Gastrointestinal bleeding complication of gastric fistula after sleeve gastrectomy: consider pseudoaneurysms

Successful treatment of gastric bleeding caused by left phrenic artery pseudoaneurysm post-surgery with endovascular embolization: A case report

Pseudoaneurysms are rare but potentially life-threatening complications that may occur after surgical procedures. This report presents the case of a 28-year-old woman who developed a pseudoaneurysm in the Left Inferior Phrenic Artery (LIPA) following a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). The complication manifested as severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Upper GI Endoscopy and multislice CT scan, repeated twice, failed to localize the bleeding source to treat it. Successful endovascular embolization using a Glue/Lipidol mixture was achieved despite difficulties in localizing the pseudoaneurysm, resulting in immediate symptomatic relief and avoiding surgical intervention. This case shows the importance of prompt identification and management of LIPA pseudoaneurysms following LSG, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis to prevent further hemodynamic deterioration and other adverse outcomes.

Measurement of gastric wall thickness after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: obesity comorbidities and gastric wall in Chinese patients with obesity

Leakage of the sleeve remains constant after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). This complication may be due to a mismatch between the staple height and gastric wall thickness (GWT). Our aim was to measure the GWT in Chinese patients with obesity and investigate the relationship between GWT and gender, body mass index (BMI), body weight, and obesity-related comorbidities. The GWT of 210 resected specimens after LSG was measured using a tissue measuring device, at a compression pressure of 8 g/mm² at three predetermined locations: antrum, midbody, and fundus. Two hundred ten patients (171 female/39 male). The gastric wall was thickest at the antrum followed by the midbody and thinnest at the fundus (3.02 mm, 2.22 mm, and 1.6 mm, respectively). Patients with gastritis and those with reflux esophagitis had thicker GWT at the antrum; male had thicker GWT at the antrum and fundus; patients with body weight > 100 kg, and those with BMI > 40 kg/m² had thicker GWT at the fundus. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between GWT with body weight and BMI at the antrum and fundus; Furthermore, hypertension associated with the GWT at the fundus (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.02, P < 0.01; and P < 0.04, respectively). This study showed that the anatomical location of the gastric wall is a major predicting factor of GWT. Furthermore, gastritis, reflux esophagitis, male gender, BMI > 40 kg/m², body weight > 100 kg, and hypertension may increase the GWT at the antrum and fundus in Chinese patients with obesity.

Open splenic artery aneurysm repair in a patient with previous laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

We present the case of a female patient in her 40s who underwent a splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) repair following a previous laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG). We aim to discuss the management approach to SAAs and considerations in the setting of previous bariatric surgery.The patient consented to this case report. We include preoperative and postoperative radiological images and intraoperative images.While pseudoaneurysms following bariatric surgery have been reported, we present a case of a likely true SAA following SG. Our experience may assist others who come across similar cases in the future.

A case of late postoperative intra-abdominal hemorrhage developing 13 months after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

A 29-year-old male patient underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for morbid obesity and was discharged without any complications. Thirteen months later, he visited the emergency room with epigastric pain. A few hours before onset, he had had a larger-than-usual meal and vomited afterwards. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography revealed a hematoma 127 × 63 mm in diameter around the stomach. Angiography revealed no extravasation or pseudoaneurysm. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy found no ulcers or abnormality of the stapler line scar from the LSG. The patient's vital signs were stable, and his hemoglobin had not fallen below the previous day's value. Conservative treatment was therefore chosen. The patient was discharged in stable condition after 11 days of hospitalization. However, the exact source of the hemorrhage was unable to be detected on the imaging findings. In view of his clinical course and the hematoma location, omental vessels were suspected of being the source of the hemorrhage.

Gastric leak after sleeve gastrectomy: risk factors for poor evolution under conservative management

BACKGROUND

Gastric leak (GL) is the most highly feared early postoperative complication after sleeve gastrectomy (SG), with an incidence of 1% to 2%. This complication may require further surgery/endoscopy, with a risk of management failure that may require additional surgery, including total gastrectomy, leading to a risk of mortality of 0% to 9%.

OBJECTIVES

Assess the impact of factors that may lead to a poorer evolution of GL.

SETTING

University Hospital, France, public practice.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, single-center study of a group of patients managed for GL after SG between November 2004 and January 2019 (n = 166). Forty-three patients were excluded. The population study was divided into 2 groups: patients with easy closing of the GL (n = 73) and patients with difficult closing of the GL or failure to heal (n = 50). Patients were allocated to 1 of 2 groups depending on the time to heal (median time of 84 days). The study's primary efficacy endpoint was to determine the risk factors for a poorer evolution of GL.

RESULTS

Among 123 patients included in this study, 103 patients had undergone primary SG (83.7%). The mean time to the appearance of GL was 15.1 days (range, 1-156 d). Seventy-four patients underwent a reoperation (60%). The mean number of endoscopies per patient was 2.7 (range, 2-7 endoscopies). The mean time to healing was 89.5 days (range, 18-386 d). There were 8 cases of healing failure (6.5%). Multivariate analysis identified body mass index (>47 kg/m²), time to referral (>2 d), and serum prealbumin level (<.1 g/dL) to be independent risk factors for a poorer evolution of GL.

CONCLUSION

Improvement of nutritional status before SG and early referral for GL could reduce the risk of delayed closure or the need for further surgery.

Left gastric artery pseudo-aneurysm post sleeve gastrectomy: A case report

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Bleeding in the context of sleeve gastrectomy could be caused by a variety of diseases.

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Pseudo-aneurysm is an overlooked complication.

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Angiography followed by embolization is best for diagnosing and treating.

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Common risk factors for pseudo-aneurysm include, infection, trauma, neoplasm, inflammation and surgery.

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Treatment was surgical, this case was treated by interventional radiology.

Introduction

Bleeding in the context of sleeve gastrectomy could be caused by a variety of diseases however pseudo-aneurysm is an overlooked complication.

Case

For instance, we present case of a 25 year-old Lebanese woman that undergone sleeve gastrectomy and presented 3 weeks later with a bleeding left gastric artery pseudo-aneurysm.

Conclusion

Angiography followed by embolization is best for diagnosing and treating the pseudo-aneurysm by coiling. Serious outcomes could arise from such a complication. Hence, accurate diagnosis and treatment using the appropriate methods is essential to avoid life-threatening events.

What is the Role of Image-Guided Endovascular Surgery in Postbariatric Surgery Bleeding Complications?

Background: Obesity treatment requires surgical procedures included in bariatric surgery. Bleeding complications are reported in 1%-4%. Image-guided surgery (IGS) includes minimally invasive procedures that have the advantage of less aggression to the patient, fewer complications, and a quick recovery. Endovascular therapy by interventional radiology (IR) is a minimally invasive image-guided procedure widely used in central, peripheral, and splanchnic vascular pathology. Treatment of postoperative bleeding in bariatric surgery can be aided by image-guided endovascular procedures. Objectives: The aim of this study is to carry out an update on the application of IR in bariatric surgery bleeding complications. Bleeding Complications: General rate of postoperative complications in bariatric surgery is 0%-10%. Postoperative bleeding (1%-4%) can be gastrointestinal (endoscopic treatment) or intra-abdominal (surgical treatment/relaparoscopy). In the case of arterial vascular lesions that cannot be resolved either endoscopically or surgically, the option of endovascular treatment with IR should be considered. Conclusions: Endovascular approach through IR and IGS in bleeding complications after bariatric surgery is presented as a valid minimally invasive therapy option in this group of patients.

Effects of Left Gastric Artery Ligation Versus Sleeve Gastrectomy on Obesity-Induced Adipose Tissue Macrophage Infiltration and Inflammation in Diet-Induced Obese Rats

Background

Bariatric procedures such as left gastric artery ligation (LGAL) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) have emerged as important procedures for treating morbid obesity. In this study, we compared the effects of LGAL vs. SG on obesity-induced adipose tissue macrophage infiltration and inflammation in diet-induced obese rats.

Material/Methods

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks to induce obesity. SG, GLAL, or corresponding sham surgeries were performed in anesthetized rats. Inflammatory factor expression in serum and epididymal and retroperitoneal adipose tissues were analyzed 4 weeks after surgery. Macrophage infiltration and phenotype transformation were also assessed with Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence.

Results

Both LGAL and SG strongly attenuated high-fat diet (HFD)-induced fat accumulation in retroperitoneal and epididymal tissues. The expressions of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-agr;, interleukin (IL)-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 were downregulated after LGAL and after SG by promoting activation of M2 macrophages, despite continued exposure to HFD. Furthermore, both LGAL and SG resulted in increased macrophage infiltration, but did not contribute to phenotype transformation of macrophages to M1.

Conclusions

LGAL and SG both reduced fat accumulation caused by HFD feeding. Therapies designed to ameliorate the inflammatory response by promoting activation of M2 macrophages may be valuable.

Embolization of Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage Complicated by Bowel Ischemia

Over the past three decades, transcatheter arterial embolization has become the first-line therapy for the management of acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding refractory to endoscopic hemostasis. Overall, transcatheter arterial interventions have high technical and clinical success rates. This review will focus on patient presentation and technical considerations as predictors of complications from transcatheter arterial embolization in the management of acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm causing delayed gastrointestinal bleeding after gastrocolonic fistula following sleeve gastrectomy

Delayed gastrointestinal bleeding in the context of a gastric fistula is a very rare complication of longitudinal sleeve gastrectomy. We report the case of a patient who presented with massive gastrointestinal bleeding from a pseudoaneurysm arising from the splenic artery following complications after a longitudinal sleeve gastrectomy several months previously. The case was successfully managed with angiographic embolisation and we present our experience with recommendations for managing this rare but life-threatening complication.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality with mortality rates as high as 14%. This document addresses the indications for imaging UGIB that is nonvariceal and unrelated to portal hypertension. The four variants are derived with respect to upper endoscopy. For the first three, it is presumed that upper endoscopy has been performed, with three potential initial outcomes: endoscopy reveals arterial bleeding source, endoscopy confirms UGIB without a clear source, and negative endoscopy. The fourth variant, "postsurgical and traumatic causes of UGIB; endoscopy contraindicated" is considered separately because upper endoscopy is not performed. When endoscopy identifies the presence and location of bleeding but bleeding cannot be controlled endoscopically, catheter-based arteriography with treatment is an appropriate next study. CT angiography (CTA) is comparable with angiography as a diagnostic next step. If endoscopy demonstrates a bleed but the endoscopist cannot identify the bleeding source, angiography or CTA can be typically performed and both are considered appropriate. In the event of an obscure UGIB, angiography and CTA have been shown to be equivalent in identifying the bleeding source; CT enterography may be an alternative to CTA to find an intermittent bleeding source. In the postoperative or traumatic setting when endoscopy is contraindicated, primary angiography, CTA, and CT with intravenous contrast are considered appropriate. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Combined endoscopic-laparoscopic T-tube insertion for the treatment of staple-line leak after sleeve gastrectomy: a simple and effective therapeutic option

BACKGROUND

Management of staple-line leak after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) remains controversial and matter of debate. Transforming a leak into a controlled fistula by insertion of a T-tube is a viable option. To minimize surgical dissection, and to facilitate identification of the leak site and insertion of the T-tube, we have developed a combined endoscopic-laparoscopic T-tube (ELT-t) insertion technique.

METHODS

Between February 2011 and June 2014, 7 patients presented with staple-line leak and were treated with ELT-t insertion. After laparoscopic dissection of the abscess cavity, a guidewire is passed endoscopically through the leak; a polypectomy snare is anchored to the guidewire and retrieved through the patient mouth. The long arm of a T-tube is eventually secured to the snare and pulled down through the leak.

RESULTS

All patients were started on oral feeding with the T-tube in place. Serial water-soluble contrast swallows were performed to check for healing, and the T-tube was clamped as soon as no extravasation of contrast was demonstrated. The tube was removed either during the index admission or in the outpatient clinic. The residual fistula closed successfully after T-tube removal in all but one case with a "spiral-shaped" sleeve and functional distal obstruction. This patient was treated with stent. Patients were discharged home after a mean postoperative hospital stay of 53.3 days (range: 15-87 days).

CONCLUSION

In our experience, ELT-t is a valid alternative for the treatment of staple-line leak after LSG. It allows minimizing surgical dissection, and appears to be safe and effective.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as day-case surgery (without overnight hospitalization)

BACKGROUND

Day-case surgery (DCS) has boomed over recent years, as has laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) for the treatment of morbid obesity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of day-case SG.

METHODS

This was a prospective, nonrandomized study of 100 patients undergoing day-case SG from May 2011 to July 2013. All patients met the criteria for DCS and for the treatment of morbid obesity. Standard surgical, anesthetic, and analgesic protocols were used. The primary study endpoint was the unplanned overnight admission rate. Secondary endpoints were standard DCS criteria, frequency and type of complications, and satisfaction rate of performing day-case SG. The short-term postoperative course of patients undergoing day-case and conventional SG also were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 416 patients were screened and 100 (24%) were included. There were 8 unplanned overnight admissions. Seven unexpected consultations, 7 hospital readmissions, and 5 major complications were recorded, including 3 cases of unexpected surgery for gastric leak. At follow-up, 96% of the patients were satisfied with day-case SG. The short-term postoperative course was similar among patients undergoing DCS and conventional management.

CONCLUSION

In selected patients, day-case SG is feasible with acceptable complication and readmission rates. The postoperative course was similar to that observed for standard SG.

Superselective arterial embolization of the superior mesenteric artery for the treatment of gastrointestinal hemorrhage following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Superselective arterial embolization is a common therapeutic procedure for cases of visceral hemorrhage. However, until now, it has not been applied in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage caused by acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We describe a case presenting with persistent GI bleeding associated with acute GVHD successfully treated by superselective arterial embolization of the superior mesenteric artery with gelatin sponge after noneffective conventional management. This case will help guide hematologists to deal with a similar situation in the future.

Efficacy of the double-pigtail stent as a conservative treatment for grade B pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreatogastric anastomosis

BACKGROUND

Despite improvements in surgical techniques and postoperative care, morbidity associated with pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is still high. Grade B pancreatic fistula (PF) requires a specific combination of radiologically guided external drainage and medical support. This treatment is effective but requires prolonged hospitalization and maintenance of external drainage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a double-pigtail stent (DPS) to treat grade B PF after PD with pancreatogastric anastomosis.

METHODS

Between January 2008 and October 2011, all patients who presented grade B PF after PD (n = 6) were included in the study. The PF was diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula. Endoscopic treatment was standardized with a DPS. The primary efficacy end point was the feasibility and efficacy of DPS placement. Secondary end points included data on the PF, the DPS placement procedure, and long-term outcome.

RESULTS

Endoscopic DPS placement was achieved in all patients with no complications. The median time to onset of PF after PD was 14 days. Closure of the external PF was obtained 7 days after the introduction of the DPS. The median time to external drain removal was 7 days after DPS placement, and the median time to oral refeeding was 7 days after DPS placement for all patients. The median time to DPS removal was 60 days. The median length of hospital stay after DPS placement was 10 days. During a median follow-up period of 21 months, there was no recurrence of PF after removal of the DPS.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic treatment of grade B PF after PD appears to be effective and safe and is associated with shorter hospitalization.