Nissen fund - open procedure

[Smiley2000]

Hi, just got back from my Consult with Surgeon.  I have to go for Nissen op soon but I was told that they would not be able to do it keyhole like they normally do, due to the 2 open-heart surgeries that I've had - scar tissue.

Now I am really freaked out!  what is the recovery period after an open Nissen op?  will I be able to drive soon afterwards?  how long is the hospital stay.

Any help or encouragement will be appreciated.

[Smiley2000]

Thanks for the info and support :)  

I am sure they'll try to do the operation via keyhole and if it fails, do the open cut, but ultimately they will only know what they can do once they are busy doing it.

We moved from South Africa to Australia (3 months ago) and it is just all new to me... don't know how the Medical Insurances works here??? and the closest City to us is Adelaide and that is about 600km from here.  I would have liked to start planning on the hows and whos and whens.  I just like planning ahead, then I feel more in control.

I'll keep you guys posted on developments.  Thanks!

[patient915]

Sorry, I didn't see this post before I responded to your other post.  The recovery period really depends on the person, but it will be longer than if it had been done by keyhole.  Depending on what your doctor says and what medications you are on when you leave the hospital stay, you can probably drive as soon as you are discharged from the hospital (although this might not be correct depending on your doctor's recommendations).  Again, the hospital stay really depends on the patient.  If you have had 2 open heart surgeries before, you might need to stay longer in the hospital so they can monitor you for longer.  These are all great questions to ask your doctor.