Severe recurrent abdominal distention starting 2 months post op (Photo)

Question

38 y/o F GI hx: hypylori age 17, GERD since childhood. abdominoplasty 8 months ago beautiful results. 2 months after sudden severe Upper abdominal distention that was extreme and unbearable, then fullness in esophagus and difficulty swallowing. CT with contrast when sxs worst: unremarkable. Resolved after 2 weeks liquid diet. Endoscopy: esophageal yeast tx & dilation otherwise unremarkable. Recurrence x2 since, unable to eat most days. Could repair be too tight?

Vincent Gardner, MD · Answer

Hi happy happy joy joy,Thanks for sharing your story and photos. I’ve never seen this before and have been thinking about it. What I mean is I’ve seen repairs fail but usually it’s due to visceral fat and pressure on the repair or somebody going back to physical exercise too quickly. Your situation is different, but can certainly explain why the repair would fail. Sudden increased sustained pressure could definitely cause this. I think your underlying G.I. issues are the cause. I do not think the abdominoplasty was the culprit&hellip;..you did well for the first 2 months then started having problems. Having said that I would not have this re-repaired unless your G.I. issues are clearly under control. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Andrew Ray, DO · Answer

I used to do surgical and non surgical reflux surgery earlier in my career. If someone has had a long history of reflux, difficulty swallowing and an unremarkable esophageal xray I would recommend an esophageal manometry and make sure the muscles of the esophagus are working properly. The reason if your esophagus isn't working correctly then even a little increase in abdominal pressure from the tummy tuck and muscle repair could cause symptoms like this.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear happy happy joy joy,
it is unlikely that your repair is the cause of your symptoms. However, if you have concerns you should consult your plastic surgeon and get an examination. 
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Severe recurrent abdominal distention starting 2 months post op (Photo)

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Severe recurrent abdominal distention starting 2 months post op (Photo)

Answers (3)

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