DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am writing to you as a last resort for my ongoing problem.
In April 2005 I had an abdominal aortic aneurysm which burst while I was on the operating table. Against the odds I lived.
In July 2005 I developed two hernias which were treated non-invasively. In April 2006, I developed three hernias which were again treated non-invasively.
In May of 2006 I had surgery on my left carotid artery because it was 95% blocked. I was fine until March 2008 when I had to have surgery for another hernia. I have enclosed the hospital papers with this letter for your review.
Aug 2008 I returned to the same hospital because of more hernias. The doctor said they could not operate and that I would have to be seen by a specialist at a nearby medical university hospital or the Mayo Clinic. He said they couldn’t do the repair because any further operation might cause me to lose part of my stomach and/or large intestine. I have been wearing an abdominal binder but the bulges are very prominent and painful, especially when I cough which was often since I have COPD.
DEAR READER:
Thank you for sending some back up material as it was helpful in coming up with my answer.
Based on the report, all of your hernia problems have come from your abdominal aneurysm repair. The surgical incision has weakened in several areas allowing the hernias to form. During the first surgical repair, mesh was put in place to prevent further weakening of the area. During the second surgical repair, a new hernia occurred just on the edge of the old mesh and that the old mesh has grown into the flesh. You also had several severe adhesions (areas where two organs fuse together inappropriately). The adhesions where removed, as was the old mesh. A new, larger piece of mesh was put in place and the hernia repaired. At the same time, your umbilicus (belly button) was removed because it had adhered to the mesh.
All of this means that your while your first surgery successfully fixed the hernia, it eventually led to several potentially serious conditions caused by the healing process. Adhesions are essentially a buildup of scar tissue and in your case, this occurred between your stomach, small and large intestine and the surgical mesh. Your body healed too well which led to the problem.
Based on the findings of the second surgery and your current situation, it seems to me that you will continue to have issues with hernias. I am unsure of the cause of this, however, can understand the physician’s stance. Based on your last surgery, the hospital and surgeons are expecting more of the same. Even if your adhesions and hernias are less severe than the previous ones, damage has been done.
Removal of part of the stomach and intestine is major and can lead to complications. I agree with his recommendation to see super specialists at a teaching hospital or the Mayo Clinic. The physicians and surgeons here have access to the newest procedures and protocols. Perhaps they will be able to fix your hernias and prevent them from returning.
I urge you to make an appointment at one of the facilities for a consultation. Be sure to bring your medical records for review as they may play a crucial role in determining your next course of action.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “An Informed Approach to Surgery”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope number 10 and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott