernia will also need repair at some stage.

I am going to see the Surgeon on Monday to get a date for my Nissen op.  I have all the above symptoms.  I don't have a Hiatal Hernia but LES is hypotensive.

Hope it helps.

[Flycaster305]

I had the procedure 18 months ago, and it was a success.  I have no more GERD issues.  Like you, I checked on line and there were plenty of horror stories which made me nervous, but usually only the negative results are posted, and I include this board.    Further investigation showed me that the success rate of this surgery is extremely high, as long as patients follow a very careful post-surgery diet and choose a surgeon that has a high success rate.
I talked with three surgeons before having the surgery, elected to have a surgeon do it who had done over 100 procedures.  A check of his references was positive.  He also told me that this procedure needed help from the patient, one HAS to follow a careful post-surgery diet.  Frankly, it's a difficult recovery, if you follow directions you will eat very little, only very soft foods for about a month.  Be prepared to lose about fifteen pounds, and after recovery, you will find you eat much less as  you fill up quickly.
Hope this helps.  

[selmaS]

  Hi, I have heard both good and bad reports on this procedure...like ne surgery there is no way to know how ur body will respond to the surgery or meds....

There is a member that had this surgery with success and I am sure will post a reply.

  I have to ask how bad is ur GERD u feel the need to have this surgery?I have a hiatal  hernia and just wondered at what point people seek this option.


     "selma"