Question:
Staple line information needed.

Here goes what may seem like an ignorant question to most, but I really would like clarification. I often read about staple line disruption and have noticed that if the stomach is transected that this disruption cannot occur. Is this because the staples are reinforced where the stomach is transected with stitches, and the stomach completely heals into a closed organ, exept for food entry and exit pathways? With just stapling it is my understanding that there is not much reinforcement, and the staples can 'pop'? What keeps the stomach that has been transected from also disrupting if somone 'overeats' their way through it...is that possible? Does it heal itself all together at the wound site? And if so...why isn't it just stitched with dissolving stitches and NO staples need stay in the body? Pardon my lack of knowledge.    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 30, 2001)

November 30, 2001
Please examine that paper cut on your finger. Definitely 2 pieces, lots of blood, not together. BUT, voila, the raw edges will heal together and seal completely, no sign that it was ever parted. Yes? Now, staple a row or 4 or 8 across your sleeve (no arm) and even oversew it. Wait a week. 6 weeks. 10 years. Do the sleeves ever merge & become one? Never. They will forever be two pieces of fabric held together. The missing component is that they're not alive to be trying to return to their normal state. The body is astounding in its ability to try to normalize. When transected, the edges will heal/seal together. Not over night, but within a few days. I've heard 3, I've heard 10. If it manages to reject the staples, the healing takes care of the seal. But with the staple line(s) and oversewing, you forever have two pieces of fabric that are just being held together until such a time as the body can figure out a way to reject the "damage" inflicted. Mine went at 5 years, past the point of "worry", so they say.
   — vitalady

December 1, 2001
Very well said, Michelle! Mine went at six months because I wasn't transected then. Had another surgery @ 9 mos and now I am fine! Transection is definitely the only way to go. It is one of the most important aspects of the surgery unless you like having another surgery down the road. Personally, I would probably at goal if I hadn't had the disruption. I didn't gain but I would have eventually. Now I hope to finish the job! I will reach goal, but I did it in Part 1 and Part II surgeries. I would rather have one surgery any day! So glad you asked this question so that others can learn from our mistakes. That's what we are here for. 1 yr postop from original and 7 wks post op from second surgery. Down 80 lbs and I can finally say "80 lbs gone forever!" Without transection, you cannot positively say that.
   — Marilyn C.