Surgeon Doesn't Do A Leak Test...deal Breaker?

[BKMama 179]

My surgeon said he doesn't do a leak test because 1) they've never had a leak and 2) he believes that normal vital monitoring will let the staff know if a leak is present.

Any other surgeons not do leak tests before leaving the hospital? Seems a little unconventional to me so I'm trying not to be worried about it. Other than this thing nagging at me, I am extremely confident in the hospital, program, and surgical team.

[Lissa 2,631]

I didn't have a leak test like I see others have where they drink Fluid and it is followed by X-ray. All I had to drink was some blue Fluid at my first post-op appt before my doc pulled my drain.

My surgeon does a leak test in th operating room, then the blue fluid one week later. That's it unless you have problems.

Lissa

[Wheetsin 714]

My surgeon doesn't do a leak test, but he does a submersion test and he fully scopes the sleeve after each procedure. I actually prefer his approach.

Lots of leak tests are done with barium (at least). Think about it. If you have a leak, you're going to leak barium. Into your body. Yuck! One of my criteria was "no barium leak test!" I was amazed how many only did barium.

[Lissa 2,631]

I meant to add that no "leak test" wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

Lissa

[bratvp63 118]

My surgeon does not do a leak test either. And no tubes to deal with afterwards. I feel blessed that everything has been working out great so far.

[Pookeyism 1,143]

Tell him you want the test - and if not schedule it on your own - but get the cost up front - you may even want to have it done at another facility if it costs too much - also get the fees associated with reading it.

I had initially planned to have a leak test at 1 week post-op, but my Mom passed away and my self-scheduled follow-ups took a back seat. No leaks but a big scare on the plane ride back to Houston after the funeral.

Read up on it and see what you think. My doctor was not going to put in a drain but I insisted. I would be more concerned if a doctor was unwilling to do it if you asked - that shows, in my optinion a combination of arrogance, being very inconsiderate of the patient, and overconfidence as well as a revolving door-like attitude toward patients. To say you are willing to risk 1 out of even 5000 patients to a leak because it hasn't happened yet is not very reassuring to me, profesionally speaking.

[kyllfalcon 768]

My surgeon does not routinely do leak tests. He has extremely low complication rates, and he is very proud of his statistics. When I presented with a low grade fever that lasted several days, he ordered a leak test plus lots of bloodwork to rule out a leak and/or infection. I had neither, the cause of the fever was not determined, but it passed in a few more days and I am doing great 8 weeks out.

It would not have been a deal breaker for me, all other things considered.

[Lisa's Hope 421]

My surgeon does a leak test the day after surgery before releasing you to go home. I'm concerned though that he doesn't put in a drain. So seems most patients have no "say" about there own bodies. It's frustrating.

[Forensikchic 528]

My surgeon does not do a leak test, or put drains, or use a bougie. (sp?). He uses the endoscope to do the procedure and can see on the inside if there are leaks. No drain was great too since I hear they can be a hassle. I am 9 months out and have not had any complications that were sleeve related. It was not a deal breaker for me. I was happy not to have to swallow that nasty crap right after surgery... besides, you are swollen then and it might not show up anyway. I know some people that had leaks and they had the test done! So, not a deal breaker for me.

[urbandecayno5 40]

I had a leak test day after surgery no drain.

[Janet53 21]

My surgeon has never had a leak either but he does do a leak test. I was glad because it gave me an extra bit of reassurance. On the other hand, it was the nastiest tasting stuff ever! And on the morning after surgery it was pretty much the last thing you want to drink when even Water is an issue. I did have a drain which I guess is a good thing also but it sure felt awful coming out. A really icky feeling. I would think you could request a leak test though if you want. Maybe he won't change his actual procedure during the operation by using a drain, but the leak test should be an option if you want one. Can't hurt to ask. Good luck!

[PdxMan 4,292]

My surgeon did not do a leak test. He said it really doesn't do any good immediately after surgery. If I were to truly have a leak, it wouldn't show up for a week or so once the swelling went down anyway, so what good would a test do immediately post surgery. That made sense to me, so I didn't worry about it.

I think if you read the boards, I can't say I have seen anyone with a leak at surgery time. They only present themselves once the swelling has gone down.

Folks who have had the leak test immediately post surgery and had a leak, please post your experience on this thread.

[Forensikchic 528]

I agree pdxman... the swelling can interfere with the results so thats why my surgeon didnt do one.

[BKMama 179]

My surgeon did not do a leak test. He said it really doesn't do any good immediately after surgery. If I were to truly have a leak, it wouldn't show up for a week or so once the swelling went down anyway, so what good would a test do immediately post surgery. That made sense to me, so I didn't worry about it.

I think if you read the boards, I can't say I have seen anyone with a leak at surgery time. They only present themselves once the swelling has gone down.

Folks who have had the leak test immediately post surgery and had a leak, please post your experience on this thread.

You know, that's a great point and I didn't think about that. Thanks!

Someone mentioned a drain, they do a drain, but it is removed before you go home from the hospital rather than at the first post-op appointment as I've seen a few times here.

[RawrrAshleex3 137]

Between the swelling and the intake, be happy! My doc is going to be doing one the day after in order to be released. NUT told me "I'll be honest, you're probably going to throw it up and have to try a couple times before you get enough down." That's comforting....