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Swallowing issues 1 year after Hiatal hernia surgery & Lap Nissen.
Digestive Health | Last Active: Oct 20 3:40pm | Replies (55)Comment receiving replies
I am scheduled for a laproscopic hiatal hernia repair and Nissen Fundoplication at Mayo Rochester in a few weeks. I was hoping to read some positive things at this site, but frankly all the postings are scaring the crap out of me! I am almost ready to back out of the surgery. My paraesophageal hernia is Stage 4 (giant) and my spleen has herniated into the diaphragm; it has gotten much larger in the past couple of years. I do not have symptoms that I cannot live with -- some acid reflux, bloating, but I can control reasonably well by eating smaller meals and staying away from irritating foods and alchohol. I have Barrett's esophagus (short segment; no dysplasia) for many years and treat with omeprazole with regular follow-up EGDs. I have never had surgery or anesthesia of any type (I do EGDs and colonoscopies without sedation), and needless to say, I am fearful of the hiatal repair surgery, although the Mayo surgeon and anestheseologist have provided a good level of comfort. My fear of not having surgery is a strangulation or a volvus. I am a reasonably healthy 73 year old, spend a good part of my time in Ireland, and I don't want to have an emergency situation present itself. As expected, no one can give me reliable odds of the chance of an emergency, and I am not getting any younger.... Does anyone have any positive words for me? Good outcome they have had -- or at least not a terrible one? Especially if your surgery was done at Mayo, I would be interested in hearing from you. Thanks in advance.
Replies to "I am scheduled for a laproscopic hiatal hernia repair and Nissen Fundoplication at Mayo Rochester in..."
Hi @costelma - the most important thing about your hernia repair is what your surgical team has told you in light of your personal medical situation and history. They tend to give you data from large populations and also talk specifically to your situation. If there are risks, they will let you know about those.
If you have any lingering questions or concerns, you can call the Mayo Clinic operator through the general number, tell them you are scheduled for surgery with Dr. X, and they will locate that surgeon and have them connect with you to talk through any concerns.
I had a Mayo urogynecologist call me back and speak to me for a whole hour and talk me down when I was really considering backing out the night before my hysterectomy with repairs in 2012. My concerns were very emotional, and he basically told me nearly all patients were emotional before and after this particular surgery. He told me to refer to any pro/con lists I'd already written (basically, that it was sensible to proceed with what I'd already logically determined was the right decision). This surgeon really took a lot of time to just listen to me.
Anyway, this conversation helped tremendously. Just wanted you to know that if you are scheduled for a surgery, a phone call to discuss any worries niggling at you is an option open to you and could be helpful.
What are the concerns that have arisen from what you've read that make you consider backing out of your surgery, costelma?
@costelma perhaps it’s a good move as you have tried the ppis for a number of years? Perhaps 10 or more ? Mayo is certainly an excellent center .. I have a touoet scheduled in December but admit I’m nervous as well after learning I have Barrett in April
@costelma hello, have you had your surgery? I had a Toupet procedure done almost a month ago and I do not regret it but maybe you can expect some changes post op, they will go over everything with you. My clinic had me do a video call that explained everything and I was allowed to ask questions. I also had a barium swallow test. They did say it is a common occurance for people to show up at the ER and need emergent surgery if you don't get this taken care of, it could get worse. I did not go to Mayo. I had laparoscopic repair of a hiatal hernia and had suffered with GERD for years. I have not had any reflux at all since the surgery. I had reflux to the point of not being able to catch my breath and coughing. they worry it can aspirate into your lungs. thus the reason for my repair. Post op you will have to follow dietary restrictions and it is all discussed and written out for you. I can only eat small amounts at a time, I am 3 weeks out. I hope you decide what is best for you. the pain the first couple days is tolerable, I was given oxycodone and only took it for two days and then went to tylenol. best of luck to you.
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@costelma I joined a FB group talking about these issues. I was expecting a lot of horror stories, but the people who had the surgery were mostly happy. It's done with robots now and the surgeons seem to know what they are doing. Much better outcome! So start thinking it's going to be great!