How important is hand stitching after the staples are done?

[GotProlactinoma 458]

Is this truly an extra step that prevents leaks? It will help me choose a doctor if this is really a very important step.

[GassyGurl 428]

One Dr I talked to does a zigzag type stitch that pulls the sides up, completely closing in the line of Staples. The Staples are tucked in and act as a second seal.

Dr Ariel Ortiz in MX shows this on YouTube, and says two seals are better than one. Everyone says this takes a lot more time than just a quick oversew.

I've had two Dr's describe this same technique to me, it makes sense, and I'm sold. but they call it different things, so it's not always easy to figure out when comparing surgeons. One Dr gave it some fancy stitch name he probably learned in medical school, I think another Dr calls it a double buttress, and another Dr calls it an inverted sleeve.


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[AZLoser 103]

Is this truly an extra step that prevents leaks? It will help me choose a doctor if this is really a very important step.

I researched a lot before I had mine done and never heard this. The important thing is to find a surgeon who specializes only in bariatrics and has done hundreds of operations at a minimum. Leaking is not common esp. If you follow the post op instructions and your stomach heals in a few weeks.

[GotProlactinoma 458]

But what RwoodSC says makes sense. Completely encapsuling the staples would be one more layer of prevention against leaks. The doctor whose seminar I went to see describes enduring a leak as two mo this of torture with the stent. NO ONE WANTS THAT.

I will be asking doctors if they take this extra step. It must reduce the % of leaks.

[Apple1 2,572]

My surgeon Dr. Illan with Bariactric Pal also does. It sure made me feel better.

[Berry78 4,259]

I'd make sure any suture material is disolvable. Once the stomach heals there is no more need for the stitches, and having them stay in there is just one more thing that could potentially cause problems down the line.

I don't remember for sure if sutures are that important. I think it does help some.