I have had a hiatial hernia for a number of years. Recently, I started throwing up after meals. The results of a Fluoroscopy (spelling?), indicated that half my stomach is pulled up through the diaphragm. Apparently the hole has gotten larger over the years. One gastroenterologist has recommended surgery and sent me to a general surgeon for an operation. Questions, if you have any experience with this condition
1. The name of the operation is Nissen fundoplication. It is done laparoscopically. If you or someone you know has had this operation, what comments, concerns or input do you have. Especially, are you GLAD you had it done?
2. Did you go to a general surgeon or a vascular surgeon or what type of surgeon?
.
3. Side effects if any?
4, What were your original symptoms and were they resolved?
I have had a hiatial hernia for a number of years. Recently, I started throwing up after meals. The results of a Fluoroscopy (spelling?), indicated that half my stomach is pulled up through the diaphragm. Apparently the hole has gotten larger over the years. One gastroenterologist has recommended surgery and sent me to a general surgeon for an operation. Questions, if you have any experience with this condition
1. The name of the operation is Nissen fundoplication. It is done laparoscopically. If you or someone you know has had this operation, what comments, concerns or input do you have. Especially, are you GLAD you had it done?
2. Did you go to a general surgeon or a vascular surgeon or what type of surgeon?
.
3. Side effects if any?
4, What were your original symptoms and were they resolved?
I'm tagging Mentor @kdubois and @carolynlivingjaks who have written extensively about Nissen Fundoplication, and/or Linx surgery. While we wait for their input, you might wish to read these discussions on Connect:
– Linx procedure https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/linz-procedure/
– Nissen Fundoplication reversa lhttps://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nissen-fundoplication-reversal/
If you haven't found it, it is called the Linx Procedure which uses magnets to help close the esophagus off from the stomach when you have a weak spincter.
I have a hiatial Hernia but I can't have the Nissen Fundoplication (NF)since I have Barrett's Esophagus in the area of the hernia that needs to be monitored. Having the NF would hide the area of Barrett's and wouldn't allow for treatment. There are a # of members here that have had a NF and should give you input. If I remember correctly the most common problem is making the wrap too tight causing difficulty swallowing and burping. I am traveling to Mayo tomorrow for a scope on my Barrett's on Tuesday. Good luck on your problem & hopefully you get a lot of answers.
The hernia pulled my stomach into my chest. I had a Nissen in 2001. I live in a small town in GA and at the time I thought I had done enough research. My surgeon had said he had done many of them and had good results. (they do not tell you of their failures and some will avoid your questions of what if.. we will deal with it if it happens.. I want to know how you will deal with it, and what is recovery time and what can I expect afterwards)) My stubborn hernia started the process of herniating again almost immediately. I had my gallbladder out at same time. I am not sure which process caused my dumping syndrome. Some have said they have had it without having the gallbladder out. My father-in-law had the surgery a few months later by same surgeon and his wrap was too tight.. he cannot burp nor vomit... which can be pretty miserable if you get a virus.
In 2007 the hernia had pulled my stomach into my chest again. After doing research again I chose a different surgeon thinking he might be better at the repair than the first. The surgeon used mesh. I was in pain and could not get him to listen to me. I decided to live with the pain and enjoy life best I could. In 2012 I was vomitting up everything I ate and losing weight quickly. I saw my gastroenterologist. After test he urged me to have surgery again and soon. He recommended a different surgeon, and the surgeon wanted more test and then told me I did need surgery, but he would not do and no one in my home town should. He sent me to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville FL. I had the Nissen wrap undone and part of my fundus had to be removed because the mesh had eaten into it.. it was the biggest cause of my pain. Because of the loss of part of the fundus I could not have another Nissen wrap, so the hernia was anchored to my diaphragm. The hernia still insisted on being. I was to have a swallow test in a few months and follow up. Yep, the test showed the hernia brought my stomach into my chest again. The surgeon who did the surgery had left the Mayo Clinic so I saw another surgeon there, Dr Bowers. He said he would be a fool to try to to do the standard repair again. He decided on a gastric bypass.. did you know that surgery came to be to repair hiatal hernias and the side effect was weight loss? Yep, my hernia inssisted on presisting after that surgery and I had a 5th surgery. The rest is at my blog. It is just a bit of my journey and not deep detail.
I think Dr Bowers is awesome.. he is a great planner. I suggest seeing more than one surgeon before having surgery. There is now another procedure called Lynx.. I don't think I have the spelling correct.. for reflux. You need a hernia repair too, which can be done with the procedure, but it depends on the severity of the hernia. You need to find out all your options from an expert surgeon on the surgeries.
All my surgeons were general surgeons... even Dr Bowers. My local surgeon had said of the Mayo surgeons: they fix other surgeon's mistakes and fix the oddity,, hard cases.
My symptoms were the acid reflux, chest discomfort.. feeling of pressure and sometimes sharp chest pains, burping, nausea, vomiting. I also have gastroparesis that can cause some of these symptoms. Even after 5 surgeries to repair the hernia I still have symptoms. The reflux is in the form of mucus now. It still irritates my throat.
I really don't know if the dumping syndrome was caused by the Nissen or the gallbladder removal. I had almost immedite failure of the Nissen wrap.
I don't regret the Nissen.. I just regret not choosing better surgeons.
Please know I am a rarity. Very few have such bad luck as this with a paraesophageal hernia.
I have had a hiatial hernia for a number of years. Recently, I started throwing up after meals. The results of a Fluoroscopy (spelling?), indicated that half my stomach is pulled up through the diaphragm. Apparently the hole has gotten larger over the years. One gastroenterologist has recommended surgery and sent me to a general surgeon for an operation. Questions, if you have any experience with this condition
1. The name of the operation is Nissen fundoplication. It is done laparoscopically. If you or someone you know has had this operation, what comments, concerns or input do you have. Especially, are you GLAD you had it done?
2. Did you go to a general surgeon or a vascular surgeon or what type of surgeon?
.
3. Side effects if any?
4, What were your original symptoms and were they resolved?
The hernia pulled my stomach into my chest. I had a Nissen in 2001. I live in a small town in GA and at the time I thought I had done enough research. My surgeon had said he had done many of them and had good results. (they do not tell you of their failures and some will avoid your questions of what if.. we will deal with it if it happens.. I want to know how you will deal with it, and what is recovery time and what can I expect afterwards)) My stubborn hernia started the process of herniating again almost immediately. I had my gallbladder out at same time. I am not sure which process caused my dumping syndrome. Some have said they have had it without having the gallbladder out. My father-in-law had the surgery a few months later by same surgeon and his wrap was too tight.. he cannot burp nor vomit... which can be pretty miserable if you get a virus.
In 2007 the hernia had pulled my stomach into my chest again. After doing research again I chose a different surgeon thinking he might be better at the repair than the first. The surgeon used mesh. I was in pain and could not get him to listen to me. I decided to live with the pain and enjoy life best I could. In 2012 I was vomitting up everything I ate and losing weight quickly. I saw my gastroenterologist. After test he urged me to have surgery again and soon. He recommended a different surgeon, and the surgeon wanted more test and then told me I did need surgery, but he would not do and no one in my home town should. He sent me to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville FL. I had the Nissen wrap undone and part of my fundus had to be removed because the mesh had eaten into it.. it was the biggest cause of my pain. Because of the loss of part of the fundus I could not have another Nissen wrap, so the hernia was anchored to my diaphragm. The hernia still insisted on being. I was to have a swallow test in a few months and follow up. Yep, the test showed the hernia brought my stomach into my chest again. The surgeon who did the surgery had left the Mayo Clinic so I saw another surgeon there, Dr Bowers. He said he would be a fool to try to to do the standard repair again. He decided on a gastric bypass.. did you know that surgery came to be to repair hiatal hernias and the side effect was weight loss? Yep, my hernia inssisted on presisting after that surgery and I had a 5th surgery. The rest is at my blog. It is just a bit of my journey and not deep detail.
I think Dr Bowers is awesome.. he is a great planner. I suggest seeing more than one surgeon before having surgery. There is now another procedure called Lynx.. I don't think I have the spelling correct.. for reflux. You need a hernia repair too, which can be done with the procedure, but it depends on the severity of the hernia. You need to find out all your options from an expert surgeon on the surgeries.
All my surgeons were general surgeons... even Dr Bowers. My local surgeon had said of the Mayo surgeons: they fix other surgeon's mistakes and fix the oddity,, hard cases.
My symptoms were the acid reflux, chest discomfort.. feeling of pressure and sometimes sharp chest pains, burping, nausea, vomiting. I also have gastroparesis that can cause some of these symptoms. Even after 5 surgeries to repair the hernia I still have symptoms. The reflux is in the form of mucus now. It still irritates my throat.
I really don't know if the dumping syndrome was caused by the Nissen or the gallbladder removal. I had almost immedite failure of the Nissen wrap.
I don't regret the Nissen.. I just regret not choosing better surgeons.
Please know I am a rarity. Very few have such bad luck as this with a paraesophageal hernia.
I have had a hiatial hernia for a number of years. Recently, I started throwing up after meals. The results of a Fluoroscopy (spelling?), indicated that half my stomach is pulled up through the diaphragm. Apparently the hole has gotten larger over the years. One gastroenterologist has recommended surgery and sent me to a general surgeon for an operation. Questions, if you have any experience with this condition
1. The name of the operation is Nissen fundoplication. It is done laparoscopically. If you or someone you know has had this operation, what comments, concerns or input do you have. Especially, are you GLAD you had it done?
2. Did you go to a general surgeon or a vascular surgeon or what type of surgeon?
.
3. Side effects if any?
4, What were your original symptoms and were they resolved?
I have had a hiatial hernia for a number of years. Recently, I started throwing up after meals. The results of a Fluoroscopy (spelling?), indicated that half my stomach is pulled up through the diaphragm. Apparently the hole has gotten larger over the years. One gastroenterologist has recommended surgery and sent me to a general surgeon for an operation. Questions, if you have any experience with this condition
1. The name of the operation is Nissen fundoplication. It is done laparoscopically. If you or someone you know has had this operation, what comments, concerns or input do you have. Especially, are you GLAD you had it done?
2. Did you go to a general surgeon or a vascular surgeon or what type of surgeon?
.
3. Side effects if any?
4, What were your original symptoms and were they resolved?
I have a hiatial Hernia but I can't have the Nissen Fundoplication (NF)since I have Barrett's Esophagus in the area of the hernia that needs to be monitored. Having the NF would hide the area of Barrett's and wouldn't allow for treatment. There are a # of members here that have had a NF and should give you input. If I remember correctly the most common problem is making the wrap too tight causing difficulty swallowing and burping. I am traveling to Mayo tomorrow for a scope on my Barrett's on Tuesday. Good luck on your problem & hopefully you get a lot of answers.
In October 2016, I had a Nissen Fundoplication at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
It was done laparoscopically (five abdominal incisions).
It was perfumed by a very experienced thoracic surgeon. I would only have this procedure done by a thoracic surgeon who has done hundreds of these surgeries as I have heard many stories about these surgeries not performed properly.
My nissen was PERFECT! It totally cured my GERD and hiatal hernia. I haven't had even a spot of heartburn since.
I am contemplating not getting it done at all . I have no symptoms of GERD, my problem is I throw up if I eat too much. And by too much I mean not so much. (2-3 oz chicken, veggie, potato is fine....anything more 1/2 an avocado or a salad - too much.) Do you have these types of eating restrictions now? How much? I am amenable to eating four meals a day vs 3. I do not eat spicy or fried food anyway so that is not a problem. Do you have any thoughts on NOT doing the operation. It seems quite major to me.
Connect
Connect
Like
Helpful
Hug
thank you so much
Hi @marlaxyz,
I'm tagging Mentor @kdubois and @carolynlivingjaks who have written extensively about Nissen Fundoplication, and/or Linx surgery. While we wait for their input, you might wish to read these discussions on Connect:
– Linx procedure https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/linz-procedure/
– Nissen Fundoplication reversa lhttps://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nissen-fundoplication-reversal/
If you haven't found it, it is called the Linx Procedure which uses magnets to help close the esophagus off from the stomach when you have a weak spincter.
thanks so much and good luck to you
Thank you so very much for your thoughtful reply.
@marlaxyz , I have had a very hard journey with a paraesophageal (sliding) hiatal hernia.. a blog post that I have tried to keep updated of my journey: http://zarogasnook.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-long-time-passing.html ( I don't put ads on my blog.)
The hernia pulled my stomach into my chest. I had a Nissen in 2001. I live in a small town in GA and at the time I thought I had done enough research. My surgeon had said he had done many of them and had good results. (they do not tell you of their failures and some will avoid your questions of what if.. we will deal with it if it happens.. I want to know how you will deal with it, and what is recovery time and what can I expect afterwards)) My stubborn hernia started the process of herniating again almost immediately. I had my gallbladder out at same time. I am not sure which process caused my dumping syndrome. Some have said they have had it without having the gallbladder out. My father-in-law had the surgery a few months later by same surgeon and his wrap was too tight.. he cannot burp nor vomit... which can be pretty miserable if you get a virus.
In 2007 the hernia had pulled my stomach into my chest again. After doing research again I chose a different surgeon thinking he might be better at the repair than the first. The surgeon used mesh. I was in pain and could not get him to listen to me. I decided to live with the pain and enjoy life best I could. In 2012 I was vomitting up everything I ate and losing weight quickly. I saw my gastroenterologist. After test he urged me to have surgery again and soon. He recommended a different surgeon, and the surgeon wanted more test and then told me I did need surgery, but he would not do and no one in my home town should. He sent me to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville FL. I had the Nissen wrap undone and part of my fundus had to be removed because the mesh had eaten into it.. it was the biggest cause of my pain. Because of the loss of part of the fundus I could not have another Nissen wrap, so the hernia was anchored to my diaphragm. The hernia still insisted on being. I was to have a swallow test in a few months and follow up. Yep, the test showed the hernia brought my stomach into my chest again. The surgeon who did the surgery had left the Mayo Clinic so I saw another surgeon there, Dr Bowers. He said he would be a fool to try to to do the standard repair again. He decided on a gastric bypass.. did you know that surgery came to be to repair hiatal hernias and the side effect was weight loss? Yep, my hernia inssisted on presisting after that surgery and I had a 5th surgery. The rest is at my blog. It is just a bit of my journey and not deep detail.
I think Dr Bowers is awesome.. he is a great planner. I suggest seeing more than one surgeon before having surgery. There is now another procedure called Lynx.. I don't think I have the spelling correct.. for reflux. You need a hernia repair too, which can be done with the procedure, but it depends on the severity of the hernia. You need to find out all your options from an expert surgeon on the surgeries.
All my surgeons were general surgeons... even Dr Bowers. My local surgeon had said of the Mayo surgeons: they fix other surgeon's mistakes and fix the oddity,, hard cases.
My symptoms were the acid reflux, chest discomfort.. feeling of pressure and sometimes sharp chest pains, burping, nausea, vomiting. I also have gastroparesis that can cause some of these symptoms. Even after 5 surgeries to repair the hernia I still have symptoms. The reflux is in the form of mucus now. It still irritates my throat.
I really don't know if the dumping syndrome was caused by the Nissen or the gallbladder removal. I had almost immedite failure of the Nissen wrap.
I don't regret the Nissen.. I just regret not choosing better surgeons.
Please know I am a rarity. Very few have such bad luck as this with a paraesophageal hernia.
Wishing you the best of luck.
Zaroga
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have read about a treatment that uses a beaded bracelet type instrument to strengthen the hiatal spincter.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have a hiatial Hernia but I can't have the Nissen Fundoplication (NF)since I have Barrett's Esophagus in the area of the hernia that needs to be monitored. Having the NF would hide the area of Barrett's and wouldn't allow for treatment. There are a # of members here that have had a NF and should give you input. If I remember correctly the most common problem is making the wrap too tight causing difficulty swallowing and burping. I am traveling to Mayo tomorrow for a scope on my Barrett's on Tuesday. Good luck on your problem & hopefully you get a lot of answers.
found it! Thanks
I am contemplating not getting it done at all . I have no symptoms of GERD, my problem is I throw up if I eat too much. And by too much I mean not so much. (2-3 oz chicken, veggie, potato is fine....anything more 1/2 an avocado or a salad - too much.) Do you have these types of eating restrictions now? How much? I am amenable to eating four meals a day vs 3. I do not eat spicy or fried food anyway so that is not a problem. Do you have any thoughts on NOT doing the operation. It seems quite major to me.