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Second Nissen Fundoplication Surgery. Please share your second Nissen experiences/thoughts

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Posted 10/6/2015 8:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone.

The gastroenterologist after my EGD made it clear that a second surgery could be in my future, depending on what I tell them after a scheduled call back this Thursday. He dilated my nissen, because he found the original surgery was way too tight. This is not surprising as I came to him complaining of dysphagia and acid reflux symptoms occurring at the same time. I lost 18 pounds in just 10 days after my first surgery November 1st, 2013. Later close to 30 pounds, but I was not about to undo anything that could cause my symptoms to come back.

Anyways, he used the maximum sized dilation (18mm), but he says it's likely not enough. Food apparently sits above the surgery site, and causes reflux. Interestingly, I really have not had any reflux symptoms, up to the last three to six months. Then they came back with a vengeance.

Since my symptoms turn on and off several times a day, as opposed to 100% of the time before the dilation, it makes me afraid to pull the surgery trigger. Not that I want to deal with these symptoms forever.

Can any of you comment on second Nissens? I know a few of you have had some re-dos. I'm curious what it takes to fix a Nissen that is too tight or has issues. The last thing I need is to feel worse after a second surgery than I do now. Have any of you had success in a similar situation? Hopefully the surgeon knows how to fix my nissen correctly, and not go all in willy nilly and say "oh that will do." That's probably my biggest concern. Like how do we know he knows what I really need. Any comments on the complexity of what needs to be done? Please share anything you think may help.

Thanks

David

Post Edited (Diaas2) : 10/6/2015 11:41:16 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 12/10/2015 5:07 PM (GMT 0)
*bump* I'm having very similar problem and would like to know about redo recovery as well.
Posted 12/10/2015 5:08 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you. I was disappointed I didn't hear from anyone.
Posted 12/10/2015 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
Did you have a full wrap or a partial? If you had a full wrap maybe a partial would suit you more?
It really is a tough call. Only you can weigh up the pros and cons and get the advice of a surgeon you trust.
I have had a partial performed and had a redo full nissen performed in September as my symptoms were still there and it was thought my wrap was too loose. If I'm being totally honest I wished I hadn't had the redo. I didn't find the recovery that much different if I'm
Being honest. The incisions were slightly more tender, the eating was a struggle for probably a week longer but other than that id say the recovery was more or less the same. I seem to have more symptoms after this op than the first and I wished I had just settled as I am by no means better off. I had I'd say the top guy in the UK for my op so I know it isn't his work, I just think my body hasn't responded as well as others. I have LPR which isn't as say to get relief from as classic GERD. There is a member on here who had his original wrap took down to a partial with success. After all that waffling I think I'm just trying to say that there are absolutely no guarantees with the surgery. Sorry if I've sounded negative or not been much help its a tough one.
Posted 12/10/2015 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi David, i've had a redo and im doing great. I had a full nissen (floppy) done after 5 years of reflux but i had an undiagnosed motility problem and i suffered bad dysphagia and what i thought was acid reflux.
My surgeon didn't want to know so i went elsewhere,found another surgeon and had a redo to a 200 degree partial wrap.
When i woke from the redo i felt an immediate difference and was eating and drinking straight away.Im now over two years from redo and can eat and drink whatever i like with no medication at all.
The redo was done laproscopically and it took just over an hour to undo my original wrap and redo it to a partial.The surgeon mentioned before hand that he was slightly worried about scar tissue but that the op should go well. It went very well for me.
I made sure i went to a specialist in nissen fundo's for the redo. Barry
Posted 12/10/2015 8:05 PM (GMT 0)
I ran out of page there David.
Just let me know if you want any more info.
Barry
Posted 12/10/2015 8:17 PM (GMT 0)
Baza I'm glad you came forward I couldn't remember your name! I think that redos generally are more succesful when the original wrap is too tight not so succesful in cases like mine for no relief of reflux with no swallowing issues.
Posted 12/11/2015 1:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! I had to get a redo because my first was too tight. I've had no issues since then, but I'm only 3 weeks out today. The pain at the surgery site was worse but that makes sense since they had to essentially tear apart adhesions and such. Good luck with your redo! I'm happy I had mine done.
Posted 12/11/2015 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much Barry and agisfab. I found that information really helpful! I had a full Nissen but have developed severe dysphagia. That gives me hope!
Posted 12/12/2015 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Baza and everyone remember me , you Baz gave me great advice. January I went from full wrap to partial. Recovery was much easier, I still get pain which my Consultant said would probably be as my motility problem is moderately severe, but it solved the nausea problem and food doesn't get stuck. Good luck everyone
Posted 12/12/2015 9:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hiya Rita,thats great news,so glad to hear you're doing well. Things will improve for you as time goes on aswell i'm sure. Thank goodness for partial wraps! :)
All the Best .
Barry
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