Miss Charlotte is sleeping comfortably in the PICU at CHOP. Her surgery went well-- they were able to perform the nissen and place the g-tube without any problems. There was some concern that she had aspirated during the procedure, but her x-ray looks fine and clinically, she's doing really well. The PICU was able to extubate {remove the breathing tube} about three hours after the surgery ended. They kept the breathing tube in longer than usual, just as a precaution, since there was a possible aspiration, and because of what the ENT doctors saw.
ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) performed a bronchoscopy before the surgery began, to get an idea of how Charlotte's vocal chords and airway looked. We knew she was inflamed and that the reflux had been irritating her throat, but the ENT doctor confirmed that her left vocal cord is not functioning. This explains her severe tendency towards aspiration, as well as her hoarse voice. We don't have a clear understanding of what this will mean long term, but we at least have a starting point.
We hope that recovery will take about 3-5 days and then, barring any complications, she should be coming home.
What great news that she was well enough to have the surgery and did so well following it. Praying that she will be home again very very soon and that she is feeling better.
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