Question:
Has anyone had the open RNY WITH the stomache transected?

Just wondered if anyone had the stomache transected with their open RNY. I have heard that there is less of a chance of staples coming undone and stomache leaking.    — Cindy K. (posted on December 30, 2000)

December 30, 2000
Yes & no. I had the NON-transected version, FIRST. Then after the staple line disrupted, I now have the lower stomach removed, which might be described as resected or subtotal gastrectomy. That was my choice, due to a long history of ulcer (even pre-op. Transected is much safer for long term success, yes ma'am. My doc NOW transects, but just didn't back in the days when my husband and I had surgery. So, now we wait for HIS staple line to go, and hope we have the right insurance to fix it at that time.
   — vitalady

December 30, 2000
Yes, I have a transected RnY. That is the only type that my surgeon will do. He has written professional articles on the subject, and says that the danger of a staple line disruption after my stomach has healed is practically zero. During the few weeks when the stomach was still healing, the pouch was held closed by multiple staple lines as well as over-sewn sutures. So, the danger of a leakage immediately post-op was also small. I believe many surgeons are switching from simply stapling the margins of the pouch to transecting it because they have seen long-term data that shows many disruptions of people's staple lines years after the original surgery.
   — Lynn K.

December 30, 2000
Thanks guys! My doctor said he would do my surgery anyway I want it- transected or not. So I really appreciate the input!
   — Cindy K.

December 31, 2000
Hi Cindy, I, too, would like to have more information on this although I am a month post op and was NOT transected. My surgeon did not transect a month ago but he is going to start transecting soon. I don't know if he will leave the option open to patients or not. I have 8 rows across and sutures too so I am happy with my surgery. I will not worry constantly about it coming undone or not and will enjoy each pound lost! So far, 32 off. My surgeon said that with all the rows and sutures too, the staple line will form a tight seal as it would with transection. I know staple lines do disrupt but I am sure as with all situations there are different reasons for it. Some people NEVER have staple line disruption. I would really like to have some real statistics on this. Also with open rny doesn't the re-routing of the intestine also aid in wt loss? It is confusing but my advice is follow your instincts and your surgeon's advice. And pray about it too. Whatever your surgery ends up as, be happy and enjoy each pound lost! Good luck and God bless you in your decision. Each person is unique and no one should criticize another's surgery as being inferior to theirs, etc.
   — [Anonymous]