Surgery Round 3

I meet with Dr. Rasmussen to talk about what the surgical options are. He agrees with Dr. Frech and decides to place the feeding tube directly into my stomach and through the abdominal wall. He briefly explains how this will happen and all the risks related with this surgery. Both Dr. Frech and Dr. Rasmussen are anticipating that the feeding tube will stay in place for approximately 3 months.  The plan will be to use it for 2 months and then for the third month see if I can maintain my weight and caloric intake. Once that has happened, Dr. R says the tube will become brittle and can either fall out or be pulled out (no surgery required). He also decides that doing an EGD while I am out to is the best option to see if there is some way to repair the intestine by the liver. He is hoping to feed the intestine over the scope and find the dilated portion of the intestine and fix it. He wants to try it this way before he goes over to that area and cuts. He is leaning more towards the idea of some hernia or narrowing in the intestine that is causing the distention rather than it has folded over and is kinked. He explains that he may need to do the surgery open as well just depending on how the anticipated scope repair goes.

I will be in the hospital for a minimum of two days. The newly placed feeding tube will not be used for the first 24 hours. Once the 24 hours have passed, they will start the tube feedings and monitor the tube to make sure nothing is leaking. Once the tube is working well and the pain is under control, I will be allowed to go home.

The surgery is scheduled. I feel really good about it this time. Dr. Rasmussen also seems more confident with this procedure which is helping me a lot. Third time is the charm, right?