Question:
What can be done for an enlarged stoma?

I am 2 years out from RNY. I lost over 160 lbs and have put 45-50 lbs back on. My upper GI shows an enlarged stoma. What can be done and will insurance pay?    — Gail S. (posted on April 29, 2004)

April 29, 2004
Dr. Carlos Barba in Hartford, Commecticut has been working with injecting a sclerosing agent into the stoma & said it is successful about 50% of the time. He is very very nice. He said it is not difficult to do & he will talk to your surgeon if you want him to, to save you the trip. Dr. Chris Thompson is a bariatric endoscopist at Brigham and Women's in Boston. He is extraordianry - a truly helpful human being. He has been working since last July with a combination of things; in some instances injecting a sclerosing agent, but more often suturing the stoma. He can repair fistulas, or staple line disruptions, endoscopically as well, which is much simpler than having to go through a revision. I do need to add that the work of both of these doctors is considered experimental, yet both these procedures have a far lower complication rate than a surgical revision.
   — Suzanna M.

April 29, 2004
I am scheduled to have scar therapy by my surgeon (Dr. Barba) on 5/21. I don't have a large stoma, but it will help me lose the last 30ish lbs. Dr. Barba will do this on a case by case basis...and it only has been successful in about 50% of the cases. See my profile for more information.
   — Jessica D

April 29, 2004
I had my RNY done 11/2000 and was diagnoised with a nonfunctional stoma april 2001. MOST surgeons do not touch or fix the stoma. There are (as posted) some experimenting going around. To fix my stoma problem, my surgeon installed the lapband on it. After fills its working just fine, I now have food restrictions and since this was to 'repair' my original rny my insurance also covered it (aetna)
   — star .

Click Here to Return