Incidence of Gastrojejunostomy Stricture in Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Using an Autologous Fibrin Sealant

Background

Anastomotic leak at the gastrojejunostomy is a life-threatening complication of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Fibrin sealants have been used as topical adjuncts to reduce leaks at the gastrojejunostomy. Our clinical observations suggest that an unintended consequence may be the promotion of anastomotic stricture. We hypothesized that the use of fibrin sealant at the gastrojejunostomy in patients undergoing LRYGB decreases the incidence of anastomotic leak but increases the incidence of clinically significant stricture.

Methods

Following institutional review board approval, medical records of patients undergoing LRYGB by two surgeons at a single institution over a 5-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative demographics and postoperative complication rates including incidence of gastrojejunostomy leak and endoscopically diagnosed stricture requiring dilation within 1 year of surgery were recorded.

Results

Four hundred twenty-five patients had fibrin sealant routinely applied to their gastrojejunostomy site and 104 did not. Four leaks occurred in the sealant group and two leaks occurred in the control group (p?=?0.2). Of patients who received sealant, 1.6 % needed postoperative blood transfusion compared to those 1.6 % of patient who did not receive sealant (p?=?0.05). There was a significantly increased rate of strictures requiring dilation in the sealant group (11.3 % compared to 4.8 % stricture rate in patients who did not receive sealant, p?=?0.04).

Conclusions

In our experience, the use of fibrin sealant at linear stapled gastrojejunostomy site during LRYGB increases the incidence of clinically significant postoperative stricture and does not reduce the incidence of anastomotic leak.     

Endoscopic evaluation of the gastrojejunostomy in laparoscopic gastric bypass

Background A significant and potentially deadly complication of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is leakage from the gastrojejunostomy (GJ). The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative endoscopy in preventing postoperative anastomotic leakage. Methods The study enrolled 340 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass procedures performed from January 2001 to July 2004. In all cases, an endoscopist performed video gastroscopy to evaluate the integrity of the GJ using air insufflation of the pouch after distal clamping of the Roux limb. Intraoperative leaks were repaired and the anastomosis was retested. Demographic, operative, and endoscopic data were collected and analyzed. Logistic regression was used in both univariate and multivariate modeling to identify independent preoperative variables associated with the presence of intraoperative leak. Model parameters were estimated by the maximum likelihood method. From these estimates, odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. Results There were no postoperative anastomotic leaks or mortalities in our series. Overall, endoscopic evaluation of the GJ resulted in the detection of 56 intraoperative leaks (16.4%). There was a significant difference in the incidence of intraoperative leakage for patients older than 40 years (21%) vs those younger than 40 years (10.5%; p = 0.01). In the initial 91 cases, the GJ was performed by the end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) technique; the subsequent 249 were performed with a combination of linear stapling and handsewn technique. There was a trend toward more leakage in the GIA group (18%) versus EEA (12%); however, the difference was not significant (p = 0.188). Age remained an independent risk factor for leak detected intraoperatively in the multivariate logistic regression model after adjusting for covariates. Age >40 years increased the risk of intraoperative leakage by 2.3 times (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2–4.6; p = 0.01). The rate of postoperative anastomotic stricture was the same among patients detected with an intraoperative leak (5.4%) and those without (5.6%; p = 0.934). Conclusions Endoscopic evaluation of the GJ is a sensitive and reliable technique for demonstrating anastomotic integrity and preventing postoperative morbidity after gastric bypass. Age >40 years was identified as an independent risk factor for intraoperative leak in this series. Presented at the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) meeting, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA, April 2005     

Effect of Location and Speed of Diagnosis on Anastomotic Leak Outcomes in 3828 Gastric Bypass Cases

Introduction Leaks after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are a major cause of mortality. This study attempts to define the relationship between the leak site, time from surgery to detection, and outcome. Methods Retrospective review of 3,828 gastric bypass procedures. Results Of the leaks (3.9% overall), 60/2,337 (2.6%) occurred after open gastric bypass, 57/1,080 (5.2%) after laparoscopic gastric bypass, and 33/411 (8.0%) after revisions. Overall leak-related mortality after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was 0.6% (22/3,828). Mortality rate from gastrojejunostomy leaks (38 in the open gastric bypass, and 43 in the laparoscopic) was higher in the open group than the laparoscopic group (18.4 vs 2.3%, p = 0.015). Median time of detection for a gastrojejunostomy leak in the open group was longer than in the laparoscopic group (3 vs 1 days, Wilcoxon score p < 0.001). Jejunojejunostomy (JJ) leak was associated with a 40% mortality rate. Initial upper gastrointestinal series did not detect 9/10 jejunojejunostomy leaks. Median detection time was longer in the jejunojejunostomy leak group than the gastrojejunostomy leak group (4 vs 2 days, p = 0.037). Discussion Leak mortality and time of detection was higher after open gastric bypass than laparoscopic gastric bypass. GBP patients with normal upper gastrointestinal (UGI) studies may harbor leaks, especially at the JJ or excluded stomach. Normal UGI findings should not delay therapy if clinical signs suggest a leak. This paper was presented at The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, 47th Annual Meeting at Digestive Disease Week 2006, May 20–24, 2006, Los Angeles, California.     

Perioperative Vasopressors Are Associated with an Increased Risk of Gastrointestinal Anastomotic Leakage

Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vasopressors on gastrointestinal (GI) anastomotic leaks. Vasopressors are commonly used in surgical patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and their effects on GI anastomotic integrity are unknown. Patients and Methods Surgical patients admitted to the ICU in our tertiary university hospital following the creation of a GI anastomosis were studied by a retrospective chart analysis for anastomotic leaks and complications Results A total of 223 patients with 259 GI anastomoses, mostly for cancer, were admitted to the ICU immediately after surgery. Twenty-two patients developed anastomotic leaks (9.9%). The two groups (leak versus no-leak) had similar demographics, surgery type and indication, type of anastomosis, co-morbidities, cancer, steroid use, blood transfusion, drains, and epidural catheters. Vasopressor use was associated with increased anastomotic leakage (p = 0.02, OR 3.25). Multiple vasopressors and prolonged exposure caused even higher leaking rates. This effect was independent of the medical status and operative morbidity (APACHE II, POSSUM). Blood pressure preceding vasopressor use was similar in both groups. Vasopressors might have been occasionally used to treat hypovolemia. Patients with leaks had higher reoperation rates (41% versus 1%, p < 0.0001) and mortality (21% versus 4%, p = 0.002). Conclusions Vasopressors appear to increase anastomotic leaks threefold, independent of clinical/surgical status or hypotension. Evidence-based guidelines are warranted for the optimal use of vasopressors in postoperative patients admitted to the ICU.     

Routine postoperative upper gastrointestinal series after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: determination of whether it is necessary

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical utility of the routine use of postoperative barium swallow to diagnose postoperative complications in patients undergoing open or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. DESIGN: A total of 417 consecutive patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at our institution between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2002, were included. We performed 341 open procedures and 76 laparoscopic gastric bypasses. All patients received a limited postoperative fluoroscopic upper gastrointestinal series, except for the patients who exceeded the weight limitation of the radiologic equipment. Radiologic findings of anastomotic complications were anastomotic leak, delayed gastric emptying, gastric outlet obstruction, and gastrogastric fistula. We evaluated clinical signs and symptoms to obtain a list of criteria suggesting these complications. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: those with and those without radiographic anastomotic complications. Clinical and radiologic criteria were compared using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: We noted 42 radiologic abnormalities during a routine postoperative barium swallow evaluation. Among our 417 patients, we documented 12 leaks (2.9%), 19 cases of delayed gastric emptying (4.6%), 4 gastric outlet obstructions (1.0%), and 7 gastrogastric fistulas (1.7%). The combination of fever, tachycardia, and tachypnea was the most specific indicator of a leak, at 0.99 (95% confidence limit, 0.99, 1.01). Nausea with vomiting was the most predictive indicator of delayed gastric emptying and gastric outlet obstruction, with a specificity of 0.99 (95% confidence limit, 0.98, 0.99) and 0.97 (95% confidence limit, 0.96, 0.99), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative complications after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery are predictable based on the patient's symptoms. The use of routine postoperative fluoroscopic upper gastrointestinal series is unnecessary in asymptomatic patients.     

Management of Anastomotic Leaks After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background Anastomotic leaks after bariatric surgery carry high morbidity and mortality. We aimed to describe our experience of the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal anastomotic leaks in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass in a single institution. Methods Of 1,200 patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with manual gastrojejunal anastomosis for morbid obesity from January 2002 to January 2007, we retrospectively analyzed 59 patients with anastomotic leak. The location of the leak, day of diagnosis, diagnostic methods, clinical manifestations, treatment modalities, associated complications, and length of hospital stay were analyzed. Results Leaks were located as follows: 67.8% in the gastrojejunostomy, 10.2% in the gastric pouch, 3.4% in the excluded stomach, 5.1% in the jejunojejunal anastomosis, 3.4% in the gastrojejunostomy plus pouch, 3.4% in the pouch plus excluded stomach, and 6.8% in undetermined sites. Routine upper gastrointestinal series revealed contrast extravasation in nine patients (15.3%). Leaks were asymptomatic at diagnosis in 29 patients (49.2%). Surgical reintervention was carried out in 23 patients, and conservative treatment was provided in the remaining 36. Transfer to the intensive care unit was required in 11 patients, with five deaths (0.4%). Conclusion In our experience, most anastomotic leaks can be managed with conservative measures alone. In many patients, abdominal drains are effective in the management of leaks, obviating the need for reintervention. Nasoenteral nutrition was effective in the non-operative management of gastrojejunal leaks in patients without signs of systemic toxicity.     

Routine postoperative upper gastroesophageal imaging is unnecessary after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Routine early postoperative upper gastroesophageal imaging (UGI) is often used in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) procedures to confirm anastomotic patency and to exclude leaks. The aim of our study was to assess the usefulness of this practice. From January 2003 to November 2004, 322 LRYGB cases were performed using linear staplers for the gastrojejunostomy and jejuno-jejunostomy anastomoses. As part of our protocol, all patients received a Gastrograffin (Mallinkrodt, Inc., St Louis, Missouri) UGI on postoperative Day 1. The same radiological techniques were used and the same radiological team reviewed all films. Abnormal films were identified. In addition, patient demographics, time to discharge, and complications were collected and analyzed in a prospective database. There were no anastomotic leaks or obstructions. However, 42 of 322 (13%) studies demonstrated delayed gastric emptying. There were no statistically significant differences between patients with normal and delayed UGI studies. Routine UGI studies did not contribute significantly to patient care, and its routine use was subsequently abandoned.     

The role of endoscopic stents in the management of chronic anastomotic and staple line leaks and chronic strictures after bariatric surgery

BackgroundThe use of endoluminal stents has been proposed for the management of fistulas and anastomotic strictures after bariatric surgery. The objective of our study was to determine the success of endoscopically placed, self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) in bariatric patients specifically with either chronic persistent anastomotic or staple line leaks/fistulas or chronic, persistent anastomotic strictures.MethodsWe treated 21 patients including 5 with chronic staple line leaks/fistulas (4 from the gastric sleeve after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch [BPD/DS] and 1 after removal of an eroding laparoscopic adjustable gastric band) and 16 with chronic anastomotic strictures (15 at the gastrojejunostomy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 1 at the duodenoileal anastomosis after BPD/DS). Patients with early leaks or anastomotic strictures were excluded.ResultsAll but one of these patients had been referred to our institution after chronic treatment elsewhere was unsuccessful with prior stent placement for fistulas or multiple endoscopic dilations for strictures. Their bariatric operations had been performed a mean of 386 days beforehand. Stent placement was performed successfully in all patients without complications but was successful in only 4 of 21 patients (19%)—2 with chronic fistulas and 2 with chronic anastomotic strictures. Stent migration occurred in 10 patients (47%); the migrated stents were removed/replaced endoscopically in 7 patients but required elective operative removal in 3 with concomitant correction of the leak, fistula, or anastomotic stricture; none were operated emergently.ConclusionOnly 4 of 21 patients with a chronic persistent leak or anastomotic stricture were treated definitively using a SEMS. Although endoluminal stents may not lead to resolution of a chronic leak or stricture, SEMS may suppress ongoing sepsis and allow patients to undergo nutritional resuscitation orally before operative correction.     

Effect of staple height on gastrojejunostomy during laparoscopic gastric bypass: a multicenter prospective randomized trial

BackgroundGastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and anastomotic stricture are frequent complications associated with the construction of the gastrojejunostomy during laparoscopic gastric bypass. Staplers with shorter staple height can reduce the rate of postoperative GI hemorrhage. The aim of the present study was to assess the outcomes of patients who had undergone gastric bypass with construction of the gastrojejunostomy using a 25-mm circular stapler with a 3.5- versus 4.8-mm staple height.MethodsFrom January 2007 to February 2009, 357 patients underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass using a circular stapler for construction of the gastrojejunostomy were randomly assigned to either the 3.5-mm (n = 180) or 4.8-mm (n = 177) group. Two patients randomized to the 4.8-mm group did not undergo the operative procedure and were excluded from the analysis. The primary outcome measures included the rate of GI hemorrhage, anastomotic stricture, and wound infection.ResultsThe 2 groups were similar with regard to the demographics and baseline body mass index (47 versus 48 kg/m²). The operative time, blood loss, and postoperative hematocrit on day 2 were similar between the 2 groups. No significant differences were seen in the overall rate of intraoperative GI bleeding or postoperative GI bleeding from all sources (3.3% for 3.5 mm versus 6.3% for 4.8 mm, P >.05); however, a trend was seen toward a lower rate of postoperative GI bleeding from the gastric pouch or gastrojejunostomy (.5% for 3.5 mm versus 3.4% for 4.8 mm, P = .06). The rate of anastomotic stricture was significantly lower in the 3.5-mm group (3.9% versus 16.0%, P <.01). No significant differences were seen in rate of wound infection between the 2 groups. Other morbidities for the entire study cohort included leaks (1.1%), pulmonary embolism (.6%), gastrointestinal obstruction (1.4%), and reoperation (3.4%). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was .3%, and the 30-day mortality rate was .8%.ConclusionsIn the present prospective, randomized trial, using a circular stapler with a shorter staple height (3.5 mm) during construction of the gastrojejunostomy, significantly reduced the rate of postoperative anastomotic stricture, with a trend toward a lower rate of GI bleeding from the gastrojejunostomy.     

Lowering gastrointestinal leak rates: a comparative analysis of robotic and laparoscopic gastric bypass

Robotic-assisted surgery has been described for many general surgery procedures, including gastric bypass. This is a comparative study looking at the short-term outcomes and technical differences between laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRNY) and robotic-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RARNY). Our database was reviewed for all Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures performed over the last 5 years. Operative times, length of stay, and all complications listed for the 90 days postoperatively were recorded and statistically analyzed. A total of 356 LRNY and 249 RARNY were performed. The average body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were similar between groups. On average, the RARNY took 17 min longer than the LRNY, this difference being significant (p < 0.01). Average length of stay for the two groups was similar (~3 days). There were a total of 51 complications in the standard laparoscopic group (14%), of which 14 (3.9%) were major complications. In the robotic group, there were 35 (14%) complications, of which 9 (3.6%) were major complications. The only significant difference in complication rate was for anastomotic leak at the gastrojejunostomy: there were no leaks in the robotic series, and six (1.7%) in the standard laparoscopic series (p = 0.04). Length of stay and overall complication rates were similar for RARNY and LRNY. There was no mortality in either group, and the complication rate was lower than literature standards. While the RARNY took longer, there was a significantly lower gastrointestinal leak rate in this group.     

Upper Gastrointestinal Series after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity: Effectiveness in Leakage Detection. a Systematic Review of the Literature

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of routine and selective postoperative upper gastrointestinal series (UGIS) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for morbid obesity in different published series to assessing its utility and cost-effectiveness. A search in PubMed’s MEDLINE was performed for English-spoken articles published from January 2002 to December 2012. Keywords used were upper GI series, RYGB, and obesity. Only cases of anastomotic leaks were considered. A total of 22 studies have been evaluated, 15 recommended a selective use of postoperative UGIS. No differences in leakage detection or in clinical benefit between routine and selective approaches were found. Tachycardia and respiratory distress represent the best criteria to perform UGIS for early diagnosis of anastomotic leak after a RYGB.     

Laparoscopic repair of gastrointestinal leaks after laparoscopic gastric bypass

Gastrointestinal (GI) leak after gastric bypass is a cause of significant morbidity and a mortality that may exceed 50%. This study was performed to review our experience with laparoscopic repair of GI leaks after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent LRYGB over a 25-month period was performed. Patients who had any operation for a GI leak after LRYGB were included in this study. There were 300 patients who underwent LRYGB. No intraoperative conversions occurred. Eight (2.7%) patients underwent operative repair of a GI leak. Another patient had a gastrojejunostomy leak that was managed nonoperatively. The rate of GI leaks reduced from 5.3 per cent in the first 150 cases to 0.7 per cent in the last 150 cases (P < 0.05). One patient was converted to an open approach. Average operative time for the laparoscopic repairs was 133 minutes (range, 75-182 minutes). Sources of leak found at operation were gastrojejunostomy (3), enterotomy (3), jejunojejunostomy (2), gastric pouch (1), and cystic duct stump (1). Two patients had a GI leak from two sources. Average length of stay was 28 days (range, 4-78 days). Three patients whose stay was greater than a month were the result of sepsis and ventilator dependence. Further reoperations were required in two patients (laparoscopic) for abdominal washout and one patient (open) for enterotomy repair. One patient required computed tomography-guided drainage of an abscess. Mortality was 22 per cent (2) in patients who developed GI leaks. One patient died from sepsis-induced multiple organ failure and the other patient from a presumed pulmonary embolus. GI leaks cause significant morbidity and mortality. GI leak rates decrease with experience. Laparoscopic repair of GI leaks should be used judiciously. Conversions and further reoperations may be necessary.     

Effect of circular staple line buttressing material on gastrojejunostomy failure in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BackgroundTo determine the effect of bovine pericardium strip (BPS) reinforcement of the circular stapler on the gastrojejunostomy leak rates and staple line failure after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) at a university hospital in the United States. Gastrojejunostomy leak after LRYGB is a devastating complication. Various techniques, including buttressing the gastrojejunostomy staple line with biomaterial, have been used in an effort to minimize leaks.MethodsA total of 350 consecutive patients underwent LRYGB without staple line buttressing. After this initial experience, BPS reinforcement of the gastrojejunostomy was conducted in 81 consecutive patients. BPS reinforcement was not used for the final 69 consecutive patients in this 500 patient series. Circular staple line failures (intraoperative immediate and complete failure of the anastomosis) and leaks were evaluated retrospectively.ResultsThree leaks (and no intraoperative staple line failures) occurred in 419 patients without BPS buttressing, all in the first 100 cases of our experience, and 3 leaks and an anastomotic staple line failure occurred in the 81 patients with BPS buttressing (.7% versus 4.9%, P = .02). The body mass index and other potential leak risk factors did not differ between the 2 groups.ConclusionIn our experience, buttressing of the circular staple line with BPS during LRYGB was associated with an increased staple line adverse event rate. BPS buttressing of the gastrointestinal circular staple lines should be used with caution.     

Shorter circular staple is height associated with lower anastomotic stricture rate in laparoscopic gastric bypass

BackgroundAnastomotic stenosis, leak, and hemorrhage are common stapler-related complications of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. In May 2007, we transitioned from a 25-mm diameter, 4.8-mm-height circular stapler to a 25-mm, 3.5-mm-height circular stapler. We hypothesized that the staple height would be associated with a decreased incidence of perioperative complications.MethodsThe records of 360 consecutive patients who had undergone laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass from May 1, 2006 to March 31, 2008 were retrospectively abstracted. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Project and Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative databases were used to collect the patient demographics and track complications of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Data were collected on the rates of anastomotic stenosis requiring dilation of the gastrojejunostomy, anastomotic leak, hemorrhage requiring transfusion, and wound infection. Patients with a 4.8-mm staple height gastrojejunostomy were compared with those with a 3.5-mm staple height gastrojejunostomy for differences in complications.ResultsThe groups were similar with respect to age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, sleep apnea, and surgery duration. In the 4.8- and 3.5-mm staple height groups, 15% and 6.1% required gastrojejunal dilation, respectively (P = .01). A trend was seen toward a decrease in postoperative hemorrhage (5% versus 2.8%) with the shorter staple height. No anastomotic leaks occurred, and the incidence of wound infection (1.7% versus 2.2%) was similar between the 2 groups.ConclusionIn the present study, the use of a 25-mm, 3.5-mm staple height circular stapler was associated with a decreased rate of anastomotic stenosis.     

The Utility of Contrast Studies and Drains in the Management of Patients after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background: The role of routine post-operative contrast examination (UGI) and drainage of the gastrojejunostomy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is controversial.The authors determined if early routine post-operative UGI detects occult anastomotic leaks, thereby altering treatment and withholding early feeding. Methods: Prospective data on 100 consecutive patients who underwent RYGBP from September 1998 to September 2000 was reviewed. Closed suction drains were routinely used. Within 36 hr postoperatively, all patients underwent UGI to evaluate the gastrojejunostomy. Patients were given liquids if the UGI showed no leak, and drains were removed 24 hr later. A blinded radiologist reviewed all the UGI. Results: 87 women and 13 men underwent 75 open and 25 laparoscopic RYGBP. BMI was 52.0 kg/m². 3 patients whose UGI showed a leak were treated nonoperatively with antibiotics, maintenance of drains, nasogastric tube and NPO. 2 of those patients developed purulent drainage within 24 hr after the UGI. None of the three patients required reoperation. 4 UGI were not available for the blinded reviewer who graded the remaining as satisfactory (94) and unsatisfactory (2). This reviewer disputed a leak in 1 of 3 previously reported leaks and reported a leak in a previously negative study. The latter patient subsequently required surgery for an uncontrolled leak. Conclusions: UGI can be used to withhold early oral intake in patients with radiographic leaks that would otherwise progress to clinically significant leaks. Surgical drains facilitate the non-operative management of such anastomotic leaks. Planned early UGI and surgical drains minimize the morbidity of anastomotic leaks after bariatric surgery.     

Fewer gastrojejunostomy strictures and marginal ulcers with absorbable suture

Background  The upsurge of gastric bypass procedures has been accompanied by an increase in anastomotic strictures and marginal ulcers. According to the reported literature, the gastrojejunostomy strictures in 3–31% and ulcerates in 1–16% of cases. Several anastomotic techniques are used, however no study has specifically addressed whether choice of reinforcing suture affects rates of stricture or ulcer. We reviewed our case series to determine if a protocol change in suture choice altered the incidence of anastomotic strictures and marginal ulcers. Methods  We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database for 315 primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients (7/2008 to 3/2008). Nearly all patients had a 25-mm circular stapled anastomosis with an outer suture layer for reinforcement. Before 5/31/06, interrupted permanent suture was used in 231 patients, and after 6/1/06 interrupted absorbable suture was used in 84 patients. We compared overall rates of stricture, marginal ulceration, and aggregate gastrojejunostomy complications between the two suture groups using a proportional hazards model and log-rank statistic. A p-value < 0.05 was used to assign statistical significance. Results  We found statistically fewer gastrojejunostomy complications in the absorbable suture group (4.7%) than the permanent suture group (19.9%). Subgroup analysis showed that anastomotic strictures were less common in the absorbable suture group, but the difference was short of statistical confirmation. Use of absorbable suture did result in statistically fewer marginal ulcers (2.3%) compared with absorbable suture (13.4%). Conclusions  Use of absorbable reinforcing sutures is associated with fewer gastrojejunostomy complications. We recommend absorbable sutures for the outer layer of stapled gastrojejunal anastomoses when performing isolated Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.     

Laparoscopic management of complications following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity

Background: We reviewed our experience with complications following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) that were managed laparoscopically. Methods: A total of 246 consecutive morbidly obese patients (mean body mass index, 50.9 kg/m2) underwent LRYGB by three surgeons at two institutions. All patients met National Institutes of Health criteria for surgical treatment of morbid obesity. Patients were followed prospectively. Results: A total of 62 patients (25.2%) developed 64 complications, 34 of which (13.8%) required a surgical intervention. Twenty-seven of the 34 procedures were performed laparoscopically. Gastrojejunostomy stricture was the most common complication (8.9%), followed by intestinal obstruction (7.3%) and gastrointestinal bleeding (4%). The intestinal obstruction was secondary to adhesions (n = 6), internal hernia at the level of the transverse mesocolon (n = 3), jejunojejunostomy stricture (n = 3), and cicatrix around the Roux limb at the level of the transverse mesocolon (n = 3). Other complications included gastrojejunostomy leak (1.6%), symptomatic gallstone disease (2.8%), and gastric remnant perforation (0.8%). One patient underwent a negative laparoscopy to rule out anastomotic leak. There were 3 deaths in this series of patients, 2 attributable to anastomotic leak. Conclusions: A variety of complications can present after LRYGB. Laparoscopy is an excellent technique to treat these complications.     

Intraoperative endoscopic pneumatic testing for gastrojejunal anastomotic integrity during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Background Gastrojejunal anastomotic leaks remain a major source of morbidity following laparoscopic gastric bypass. Intraoperative pneumatic testing has been offered as a method to reduce the incidence of this complication. This study's purpose was to assess the efficacy of intraoperative pneumatic testing during laparoscopic gastric bypass, to evaluate the types of air leaks detected, and to develop an algorithm for management that takes into account air leak categorization and drainage. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the initial 257 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass by a single surgeon over a 36-month period. The gastrojejunostomy was constructed using a linear stapler technique. All patients underwent intraoperative endoscopic pneumatic testing with a clamp applied to the Roux limb. All patients underwent water-soluble upper gastrointestinal radiography on the first postoperative day. Results Patients were divided based on the pneumatic testing results into groups for data analysis: persistent air leak (group 1), non-reproducible air leak (group 2), and no air leak (group 3). The overall age (41.7±9.3 years), body mass index (BMI) (47.3±6.4 kg/m²), conversion rate (2%), and length of stay (1.9±2.0 days) were not statistically different among groups (p>0.05). In group 1, the air leak site was repaired, and 11 (92%) were drained. In group 2, the air leak site could not be identified, and all 12 (4.7%) were treated by drainage alone. In group 3, drains were placed in 12 (5.2%) due to difficult construction of the gastrojejunostomy. Overall postoperative gastrointestinal leak rate was 0.78%. No postoperative clinical or radiological gastrointestinal leaks occurred within the region tested pneumatically. Intraoperative complications related to pneumatic testing occurred in 1 (0.39%) patient. Conclusions Intraoperative pneumatic testing of the gastrojejunal anastomosis is a safe and rapid means of evaluating anastomotic integrity. Application of this technique permitted timely repair of flawed anastomoses, thereby averting potential postoperative leaks.     

Delayed gastric emptying after Roux-en-Y due to four types of partial obstruction.

Partial obstruction was the cause of delayed gastric emptying in 12 patients after a Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy in a consecutive personal series of 42 patients between 1975 and 1989. Four types of obstruction were identified. Type I was due to a kinked loop of jejunum where it passed through the mesocolon. Type II had the anastomosis too high on the gastric pouch, type III was due to an obstructing marginal ulcer, and type IV had a pouchlike deformity develop in the upper jejunum at the anastomosis that gradually compressed the outflow tract. No patient had stenosis of the anastomosis. The upper gastrointestinal (GI) series plus nuclear studies of the liquid and solid phase gastric emptying provided evidence of the presence and degree of delayed gastric emptying but not the site or cause of the obstruction. Upper GI endoscopy provided precise evidence of the site of the partial obstruction, its anatomic nature, and the presence of a bezoar or marginal ulcer. Of the 42 patients, 4 had surgical correction, and in 6 patients the obstruction was relieved by endoscopic manipulation; all patients have been relieved of their symptoms. Partial obstruction was the only cause of delayed gastric emptying in this series, and contrary to recent reports, no patient required a total or near total gastrectomy.     

Incidence and outcome of anastomotic stricture after laparoscopic gastric bypass

Anastomotic stricture is a frequent complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP). We evaluated the frequency of anastomotic stricture following laparoscopic GBP using a 21 mm. vs. a 25 mm circular stapler for construction of the gastrojejunostomy and the safety and efficacy of endoscopic balloon dilation in the management of anastomotic stricture. We reviewed data on 29 patients in whom anastomotic strictures developed after laparoscopic GBP. All strictures were managed with endoscopic balloon dilation using an 18 mm balloon catheter under fluoroscopic guidance. Main outcome measures were the number of anastomotic strictures in patients in whom the 21 mm (vs. 25 mm) circular stapler was used to create the gastrojejunostomy, time interval between the primary operation and symptoms, complications of endoscopic balloon dilation, the number of patients with resolution of obstructive symptoms, and body weight loss. There were 28 females with a mean age of 39 years and a mean body mass index of 48 kg/ m2. Anastomotic stricture occurred significantly more frequently with the use of the 21 mm compared to the 25 mm circular stapler (26.8% vs. 8.8%, respectively; P<0.01). The median time interval between the primary operation and presentation of stricture was 46 days. After the initial dilation, recurrent stricture developed in 5 (17.2%) of 29 patients. These five patients underwent a second endoscopic dilation, and only one of these five patients required a third endoscopic dilation. None of the 29 patients required more than three endoscopic dilations. The mean percentage of excess body weight loss at 1 year for patients in whom the 21 mm circular stapler was used for creation of the gastrojejunostomy was similar to that for patients in whom the 25 mm circular stapler was used (68.2% vs. 70.2%, P = 0.8). In this series the rate of anastomotic stricture significantly decreased with the use of the 2 5 mm circular stapler for construction of the gastrojejunostomy without compromising weight loss. Endoscopic balloon dilation is a safe and effective option in the management of anastomotic stricture following laparoscopic GBP. Presented at the Forty-Fourth Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Orlando, Florida, May 18–21, 2003.