STAPLELINE BREAKDOWN?

I’ve been hearing a lot about stapleline breakdown, yet I can never find any information about it on the web. Can someone please explain it to me? I’ve heard that sometimes when it happens, it reverses the gastric bypass procedure. I’ve also heard that a breakdown of the stapleline can kill you. Which is true? Also, is a stapleline breakdown the same as an anatomic leak? What causes the stapleline to breakdown? Is it something that’s inevitable or is it something caused by the act of the patient that could have been prevented? I would like to hear personal stories of those who has experienced it, if any. Thank you!

RNY used to be done by putting 3 rows of staples to partition off part of the stomach for the pouch. NOw the stomach is completely cut apart, the bottom, large part is stappled shut, and the tiny pouch is stappled shut and connected to the intestines.

Staple line breakdown can't usually occur with this method.

I had a bleed at the staple line that they referred to as a breakdown. I ended up having 2 transfusions before going home following my RNY. 8 days later, I was rushed by ambulance and flown to my original hospital for an anastomic leak that came from the staple line. I had passed my "pictures" in radiology after my surgery, so it was very strange if not almost unheard of to have the  leak that far out, normally ithappens within the first 24 hours. I did almost die, and there was nothing that I or my Dr. did to cause it, and nothing that could have predicted it. The best advice I can give is LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. If something doesn't feel right, you need to insist that it gets checked out. My profile has more info about my experience.