Question:
Has anyone had esophageo-cutaneous fistula?

I had the RNY on 8/1 and developed complications shortly thereafter in the form of a leak and abdominal infection. It has be EXTREMELY difficult locating the leak but it is now felt to be at the juncture of the stomach and esophagus (one of the post-op hospitalizations was for esophageal ulcer). On Monday 1/8 I had an endoscopy with fibrin glue and "staples" placed. But I see today that a colored fluid still appears to be leaking. I would have no other surgeon than my own, his whole practice is superb recently receiving a Center of Excellence rating. But with a Jackson-Pratt drain still in place, and dependent on gastrostomy tube feedings since early August I'm weary, and anxious for some support and ideas.    — gabyd (posted on January 10, 2007)

January 11, 2007
i had a pouch to remnant fistula in my first year post op. It took them a long time to figure it out but it was finally easily seen on an upper GI screening. They had to go in and separate them and they also gave my pouch some "padding" by placing some fat around it. My weight loss has been excellent but then I had an internal hernia a year after with a bowel obstruction. Then the gallbladder had to come out. So just remember...things go wrong and sometimes our bodies just don't cooperate! It was not the surgeons fault. Lori 268/120
   — lotoa

January 11, 2007
Maybe not the answer you want, but you would not be disloyal seeking out a bariatric surgeon with greater experience in performing revisions which might provide the surgeon with some greater insight into the cause of your issues. Also, if you are willing to travel, the program at Bringhams and Women's Hospital in Boston is performing revisions/corrections endoscopically (which, I think, is just amazing).
   — SteveColarossi