Need hiatal hernia surgery - does my surgeon need to know I've had a tummy tuck?

Yes, it is crucial to inform your surgeon about any previous abdominal surgeries, including a tummy tuck, when discussing the need for hiatal hernia surgery. Prior abdominal surgeries can impact the anatomy of the abdominal wall, and the surgeon needs to be aware of this information to plan the procedure effectively.

Having a tummy tuck may have altered the anatomy of the abdominal muscles and the location of the incisions, which could influence the surgeon's approach and technique during the hiatal hernia surgery. Additionally, knowing your complete medical history allows the surgeon to anticipate any potential complications and tailor the procedure to your specific circumstances.

Open and honest communication with your surgeon is essential for a successful surgical outcome. They will use this information to make informed decisions about the surgical approach, minimize risks, and optimize the overall safety and effectiveness of the procedure. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to discuss them with your surgeon during the consultation process.

Hi, thank you for your question about the necessity of informing your surgeon about a previous tummy tuck before undergoing hiatal hernia repair.
It's crucial to communicate your full medical history, including any previous surgeries like a tummy tuck, to your surgeon. This information is protected under HIPAA laws, ensuring confidentiality and privacy.
During hiatal hernia surgery, the abdomen is often inflated with air for better visualization and access. Knowledge of a prior tummy tuck is essential because:
Difficulty in Port Placement: The scar tissue or alterations made during a tummy tuck might pose challenges in placing ports to inflate the abdomen.
Impact on Abdominal Cavity Inflation: Permanent sutures from the tummy tuck might affect the ability to adequately inflate the abdominal cavity, an essential step in hiatal hernia repair.
Although having had a tummy tuck doesn’t preclude you from undergoing hiatal hernia surgery, it might require your surgeon to make specific adjustments. Full disclosure of your surgical history will enable your surgeon to plan the best approach for your hernia repair, ensuring your safety and optimizing the outcome.
Always prioritize open and honest communication with your healthcare providers. It’s in your best interest for your health and safety.
Wishing you a successful surgery and a smooth recovery.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Your surgeon should always have full knowledge of all prior procedures that you have had done. Particularly if the surgery is in the area where they are going to operate. That said, repair of a hiatel hernia would either be done laparoscopically with several small puncture wounds, or would be done open, with a vertical incision. Either way should not interrupt the blood supply to your abdominal skin enough to cause any problems and it should be safe to proceed. Best wishes.