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This is something I should have paid more attention to. I didn't realize that the stomach was stapled, I thought it was sutured close. Well any way, I was supposed to do a MRI in the next year, but I am seeing conflicting information about having an MRI with Staples. Some say they have had it, others say their doctor's refused because of how dangerous it could be. Any of your experiences would be very helpful. Thanks.
No, I've not had an MRI since VSG surgery 5 years ago.
However ... at http://desotobariatrics.com/gastric-...ic-sleeve-faq/
"2. What happens to the staples in my abdomen? Is it OK in the future to have an MRI? Will I set off metal detectors?
The staples remain in you forever. Your tissues will grow around them. The staples are made of titanium, so you will not set off metal detectors. They are also non-magnetic, so you may have an MRI."
There are some minor, not very well researched concerns about large titanium plates, particularly in the cranio-facial area.
Our VSG staples are pretty darned small, and they're not close to your brain (except for the smaller brain a little lower down on the torso that some VSG patients were born with. ;)
Here's another research about the interaction between stainless steel (not titanium) staples and MRIs.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20664378
CONCLUSION:
This study found no increase in skin surface temperature or displacement of staple position after a standard extremity MRI scan. Based on our findings, MRI scanning in the presence of stainless steel surgical staples seems safe.
There's a lot out there on the Internet on this subject. Enjoy! :)
I have not had one since my surgery in October but will be having one in a couple weeks. My surgeon knew I had MS and had MRI's every year (or at least they attempt to make me do so) and my neurologist knew I had the sleeve when she ordered the MRI. I also have 2 rods and 4 screws in my back and I went to court a couple weeks ago. My earrings set off the metal detector but my back (and my staples) didn't. Lol
I inquired about this prior to the surgery. As Ann2 posted, these are VERY small titanium staples and will NOT interfere with MRIs, airport scanners, etc. Titanium plates and much larger staples are a different story.
MRI is not part of my experience.
This is a topic I haven’t thought about. I would hope that any Dr that I have informed of VSG in my history would know whether or not MRI is safe.
Thanks so much Ann2 for the research links ;-)
I have found this on the internet.
Can you have MRI after gastric sleeve?
The staples are non-magnetic, which means they will not be affected by an MRI. Patients with the adjustable gastric band are discouraged, but not prohibited, from having an MRI the first six months after placement. The staples will not set off airport metal detectors.
Bariatric Surgery at Memorial Health Center
memorialhealth.com/service/bariatric
I hope this helps.
I have good news for you! I have MS and have MRI’s yearly and sometimes more frequent if a problem arises. I’ve had 3 MRI’s since my Sleeve. Had no problems!!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by nomad9988
I have a MRI on my brain every year since discovering a tumor 5 years ago. I'm having one on my shoulder next week. I had one when I broke my neck. My brain, shoulder and neck are far from my stomach, so it has made no difference.
Every time they knew about my sleeve surgery.