Postby justsing » Sat Mar 13, 2010 9:08 am
I had an obstruction in the small bowel which was very early in the gut and they were able to resolve it by placing a stent endoscopically (they ended up needing a colonoscope to reach it, but it was still done by going down my throat) So I didn't need slice and dice surgery. BUT, my surgeon was ready in the wings if the endoscopic procedure hadn't worked.
Again mine was high, and my surgeon was planning to do it laprascopically and take the gut from just downstream of the obstruction and attach it directly to my stomach. I think if it's further into the gut, then they just resect it which can be done laprascopically, or open depending on what the surgeon anticipates, or finds when they get in there.
But ask about stenting. It has worked miraculously well for me so far. My obstruction was due to enlarged lymph nodes compressing the gut, so the bowel itself was completely normal. If there had been a tumor in the gut, I doubt a stent would have been one of my options, but I don't know that for sure.
Hope this helps!
justsing, 46
Stage IV
colon resection 12/07
Liver resection 04/08
Phase I vaccine trial
liver, lung LN mets
tried Oxi, Iri and Avastin
now trying new chemo combos then sir spheres
College prof in theatre & voice
2 girls 18 & 14, one son 10