leak after a sleeve

Question
Hi Doctor,

My mom got a gastric sleeve surgery. Even not being overweight the doctor still decide to perform it(05/09/2013). A few weeks after the surgery she was rush to the hospital because of fever and weakness(05/27/2013). They found out she had a leak so they put a drain for months hoping it will close on it's own. Still the leak was not healing so they to try with glue. It took several trial and they finally told her it was close. She was finally release at the beginning of November. Last week her fever returned and weakness. She was again rushed to the hospital. They are now telling her that she only has 2 options.

1) to take the small intestine and attached it to the stomach

2) remove the entire stomach

Which one would you recommend.

She is also too week at the moment to receive any of the surgery

Please help us!

Francesca Primeau

Answer
Francesca,
I understand that this is a really difficult and frustrating situation, for your Mom and for the entire family.

Since I'm not in the position of being your Mom's doctor it's not proper for me to give you particular advice about which surgery to choose.

I can say that you'll get the best chance of a good outcome for your Mom with an experienced bariatric surgeon in your area.  Usually, the best option is the surgeon who performed the original operation.  Your Mom has been through a lot, so I would understand that perhaps you've begun working with another team; if so my best suggestion is to choose a doctor who is experienced in this type of problem.

Best of luck for your Mom.

Dr JP

1. Prev:ru-n-y and stomach spasms
2. Next:tooth health post RNY