Question:
Does leakage happen in everyone? How is it resolved?

   — Deborah K. (posted on February 7, 2003)

February 6, 2003
Do you mean leakage from the incision site? I guess this would be a real risk for those who have had the OPEN RNY proceedure, but with Lap it's much reduced. Which is why, in my mind, Lap is the only way to go. If your dr. claims he has a high rate of patients with oozing, infected incision sites, I would run the other way.
   — rebeccamayhew

February 6, 2003
But if you are talking about a leak in your pouch, no it doesn't happen to everyone but if it does it is usually another surgery to repair it although some resolve on their own. Also keep in mind that statistics show that the rate of leaks in your pouch are higher for lap rny. Don't know why but this is what all the research shows.
   — Delores S.

February 7, 2003
Deborah, I am not sure what type of leakage you are referring to. I can tell you I had a Open RNY on 8/15...My staples were removed 1 wk later and then a wk after that (2 wks post-op) my incision completely opened up and leaked like a faucet for 2 1/2 mos. I would say for Open's is fairly common, I have heard around 20% to 30%...I had to cover it with guaze, I was lucky I never had to pack it. Then, over night, it closed up...It looks beautifule now. I am 6 mos out and it is a very FAINT thin line and its only 3 in long. Good Luck!
   — heathercross

February 7, 2003
I'm 5 months out, had an Open RNY & didn't have any leaking whatsoever. So nope, not everyone.
   — LionGirl2k

February 7, 2003
In referring to WLS, leakage also means what happens when your intestine is not fit correctly to your stomach (or to your intestine, as a limb of a RNY). If this site leaks, it is a very serious complication-- can cause death. That is the reason many surgeons do leak tests after surgery (while the patient is in the hospital). Leaks are extremely uncommon for a good surgeon. If your surgeon says otherwise, run the other way double time.
   — Beth S.