Issues after Nissen fundoplication revision

Posted by refluxrefusenik @refluxrefusenik, May 23, 2023

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

Profile picture for fjh @fjh

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?

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Try every non invasive treatment possible before having Nissen Fundoplication procedure done. Also get a second opinion.

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Profile picture for Lisa Lucier, Moderator @lisalucier

Hi, @nomadnurses2 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. As you were talking about significant hair loss three years post-Nissen Fundoplication, I've moved your post here to a discussion where others are talking about issues following this surgery:

- Nissen Fundoplication 2 Years Later: Complications? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nissen-fundoplication-2-years-later-complications/

Hoping others here who have talked about being on the other side of this surgery will provide some support and share whether hair loss has been part of their experiences, such as @metwo @dolphinpoo @pat23 @jord @jayjay1969. I'd also like you to meet @jlharsh.

I see you said that no cause has been found for the hair loss by a dermatologists and an endocrinologist. Wondering if they suggested you treat the hair loss? If so, what treatment did they recommend?

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Thanks for the invite @lisalucier. You have amazing timing!

Hi @nomadnurses2 . I am familiar but haven’t had a Nissan Fundoplication procedure. My mom actually had hers done years ago so I am aware of challenges following. I don’t remember hair loss but now I am going to ask her.

My digestive symptoms haven’t led to a diagnosis at this point but I do have them. And, I keep losing hair. It has been little by little but literally, I think I will blame lisalucier for bringing it up. Two days now I’ve had a bunch of hair ending up covering the drain after my shower.

Is your hair loss gradual all over thinning or spots on your head? I am interested to know what you learned from a dermatologist and endocrinologist as well. Should I pursue?

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I have had two surgeries so far over 22 year's.last one was two years ago,still having some issues

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Profile picture for lindamks @lindamks

Has anybody else had problems resulting from fundoplication surgery? Namely, twisted esophagus and gastroparesis? How do you deal w/ it?

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Mine was wrapped too tight and now I can't swallow food without drinking after and building fly until food goes down. Told nothing could be done.

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