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Suggest Remedies For Post Operative Hernia

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Posted on Tue, 17 May 2016
Question: I had Whipple's Procedure operation in October 2015, within the past two weeks have developed large post operative hernia. My GP stated he is not concerned, suggesting I go swimming to strengthen stomach muscles. I have not been swimming for over 20 years. I am 81 years of age.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
If the neck is small, corrective surgery is needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Male/81 - Whipple's in Oct 2015 - Incisional hernia 2 weeks - GP not concerned and says swimming to strengthen stomach muscles... no swimming 20 years and your are 81...

Sorry to know this opinion.
Please give a few additional details:
Is the hernia easily reducible?
Is it causing any problems?
Post a picture if possible (please).

If the opening (neck) is small, there are chances of intestinal obstruction and hence needs corrective surgery.
If the neck of the sac is large, can wait.

Please insist for a reference to the operative Surgeon/ General Surgeon to assess correctly, decide the need of surgery and go ahead accordingly.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for relevant further queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (22 minutes later)
Thank you for replying. The hernia is not causing any discomfort, just unsightly. Approximately 6 (Six ) inches long and 1.5 inches protruding from " normal " stomach position . I.e. look pregnant!!
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Corset and clinical and ultrasound evaluation.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
You may please use medical corset to keep the hernia from protruding, not allowing it to increase further with everything that increases intra-abdominal pressure.
Keep coughing and constipation at-bay.
Certainly should have clinical evaluation by the Surgeon and ultrasonography of the abdominal wall to see the size of the neck. This may be far smaller in some cases than the outside protrusion that is seen.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (31 minutes later)
Thanks for your reply. I have E-mailed the outstanding surgeon, via his specialist nurse, Professor Dr. Kocher at The Royal London Hospital, who conducted the Whipple's Procedure operation, asking for his professional opinion whether further surgery is considered the only solution.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Take the care

Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome.
Nice to know that you have already emailed.
Till you get the reply please take the as we discussed above.
If possible get an ultrasound for hernia.



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (52 minutes later)
I have contacted my GP, this morning requesting referral to Basildon Hospital for ultrasound scan on hernia. My GP explained that nothing will be gained from ultrasound scan, as nothing medically will be achieved. Large hernia's like mine are not life threatening, only cosmetically unsightly, therefore could not recommend any form of surgery.
Will now have to await response from Professor Dr. Kocher, the surgeon who conducted the Whipple's Procedure.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
As explained.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
Now got the point that your GP has. If he has examined the local area by hand to palpate the internal opening, it may be very wide and hence his saying: large hernia. Yes, the large hernia with large internal opening are not at all life threatening as the bowel can not get entrapped. He also says cosmetically unsightly and hence refused to get an ultrasound or surgery.
Let us wait for an opinion of your Surgeon.
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
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19777 Questions

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Suggest Remedies For Post Operative Hernia

Brief Answer: If the neck is small, corrective surgery is needed. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query. To recapitulate: Male/81 - Whipple's in Oct 2015 - Incisional hernia 2 weeks - GP not concerned and says swimming to strengthen stomach muscles... no swimming 20 years and your are 81... Sorry to know this opinion. Please give a few additional details: Is the hernia easily reducible? Is it causing any problems? Post a picture if possible (please). If the opening (neck) is small, there are chances of intestinal obstruction and hence needs corrective surgery. If the neck of the sac is large, can wait. Please insist for a reference to the operative Surgeon/ General Surgeon to assess correctly, decide the need of surgery and go ahead accordingly. I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for relevant further queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.