Implant First or Hernia

[AST2123]

Also, in case that insurance paid for the first surgery, and denied the second, for any reason. I am not sure of what could happen. In this case, hernia repair is less expensive than implant, but implant is above 20K.

[Notgivingup]

You will want a really good implant surgeon. Hernia repair can complicate reservoir placement, as I found out when I had my implant done. See my video for details.

I guess my preference would be to have the hernia repair done and in place before the implant surgery. A good implant surgeon can work around a hernia repair, but I don’t know if I would trust a general surgeon to work around an implant without doing some damage.

[oldbeek]

I had a hernia repair after my implant in the same university hospital. I had concerns that the hernia surgeon lacked information on the whereabouts of the reservoir. I didn't want to get my reservoir nicked by a scalpel. The hernia surgeon had my implant surgeon assist her with the operation.

Comparing the 2 feelings when you are going for these surgeries, I would love to have the implant asap. Pain is killed by the thoughts about you will be achieving after the surgery. At the same time, hernia is inevitable, and become worse.

I did not know about the hernia when I got my implant. It popped up about 3 months after the implant. What I am saying is it is possible for the hernia surgeon to screw up your implant reservoir. Then it is back to square 1.

[AST2123]

Thank you all for your responses. I think I have a clear picture now. I will go for the Hernia repair first. Implant can wait.

[SW0110]

Hernia first. My history speaks for itself. After my hernia surgery. Titan no longer worked. Somehow coincidentally my reservoir no longer had saline in it and was a mess.

Revision 2 months after hernia surgery. Had both hernia and implant surgeon in or to fix this. Hernia was on right side with old titan reservoir.

Moved reservoir to left side and they had to make sure hernia fixed as well.

Like I said for past six months. If you have an implant make sure your hernia surgeon knows exactly where all those parts are. Not just him saying so. I would make sure he does an mri, ultrasound, etc to make sure. Safe than sorry.

If possible do like me if you are going local. They can do it together and probably use same hernia incision to make sure reservoir is in right place and tubes are routed well.

[AST2123]

Hernia first. My history speaks for itself. After my hernia surgery. Titan no longer worked. Somehow coincidentally my reservoir no longer had saline in it and was a mess.

Revision 2 months after hernia surgery. Had both hernia and implant surgeon in or to fix this. Hernia was on right side with old titan reservoir.

Moved reservoir to left side and they had to make sure hernia fixed as well.

Like I said for past six months. If you have an implant make sure your hernia surgeon knows exactly where all those parts are. Not just him saying so. I would make sure he does an mri, ultrasound, etc to make sure. Safe than sorry.

If possible do like me if you are going local. They can do it together and probably use same hernia incision to make sure reservoir is in right place and tubes are routed well.

Of course having Hernia repair and implant in the same session would be great. In DC metro area, I believe Dr. kramer in MD and Tajkarimi in VA, are the best. Dr. Kramer doesn't do hernia repair, not sure about dr. Tajkarimi.