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LAPAROSCOPIC
COLECTOMY My husband, Tony, was diagnosed with Crohns disease in July, 1993, one month after we got married. He was put on medications, which moderately helped his symptoms. In spring of 1995, he began vomiting intermittently, usually 15-30 minutes after eating. As a veterinarian I became concerned that the inflammation from his disease might be causing a partial obstruction.
We met with Butch, who thought that a laparoscopic exploratory to assess the condition of Tony's intestinal tract would be in order. He would then, intra-operatively and in consultation with me, make a decision as to whether an anastomosis would be performed. The day before, Tony's gastroenterologist performed a colonoscopy to rule out ulcerative colitis. After the procedure, she said the colon looked good, but there was a large mass involving the distal ileum/proximal colon. In her opinion, there was no way it could be removed laparoscopically. We were devastated by this news, but Dr. Rosser remained optimistic. "We" went to surgery on August 28, 1995. Six hours later, Dr. Rosser had laparoscopically removed 14 inches of distal ileum, 2 inches of colon and a grapefruit sized infected, fistulous mass. Tony went home 3 days later, on my 41st birthday. He began half days in the office on September 3rd, six days following the surgery and has been off all medications since. ...Written by Heather ~~~ In October 2000, my gastroenterologist did a routine colonoscopy and reported that there was a polyp the he couldn't remove but that he had taken a sample of for a biopsy. He said that the adenoma would need to be removed surgically of that I could wait a year and have another colonoscopy. Since my father died of colon cancer, my 3 children thought it was unsafe to wait a year. While visiting my daughter in Guilford, CT, an appointment was arranged with her husband's surgeon, Dr. James "Butch" Rosser, who had quite successfully laparoscopically removed a section of my son-in-law's colon and a large mass. On December 9th, I met with Dr. Rosser and Dr. Nick Gabriel, his assistant. They felt that I was a good candidate for laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Rosser requested that when I returned home to South Carolina, that my gastroenterologist arrange for a barium series. This was done and the x-rays were sent to Dr. Rosser.
The surgery was very successful and I pleased Dr. Rosser by walking 1 mile two weeks post surgery. At one month after surgery, I was again walking and continue to walk 3 miles daily.
Addendum added by Heather... My mom is a very active 78 year old woman who has had uncontrollable diarrhea for several years. For the past 4 years she has been traveling from her home in South Carolina to Yosemite National Park in California and volunteers as a campground host from May to October. She continued to do this even though she had several "accidents" a day, which required doing laundry in a campground. With her surgery, her diarrhea is completely controlled with medication. Two months post surgery, my mom flew to California to begin her summer as a volunteer. On a recent day off, she climbed a mountain! To have your story added to our Chronicles, please e-mail webmaster. |
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We
began to search for a doctor who would be more aggressive in investigating
the condition of his ileum. After an initial exam by a highly
respected surgeon, Tony's concerns were the length of recovery needed
in a traditional exploratory. As a sole owner of a management
company who travels extensively, he could not foresee losing 2-3 weeks
of work. My concerns were the possibility of a total obstruction
with an emergency laparotomy in a city far away. We consulted
with our internist, who recommended Dr. Butch Rosser.
My
gastroenterologist said that the polyp was "gigantic" and
could not be removed laparoscopically, therefore it would be necessary
to remove the entire colon in a traditional "open" procedure.
Additionally, extensive diverticulosis was noted. Dr. Rosser reviewed
the x-rays and felt that the adenoma could be removed laparoscopically.
He operated on me on April 11th and removed 50% of my colon. 
I
cannot express my praise of Dr. Rosser's skills enough and I know I
am returning to good health. I am happy at age 78 to have had
Dr. Rosser work on me.
