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Laparoscopic vs. Open surgery


Thu, May 14, 2009 12:00 AM

Hi All,

I'm having surgery tomorrow, May 15th and my surgeon will attempt laparoscopic but may end up doing it as an open surgery. I understand the benefits of doing it laparoscopicly (quicker recovery time, less scarring, less pain); however, is there a difference from an internal, mechical standpoint between the two procesdures? If he were to do the surgery via the open procedure, is the outcome just the same? My concern is more so with the internal parts working properly. Is there a better success rate doing it one method vs. another?? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated as I still have time to cancel the surgery!!

Thanks

Betty 

FPO cooltampachic
Joined Nov 17, 2008

Tue, May 26, 2009 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for cooltampachic.

HI, I AM WRITING POST SURGERY I HOPEYOU WERE ABLE TO DO IT LAPROSCOPICALLY. I AM THREE YEARS POST LAPROSCOPIC SURGERY AND AM DOING VERY WELL. YES THE GAS WAS THE WORST AND I TOO ENCOURAGE YOU TO WALK DRINK PLENTY OF WATER AND STAY AWAY FROM GASSY FOODS JUST FOR SOME TIME. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO INCOPORATE ALL FOODS AS THINGS HEAL. ALL MY OTHER DOCS ARE IMPRESSED WITH THE LITTLE SCARING I HAVE AND I WAS EVEN ABLE TO CONCEIVE AND AM NOW WAITING THE ARRIVAL OF MY BABY BOY NEXT WEEK . I COULDNT BE HAPPIER AND I HOPE YOU THE BEST.

FPO tpiemo
Joined Apr 29, 2008

Thu, May 14, 2009 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for cooltampachic.

I had surgery on April 20th.  My surgeon told me that she would try laparoscopic but would need to make an incision at my belly button to get her hand in.  She did warn me that there was a possibility of open surgery if she felt she needed to.  I did not need open surgery. I can tell you that my recovery has been fairly easy.  My biggest complaint was the gas pain for the first few days.  Do try to walk as much as possible, even if you move just a little.  That will help a lot.  It hasn't even been a month and I feel really good.  My stomach feels sore (like when you work out too hard). Other than that I feel good.

Good luck and I hope everything goes well for you.

FPO spjawalsh
Joined Nov 8, 2008

Thu, May 14, 2009 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for cooltampachic.

I think having it done laprascopically is better because of the reasons you listed. As long as your surgeon can safely perform the surgery with the small opening it is best to go that route. However, sometimes surgeons need more room to perform the operation so they have to go with a larger incision. I hade my appendix removed last summer because of a Crohn's related abcess. My surgeon tried to do it laproscopically, but felt safer making a larger opening to be sure the area around my appendix and small intestine were clean and healthy. My recovery time was minimal and in the end I was happy to know all was well inside too. I hope this helps. Good luck tomorrow!!!

FPO nwmom
Joined Mar 25, 2008

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