surgery for - open vs lap query

[Guest guest]

I'm a new member in the UK, and following manometry was diagnosed

recently with achalasia. I have been suffering a long time and have got

to the stage where I really can't get anything down - solids or fluids.

I've lost 2 and a half stone (BMI of about 16), down to under 7 stone

(94 lbs)and suffer from a lot of chest pain.

I saw my doctor today who has recommended open surgery a.s.a.p ( i was

surprised that he didn't push for lap myotomy!). Can anyone out there

tell me about it (without terrifying me too much!! lol)and how does it

compare to laparoscopic surgery in terms of success rate, recovery etc.

I'm female and in my thirties, and there is no doubt in my mind that I

should have the surgery as I can't go on with regurgitating everything

that I try to eat/drink. Would love to hear from anyone on this. Thanks.

[Guest guest]

It's important to see a doctor who is experienced with achalasia

patients. Laparoscopic surgery has faster recovery time and

fewer complications. Let us know where you are located and our

members in the UK may be able to recommend someone.

Here's a lot of information about the surgery:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heller_Myotomy

And achalasia in general:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achalasia

in PA

surgery for achalasia - open vs lap query

> I'm a new member in the UK, and following manometry was

> diagnosed

> recently with achalasia. I have been suffering a long time and

> have got

> to the stage where I really can't get anything down - solids or

> fluids.

> I've lost 2 and a half stone (BMI of about 16), down to under 7

> stone

> (94 lbs)and suffer from a lot of chest pain.

> I saw my doctor today who has recommended open surgery a.s.a.p

> ( i was

> surprised that he didn't push for lap myotomy!). Can anyone out

> there

> tell me about it (without terrifying me too much!! lol)and how

> does it

> compare to laparoscopic surgery in terms of success rate,

> recovery etc.

> I'm female and in my thirties, and there is no doubt in my mind

> that I

> should have the surgery as I can't go on with regurgitating

> everything

> that I try to eat/drink. Would love to hear from anyone on

> this. Thanks.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi there,

No need to be terrified at all, though I know surgery is scary, no matter what anyone else tells you.

I had two open myotomies myself, so I cannot compare it to a laparoscopic one. I don't really think there is all that much difference between open and laparoscopic regarding the total outcome. I do think you recover somewhat quicker from laparoscopic surgery and of course you won't have the big scar (mine is from breasts to belly button, but I don't mind to be honest).

What I do question here, is why your surgeon would only want to perform open surgery on you. Have you had any other surgery in that part of your body, so that he might fear scar tissue? My first myotomy was done 12 years ago, so back then lap. wasn't the usual thing and that's why they did mine open. Last year I had my second myotomy and because of the scar tissue my body built they had to alter from lap. to open surgery.

If there's no reason that has to do with other health issues, there must be another reason why your surgeon wants to do yours open. Ask why. If he lacks experience don't do it! I think you have many questions to ask your surgeon: how many myotomies performed until now? Success rates? Complications?

Once again: don't be afraid, things will work out OK. Just be carefull with choosing your surgeon. No need to rush into things, so please don't do that.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Isabella

surgery for achalasia - open vs lap query

I'm a new member in the UK, and following manometry was diagnosed recently with achalasia. I have been suffering a long time and have got to the stage where I really can't get anything down - solids or fluids. I've lost 2 and a half stone (BMI of about 16), down to under 7 stone (94 lbs)and suffer from a lot of chest pain. I saw my doctor today who has recommended open surgery a.s.a.p ( i was surprised that he didn't push for lap myotomy!). Can anyone out there tell me about it (without terrifying me too much!! lol)and how does it compare to laparoscopic surgery in terms of success rate, recovery etc. I'm female and in my thirties, and there is no doubt in my mind that I should have the surgery as I can't go on with regurgitating everything that I try to eat/drink. Would love to hear from anyone on this. Thanks.

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

Hello! Hopefully you are seeing a specialist who is well versed and practiced in Achalasia. Sometimes if you have had an extreme weight loss at a rapid weight loss, it is neccessary to have an open procedure. The Reason being that your insides are loose and the surgeon needs to have a good eye on what he will be doing. With an open, the healing time is longer and the SPECIALIZED diet takes longer, but the results are often better and more permanent. Along with I cannot stress the importance of Knowledge, Skill and Experience of your specialist. The results are the difference. See the group site for a list of questions that you can ask your doctor... Not all doctors are surgeons... Wish for you the best. Carolyn mom of Cameron OPEN myotomy and fundo 2.5 years ago in

California surgery for achalasia - open vs lap query> I'm a new member in the UK, and following manometry was > diagnosed> recently with achalasia. I have been suffering a long time and > have got> to the stage where I really can't get

anything down - solids or > fluids.> I've lost 2 and a half stone (BMI of about 16), down to under 7 > stone> (94 lbs)and suffer from a lot of chest pain.> I saw my doctor today who has recommended open surgery a.s.a.p > ( i was> surprised that he didn't push for lap myotomy!). Can anyone out > there> tell me about it (without terrifying me too much!! lol)and how > does it> compare to laparoscopic surgery in terms of success rate, > recovery etc.> I'm female and in my thirties, and there is no doubt in my mind > that I> should have the surgery as I can't go on with regurgitating > everything> that I try to eat/drink. Would love to hear from anyone on > this. Thanks.>> 4-H Leader extraordinaire! All-Star Advisor to the most awesome kids of Amador County!

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

Hi

Read my latest update as I have just had surgery for A –

less than 48 hours ago in fact – any questions please ask away – you

will find load of help on here. It amazing.

Andy

From: cookie3009 [mailto:cookie3009@...]

Sent: 18 January 2008 18:17

achalasia

Subject: surgery for achalasia - open vs lap query

I'm a new member in the UK, and following

manometry was diagnosed

recently with achalasia. I have been suffering a long time and have got

to the stage where I really can't get anything down - solids or fluids.

I've lost 2 and a half stone (BMI of about 16), down to under 7 stone

(94 lbs)and suffer from a lot of chest pain.

I saw my doctor today who has recommended open surgery a.s.a.p ( i was

surprised that he didn't push for lap myotomy!). Can anyone out there

tell me about it (without terrifying me too much!! lol)and how does it

compare to laparoscopic surgery in terms of success rate, recovery etc.

I'm female and in my thirties, and there is no doubt in my mind that I

should have the surgery as I can't go on with regurgitating everything

that I try to eat/drink. Would love to hear from anyone on this. Thanks.