Re: Myotomy reply from Doctor

[Guest guest]

Hi Andy,

I can see where you are worried now. But the way your doc answered your questions, I think he would be open to the idea of regular check ups if you want them. Indeed if I were you I would want those regular check ups, just to be sure.

Love,

Isabella

Myotomy reply from Doctor

Hi, Happy Easter to all of you,

Some of you may remember I never found out what my operation actually consisted of as I was too 'excited' beforehand and too emotional/happy afterwards so I wrote to the surgeon and asked the following questions... his replies are in red.

Was any form of 'wrap' involved?Yes, you underwent an anterior hemi fundoplication (DOR patch). This is a half wrap which protects the front of your oesophagus over the denuded muscle of the cardiomyotomy. It also helps to control reflux caused by the cardiomyotomy.

Can I expect a long term successful outcome – ie any problems with the operation that could lead to problems in the future. I realise there is a risk (10%) that it may return but is there anything you are aware of that puts this risk any higher?I would hope that you would have a long term successful outcome. As you say in your letter, there is a risk of symptoms of dysphagia returning, but there is nothing I am aware of that puts you at any higher risk than anyone else and there is nothing you can do to lower your risk.

Will I be needing any future procedures ie barium swallow or endoscopy to check on any problems? I understand some doctors/surgeons recommend these at yearly / two yearly intervals.No, I do not routinely perform any procedures unless you have any problems. There is little point in organising a barium swallow or endoscopy unless you have any trouble. If you do, then these would be the investigation of choice.

If I have any swallowing problems who do I contact to get back to see you? Do I see my local GP and ask for a referral?If you have any problems it would be best to contact your GP and he can get in touch with myself.

Can I resume my 'duties' as a regular blood donor?Yes. There is no problem with this.I trust this answers your questions. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch.A bit of background for all the new members that have recently joined our happy group.I was diagnosed last year with Achalasia and had my lap myotomy in January. I had no reflux issues before and none afterwards and can and do eat everything I did before my problems started. I have no problems sleeping on a usual bed with just two pillows as I have always done apart from pre surgery. I have regained almost all my weight lost before the actual problems

started due to not getting the food down.I can see one point raised that will have concerns and would welcome any comments.AndyYorkshire, England

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[Guest guest]

Hi Isabella,

The only thing which Notan has pointed out is our weakened esophagus - they did say when I had the endoscopy there was a risk of rupture so I think I may give that one a miss, still the barium which is a good test so I will see how we go in a years time.

Good luck for the op...

Andy

On 24/03/2008, Isabella Arnold <arnoldisabella@...> wrote:

Hi Andy,

I can see where you are worried now. But the way your doc answered your questions, I think he would be open to the idea of regular check ups if you want them. Indeed if I were you I would want those regular check ups, just to be sure.

Love,

Isabella

Myotomy reply from Doctor

Hi, Happy Easter to all of you,

Some of you may remember I never found out what my operation actually consisted of as I was too 'excited' beforehand and too emotional/happy afterwards so I wrote to the surgeon and asked the following questions... his replies are in red.

Was any form of 'wrap' involved?Yes, you underwent an anterior hemi fundoplication (DOR patch). This is a half wrap which protects the front of your oesophagus over the denuded muscle of the cardiomyotomy. It also helps to control reflux caused by the cardiomyotomy. Can I expect a long term successful outcome – ie any problems with the operation that could lead to problems in the future. I realise there is a risk (10%) that it may return but is there anything you are aware of that puts this risk any higher?

I would hope that you would have a long term successful outcome. As you say in your letter, there is a risk of symptoms of dysphagia returning, but there is nothing I am aware of that puts you at any higher risk than anyone else and there is nothing you can do to lower your risk. Will I be needing any future procedures ie barium swallow or endoscopy to check on any problems? I understand some doctors/surgeons recommend these at yearly / two yearly intervals.No, I do not routinely perform any procedures unless you have any problems. There is little point in organising a barium swallow or endoscopy unless you have any trouble. If you do, then these would be the investigation of choice. If I have any swallowing problems who do I contact to get back to see you? Do I see my local GP and ask for a referral?If you have any problems it would be best to contact your GP and he can get in touch with myself. Can I resume my 'duties' as a regular blood donor?Yes. There is no problem with this.I trust this answers your questions. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

A bit of background for all the new members that have recently joined our happy group.I was diagnosed last year with Achalasia and had my lap myotomy in January. I had no reflux issues before and none afterwards and can and do eat everything I did before my problems started. I have no problems sleeping on a usual bed with just two pillows as I have always done apart from pre surgery. I have regained almost all my weight lost before the actual problems started due to not getting the food down.

I can see one point raised that will have concerns and would welcome any comments.AndyYorkshire, England

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