Question:
8 Months post op I had major surgery to correct internal hernia AND Peterson Defect

does anyone know what a internal hernia and the Peterson Defect is?    — Mary H. (posted on June 29, 2004)

June 29, 2004
Unfortunately, I know what both are. :( I had emergency surgery to correct this two years ago. An internal hernia is when the intestine gets contorted, possibly slipping through a hole in the mesentary (the thin lining which holds the bowels in place). Mine was caused by the lap portal holes not being hand sewn after surgery... they grew larger as I lost. A lot of internal fat was lost and it expanded the holes. Mine became strangulated (stuck in the hole) and I almost died. I had to have 3 feet of intestines permananty removed. The Peterson's area is by the gallbladder, I think (?) but it is one particular spot where an internal hernia can occur. I'm so glad you are well - recovery from that surgery is NOT pleasant! All the best, Teresa
   — Teresa N.

October 8, 2004
I also had a petersons defect. I am recovering from it now, had surgery to repair this on 8/10/04. I had to be rushed to the hospital in the worse pain in my whole life, just before my 2 year anniversary from my weight loss surgery. This almost killed me the surgeon said, had I waited one more day, I would of been dead, my small intestines were completely through the messentary lining and strangulating and had turned completley grey in color. Warning to anyone who has severe pain go to the doctor immediately, I was told this could happen within the first 5 yrs of surgery, its not real common though. Also, please be warned this does not show up on ultra sounds , x rays or ct scans, they had to do laprascopic exploratory surgery on me to find the problem, and then ended up cutting me open, my incision is huge, from my rib case to about 3 inches passed belly button. I am doing much better now, but still do not feel 100%. If anyone has any questions about this, feel free to e mail me.
   — LAURA T.