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.

[Flycaster305]

I think keyhole and laparoscopic surgery are the same procedure, but I could be wrong.  At any rate, I had the laparoscopic procedure.  It leaves five very small scars, and frankly I'd ask about it.  I have a big zipper scar going down my chest, and think an additional 3mm scar or two two not be intrusive. Perhaps you had some mesh mixed into your previous surgeries, or their is some reason they are reluctant.  
From what I know, if you have an open procedure, Smiley, the holidays would be a very bad time to opt for the surgery.
I'm glad you are loving your new continent.  I'm doing OK, and will contact your privately.  My open heart surgery went very well, as did my Nissen procedure.  The car wreck sort of slowed me up a bit.

I'd try for a second opinion or ask your surgeon why the Lap. procedure can't be done.

Fly

[Smiley2000]

Hi Flycaster!

I was shocked to learn about your OHS and then the car accident!  Please look after yourself.

Yes, we moved from South-African to Australia, 3 months ago.  We live in Roxby Downs and the closest City is Adelaide (about 600km from here) so it is a bit of a mission to get to Docs, etc.  But I love Australia and I love living in Roxby.  Would not trade it for anywhere else.

Tell me:  the keyholes - is it in the same area as your sternum-incision?  I had my valve op in March 2008 and then had sternal dehiscence and another OHS was done Nov. 2009.  If the keyholes are in that same area, then I can imagine all the scar tissue!

I am still waiting to hear from the Surgeon on a date for the surgery.  My kids are still small (6, 8) and I actually don't want to do it during the December holidays!  maybe early 2012 but I would have loved to start a new year without having to go for surgery!  just can not win :)

Hope to hear from you soon.  have a good day.

[Flycaster305]

I'm sorry to hear you have to have the surgery, Smiley.  I'm also wishing you could have the keyhole surgery like I had.  
As I had previous surgery for a bowel obstruction, both open and keyhole surgeries were discussed and examined.  I was advised the keyhole procedure would mean a two to three day hospital stay, and an open procedure would mean a stay of about a week.  I'm guessing that driving restrictions would be like our open heart surgeries, probably about a month to six weeks.  I know you have just moved to a new Continent, so suspect you are worried about getting the kids from here to there, etc.  

Is it possible with your healthcare system to get a second opinion, and see if they can work around the scar tissue?  

Regardless, the procedure has a huge success rate.  The internet has loads of negative reports, but the satisfaction rate is extremely high.  PPI's are very innefective  when one develops a hiatel hernia and a poorly working LES.  Follow the post-surgery diet very carefully.  

Regarding driving, I'm four months post-bypass, and was in a difficult car accident this weekend.  Your questions about driving are well-founded after surgery.  Even with four months of recovery, my chest is extremely sore from the seat belt.  I would think a soft tissue incision and a car accident could be a very difficult condition.

Good luck, Smiley, nice to see your post.