Question:
Does anyone know the amount of time in surgery for lap vs open BPD/DS?

I am considering BPD/DS lap, but my Dr. said that there a significant differences in the time in surgery for lap vs open. With open being the lesser of the two. Is six hours reasonable time to expect for lap procedure DS?    — A V. (posted on October 20, 2001)

October 20, 2001
It really depends on how experienced the lap DS surgeon is and if you have had any prior abdominal surgeries where they would have to also remove adhesions. Which surgeons are you looking at for lap and/or open DS ? I believe Rabkin averages about 3 hours and Gagner is less, but Gagner does not measure the intestines to my knowledge.
   — Anita N.

October 20, 2001
I agree with Anita. It sounds like your surgeon isn't very experienced at lap, or at DS done lap. In that case I would definitely opt for open! DS is a very complex surgery, which is why not many surgeons do it. The DS website is donw right now, which is frustrating. A great source of info and support is at http://groups.yahoo.com/duodenalswitch. Come on down! Chris
   — Chris T.

October 20, 2001
Oops! That's http://groups.yahoo.com/group/duodenalswitch
   — Chris T.