Has anyone had an Hernia after Di Vinci?

Hi Patti,

Yes.... Spinbiscuit *Glen.... will be able to share quite a bit with you on hernias.... He's had 2 along with his prostate surgery... I'll leave the rest for him to share.

Glad you joined us.... knowing others have traveled before you will help to ease your mind in a lot of ways. Not that it's going to be easy.... just knowing takes some of the fear away.

Take care and keep us posted on your hubby's condition .... okay!!!
Lee & Buddy

Hi PR,

Yes I had hernias (2) left and right inguenals one after the other following the DaVinci procedure on 2/23/06. Since my hernia surgeries I have heard of others as well, although I have not been able to talk to anyone else that has gone through this. As far as I know there was no evidence of a pre-existing condition. The hernias appeared rather quickly, and became so painful I could barely walk. I feel as though I was at least partly responsible because shortly after my DaVinci procedure (2 months or so) I was lifting and moving a heavy micro wave oven out to my car causing strain on the abdominal wall. The surgeon that performed my hernia operations mentioned that he could not do a lap procedure as I had expected. I'm wondering if there is a weakening of the abdominal wall due to the lap procedures. 4 years prior to the PCa surgery I had an apendectamy which was also a lap procedure.

Please let me know what the circumstances of you husband's hernia were, and a note here; I had just recovered from the 1st hernia operation, and was at the surgeon's office for a post-op exam. I mentioned half jokingly that there was now a bulge on my right lower abdomen, and to his surprise (as well as mine) I'd developed a right inguenal hernia within 10 days! The second surgery was a more difficult recovery in terms of discomfort and healing time.

Now that I have undergone 3 surgeries in less than 6 months; I have become a bit more cautious, and will not lift anything that weighs more than 15 pounds. Rumor is that repairing damage to a prior hernia surgery is no picnic, and I have no desire to independently varify that.

As far as I know there is no way to predict when a hernia might occur, or who may be at risk of a hernia do to lap procedures. Your husband is the only other person I will have a chance to question about this issue. Tell him good luck, and not to lift anything heavy or to strain himself for awhile. By the way if he needs coaching after surgery; getting out of the car or bed let me know I'm a pro at it now (unfortunately).

Glen

Post Edited (spinbiscuit) : 10/31/2006 9:28:43 PM (GMT-7)

Hi Patti & Ron,

Now that you know there is a weakening in the abdominal wall you might want to ask your general surgeon what specific activities and exercises to stay away from. You certainly don't want to go through what I did. It has been almost 3 months since my 2nd hernia surgery, and I still get some soreness when I'm not being careful. A friend had his hernia surgery 10 years ago, and said the soreness could go on for awhile.

I hope Ron's knee surgery is not too serious. I've had a bum knee for 30+ years, but I've been to scared to have them fool with it. Of course back then it was an open procedure, and not a scope like today which is much less invasive. I wish you good luck, and a speedy recovery.

Glen

Hi Patti,

If there is going to be a wait before his hernia surgery you might consult the surgeon to see if he recommends Ron wear a truss in order to stop the hernia from getting any larger. I certainly hope Ron doesn't take after his uncles either.

Glen