Prilosec and stomach atrophy - Is Nissan procedure worth it? I'm scared!

[KHF]

My HMO has approved this surgery and now that I am about ready to schedule it, all these comments about the Nissan procedure are scaring the hell out of me -- dumping syndrome, gas, bloating, inability to swallow. I asked my surgeon about the bloating and gas and the inability to burp, but he says with a "floppy wrap" there are fewer complications and that bloating comes from swalling too much air. He indicated that swallowing could be difficult for up to 10 weeks but that everything would eventually return to normal and that while burping may be difficult, it is not impossible. I've had all the tests done including an esophageal motility study and the data suggest I would be an ideal candidate for this procedure, but all these comments make me nervous. Yet the surgeon says prolonged use of Prilosec and other acid reducers can eventually cause atrophy of the stomach which can then lead to cancer. I'm also allergic to narcotics, so I was wondering just how intense the post-op pain is and if I could get by on small doses of Tylenol 3 or Ibuprofen? Anybody hear of the long term consequences of Prilosec? How many of you out there a year after hiatal hernia surgery would do it all over again?

[jaspur]

I had the nissan procedure done in 1995. Also I never heard of a "floppy wrap" sounds like an improvement. I had it done because I was also diagnosed with Barretts which could become serious. I cannot burp or vomit (impossible). If I really eat right,small meals ect it works pretty well. I do get gas/bloat syndrome and it causes problems. I do have to take meds,but only when I eat wrong. I still sleep with my bed raised. I never experienced the gas/bloat syndrome before the operation. As I recall the post-op was painful for a few days (you will want the morphine pump) then things got better within a couple of weeks. I was in the hospital 3 or 4 days that was the worst of it. If I didnt have the Barretts I would not have done it. It seems like you have checked things out. That was my experience. Good Luck!

[mizmamie]

I had a lap Nissen a year ago, and I can burp with absolutely no problem.  I can vomit too (it's only happened once though).  I was pretty sore right after the surgery but that's true of any surgery.  I got esophagus spasms from about weeks 2 to 4 after the surgery but they weren't horrible and they went away.  I had a little gas bloat for a few weeks but Gas-X took care of it.  

Go to www. heartburn-help.com's message board.  There are lots of people there who have had the surgery and who can give you lots of advice and tips.

Good luck!

[Baseball_Mom]

That is a loaded question.  Had you asked last year if I thought the Nissan procedure was worth it, I would have said YES with no hesitation.  However, in March of last year I had a bad bout with bronchitis and knocked something loose.  I have other health problems happening so the doctors don't think I'm a candidate to have this redone.  But I can say that I was reflux free for 5 1/2 years and really enjoyed that.  BTW, if the doctor have not told you, this procedure is only meant to last 7 to 10 years.  I found that out this year when I encountered problems.  Thought you would like to know just in case your doctor didn't mention this to you.  Best of luck to you.  Take care.

[kajo]

has anyone ever suggested the stretta procedure to you? it's fairly new, but much less invasive than the nissen. they use an endoscope and go down your esophagus. then they use radiofrequency waves to "burn" the les. don't know if you are a candidate because you already had the surgery.....

[kajo]

has anyone ever suggested the stretta procedure to you? it's fairly new, but much less invasive than the nissen. they use an endoscope and go down your esophagus. then they use radiofrequency waves to "burn" the les. don't know if you are a candidate because you already had the surgery.....

[Baseball_Mom]

I'm guessing your question was directed at me.  No I have not even heard of the stretta procedure but I will do some research on the internet.  Thanks for the information.

[wabbit]

It beats having cancer of the esophagus! So count your blessings. Does anyone have any  information on any new treatments for this type of cancer?

[jaspur]

I saw the surgeon that did my nissan laporoscopic fundolplication today,it has been6 years since the operation. I am having problems with gas bloat from this procedure. I ,as I said in my earlier comment, never have any reflux since the operation. I cannot vomit or burp !! The Doctor said that there is a strecthing procedure that can be done on a outpatient basis. He also said that it is not that effective on most patients. The only sure relief would be to take down the nissan wrap. And he was hesitant to do that. I do have Barretts esophagus and as he told me there is "some" indication that stopping the reflux by either the operation or meds could help prevent things from getting worse (just keep in mind that I do have Barretts). Also diet and the special way of eating that people that get reflux have to do. Even after the nissan wrap, or if you are taking meds..you still have to figure out "your" diet. And we all know that some foods effect us on one day and not on another day. I would make sure that my diet is the best that I can get it before I have the procedure. Then figure outif,with this diet do I have to take the meds??? If that does not work then you have to look at the option of the Nissan Wrap. I asked the doctor if the "wrap" would change in time and he said "no" it is permanent. I also asked him why some people get the gas/bloat condition and some dont..It seems it is just a individual thing and that you cannot tell until after the procedure.. Good luck just take one step at a time.

[kryton]

just a note on allergies and narcotics.    your drs. will account for this problem   in several ways.    
1.   use of benedyrl
2.   use toradal  Non narcotic  but similar in effect

not to worry    let them worry   if they are aware of y9our allergy    they will be prepared.   good luck

[maryparish]

A related discussion, intestinal was started.