Question:
Is the leak test important?

My doctor doesn't order a leak/upper GI following surgery. Said he bases the need for that on symptoms, etc. I worry constantly about leaks and disruptions and am 12 days post-op. Is it reasonable to ask for this now, or is this something that is only done by some doctors routinely?    — Lorri S. (posted on September 5, 2000)

September 5, 2000
You are talking post-op leak, not staple line disruption, right? You are past the leak risk stage. That happens right away or not. My husband had one and it showed up uncharacteristically late (5 days), but it was diagnosed and repaired. VERY lucky for us that we had a great doc! Staple line disruption can occur any time, but isn't fatal.
   — vitalady