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Nissen Fundoplication 2 Years Later: Complications?
Hello. I had a Nissen redo two years ago, and about a month ago I started to have some epigastric pain. It started with some epigastric pain sort of behind the base of my sternum, sort of like light stinging pain. I had some unusual throat tightness for a couple weeks followed by some unusually frequent burping. With both this redo and my previous Nissen, I could never really burp much, but that was always expected.
However, over the past month since the incident, I've been having mostly small burps (a few larger ones) close to a hundred times a day without exaggeration. Even if I drink water, I feel an awkward discomfort in my esophagus and have to burp, often multiple times. I don't feel like I'm having discernible reflux, but I do have a consistent discomfort in my esophagus. PPIs haven't seemed to help at all.
Has anyone else had any issues of temporary irritation where this has happened? I'm hoping it's a transient issue that could be linked to something else, but I'm not sure what else it could be. I'm in the process of moving and the company I worked at went under recently, so I'll be unable to see a doctor for at least a few months. In the meantime, I figured it would be worthwhile to see if anyone else who has had a wrap has faced an issue like this. I'd be especially curious to hear if anyone else had an issue like this and— if it went away after a time— what caused it.
The wrap was done by an experienced surgeon who said the durability should last for a long time, and I've been careful to not do anything that would cause too much abdominal pressure.
Anyone else have a similar issue?
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I'm sorry you're having these issues after the Nissen redo. I had my Nissen fundoplication surgery back in 2018. Fortunately, I have not had any problems like yours except for the light stinging sensation on my left side around my sternum. I have noticed I am burping a little as well. Both of the symptoms are recent occurences. I have considered making an appointment with the gastroenterologist that did the surgery to see if all is well. I hope you can get peace of mind, which always comforts me, knowing that all is well and there are no complications!
Last night I had a couple reflux episodes where food came up. The second incident was particularly bad, and I couldn't swallow everything I regurgitated. For my particular case, I think it became pretty clear last night that the hernia is back; this is the same progression of issues I had in 2021 when my previous wrap came undone and the hernia re-presented itself.
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1 ReactionFound this on Internet: Burping after Nissen fundoplication is not common. Patients may have small burps results from small amount of air trapped above the wrap. However, “big burps” after Nissen fundoplication may indicate wrap failure. Gastroparesis is not common at all following Nissen fundoplication performed by expert hands.
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1 ReactionYes, I too have the same issues only my burping has gotten worse over time, and I get really nauseous as well.
Hi, first time on the site. I am considering having the Nissen fundoplication procedure done. My GI doctor has indicated after an endoscopy bravo test that I have significant inflammation where my esophagus meets my stomach. I have been taking a PPI for years and have absolutely no outward feelings of heartburn, regurgitation, etc., The reason I first went to him was due to a persistent cough and throat-clearing. My ENT suggested going to the GI doctor - thus the test and his diagnosis. I have never even heard the term "silent reflux" before a month or so ago. So now I am weighing the pros and cons of having this surgery. I'm wondering if I simply improve my diet and lose weight if I had hold off on the surgery?
After reading some of the complications and side-effects of the surgery I am not sure which way to go. Can use some advice?
Only have surgery as a last resort. Improve your diet. Lose all acidic foods and drink. No booze or carbonated drinks. No fruit juices. Drink water and unsweetened almond milk which is alkaline. They sell 9.5 alkaline water. No caffeine until it heals. No fried foods, Mexican or Italian. No smoking go for a 2 mile fast walk everyday if you can. No eating out junk foods. Good luck because this is all you can do. No eating 3-4 hours before bed. Hopefully your stomach junction will heal.
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3 ReactionsI have also researched this procedure extensively and will not be pursuing it. There is no going back and it may ruin your esophagus forever. I followed the same program outlined below. No acidic foods, nothing spicy, no carbonated beverages, no alcohol, no chocolate, etc. I consume only non processed foods, homemade, went off wheat and dairy with huge success. I also drink alkaline water. I also walk and work out with weights three times a week. Losing weight has been very beneficial. Read books by Dr. Jamie Koufman, The Acid Reflux Diet and The Chronic Cough. She has been a lifesaver! I still do take one Prilosec 20mg daily, but I’m ok with that 😉
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1 Reaction25 years ago I had my first fundo. I was told it was necessary because I had Baretts esophogus.(Precursor to cancer). The gerds was horrible. I had regurg into my lungs many times. I was on all kinds of PPI's. never completly helped.
The surgery lasted 10 years still taking Omeprazole. Due to complications with wrap I had 2 more Nissen fundos. They both failed as well.
Had recent endoscopy at Mayo. Now it seems that the surgeries have damaged my esophogus. I have no peristalsis to move food out. (Nice)
I had to have a major Bariatric surgery 2 months ago at Mayo Jacksonville.
It worked. I have no reflux or regurgitation.
I always followed directions from doctors.
but it seems like when things dont work...they blame the patient.
I do not recommend doing the Nissen. Modern day torture!!
Google Jamie Koufman MD, many say she's the best regarding reflux and diet - she coined the description 'Silent Nocturnal Respiratory Reflux'.
Could you describe what you are left with after the major Bariatric surgery ? Do you still have a functioning sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach? Also what symptoms indicated your Nissen Fundo had collapsed?