Nissen Surgery Complications

Nissen fundoplication surgery is performed on patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when other medical treatments have failed to control symptoms of acid reflux. The surgery creates a new valve at the lower esophagus that acts as a barrier to reflux to stop stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus, allowing the esophagus to heal. As with all surgeries, Nissen fundoplication procedures do have risks and possible complications that patients should be aware of before deciding to have the surgery. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

Anesthesia

• Nissen fundoplication surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Most side effects from anesthesia are minor and easily controlled, but there are serious complications that can occur in patients under general anesthesia. Patients may experience irregular heartbeat, dangerous changes in blood pressure or body temperature, heart attack, stroke, difficulty breathing or allergic reactions to the medicine in the anesthesia. Let your doctor know if you have any chronic medical conditions or if you have experienced a reaction to anesthesia in the past. It is also important to disclose any allergies and current medications to your doctor prior to surgery to prevent potentially dangerous interactions.

Bleeding

• According to New York Presbyterian Hospital, puncturing of the stomach or esophagus occurs in about one percent of patients who undergo Nissen fundoplication surgery. Though rare, any tearing or puncturing of the internal structures can be serious because it leads to internal bleeding. Most of the time, surgeons are able to control the bleeding adequately if puncturing occurs.

Gastrointestinal Problems

• The most common complications experienced by Nissen fundoplication patients are gastrointestinal problems. The new valve at the bottom of the esophagus can initially cause more resistance when patients swallow food, causing them to swallow more air than normal. This excess air can lead to gas and bloating, and patients may find it difficult to burp. Excess air can also cause the stomach to stretch and lead to nausea. In most cases, the excess gas goes away as the patient adjusts to the new valve mechanism.

Effectiveness

• Nissen fundoplication surgery may not be effective, resulting in revision surgery or continuation of other treatment methods. According to WebMD, fundoplication surgery improves GERD symptoms in six to nine out of every 10 patients who have the surgery. Even patients who experience symptom relief following surgery may find that symptoms return later, however. A 2006 study published in the eighth edition of “Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease” found that one in 10 patients who underwent surgery for GERD symptoms reported their symptoms came back within two years.