Post Nissen - Twisted Wrap

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

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opnwhl4
Moderator: GERD/Heartburn, Kidney disease
Esophagus tear 02/11
Nissen 6/06 and 5/09
#3 8/24/11

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.

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.