Catheter left inside???

I had an x-ray done a few weeks ago because I have been having back pain and the x-ray shows a catheter left inside me going across my epigastrium. My PCP called my Friday night and told me and said I needed to call my surgeon first thing this morning which I did but he hasn't called me back yet. She seems to think that this shouldn't have been left in. Does anyone know?? I am a little freaked out. I picked up my xrays this morning and it is a long peice. Just wanted to know if this has happened to anyone else and if so did you have to have it removed? Or do you know that with Gastric bypass RNY is it normal to have a catheter left in to serve a purpose? Any helpful information would be appreciated. Thanks, Bonnie

Sounds like a medical "uh-oh". I don't know of any reason they should have left a piece of a catheter in. Good luck & keep us posted. Tonya

I don't know either.... but whatever happened to the supplies and instrument count that should have been done before closing in the OR????? Things that make you go hmmmmm......... Susan

I'm no expert, but I wouldn't know of any reason it would have been left inside especially if you weren't told about it.

Bonnie, I've goggled it, but can't find a need for the catheter for a prolonged period. Ouch! Please let us know what the surgeon says. Hugs, Becky

Well you were right it isn't supposed to be left inside. My surgeon said he thinks it is an NG tube that they use to drain the stomach before stapling the pouch and somehow it got left behind. He said he can not tell from my x-ray if it is still in my old stomach or outside somewhere so I am having a CT scan this afternoon to find out exactly where it is and if it has attached to any organs or what. This is a real nightmare. ~Bonnie

Dear Bonnie, Please know you are are in my prayers daily. I am thankful that you went to the doctor with the pain. I am also thankful that it looks like your surgeon is going to handle this in a timely manner! Please keep us updated. Hugs, Becky