Surgical management of chronic fistula after sleeve gastrectomy

Management and outcomes of gastric leak after sleeve gastrectomy: results from the 2010-2020 national registry

BACKGROUND

Management of gastric leak after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is challenging due to its unpredictable outcomes. We aimed to summarize the characteristics of SG leaks and analyze interventions and corresponding outcomes in a real-world setting.

METHODS

To retrospectively review of 15,721 SG procedures from 2010 to 2020 based on a national registry. A cumulative sum analysis was used to identify a fitting curve of gastric leak rate. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank tests were performed to calculate and compare the probabilities of relevant outcomes. The logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of acute leaks.

RESULTS

A total of 78 cases of SG leaks were collected with an incidence of 0.5% (78/15,721) from this registry (6 patients who had the primary SG in non-participating centers). After accumulating 260 cases in a bariatric surgery center, the leak rate decreased to a stably low value of under 1.17%. The significant differences presented in sex, waist circumference, and the proportion of hypoproteinemia and type 2 diabetes at baseline between patients with SG leak and the whole registry population ( P = 0.005, = 0.026, <0.001, and = 0.001, respectively). Moreover, 83.1% (59/71) of the leakage was near the esophagogastric junction region. Leakage healed in 64 (88.9%, 64/72) patients. The median healing time of acute and non-acute leaks was 5.93 months and 8.12 months, respectively. Acute leak (38/72, 52.8%) was the predominant type with a cumulative reoperation rate >50%, whereas the cumulative healing probability in the patients who required surgical treatment was significantly lower than those requring non-surgical treatment ( P = 0.013). Precise dissection in the His angle area was independently associated with a lower acute leak rate, whereas preservation ≥2 cm distance from the His angle area was an independent risk factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Male sex, elevated waist circumference, hypoproteinaemia, and type 2 diabetes are risk factors of gastric leaks after SG. Optimizing surgical techniques, including precise dissection of His angle area and preservation of smaller gastric fundus, should be suggested to prevent acute leaks.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells and PRP Therapy Favorize Leak Closure After Sleeve Gastrectomy in Zucker Rats

INTRODUCTION

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most performed bariatric surgery but gastric leaks following SG occur in up to 2% of cases. Regenerative medicine is emerging as a promising field offering multiple possibilities in wound healing. We studied the efficiency of locally administered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on leak closure following SG in rats.

METHODS

The amount of PRP and MSCs extracted from one rat was analyzed and a model of gastric leak was developed in 10-week-old male Zucker rats. Twenty-four rats underwent SG fashioned with a leak. After 24 h, a second surgery was performed. The control group was treated by peritoneal lavage and drainage only while the experimental group received an additional treatment of locally administered MSCs and PRP at the leak orifice. Analysis of the leak healing process was done by an anatomopathological examination of the stomach 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after SG.

RESULTS

The extraction of MSCs and PRP from one rat was necessary for three recipients. Anatomopathological examination suggests that the closure of the leak orifice was faster in the experimental group. Statistical analysis revealed a significantly increased mucosae renewal and fibrosis score at the leak orifice after treatment with MSCs and PRP (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that PRP and MSCs may accelerate the closure of leaks following SG in rats and may become a new tool in the treatment of human gastric leaks but more research on this topic is needed to confirm these findings.

Total Gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y Limb Reconstruction for Complex and Chronic Fistulas After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Single-Center Experience

PURPOSE

When a leak after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) becomes a chronic fistula, the best surgical treatment remains controversial. The aim of study was to review our experience concerning the treatment of chronic and complex fistulas after LSG.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients with a gastric fistula following LSG who were treated at our center between January 2013 and December 2018 was performed. All patients included underwent a total gastrectomy with a Roux-en-Y reconstruction (TG) for LSG chronic fistula.

RESULTS

During the period considered, 13 patients had a chronic fistula and were treated with open TG. The primary leak evolved to a gastro-cutaneos fistula in three patients (23%), to a gastro-splenic fistula in two patients (15.4%), to a gastro-pleural fistula in four patients (30.8%), and to a gastro-bronchial fistula in four patients (30.8%). During TG, a splenectomy and a spleno-pancreatectomy were needed in the two cases of gastro-splenic fistula. Five patients (38.5%) developed an early complication. Two patients developed an esophago-jejunal anastomotic leak treated with a conservative approach (15.4%). No patients needed hospitalization in the intensive care unit. Overall mean length of stay was 19 days (8-30 days). Mean BMI before LSG was 36 (± 5 kg/m²), mean BMI before TG was 30.3 (± 5.2 kg/m²), and mean BMI 2 years after TG was 23.5 (± 2.9 kg/m²).

CONCLUSION

When a more conservative and less mutilating surgical option is not possible, open TG with esophago-jejunostomy remains a valuable salvage procedure in the case of complex and extensive fistulas after LSG.

Management of Postoperative Complications Following Bariatric and Metabolic Procedures

Bariatric and metabolic surgery is a safe and effective treatment of morbid obesity, a disease that continues to increase in prevalence in the United States and worldwide. The two most commonly performed operations are the sleeve gastrectomy and the gastric bypass. Early and late complications can occur, and although referral to a bariatric surgeon or center is ideal, emergency management of acute problems is relevant to all general surgeons. Bariatric surgery can have surgical and metabolic consequences. An understanding of the altered anatomy and physiology helps to guide management of morbidities. This article discusses surgical postoperative complications and metabolic complications.

Endoscopic Septotomy as a Treatment for Chronic Leak after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Acute leakage after sleeve gastrectomy progresses into chronic leakage by 10-28.1%, which causes the surgeon to be disturbed. The main treatment for chronic leakage is surgery, but the authors report successful care with endoscopic septotomy. Forty-one year old female patient with a BMI of 42.8 (161.6 cm/111.8 kg) underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The leakage of the proximal part of the staple resection line was verified in the abdominal CT on the fourth day after the procedure due to pain in the left shoulder that could not be clarified. After appropriate treatment including stent, the patient ended the acute leakage treatment 150 days after surgery. However, the patient was visited for 10 months after removed percutaneous catheter drainage due to fever and pain in the left shoulder. Afterwards, chronic leakage was confirmed from the CT and endoscopy at POD 15 months. We performed endoscopic treatment in the operating room under general anesthesia. At the gastroesophageal junction, we could find chronic leak orifice and bridging fold between stomach lumen and abscess pocket. Endoscopic septotomy was performed with the endoscopic knife and electrosurgical surgical unit, until the stomach lumen and abscess pockets were fully in communication. After the patient was discharged without any complications and is currently under close observation. Endoscopic septotomy as a treatment for chronic leak is feasible and safe. Herein, we report this case with video clip.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for the Treatment of Leak Following Sleeve Gastrectomy

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is estimated to be its most severe complication. An aggressive management with surgical reconstructive procedures can be proposed in patients in whom all the conservative endoscopic techniques fail. The purpose of the present study was to report our experience with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) as treatment for the chronic leak after LSG.

METHODS

Between January 2013 and July 2019, 17 consecutive patients underwent RYGBP for the treatment of chronic leak after LSG. The initial intervention, the endoscopic approach and the definitive surgical repair were carefully reviewed.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients (13 women) with a median age of 39 years (24-67) with a median body mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m² (30-52) underwent RYGBP for persistent fistula. Sixteen patients had their early LSG performed in another hospital. Eleven patients had an initial endoscopic treatment by pigtail drains following laparoscopic drainage and 6 other patients had the endoscopic stent as the first-choice line treatment. The overall average fistula diagnosis was done at 7.7 months (2-49 months) for 12 patients. For the rest of five patients, the procedure was performed almost in the acute setting (< 30 days). All procedures were performed by laparotomy but one. Five patients had a gastrojejunal anastomosis leak diagnosed by salivary flow in the drainage, but all patients were treated conservatively. No post-operative mortality was recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery should be considered in case of failure of the endoscopic treatment of chronic leak after LSG. Further research is needed to clearly identify the appropriate treatment, but in our experience, RYGBP approach including the leak site offers a low morbidity rate.

A French National Study on Gastropleural and Gastrobronchial Fistulas After Bariatric Surgery: the Impact of Therapeutic Strategy on Healing

PURPOSE

Gastropleural and gastrobronchial fistulas (GPF/GBFs) are serious but rare complications after bariatric surgery whose management is not consensual. The aim was to establish a cohort and evaluate different clinical presentations and therapeutic options.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multicenter and retrospective study analyzing GPF/GBFs after bariatric surgery in France between 2007 and 2018, via a questionnaire sent to digestive and thoracic surgery departments.

RESULTS

The study included 24 patients from 9 surgical departments after initial bariatric surgery (21 sleeve gastrectomies; 3 gastric bypass) for morbid obesity (mean BMI = 42 ± 8 kg/m²). The GPF/GBFs occurred, on average, 124 days after bariatric surgery, complicating an initial post-operative gastric fistula (POGF) in 66% of cases. Endoscopic digestive treatment was performed in 79% of cases (n = 19) associated in 25% of cases (n = 6) with thoracic endoscopy. Surgical treatment was performed in 83% of cases (n = 20): thoracic surgery (n = 5), digestive surgery (n = 8), and combined surgery (n = 7). No patient died. Overall morbidity was 42%. The overall success rate of the initial and secondary strategies was 58.5% and 90%, respectively. The average healing time was approximately 7 months. Patients who had undergone thoracic surgery (n = 12) had more initial management failures (n = 9/12) than patients who had not (n = 3/12), p = 0.001.

CONCLUSION

Complex and life-threatening fistulas that are revealed late require a multidisciplinary strategy. Thoracic surgery should be reserved once the abdominal leak heals; otherwise, it is associated with a higher risk of failure.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: A role of inflammatory markers in the early detection of gastric leak

Setting:

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is gaining popularity as a bariatric option. Gastric leak (GL) is the most dreaded septic complication of LSG. Early detection and treatment of this complication may improve outcomes.

Objectives:

This study investigates biomarkers that might be useful to predict GL before its clinical presentation in patients who underwent LSG.

Patients and Methods:

This study, prospective observational, was carried out in 151 patients, who underwent LSG for morbid obesity between February 2014 and October 2019. Blood samples were collected before the operation and on post-operative days one, three and five to dose serum C-reactive protein (CRP), pro-calcitonin (PCT), fibrinogen, white blood cells (WBCs) count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR).

Results:

GL occurred in 6 patients (3.97%). According to the receiver operating characteristics curve, NLR detected leak with remarkably higher sensitivity (100%) and specificity (100%) than CRP, fibrinogen, WBC on all the days and higher than PCT in post-operative days 3 and 5. Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) of NLR (AUC = 1) was higher than the AUC of CRP, fibrinogen, WBC on all the days and higher than PCT in post-operative days 3 and 5, suggesting important statistical significance.

Conclusions:

Because NLR and PCT detected GL with remarkably higher sensitivity and specificity than CRP, fibrinogen and WBC, these two markers seem to be more accurate for the early detection of this complication.

Revisional Surgeries of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Bariatric surgery has become increasingly common due to the worldwide obesity epidemic. A shift from open to laparoscopic surgery, specifically, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), has occurred in the last two decades because of the low morbidity and mortality rates of LSG. Although LSG is a promising treatment option for patients with morbid obesity due to restrictive and endocrine mechanisms, it requires modifications for a subset of patients because of weight regain and tough complications, such as gastroesophageal reflux, strictures, gastric leak, and persistent metabolic syndrome., Revision surgeries have become more and more indispensable in bariatric surgery, accounting for 7.4% in 2016. Mainstream revisional bariatric surgeries after LSG include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, repeated sleeve gastrectomy, biliopancreatic diversion, duodenal switch, duodenal-jejunal bypass, one-anastomosis gastric bypass, single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (SAID) and transit bipartition. This review mainly describes the revisional surgeries of LSG, including the indication, choice of surgical method, and subsequent effect.

Endoscopic Double-Pigtail Catheter (EDPC) Internal Drainage as First-Line Treatment of Gastric Leak: A Case Series during Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Learning Curve for Morbid Obesity

Objectives

The prevalence of morbid obesity has dramatically increased over the last several decades worldwide, currently reaching epidemic proportions. Gastric leak (GL) remains the potentially fatal main complication after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) for morbid obesity. To our knowledge, there are no standardized guidelines for GL treatment after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) yet. The aim of this study was to represent our institutional preliminary experience using the endoscopic double-pigtail catheter (EDPC) as the method of internal drainage and propose it as first-line treatment in case of GL after LSG.

Methods

One hundred and seventeen patients were admitted to our surgical department and underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for morbid obesity from March 2014 to June 2019. In 5 patients (4.3%) of our series, GL occurred as a complication of LSG. EPDC was the stand-alone procedure of internal drainage and GL first-line treatment. The internal pig tail was endoscopically removed from 30^th to 40^th POD in all cases.

Results

Present data (clinical, biochemical, and instrumental tests) showed a complete resolution of GL, with promotion of a pseudodiverticula and complete re-epithelialization of leak. Follow-up was more strict than usual (clinical visit and biochemical test on 7^th, 14^th, and 21^st day after discharge; a CT scan with gastrografin on 30^th day from discharge if clinical visit and exams were normal).

Conclusion

This was a preliminary retrospective observational study, conducted on 5 patients affected by GL as a complication of LSG for morbid obesity. EDPC maintains the safety, efficacy, and nonexpensive characteristic and may be proposed as better first-line treatment in case of GL after bariatric surgery.

Gastric Fistula in the Chest After Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Systematic Review of Diagnostic and Treatment Options

This study aimed to establish the optimal diagnostic and treatment algorithm for the management of gastric fistula in the chest (GFIC) after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) through a systematic review of published cases. A multi-database search was performed, which produced 1182 results, of which 26 studies were included in this systematic review. The initial presentation included subphrenic collections, leaks, or (recurrent) pneumonia with associated symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, and/or dyspnea. Computed tomography (CT) scan in combination with either upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series or an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was used to adequately diagnose the fistulas. Initial treatment was either with clips and/or clips and stents that were placed endoscopically. When unsuccessful in the majority of the cases, the surgical treatment consisted of total gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy in a laparoscopic or open fashion.

The evolution of surgical treatment for chronic leak following sleeve

BACKGROUND

Leak is estimated to be the most severe complication of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), with sporadic failure of endoscopic techniques. In such cases, an aggressive management with surgical reconstructive procedures can be proposed to patients in whom all the conservative endoscopic techniques failed.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the present study was to report our experience with surgical approach for the treatment of chronic leak after LSG.

SETTING

University hospital, France.

METHODS

Between January 2013-December 2019, 21 consecutive patients underwent reconstructive surgery for the treatment of chronic leak after LSG. The initial intervention, the endoscopic approach, and the definitive surgical repair were carefully reviewed.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients (17 women) with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 42.7 years (9.81) and a mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) of 27.3 (5.2) kg/m² underwent reconstructive surgery for persistent fistula. Seventeen patients (81%) had their early LSG performed in another hospital. Endoscopic treatment was represented by the pigtail drain or stent in 9 cases each, ovesco in 8 cases, and glue for 2 patients. The reconstructive surgery was performed within 6 months in 8 cases; between 6-12 months in 6 cases; between 1-3 years in 4 cases, and >3 years in 3 cases. There were 14 fistulo-jejunostomy (66.7%), 5 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (23.8%), and 2 total gastrectomies (9.5%). The operative time was between 99 minutes and 5.5 hours (mean = 216.2, median = 225 min). The hospital stay ranged from 5-30 days (mean = 12.67, median = 11 d) and the surgical reintervention rate was 23.8% (5/21 patients), including 1 case of recurrent hemorrhage requiring 3 surgical operations over 1 month of postoperative follow-up. No postoperative mortality was recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery should be considered in case of failure of the endoscopic treatment of chronic leak after LSG. Further research is needed to clearly identify the appropriate treatment, but in our experience the fistulo-jejunostomy approach shows a low morbidity rate. (Surg Obes Relat Dis 2020;17:278-283.) © 2020 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. All rights reserved.

Anatomical Relations Between the Esogastric Junction, the Diaphragm, the Pleura, and the Left Lung in Chronic Esogastro-bronchial and/or Esogastro-pleural Fistulas After Sleeve Gastrectomy

PURPOSE

Gastric fistula is a severe complication following sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Chronic gastric fistula can progress to complex anatomical situations, such as esogastro-bronchial and/or esogastro-pleural (EGBP) fistulas. We decided to analyze the anatomical characteristics of these EGBP fistulas after SG.

METHODS

Our work consisted of an analysis of the clinical, endoscopic, and radiological data of patients treated for EGBP fistulas after SG at the Georges Pompidou European Hospital from May 2009 to November 2017.

RESULTS

A total of 11 patients were retrospectively included with available complete clinical, endoscopic, and radiological data. The origin of the fistula was mostly at the top of the staple line. The fistula's termination was pleural in 5 patients (45%) and bronchial in 6 (55%). In bronchial fistulas, 2 were proximal and 4 were distal, with the left pulmonary posterolateral segment (S10) being reached in each case. The trans-diaphragmatic passage was through the left cupola in 9 out of 11 patients (82%). In 2 patients, the passage was trans-hiatal (18%). Interestingly, the 2 eso-bronchial fistulas had a trans-hiatal passage with a termination in the proximal bronchus, while the 4 gastro-bronchial fistulas had a trans-diaphragmatic passage with a termination in the distal bronchus. All pleural fistulas were gastric with a trans-diaphragmatic passage.

CONCLUSIONS

Esogastro-bronchial and gastro-pleural fistulas after SG originated mostly at the top of the staple line. Eso-bronchial fistulas had a trans-hiatal passage with a proximal bronchial termination, while gastro-bronchial fistulas had a trans-diaphragmatic passage with a distal bronchial termination.

Endoscopic septotomy as a treatment for leaks after sleeve gastrectomy: Meeting presentations: Digestive Disease Week 2019

Background and study aims  Sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure in the world. Leaks are the most feared complications after this procedure. Endoscopic septotomy has been described as a resolution technique that could be useful in the setting of late and chronic leaks. We present our experience in the management of gastric leaks with this advanced endoscopic technique. Patients and methods  Retrospective review of patients who have been admitted to our hospital from January 2016 to December 2018. Results  Five patients were found. All had their index surgery in outside hospitals. The average age was 51 years (range 40 - 69), and four patients were female. Mean time from LSG to leak presentation was 15 days (range 7 - 25). Mean time from leak presentation to septotomy procedure was 61 days (range 21 - 110). All patients were treated with sleeve dilatation before septotomy using endoscopic achalasia balloons. Mean procedure time was 79 minutes (range 55 - 125). Success was achieved in 80 % of patients, and no complications related to the procedure were identified. One patient underwent total gastrectomy for definitive management. Mean follow-up time was 14.25 months (range 6 - 26), and the average time for fistula closure was 60.25 days. Conclusion  Endoscopic septotomy is safe and effective for management of chronic leaks after LSG. Associated non-selective dilatation may be a crucial step to allow distal patency and axis rectification for appropriate leak closure.

A Complication of an Endoscopic Pigtail Stent Migration into the Cavity during Deployment as a Treatment for Gastric Leak

Gastric leak following gastrointestinal surgery is the most dreadful complication, which implies long hospital stay, morbidities, and not irrelevant mortalities. There is no standard recommendation for treating postlaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy leak, which makes its management challenging. Endoscopic internal drainage by double-pigtail drains currently became the recommended approach. Complications to this approach include bleeding, ulceration at the tip of the double-pigtail stent, and uncommon migration. Here, we report our experience with drain displacement into the cavity while deployment in a patient who experienced gastric leakage after undergoing sleeve gastrectomy.

Endoscopic Management of Gastrobronchial Fistula after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Case Report

Bariatric surgery has rapidly emerged as a modality for managing morbid obesity; however, despite being considered safe, some complications do exist. Formation of a gastrobronchial fistula is a rare complication of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Nowadays, novel endoscopic techniques have widely been adopted in the management of such cases, as they provide minimally invasive options that decrease the morbidity and mortality. Here, the author presents a report of a middle-aged, morbidly obese male who had previously undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and returned with a 3-month history of productive cough. On upper gastrointestinal series, the patient was found to have a fistula communicating the stomach to the bronchial tree of his left lung (gastrobronchial fistula). He was treated with endoscopic fistula closure using an over-the-scope clip and a fully-covered Niti-S metallic stent. After this treatment, the patient's symptoms improved dramatically, and the stent was successfully removed 12 weeks later. This report highlights the management of a patient with gastrobronchial fistula formation following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as well as provides a literature review of using combined endoscopic management to treat gastrobronchial fistulas.

Cost analysis of leak after sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Leaks after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are serious complications of this procedure. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the costs of leaks after LSG.

SETTING

Private hospital, France.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on a prospective cohort of 2012 cases of LSG between September 2005 and December 2014. Data were collected on all diagnostic and therapeutic measures necessary to manage leaks, ward, and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay. Additional outpatient care was also analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty cases (0.99%) of gastric leak were recorded. Fifteen patients had available data for cost analysis. Of these, 13 patients were women (86.7%) with a mean age of 41.4 years (range 22-61) and mean BMI of 43.2 kg/m² (range 34.8-57.1). The leaks occurred after 7.4 days (±2.3) postoperatively. Only one gastric leak was recorded for the last 800 cases in which absorbable staple line reinforcement was used. Mean intra-hospital cost was 34398 € (range 7543-91,632 €). Prolonged hospitalization in ICU accounted for the majority of hospital costs (58.9%). Mean additional outpatient costs for leaks were 41,284 € (range 14,148-75,684€).

CONCLUSIONS

Leaks after LSG are an expensive complication. It is therefore important to take all necessary measures to reduce their incidence. Our data should be considered when analyzing the cost effectiveness of staple line reinforcement usage.

Evolution of endoscopic treatment of sleeve gastrectomy leaks: from partially covered to long, fully covered stents

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become a widely accepted option in the treatment of morbid obesity. Gastric leaks after SG occur in .9%-2.2% of the patients, mostly at the gastroesophageal junction. The current treatment algorithm includes drainage, antibiotics, nutritional support, and endoluminal control.

OBJECTIVES

Our hypothesis is that long, fully covered stents represent a safe, effective solution for SG leaks.

SETTING

University hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of our prospectively collected bariatric database was performed between June 2014 and May 2016. We included all patients treated for leaks after SG. Endoscopic treatment included partially covered metallic stent (Wallstent, Boston Scientific, Galway, Ireland), fully covered stent (Mega stent, Taewoong Medical Industries, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea), over-the-scope clip (Ovesco Endoscopy, Tubingen, Germany), and internal pigtail drainage.

RESULTS

A total of 872 SGs were performed. Overall, 10 of 872 patients (1.1%) developed a gastric leak. One patient was an outside referral. The 11 patients underwent endoscopic treatment accompanied by either percutaneous or laparoscopic abscess drainage. Endoscopic fistula closure at the gastroesophageal junction was achieved in 10 of 11 cases and the average time for closure was 9.9 (range: 4-24) weeks. One patient developed a second leak in the antrum, treated by subtotal gastrectomy. Overall, treatment with Wallstent failed in 3 of 5 patients, and these patients were eventually successfully treated with a Mega stent. The initial use of long, fully covered stents was successful in 5 of 6 cases.

CONCLUSION

Long, fully covered stents appear to be a good alternative to traditional stents either as primary treatment or after failure of other endoscopic treatments.

Outcome of leaks after sleeve gastrectomy based on a new algorithm adressing leak size and gastric stenosis

BACKGROUND

Leaks after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are estimated to be the most serious complication of this procedure due to difficult healing process using non-standardized endoscopic approaches. Initially, endoscopic management recommended the use of stents.

METHODS

A total of 19 patients received endoscopic treatment after LSG to manage leaks. The leak was classified depending on the primary orifice's size (more or less than 10 mm) or on the presence of gastric stenosis. The primary aim was to develop a therapeutic algorithm in order to reduce the number of endoscopic procedures.

RESULTS

The average number of endoscopic procedures was 2.8 (range 2-5) in group A (leak size <10 mm) and 4 (range 3-7) in group B (leak size >10 mm). Two out of 13 patients had stent migration (15.4 %) and required an additional procedure, one in group A and another in group B. The average duration to achieve complete healing was 3.4 months (range 2-14 months), 2.8 months for group A and 3.9 months for group B.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited data can be found in the literature on leaks after LSG. A new algorithm based on leak size permits standardization of endoscopic management and reduces procedures after LSG.

[Anastomosis and suture insufficiency after interventions for bariatric and metabolic surgery]

BACKROUND

Metabolic surgery is internationally well-established for the treatment of obesity and its comorbidities. The numbers of procedures performed is steadily increasing. The results of surgery are superior in comparison to conservative treatment options regarding weight loss and resolution of comorbidities. The insufficiency of suture lines is a well-known and feared complication in the stapling procedures and is associated with an increased morbidity as well as mortality, especially in super obese patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The current literature was reviewed and the results are reported within the context of own experience.

RESULTS

The most severe complications are staple line leakage after sleeve gastrectomy, leakage of anastomoses after bypass procedures and duodenal stump insufficiency. For the treatment of sleeve leakage various endoscopic procedures, such as over the scope (OTS) clips, stents and endoluminal vacuum therapy are available. Surgical revision, such as oversuturing, drainage and redo surgery are well-established. The management of all other complications is mainly by surgical intervention. Intraoperative standardization of procedures and knowledge of the physical foundations are essential for the prevention of leakage. Several preventive methods are available but randomized controlled trials are missing.

CONCLUSION

The therapy of leakages in the field of bariatric surgery is an interdisciplinary approach and dependent on the available resources in the treating hospital. The data reported show good results but the different reports published are inconsistent. Leakages often do not occur in the immediate postoperative period but in the sense of a long-term complication; therefore standardization of procedures and follow-up as well as complication management is mandatory. Randomized controlled studies must be promoted.

Definitive surgical management of staple line leak after sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become a widely adopted bariatric surgical procedure. The most serious complication is staple line leak (SLL), which is potentially life threatening and, in some patients, becomes chronic and difficult to manage. Definitive surgical management of SLL is effective but seldom published in the literature.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to review the outcome of definitive surgical management of SLL after SG, looking at short-term and long-term results.

SETTING

Single surgeon experience based at a tertiary university hospital in Beirut, Lebanon.

METHODS

Retrospective review of records of patients with SLL who underwent definitive surgical treatment by the senior author (B.Y.S.) from January 2008 until December 2013.

RESULTS

Ten patients (50% female) underwent definitive surgical repair during the study period. The mean age, weight, and body mass index at the time of SG were 35 years, 121 kg, and 41.5 kg/m(2), respectively. Most leaks (90%) were at the esophagogastric junction. All underwent multiple operative, endoscopic, or radiologic procedures before definitive surgical repair. Methods of definitive repair included open Roux-en-Y (RY) esophagojejunostomy (70%), open RY gastric bypass (10%), laparoscopic RY esophagojejunostomy (10%), and one laparoscopic RY fistulojejunostomy (10%). Six patients (60%) underwent definitive surgical treatment because of chronic SLL, on average, 26 weeks after leak detection (range 13-39 wk). The other 4 underwent repair earlier, on average 4 weeks after leak detection (1-7 wk). There were no mortalities, and all patients healed without residual leak. Perioperative morbidity developed in 1 of 6 (17%) patients who underwent delayed repair and in 75% of patients who underwent repair early. Patients who underwent early repair were heavier (body mass index 40.5 kg/m(2) versus 30 kg/m(2)) and nutritionally more deplete (albumin 26.7 g/L versus 39.2 g/L). All patients are well at a mean follow-up of 21.6 months (7.5-55.9 mo) with an average percentage excess weight loss of 74% (57%-120%).

CONCLUSIONS

Definitive surgical management of SLL was uniformly effective with acceptable morbidity. It is indicated in patients with chronic persistent fistula beyond 12 weeks, provided patients are kept in good nutritional state. Some select patients may benefit from this approach in the early phases, but the surgical risks are higher.

The use of porcine acellular dermal matrix for management of gastrocutaneous fistula after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is an effective and single stand-alone surgical procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. One of the most frequent and serious complications of this procedure is staple-line leak. It can usually be treated with self-expandable stents. If this process results in failure and gastrocutaneous fistula occurs, a challenging period starts for the patient and the surgeon. We describe a new, relatively simple and quick endoscopic technique for closing a chronic gastrocutaneous fistula. A plug prepared with porcine acellular dermal matrix was used for this purpose. Gastrocutaneous fistula following an obesity surgery can be successfully treated endoscopically with this technique. This method can prevent the need for aggressive reconstructive surgery following a gastrocutaneous fistula and can prompt rapid improvement while decreasing the average hospital stay for this condition.

Use of platelet-rich plasma to reinforce the staple line during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: feasibility study and preliminary outcome

AIMS

Reinforcement of the staple line is one of the most debated technical aspects concerning laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Different buttressing methods have been proposed and demonstrated to be effective in reducing the incidence of staple line bleeding, although data concerning their effort on staple line leakage are not consistent. The aim of this study was to ascertain the technical feasibility and to report the preliminary outcomes of laparoscopic use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to reinforce the staple line during sleeve gastrectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From March 2012 to May 2012, 20 patients were prospectively enrolled (10 females; mean age, 44.6 ± 11 years; mean body mass index, 42.3 ± 5.45 kg/m(2)). Type 2 diabetes mellitus was present in 4 patients, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in 3, and hypertension in 6. LSG was performed using a 48-French bougie and gold cartridges; reinforcement of the staple lines with buttressed materials or oversewing the suture was performed excluding the last cranial cartridge. PRP was prepared by separating the platelets from autologous blood withdrawn on the same day of surgery, in order to obtain a membrane with cylindrical shape (2×5 cm) formed by fibrin and active platelets. The membrane is introduced through the 10-mm trocar and placed at the upper portion of the staple line. The overall cost for the preparation of PRP is about €15.

RESULTS

No intraoperative complications and conversions have been recorded during the surgical procedures. No deaths occurred. The mean operative time was 85 ± 31 minutes, which was not significantly increased compared with the operative time of the surgeon's overall personal series (750 cases). At 12 months of follow-up the abdominal ultrasound was negative for collections, and upper contrast showed no images indicating gastric leaks. In no case did PRP induce symptoms of rejection, infection, or adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of PRP during LSG is feasible, does not increase significantly the operative time, does not require any special devices, and is cost effective. A larger cohort of patients is needed to ascertain the potential effectiveness of PRP in the prevention of postoperative staple line complications.

Laparoscopic Magenstrasse and Mill gastroplasty. First results of a prospective study

BACKGROUND

The Magenstrasse and Mill (M&M) procedure is a vertical gastroplasty creating a tubular pouch extending from the cardia to the antrum. This "incomplete sleeve" avoids gastric resection or band placement. In this paper, we report our experience of the laparoscopic approach of the technique in a selected obese population excluding prominent grazer and/or sweet eaters.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred patients (39 males, 61 females) underwent the procedure in a prospective trial. Mean age was 40 years (range 18-68). Mean preoperative BMI was 43.2 kg/m(2) (range 35-62).

RESULTS

The procedure was performed by laparoscopy starting with the creation of a circular opening at the junction of antrum and corpus followed by a vertical stapling to the angle of Hiss. Mean duration of the procedure was 67 (range 40-122) min. No intraoperative complication occurred. Mean hospital stay (SD) was 2.5 (0.9) days. The single postoperative complication consisted in a mild stenosis that responded to endoscopic dilatation. After a mean follow-up of 15 months (range 9-24), mean percentage of excess body weight loss (SD) was 48(14), 59(18) and 68(24)%, respectively at 3, 6, and 12 months. Quality of life appeared satisfactory with a low incidence of gastroesophageal reflux. The procedure was associated with improvement or resolution of diabetes, arterial hypertension, and dyslipemia at 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience demonstrated that the M&M procedure could be performed safely laparoscopically. The satisfactory results on weight loss, obesity-associated mordities, and quality of life will need to be confirmed on longer follow-up.