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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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What Causes Piercing Pain In The Sternum Post A Fundoplication Procedure?

I had Nissen fundoplication procedure performed in early December. The surgery went well and I have been feeling better. Recently, I have noticed that when I bend over, cough, or sneeze, I feel a pinching to the left of my sternum just under the ribcage. The pinching is painful and only lasts a few seconds. Is this something I need to follow up with my surgeon immediately, or can I wait until my scheduled follow up in March? Thank you for your response.
posted on Tue, 24 Jan 2017
Twitter Fri, 10 Mar 2017 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 10 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on
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Diabetologist,  's  Response
Hello,

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I have read your question fully and understand your concerns.

I think the pain that you describe is due to trapping of a nerve. During surgery, when incisions are made, nerves supplying to that area of skin or sub-cutaneous tissues are cut. When the incision heals, the nerves may not heal end to end, the position of the nerves may change too. As such, when you cough, sneeze or bend, the nerve/nerves may be trapped between your rib muscles or underlying tissues and cause you to experience this sharp sudden short lasting pain. Over course of months, this pain would gradually settle down.

I think you could wait for your scheduled appointment in March to see your doctor. Of course if the pain worsens and is constant and not related to movement then you may need to see your doctor sooner.

I hope this answer has helped you.

Thank you

Regards
Dr Sunita Sayammagaru
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What Causes Piercing Pain In The Sternum Post A Fundoplication Procedure?

Hello, Welcome to Healthcare Magic. I have read your question fully and understand your concerns. I think the pain that you describe is due to trapping of a nerve. During surgery, when incisions are made, nerves supplying to that area of skin or sub-cutaneous tissues are cut. When the incision heals, the nerves may not heal end to end, the position of the nerves may change too. As such, when you cough, sneeze or bend, the nerve/nerves may be trapped between your rib muscles or underlying tissues and cause you to experience this sharp sudden short lasting pain. Over course of months, this pain would gradually settle down. I think you could wait for your scheduled appointment in March to see your doctor. Of course if the pain worsens and is constant and not related to movement then you may need to see your doctor sooner. I hope this answer has helped you. Thank you Regards Dr Sunita Sayammagaru