Question:
Can lap be done if you have had prior surgeries?

I have been told that you can't have lap if you have had prior surgeries, then I read somewhere where it was only UPPER abdominal surgies. I had an ovarian cyst removed and then a tubal but the incision is way below my belly button. Is it possible to still have lap surgery? I have been studying about both and think I prefer the lap if possible. I haven't been to see a surgeon yet so any input would be helpful. Thanks.    — Ronda B. (posted on July 25, 2000)

July 25, 2000
Ronda...I recently had my WLS done laparoscopically and I, too, heard all the stories about not being able to get it if you've had previous surgeries. The best answer I can give you is that it really depends on your surgeon. Surgeons who are comfortable with doing laparoscopic procedures generally will consider you. Someone new at the game, however, will disqualify you simply because it makes things a little more difficult for them. My lowest incision is approximately 3 inches above my navel, so you might be in the clear. My advice to you if you really want a LAP procedure? Find a surgeon who specializes in it, someone who has done LAP procedures for several years. That persom might very well be in a university-affiliated hospital, so don't discount any big universities in your area. Also, check the medical journals for the names of some of the authors...that's how I found my surgeon. Good luck, and if I can help you please let me know! Sharon
   — Sharon F.

July 25, 2000
Ronda, I had had four major abdominal surgeries prior to my lap RNY in March...2 C-sections, an abdominal hysterectomy and an "open" gall bladder surgery...that's three surgeries below the bellybutton and one above. My surgeon stated that these previous surgeries would not impact my ability to have a laparascopic RNY and I experienced no problems or complications. I did have extensive adhesions (scar tissue) in the upper abdominal area as a consequence of the gall bladder surgery, and he removed that scar tissue during the lap RNY, again with no problem. I agree that the key is to find a surgeon with extensive experience and expertise in laparascopy. The web site for the American Society of Bariatric Surgery (www.asbs.org) may be helpful to you. Continue to do your research until you are satisfied that you have found the surgeon who best meets your needs. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

July 25, 2000
Prior surgeries do not necessarily preclude having an RNY done by laporoscopy. In previous years, I had an open hysterectomy and a lap gall bladder surgery--and last Thursday I had a lap RNY. Good luck!
   — Julianne C.

July 26, 2000
Two weeks ago my surgeon performed a lap Ds on a friend who'd had a splenectomy many years ago. As a result her stomach had almost totally adhered to her diaphragm, yet he was still able to do the surgery. The previous advice to find a highly skilled lap specialist is sound.
   — Duffy H.