fundoplication surgery

Hi all,

I've noticed that many on this forum have had (or will have) the reflux surgery.  I've had reflux for 10+ years, and have been taking PPIs supplemented by prescription zantac and tums for 10+ years.  Every two years I have an upper endoscopy, and every single time it shows erosive gastritis and erosive esophagitis, despite the meds.  I have been told I will be on PPIs for the rest of my life.  REcently, I was diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus and an esophagael polyp--still waiting on biopsy results to confirm that polyp is related to Barrett's.  My GI doctor does not endorse this surgery; he claims that it causes more problems than it fixes, but what options do I actually have?  I can't continue to further develop the Barrett's and grow more potentially cancerous polyps. 

In short, I would like to know if any of you who have had the reflux surgery have had any negative side effects?

Thanks in advance,

Elcamino

Hello Elcamino,

I had the procedure done 7 months ago and wouldn't have changed a thing. My symptoms were similar to yours in that I had been on PPI's for over 15 years with reflux/heartburn for longer than that. While I didn't have an esophageal polyp, I did have a significant amount of Barretts esophagus and esophagitis from the years of reflux and the damage that came along with it. My GI doc finally told me that the only way I was going to get any permanent relief is to have the Nissen procedure done. The diagnostic process leading up to the surgery was long and uncomfortable at points and even given the inconveniences that come along with the surgical recovery time, I can honestly say that having the Nissen procedure done was up there on my "best decisions I've ever made" list.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and depending on how well you stick to the recovery process, you should come out much better in the end. You absolutely have to commit to being disciplined while you're healing and not try and push your recovery along. With proper treatment and time allowed for healing, your Barretts should completely disappear and the erosions will heal. If PPI's aren't working, the only solution (in my opinion) is fundoplication. Frankly, if I were in your shoes I would be searching for another GI for a second opinion and searching for a Thoracic Surgeon experienced in the Nissen procedure to at least get a consultation from. If you go down the surgical path, you'll be subjected to more testing (Manometry, 24hr pH study & a Barium Swallow at minimum) to determine if you're truly a good candidate for the procedure. At face value based on what you've said above, I think you'd have a better quality of life having the Nissen procedure done.

Feel free to ask more questions!

Be well and take care,
-TonyG-

Hi there Elcamino,
I had my nissen in August after discovering I had silent reflux for a long time. One day I woke up with a sore throat that never went away and after a bunch of tests they told me it was a hiatial hernia.
Prior to the sore throat, I would notice non painful regurgitation that never really bothered me, so when they told me I needed surgery to correct it I was really taken aback and didnt want to do it. I wasnt really in pain. It seemed like the side effects would make me feel worse. When I found out, I wasn't even 30 yet.

I took my doctors advice though and I am SO glad that I did. no more regurgitation, no more sore throat, no more cancer scare or risk of barretts and I can jog now! I never realized how bad my lungs were. Its amazing how well I can breathe. No more heartburn medication either.

I do not have problems swallowing, but I would say my largest complaint is gas and bloating. I have to watch what kinds of vegetables and dairy I eat and have had to modify my diet, but I eat a lot healthier now and I am in the best shape of my life because of eating better and exercise.

The recovery goes by fast, and can be challenging, but I would do it again in a heartbeat, even knowing what I would have to go through. Its worth it once you start to see the results, even if you didnt feel like it was "all that bad" to begin with.

I agree with Tony G that you should get another opinion and maybe get some tests done to make sure surgery would be right for you.

Best of luck!

elcamino,

I was diagnosed with Barrett's. I went back earlier this year and was told it reversed. My surgeon has a different opinion and feels you never get rid of Barrett's. I went to several GI and surgeons. Split opinion on the Barrett's. I would get other opinions.

Michelle

See the following link for my story.

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2920087&g=2931414#m2931414

Gunner

Where are you located? anywhere near a major university hospital? I suggest getting a 2nd opinion at a place like that.

I wish someone had told me many years ago that I did not have to take ppi's for the rest of my life. I would have pursued it further. Instead, my condition became much worse. Had I known, I would be so much healthier now.

Please continue advocating for yourself - you sound like a good candidate for surgical intervention to stop the gerd.

Stopping GERD and Barrett's for me with surgery was an extreme measure. But it had to be done. I have to say not having asthma or wheezing since 4 years of age is a miracle. That was worth it!

Michelle