Question:
What test is normally ordered to check for stretched stoma?

A doctor has ordered an upper GI to see what's going on with me. Is this the right test to check for a stretched or wide open stoma? Will it check pouch size? I saw a reference to a EGD in another post about stretched stoma and wondered if it was the same thing. This may be the first time this DR is encountering this problem so I want to make sure I'm getting the right test.    — Candace F. (posted on October 3, 2003)

October 2, 2003
If it was me, I'd do the EGD first. It tells the WHOLE story in one felled swoop, so to speak, and I prefer that procedure over the UGI. That's not some seet in concrete fact, only my opinion, having done way too many of both over the years pre-op and since.
   — vitalady

October 2, 2003
Hi Candace: Isn't it a drag to go through surgery and then be one of the few to have a failure? I talked to my surgeon about it, and he wouldn't order any test. He felt confident that my stoma was stretched by my early success, and then later gain and how much I could eat. I would have liked to had the test just to know for sure. I don't know about UGI vs. EDG, but I would think the better test would be the one where they put the scope down your throat and see the stoma and pouch. That's the EGD right? I've been told they can't safely go back and fix a stretched stoma, and apparently a band or ring after stretching doesn't work. So you might consider a longer bypass to fix the failure. Wish I had better news for you. I can only say I sympathize with you because I'm in the same situation. However, I have to applaud you for stopping the gain as quickly as you did. Wish I'd been that smart. Good luck, and if you find out an answer for your problem please email me or post it. Thanks, Sherry
   — sherry hedgecock

October 3, 2003
Hi Candace, I had the UGI & small bowel follow through first and it did not really show anything - just that the barium went through. Then I had the EGD (endoscopy) and it showed "GI wide open". I think the UGI was a waste of money - I had not met deductible yet and now I owe that hospital over $300.00 for it. Make sure the doctor who is doing the EGD knows what you are looking for - the size of the stoma opening and whatever your symtoms are- able to eat too much, gaining or whatever. I told mine that I wanted to know the actual measurement but he evidently did not get it or bother to write it on my report because it is not there. I can tell you that the whole thing has been very frustrating for me - I had the RNY to lose weight - only lost 60 # , got 2 large incisional hernias (just fixed last week) and now have GI wide open and can eat lots of anything - it makes me just want to cry! Good Luck !! Kelly
   — Kelly B.

October 3, 2003
and Upper GI is usually the 'first' test to see if the RNY is functions properly. To get the 'actual' size thats measured by the endoscope.
   — star .

October 10, 2003
The DR insisted on the UPPER GI first. I told the radiologist what I thought the problem was he looked skeptical but then he sounded very surprised he said you're right it's splashing out of your small stomach quickly. He had me swallow stuff as quickly as possible. He said usually this surgery works but I guess it didn't for you. Part of me feels validated part of me is so discouraged. I see the DR. Monday.
   — Candace F.