Punctured Bowel?

On November 1st I had a LAVH and they accidently punctured my bowel with the laperscope. I was told that the repair took longer than my surgery but that everything was "fixed". They said it would not effect my overall recovery but did extend my hospital stay and delay my food intake. I had a tube down my nose and throat for 2 days post op that removed anything that entered my stomach.

My doctor and surgeon indiated that this was a first for both of them. I am wondering how common this is and if anyone else had it happen to them.

So sorry to hear that you had to go through that. How are you feeling now? Was there any pain when you could start eating regular food?

I don't know how often it happens, but my doctor did warn me that it was a possibility before the laparoscopic procedure I had. He said that when they enter with the first instrument, it is blind, since that instrument will be, (or carry) the camera, and that it is always a possibility. I am sorry that this happened and I hope the best for you in your healing... (((Hugs))) to you!
Cathy

tbird,
I do hope you are feeling better. That is awful. I had a TAH and I know that the risk of bowel damage was in the papers I signed to authorize surgery. My doctor discussed it with me too.....she said it happens....but rarely. I guess the instance of it happening with Lap may be higher? I really do hope all is returning to normal for you.

Theresa

Thank you for your reply. I knew it was a risk but wasn't sure how common it was. Everything else with recovery is going well so I suppose I was very lucky.

TBird818,

I was also warned that knicking the bowel was a possibility, and that it occurs more frequently with an LAVH vs a TAH.

Sorry to hear you had to go on an NG tube after your surgery. 10 days after my surgery I had a small bowel obstruction and was placed on an NG tune for 6 days. I had been really sick 3 days prior and then didn't get any food for 5 days. Were you awake when they put the NG tube in? I was in the ER when they did it, and I have to say it was the most unpleasant thing I have ever had done to me (and I have had a lot of stuff done to me recently). I told them not to remove it until they were sure I was better because there was no way they would be able to hold me down to put it back in. I was really worried when they were going to take it out, but it wasn't too bad. Glad to hear everything else in your recovery is going well. I am also doing very well despite the obstruction and will be going back to work next week (Yeah!)

Luckily I was not awake when they inserted the tube. I can't imagine being awake when they inserted it. It felt weird coming out but can't even imagine them trying in insert it without knocking me out.

Glad to hear all is well with you now.

Isn't this forum great? It has given me so much comfort!