Possible Fundo op and hernia repair

nivlek001

New Member

Joined : Jul 2013

Posts : 4

Posted 8/19/2013 12:12 PM (GMT 0)

Hi there im very new to this forum and have found it a great sense of help reading varuous users topics on GERD as i have suffered with it for more than 3 years whilst being stuck on omeprazole daily which is starting to be useless against this condition i have had 3 endoscopies each revealing gastritis and a hiatal hernia, after several back and forth trips to dr's and the out patient gastro clinic at my hospital i finally had a manometry test and 24 hr ph test done on the 15th of August i am awaiting the surgeon contacting me with the results.

My point to the story above is i was wondering what questions to ask the surgeon in regards to surgery is it possible to correct hernia without the wrap ? as endoscope only showed gastritis and hernia, or if here is any helpful information which others have used from this forum when consulting a surgeon over possible surgery as i realised that it is a radical procedure and can be life changing mostly for the best but sometimes it can make symptoms and daiy life worse.

Regards

opnwhl4

Veteran Member

Joined : Dec 2008

Posts : 4961

Posted 8/19/2013 6:15 PM (GMT 0)

nivlek001

Welcome to Healing Well.

Having just the hernia repaired can be done, but those that have gone that route, that I have had contact with, tend to still have reflux symptoms. Generally they do both at the same time to avoid a 2nd surgery as it's not always just the hernia that is causing the symptoms. If the LES is weak tightening the hernia can help, but no one can be sure it's just that causing the reflux.

Some questions I have learned is to ask how many nissens your surgeon has done successfully and how many have required a redo? Also if redoes were done, how long did the nissen last? does the surgeon use a bougie to size the wrap alone or do they use the newer technique of a floppy wrap?
What diet do they expect you to be on and for how long? Ask for a script for anti nausea meds. Dry heaves are not good with this surgery.
As for things to avoid during recovery. stay away from solid meats and soft bread for the 1st couple months or longer. Ground meats and toasted bread are okay, but small bites and chew to a liquid. Chewing food to a liquid whenever possible is always a good idea during this recovery. No straws or carbonated drinks, these add excess air into your stomach and burping can be a challenge after surgery.

Take care,
Bill

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