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Post Nissen - Twisted Wrap

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Posted 11/9/2015 11:36 AM (GMT -8)
I am curious to find other members who had Laprascopic Nissen Fundoplication surgery June 30, 2015 and had complications and found, after an endscopy this past week, that the wrap is twisted. (I had a full wrap).

I asked my gastroenterologist if my surgeon made a mistake, but she was hesitant to make any judgements, so I don’t know if this is faulty surgery, or if this sometimes can happen with this surgery and may not be the fault of a bad surgery. My surgeon specializes in diseases and conditions of the esophagus. He’s done a lot of these, but I never asked if he ever had a ‘re-do’. I also know that no surgeon will want to admit they might have messed up.

Any input would be helpful. I will meeting with my gastroenterologist mid-December and want to be well informed as possible, as she may have to recommend a different surgeon if I have to have a re-do.

Thanks!
Linda Sue
Posted 11/15/2015 6:41 PM (GMT -8)
Linda-

I did have a nissen done incorrectly. My 1st surgeon I didn't research well and only asked of he could do the surgery. Mine was in such a way my esophagus was basically at a 90 degree angle. Took almost 3 years and a couple other surgeons to figure out what was wrong.

If it truly is twisted I would think something didn't quite go right during the surgery.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 11/15/2015 7:29 PM (GMT -8)
It is possible for the wrap to slip and/or twist after the surgery. I would think you'd remember a specific event happening if that was the case though, like if you'd been retching, or if you lifted something that was a bit too heavy, something that put strain on your mid-section.
Posted 11/16/2015 12:16 PM (GMT -8)
Thanks Bill and jenegade,
I was SO careful about lifting and bending and I don't recall any incident where I could have damaged my wrap. I was off work a full 6 weeks and went back after my second follow-up visit with surgeon. I had NO incidents of wretching or vomiting.

I don't know if the twisted wrap is the surgeon's fault or not; there will be more discussion about this with my new gastro doctor. My surgeon came highly recommended from another health care professional. He is a cardio-thoracic surgeon and performs many complicated life-saving procedures. However, perhaps I didn't ask enough questions and even if I had, would the answers be truthful? Who knows?

I'm not sure how to find out where or if there is fault. If there is, I will consider litigation as my life has been a living hell since I was diagnosed with 'jackhammer esophagus' and Hypertensive LES; I also have stomach inflammation.

I'm doing much better on the new medications (see my post on Jackhammer Esophagus).

So, thanks for the support and hopefully, there is someone out there who had this type of complication. I will keep researching for information.
Posted 11/16/2015 12:27 PM (GMT -8)
Did your surgeon see the report which said you had signs of jackhammer esophagus before surgery? If so then he definitely has something to answer for, but if that wasn't on the report he received, then its the person who performed the test who should be at fault. It sounds, from your other posts, that it could have been spotted before surgery.
Posted 11/17/2015 6:10 AM (GMT -8)
jenegade,
I faxed over that report, as well as other previous testing I had at a different hospital. I figure he read it as he didn't order manometry; only barium swallow and esophageal pH study. However, the actual scan was on a DVD and I don't think I had this with me, but did mention it if he wanted to see it.

Specifically, in the report, under 'Impressions', it stated: 'Meets minimal criteria for jackhammer esophagus; however, only 1 swallow had distal contractile integral > 8,000 mmHg x cm x s, so the clinical significance of this finding is not certain'.

I'm going to ask my new gastroenterologist if she can view the DVD.

I totally agree that this had to be an issue before surgery. I've had this burning chest pain for YEARS, and it turns out that it was NOT caused entirely, (if at all) by GERD. The pain worsened significantly after LNF surgery.

I have many questions. Jenegade, thanks for your interest and input.
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