3 months after Nissen fundoplication – reflux/regurgitation worse than before surgery. Anyone experienced this?
Hi everyone,
I'm a 37-year-old male, 3 months after a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.
Before surgery I mainly had weakly acidic LPR with normal acid exposure (DeMeester 4), but abnormal impedance-pH monitoring (126 reflux episodes/24 h with positive symptom correlation).
Recovery has been difficult with intermittent chest, hiatal and throat pain. About 2 weeks ago, I developed persistent daily regurgitation, a mildly sour taste every morning, burning in my throat/esophagus and the feeling of fluid coming back up despite taking 40 mg pantoprazole daily.
My symptoms are now worse than before surgery. The pain has mostly improved, but the reflux/regurgitation persists.
My surgeon has ordered a barium swallow and upper endoscopy first. If these are inconclusive, I expect repeat high-resolution manometry and 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring.
Has anyone experienced a similar course after Nissen fundoplication? Was your anatomy intact or was there a problem with the wrap? Did it eventually improve or require revision?
Any experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated.