Management of Leaks Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Using Specifically Designed Large Covered Metal Stents
Background: Leaks are the major complication associated with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of specifically designed large covered metal stents for the management post-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy leaks. Results: Twenty-one patients (67% females, mean age 45 years) were included in the study and a total of 26 stents were placed. Technical success of stent placement was achieved in all cases (100%). Clinical success was observed in 85.5% of patients. Stent related adverse events occurred in 9 patients (43%), with stent migration as most frequent complication (33%). Adverse events were more frequently observed in patients who had undergone bariatric surgery prior to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy compared to patients without previous surgery (83% vs 27%, p=0.018). Conclusions: Placement of specifically designed covered metal stents appears to be an effective and safe therapeutic approach for post-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy leaks. Stent migration can be a frequent complication.