Paraoesophageal Hernia Repair

Hi, Nurse Molly! Welcome to the forum! I had a paraesophageal hernia repaired with a lap nissen fundoplication on December 13. My surgeon said the nissen would help prevent the hernia from returning- but there are no guarantees. I had the hernia for years without many symptoms except severe anemia. My new doctor wanted it repaired so it did not fold or twist and cause an emergency situation. The hernia was about 4" with half of my stomach in my chest (and more moving in).

Surgery was 3 hours. In hospital 2 nights. First week was painful. I used pain pills for 10 days.I had no problems eating soft food and liquids but some people do. You will be limited in what you can lift for quite a while. You don't want to strain and undo anything. At 2 weeks I felt pretty good and could eat regular food (I don't eat meat). By one month I was feeling like my normal self. Everyone is different and surgeons are most certainly different so your experience may vary. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best!

Once your surgery is closer, and you are preparing, feel free to ask away. Lots of people on here have been through the nissen, if that's what your surgeon does.

Best wishes!
Starry

Welcome to the forum, Molly.

I've written a whole bunch of posts about my paraesophageal hernia repair. You can find loads of reading and references to technical articles, by putting the words in the search box at the top of the page.

Hello Nurse Molly, just wondering how you're doing after surgery. I have met with 2 different surgeons about my type 4 paraesohagela hernia. One wants to do an open repair (thoracic surgeon at the best hospital our state has to offer) and the other thoracic surgeon wants to do a lap procedure. So confusing to know what to do. How are you feeling and how has your recovery been?
Deb