Leak Test ???

Hello All, I just had a question. I read Cira's post regarding Kelly and her leak test. I never had a leak test done after surgery. I actually asked Dr Schweitzer about it and he said that he does an air test to check for leaks while you are still in surgery. Does this sound right to any of you? I guess since I haven't had any problems thus far that I shouldn't be too concerned, but I am just really curious now. I know that all of our doctors are different, but reading the other posts just makes me wonder. Hugs, Carol

Hi Carol, Although I'm still waiting on the surgery, lots of the research I've done centers around the problems that can occur with RNY. I'd bet your surgeon spent a great deal of effort checking that connection. Dr. Moei went to great length during my visit to explain how thorough he is checking for leaks with air in the stomach. Hope this puts you at ease. Mark

Hey Mark - Unless I'm completely nuts, which I probably am, it appears you're new here! Welcome to the Maryland Board - we're a great bunch of people. Not a lot of men, but sometimes, David, Jeff, Daniel, etc., pop-up and join us, so please, feel free to also. This board is great for getting a bird's eye view of what to expect before, during and after surgery. My surgeon was Dr. David Von Rueden, who is the founding partner of the program at GBMC, along with Dr. Moen. I've spoken at a couple of info sessions, and while I don't know Dr. Moen well, he seems to be as professional and caring as DVR. You're in good hands! So again, welcome, and come back soon! Teresa (Tia)

Hi Teresa, Thanks for the warm welcome and if I sort of jumped on a reply overzealously I apologize. After a lot of weeks lurking, there was something I thought I might actually be able to contribute to. You all are great inspiration for me, and I'm glad your experience with DVR was so positive. Looking forward to being on the losers bench. Mark

I have heard about both tests. from my understanding, if you do have a leak you would know rather soon. You trusted your surgeon enough to let him open you up so I figure you gotta trust him to know what he is doing all the way. Heck if Doc Roe would have told me I need to paint my nails green I would ahve done it...ok i still would Diana RNY 9/17/03 Dr. Roe 360/200/still aiming for 180

Hey Carol - It seems as if surgeons have different approaches to testing for leaks. I'm pretty sure ALL check during surgery using air, but I'm really not sure if all check later. DVR's group, including Dr. Moen, checks during the surgery and the morning after surgery. The leak test the next morning is similiar to an upper GI, where you get to drink some funky liquid. It truly wasn't horrible, but not my first drink of choice!!! After I had my leak test and DVR read the results, I was cleared to begin liquids. WOW!!! S/F popsicles never tasted so good!!!!! Yep, if everything is going well, don't worry!! HTH, Tia

Hi Carol, Although my surgeon had a "leak test" (the contrast/xray type) scheduled for the day after surgery, he never did it. He said, that recently, he had had better success doing an EGD type test (where they put a tube down your throat and look around). So he did the air test during surgery and then while I was still out, did the EGD thing and was satisfied. I was started on water 24 hours after surgery. Now...my pouch did not cooperate and I got another, wonderful (not), night stay in the hospital. But it was not due to leaks, but rather tolerence for water. It cleared up the next morning. Trust your surgeon. Dave

Hi Carol, All surgeons have different protocals. He knows how he does his stuff and you are doing great. Trust me if you were leaking it would have been apparent a short time after surgery. Trust your doctor I have only heard nothing but good things about him. Best wishes. Cira

Carol - Dr Schweitzer did my surgery this past November, and I asked about the leak test too. He does it while you are in surgery, and that was ok with me. If you have a leak, it will show right away. By the way, Dr Schweitzer has less than 1% leak rate with his patients! He is a very, very good doctor and he knows what he's doing! Hope you are doing well! I have an appointment with him in 3 weeks for my six month check-up and I can't wait to get there to show off my new found healthy and trim body.

Dr S. did my DS surgery..... i had to go down to the radiology dept and drink a cup of this distgusting stuff (dye contrast or something. i think it was some kinda way to check for leaks though.... Did that on my 2nd day after surgery (i think)