Hernia Question

Folks,

I see that a lot of people have a hernia repaired while in surgery. Is this something they knew you had beforehand? Or, did they find it during your surgery?

 

I think mine was discovered when I had my upper GI series, though I remember the radiologist told me he didn't see anything during the testing.  But the surgeon said there was a sliding hiatal hernia. The repair involves one stitch to the opening of the diaphram.

Thanks. I appreciate you taking time to answer!

I just had surgery on Thursday and my doc also repaired a hiatal hernia. I had no idea I had it.

Thanks. I appreciate you taking time to answer!

Jeff,

I have seen it happen both ways. Some of my friends and co-workers knew prior to the surgery they had a hernia requiring repair , others not until the actual surgery. I had no hernia but was able to get gallbladder out at same time as the sleeve procedure. Also, nice to be able to get 2 procedures during 1 anesthesia. I have not seen having 2 procedures effect the recovery time. Rapid weight loss can lead to gallstone and/or kidney stones. Glad I didn't have to worry about a few months later developing gallstones and need another surgery. Had a friend with unexpected hernia repair with her sleeve and she was back to work as planned.

Sharon; thanks for taking time to answer. I suspect that getting two procedures done at once would be a blessing on many fronts!

My SIL has had some real trouble with a hiatal hernia, so I did some reading about them. Turns out that about half the population has one! Many people are born with them, and morbidly obese people have them much for often and thin people. So getting one repaired during WLS is pretty routine.

I had a hiatal hernia but I knew I had it. My doctor fixed mine with one stitch. He also said it may come back later. He told me they don't fix them now if that's all you have because they come back. He says they only fix them if they are in for something else like this surgery. He also biopsied my liver. He said it is standard since they are right there moving it to do the surgery.

It makes sense to check out whatever they can while they are in there!