Question:
Is transection pretty much standard across the board now for either lap or open RNY ?

Also, has anyone actually had a leak or a staple line disruption with a transection, before or after the 7-10 days they say it takes for the edges to scar over ? Ohh and if your surgeon doesn't transect can you ask them to do it ? When I get approved (don't want to say 'if'), I will be going through Kaiser Colorado and they only use general surgeons, so if my surgeon doesn't transect and I can't request it, I'm kind of up a creek. If there's a way to avoid the complications of leakage, pouch stretching, staple line disruption and revision surgery, it seems ridiculous not to do it that way (transect) so you don't have to worry about that at least. Thanks, Anita    — Anita N. (posted on January 2, 2001)

January 2, 2001
I wouldn't say it was standard yet. My surgeon does not transect. I requested this when I first met with him, but after a thorough discussion, he will put in a double row of staples instead. He does not cut the vagus (vargus?) nerve in the stomach, so the bottom portion of the stomach can be re-used later, if need be. I would be happy to hear more about transection from others, however. I am very happy with my surgeon, but am always interested in options! (my open RNY will be 1.19.01)
   — Kristy J.

January 2, 2001
Anita, I asked a question reguarding this as well at one time. I got MANY responses from people from different types of surgeries and everyone was trumpeting how theirs was better "because". My surgeon does NOT transect. He said he understands that many doctors are doing the transection these days. My surgeon (Dr.Roll in Virginia) has been doing weight loss surgeries since 1984 and has been a surgeon since the late 60's. He boasts proudly and loudly he has never lost a patient from WLS proceedure or from complications after. Dr Rolls theory is this. The more things he does to you inside, the more possibilities for complications. When i stated this theory on the message board i was told to find another surgeon. Im sorry but i DO understand his reasoning. Dr.Roll also makes 6 passes with staples and he then uses disolvable sutures to further strengthen the staple line. I feel totally comfortable with his knowledge and thats the key. Dr.Roll also feels MOST complications after surgery when is comes to staple line disruption is from patients not doing what is necessary to heal properly and not doing what they are advised. he doesnt place ALL the blame on the patients because things do happen but.....following a surgeons instructions are key to healing. Find a surgeon you like, and who will listen to you and make sure you are comfortable and know their proceedure. If you arent sure...talk to others and whatever you do...Be happy about your decision no matter what that may be.
   — Tracy L.

January 2, 2001
HEy Anita??? LOL...im pretty daggone sure about the 6 passes...it may be 3 rows with double staples...DUUUHHHH....all i know for ABSOLUTELY sure is he uses a boat load of them...laffs
   — Tracy L.