Revision surgery with complications - FISTULAS!!!

I had a revision of my gastrectomy in December 2005. Have had numerous complications - I now have a fistula in my pouch that is leaking to a wound in my abdomen. I need to know if ANYONE has heard of this and what was done to resolve the fistula. This has been going on for 7 months and I am exhausted, depressed and broke. I cant' go back to work and the Surgeon and Gastroenterologist I have been seeing are telling me that they are a loss and can't figure out what to do. If anyone has any info on fistulas please let me know. Thanks!!

I have a friend who had a fistula and after a months of treatment and thoughts of needing surgical intervention hers actually healed completely on it's own. She actually had WLS during the healing of the fistula. The surgeon who treated her is down here in Miami...excellent! Let me know if you want more information. I will ask her if I can pass along her e-mail. Sarah Margaret

Hi Sarah Margaret - Yes, I would like to get more information from your friend on how they treated the fistula. I saw my surgeon yesterday and he states that fistulas usually heal on their own and he can't explain why mine is taking so long. The new plan is to place a dobhoff tube (which is a feeding tube) down my nose past my pouch so I can feed myself with stuff like ensure and not eat or drink anything for two weeks. Back in January I was placed on an IV feeding until March and did not eat or drink anything for 3 months to allow the fistula to close which it did. It has now reopened! I am so depressed. NEED HELP! My surgeon wants me to see a dr in TAMPA for a second opinion which I plan on doing. Thanks - Nancy

I tried to e-mail you back and it wouldn't go...e-mail me your correct e-mail address so we can talk more. Sarah

Of what I understand of the fistulas - is the old stomach or part of it reattaching to the new stomach. I just find it odd that the person who did the surgery can't figure out what is going on - that is THEIR specialty!!! Not that I'm a medical expert or anything but I would think they would go in and detach the new stomach or those areas and reattach them. Your life could be in danger in presence of a leak. You can also google the word fistula and it will give you a whole bunch of answers. Best of luck to you. Prayers go out since you are definately frustruated having had this for so long!

There are different types of fistulas. Just like hernias can be in different locations...fistuala can be also. Most WLS relate them to ones between the stomachs but they are basically tubular areas that develop in places they are not suppose to...and they cause problems. What they can't figure out is how to get it to close.

Sounds normal. Not all bariatric surgeons do revisions, and surgical intervention of a fisyula is a form of revision. You may want to call around to surgeons who do revisions and, armed with your op and upper GI reports, they can dtermine if surgery is needed. Were you self pay or insurance? Kristen

Hi, I was wondering who did your revision. and what did you have to do to get the revision covered by aetna. I am trying to get my revision covered also by aetna. any info you have will help. hope you get well soon. thanks tina