Removal of omentum

[Mrsdoubtfire]

Hi. I had extensive surgery a couple of years ago which included the removal of the omentum and lympth modes in the groin. Has anyone had any side effects from this surgery? I've got to have reconstructive surgery as I have only skin covering my internal organs. Has anyone had a similar problem or swelling of legs?

[Katmal-UK]

Hi, yes I had removal of the omentum and lymph nodes in the groin/pelvic area. What I find is that my legs and espescially my feet/ankles swell as the day goes on. This only subsides after a night's sleep. It can sometimes become uncomfortable especially if im on my feet a lot. I do find I have almost permenantly puffy ankles. x

[Mrsdoubtfire in reply to Katmal-UK]

Thank you xx

[Cropcrop]

I too had my omentum and lymph nodes removed, my ankles and feet are somewhat swollen by evening time, especially if I’ve stood around a lot but yet not as much if I’ve been active whilst on my feet. I think the swelling is as a result of the lymph building up more and gravity playing its part too.

I hope your surgery goes well for you. Stay safe ❤️Xx Jane.

[Mrsdoubtfire in reply to Cropcrop]

Thank you. xx

[Yorkiepudd]

I had my surgery just over a year ago although only a couple of lymph nodes removed. I do get some puffiness in one foot especially if I don’t elevate it when sitting x

[Eriksendi]

My stomach has dropped down and I have lovely rolls of skin that have too! If feels as though my stomach is pulling down most of the time.

[Katmal-UK in reply to Eriksendi]

oh glad thats not just me!

[Cropcrop in reply to Eriksendi]

Me too 🥰

[Coldethyl in reply to Eriksendi]

That’s me too - I have been fatter in my life and never had any issues with sore skin yet post omentum removal my abdomen is like a concertina and I get sore skin where my tummy now has dropped onto my pelvis - internally it feels like my intestines are sat on top of my bladder and it can be uncomfortable even without the added rubbish of post surgical adhesions which I also have - when I consented to this operation the surgical reg was quite dismissive about the omentum coming out saying it was unimportant fo me but important to them - not so - it has several functions not least as cushioning and scaffolding - I am glad it went as I turned out to have microscopic cancer cells on it but there have been consequences to my well being

[MarieRB in reply to Coldethyl]

Just to share with you - I also had issues with tummy folds becoming red and raw, despite using talcum powder to soothe it. Several years ago I changed to corn starch powder, which is much finer, and have had hardly any problems since. I have to 'import' supplies from UK as it's impossible to get here (in Ireland); I get Johnson & Johnson's baby version.

[Coldethyl in reply to MarieRB]

I got some special cream from GP and try and dry myself well - if it gets a problem this summer I’ll try the powder tip thank you x

[Petrolhead in reply to Coldethyl]

The rash is normally known as intertrigo which may or may not be infected. It is usual to use an anti fungal cream such as Daktarin which you can easily buy from the pharmacy.

As above use a very small amount of cream then a drying agent such as talc or corn/maize starch. It often helps to continue using it every few days after it has cleared up as it often comes back and this helps to prevent that.

Best wishes

Fay

[Coldethyl in reply to Petrolhead]

Thank you - the cream I have from.GP is an anti fungal type thing - my husband likens it to the wet eczema that our cows would sometimes get on the area between their udder and inner legs - nice to be compared to a cow 😂🙄

[Petrolhead in reply to Coldethyl]

😂😂😂

[Kidlings in reply to Eriksendi]

I had my omentectomy just over a year ago too and feel as if my intestines have dropped and put pressure on my bladder. Have you felt this?

[Eriksendi in reply to Kidlings]

yes everything feels like it’s dropped down and I have back issues as well now where everything is pulling. I recently went to a physio for my back and explained my situation and previous medical history. I have a pelvic exercise programme and it’s definitely helping.

[Kidlings in reply to Eriksendi]

please keep me posted on how that works for you. Not really having issues at this point but do feel like everything has dropped.

Thanks for sharing!

[Mrsdoubtfire]

Yes it's a journey in getting to know a new body. I told my surgeon I could audition for CSI and probably Alien.

[RahrahMia]

Hi, I didn't have removal of lymph nodes. But I had my omentum removed.

It caused me a lot of issues a few years after. I've had multiple hernias and surgeries eventually ending with a gauze covering my organs etc. I'm convinced that I have a hernia now even 15 years on.

A PT recommend slow and gentle build up of the abdominal muscles.

[thomas62 in reply to RahrahMia]

Hi RahrahMia,

May I ask if you have had any problems/pain etc. with the inserted gauze. I am told I might need some putting in my tummy. Best wishes. Gwen

[Mumsie13]

All this sounds really familiar. Two years ago I had full hysterectomy including ovaries and tubes, removal of omentum and some pelvic lymph nodes and bowel resection. A week later had a colostomy. Everything seems to have shifted down (or it seems like it) and I always feel pressure on my bladder, in fact I was left with bladder problems. My stomach has gone into deep folds and really saggy. I have to make sure folds are scrupulously clean and dry. To top that I developed a huge parastomal hernia which now makes my abdomen look lopsided. I feel as though I have a huge weight in my abomen which I sometimes physically feel the need to support. Tried support garments but they interfere with my stoma. U feel like I look really weird as the rest of me is fairly trim. Yep, got the swelling feet and ankles too. It's not too had list of the time. My right ankle is worse but most days swelling goes over night and if I put feet up when sitting. Some days my right ankle swells within 20 minutes of getting up and just won't go down no matter how often I elevate my feet. This can go on for days and then suddenly rights itself. I've seen lymphoedema and it's definitely not as bad as that. Coping with this has just become a way of life, a new regime I have gotten used to. To be honest, none of this has slowed me down that much. I was always out and about until Covid-19. We are not told of all these possible problems, I don't think we would have surgery if we were, but the surgery saved and extended my life so I am mindful of my blessings. I see I am far from alone so I send lots of hugs to all you lovely ladies, and mrsdoubtfire. Stay safe.

Jackie x

[Kaitlinsmum]

Hi. I had my omentum removed 5 weeks ago. The doctors never mentioned that there would be any side effects or anything. I will do some more research and let you know what I find out. Have you spoken to your doctors about this?

[Kaitlinsmum]

Ok I've just read everyone's posts and now I'm feeling a bit wobbly! I've been trying to watch my diet and have plans to do more exercise in a few weeks when I've recovered from the op. But now I'm worried that I will never be able to get rid of my tummy flab. Of course I'm very grateful to be alive. Has anyone managed to find exercises which help?

[Laz66 in reply to Kaitlinsmum]

Hi, I was lucky enough to have a few sessions with gynae Physio after surgery, 3 months ish after op, strong caution not to start doing certain abdominal exercises after surgery as likely end up with worse problems. I am a year post op now and still struggle with certain exercises, pilates after a sensible time frame has helped me get back in ( half decent!!) shape . Hope that helps! X

[delia2]

I have lymphedema in both legs from my debulking surgery and wear compression stockings. It’s improved a lot so I have only been wearing them every other day. It doesn’t have to be huge to be lymphedema but the specialist I saw said if you don’t keep it in check it can get bad and your skin breaks down. Mine was worse within six months of my surgery. It’s now been almost two years. If I don’t wear the stockings I have very slight swelling in my lower legs but I think I have swelling in my upper thighs. It’s harder to tell.

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to delia2]

Hi Delia, I’ve just noticed you post re swollen legs. I have had the same problem for Well over a year now and they’re getting worse. I saw the GP in March who advised me to use tubular gauze and various creams. I have to say I haven’t been wearing the tubular gauze very regularly as I wasn’t sure it was helping me. My legs are extremely painful to touch. I have sharp intermittent stabbing pains. They look and feel like they’re ready to break out any day. I have a neurological condition which means I can hardly walk so spend most of my time sitting down. I know this doesn’t help but do you really think the tubular gauze is better than nothing? If so I’ll persevere and wear them constantly. I have stage 3c cancer and taking Rucaparib at the moment. Not sure if that adds to the problem. The CSN doesn’t seem to think so. Gosh what a long boring post but I’m pretty desperate about everything and everyone at the moment. Spend lots of time in tears. Lots of love and care to you

Angela xxx

[delia2 in reply to Gemimablackvelvet]

Hi Angela. I’m stage 3b and on Olaparib so fairly similar. I’m in the US and here lymphedema specialists are a sub specialty of physiotherapists. They do lymph massage. There are machines (I had one in hospital after debulking surgery) that do the compression on your legs if the stockings and bandages don’t work. I’m guessing palliative care would be the place to find out about them. From what my therapist said if you feel your skin is affected you need to get on top of the problem ASAP so I would push for further help. I don’t know how it would work in the nhs but If I were you I d try to get some help for it and until then lie down with your feet up rather than sitting. I hope I’m not stressing you further. The whole situation we’re living through along with cancer is so difficult. Please take care of yourself. Xx

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to delia2]

Dear Delia,

thank you for your reply. I've noted everything you said and feel I need to seek further help, probably from the GP but hadn't thought of anyone else. I have to admit the state of my legs does worry me. They are stinging as we speak. I don't feel comfortable calling the GP at the moment because of corvid19 but after your advice I think I'll have to push for further treatment other than the creams and tubular gauze. I try to sit with my feet elevated at various times of the day but it really doesn't help that much. I feel I need to be doing something to occupy my mind and sitting with my feet up isn't always practical. My skin is definitely affected, it's red and bubbly as I think I mentioned . You haven't stressed me out at all, you've just helped me to become a little more assertive and determined to ask for more help.

Thank you again Delia,

love from Angela xx

[PhillipandBettykid]

Thanks for this everyone. I suffer from the swollen legs and ankles. Went to the lymphadema clinic but it didn’t do much good and battling with the stockings and tubigrip nearly killed me. All the comments here made so much sense. You guys are brilliant.

[Lollie2016]

Hi, I had my omentum removed 3 years ago. I have to say I have not had any major side effects. I get sharp twinges in my stomach now and then but thats all. I have noticed stomach fat and rolls! but I have to remind myself that when I had the operation, I did not have these problems and was thinner, so I attributed the stomach issue to putting on weight since the op. I hadn't realised that this might be due to removal of omentum. I have not had any hernias or anything like that.