DrC or anyone hiatal hernia question

terrriho · November 8, 2006

DrC, I am looking for clarification. I am to be banded Dec. 4. An edoscopy revealed I have a "large" hiatal hernia. I sent my records to my surgeon and then called the office to see if the hernia would prevent me from having a band placed. The office told me that as long as I haven't had it repaired I would still be eligible for the band, otherwise not. I asked if the surgeon would repair it and I was told no. That seems to be contrary to what I have read about hiatal hernias and banding. I would much appreciate your input on this. Thanks and thanks again.

Terri

DrHekier · November 9, 2006

Ask the surgeon directly if you can. Our practice is to generally to repair hiatal herniae if we encounter them.

Two of our five bands today had hiatal herniae and were repaired at the same time. One of the other patients had a prior hiatal hernia repair, and the 'scar tissue' from the the prior surgery made the band placement much more challenging than usual, so it's not uncommon for some surgeons to decline to perform Lap Band surgery if a person has had a prior hiatal hernia repair or fundoplication.

terrriho · November 9, 2006

Thank you, DrHekier, for your information. I will try to talk to my surgeon about this.

Terri

Trace Curry · November 11, 2006

I agree, it shouldn't be a problem, although if your surgeon is early in his experience and you have a large hernia, someone with more experience might be worth looking into.

Dr. C

Cincinnati, Ohio

www.TheBandDoctor.com 877.442.BAND

DISCLAIMER: I am not your surgeon, any comments made by me are not meant to be taken as medical advice, just general guidelines. Contact your surgeon about your specific problem!