Diaphragm hernia surgery

[Katzekatze]

Hello everybody, I had the Ivor Lewis surgery 2017. In 2019 I had emergency surgery due to an incarcerated gangrene transverse colon. The diaphragm hernia was fixed with sutures, Keyhole. Now I have another ruptured diaphragm. No accident or fall. Did anyone here had more than one hernia? Could you please share what kind of surgery, open or keyhole,sutures or mesh, was performed to repair it. Do you have any issues/side effects? Did you have the surgery right away? I would very much appreciate your help.

Thank you

[rayw55]

Hi, I had my Ivor Lewis op back in December 2009, I had my diaphragm repairs done in April last year with mesh being used to reinforce. This was conducted through keyhole, my split was almost 4 inches with my chest cavity getting 'pretty crowded in there ' according to the surgeon. It took almost 4 months to have the surgery due to covid restrictions and in the time I couldn't do much at all, even climbing stairs got me out of breath. Since the op I have been fine but have been warned not to lift heavy weights etc . Needless to say I am careful. hope this helps

[Katzekatze in reply to rayw55]

Thank you so much for your reply. That is a big opening you had. They "forgot" to tell me back in 2022. This year I read the CT report. I wasn't feeling too good. Colon and part of the pancreas are in my thorax. Looking for a surgeon now. I am so glad you're doing fine, thanks again.

[fortunatus]

I like you had a diaphragmatic and ischaemic hernia dealt with in 2017 by urgent surgery following the original oesophagectomy (Ivor Lewis procedure) in 2012. Very much touch and go for a while. Thereafter I had incisional hernias dealt with in 2018 and mesh inserted. I had the misfortune of an infected mesh which required furher surgery for removal and later reinsertion in 2019. Touch wood no recurrence of either diaphragmatic or incisional hernias. I fear things inevitably can and will go wrong after the enormity of the original cancer surgery. Fortunatus

[Katzekatze in reply to fortunatus]

Thank you for your reply! I am so happy to hear you are doing well. I had no idea what could go wrong after an IL.

Thanks for sharing.

[Hidden]

Hi

I had the same problem my diaphragm hernia happened after 7 years post op. I had surgery in 2018 which went well but I was told that it had been very difficult and my colon split. It lasted for a couple of years but unfortunately further problems have developed. I am not sure what to do at the moment because I am reluctant to have mesh put in due to complications that can occur with this product. It does seem to be a problem with our operation. However I am so happy that I have been so well looked after and am 12 years post op. I have an excellent consultant and he is so supportive.

Good luck x

[Katzekatze in reply to Hidden]

I am glad to hear you have strong support. I can only imagine. During the first surgery no mesh was used. My surgeon did not"like"mesh. Here the approach is very different. Wishing you all the best.

[KfromUK]

Hi

Yes I’ve just had my 3rd hernia op all have been keyhole. IL in March 2019. 1st hernia in May 2020 2nd in March 2022 where my bowel was in my chest and most recently in July 2023 as a small part of my colon had moved into my chest. On the second occasion tape /mesh was used and the third extra mesh.

Nothing particular prompted them but my surgeon explained that due to the nature of the IL ( I had robotic) and the scale of surgery the left side of my diaphragm is particularly fragile.

My quality of life post surgery this time in particular is good. Breathing and energy levels much higher and digestion ‘calmer’ with less bouts of dumping and constipation.

It can be difficult but I keep away from any heavy lifting or activity that puts pressure on my chest.

Good luck 🤞with your surgery

K

[Katzekatze in reply to KfromUK]

Thank you so much for sharing. I am very grateful. It's wonderful to hear you've got energy and your digestion is not pestering you as much. I hope I can say the same soon. Again, thank you.

[grandylynda]

Interesting reading your post and the replies. I have Ivor Lewis surgery in 2017. In 2019 I had emergency surgery for a diaphragm hernia. Nearly died Was told the whole of my small bowel and part of the large were in my chest. Had a scar from breast bone right down the front. It then developed and abcess so I was opened up and the site left open to heal. This was near to belly button. I had had an umbilical hernia repair in the 90s and a couple of years ago found I had a hernia on the site of the abcess. That was repaired in August this year as it kept getting pinched when putting shoes on etc. It has now gone again and I am not sure what will happen nor is the GP. Waiting for a scan at the moment to find more detail. The interesting thing is that my medical team seemed to think the diagram hernia was a rare occurance but it doesn't seem to me that it is. Maybe it's just that emergencies can be dealt with at completely different hospitals and notes never get transferred? Mine was dealt with at Nottingham and all my cancer treatment was Derby. Don't have emergencies on Saturday nights! Good luck

[Katzekatze in reply to grandylynda]

Thanks again!

[willpower68]

I had my oesophagectomy in 2016.

This was followed by hiatus hernia surgery in 2018. Initially it was diagnosed as gallstones, so gallbladder was removed too.

In 2020 I had emergency surgery for diaphragmatic hernia. That was unsuccessful and had to be repeated in 2021, this time with mesh.

All good since 🤞🏻.

[Katzekatze in reply to willpower68]

Thank you so much willpower68.I am sorry for the late reply. I had a thoracotomy last month, again with some issues. I hope this will be the last time. I am happy you're doing so well!