Nissen Wrap

[xxbrwneyes88xx]

I had my first nissen done when i was 12 years old. I am now 21 and just had it re-done because it came undone and I started getting hernias again. Since I had the reconstructive nissen in March I had my gallbladder removed because the doctors said that was the cause of my pain and bloating. After the gallbladder was removed I was just getting worse. My small bowel is inflammed, I've started vomiting and feeling sick to my stomach almost everyday. I'm in constant pain and am constantly bloated. I went to my surgeons office because I want to know if the nissen is the cause of my pain. He said its probably not and wont undo the surgery. He is putting me through some of the same tests I've been going through for years. I'm finding all this rediculous. In in and out of the ER almost every other day because the pain is so bad. Instead of going through all the tests why can't the doctor just agree with me that this is the cause of my pain and undo it? Why do I have to go through all the tests I went through before? If i want this surgery undone, can they deny me of that?
thanks
Ashley

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

What are the tests done?

[xxbrwneyes88xx]

the tests i had done have been the same tests i've had done for the past 9 years, i've had several barium swallows, upper/lower GI, upper endoscopy, x-rays/cat scans, and numerous amounts of blood work done. i saw the surgeon again and he will not undo the surgery because it looks like there's nothing wrong with it, he also said it's in perfect condition. so now i have to go back to my GI doctor, because the surgeon that i was seeing said that i should get evaluated for IBS and profound bloating syndrome. the surgeon also said if he takes down the nissen wrap when it's in perfect condition (according to him) that i can get esophogeal cancer. do you think from what i've been telling you that he's telling me the truth?

[pippy164]

Hi.  I can relate to your problem.  I had the Nissen fundo operation in 2003 which cured my acid erosion but exacerbated other problems ie. bloating to a 6 month pregnant woman, regurgitation, pain and unable to eat as the food got stuck.  The original surgeon was reluctant to undo it and did not really believe my symptoms, so I sought a second opinion.  That surgeon did all the usual tests and concluded that the wrap was far too tight as I had an added problem of poor motility (ie food would stay in my gullet until it was ready to enter the stomach).  As the wrap was so tight it pooled in the gullet hence the regurgitation and inability to swallow.  I had the undo operation in 2008 and much to my dismay but anticipated, I got the acid back with vengence and now have grade 4 erosion in the gullet and stomach.  It really is a trade off and you must consider which would be worse, the acid or the pain and discomfort.  I sometimes feel that I should never have had the operation in the first place. As for cancer, yes I suppose there is a possiblity if the acid is not controlled and you get to the barretts stage. I was told the bloating was due to the tight wrap and I have to say I do not swell up anymore but do suffer sickness but that is due to the large hiatus hernia I now have, as it did not stay in tact as the surgeon hoped it might.  I hope this helps in some way.  It is a big decision and there are consequences. Good luck