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Does Radiation In Abdominal Area Affect The Abdominal Wall?
Question: I will be going in for a hernia operation on 18 XXXXXXX 2014. I have also had chemo and radiation due to ovarian cancer in 2009 and 2012. I am worried about this opertion becasue if my doctor cannot do it laparoscopically, he will then have to open me up, and I am worried about the walls of my insides being compromised by the radiation.
Brief Answer:
Detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Radiation in the abdominal area causes bowels changes for sure. It may be a reason of adhesions inside the abdominal cavity and intestines narrowing. Radiation does not affect abdominal wall that much. So the only problem which may appear are bowels adhesions. It may even happen to be impossible to perform it laparoscopically. Classic incision can also give some problems as intestines can be attached to the abdominal wall and can be injured during the surgery. So the worst (which you should be aware of) complication which can happen is intestine perforation during the surgery and the need to stoma creation.
So if the hernia does not bother you much, maybe you should consult another surgeon and consider not having this surgery as long as it will be possible.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Radiation in the abdominal area causes bowels changes for sure. It may be a reason of adhesions inside the abdominal cavity and intestines narrowing. Radiation does not affect abdominal wall that much. So the only problem which may appear are bowels adhesions. It may even happen to be impossible to perform it laparoscopically. Classic incision can also give some problems as intestines can be attached to the abdominal wall and can be injured during the surgery. So the worst (which you should be aware of) complication which can happen is intestine perforation during the surgery and the need to stoma creation.
So if the hernia does not bother you much, maybe you should consult another surgeon and consider not having this surgery as long as it will be possible.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your reply. I have had this problem for about two years now and the only reason I am considering an operation is because the hernia keeps growing and like I mentioned before, quite uncomfortable. My specialist has informed me about the risk of an intestine perforation. If this were to happen, he would first fix the perforation and then continue with the operation after a few days.
What is the healing period if all goes well with the surgery. The reason I am asking is because at present, my son is in a leg cast because of a fall where he broke his tibia and had to have screws in. This happened two weeks ago. On the 30 XXXXXXX he will be having jaw surgery to correct his under bit and I will be the one taking care of him. I was to have my surgery tomorrow, but I postponed it to the 18 XXXXXXX Is that enough time to heal and take care of my son?
What is the healing period if all goes well with the surgery. The reason I am asking is because at present, my son is in a leg cast because of a fall where he broke his tibia and had to have screws in. This happened two weeks ago. On the 30 XXXXXXX he will be having jaw surgery to correct his under bit and I will be the one taking care of him. I was to have my surgery tomorrow, but I postponed it to the 18 XXXXXXX Is that enough time to heal and take care of my son?
Brief Answer:
.
Detailed Answer:
In case of intestine perforation mesh should not be applied in next few months. Its because intestines contains bacteria and the mesh should not be infected. Infected mesh is a very bad complication and usually destroys all that was repaired.
The healing takes about 3 months. The wound is closed in 10 days, but the tissues are strong enough in 3 months. So it is necessary to do not lift any heavy objects (more than 5 kg) for 3 months.
So if you need to help your son in walking, this might be hard so early after the surgery.
Regards.
.
Detailed Answer:
In case of intestine perforation mesh should not be applied in next few months. Its because intestines contains bacteria and the mesh should not be infected. Infected mesh is a very bad complication and usually destroys all that was repaired.
The healing takes about 3 months. The wound is closed in 10 days, but the tissues are strong enough in 3 months. So it is necessary to do not lift any heavy objects (more than 5 kg) for 3 months.
So if you need to help your son in walking, this might be hard so early after the surgery.
Regards.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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