Question:
I had my gallbladder removed with open surgery 10 years ago-Can I still have LAP?

   — Jill E. (posted on July 23, 2000)

July 22, 2000
I had VBG and gallbladder removal in 1984 and my surgeon will still do lap...of course if he gets in there and has too many adhesions (scar tissue) it will be converted to open. I trust him and his judgement. I hope it is lap because I really want the quicker recovery period.
   — Terry M.

July 22, 2000
I had a classic, open gall bladder surgery over 20 years ago, and had my lap RNY in March. I was concerned about whether the previous surgery would present a problem and was assured by my surgeon that he did not anticipate it to be a problem and that if he encountered adhesions or scar tissue, he would remove or correct them during the procedure. I did in fact have substantial adhesions, and he took care of them during the lap RNY, adding only about 15 minutes to the expected operative time (total time less than 1 1/2 hours). With an experienced laparascopic surgeon, your previous surgery shouldn't present a problem. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

July 23, 2000
I had Lap RYN on June 23 and previously I had my gall bladder removed in 1998 laproscopically. My doctor did not have any problems with my surgery other than some scar tissue but he was able to complete the surgery successfully. I believe that your doctor probably should be able to do the same and best wishes to you.
   — Vickie K.

July 23, 2000
YES, I just had lap done 13 weeks ago and my gallbladder was taken 7 years ago at the same time as a hysterectomy, It did take 2 extra hours because of scar tissue. Good luck.
   — nancy T.