Laproscopic resection?

Still in the testing phase, but my GI has suggested I'm probably due for a resection of the TI.

She said it can now be done laproscopically, but I'd have to go to the big city hospital (U of Pittsburgh an hour's drive away) whereas  I have a good community hospital only 3 miles away--that could do it open--and this isn't brain surgery. 

Has anybody had it done lapro?

Although mine could have been laproscopic I chose to have an open surgery because it has been around longer, and their seems to be less complications afterwards. I have known some people that have had bad experiences with laproscopic, but with that being said I have also known a few who have had success. I would go for open though since it is near your home, your comfortable there. Best of Luck

I had lapro surgery done two weeks tomorrow actually. I too had to go to large city hospital 2hrs away, but for me it was the best care and the best of the best surgeon team that mattered. I have been suffering from pain due to strictures in my TI and surgery was the best and only choice.
I too, went into surgery knowing that they might have to do it open but fortunately I woke up and they had successfully done the surgery lapro. They removed half my cecum, appendix, terminal ileum and ileocecal valve. I had 3 blockages turns out. I do not about the other but for me recovery since surgery has been slow but steady. I have a 3 inch incison below my bellybutton, a small half inch incision in pubic area and another small incision high up on my belly. I can't imagine how much more painful a larger incision would be....we use our stomach muscles for almost everything! I wish you well whichever procedure you choose. Keep us posted and take care.

I was supposed to have the laparoscopic surgery in July for my first resection (TI). But once they opened me up, it was alot worse than suspected, so they cut me all the way open. I knew it was an option, but was shocked when I woke up with a 7 inch incision and 26 staples down my stomach. The recovery and discomfort from the incision was probably more annoying than anything else. As mentioned above, the surgery sucked, but was MORE THAN WORTH IT considering how I suffered for 2 years before becasue of my Crohn's. I would opt for the lap but be prepared for open...that's just my opinion. You have to do what is right for you and what you feel most comfy with. GOOD LUCK!

I had my gallbladder removed laparoscopically 10 years ago. I had a resection done less than 6 months ago. They tried to do it laparoscopically , I have a small incision that ended up not being used in the middle of my belly. I also have a 9 inch one that went around my belly button and up 2 inches. The recovery from the gallbladder was a breeze (10 years younger and healthier) and the recovery from the open surgery was hard mainly because of the abdominal muscles being cut. It took about 4 months to be able to use them fully without pain. But in the end it was worth it. My surgeon was fairly confident he would be able to do it laparoscopically but got a surprise once he got in there. So you might want to keep that in mind when deciding whether its worth such travel time and no guarantee of what will happen when you get there. Good luck and keep us posted!

Hi I had open and 23 staples the scar is very fine nad not very noticeable. I did get infection and drained some after the staples were removed a small hole was there and I am getting it dresses every 3 days now it is starting to close up my surgery will be 5 weeks tomorrow. I went threw the surgery good and could not have lapo because I was to bloated . I had an epidoral and no pain for 3 days and no pain meds after that ,that was when they removed the epidoral. Out of the hospital in 7 days and now doing hosework and feeling great. Hope you make the decision that is best for you and keep in touch. lol gail