Mary's Story
Wednesday April 4, 2007
"I have a very large paraesophageal hernia which requires surgical correction. I have been reading up on the procedure and apparently the operation takes over 3 hours. I just had minor surgery this week to remove a complex cyst in my breast, which hopefully turns out to be benign. I had post surgery complications (probably due to the anesthetic) as I was over three hours in the recovery room and had hypothermia and breathing problems, requiring oxygen supplementation. I am fearful of how I will react to my next surgery, which is much longer and will require a higher dose of anesthetic. But what options do I have, play Russian Roulette and hope my giant hernia doesn't rupture, or risk having the surgery, but maybe not surviving the after effects. Just wondered what you would do if you were in my place."
Points to Remember:
If your doctor has recommended surgery for a hiatal hernia or GERD, and you have concerns, it is important that you discuss these with your doctor. Fundoplication is the most common surgery performed on GERD and hiatal hernia patients. There are two types of fundoplication: Open and Closed. Discussing your options, and the risks and benefits, is important.
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Comments
Is your surgery to be performed by your gastroenterologist? Make an appointment with him to discuss your fears and the effects of the anesthesia in your recent breast surgery. Ask who your anesthetist will be. Ask if he will be in contact with him. Find out who the anesthetist was in your prior surgery. Perhaps there was no anesthetist (possible with minor surgery) and thios was the reason for the complications.
Don’t forget it is YOUR body and the doctors have to have your informed consent to procedures. Make dsure that whoever does your next surgery knows that you have had anesthesia problems in the past. Send himn a letter, if necessary. That should cause him to be extra careful that you get a competent anesthetist.
Mary, I know myself how scary surgeries can be and you should know that there are many anasthesias they can use. I agree that you should share your concerns with the doctor and ask what precautions can be taken so as not to repeat the reaction from the previous surgery. Any doctor worth their salt will help you to find an option that you are confortable with and will calm your worries, but you’ve got to let them know what happened first.