Umbilical hernia, but operation denied because of severe COPD.

[tawol]

Hello all, I have severe COPD and last August I had abdominal pain. I went in to the hospital emergency, and it was determined that I had an umbilical hernia. They thought at first I would have to have immediate surgery, but one of the doctors was able to apply external pressure to release the caught up intestine. I had another such episode 6 weeks ago and fortunately my partner was able to apply pressure to again release what was caught. A strangulated hernia can be fatal.

I've had 9 meetings with surgeons or anaesthetists, and the consensus is that the risk of death is too high to have the surgery. I have other conditions that complicate the prognosis, but overriding concern is with my breathing.

Is there anyone else in a similar situation? Severe COPD and having a general anaesthetic? Feeling trapped by this. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Carol

[mrsmummy]

That is a tough situation to be in and I don't know the answer. Why not give our helpline a call and talk to the nurses there for some guidance? They are available weekdays during office hours on 03000 030 555.

[tawol in reply to mrsmummy]

Thanks for that, but I'm in Australia. Sorry, I should have said.

[sassy59]

Hi tawol, Pete can’t have general anaesthesia because his breathing isn’t good. He’s had back operations under local anaesthetic and sedation but I do wonder what would happen if he was in your position.

I hope you find a solution. Take care xxxxx

[tawol in reply to sassy59]

Thank you, sassy59.

[2greys]

Hi Carol,

It is troubling. Whilst not the same and not denied surgery, I was given the odds of 40% of not surviving surgery and if I did survive a 60% chance of being wheelchair bound and on o2. Which are abysmal odds when still leading a normal(ish) life and working full time. I too have Severe COPD. I also now have lung cancer. Luckily I do have another option, Radiotherapy which I am currently waiting for treatment to start, although in a perfect world I would rather it was cut out and removed. So yes, I do know how you feel even though I have another route to take. I was devastated when given those odds after psyching myself up, for what is a major operation.

[tawol in reply to 2greys]

Thanks 2greys. I really trust the radiotherapy goes well for you.

Carol

[skischool]

Carol,i am popping you on an Nhs link which explains how an Umbilical repair is carried out in the UK.although normally done under a general anaesthetic,which in your case has been ruled out due to severity of your lung condition if the repair is small this could be done under a local anaesthetic and although not particularly comfortable,i recently had an inguinal hernia repair done similarly,it may be a way round the problem and worth discussing with your consultant,i am in the same position in that general surgery except in emergency is ruled out due to the severity of my Emphysema.........wishing you good luck in your search for a resolution to your problem.............Skis and Scruffy cat x

nhs.uk/conditions/umbilical...

[oooodicky]

Hi 👋 I have the same but op for kidney stones they tried to give me a epidural about seven times in my back but ended having op under anesthetiser they are scared you or something happens while you’re under try asking about it good luck 😉 richy

[Caspiana]

Hello tawol .

I had a septoplasty , they would not put me under. They said with my low lung function, the risk of me tanking was too high. So did it under local anaesthetic. I would rather not have to undergo that again, but I survived. xx 🌱

[Yatzy]

Good luck, tawol. It’s amazing what they can do ‘behind the green cloth’ with a sedative. My father used to be in same position as you regarding no anaesthesia, but had prostate treatment that way. A bit unnerving but got through reasonably happily.

[whit]

last year i had a plate put in my hand (arthritis), they said i had to have a local anesthetic because of my severe c o p d, for some reason it would not take so i was given a general anesthetic with no ill affects .

[katieoxo60]

Hello Carol, my brother-in-law had a epidural type hernia op due to heart problems . I have had that type of hernia repair myself & incisional hernia repair but only have moderate COPD. The first op was a bit strange could not breath when I came round but it wore off with oxygen & deep breathing, next time was much easier. The severity of your COPD is the obstacle, they could give you a hernia support to stop the pain episodes, but you are still left with the strangulation risk as you say. They can use local anasethtic in some cases, it is a difficult situation for yourself not sure how you could proceed, hope you can find a solution.

[Susan1200]

All i can say tawol ,i wish you all the best ,my thoughts and prayers are with you 🙏