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Post by karen80222 on Apr 17, 2007 21:47:12 GMT -5
Hi All! I was wondering if anyone had any information and/or experiences with a "mini" laparotomy? I looked for another thread and couldn't find one -- so forgive me if I missed it! From what I can tell, a "mini" laparotomy has only a 2-3 inch (5-8 cm??) incision as opposed to a 6-8(?) inch (15-20 cm???) incision. Apparently the recovery time is similar to that of a laparoscopy. I am curious as I am scheduled for a laparoscopy on Friday. My dr suggested a laparotomy if she needs to get in there more, but since my bf is working on the other side of the state, and I live alone, I told her that I would have to plan that so I could have some help! She is concerned she won't be able to get what she needs to with just a lap. So -- after my "discovery" today, I called her office to say I was up for the mini if she thought that was a good idea. She is to call me tomorrow (Wednesday). So that's why I was hoping for some experiences -- has anyone even heard of such a thing? Any info is so greatly appreciated!!!!!! Karen
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Post by angelas on Apr 18, 2007 9:21:51 GMT -5
The only thing that I can think of - and it probably isn't even closely related - but! They always say that with a lap you are to have 2 incisions - 1 in or around the belly button, and 1 at your pubic bone. After my last lap I came home with 5 incisions... I never asked why, but now I think its because they couldn't get at it with just the 2 so they make more incisions. I could be totally way off base here... but! you could even ask your doctor if that is something she could do!!??
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Post by ouchy on Apr 18, 2007 9:27:10 GMT -5
I've always come home with more than just a couple incisions. My last one had a big cut to the side of my belly button for laparascope insertion. This cut through all of my abdominal muscles, instead of just dropping through the belly button tube. GRRR. The first night was the worst. I stayed in the hospital and didn't have the abdominal strength/control to get out of bed all that easily. I used my upper body strength a lot. However, I could still take care of myself. I just needed something to pull myself up on to get out of bed. If you have a cane or something that you could keep near your bed, you should be able to manage. I say let her do what she has to do to do a great job! You have a better chance of her getting more endo if she can do what she needs to.
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Post by JackMcFarland on Apr 18, 2007 10:55:20 GMT -5
I only had three small incisions. Pelvic done to the side, belly button, and one just above like my pubic line. Their invisible at this point. When I got out of surgery, I honestly felt like someone had just wacked with full force with a bat right into the tummy. I could get up and move around though.
I did hear something about a laparotomy from the dr who did that surgery though...
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Post by karen80222 on Apr 18, 2007 12:37:46 GMT -5
I'm thinking what makes it a "mini" laparotomy is they cut other than the "usual" laparscopy places? The 2 laps I've had, the bigger cut is under the belly button, and they little tiny ones are above the public bone (they actually pulled my 8 inch long swollen appendix out of that one -- EWWWW!) and one little one kinda like right over my left ovary. Now -- this seems like a bigger muscle cut somewhere around that area, either vertical up from your pubic bone or the bikini cut area. But -- my dr hasn't called me yet so I'm still wondering! To get everything she was pushing for the full laparotomy, but at my pre-op I told her that I lived alone & my bf could only be here this weekend, she kinda panicked! She said if she had to do a bigger cut, we would have to arrange for a nurse to stay with me for 2 weeks! I want her to get everything -- but I don't want to be in the position that I can't get food, or get outta bed, or get hurt & can't drive, etc. I have 2 dogs -- but they are NOT very good at taking care of sick people -- I knew I should have trained them better! Maybe with a 2-3 inch mini laparotomy cut, I could heal by myself? ? It's pretty scary though. That's the one bad side about having to move so much, I'm fairly new in this area and know NO ONE -- so I'm afraid it would be impossible -- bordering on dangerous -- to be alone with the big cut. But Ouchy -- from your side belly button cut and how bad that hurt you -- maybe I'm wrong on this one too! I'm trying to find the middle ground where the dr can do as much as she can, yet I can recover being by myself. ACK!!!!! I really need a sedative now! Thanks for your input ladies!!! It's been great and given me more to think about! You guys are so wonderful!!!!!
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Post by ouchy on Apr 18, 2007 12:50:52 GMT -5
But Ouchy -- from your side belly button cut and how bad that hurt you -- maybe I'm wrong on this one too! I'm trying to find the middle ground where the dr can do as much as she can, yet I can recover being by myself. ACK!!!!! I really need a sedative now! I still made it on my own and would have preferred going home the same day. My insurance covered one night in the hospital, and since I'd had my appendix out at the same time, I agreed to stay. I still did it on my own. I didn't need any diapers changed for me or anything...or even those "monster" pads. I was quite sore the first night, but you'd be surprised at how quickly your body heals itself. The next morning, I could feel TONS of difference. I didn't have a wheel chair or anything. I walked down to the car myself.
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Post by karen80222 on Apr 18, 2007 13:17:03 GMT -5
That is SO great to hear!!! I know I can do it!! ;D
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Post by christineann on Apr 18, 2007 13:31:32 GMT -5
Karen, I realize that your surgery is coming up very soon and I don't want to worry you, but have you thought about getting a second opinion to see if you can find a doctor who feels confident about doing this laparoscopically? From what I have read, an experienced surgeon actually has better vision and manoeuverability with laparoscopy than with laparotomy, although I'm sure it depends on the individual case.
From what I've read about mini-laparotomy, it involves about a 2-inch horizontal incision.
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Post by karen80222 on Apr 18, 2007 21:44:37 GMT -5
Oh -- no worries Christineanne! I am confident about my dr's skill with the scope -- she's just cautious -- again, I totally appreciate it. Problem is my right ovary is in bad shape, probably lots of endo, a cyst and adhesions have it tied up pretty badly. Unfortunately -- it appears (won't know for sure til she's in there) that it is sitting right on top of a ureter and the major blood vessel that goes down into your leg. She doesn't want to get too close & possibly kill me -- again, which I appreciate! I guess I'm just trying to figure out a way to get it out without a big cut -- but to be honest, a big cut might not get it. However, she did say that she would document it thoroughly and could give me a referral to some other surgeons who might be braver! But then again, is it worth dying over??? If the pain wasn't crippling, I would let it go....but this is impacting my life so seriously that I'm not sure what to do. But -- maybe I'm worrying for nothing....maybe everything will work out ok! That's what I'm hoping for! But -- I'm also sure that this won't be my last surgery. But hey -- I've got you guys who are MORE than awesome!!!
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Post by christineann on Apr 19, 2007 14:59:25 GMT -5
If you feel good about your doctors skill and she's keeping you as informed as possible, then you are probably right to stick with her. A doctor who is both skillful and sympathetic can be hard to find.
Good luck!
Christine
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