Question:
What is involved in a post-op leak test ?

I don't understand what is involved in a post-op leak test. I know that the surgeon tests for leakage during the surgical procedure prior to closing.    — Tammy T. (posted on December 18, 2001)

December 18, 2001
Most of the leak tests consist of the patient going to radiology and drinking an incredibly vile liquid that contains barium. I can not remember what the liquid is named, but it is awful. It is very thick and they usually want you to drink at least 8 ounces of it. Yeah, right! Our new pouches are about the size of an ounce. Anyway, they take pictures (or X-rays) while you swallow the barium mixture to see if any of it leaks out of your new pouch. I managed to get about 3 swallows down and I knew it was going to come back up. Thankfully it was enough and I passed my leak test. Once I got back to my room and the nasal tube was hooked back up to the little vacuum thingie (I'm sorry, for lack of a better word there) and it sucked the remainder of the barium crap from my new tummy, I felt much better. Then, within an hour they came and took the nasal tube out, which was a huge relief. So, even though the leak test is awful, the end result is you get to have the hated NG tube removed, you get to drink fluids and you get to go home shortly there after (barring any other complications, of course). It really doesn't take long to complete the test and now it is just a dim memeory. I have heard that some leak tests are being preformed during the surgery and someone else posted the other day that there is a new procedure available that apparently replaces the old leak test all together, if I understood the post correctly. I hope this answers your question!
   — Susan M.

December 18, 2001
I was also worried about the leak test and while it was pretty disgusting(and I know this is gonna sound weird) I had not had water in over 48 hours and was actually relieved to have any kind of liguid go down-I took about 3 very tiny sips as well and it was over. The hardest part of the test was standing up for it-but you are still so drugged up that it goes by quickly and you don't really remember it.
   — Rachel M.

December 18, 2001
Gross but surivable, Complain of nausea beforehand, and they will give you drugs that will prevent it from occuring during the test. You drink barium a yucky tasting liquid.
   — bob-haller

December 19, 2001
The popst-op leak test is usually done within the next day or two, so that nasty NG tube can come out. It consists of the same exact procedure they do during an upper GI series. You drink this chalky stuff and then they can track how it goes through your system (down your esophogus - sp?, through your stomach and into your intestines). Its kind of hard moving around on the table after the surgery, but, it doesnt take very long at all. If there isnt a leak detected, you will get your NG tube out and started on liquids. WooHoo! Youd never imagine how good water, juice and broth tastes after not having anything for days! : ) Good luck and God bless!
   — Kerry P.

December 19, 2001
I got really sick from the liquids they made me drink. One was like a strawberry milkshake, doable, but they also made me drink this yellow stuff that tasted like bile. I threw that up and had to sit down for a few minutes and drink it again! You survive, but it is very unpleasant. Also, I don't know how they expect you to drink so much after surgery and before you have eaten or drank anything yet post-op. Good luck. You will survive it, just prepare yourself.
   — Dawn H.