I have read quit terrible stories about MTF-surgeries ending to a little hole in bowel that is very bad issue. How usual these kind of complications are and how the surgeon choice affects the issue?
Do you mean a recto-vaginal fistula? It is a very serious complication that occurs when your surgeon punctures your colon during SRS, creating an abnormal connection between your rectum and the neo-vagina. Normally though, this type of complication happens when your SRS "surgeon" is unskilled, and fortunately it is very rare. This is why it is extremely important to do a significant amount of research before choosing a surgeon. The old adage applies here as well: "you get what you pay for"
tink :icon_chick:
As I understand it, a recto-vaginal fistula usually requires corrective surgery and may require a temporary colostomy. It sounds more unpleasant and uncomfortable (eww!) rather than particularly threatening in the long term. I guess it might be more of a worry if you were travelling a long way to see your surgeon and might not be able to get decent follow-up care.
Yes. That was the complication I meant. Thank you.
I believe most surgeons will send you an information packet which includes a list of possible complications, and sometimes a mention of the percentage of patients who experienced them.
~Kate~
I am still choosing my surgeon. They do not make commercials about the complications.
Almost every surgeon has had a slip up here or there. Thought for the top surgeons, most complications are minor. I have heard of a few paients getting a fistula but even for a bad surgeon a fistula is not that common. I've heard 0.5% posiblilty, but it's the one we worry about the most.
Beni