Fundoplication vs J-tube

We were given two options to consider to deal with Hannah’s reflux and, in turn, aspiration issues.

The first was a fundoplication.   The big “con” in this choice is that it is surgery.   It may be a common surgery, but with Hannah, we can’t treat even common things as “common.”   Other cons is that there is a slight chance that it may not work or even loosen over time.

The second option was a J-tube.   Instead of her G-tube which goes directly into her stomach, the J-tube goes into the jejunum (colon).   The cons here are that she would be tied to a feeding tube 24-hours a day.   Also, if she pulled her J-tube out, it requires an immediate trip to the hospital (interventional radiology) to get it put back in unless a G-tube which we can put back in ourselves.

But the J-tube is not surgery.   That is the big plus.

We decided on the surgery.  When all is said and done, it comes down to what is best for Hannah’s quality of life.   If she is tied to a feeding pump all day long, she won’t be able to have the freedom to roll on the floor (her only way of independent moving).  Also, with her movement disorder in her hands, it will be a literal constant stress making sure she doesn’t grab at the tube and pull it out.

The doc made the comment that the fundo may fail “in a couple of years.”  My first reaction was that I HOPE we have to deal with a failed fundo in a couple of years!

So in a few hours, we are taking the riskier route in hopes that it works, in hopes that Hannah does well in surgery, and in hopes to give Hannah the best life we can.