Laparoscopy is a subspecialty and not all surgeons are created equal. The the more experience, the better skill. A surgeon who does lapro as a sideline will not have the same skills as one who predominantly operates with lapro. I would not fault the one who declined, as he knows his limits.

I am sure you know that there never are guarantees that a surgery can be completed laparoscopically. So open surgery is always a possibility.

Since you want the adhesions taken care of and prefer lapro, I'd go with the guy who can and is willing to do it (unless you think he is over reaching).

I am not sure there is a rule of thumb in regard to size of hernia to be repaired by lapro, but it probably depends on an individual surgeon's skill. It. Would definitely take more time.

Jan

Steve,

I'm also facing the same decision. I need my hernia & adhesions taken care of.

Which way did u decide to go? I'm in Houston so maybe we can share information.

If you like let me know the best way to get in touch with you.

Frank

Hi Steve, Frank,
I have had a few laproscopic surgeries for hernia and galbladder repairs.
No contest as compared to open surgery.
Much easier in both anesthetic, post op recoup and long term recoup not to mention the scars.
I have had quite a few hernias (5) and personally speaking I do prefer the laproscopic kind.
But I made sure that my surgeon was a specialist and very skilled at what he did plus he had already been through k pouch surgery with me and knew my insides well.
This is all personal opinion.
Sharon

Frank

I went with the lapro but they ended up cutting me open. I had too much scar tissue. I got a pretty good scar now. Just had the surgery last Tuesday so in recovery mode. They also found that I had a parastomal hernia which may have been causing my blockages but there were tons of adhesions also. Time will tell on how good the surgery was.

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Steve,
Glad to hear you're back home recovering. Hopefully you will get some relief!
I expect they will find the same that I have tons of adhesions plus the 2 hernia sacs. That is why they sent me to an abdominal reconstruction/plastic surgeon. I'm scheduled on April 2 at Methodist.

What kind of surgeon worked on you? And how many days were you Hospitalized? Did the surgery affect your bowels any?

I'm just hoping & praying this doesn't mess up my jpouch because it is working like a charm.

Keep me posted on your recovery. Hope it all goes well.