Lap or open

Good morning everyone.  Sun and warm weather at last.  I have a question I hope someone can help me with.  I am just going through this process and when I met with the dietician, she was telling me a little about the surgery and what to expect.  Anyway, 8 years ago I had a complete hysterectomy and it left a horrible scar.  Since I have not met with a surgeon yet (still doing the "nut dr" visits) do you think because I have this scar  I may have to have open surgery versus the laparoscopic type?  I know when I had the hysterectomy, I was off work for 6 weeks and miserable.  I have a different job now and can not be off work that long, so is there a possibility it could be done the laparascopic way, and IF and when I do meet with a surgeon, can he tell me at that time or is it found out the day of surgery?

My surgeon will only do laparoscopic.  If he gets in there and can't do it laparoscopic, he will not convert to open and will close you up without going any further.

Thanks for your quick response.  I have not seen a surgeon yet, so I am not sure if he/she does both or not.  All these questions to ask.  Thanks again.  Jan

Depends on the surgeon.  My surgeon said he would try lap and if not do open.....(first thing I checked/asked when groogy!!)...... I had lap. I too had a hysterectomy.  I also had a hernia repair that is up by my ribs/breastbone and that is the reason he wasn't sure......it all depends on if ya have scar tissue or not. Hope that helps!

Thank you Sandra, yes that was a help also.  So it seems the Dr. cannot tell until they actually TRY the lap first?  Dang,  that is too bad.   I could be looking again at being off work for  6 weeks.

Again, it all depends on who your surgeon is.  As far as time off, yes I would plan 6 weeks to be "safe"...you can always go back earlier, right??  If you have it lap, most people go back to work at 3 weeks depends on the job type and how much time off they can take.  ALL good questions for when you finally do meet your Doc!

It is going to depend on the scar tissue your last surgery left. I had my gall bladder out laproscopically 10 years before i had my wls - and my doc was able to do it lap.

Most will try and do it laproscopically first - if they run into trouble that is going to put your life at risk they will convert to open.

I can highly recommend Dr. Raymond Drew - he has been doing surgery for a long time - and I am thrilled with the results.  I was in the hospital overnight and pain free by the time I went home.

Good luck.

linda

 

You were very lucky to be in over nite and pain free.  I am a ways off yet in talking to a surgeon I suppose. Mayo has this deal you have to see a "nut Dr" for 12 sessions in some book they got out and the Dr is spose to go over it with you during those sessions.  So I am going to my first session this week.  Since I live in Winona, I was able to find a "DR" here and I am hoping to go through the book faster than 12 weeks.   When I am half way through my sessions, I am to call back to Mayo and let them know and get some appointments set up then.  I hope I can see a surgeon and talk to him/her and get my insurance papers sent in and see if they will be approved.  All this waiting-  I want this done Yesterday!!!  Thanks for the reply to my questions.

I was able to have my surgery done lap even though I had a lot of internal scarring from two previous c-sections. In fact, Dr. Baker had to spend an extra hour just removing scar tissue! This did cause me a lot of back pain for a few days after surgery, but I know I healed quicker than I would have if it had been open. Also, because they fill your abdomen with C2 gas (I believe that's what it is) it delays inflamation so you are less likely to have internal scarring. If you have a good surgeon, they often time can do it lap. But if they run into problems, like uncontrollable bleeding, etc., then they have to open you up. Melanie

Thanks Melanie- that is some good news.  I just have so many questions for the surgeon when I see him/her.  Thanks again-  Jan