surgery 2/1/10

[20acrewoods]

Can anyone explain to me why they do not replace the skull piece & use fat from the abdomen instead?  My husband is having surgery at the Mayo Clinic in MN on Monday.

Also, within a 2 mile radius (as the crow flies) we have had 4 people with various benign tumors in the head.  Meninga, etc. no other acoustic neuromas but we have  a huge powerline that we share & also a river.  Worth pursuing any connection?

[leapyrtwins]

20acres -

not all docs follow the same protocol.  I had a piece of my skull removed for my AN surgery plus I had a fat graft.  In my case, the piece of skull WAS replaced - and I also received some "hardware" - titanium plate, mesh, and screws.

The fat is generally used to fill in the place where the tumor used to be - it isn't generally used in place of the piece of skull.

As for the tumor connection, IMO it's just a coincidence.  But that's just my take on the situation.

Hope your husband's surgery goes well.  Please give him our best wishes - and update us when you can.

Thanks,

Jan

[Jim Scott]

20acrewoods ~

Jan answered your questions and I'll reiterate her response that each doctor uses a slightly different protocol with AN removal surgery.  I have the titanium plate, mesh and screws securing the skull section that was removed during the surgery.  It has re-ossified by now and is of no real consequence in my daily life.  I did not receive the body fat 'filler' but don't miss it. 

The effect of a power line and/or a river on people developing benign tumors is quite likely coincidental and any alleged connection would be impossible to prove to a medical certainty.  I would let that one go.

Your husband will be in the thoughts and prayers of many, including me, on Monday.  May he have a smooth surgery with no complications - and then, a rapid, complete recovery

Jim

[20acrewoods]

Thanks for the feedback & prayers are always welcomed.  I'll update (& improve the "signature line") in the future.