Question:
What can be done to repair a broken staple line?

I was told that I had a tear in my staple line. I had open RNY on 2/2/99. I'd like to hear from people who have experienced this and dr.'s. What was done to repair and can it be done lapriscopically?    — Jane H. (posted on September 28, 1999)

September 29, 1999
I assume that your stomach was not completely divided, only staple divided, then a segment of intestine brought up to the upper pouch of stomach. Now some of the staples which divide the upper pouch from the lower one have given way. This would be very difficult to repair without an open operation. If you don't have it repaired then your weight loss will be comprimised.
   — Bruce B.

December 12, 1999
I would advise most patients with a staple line failure who have had a gastricbypass to have revisional surgery (open). Not only are you at risk for weight gain but also at risk for developing a stomal ulcer. VBG patients typically are only at risk for weight gain therefore if their weight is stable I would not recommend revisional surgery
   — ERIC T.