← Return to Can you share some Nissen fundoplication success stories?

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@pdilly

Again, glad you asked! It’s kind of a long story.

My first Nissen was done about 5 years ago. I had been hospitalized and had lots of tests to determine why I suddenly was running a high fever for several days. (Turned out to be something non-Gastro.) But 1 of the tests showed that about 1/3 of my stomach was up in my esophagus — a huge hiatel hernia! So I had the Nissen to repair it. It greatly reduced my reflux.

Then about a year ago I started having these bouts of sudden severe stomach cramps 2 or 3 times a month. I would rush to the bathroom where I would have an explosive BM while retching violently trying to throw up at the same time!!! It was horrible!

Then this last July I had my 4th radio frequency ablation for low grade dysplasia on my Barrett’s esophagus. Afterward the surgeon told me my Nissen had come completely undone and that I would need to have another Nissen Fundiplication before he could do the next ablation.

When I had the appointment with my Nissen surgeon he was surprised that the first one had come undone. I told him it probably had something to do with the violent retching. (Seriously. It felt like my stomach was flipping over.) He asked me all about when that started and to describe the symptoms. And then he asked if I still had my gallbladder and I said yes. So he asked if I’d be willing to do some tests for my gallbladder. Said if there were any problems, he could remove the gallbladder laparoscopically when he did the Nissen.

Ultrasound was done first. No stones. Then a gallbladder function test was done. The results from that showed it was functioning at 92%. Greater than 35% is considered normal — until you get above 80%. At 92% he said my gallbladder was considered hyperactive and he recommended removal. I got a second opinion from a doc who agreed — in fact, he told me he had never seen a gallbladder functioning as high as 92% before!

So in late september I had the Nissen and gallbladder removal at the same time. Again my reflux has been almost eliminated — and without the gallbladder I haven’t had any sudden severe cramps with the explosive stuff and retching and vomiting all at the same time. I’m very pleased with a successful surgery outcome.

Jump to this post


Replies to "Again, glad you asked! It’s kind of a long story. My first Nissen was done about..."

I’m not sure if this is ok to ask, but if so what city or hospitals did you have it done? General surgeon, thoracic surgeon? Or gastro surgeon?