FUNDALPLICATION WRAP

DOCTOR, I HAD A FUNDALLICATION SEVERAL YEARS AGO DUE TOO I HAD SUCH BAD EROSIONS ON MY ESOPHUS THAT THEY THOUGHT I HAD BARRETS ESSOHAGUS BUT TURNED OUT NOT TOO HAVE IT. THEY WERE UNBLE TOO DO THE TEST PRIOR TOO THE SURGERY TO SEE HOW TIGHT TO MAKE THE WRA AROND THE ESOPHAGUS SO THEY JUST DID THE LOSEST ONE, MY QUESTION IS HOW WOULD I KNOW IF THE WRAP BROKE R CAME APART , I HAVE IN THE LST COUPLE OF MONTHS EEN HAVING THE HEARTBURN AAIN AND SOME BELCHING , I HAVE BEEN UNDER ALOT OF STRESS SO COULD THE HEARTBURN HAPEN ANYWAY WITH THE WRAP INTACT? THANKYOU FOR YR TIME.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

This is more of a surgical question, but I'll address the GI aspects here.

If the symptoms continue, it's possible that the wrap has loosened, or was not tight enough to begin with.   Repeating an upper endoscopy, or performing a 24-hr pH study, can both determine whether the GERD has returned, or may be re-contributing to your symptoms.

If so, a referral to a surgeon can be made to modify the fundoplication.

You can also obtain a second surgical opinion, preferably at a major academic medical center.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd