Question:
Will my staples ever break?

I am scheduled for an Open RNY in a few weeks. I am a little nervous for I am only 23yrs old. My question is can the staples leak...do they loosen through the years? Has this ever happened to anyone? I hope to have many years left in my life and this thought keeps running through my mind...HELP!    — [Anonymous] (posted on June 20, 2001)

June 20, 2001
You mean can you get a staple line disruption? Yes. It happened to me and most of our peer group done pre-1996. Our surgeon changed his method at that time. If you are transected, though, this would not be a concern after the initial healing period.
   — vitalady

June 20, 2001
It is possible to break your staple line. That is why you need to follow the instructions of your doctor as bestyou can. I did not chew my meat as well as I should have and got a small piece stuck and had to go in and have it taken out. I was told I had caused a staple tear. I thought I had chewed it well. So make sure to chew-chew-chew I can't tell you how important that is. If you do what your told you should not have any problem. Good Luck with your new life. I'm sure you will do wonderfuly.
   — christine W.