Question:
Does BTC transect?

I had open RNY through BTC Ohio. I am wondering if I was transected. I am pretty sure they do all their surgeries the same way. I checked the website, and this is what it says: "The stomach is completely separated into two parts using a cutting surgical stapler and oversewing. The upper part forms a small pouch, holding approximately 30 cc or 1 fluid ounce, which will receive food." The cutting surgical STAPLER part is what confuses me... So, are BTC patients actually stapled or are we considered transected? Thanks in advance for your help!    — J. T. (posted on September 1, 2002)

September 1, 2002
To my knowledge all are done the way they described in your quote from above. And in my opinion that is the BEST way!
   — Rebecca B.

September 2, 2002
A surgical stapler both staples and cuts at the same time. I am a previous OR nurse for 13 years and am very familiar with these devices. So rest assured it was stapled and cut.
   — Katherine G.

September 5, 2002
My understanding is that transected means that it was seperated. They usually don't leave it together after stapling so that you don't disrupt the staple line and open your stomach back up to it's regular size. Also, if they didn't seperate the two parts of the stomach it wouldn't technically be an RNY. Just my 2 cents. :o)
   — Janine B.