Questions to ask before getting the Nissen fundoplication

Hi All,

I am a 54 year old female and have had the acid reflux for well over ten years. I finally got the nerve to get the PH test and they were a breeze. I plan to visit a doctor soon to discuss the Nissen F. surgery and I'm wondering what are the most important questions to ask? The thought of never being able to vomit really scares me, but it just has to better than all this burn I have everyday of my life. What type of questions are the most important as I start the Dr. interview process?

Thanks

Hi 06-0013,
Welcome to Healing Well! I had a Nissen (360) two years ago, and was able to burp. Also, I did have a stomach bug that caught me off-guard and was able to throw up. I did have a loose Nissen...otherwise either of those wouldn't be possible, I'm quite sure.

I also recommend that you get anti nausea meds to stop any vomiting before it happens if possible. I took them immediately once I knew I was sick, and was able to avoid most of it. At 4 hours, I'd be sick again, so it is important to keep ahead of it. People here generally use Zofran, Compazine suppositories, or Phenegran. If you explain your concern to your family doc or surgeon, you should be able to get scripts. I don't go anywhere without the meds.

I'm sure Joy would agree that one of the most important questions you can ask your surgeon is regarding his experience and success rates. You don't want to have the surgery done by anyone who has done less than 300 procedures, and more than that is better. No matter how wonderful a surgeon is generally, this requires great skill in this specific procedure. An excellent and experienced Nissen surgeon will also be able to determine whether or not you're likely to be helped by the procedure.

You're in the right place to receive information and support. I was fortunate to find this forum at about the same time as you, and the fine people here helped me through my decision to have the surgery, my discussions with the surgeon, and my recovery post-op.

Best wishes! Be sure to write down your questions!
Denise
PS--another question...what makes you think I will benefit from this surgery?
Be sure that any surgeon you choose does all the testing necessary, to decrease the possibility of post-Nissen problems.

Post Edited (dencha) : 4/23/2011 11:02:57 AM (GMT-6)

I did forget to mention that I have to get a Endoscopy every two years and the results are in inconclusive for barrett's esophagus.  I take 2/protonix 40mg a day,  plus zantac and everything else I can find in-between.

My stomach burns everyday no matter what I do or don't eat.

Oh my. Some people do not have the ability to vomit anymore once the surgery is done? What happens if you come down with the flu? Would the anti nausea meds help that? Vomiting helps get the virus out of our systems...

edit:
Of course I realize there is another way to rid our bodies of viruses, but anytime I get a bug I always have a big need to throw up, and do whether I like it or not. So now I am very curious about this.

Post Edited (gerdisawful) : 4/24/2011 2:25:13 PM (GMT-6)

gerdisawful,
speaking as a person who has thrown up three times since her surgery it's best to have some antinausea medicine on hand. A few months ago a nasty gastroenteritis virus. I threw up for six hours. I was surprised that my stitches held up under it. The antinausea medicine did not help me. The doctor did not prescribe it strong enough for me when he did my refill.

Here's a suggestion ask your surgeon if he will put a few extra stitches in there for just such an attack. ;-)

Has anyone had the surgery done by Frank Borao at Monmouth Med center in nJ?
Has anyone had surgery done in new york City? Where and by whom?
Thanks