Leak Test Post-Surgery

[Free2B 8]

I met with my surgeon for the first time on Tuesday and was surprised to learn that he does not routinely conduct a leak test before sending patients home the day after surgery. He told me that leak tests are not performed by most surgeons, which is not the impression I have had from reading VST. Does anyone have an opinion on the importance and/or prevalence of the leak test? I'm wondering if I should consider another doctor.

[MollyMc 0]

Wow i really dont know what to say to that!! It seems like that should be routine. I had one after my surgery and even got to see my new little stomach on the screen!!

[groovearmada 14]

I met with my surgeon for the first time on Tuesday and was surprised to learn that he does not routinely conduct a leak test before sending patients home the day after surgery. He told me that leak tests are not performed by most surgeons, which is not the impression I have had from reading VST. Does anyone have an opinion on the importance and/or prevalence of the leak test? I'm wondering if I should consider another doctor.

Yes that conflicts with what have read too.

I know having the leak test put my mnd at ease. actually seeing that your stomach was not leaking on a Screen was a huge relief and I was able to relax a bit. If I didn't have one I think I would be a nervous mess!

Let's hear what the more experienced folk have to say but if it was me, I would be looking elsewhere.

X

[fatBgone 6]

My surgeon also will not do a leak test on me. I discussed this with him and his response was that most leaks happen for someone like me at 2-3 weeks post op because of necrosis of the tissue at the staple line. He said if there are symptoms of a leak during my aftercare, post op visits at 1 and 3 weeks, then he would do one. He said he 's only had one incident of a person with a leak and that it was years ago and her health going in was not good. He did say some people are more at risk for leaks, higher BMI, lap band revisions, etc. He also said that he may do one on someone who travels to see him who may either not have all the post op visits or have the post op visits back at their home with their PCP.

[crosswind 134]

My surgeon also will not do a leak test on me. I discussed this with him and his response was that most leaks happen for someone like me at 2-3 weeks post op because of necrosis of the tissue at the staple line. He said if there are symptoms of a leak during my aftercare, post op visits at 1 and 3 weeks, then he would do one. He said he 's only had one incident of a person with a leak and that it was years ago and her health going in was not good. He did say some people are more at risk for leaks, higher BMI, lap band revisions, etc. He also said that he may do one on someone who travels to see him who may either not have all the post op visits or have the post op visits back at their home with their PCP.

Dr.Aceves does three leak tests in the hospital, immediately. I think the reason is twofold: one, these are tests that might have to be ordered separately from the surgery in the states -- but two, in his case my sense is he wants to make sure it's clear that if somethings goes wrong later on, it is not because it is something *he* did. Its either something your body did spontaneously or something YOU did, like stuffing your head with Papa John's pizza three days out. He's basically proving his work before he sends you home, which gives me peace of mind but it also makes sense for him.

Leaks are possible but they really are rare. Surgeons don't really expect them to happen if all conditions are met for a safe surgery. If you are covered by insurance for this you can march right back to the hospital if you get a fever and have them do that same barium swallow I did back in mexicali. I wouldn't sweat it.

[MINI-Me 196]

My leak tests were done as part of the surgery. One with a blue dye and another with a scope so he could visually review the staple line inside and outside the stomach. I did not have one after surgery.

P.S. - If you have the blue dye test during surgery, just know that you will pee like Smurfette for a week or so. Quite a surprising site the first time!

[KellyL 173]

I would definitely find out how many sleeves he had done and his complication/mortality rate. The leak test is very important to me personally. I am going to MX and I really want that reassurance. I know it could still happen later but I want to leave there ok.

[Dansha 16]

My surgeon does one while you are still on the operating table, then the hospital (per Doc's orders) does one the next day after surgery.

Just for my own piece of mind I would want the leak test performed at least once.

Deb

[Rev Me Up! 75]

I am restating from someone else's comment, but I was with Dr Aceves and had 2 leak tests - the blue apple juice and the barium swallow. We had to "pass" the blue dye test before they would give us anything to drink and then the barium with pics on the day we were released.

Not sure I can give advice, as I am not a medical professional and I have had zero complications.

Lara

[swizzly 901]

I don't know if they did one during surgery, or a scope (but I'm betting they did that), but I did have a barium leak test the day following the surgery and then they let me drink after that.

[Rootman 1,101]

Your surgeon seems to also have a difference opinion as to when leaks occur, the opinions that I've heard is that the FIRST few days are when they are likely to happen.

[meggiep 57]

Mine is done during surgery.

[fatBgone 6]

Your surgeon seems to also have a difference opinion as to when leaks occur, the opinions that I've heard is that the FIRST few days are when they are likely to happen.

Well that was specific to me. He did mention that some people are at greater risk for leaks right off the bat, high BMI in which the liver is so enlarged it is an obstacle to getting to the stomach or in the case of a band being there where there has been scarring or erosion, etc. For me, a lower BMI (with a hopefully shrinken liver) the most likely cause of a leak would be necrosis and it takes 2-3 for the necrosis to set in.

[NJMOMof2 17]

My doctor did a leak test during and the day after surgery. He also specifically told me that you have a chance of a leak up to day 14 and after that time, the chance of a leak is "zero percent." I also had a drain the first 10 days after surgery.

I would get a second opinion because you are getting such conflicting information.

[lil red raider 5]

I had tests during surgery and early the morning after. I was not allowed anything until the early morning test came back clear.... I would def. get a second opinion...