Question:
I looked this up in database but it wasn't very clear. What is a fistula? And

do they form in transected pouches? Has anyone ever heard of a transected pouch forming a "connection" to the old stomach? This is very confusing but a friend appears to have one. Do fistulas make a person gain weight?    — Mylou52 (posted on November 9, 2002)

November 9, 2002
i am certinelty not an expert, but my understanding is a fistula is a channel of tissue leading fomr place to another and can happen anyplace in the body. it seems liek scar tissue increases the chances of getting them. my mother got a fistula on her lower colon it went and attached into her vagina and fecal matter was coming out of her vagina! she had to have surgery to remove the fistula, close the hole in her colon and close the hole in her vaginal wall. so yes i imagine a fistual could go form the pouch to the old stomach. do not know how that would effect weight loss, seems like it would case infection or illness and pain with the old stomach being bypasses (in a rny) good luck to you Janet
   — janetc00

November 14, 2002
As mentioned, a fistula is a "bridge" between two places. You're asking about a fistula connecting the transected pouch & stomach. Some docs take steps to prevent it, but the body will do ANYTHING it can to nromalize. It happens, but well under 1%. When it does, it allows (some) food to be processed in the normal way, so 100% absorption. It can stop the wt loss or cause regain. But it's slow, subtle. Last thing you'd ever think of slow.
   — vitalady

January 5, 2003
Yes a fistula can form when transected too only it most likely doesn't happen down at the stapled end. Most occur at a weaked area of the pouch I have one that is up high near my esophagus and anastomosis. Some how the pouch formed a tunnel like passage way which is a fistula to the old bypassed stomach on the side. My symptoms are pain after I eat and acid reflux I also gained back 40lbs because of it. My surgeon found it via the scope and also tried to fill it with fibrin filler material it didn't work now I am looking at major surgery to repair it. I hope this helps answer your question. Sucks though that it formed after being more than 3 years out.
   — Kristy W.

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