Question:
My surgeon does NOT do a Leak test after surgery! How many others didn't have one?
I trust my surgeon, and he has been doing Bariatric Surgery for 30 years. He has an impecable record as well. BUT.. I found out today from a patient of his that he doesn't do the leak test. How common is this? I have always heard of patients having the leak test the next day, then comes ice chips then water. With my surgeon, you can have ice chips as soon as you want them, water a few hours later. Is there any benefits/drawbacks to not having a leak test? I do know that he has a special technique for closing so there is no risk of a leak, and hasn't had one in all of his years. (Great news!) Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone, Annie :) — Annie R. (posted on August 7, 2001)
August 7, 2001
I did not have one either. I had my surgery in February and have had no
problems, I am down 106 pounds.
— Tracy C.
August 7, 2001
The leak test is done while in surgery before the close the incision
up,it's not something that will be done afterwards while you're awake.Maybe
the other patient doesn't know if they did it or not because he was still
under anesthesia.
— [Anonymous]
August 7, 2001
My doc did it while in surgery. He blows you up with air/gas, I dont
remember and sorta tests you like you'd test a leaky tire..for air bubbles!
:)
— jammie B.
August 7, 2001
My surgeon does a leak test the day after. Just to make sure everything is
ok.
— Leon K.
August 7, 2001
I had asked my surgeon during my pre-op visit because I had read on this
site that it was usually done the next day, by having to drink barium. I
wasn't to thrilled about that so I asked. My Dr. said he does the test
while in surgery. Nothing the next day. I was very happy.
— Lorie N.
August 7, 2001
I did not have one either. I don't know why the surgeion doesn't do them,
and I haven't had a problem.
— blank first name B.
August 7, 2001
I didn't have one the following day. My doctor runs a test while we are
still under the anisthetic.
— Rose A.
August 7, 2001
I am another post-op that didn't have a leak test. I was worried at when
my surgeon told me he doesn't do leak tests, but while in the hospital, I
was monitored very closely to see if any problems arose and none did.
— careywatkins
August 7, 2001
My doctor does the test during the surgery. After everything is reconnected
and before he closes he has the anestheologist inserst a florscent (sp?)
blue dye through the ng tube. If nothing leaks he closes you up, if there
is a leak he fixes it then and there. He's been doing this surgery for a
long time and seems to work well for him. To be on the safe side ask the
doctor about this. He will probably tell you he does it during the surgery.
If he says he doesn't do any leak test then I would be concerned.
— georgiacarol
August 7, 2001
I am another one with no leak test. I didn't even ask if he did one while I
was under. I went to a general surgeon who knew how to do the procedure ,
not a bariatric surgeon. I am very lucky , never had a problem from the
beginning. Good luck on your journey to a new you, love , Heather
— Heather T.
August 7, 2001
My doctor never did one either. I guess he only does them if he suspects a
leakage problem.
— Renae N.
August 7, 2001
I didnt have a leak test either. But the surgeon that did my surgery open
rny does do a leak test while your still open but when he does it Lap he
does the leak test the next day. I guess when it is lap he cant really see
like when it is open. But I still didnt get ice chips for 3 days after.
— Robin C.
August 7, 2001
My doc's been doing this nearly 40 yrs. Recently presented a paper on leaks
to the ASBS. They test while you're open for a seal right then, but also
not after. I've wondered about it, but then I realized that it is not a
sure thing. If they tested on Day 2 or 3 and it was fine, it might not mean
a thing. My husband leaked on Day 5, so it probably would not have showed
up 2 or 3 days sooner. Since Leak Buddies tend to stick together, I have
since heard of others who passed their post-op leak test only to leak
several days later. If your body is gonna reject the "invaders",
it will do it on its schedule, not ours or the docs. Annoying, but true.
— vitalady
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