Hi All:

I'm wondering if anyone can tell me what the time window is to worry about complications after surgery. I imagine it decreases over time and I also realize there are extreme cases of leaks many months to even years after surgery. But in general, I'm wondering if the risk of leak or embolism is greatest during the first X number of days or weeks, and decreases to X% by X number of weeks after surgery. Anyone out there know where to find this type of information?

Thanks in advance for your input!!

When I researched this and discussed with my doctor, he gave me the guidelines of the first 2 weeks are highest risk for a leak, with days 10-14 being the highest risk. He described it as the day 1-2 risk of a leak due to staple line issue is very low. Leaks due to issues with healing are where you get the leaks around day 10-14, especially as you start to add thicker liquids and purees which apply more pressure to stomach. Follow the post-op diet, take small bites, and eat very slowly to keep this risk down .

For embolisms, it was the first 3 weeks, with the risk going up during those 3 weeks, peaking at 3 weeks, and then going down to very low at 2 months. The more active you are, the lower the risk. The risk and timeframe differed based on age and gender. The 3 weeks is what it seemed to be for middle aged males. Women and older, the risk is supposedly higher and lasts longer.

I was unable to find specific percentages, rates or increase/decrease, etc.

Bummer, I was hoping risks were going down now that I'm on day 5, but what you are saying makes a lot of sense. That was helpful, thanks!