Stapleless Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Reasoning and Technical Insights

Comparison of stapled versus stapleless sleeve gastrectomy with natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE)

Background

Sleeve gastrectomy is a stapler dependent bariatric procedure. A stapleless sleeve gastrectomy can be necessary for certain circumstances.

Aims

Here, we aimed to show whether laparoscopic stapleless sleeve gastrectomy with natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) can be an alternative procedure to stapled sleeve gastrectomy.

Patients and Methods

In the stapleless group (n = 6), no staplers were used and after vertical resection of the stomach by energy devices, the stomach remnant was closed by two rows of intracorporeal sutures. The resected specimen was removed through the mouth using an endoscopic snare. In the stapler group (n = 7), sleeve gastrectomy was carried out with linear stapler under the guidance of 36 Fr bougie. The specimens were extracted from the left upper quadrant trocar site.

Results

A total of 13 patients were compared (stapleless = 6 and stapled group = 7). All the sleeve gastrectomies were completed laparoscopically. The operative time was longer at 200 minutes (range 120-300) versus 120 minutes, (range 90-200) p = 0.07) and the amount of bleeding was higher at 100 ml (range 50-200) versus 30 ml (range 10-50) (p = 0.004) in the stapleless group. Leakage and gastrointestinal bleeding were seen in the stapleless group but no complications were found in the stapler group. No statistically significant difference was found between the metabolic outcomes of the two groups after the operation (p > 0.05). Decrease in BMI at similar rates was observed in 5 postoperative year (stapleless group: 35 kg/m² (range 31-39) versus stapled group: 36.5 kg/m² (range 31-39), p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic stapleless sleeve gastrectomy with natural orifice specimen extraction has longer procedure time, more blood loss and complications.

Stapler-less burst pressure in an ex vivo human gastric tissue: a randomized controlled trial

Stapler-less laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is emerging as a new potential affordable cost-effective alternative procedure. However, no pre-clinical data are currently available on human tissue. We aimed to evaluate whether traditionally suturing without the use of surgical stapling may produce a comparable bursting pressure on human gastric tissue. A prospective cohort of consecutive patients undergoing LSG was divided in two groups to compare a barbed extra-mucosal running suture (stapler-less) versus a standard stapler line. A burst pressure test was applied to the gastric specimen employing high-resolution manometric catheter. Type, location and features of the leak were described. We enrolled a total of 40 obese patients, 20 patients for each group. Median burst pressures of the stapler-less group resulted statistically significant increased (p < 0.0001) than the one in standard stapler group. In all cases, leak occurred along the surgical closure site independently from the used technique (group 1 vs 2; p = N.S.), more often at the proximal stomach (p < 0.05). In human ex vivo model, traditional surgical suture (i.e. running hand-sewn) produced an effective temporary closure, with superior resistance to increasing volume and pressure. How this may impact on clinical LSG outcomes needs further evaluations and was not the object of this study.

Evaluation of staple line reinforcement after partial gastrectomy closure in an ex vivo canine model

OBJECTIVE

To determine the influence of stapling on leakage pressures after canine partial gastrectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Ex vivo study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Gastric specimens from 24 adult canine cadavers.

METHODS

Partial gastrectomy constructs were assigned to one of three closure techniques (n = 8 per group): group 1, stapled closure with a 90-mm thoracoabdominal stapling device and a 4.8-mm staple cartridge; group 2, hand-sewn double-layer inverting suture closure with 3-0 glycomer 631; and group 3, staple line reinforcement with an inverting Cushing suture pattern. Leakage and pressure testing were performed. Initial leakage pressure (ILP), maximal leakage pressure (MLP), and leakage location were recorded. Significance was set at P < .05.

RESULTS

Placement of a Cushing suture (group 3) increased ILP and MLP by 3.2-fold and 2.8-fold, respectively, compared with stapled closures alone (P < .001). Constructs closed with double-layer suture closure reached ILP and MLP 4.5-fold and threefold greater, respectively, compared with those with stapled closures alone (P < .001). Maximal leakage pressure did not differ between groups 2 and 3 (P = .14). Leakage occurred from the inverting suture line in all constructs of groups 2 and 3 and from staple holes in six of eight group 1 constructs.

CONCLUSION

Double-layer suture closure of canine partial gastrectomies achieved superior biomechanical properties compared with stapled closure techniques. Reinforcing staple closures with an inverting suture line improved resistance to leakage.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Reinforcing single-layer closure of partial gastrectomies with an inverting Cushing pattern is recommended to improve resistance to leakage. In vivo investigation is warranted to evaluate influence of closure technique on gastric healing, postoperative stasis, ischemic injury, and postoperative dehiscence.