Inadvertent stapling of the orogastric tube during bariatric surgery: Report of 3 cases and a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Entrapment of an orally introduced tube by stapling/stitching is an intra-operative complication of bariatric surgery with grave consequences. Incidence is unknown. No prevention/management strategy is available. A systematic review was performed to assess the absolute reported observed risk and incidence. Additionally, data on 3 cases during our entire sleeve gastrectomy (SG) experience is evaluated.

METHODS

Literature is reviewed using PubMed/Web of science data-bases. Data was recorded prospectively. Videos of orally introduced tube staplings were re-watched, presentation/recognition/management were re-evaluated. A protocol ensuring the removal of the small caliber orogastric tube (OGT) by the surgeons direct inspection was introduced after the 3rd entrapment.

RESULTS

Review revealed OGT as the most commonly entrapped tube following temperature probe and bougie. SG/stapling were the most common causative operation/reason, respectively. Leak rates over 20%, conversion, early-late re-operations and mortality were reported. During our 948 consecutive SGs, 3 OGT entrapments (0.32%), third one with double stapling, occurred. All were recognized/managed intraoperatively by freeing the entrapped-end of the OGT from the sleeve part of the staple-line. In doubly stapled case, second transected end could only be recognized when routine reinforcement suturing come in proximity. Defects were continuously stitched with barbed suture. No morbidity occurred. One-year excess-weight-loss was 82%. A pre-protocol incidence of 0.56% (n: 3/534) dropped to nil in the remaining 414.

CONCLUSION

Iatrogenic stapling of the OGT during SG is rare, but morbid. It must be avoided by a strict protocol. Upon occurrence/recognition, stapling must immediately stop until the "entirety" of the tube, including the "specimen-part", is retrieved, to avoid double entrapment.

Comparison of hand-sewn versus mechanical esophagogastric anastomosis in esophageal cancer: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Many studies have been conducted to compare the hand-sewn and mechanical staples in esophageal cancer (EC) patients who received esophagogastric anastomosis. However, the results remain controversial. Hence, the purpose of the meta-analysis is to evaluate the impact of different anastomosis methods on the early and long-term outcomes.

METHODS

We will perform a systematic electronic search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science for relevant articles published in English language. Pooled odds ratios will be calculated for the effect on discrete variables including anastomotic leakage, anastomotic strictures, 30-day mortality, quality of life, cardiac and pulmonary complications. The weighted mean difference was calculated for the effect size on continuous variables such as operative time and bleeding amount. We will use the software Review Manager 5.3 and STATA 14.0 to perform the meta-analysis to calculate the data synthesis.

RESULTS

The review will provide a high-quality synthesis of current evidence of the impact of different anastomosis methods on postoperative course in ECs after esophagectomy. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis will compare the different anastomosis methods in EC patients. The results will better offer some specific suggestions for esophagogastric anastomosis.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

This systematic review protocol has been registered in the PROSPERO network (No. CRD 42019109523).

Stapleless Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Reasoning and Technical Insights

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) with staple line reinforcement (SLR) is a popular and safe treatment option for morbid obesity. We have developed, devised, and described our own method of stapleless laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, which in our limited study appeared safe, efficacious, and potentially cost-effective.

Methods

We analyzed the outcome of our modified LSG in a case series of three middle-aged women (median age 42 years old). Our main modification was sutured closure of the stomach rather than the commonly utilized technique of stapled closure. Our primary measure of success was the occurrence of post-operative leak. Secondary measures were (a) length of operation, (b) duration of inpatient stay, and (c) percentage of weight loss at 6 and 12 months post operation.

Results

Median operative time = 132 min (120–195 min), and median inpatient stays were 2 days. No post-operative leaks were recorded. The median excess weight loss at 6 months was 39% of initial weight loss and 57.7% at 12 months.

Conclusions

Stapleless LSG has the potential to be an affordable alternative to the traditional LSG. High-powered studies and a formal cost analysis are required.

Factors Predictive of Outcomes in Vertebral Body Stapling for Idiopathic Scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review.

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors associated with successful outcomes in patients treated with vertebral body stapling (VBS) for idiopathic scoliosis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The standard of care for moderate scoliosis (20°-45°) consists of observation and bracing with the goal of halting curve progression. Although several recent studies have confirmed the efficacy of bracing in altering the natural history of scoliosis, bracing is not universally effective. Recent studies have demonstrated that VBS is a safe and viable treatment for some young patients with scoliosis at risk for progression. The identification of factors associated with successful outcomes in VBS for idiopathic scoliosis would better define the population likely to benefit from VBS.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients from a single institution treated with VBS who met previously defined inclusion criteria. Successful treatment was defined as avoidance of a fusion and a final Cobb angle no more than 10° greater than the pretreatment Cobb angle.

RESULTS

We identified 63 patients who met inclusion criteria. The patients underwent VBS at a mean age of 10.78 years and had a mean follow-up of 3.62 years (minimum 2 years). The mean pre-op Cobb angle for stapled thoracic curves was 29.5°. Seventy-four percent of the patients who had VBS of the thoracic curve have avoided progression and/or fusion, and the mean Cobb angle at most recent follow-up was 21.8°. The mean preoperative Cobb angle for lumbar curves was 31.1°. Eighty-two percent of the patients who had VBS of the lumbar curve have avoided progression and/or fusion, and their mean Cobb angle at follow-up was 21.6°.

CONCLUSION

VBS is effective at preventing progression and fusion for moderate idiopathic scoliosis in immature patients. The complication rates are low.

Over-Sewing of Staple Line in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Initial Experience of a Comparative Study

INTRODUCTION

The main drawback of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the severity of postoperative complications. Staple line reinforcement (SLR) is strongly advocated. Recently, over-sewing has been proposed as a cost-effective and helpful method for reinforcing the staple line. The purpose of this study was to report our initial experience with LSG comparing over-sewing over the entire staple line with the upper-third staple line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All obese patients seen at Negrar Sacro Cuore, Don Calabria Hospital were entered into our prospective database and were retrospectively evaluated. Complications (divided as major complications: leaks and bleeding; and minor complications: dysphagia, esophagitis, and reflux disease) and reoperations were recorded for all patients. Complications were graded according to the Clavien classification system.

RESULTS

From February 2015 to March 2016, 30 patients underwent LSG. Patients were divided in two groups according to over-sewing: Group A-over-sewing over the entire staple line; and Group B upper-third over-sewing. Mean total operative time was longer in Group A-90 minutes-compared with 85 minutes in Group B. In regard to minor complications, we reported one esophagitis and two cases of dysphagia in Group B and one dysphagia in Group A. Gastroesophageal reflux was higher in Group B than in Group A (3 vs. 1, p=0.149). Three major complications were observed (10%): two bleeding and one hematoma in Group B and no major complications occurred in Group A. All major complications were conservatively treated. No leaks were reported in both groups. No mortality was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Over-sewing of the staple line was associated with fewer leaks but no conclusions can be drawn regarding the effects of over-sewing on staple line bleedings. Before standardizing surgical techniques further, trials are necessary to improve our knowledge about over-sewing in LSG.

Transanal Inspection and Management of Low Colorectal Anastomosis Performed With a New Technique: the TICRANT Study

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leakage is one of the most serious complications after rectal cancer surgery.

METHOD

A prospective multicenter interventional study to assess a newly described technique of creating the colorectal and coloanal anastomosis. The primary outcome was to access the safety and efficacy of this technique in the reduction of anastomotic leak.

RESULT

Fifty-three patients with rectal cancer who underwent low or ultra-low anterior resection were included in the study. There were 35 males and 18 females, with a median age of 68 years (range = 49-89 years). The median tumor distance from the anal verge was 8 cm (range = 4-12 cm), and the median body mass index was 24 kg/m² (range = 20-35 kg/m²). Thirty patients underwent open, 16 laparoscopic, and 7 robotic surgeries. Multiple firing (2-charges) was required in 30 patients to obtain a complete rectal division. Forty-five patients had colorectal anastomosis, and 8 patients had coloanal anastomosis. The protective ileostomy was created in 40 patients at the time of initial surgery. There was no mortality in the first 30 days postoperatively, and only 10 (19%) patients developed complications. There were 3 anastomotic leakages (6%); 2 of them were subclinical with ileostomy created at initial operation and both were treated conservatively with transanal drainage and intravenous antibiotics. One patient required reoperation and ileostomy. The median length of hospital stay was 10 days (range = 4-20 days).

CONCLUSION

Our technique is a safe and efficient method of creation of colorectal anastomosis. It is also a universal method that can be used in open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeries.

Single versus double stapling anastomotic technique in rectal cancer surgery

PURPOSE

The present study was designed to investigate whether there is a difference in the anastomotic leakage rate (AL) between the single stapling (CSA) and double stapling (DSA) anastomosis techniques.

METHODS

One hundred consecutive rectal cancer patients who underwent rectal resection with primary anastomosis were enrolled in this study.

RESULTS

The overall rate of clinical anastomotic leakage in both groups was 7 % (7/100); 6 % (3/50) in the CSA group and 8 % (4/50) in the DSA group. The anastomotic technique did not have any significant influence on the rate of AL. All AL were seen in low anastomoses (7 cm and below). The rate of AL in patients with a diverting stoma (13 %, 3/23) was not significantly different from that of the patients without (5.2 %, 4/77) (p = 0.195). The mean length of the operation was significantly shorter in the DSA group compared to the CSA group, at 127 and 141 min, respectively (p = 0.005). There were significantly higher rates of AL in patients receiving preoperative long course radiotherapy (15.4 %, 6/39) compared with those who did not receive radiotherapy (1.63 %, 1/61) (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

The CSA and DSA techniques are equally safe for the creation of a rectal anastomosis, without any significant difference in the AL rate. However, we recommend using the DSA technique because it has other definite advantages. In cases of neoadjuvant treatment and a low anastomosis, proximal diversion is recommended.

Finite element modeling of vertebral body stapling applied for the correction of idiopathic scoliosis: preliminary results

Endoscopic vertebral body stapling is an innovative technique intended to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, but the optimal instrumentation design is not yet established. The objective was to simulate the immediate correction obtained from two stapling configurations. A parametric finite element model of a typical right thoracic scoliotic spine (Cobb 21 degrees ) was developed using geometrical and mechanical data from the literature. Staple insertion and closing were modeled. The intra-operative lateral decubitus and standing positions were taken into account. Two implant configurations, varying the number of staples per vertebra, were simulated. The major correction (9 degrees ) came by simulating the intra-operative posture. The immediate Cobb angle correction due to the staples alone was less then 1 degrees for both configurations. However, the staples helped maintain the correction obtained by the intra-operative posture when the post-operative standing position was simulated. Next steps are to validate the model using surgical cases, implement growth modulation modeling, improve lateral decubitus modeling, and analyze different vertebral stapling strategies for different scoliotic curves.

New Zealand's early experience in stapled haemorrhoidopexy

AIM

Stapled haemorrhoidopexy is being increasingly integrated into the available options for treatment of haemorrhoidal disease. This study aimed to investigate the postoperative complications encountered in New Zealand up to December 2003.

METHOD

A postal survey was conducted of surgeons who perform stapled haemorrhoidopexy in New Zealand.

RESULTS

28 of 29 surgeons responded. Reports on complications, including postoperative bleeding, urinary retention, sepsis, rectovaginal fistula, faecal incontinence, faecal urgency, anal stricture and persistent anal pain, and incidence of residual disease were encouraging and comparable with other studies.

CONCLUSION

Stapled haemorrhoidopexy is becoming increasingly accepted by New Zealand surgeons as data and experience continue to be reassuring on the safety and efficacy of the procedure.

Clinical predictors of leak after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal leak is a complication of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Contrast studies may underdiagnose leaks, forcing surgeons to rely solely on clinical data. This study was designed to evaluate various clinical signs for detecting leakage after LRYGB.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 210 consecutive patients who underwent LRYGB between April 1999 and September 2001. There were nine documented leaks (4.3%). Clinical signs between patients with leaks (group 1) and those without leaks (group 2) were compared using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Evidence of respiratory distress and a heart rate exceeding 120 beats per min were the two most sensitive indicators of gastrointestinal leak. Routine upper gastrointestinal contrast imaging detected only two of nine leaks (22%).

CONCLUSION

Leak after LRYGB may be difficult to detect. Evidence of respiratory distress and tachycardia exceeding 120 beats per min may be the most useful clinical indicators of leak after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Complications after stapled hemorrhoidectomy: can they be prevented?

Stapled hemorrhoidectomy (SH), a new approach to the treatment of hemorrhoids, removes a circumferential strip of mucosa about four centimeters above the dentate line. A review of 1,107 patients treated with SH from twelve Italian coloproctological centers has revealed a 15% (164/1,107) complication rate. Immediate complications (first week) were: severe pain in 5.0% of all patients, bleeding (4.2%), thrombosis (2.3%), urinary retention (1.5%), anastomotic dehiscence (0.5%), fissure (0.2%), perineal intramural hematoma (0.1%), and submucosal abscess (0.1%). Bleeding was treated surgically in 24%, with Foley insertion 15%; and by epinephrine infiltration in 2%; 53% of patients with bleeding received no treatment and 6% needed transfusion. One patient with anastomotic dehiscence needed pelvic drainage and colostomy formation. The most common complication after 1 week was recurrence of hemorrhoids in 2.3% of patients, severe pain (1.7%), stenosis (0.8%), fissure (0.6%), bleeding (0.5%), skin tag (0.5%), thrombosis (0.4%), papillary hypertrophy (0.3%) fecal urency (0.2%), staples problems (0.2%), gas flatus and fecal incontinence (0.2%), intramural abscess, partial dehiscence, mucosal septum and intussusception (each <0.1%). Recurrent hemorrhoids were treated by ligation in 40% and by Milligan-Morgan procedure in 32%. All hemorrhoidal thromboses were excised. Anal stenoses were treated by dilatation in 55% and by anoplasty in 45%. Fissure was treated by dilatation in 57%. Most complications (65%) occurred after the surgeon had more than 25 case experiences of stapled hemorrhoidectomy. The most common complication in the first 25 cases of the surgeon's experience was bleeding (48%). Even though SH appears to be promising, we feel that a multicenter randomized study with a long-term follow-up comparing SH and banding is necessary before recommending the procedure. Most complications can be avoided by respecting the rectal wall anatomy in the execution of the procedure.

Evolving concepts in the management of colonic injury

PURPOSE

The management of colonic injury has changed in recent years. This study sought to evaluate current surgical management of injuries to the colon in a busy urban trauma centre, in the light of our increasing confidence in primary repair and evolving understanding of the concepts and practice of damage control surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was made of consecutive patients presenting with colonic injury from January 1 to December 31 1998. Patients without full-thickness lesions of the colon were excluded, as were patients who died within 24 h of admission. Demographic data, wounding patterns and clinical course were studied.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-seven patients were analyzed. Management without colostomy was achieved in 84% of cases. Patients who underwent diversion of the faecal stream had increased morbidity and hospital stay compared to equivalent patients who were repaired primarily. The important subgroup of patients who underwent damage control or abbreviated laparotomy is discussed.

CONCLUSION

This study further strengthens the validity of direct repair or resection and primary anastomosis for colonic injury. Strategies to deal with the subgroup of patients at very high risk of postoperative complications are suggested.

Surgicel reinforced resection lines in left-sided hepatectomy with linear stapling device. An experimental study on pigs

Fourteen pigs underwent left-sided hepatectomy. The resection was performed with a linear stapling device and the pigs were randomised to either Surgicel reinforced resection lines or not. The median time required for resection was 25 min (range 17-30) in the Surgicel reinforced group compared to 30 min (range 21-41) in the stapled group. This difference was, however, not statistically significant (p = 0.053). The postoperative haemoglobin value was lower in the stapled group compared to the Surgicel reinforced group 69 g/l (range 42-85) versus 82 g/l (range 78-90) (p = 0.018). The estimated blood losses by weighing the compresses were 287 ml (range 166-379) for the stapled group and 204 ml (range 152-264) for the Surgicel reinforced group (p = 0.053). The median number of additional haemostatic sutures in the Surgicel reinforced group was 7 (range 3-11) and in the stapled group 10 (range 5-15) (p = 0.038). The haemoglobin value was similar in the two groups 1 week postoperatively; 100 g/l (range 87-104) and 102 g/l (range 95-114), p = 0.27, in the stapled group and the Surgicel reinforced group, respectively. In the stapled group reinforced with the Surgicel there was one postoperative death. In the solely stapled group there was no postoperative death (p = 0.5). Four out of six pigs in the Surgicel group had massive adhesions to the resection lines. One of these six pigs was sacrificed postoperatively as it was ill and had small bowel obstruction secondary to Surgicel induced adhesions. On the other hand, no adhesions were seen in the solely stapled pigs (p = 0.09). At this point, we can not recommend the use of Surgicel to reinforce resection lines at stapled liver resection in the clinical situation, because of the high frequency of adhesions this material creates.

Use of the circular stapler in 1000 consecutive colorectal anastomoses: experience of one surgical team

BACKGROUND

This study was performed to assess the exact performance of the conventional way of stapling colorectal anastomoses. Information collected from 1000 consecutive anastomoses performed by one surgical team could be considered as reliable reference with which results obtained by new approaches could be compared.

METHODS

One thousand consecutive anastomoses were performed from 1979 to 1992. Characteristics of the procedure, intraoperative events, mortality rate, complications, and clinical outcome were detailed.

RESULTS

There were 528 men and 472 women (age range, 20 to 90 years; average age, 63 years). Anastomoses were constructed by means of a circular stapler loaded with the largest cartridge in 82.3% of the cases. Imperfections were identified during operation in 124 cases. A diverting colostomy was performed in 127 cases. Postoperative mortality rate averaged 2.2%. Clinical anastomotic leaks developed in 35 patients: in 11.4% after low stapling (less than 5 cm from the dentate line) and in 2.2% after high stapling. The presence of a diverting colostomy influenced the leakage rate in patients with very low anastomoses. Total failure rate (death, definitive colostomy) as a result of anastomotic leak was 1.6%. Among the 933 survivors who had follow-up examination, the incidence of bad functional results decreased from 10% at the first attendance to 4.3% at the last one. Transanal dilatation and restapling were required for symptomatic narrowing in three and one patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The conventional way of stapling colorectal anastomoses in reliable, but it requires strict observance of the rules for anastomosing intestine and a careful check of the stapled sutures. Results obtained by new approaches could be compared with these data.

[Colonic anastomoses. Methods compared]

The authors used Bar-Valtrac for 18 months to perform colic anastomoses. To weigh up the effectiveness of this method they compare manual, Stapler and Bar-Valtrac anastomoses performed in this period. They examined 169 anastomoses in the same number of patients being careful of complications, post-operative canalizing, periods in hospital. It is clear that Bar-Valtrac is a good alternative to the stapler and to manual anastomoses because it is done in a way that doesn't determine anastomotic foreign body reactions and consequently reduces stenotic complications. The limit of this method is the great difficulty in performing low and very low colo-rectal anastomoses. Actually, to perform low and very low anastomoses, the authors prefer to use the Stapler that offers higher probabilities of recovery without complications and higher speed of carrying out.

Surgical stapling technique for radical hysterectomy

We developed a new technique for performing radical hysterectomy using surgical staplers. An endoscopic stapler was used to transect the uterosacral and cardinal ligaments and a roticulating stapler with absorbable staples was used to transect the vaginal cuff. Fifteen consecutive patients with primary stage IA2 or IB cervical carcinoma underwent class III radical hysterectomy using the new stapling technique and were compared to the previous 15 consecutive similarly staged patients who underwent class III radical hysterectomy by the traditional clamp, cut, and suture ligation technique. Median operative time for the stapler group was 3 hr (1.3-4 hr) versus 4.3 hr (2.5-5.8 hr) for the traditional technique (P = 0.0002). Estimated blood loss for the stapler technique was 650 ml (200-1200 ml) versus 1100 ml (450-2600 ml) for the traditional technique (P = 0.009). Three patients (20%) received transfusions in the stapler group versus 10 (67%) in the traditional group (P = 0.05). There was no difference in the rate of infections, venous thrombosis, lymphocysts, fistuli, bladder atony, or obstipation between the two groups. At a median follow up of 22 months, only one patient has recurred (from the traditional group). In conclusion, the surgical stapling technique of radical hysterectomy does not appear to adversely affect survival or increase complications while operative blood loss and operative time are significantly reduced.

[Total gastrectomy: a comparison between manual and mechanical sutures]

The authors report their experience of the use of mechanical staplers in total gastrectomy. The advantages of their use can above all be seen in anastomosis, in particular in high-risk areas like esophago-jejunal anastomosis, in which there is a lower incidence of dehiscence and mortality than when manual suturing techniques are used.

[Mechanical anastomoses in esophagogastric surgery for malignant tumors]

The authors present their experience in employing for the first time the mechanical circular suture with I.L.S. stapler in the surgery of 10 malignant esophagogastric tumors sited in C (4 cases) and M areas (6 cases). The disease was in stage II in 2 patients and in stage III in the remainder of 4. Three upper polar esophagogastrectomies (Akiyama technique) and 7 total gastrectomies were performed in old patients (mean age 63 years) at high surgical risk. Neither death nor fistulas were recorded. The average hospital stay was 14 days. A series of 17 patients (mean age 59 years), at medium surgical risk, with total gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma and classical suture served as controls. Five fistulas, two deaths and a two times longer hospital stay were recorded. Although the high cost of staplers prohibits the routine use of this technique, the authors demonstrate the great advantages resulting from mechanical suture in esophagogastric surgery.