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Having a Nissen Fundoplication Undone?

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Posted 5/28/2014 7:33 PM (GMT 0)
So, as chronicled, I've been having a lot of pain both pre and post-nissen #2 for a while now. On a scale of 1-10, my average days are a 4-5 in terms of pain, with one or two days a week going up in the 8-9 region. Tests have shown no motility problems and no hernia recurrence, but the pain doesn't seem to go away from my esophagus. Currently, I've been taking anti-depressants and calcium channel blockers, which haven't fixed anything. This isn't to say they're not helping (it's hard to say when things are already so inconsistent), but I can say they're not solving the problem.

So... the surgeon brought up the possibility of having my wrap taken down. Has anyone had this done?
Naturally, I have reservations about the possibility of having to risk GERD again, but my esophagus has been in such pain, and we have no understanding as to why. Is this a good idea? Would it be possible to suggest any sort of revision, or is this a black and white affair? Also, I have a theory about there being adhesion tissue that may be causing some problems, but it's not something that can be accurately tested, nor do I imagine a laproscopic surgery would be able to detect the extent of that too accurately. Would an open surgery be a terrible idea? I'm in such a difficult place and am really fighting to find a way to keep going, but I don't know what to do. Can anyone share experiences on reserved fundos?

Post Edited ([J.K.]) : 5/28/2014 1:38:17 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/29/2014 8:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hi J.K. sorry to hear your having such a rough time.
I dont know if you are aware of my experience with having a nissen done incorrectly? Basically i had a nissen done without manometry and i was really ill for approx. two years with a surgeon who didnt know what was wrong and didnt want to know either.I ended up going overseas to another surgeon who undone my nissen and redone it to a lesser degree wrap.When undoing the first nissen he found other problems which could not be seen with all the usual tests.Im doing really well with no reflux or pain or swallowing problems.
I think if your surgeon takes your nissen down he might discover what the problem is and maybe redo your wrap to suit. I know its a big decision to make but you cant stay the way you are,under so much strain. Barry
Posted 5/30/2014 6:43 AM (GMT 0)
My 1st nissen was done wrong and it took almost 3 years and an exp;oratory surgery to find this out. Had mine redone and all was great until my esophagus tore during an EGD.

I then had an open redo and have been great for almost 3 years now.

Basically if you have a full wrap a modified wrap may be the answer.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 5/31/2014 10:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,



I had a nissen done 11 years ago without the usual tests. I've been sick ever since. If you're going to have that Nissen taken down you need to do so in the next few weeks. In time scar tissue will form and the odds of sustaining a vagus nerve injury/complications increase. If you are unhappy, take it down now. However, please be advised that the nissen wiped out most of your natural attachments & reflux barrier so your reflux will be worse and you are not a candidate at present for Endostim/LINX. They'll probably offer you a 2nd fundoplication.

Post Edited By Moderator (opnwhl4) : 6/1/2014 3:52:32 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/24/2014 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
This is in response to my second Nissen (the first was a lifesaver!). I had it about 10 months ago now.
Anyhow, I'm going in Thursday to discuss it with him again. I'm still not sure how, if at all, an undo will benefit me, to be honest. It's just that, at the current state of things, I can't go on any longer.
Posted 7/21/2014 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
Getting the Nissen undone this Wednesday, as noted above, seemingly for the sole purpose that there's nothing else that anyone can propose to do.
In truth, I don't anticipate it to do any good, but I feel like there's a due diligence that every exsanguination requires, and this is my final attempt to have a manageable life.
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