Yesterday, Heather and I made another trek to Tampa General Hospital (TGH). This trip was for my Upper GI Endoscopy. This procedure consists of sending a camera down my esophagus then into my stomach, pylorus, and duodenum.
My surgeon noted a moderate amount of residual food in my stomach that is consistent with a gastroparesis diagnosis. The scope was passed through the pylorus (basically the stomach’s emptying valve) and then through the first and second portions of the duodenum. No lesions were found.
The scope was then retracted to the antrum (lower part of the stomach that holds broken down food). My doctor made note of chronic gastritis and the presence of a few “diminutive sessile polyps”. He used endoscopic forceps to grab one of the polyps (biopsy) to be sent for pathological review. So you’re aware…these are usually not a problem. All of the reasons for having stomach polyps fit me to a T. Additionally, my research reveals medications use for acid control (known as proton pump inhibitors) have also been linked to the formation of stomach polyps. Right now, just wait for the pathology report and proceed as planned.
As my surgeon continued the retraction of the scope, he found no lesions in the cardia or fundus, and reported my esophagus was found to be normal. That made me really happy.
Currently, I’m scheduled to have surgery on December 5th. The planned procedures are as follows:
- Nissen Fundoplication. The left or upper side of my stomach will be wrapped around the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) and sutured in place. This creates a one-way valve that puts an end to the contents of my stomach winding up in my lungs. This issue is the cause of one of the two forms of rejection I’m currently experiencing. This form is the Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome (BOS).
- Hiatal Hernia Prevention. My surgeon will suture my stomach and esophagus so as to prevent the possibility of any future hiatal hernias. This is when your stomach winds up in your diaphragm (organ that makes your lungs breathe in and out).
- Pyloric Valve Opening. Due to the slow emptying nature of my stomach, the surgeon is going to create a small opening in the pylorus. He’ll suture the pyloric valve so there is a small permanent opening that will permit gastric emptying. This will prevent food from hanging around in my stomach for days at a time.
- Umbilical Hernia. During my clinic visit with my surgeon, he identified an umbilical hernia of which I hadn’t a clue existed. He’s going to fix that while he’s at it.
The entire surgery is to be performed laparoscopically via about five entry points if he follows the methods used by Heather’s surgeon. And, yes, my wife and I will share similar surgical scars.
All of the above was scheduled and occurred starting on December 5th. And, what’s written above is the way things were supposed occur. Check out a forthcoming update article where I’ll explain the rest of the story.
