Question:
Can lap be done when abdominal scar is present?

I had my spleen removed due to a motorcycle accident many years ago. It left me with a sternum to navel scar. Does this preclude me from having a lap bariatric procedure opposed to a open procedure?    — Glenn O. (posted on September 4, 2004)

September 4, 2004
I had scar tissue that made my LAP take about 20 minutes longer than expected because he had to cut it away I think it depends on your surgeon and their skill level I have seen people have LAP that have scars from heart bypass, and gallbladder so I think maybe only your surgeon can give you the truthful answer......Good Luck ......Nancy
   — nefish

September 4, 2004
I had my surgery at Mayo in Rochester, Minn. and they were not able to do it lap due to scar tissue from previous surgery...I have had now open and lap surgery and I think I prefer open.Good luck
   — Kathy S.

September 4, 2004
Yes, it absolutely depends on the skill level of your surgeon, but it can be done.
   — Leslie F.

September 4, 2004
Hi there. I had lap gastric bypass on 7/14/04. I have previously had an open gall bladder, a hysterectomy, 2 cesareans and spinal surgery. My surgeon, Dr. Matt Johnson in Wausau, WI, informed me that he would attempt the lap, but didn't know till he got in there if he would be able to continue with it or not. They put down "probable" open on the papers I signed. He said it depends on the previous surgery, how much scar tissue there is, whether it had adhered to the stomach, intestines, etc., etc. as it healed from the previous surgeries. So, yes, it is possible, but usually unknown to the surgeon till they get in there and try. I was also told that the skill levels of the surgeons has improved so much over the last several years, that they are able to do lap more now than before on people who have had previous surgeries. Good luck and hang in there!
   — pearlaux

September 4, 2004
It is possible to have it lap but it depends on the amount of scar tissue, adhesions, and your surgeon. I talked to my surgeon about my umbilical hernia repair scar and he said he could probably still do it lap but if it was worse than he thought, he may have to do it open. I trust my surgeon so I was ok with that. After my surgery, he said they were able to do it lap and even complimented the doctor who did my hernia repair. He said it was done very well and I had no adhesions so it was a piece of cake. So your surgeon is the best person to ask about this but just because you have a scar does not always mean an open procedure. Best of luck. Donna
   — Donna F.