Question:
What is done as a safeguard to prevent the occurence of leaks in the LAP

RNY? I understand that there is the possibility of leakage in this procedure, but is there a safeguard while it's being performed to ensure there will be none?    — yourdivaness (posted on July 9, 2002)

July 9, 2002
This is a question you should ask your surgeon. When I spoke with my surgeon she said she does an endoscopy after she finishes to check for leaks. I don't know if all surgeons do this but it would definately be a question to ask him or her.
   — Michele K.

July 9, 2002
I had an endoscopy done right after surgery while I was still under to check for leaks. Also, the next day, I went for a barium swallow/upper GI x-ray tests. I swallowed barium and they watched it travel down to make sure of no leaks. I am two months post lap-rny today.
   — juliehedges

July 9, 2002
I asked my surgeon this and she told me that she would actually pinch the intestine off with her fingers. Then the anesthesiologist would inflate the pouch with a pre-determined amount of air. Then they flood the surgical field with sterile saline solution and look for bubbles. I thought it was a pretty darn good way to check for leaks, and was one of the reasons I chose to go open vs lap, though I am sure some surgeons have other ways to check with lap.
   — Greg P.

July 9, 2002
They DO check for leaks during surgery, but apparently it isn't foolproof, because I still ended up with a small leak. They found it the next day with a barium swallow. I would make sure the surgeon you use does the barium swallow before you are allowed to leave. I can't imagine what would have happened if I had been allowed to go home.
   — sheltie