Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y fistulojejunostomy as a salvage procedure in patients with chronic gastric leak after sleeve gastrectomy

Endoscopic management of complications after sleeve gastrectomy: a narrative review

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become the most widely performed bariatric procedure globally due to its technical simplicity and proven efficacy. However, complications following SG, including bleeding, leakage, fistulas, stenosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hiatal hernia (HH), remain a significant concern. Endoscopic interventions have emerged as valuable minimally invasive alternatives to traditional surgical approaches for managing these complications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the endoscopic management strategies available for addressing the various complications encountered after SG, emphasizing their critical role in optimizing patient outcomes.

Endoscopic Administration of Combined Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Gastric Staple Line Leaks After Sleeve Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Gastric staple line leak treatment after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) remains challenging. Regenerative medicine is gaining place in the accelerated treatment of damaged tissues. This study presents the first series of gastric leak treatment after LSG using endoscopic intragastric administration of combined autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

METHODS

MSC-PRP harvesting and endoscopic administration techniques are described in detail. Data were prospectively gathered and analyzed. Primary endpoints were morbidity/mortality rates and fistula closure time.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (9 women, 3 men) were included. Median age was 41.5 years, median weight 105.5 kg and median BMI 38.9 kg/m2. Median time to gastric staple line leak detection was 10 days post-LSG. Median time between re-laparoscopy and MSC-PRP administration was 5 days. MSC-PRP endoscopic administration was successfully performed and tolerated by all patients, with median procedure duration of 27 min and minimal blood loss. Four postoperative complications were noted: two patients with increased tibial pain at tibial puncture site, one with tibial hematoma, and one with epigastric pain/dysphagia. Median length of hospital stay was 1 day. Gastric leak healing occurred after a median of 14 days, only two patients requiring a second MSC-PRP endoscopic injection. Median follow-up was 19 months, all patients being in good health at last contact.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic administration of combined autologous MSC-PRP seems to be a good option for treatment of gastric leaks after sleeve gastrectomy. It is a challenging procedure that should be performed in specialized bariatric centers by expert bariatric surgeons and endoscopists after meticulous patient selection.

Risk Factors and Management Approaches for Staple Line Leaks Following Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Single-Center Retrospective Study of 402 Patients

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has gained ever-increasing popularity among laparoscopic surgeons involved in bariatric surgery. This single-institution, retrospective cohort study aims to evaluate the prevalence of postoperative staple line leakage (PSLL) after LSG and identify risk factors for its development. We included patient data that underwent LSG at our institution for a span of 17 years-starting in January 2005 and ending in December 2022. We set the investigation of correlations of patient-related factors (age, weight, BMI, smoking status, presence of diabetes mellitus) with the occurrence of postoperative leaks. A total of 402 patients were included in our study. Of them, 26 (6.46%) developed PSLL. In total, 19 (73%) patients underwent percutaneous drainage and 14 patients (53.8%) were treated with intraluminal endoscopic stenting. Finally, five patients (19.2%) were treated with endoscopic clipping of the defect. Operative management was required in only one patient. There were no statistically significant differences in patient age, mean weight at the time of operation, and mean BMI. Abnormal drain amylase levels were associated with earlier detection of PSLL. More consideration needs to be given to producing a consensus regarding the management of PSLL, prioritizing nonoperative management with the combination of percutaneous drainage and endoscopic stenting as the safest and most efficient approach.