Would a few folks mind listing the pros and cons of having fills done with a fluroscope? From what I've read, they're more precise. What are other considerations? I assume it costs more.

Thanks!

there are no cons. but the pros include, a more precise fill. the doctor can see the fluid going down and how slow or fast it goes down. also you can see your band and how it is positioned. this is nice to have some assurance that it is all ok. you can see the port and tubing. kinda cool. also it is easier for the doctor to get the needle into the port. he can see the port and quickly get the needle in , no poking around. your port is designed to take 1000 punctures. so why waste any if you dont have to. good luck.

Would a few folks mind listing the pros and cons of having fills done with a fluroscope? From what I've read, they're more precise. What are other considerations? I assume it costs more.

Thanks!

The reasons that my Doctor, William Neal, M.D. quoted for using fluoroscope were these:

1. Easy to locate the port.

2. Increases likelihood of a one-stick fill.

3. Decreases the likelihood of puncturing the tubing.

4. Decreases the likelihood of tearing the septum, the thin membrane that goes across the port.

5. Verifies that the fill needle is in the port before saline injection.

6. Prevents saline injection into abdominal viscera.

7. Verifies the position of the port, and allows port flip to be seen easily.

8. Visually confirms lack of esophageal spasms.

9. Visually confirms lack of pouch enlargement.

10. Visually confirms an open stoma at the conclusion of the fill.

11. Allows tighter stoma because the tech can add saline until the stoma closes, then BARELY OPEN IT back up.

12. Allows checking for a slipped band, and verifies correct placement of the band with each fill.

Dr. Neal believes in fluoroscope so strongly he bought one when he opened his new office in Olympia, WA last year.

http://www.pacsurgical.com/

Quoting:

"We have nutritional and psychological counseling resources, scales (2) to 1000 lbs., an IV Fluid hydration suite, a fluoroscopy suite for band adjustments and a large conference room for informational forums and support groups, all under one roof."