Can one choose laproscopic at Richomnd? Is it a choice?

September 17, 2004

My orientation will be 10/5/04 at Richmond. Of those that have been

operated there, do they offer laparoscopic? What determines this?

Can one request it? I am so afraid of an open surgery. I had

laparoscopic gallbladder removal and the healing was so fast. I was

back to work in 10 days!

I am so full of questions...Can one choose the surgeon? How is it

assigned?

Member Services explained to me that the center is chosen according

to a map, but she didn't know about laparoscopic surgery being a

choice or not.

I hope I will get to meet some of you on that day! Thanks for your

answers, they are very calming...just knowing most of you have been

through it and succeded!

September 17, 2004

Hi

I do not have orientation at Richmond but I do for south san francisco on Oct 26th. as far as Ricmond from what i have heard is that the surgeon evaluates you and discusses that with you pre operatively, but i am fairly certain that when you sign your surgical consent it states if needed they may open you up and do the surgery that way if need be. I think they can give you a good estimate at your surgical consult if you are a good candidate for that type of surgery. i think size of the area there and any pre surgical scarring or scar tissue underneath factors in as well. Good luck on your orientation

Colleen

ps there are quite a number of people in here that have had surgery in richmond Marina Low wrote:

My orientation will be 10/5/04 at Richmond. Of those that have been operated there, do they offer laparoscopic? What determines this? Can one request it? I am so afraid of an open surgery. I had laparoscopic gallbladder removal and the healing was so fast. I was back to work in 10 days! I am so full of questions...Can one choose the surgeon? How is it assigned?Member Services explained to me that the center is chosen according to a map, but she didn't know about laparoscopic surgery being a choice or not.I hope I will get to meet some of you on that day! Thanks for your answers, they are very calming...just knowing most of you have been through it and succeded!

September 18, 2004

You can request lap at Richmond, but it is ultimitely up to the

surgeon. In most cases, you will get offered lap first but there are

restrictions which will be discussed with you at your consult. If for

some reason you are not a candidate for lap...open isnt that bad. I

had open and my scar is only 5 inches long and I was back at work in

4 weeks. Most people do even better and go back sooner. Im just a

whimp when it comes to pain. However, you do have that lap option.

> My orientation will be 10/5/04 at Richmond. Of those that have been

> operated there, do they offer laparoscopic? What determines this?

> Can one request it? I am so afraid of an open surgery. I had

> laparoscopic gallbladder removal and the healing was so fast. I was

> back to work in 10 days!

> I am so full of questions...Can one choose the surgeon? How is it

> assigned?

> Member Services explained to me that the center is chosen according

> to a map, but she didn't know about laparoscopic surgery being a

> choice or not.

> I hope I will get to meet some of you on that day! Thanks for your

> answers, they are very calming...just knowing most of you have been

> through it and succeded!

September 18, 2004

At Richmond they do both lap and open surgeries. Your surgeon will determine which procedure is right for you.