Rhinoplasty & hernia - is it safe to continue with the procedure?

Hello,

Bochdalek hernias are rare with about 1 in 2,000 people having them . Ideally, you would seek clearance from your general surgeon about if this would interfere with anesthesia. It is always better to plan ahead and be prepared than to not.

What you describe is a herniation of abdominal contents into the chest. It is not clear to me whether or not this would require surgical intervention, or whether or not it would place you at risk for undergoing a general anesthetic procedure. Pulmonology specialist may be the best specialist to advise you moving forward. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Hello and thank you for your question. You should have medical clearance performed by your hernia surgeon and a pulmonologist. Once you can obtain medical clearance, then you are likely safe to proceed forward with surgery. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

It's important that you figure out the underlying issue regarding your hernia and whether or not that needs to be surgically repaired. If so, it's best to have that done first. You should have clearance by the hernia surgeon for elective cosmetic surgery like a rhinoplasty so that there are no medical conditions that could cause complications before, during or after a cosmetic procedure. Rhinoplasty is a very difficult endeavor, so choose your rhinoplasty specialist wisely based on extensive experience.

Based on what you describe if you’re asymptomatic, it’s unlikely that your diaphragmatic hernia will need to be repaired.
This is definitely something that should be brought up with your plastic surgeon well in advance of surgery.
Diaphragmatic hernias have an enormous range of impact, depending on their size and implication.
I suggest you discuss this during in person consultations.
The treatment of a diaphragmatic hernia in an adult would typically be carried out by a thoracic surgeon. it’s unlikely you’ll find a plastic surgeon who has experience treating this condition other than during their residency rotating through either thoracic surgery or pediatric surgery rotations.
My best guess is that your hernia will not need intervention and should not interfere with your cosmetic surgery.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD