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.

Literature Review on the Incidence of Primary Stapler Malfunction

Background. Surgical stapling devices are known for their reliability and convenience. A letter to health care professionals published by the US Food and Drug Administration in March 2019 highlighted the increasing number of adverse events associated with surgical staplers. Driven by a case of stapler malfunction during an elective laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, we performed a literature review to investigate the incidence of primary stapler malfunction. We also discuss the common types and an approach to its management. Methods. PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases were searched for articles discussing surgical stapler malfunction. Twelve studies were selected that described the incidence and/or consequences of primary stapler malfunction. A narrative synthesis was performed. Results. From observational studies, the incidence ranged from 0.022% to 2.3%. A prospective survey reported that 86% of laparoscopic surgeons either had personal experience with or knew of surgeons who experienced stapler malfunction, implying a higher incidence. Underreporting has been an issue as manufacturers can get exemptions from public reporting. Significantly, higher malfunctions have been reported after exemptions were lifted. The most common types of stapler malfunction are stapler misfire and stapler locking. Major morbidity and mortality have been reported. Conclusion. Surgeons are increasingly reliant on technological innovations. Stapling failure occurs and it is imperative to be aware of this. Given the high volume of stapler use, a high percentage of surgeons are likely to encounter this problem in their career. It is important to have an approach to the prevention and management of this potentially catastrophic complication.

Left Atrial Appendage Resection during Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery via Right Minithoracotomy

Here, we report concomitant resection of the left atrial appendage through the transverse sinus during minimally invasive aortic valve replacement via right anterolateral thoracotomy. The left atrial appendage was exposed by raising the collapsed ascending aorta and was safely resected using a surgical stapling device. This procedure is a feasible option in elderly patients, for whom a percutaneous procedure would be inappropriate, and could be useful for preventing thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications.