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Costs of operations

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Posted 8/4/2005 7:35 AM (GMT 0)
Does anybody know the cost of fundoplication or endocinch? I'm getting interested in the latter (actually, I thought fundoplication was the only option untill now)
I live in El Salvador and endocinch isn't done here, I think. Don't know about the fundoplication. What other operations are there?
Posted 8/4/2005 12:05 PM (GMT 0)
The major surgical procedures are the Nissen fundoplication or the Toupet (or partial) fundoplication ... the partial is very similar to the Nissen (which is a full wrap) except in the partial they only wrap the esophogus partially around the stomach to create a new valve which allows for a greater possibility to burp/vomit.  The other downside to the full is that there is a greater chance for gas/bloat.  Some feel the partial doesn't give as much reflux relief however.  There is also something called the Hill Posterior Gastropexy but that is mainly done in the northwest parts of the US.  There are several endoscopic proceedures: the endocinch which you referred to is not done much anymore as they found it really didn't last.  There is also the enteryx and the stretta;  both have some pros and cons but not too many people seem to be doing them yet.  There are 2 other proceedures coming down the pipe in the US (they are doing clinical trials in the US now but I believe they are being used in Europe) called the Plicator and the Gatekeeper.  Google all these proceedures and you'll get plenty of info.  Hope this helps.  As far as the cost goes, that differs from doctor to doctor.  Just be sure if you choose the fundo, get someone who had done ALOT of them!!
Posted 8/4/2005 2:05 PM (GMT 0)

I have read some horror stories about the after effects of having these surgeries done.

That does not mean that everbody has a bad experience, but it does mean that once the surgery is done, there is no going back.

So, be sure that you have exhausted all other avenues of medical remedies before you even think of surgery, and be sure to get a doctor that knows what he/she is doing.

I would think that a second opinion would be in order.  Just remember that surgeons make their money by operating on people.  They have to have patients.

Get a doctor that you trust to make the correct decision about your case.

 

Posted 8/4/2005 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
All of these operations seem interesting.
I would prefer outpatient surgery and I see there are a lot of options, I don't know if any of them are done here but I'll try to talk to my doctor this month.

The thing is, Searchin', that from what I understand, even if I find a medication that really works for me, I would have to stick to it forever (I'm 20 years old)
It is scary to think there's no going back if something goes wrong, though I wonder if that applies to all operations (the Stretta are just lesions where the healing strengthens the LES)

I'm not planning to rush into one of these procedures but I want to know my options.
That's also why I wanted to know the cost of one of an operation (we don't have a lot of money)
Anyone knows an estimate or range of a procedure like enteryx, stretta or plicator? I just want an idea of the cost.

Post Edited (alejandro hernandez) : 8/4/2005 10:41:49 AM (GMT-6)

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