Role of Rendezvous-Procedure in the Treatment of Complications after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Introduction: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures worldwide with good results, high patient acceptance, and low complication rates. The most relevant perioperative complication is the staple line leak. For the treatment of this complication, endoscopic negative pressure therapy has proven particularly effective. The correct time to start endoscopic negative pressure therapy has not been the subject of studies to date. Methods: Twelve patients were included in this retrospective data analysis over three years. Endoscopic negative pressure therapy was carried out using innovative open pore suction devices. Patients were treated with simultaneous surgery and endoscopy, so called rendezvous-procedure (Group A) or solely endoscopically, or in sequence surgically and endoscopically (Group B). Therapy data of the procedures and outcome measures, including duration of therapy, therapy success, and change of treatment strategy, were collected and analysed. Results: In each group, six patients were treated (mean age 52.96 years, 4 males, 8 females). Poor initial clinical situation, time span of endoscopic negative pressure therapy (Group A 31 days vs. Group B 18 days), and mean length of hospital stay (Group A 39.5 days vs. Group B 20.17 days) were higher in patients with rendezvous procedures. One patient in Group B died during the observation time. Discussion: Rendezvous procedures for patients with staple line leaks after sleeve gastrectomy is indicated for serious ill patients with perigastric abscesses and in need of laparoscopic lavage. The one-stage complication management with the rendezvous procedure seems not to result in an obvious advantage in the further outcome in patients with staple line leaks after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Endoscopic vacuum assisted closure of gastrocutaneous fistula after sleeve gastrectomy combined with fibrin sealant

Treatment of gastrointestinal fistulas after staple line leaks is difficult and non-invasive procedures such as endoclips, stents or endoscopic vacuum assisted closure (E-VAC) are sometimes not adequate. Fibrin sealants (FS) may promote healing, although today are used mainly to prevent anastomosis dehiscence within digestive tract. The authors present a 37-year-old female patient who developed a chronic gastrocutaneous fistula after sleeve gastrectomy for severe obesity treated successfully with a combination of E-VAC and a fibrin sealant. Long term peritoneal drainage, total parenteral nutrition, and antibiotic therapy for the next six weeks failed to close the leakage. Ultimately the fistula was closed after 6 changes of E-VAC and final implementation of a fibrin sealant. The duration of treatment was 81 days, including 34 days of E-VAC treatment and FS application. Complete closure of the fistula was visualized on gastroscopy six weeks after the treatment.

Laparoscopic treatment of a gastro-gastric fistula after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass—report of two cases

The most frequently performed bariatric surgery is the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). An uncommon complication of LRYGB is gastro-gastric fistula (GGF). Possible causes of GGF include incomplete transection of the stomach during the initial surgery, staple-line leaks in the post-operative period and marginal ulcers. The optimal management of GGF is still under debate, with medical, endoscopic and surgical treatment modalities available. The authors present two cases of a GGF successfully managed with a laparoscopic surgical approach, after failed medical and endoscopic treatment.

Bariatric Surgery Conversions at a Revisional Referral Center: A Subset Analysis of Clinical Outcomes from a Rural Community Hospital Accredited Program

Introduction: Revisional bariatric surgery for complications and weight regain is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates compared to primary bariatric surgery. The majority of procedures are done in an urban setting. Methods: A retrospective chart review with IRB approval was conducted in a rural community hospital accredited bariatric program. A total of 53 revisions were performed by a single surgeon from February 2019 to February 2020. A subset analysis of 18 bariatric surgery conversions was performed and its outcomes are presented. Primary outcomes were 30-day morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes included anastomotic or staple line leak, intraabdominal abscess and need for subsequent surgery. Results: Most patients were female (83.3%) and the median ASA class was 3. The mean age was 48.2 ± 13.3 years. Most conversions were performed laparoscopically (88.9%), with a minority done robotically (11.1%). There were no open procedures or conversions to open. The most common prior bariatric operation was a sleeve gastrectomy (SG) (44.4%) followed by vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) (22.2%). The most common type of operation was laparoscopic SG conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (16.7%) followed by laparoscopic VBG conversion to RYGB (16.7%). History of tobacco use was present in 38.9% of patients. The most common preoperative comorbidity was severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (88.9%). The 30-day morbidity was 33.3% and there was no mortality. There were no anastomotic or staple line leaks. Intraabdominal abscess developed in 11.1% of patients. The rate of marginal ulceration was 27.8%, with only one case (5.6%) requiring future gastrojejunostomy revision. The rate of subsequent surgery beyond 30 days was 22.2%. Conclusion: With an acceptable complication rate, no anastomotic or staple line leaks, and no mortality, minimally invasive bariatric surgery conversions are feasible and safe in a rural community hospital environment, with the most common indication being complications from a prior laparoscopic SG, and with the RYGB being the most common procedure as an end product of conversion.

Endoscopic treatment of early leaks and strictures after laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass

Background: Laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass has become a prominent bariatric procedure. Yet, early and late complications, primarily leaks and strictures, are not uncommon. This study summarizes our experience with endoscopic treatment of laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass complications. Methods: This is a retrospective study of consecutive patients referred to our hospital from 2015 to 2017 with post laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass complications. Therapy was tailored to each case, including fully covered self-expandable metal stents, fibrin glue, septotomy, internal drainage with pigtail stents, through-the-scope and pneumatic dilation. Success was defined as resuming oral nutrition without enteral or parenteral support or further surgical intervention. Results : Nine patients presented with acute or early leaks: 5 (56%) had staple-line leaks, 3 (33%) had anastomotic leaks and 1 (11%) had both. All were treated with stents. Adjunctive endoscopic drainage was applied in 4 patients (44%). Overall 5 patients (56%) with acute/ early leaks recovered completely, including all 3 patients with anastomotic leak and the patient with both leaks but only 1/5 with staple line leak (20%). Complication rate in the leak group reached 22%. Eight patients presented with strictures, 7 at the anastomosis and one due to remnant stomach misalignment. All anastomotic strictures were dilated successfully. However, the patient with the pouch stricture required conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass after 3 failed attempts of dilation. Conclusion: Endoscopic treatments of laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass complications are relatively effective and safe. Anastomosis-related complications are more amenable to endoscopic treatment compared to staple line leaks.

Endoscopic treatment of early leaks and strictures after laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass

Background: Laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass has become a prominent bariatric procedure. Yet, early and late complications, primarily leaks and strictures, are not uncommon. This study summarizes our experience with endoscopic treatment of laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass complications. Methods: This is a retrospective study of consecutive patients referred to our hospital from 2015 to 2017 with post laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass complications. Therapy was tailored to each case, including fully covered self-expandable metal stents, fibrin glue, septotomy, internal drainage with pigtail stents, through-the-scope and pneumatic dilation. Success was defined as resuming oral nutrition without enteral or parenteral support or further surgical intervention. Results : Nine patients presented with acute or early leaks: 5 (56%) had staple-line leaks, 3 (33%) had anastomotic leaks and 1 (11%) had both. All were treated with stents. Adjunctive endoscopic drainage was applied in 4 patients (44%). Overall 5 patients (56%) with acute/ early leaks recovered completely, including all 3 patients with anastomotic leak and the patient with both leaks but only 1/5 with staple line leak (20%). Complication rate in the leak group reached 22%. Eight patients presented with strictures, 7 at the anastomosis and one due to remnant stomach misalignment. All anastomotic strictures were dilated successfully. However, the patient with the pouch stricture required conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass after 3 failed attempts of dilation. Conclusion: Endoscopic treatments of laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass complications are relatively effective and safe. Anastomosis-related complications are more amenable to endoscopic treatment compared to staple line leaks.

Endoscopic treatment of early leaks and strictures after laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass

Background: Laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass has become a prominent bariatric procedure. Yet, early and late complications, primarily leaks and strictures, are not uncommon. This study summarizes our experience with endoscopic treatment of laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass complications. Methods: This is a retrospective study of consecutive patients referred to our hospital from 2015 to 2017 with post laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass complications. Therapy was tailored to each case, including fully covered self-expandable metal stents, fibrin glue, septotomy, internal drainage with pigtail stents, through-the-scope and pneumatic dilation. Success was defined as resuming oral nutrition without enteral or parenteral support or further surgical intervention. Results : Nine patients presented with acute or early leaks: 5 (56%) had staple-line leaks, 3 (33%) had anastomotic leaks and 1 (11%) had both. All were treated with stents. Adjunctive endoscopic drainage was applied in 4 patients (44%). Overall 5 patients (56%) with acute/ early leaks recovered completely, including all 3 patients with anastomotic leak and the patient with both leaks but only 1/5 with staple line leak (20%). Complication rate in the leak group reached 22%. Eight patients presented with strictures, 7 at the anastomosis and one due to remnant stomach misalignment. All anastomotic strictures were dilated successfully. However, the patient with the pouch stricture required conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass after 3 failed attempts of dilatation. Conclusion: Endoscopic treatments of laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass complications are relatively effective and safe. Anastomosis-related complications are more amenable to endoscopic treatment compared to staple line leaks.