Question:
Fear of LAP surgery
Hello, this is my first time posting on the list. Have been reading for past 3 months. You all have given me hope for this surgery. However, a local lady in my town, 39 years old, passed away from complications of surgery, nicked bowel and she passed 10 days after. Does anyone know if this is more common in Lap surgery than Open RYN. I have always been considering LAP....but now I am not so sure. I also am scheduled to have informational seminar and consult with different doctor than the one that preformed the surgery where the bowel was nicked. I don't mean to alarm people....but this has caused me to question my decision with Lap.....Any info will be appreciated. — Sissy I. (posted on August 1, 2002)
August 1, 2002
This is one of the reasons I recommend the Open. They can see everything
better... and move things around to see better. I know, I know.. some say
they have a camera and everything is on the screen yadda yadda. But have
you ever tried to cut your hair looking into a mirror? (Sure it's
backwards) but the depth and how things look is different than actually
looking at something. I sure did'nt want anyone looking at a screen. I
wanted them to see MY guts... not a tv screen. I still think Open is far
safer. But you need to research and soul search on what you think is best
for YOU. ;)
— Danmark
August 1, 2002
My support group describes the lap in the form of a question....Would you
let a plumber work under your sink without opening the doors but drilling a
few holes for a camara? Also, The lap takes longer than the open.
— Jennett I.
August 1, 2002
Nancy, I am a strong believer in lap procedures. First and foremost, the
recovery time is so much quicker in most people. Also, why would you
purposely want to permanently weaken your abdominal wall by having it cut?
Why would you want to invite all of that scar tissue? Laparoscopic surgery
is a wonderful technoligical advancement in the medical community. If a
doctor has been trained to do the procedure and knows how to use his
equipment, it will be fine. In most lap rny procedures, the
anesthesiologist actually assists in the procedure. If anything goes wrong
or if visibility is compromised in a lap procedure, the surgeon can and
will convert to open right then and there. Good Luck with whatever you
decide.
— Tina B.
August 1, 2002
Well opens get leaks as well. A friend died from a VBG leak that was a
open. Then too if you get a hernia or multiple ones you will need
additional surgery for repair. That percentage is 1/3 of all opens. Thats
lots of risks... My surgeon says he can see better LAP because of the
magnification. LAPs get fewer infections because the incisions are so
small.<P> I wish there was a clear cut answer, much depends on your
surgeons experience and skills. Pick a LAP surgeon who has done many. He
also should have a support group and be MO friendly with things like
oversized waiting room chairs. Ask yopur surgeon what his LAP leak rate is.
It should be 1% or so or less. See Barb thompsons book for more info.
Nearly all who get a leak survive and do well. A leak from a nick or bad
connection isnt a automatic death sentence. For most its just a big
unpleasant inconvenience.
— bob-haller
August 1, 2002
Laps get up and about faster than opens becsause theres less trauma to the
body. This probably helps lessen the risk of blood clots, which is the most
dangerous complication according to my surgeon
— bob-haller
August 1, 2002
I also was back and forth with the Lap/Open thing. You will always have
your "Lap is the BEST" people and you will have your "Open
or DIE" people. That's just the way it is. If the Lap surgery is
something that you are interested in, take your time and research to find
the best surgeon in your area for that type of surgery. Heck, if he/she is
not in your area, and you have the means, go to where he/she is! Whatever
you decide, just make sure that you are totally confident in your surgeon
and that he/she is thoroughly experienced in the type of surgery you are
seeking. There are pros and cons to both types of surgery. God bless!
— MoLyn
August 1, 2002
My surgery was done lap. It's a lot less recovery time. I'm glad I did it
that way. From what I understand, your risks are a lot lower with lap. Less
chance for blood clots and hernias. And although this may sound silly, I
didn't want a big scar. That's why I when with a lap procedure. Good luck.
— Sarah K.
August 1, 2002
i'm sorry to hear someone who was fairly young died from complications of
surgery. I am 22 and had LAP RNY 2 months ago. I didn't have any
complications fortunately. I can't really say which is better, cuz i didn't
have open. ALl i can say is that complications from either LAP are pretty
slim, in the very low percentages. When you talk to your surgeon, ask him
questions, how many surgeries has he performed, how many LAPs has he done.
his experience is essential. My surgeon had another surgeon in the room
performing with him, so I felt extra safe, so I knew I was in good hands.
LAP and OPEN both have their benefits, so it is up to you ultimately. All i
can say is that the more you research Lap, i think you will feel more
comfortable with it! goodluck to you! :)
— Lezlie Y.
August 1, 2002
I can honestly say that I have had good experience with lap surgery...
There is a shorter healing time, less pain, less blood loss... I had both
my Gastroplasty and a Hysterectomy laparoscopically... I think your
decision to go lap is a good one, talk to your doctor about any concerns
you may have... Good luck...
— Melissa R.
August 1, 2002
We're not talking about barbers or plumbers. We're talking about highly
skilled technicians. LAP was developed for good reason. You might check
complication and mortality rates on both procedures. Having had 3 LARGE
c-section incisions, I wanted to minimize healing time -- and I did.
Sometimes people who plan on LAP end up with open for a variety of reasons.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK and best of luck.
— Marti R.
August 1, 2002
As far as I'm concerned, Lap is the ONLY way to go. I would lay down right
now and do it again. Don't be afraid. These people know what they are
doing. E-mail me if you need further encouragement. I am 8 months post op
and feeling like a new woman! Enjoy YOUR journey.
— Annie H.
August 2, 2002
Hi Nancy, I have had several surgeries, to include a few open and a few lap
(gall bladder and the RNY). I prefer the lap as the recovery time is
quicker, the scars are minimal, and the risk of hernias/scar tissue is much
lower. When I chose a lap surgeon, I was more concerned with their lap
experience than I was with their WLS experience. I wanted someone very
experienced with those lap instruments, and I found one. The surgeon told
me he prefers lap as he can see in blown up detail your insides on the
screen as can everyone in the surgical room, whereas with open, its just
the doc looking at you in normal vision. Whatever you decide, research
carefully. The others are right when they say doctors and WLS patients
feel strongly in both directions.
— Cindy R.
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