Question:
I was approved for the RNY surgery on 2/26/09.But i was told to come to the surgeon o

ffice on 2/19/09 to have a certain producre done.This producre consists of having a tube inserted into the groin area to stop blood clots.What is the name for this producre and does this have to be done before you can have the RNY surgery? Could anyone please help me and let me know if this is major or minor?    — brainey62 (posted on January 29, 2009)

January 29, 2009
It sounds like you are having in inferior vena cave filter placed. Since we are susceptible to blood clots, the surgeon is placing this filter so if you do develop a blood clot in your legs this filter will catch any pieces of clot that may break off. And it will minimize the chance of that piece of the clot breaking off and causing a stroke, lodging in you lungs or causing some other damage. Is is minor. Best wishes!!
   — nursenut

January 29, 2009
I had this done prior to my surgery. They were able to go in through my jugular vein instead of the groin. The procedure itself was not bad. They numb the area. You are not out completely. A few weeks after surgery they removed it. Again the area is numbed and you are in a twilight. It really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The worst part about it was that I have two small scars on my neck. I was real nervous because I had no idea what to expect. I was well taken care of. They have to expect that you will be nervous. Ask them if they can go in through you neck. They usually like to do it this way instead. It is less invasive and recovery time is much quicker. When they go in through the groin, there is a greater chance of complication.
   — MastaP

January 29, 2009
I had this done as well. Like the above poster they went through the jugular. It really wasn't that bad. I was nervous. I don't think this is something that you have to do. But if in your family there is a history of blood clots or you yourself have had blood clots this necessary. They will explain the whole procedure. I am sure the reason they are going through the groin is because the Dr. that will be doing it is more familiar doing it that way. Different strokes for different folks. Either way I was told it would not be painful. It was a little irritated (the spot where they went in). Best of luck to you! P.S. They will remove it a couple weeks after surgery as long as there are no blood clots trapped in the filter.
   — bridgadean

January 29, 2009
Like the other posters; inferior vena cava filter for clots. Perhaps they are using the groin because they have ruled out the jugular vein for one reason or another. If you have a history of clots or heart disease they do this. I had it many years age when I had my WLS. Doctors believe it is better to be safe as possible than sorry and you run into a real problem in surgery. Congrats on your decision and relax; Good Luck and God Bless, you will be in my prayers; let us know how you do, vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl

January 30, 2009
A Stent? I never had to have this done before surgery, but everyone is different. Goodluck. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stent
   — Selendrile

January 30, 2009
I also had an IVC filter inserted before surgery. The Dr. went through the groin, there was no pain. The worst part was after surgery, I had to lay absolutely still for a couple of hours, it was uncomfortable (I have arthritis), bearable, but uncomfortable. Don't worry you will be fine. They left the IVC filter in, it should last for 25 years, I have to carry a card with me whenever I go through security scans, as it will set them off. Good Luck on your surgery!
   — KathieV

January 30, 2009
Yes, it is an IVC filter. My surgeon had me admitted to the hopsital the day before my Lap RNY and it was inserted through the artery in my groin. Mine was not removed after a few weeks (it was done on 2/20/08) and as far as I know, it is still in place. I agree with the poster that said the worst of it was having to lie still for a couple of hours. I've been on 2 flights since I've had my surgery and I wasn't given a card by my surgeon to carry to go through security screenings. It didn't set off the security screening system at either airport. Anyone else had that experience?
   — dsmuffin

February 4, 2009
Hello Henry the procedure you're having done is a filter inserted into your groin to prevent blood clots. I have a Vertical sleeve, stage one of the DS and I also had to have a filter, it's is for safety reasons and is very much needed. I wish you luck on your journey and God Bless.
   — Judy Hardy