Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 6/6/2011

Question
Hello sir,
My elder brother has a gallstone of 0.9cm and doctor advised to go laparoscopy surgery but my brother had a Ischemic Right middle cerebral artery stroke in last September and he also had a seizure last month. He is 62 year old and he has no history of Diabetes and hypertension. But he had history of myocardial infraction. Neurologist is not recommending for a surgery because he is taking Aspirin, anti-epileptic drugs and clopidogrel drug. My father has an intensive pain in their abdomen and he has recently cured from Pancreatitis. Sir please tells me what is beneficial for my brother? Surgery or no surgery???

Answer
Hi there
I believe I have already answered a question about this from another family member. It does sound like your brother represents a high risk for surgery. I can't answer the question you ask. Your brother needs the opinions of the two people looking after him about what the relative risks are for recurrence of pancreatitis vs risk of undergoing surgery (when they will want him to stop his aspirin and clopidogrel). It might be worthwhile asking to speak to an anaesthetist about the risks as well.
Sorry can't help more than this.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson