Fundoplication after/side effects.

[CRG__0]

  I'm a 34 year old male with a long history of Reflux problems.  
  Approximately 10 days ago, I underwent Laproscopic Fundoplication
  Surgery.  Since then I've had the sensation of a big lump in the
  back of my throat, just below my adam's apple.  I've also had
  some sharp pain that originates around my diaphram area and
  sometimes radiates upward.  I occaisionally had these symptoms
  prior to surgery, but it was fairly rare, and I/we always just
  assumed that they were reflux related.  I've consistently had
  them on and off every day since a couple of days after the
  surgery.  The lump sensation seems to decrease if I lie down.
  When I wake up in the morning, it is at a minimum, and once I've
  been up and around for a few minutes, the sensation starts to
  increase.  Also, I was told that I would no longer be able to
  belch, so I expected it.  However, my body continually tries
  anyway, easily dozens of times a day.  Will it ever figure out
  that it can't and stop heaving ? I guess my question is are all
   of these standard postop sort of symptoms ?  If so, how long
   should I expect them to last ?  I'd hate to have done this
  fundoplication thing only to reduce my quality of life.  
  Thanks in advance.
  P.S. As a data point, testing done prior to surgery included
  endoscopy, motility study, and Upper GI series.
  CRG
________________
Dear CRG:
The lump that you experience in your throat may represent irritation from the endotracheal tube placed during the operation.  Although this symptom can last a varying period of time, it usually subsides.
Two to eight per cent of patients undergoing a laproscopic  fundoplication will experience a retrosternal lump sensation, similar to that which you experience. Symptoms may include fullness, bloating, lump sensation in the middle of the chest and sometimes upper abdominal pain.  Most of these symptoms are the consequence of an inability to belch.  When you in an upright position, the air in your stomach moves to the upper parts of the stomach causing bloating, fullness and the urge to belch.  Because you can not belch after the fundoplication, the sensation persists.  The severity and duration of discomfort varies among patients.  It is impossible to predict the duration of your symptoms.  If you are truly dissatisfied with the quality of life, you should consult your surgeon for possible takedown of the fundoplication, although this is not a course I would suggest.
This information is presented for educational purposes only.  Always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: fundoplication, esophageal reflux
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