Question:
My surgeon doesn't do an upper GI until 2-3 weeks after surgery. Is this safe?

My surgeon doesn't do an upper GI until 2-3 weeks after surgery to check for leaks. Is this safe? Has anyone else's surgeon done this?    — kristis (posted on April 17, 2001)

April 17, 2001
I thought everyone had the upper GI right away! My poor mother was dragged down to radiology the day after her surgery, made to drink that crap, and cried while standing in front of the machine. However, last night at my first support group, the people who have my surgeon (my mother's is different) said that he doesn't do the test at all and just waits to see if something happens. So I think this may be a matter of personal preference on the part of the surgeon.
   — PT LawMom

April 17, 2001
My surgeon hasn't ran any tests since my surgery. I just went for my 2 month checkup and he has released me for 1 year. I am to let him know if any complications arise.
   — Donna H.

April 17, 2001
my surgeon never did an upper g.i.
   — Cindy H.

April 17, 2001
No,I don't think it is. I'm only an RN, but I've worked in surgery for a few years. And I don't see a reason to NOT do somethng so safe and easy when it could catch a problem before it became life-threatening. A small leak might not cause pain and fever until 2-3 days after surgry, by which time it would be life-threatening, possibly. Ask him why he doesn't--does he think a small leak won't show up with an UGI? And that a larger leak would be evident within hours due to pain and fever? (The latter might be so, but I doubt the former.)---Jesse
   — Jesse M.

April 17, 2001
That sounds like it is to far out to detect problems early. My surgeon doesn't require a leak test (THANK GOD) but only because he does it before he closes you up. No use having to reopen someone if they can catch the leak before they close you. Then if there are any problems you have to do the upper gi after, but only if you show signs of a leak. I liked the fact that I was asleep during the whole thing. I heard that stuff taste aweful!! Good luck.
   — enjo4

April 24, 2001
I had my surgery on 4-12 and today 4-24 I had my upper gi it was the most disgusting tasting stuff you will ever taste every since then I have had diarhea. When I questioned the Dr in the hospital he told me he always waits until after the first visit which is 1 week from the date of being released to schedule the upper gi.
   — susan V.

July 23, 2002
I had open rny last Wednesday, July 17 @ 7:30 am, and my surgeon (Dr. Julie Leverton)ordered a GI by 10:00 am the next morning. I was then cleared for clear liquids.
   — Marian K.