RE: surgery for - open vs. lap query

[Guest guest]

I can’t say that I agree that an open is better than a

lap. I’d be more inclined to say it has more to do with the skill of surgeon

and the patient. My first was a thoracotomy myotomy and the second was a

lap myotomy with a dor fundoplication. However, I’ve had

several other abdomen surgeries; open and laparoscopic.

in SF

From: achalasia

[mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of Carolyn

Sent: Friday, January 18, 2008 11:30 AM

achalasia

Subject: Re: surgery for achalasia - open vs lap query

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.

>

>

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