Death Of Sherie???

I'm a nurse and I work on a bariatric unit in a bariatric center of excellence.  Our 2 bariatric surgeons do NOT perform a "leak test", however ... we are constantly on the outlook for symptoms of leaks.  Out of over 1700 surgeries, we have only had 4 ... and no deaths out of all of those surgeries, either.

Our nurses are trained on signs/symptoms of leaks.  We watch your vital signs like a hawk as well as your drain output.  If there is a leak, those things give it away. 

Our surgeons also do not perform surgery on sick patients -- they will cancel your surgery if you come into the hospital with signs/symptoms of illness.  It's in your best interest as the patient to let them know if you're sick or have recently been sick especially if you aren't showing obvious signs that you're sick.  It's unfortunate, but it could save your life. 

Dena,

Correct me if I am wrong, please.  I thought...and I cannot completely remember...that Dr. B told my husband and me that the reason that they do not do the leak test the day after is because they do two leak tests during surgery with water and air.  That way... they do not have to open the patient back up if there is a leak.  They can fix it while they are already inside.  I believe that is what I recall.  Am I right?

Thanks!

Yes, they do check for leaks during surgery.  But they also train the nurses to watch for even subtle changes in vital signs, the drain output, etc., which are indicative of leaks, as well.  I'm talking very "minor" changes that would be a red flag to us.  If a leak is suspected, we have you drink blue dyed ice chips, and then if there was a leak we'd see that in your JP drain as well.  The patient has no idea how much we are watching and how closely we are documenting every moment about how the patient is doing, how often we are on the phone with the surgeons telling them how you're doing (between them calling us to check on you and us calling them if we have concerns).  This is how we do it at CMC-Northeast -- I cannot attest to how other hospitals or physicians do it. 

We have over a half dozen Bariatric Certified Nurses on our unit and several others who have gone through bariatric seminar after bariatric seminar, as well, to be educated on the special care required for the bariatric patient.  I think we have the best team of nurses working with bariatric patients at CMC-NE available anywhere in the country, honestly (but maybe I'm biased!).

Thank you, Dena.  I was not sure if I had dreamed it or not.  And, girl, I totally agree with you....best nurses anywhere! 

On one of her post it says that she was coughing right after surgery and popped a staple and the doctor had to fix it on the elevator on the way to the room.  It kind of makes me wonder if when she was coughing really hard she popped something on the inside as well and cost a leak.  I dont know if that can happen but that is the first thing that came to my mind.

Thank you guys so much for all the encouraging words!! I am trying to think more on  the positive note than the negative. Ive always been one to think of the "WHAT IFS". Im stressing so much over this issue this week that I brought on an asthma attack and cant shake it!!  I havent even been to my first Dr. Consultation imagine what I will be like that day!! I am trying to stay better focused on the positive and off all the negative.

I had the leak test the morning after surgery - I could not have anything to eat or drin****il they did the test.  It was aggrivating but understandable.  I am glad they did it and found nothing.

When I did my research on which surgeon to go with. The leak test during surgery and the swallow test the next day where two of my "must do" to even consider the surgeon.

Hi,

I am so glad someone else is out there who freaks out as much as me!  :)  I am waiting for ins. approval and feel almost a constant stress about the surgery, even though I don't have an appt. yet! 

Just wanted you to know you're not alone.

Vickie