side effects of fudoplication

[cgu11]

My husband has a G-tube for all food, meds, hydration resulting from radiation to tongue years ago.  His major problem is aspiration pneumonia since the valve to his airway(s) does not close and is in open position constantly.  Reflux of food and gases causes repeated pneumonia episodes, the latest resulting in more than 2 months in 4 hospitals and extreme loss of weight.  He is facing jejunostomy in the very near future.  We are told that  later, fundoplication may be great help to him.  Has anyone had or heard of  side effects from this for a patient with jejunostomy?  Prayers are welcome and we are ever thankful for blessings.

[cgu11]

Thank you, so much.  There is no future plan for anything by mouth.  We are, due to weakness and slow recovery from last episode of pneumonia, planning jejunostomy next week.  Perhaps looking at fundoplication at a later date if needed.  

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

If he has a permanent G-tube, fundoplication may be suitable procedure. If there is no plan for an oral feeding in future, there are other few surgeries that may be beneficial as well, in the situation. Though a jejunostomy can also be performed, I would like to prefer a fundoplication initially; which if does not seem to work, other options can be considered. I would suggest discussing the situation, the suggested management options and the pros and cons of each with his treating gastroenterologist before taking a decision.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!