Question:
Can I request an open surgery rather than a lap surgery?
I haven't decide what type of wls I am interested in yet but I know that I want it open, if possible. I had my appendix out last year and my intestines got paralyzed and I couldn't pass the gas they pumped me up with for several days. I was stuck in the hospital for 8 days as a result.... (this was even with me spending 3 to 4 hours a day walking the halls to get things moving) I was in sooo much pain! Just wondering if anyone has experienced anything similar or knows if one can get an open surgery if they want it. Thanks! — mrsidknee (posted on February 15, 2006)
February 15, 2006
You could be the rare exception of the patient who has such difficulty with
the gas used to inflate the chest cavity that the increased risks of open
surgery are outweighed. Of course, it is possible that the intestinal
paralysis was not related to the laparoscopic procedure, so you might want
to discuss this issue with your surgeon.
— SteveColarossi
February 15, 2006
Hi- I specifically requested Open rather than lap- for one reason. I knew
my surgeon was going to remove my gallbladder and repair a hernia at the
same time, and I wanted to give her plenty of navigation room in there- on
the other hand, I hate gas, and have a hard time walking due to some severe
hip and knee injuries, and knew I would never be able to walk the required
amount of time to release the gas. So, yes, you can ask for and be granted
an open surgery. I would do open again in a heartbeat. This healed very
nicely in a very short time.
Cindi
-219#
— DollyDoodles
February 15, 2006
As the saying goes, "be careful what you wish for, it might come
true." Laparoscopic surgery, if done by experienced surgeons, is
superior to the open variety for gastric bypass more than any other
procedure. Pain is less, hospital stay is less, cosmesis is improved, and
most importantly complications are less frequent. Rates of hernia, wound
infection, future bowel obstruction, DVT and pulmonary embolus to name a
few are increased with the open procedure. While you may associate an
unpleasant experience in the past with laparoscopic surgery, it likely was
coincidental. I would stick with the odds and go for the laparoscopic
procedure if your surgeon clearly has experience with laparoscopic
surgery.
-M.Brackman, MD
— Dr. Brackman
February 15, 2006
Oh how intimidating it is posting directly after a doctor. LOL I can not
give medical information or statistics...but I can say that I had open RNY
and would have rather had a Lap procedure. At the time I prefered open as
well, I didn't care about the scar or recovery time (I was more concerned
with health and the long run). I felt more comforable with a 'hands on'
approach. The thing is, there are other issues that present themselves
later. Now after 4 years I have a hernia that requires repair. After RNY
I needed to have my galbladder removed and because I had an open procedure
(twice) it made it more difficult to perform that procedure. An open scar
is also trickier to deal with if you should require a tummy tuck. (at
least that is what one of PS's told me) Discuss your concerns with your
surgeon, but be very careful and well informed before requesting an open
surgery. Good luck
— RebeccaP
February 15, 2006
I had lap instead of open on two operations, had gall bladder removed a
year before wls, and I experienced the same problem with the gas the first
time, pain, Oh my good Lord, pain!! I talked itover withthe surgeon who did
the els and explained how it effected me, I had NO, I mean NONE, nada, zip
gas pain with the wls via laproscopic this time. I was up walking about 6
hours after and was going home the next morning, I had been on vacations
longer than in the hospital for surgery!! Good Luck!!
— leahrobinson
February 15, 2006
All surgeons learn open before learning LAP, and any LAP can get converted
to open if things dont go well at any time. The big difference between lap
and open is about 1/3 of opens get at least one incisional hernia, and some
unlucky patients get them repeatedly. I would talk with ytour surgeon,
constripation is caused by the anthestic, so theyy may be able to give you
something to prevent it. I had minor knee surgery before my WLS and quit
breathing in recovery. scared to death of WLS. Since they knew of the
problem in advance it didnt reoccur:)
— bob-haller
February 16, 2006
I just had a open RNY, which was decided by my surgeon. I has alot of pain
in my shoulders and gas which I was told was from have some gas blown in to
me also. I also has my gallbadder out during surgery. Just dicuss it over
with your doctor and hopefully he or she will do what is best. Just to let
you know It has been 8 days from surgery and I fell great I am ready to go
back to work and have had no problems expect loose stools. Good luck.
— 2bskinny
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