Role of endoscopic stents and selective minimal access drainage in oesophageal leaks: feasibility and outcome

Background

Leaks following oesophageal surgery are considered to be amongst the most dreaded complications and contributory to postoperative mortality. Controversies still exist regarding the best option for the management of oesophageal leaks due to lack of standardized treatment protocols. This study was designed to analyse the feasibility outcome and complications associated with placement of removable, fully covered, self-expanding metallic stents for oesophageal leaks with concomitant minimally invasive drainage when appropriate.

Methods

The study group included 32 patients from a prospectively maintained database of oesophageal leaks, with the majority being anastomotic leaks after minimally invasive oesophagectomy (n = 28), followed by laparoscopic cardiomyotomy (n = 3) and extended total gastrectomy (n = 1). The procedures took place between March 2007 and April 2013.

Results

Most patients had an intrathoracic leak (n = 22), with a mean time to detection of the leak following surgery of 7.50 days (SD = 2.23). Subsequent to endoscopic stenting, enteral feeding via a nasojejunal tube was started on the second day and oral feeding was delayed until the 14th day (n = 31). Six patients underwent thoracoscopic (n = 5) or laparoscopic drainage (n = 1) along with stenting for significant mediastinal and intra-abdominal contamination. The stent migration rate of our study was 8.54 %. The overall success in terms of preventing mortality was 96 %.

Conclusion

Endoscopic stenting should be considered a primary option for managing oesophageal leaks. Delayed oral intake may reduce the incidence of stent migration. Larger stents (bariatric or colorectal stents) serve as a useful option in case of migrated stents. Combined minimally invasive procedures can be safely adapted in appropriate clinical circumstances and may contribute to better outcomes.     

Treating sleeve gastrectomy leak with endoscopic stenting: the kuwaiti experience and review of recent literature

Background

Obesity today is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, and bariatric surgeries such as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are increasingly playing a key role in its management. Such operations, however, carry many difficult and sometimes fatal complications, including leaks. This study aims at evaluating the effectiveness of endoscopic stenting in treating gastric leaks post-LSG.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted to the patients who were admitted with post-LSG gastric leak at Al-Amiri Hospital Kuwait from October 2008 to December 2012 and were subsequently treated with stenting. The patients were stented endoscopically with self-expandable metal stent (SEMS), and a self-expandable plastic stent (SEPS) was used to facilitate stent removal.

Results

A total of 17 patients with post-LSG leaks underwent endoscopic stenting. The median age was 34 years (range 19–56), 53 % of the patients were male, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 43 kg/m ² . The median duration of SEMS placement per patient was 42 days (range 28–84). The SEPS-assisted retrieval process took a median duration of 11 days (range 14–35). Successful treatment of gastric leak was evident in 13 (76 %) patients, as evident by gastrografin swallow 1 week after stent removal. In addition, a shorter duration between the LSG and the time of stent placement was associated with a higher success rate of leak seal.

Conclusions

The use of SEMS appears to be a safe and effective method in the treatment of post-LSG leaks, with a success rate of 76 %. The time frame of intervention after surgery is critical, as earlier stent placement is associated with favorable outcomes. Finally, SEPS is often required to facilitate SEMS removal, and further modification of stents and its delivery system may improve results.     

Gastric Leak After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Early Covered Self-Expandable Stent Reduces Healing Time

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has become a very frequent procedure in bariatric surgery due to its efficacy and simplicity compared to gastric bypass. Gastric staple line leak (1 to 7 % of cases) is a severe complication with a long nonstandardized treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the success and tolerance of covered stents in its management.

Methods

From January 2009 to December 2011, nine patients with gastric staple line leaks after sleeve gastrectomy were treated with covered stents in our department (seven referred from other institutions). The leaks were diagnosed by CT scan and visualized during the endoscopy. Among the studied variables were operative technique, post-operative fistula diagnosis delay, stent treatment delay, and stent tolerance. In our institution, Hanarostent® (length 17 cm, diameter 18 mm; M.I. Tech, Seoul, Korea) was used and inserted under direct endoscopic control.

Results

Stent treatment was successful in seven cases (78 %). Two other cases had total gastrectomy (405 and 185 days after leak diagnosis). Early stent removal (due to migration or poor tolerance) was necessary in three cases. The average stent treatment duration was of 6.4 weeks, and the average healing time was 141 days. The five patients with an early stent treatment (≤3 weeks after leak diagnosis) had an average healing time of 99 days versus 224 for the four others.

Conclusions

Covered self-expandable stent is an effective treatment of gastric leaks after sleeve gastrectomy. Early stent treatment seems to be associated with shorter healing time.     

Removable and repositionable covered metal self-expandable stents for leaks after upper gastrointestinal surgery: experiences in a tertiary referral hospital

Background

Anastomotic leakages are severe complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery with serious morbidity and mortality. Until recently, only abscess drainage was possible. Since 2007, removable and repositionable covered metal self-expandable stents (RReCoMSeS) have been used in our hospital to cover leaks.

Methods

Patients with postsurgical gastrointestinal leaks treated with RReCoMSeS between January 2007 and March 2010 were retrospectively evaluated and described.

Results

Twenty-six patients were treated with RReCoMSeS (totally covered Choo/Hanaro and partially covered Endoflex stents). Included patients had anastomotic leaks after esophagectomy (15) and bariatric surgery (11). Overall successful sealing of the leak occurred in 81 % (including multiple procedures). In total 33 RReCoMSeS were used (mean 1.3 stents and 1.7 procedures per patient). Twenty-one of 33 RReCoMSeS succeeded in sealing the leak (64 %). Migration occurred in 24 % RReCoMSeS, and 9 % disintegrated. One stent (3 %) caused a perforation.

Conclusions

RReCoMSeS are a safe alternative for treating postsurgical leaks in the upper gastrointestinal tract. In 81 % of patients and with 64 % of the inserted stents, leaks were sealed successfully, with few complications. Fewer stents per patient were needed thanks to their repositionability. Stent migration is a major problem.     

An Endoscopic Strategy Combining Mega Stents and Over-The-Scope Clips for the Management of Post-Bariatric Surgery Leaks and Fistulas (with video)

Background and Aims

Endoscopic stenting has proved effective in the management of post-surgical leaks but is strongly hampered by the high rate of stent migration. In this study, we evaluate our experience with a new approach involving the use of novel ultra-large expandable stents tailored for bariatric surgery leaks (Mega stents), combined with the use of the innovative over-the-scope clips (OTSC).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients with post-bariatric surgery leaks managed at our institution by an approach combining Mega stents and over-the-scope clips.

Results

Twenty-two patients were treated for post-bariatric surgery leaks; 13 (59 %) had a sleeve gastrectomy while nine (41 %) had a RYGB. A total of 30 stents were inserted. Successful endoscopic insertion and removal were achieved in all patients. OTSC clips were applied in 12 patients (55 %); five simultaneously with stents and seven after stent removal. Primary closure (after one endoscopic procedure) was achieved in 13 patients (59 %) and in a total of 18 patients after multiple endoscopic procedures (82 %). An average of 1.4 stents and 2.8 endoscopic procedures were required per patient. Stent migration occurred in four patients (18 %), and all were retrievable endoscopically. Other complications included retrosternal pain and vomiting in 20 patients (91 %) including one necessitating early removal, bleeding in two patients (9 %), and perforation and esophageal stricture in one patient each (5 %). Two mortalities were encountered, and one of them was stent-related (bleeding).

Conclusion

Mega stents are effective in the management of post-bariatric surgery leaks. The combined use of Mega stents and OTSC clips is associated with a low incidence of migration and a low number of stents and procedures required per patient.

     

Single-Stage Operative Management of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Leaks Without Endoscopic Stent Placement

Background

Leaks occur in 1.4–20 % (Bohdjalian et al., Obes. Surg. 20:535–540, 2010; Nocca et al., Obes Surg. 18:560–565, 2008; Stroh et al., 19:632–640, 2009; Aurora et al., Surg. Endosc. 26:1509–1515, 2012) of patients following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Leaks may lead to major morbidity and prolonged hospitalization. Endoscopic stent placement is a potential management strategy that needs expertise and also has recognized complications (stent migration, significant dysphagia, and failure) (Rosenthal et al., Surg. Obes Relat. Dis. 8:8–19, 2012). A standard method of managing leaks following LSG has not been established. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of consecutive patients with leaks following LSG managed at BMI Abu Dhabi Tertiary Multidisciplinary Bariatric Surgery, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Methods

We examined all patients presenting to BMI Abu Dhabi between February 2010 and May 2012 with leaks following LSG. Data were obtained from the hospital medical record, and IRB approval was obtained. All patients were managed by utilizing a standardized operative management strategy without the use of endoscopic stenting.

Results

A total of five patients were referred to us for higher level of care; during the same time period, we performed 71 LSGs without a leak. Patients were optimized and resuscitated adequately before surgery. Intraoperatively, all patients had endoscopy, and a T tube was placed inside the leak if clearly identifiable. Otherwise, the leak site was drained adequately without attempting to place sutures, and a jejunostomy tube was inserted. All leaks healed following an initial period of hospital stay, followed by an outpatient period on jejunostomy tube feeding and nil per os.

Conclusion

Single-stage operative management of leaks after LSG utilizing a standardized operative strategy without the use of endoscopic stenting is both safe and effective.     

Endoscopic stent placement for treatment of sleeve gastrectomy leak: a single institution experience with fully covered stents

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has risen in prevalence as a standalone surgical option for treating obesity over the last 15 years. One of the most worrisome complications is development of a leak at the gastrectomy staple line.

Role of Intraoperative Esophagogastroenteroscopy in Minimizing Gastrojejunostomy-Related Morbidity: Experience with 2,311 Laparoscopic Gastric Bypasses with Linear Stapler Anastomosis

Background

Anastomotic leaks and strictures of the gastrojejunostomy are a cause of major morbidity following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Reported rates of leaks vary between 0 and 5.2 %. This has led bariatric surgeons to use a variety of intraoperative methods to detect incompetent suture lines. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of intraoperative endoscopy in reducing the rate of postoperative anastomotic complications. The setting of this study is in a community teaching hospital.

Methods

Medical records of 2,311 patients who underwent a LRYGB from 2002 to 2011 were retrospectively reviewed utilizing the hospitals’ bariatric surgery database. Demographics, weight, body mass index, intraoperative endoscopy results, and postoperative outcomes within 90 days after surgery were analyzed.

Results

Endoscopy was attempted in 2,311 patients and completed in 2,308 (99.9 %). Intraoperative leak was detected in 80 (3.5 %) patients; suture line was reinforced in 46 patients (2 %), while in the other 34 patients the leak was transient at only high insufflation pressure. Postoperative clinical leaks were detected in four cases (0.2 %) two of which had initial leaks intraoperatively. In two cases, the anastomosis was too tight and required reconstruction. Twenty-five patients (1.1 %) developed early postoperative strictures requiring endoscopic dilatation within 90 days. Three patients (0.1 %) had iatrogenic injury at the time of intraoperative endoscopy, all three healed without delayed morbidity.

Conclusions

The routine use of intraoperative endoscopy in LRYGB with the linear stapler anastomosis technique is associated with a complication/failure rate of 0.3 % and low gastrojejunostomy-related morbidity after LRYGB within 90 days (leak rate of 0.2 % and stricture rate of 1.1 %).     

Revisional Bariatric Surgery for Unsuccessful Weight Loss and Complications

Background

There are growing numbers of patients who require revisional bariatric surgery due to the undesirable results of their primary procedures. The aim of this study was to review our experience with bariatric patients undergoing revisional surgery.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis to review the indications for revisional bariatric procedures and assess their postoperative outcomes.

Results

From 04/04 to 01/11, 2,918 patients underwent bariatric surgery at our institution. A total of 154 patients (5.3 %) of these cases were coded as revisional procedures. The mean age at revision was 49.1?±?11.3 and the mean BMI was 44.0?±?13.7 kg/m². Revisional surgery was performed laparoscopically in 121 patients (78.6 %). Laparoscopic revisions had less blood loss, shorter length of hospital stay, and fewer complications compared to open revisions. Two groups (A and B) were defined by the indication for revision: patients with unsuccessful weight loss (group A, n?=?106) and patients with complications of their primary procedures (group B, n?=?48). In group A, 74.5 % of the patients were revised to a bypass procedure and 25.5 % to a restrictive procedure. Mean excess weight loss was 53.7?±?29.3 % after revision of primary restrictive procedures and 37.6?±?35.1 % after revision of bypass procedures at >1-year follow-up (p?<?0.05). In group B, the complications prompting revision were effectively treated by revisional surgery.

Conclusions

Revisional bariatric surgery effectively treated the undesirable results from primary bariatric surgery. Laparoscopic revisional surgery can be performed after both failed open and laparoscopic bariatric procedures without a prohibitive complication rate. Carefully selected patients undergoing revision for weight regain have satisfactory additional weight loss.     

Endoscopic Therapy for Treatment of Staple Line Leaks Post-Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG): Experience from a Large Bariatric Surgery Centre in New Zealand

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures for treatment of morbid obesity. Despite its popularity, it is not without risks, the most serious of which is the staple line leak. Staple line leaks are difficult to manage and require significant resources in the form of surgical, radiological and endoscopic interventions; long hospital and intensive care stay and significant morbidity. International experience is slowly emerging, but there are still no clear guidelines regarding optimal management of leaks. This study aims to describe the experience of endoscopic management of these leaks by the authors and the development of a customised stent for this condition.

Methods

Middlemore Hospital is the largest bariatric surgery centre in New Zealand. Since June 2007, a total of 21 patients have received endotherapy for post-LSG leak management. Treatment included the deployment of primary self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) across the leak site, combined with complementary endoscopic modalities. Persistent leaks were treated with follow-up stenting. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of post-LSG staple line leak management at Middlemore Hospital.

Results

A total of 20/21 (95 %) patients now have resolved leaks following a mean of 75 days of treatment (median 47, range 9–187). The mean number of endoscopic procedures required was five. Inpatient stay and average duration till leak resolution has been notably reduced since the addition of customised stents. Clinically significant stent migration occurred in 19 % of primary stents.

Conclusion

The use of SEMS in conjunction with complementary endotherapy has shown to be both safe and effective in treating sleeve leaks; however, migration is the limiting factor for optimal management. Recent improvements in stent design, such as the one proposed in this paper, show promise in addressing this problem. Earlier use of SEMS seems to reduce the time till closure as well as the total hospital stay, as is apparent from our data.

     

Endoscopic stenting for benign upper gastrointestinal strictures and leaks

Background

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) and self-expandable plastic stents (SEPS) maybe used for the treatment of benign upper gastrointestinal (GI) leaks and strictures. This study reviewed our experience with stent insertions in patients with benign upper GI conditions.

Methods

Patients who underwent stent placement for benign upper GI strictures and leaks between March 2007 and April 2011 at a tertiary referral academic center were studied using an endoscopic database and electronic patient records. The technical success, complications, and clinical improvement after stent removal were compared according to type of stent. The outcomes measured were clinical response, adverse events, and predictors of stent migration.

Results

Thirty-eight patients (50 % male, mean age = 54 years, range = 12–82) underwent 121 endoscopic procedures. Twenty patients had stents placed for strictures, and 18 had stents placed for leaks. Stent placement was technically successful in all patients. The average duration of stent placement was 54 days (range = 18–118). Clinical improvement immediately after stent placement was seen in 29 of the 38 patients (76.3 %). Immediate post-procedure adverse events occurred in 8 patients. Late adverse events were seen in 18 patients. Evidence of stent migration occurred in 16 patients and was seen in 42 of the 118 successfully placed stents (35.5 %). Migration was more frequent with fully covered SEMS (p = 0.002). After stent removal, 27 patients were evaluable for long-term success (median follow-up time of 283 days, IQR 38–762). Resolution of strictures or leaks was seen in 11 patients (40.7 %). Predictors for long-term success included increasing age and if the stent did not cross the GE junction.

Conclusions

Placement of SEPS and SEMS for benign refractory strictures and fistulas has modest long-term clinical efficacy and is limited by a significant migration rate. Stent migration is common and frequent with fully covered SEMS compared to other types of stents, regardless of indication or location.     

Diagnosis and Management of Oesophageal Cancer in Bariatric Surgical Patients

Background

Oesophageal cancer following bariatric surgery adds significant complexity to an already challenging disease. There is limited data on the diagnosis, presentation and management in these complex cases.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study on prospectively collected data over 10 years was conducted. The oesophago-gastric cancer database was searched for patients with prior bariatric surgery. Data were retrieved on bariatric and cancer management.

Results

We identified nine patients with oesophageal or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma after bariatric surgery. Mean age was 58.3?±?6.9 years, and duration from bariatric surgery was 13.2?±?9.4 years. Weight loss at diagnosis was 30.6?±?23.3 kg (excess weight loss 58.1 %?±?29.6). Modes of presentation were Barrett’s surveillance (n?=?3), reflux symptoms (n?=?4) and incidental (n?=?2). Management was surgical resection (n?=?4), endoscopic mucosal resection (n?=?2) and palliative (n?=?3). Surgical resections were challenging due to adhesions, obesity, luminal dilatation and scarring on the stomach. There were two substantial leaks following gastroplasty.

Conclusions

Oesophageal cancer following bariatric surgery is a challenging problem, and surgical resection carries high risk. A high index of suspicion is required and symptoms investigated precipitously. Technical challenges of operating on obese patients and the specific effects of previous bariatric procedures need to be understood, particularly the limitations on reconstructive options.

     

Gastric leaks after sleeve gastrectomy: a multicenter experience with 2,834 patients

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) remains under scrutiny as a stand-alone bariatric procedure. The most feared complication after LSG is staple line leak.

Methods

Eight bariatric centers in Israel participated in this study. A retrospective analysis was performed by querying all the LSG cases performed between June 2006 and June 2010. The data collected included patient demographics, anthropometrics, and operative and perioperative parameters.

Results

Among the 2,834 patients who underwent LSG, 44 (1.5 %) with gastric leaks were identified. Of these 44 patients, 30 (68 %) were women. The patients had a mean age of 41.5 years and a body mass index (BMI) of 45.4 kg/m². Intraoperative leak tests and routine postoperative swallow studies were performed with 33 patients, and all but one patient (3 %) failed to detect the leaks. Leaks were diagnosed at a median of 7 days postoperatively: early (0–2 days) in nine cases (20 %), intermediately (3–14 days) in 32 cases (73 %), and late (>14 days) in three cases (7 %). For 38 patients (86 %), there was clinical suspicion, later confirmed by imaging or operative findings. Computed tomography, swallow studies, and methylene blue tests were performed for 37, 21, and 15 patients, respectively, and the results were positive, respectively, for 31 (84 %), 11 (50 %), and 9 (60 %) of these patients. Reoperation was performed for 27 of the patients (61 %). Other treatment methods included percutaneous drainage (n = 28, 63.6 %), endoscopic placement of stents (n = 11, 25 %), clips (n = 1, 2.3 %), and fibrin glue (n = 1, 2.3 %). In 33 of the patients (75 %), the leak site was found in the upper sleeve near the gastroesophageal junction. The median time to leak closure was 40 days (range, 2–270 days), and the overall leak-related mortality rate was 0.14 % (4/2,834).

Conclusion

Gastric leak is the most common cause of major morbidity and mortality after LSG. Routine tests to rule out leaks seem to be superfluous. Rather, selective utilization is recommended. Management options vary, depending mainly on patient disposition. An accepted algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric leak has yet to be proposed.     

Endoscopic therapy for esophageal perforation or anastomotic leak with a self-expandable metallic stent

Background

Leaks of the esophagus are associated with a high mortality rate and need to be treated as soon as possible. Therapeutic options are surgical repair or resection or conservative management with cessation of oral intake and antibiotic therapy. We evaluated an alternative approach that uses self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS).

Methods

Between 2002 and 2007, 31 consecutive patients with iatrogenic esophageal perforation (n = 9), intrathoracic anastomotic leak after esophagectomy (n = 16), spontaneous tumor perforation (n = 5), and esophageal ischemia (n = 1) were treated at our institution. All were treated with endoscopic placement of a covered SEMS. Stent removal was performed 4 to 6 weeks after implantation. To exclude continuous esophageal leak after SEMS placement, radiologic examination was performed after stent implantation and removal.

Results

SEMS placement was successful in all patients and a postinterventional esophagogram demonstrated full coverage of the leak in 29 patients (92%). In two patients, complete sealing could not be achieved and they were referred to surgical repair. Stent migration was seen in only one patient (3%). After removal, a second stent with larger diameter was placed and no further complication occurred. Two patients died: one due to myocardial infarction and one due to progressive ischemia of the esophagus and small bowl as a consequence of vascular occlusion. Stent removal was performed within 6 weeks, and all patients had radiologic and endoscopic evidence of esophageal healing.

Conclusions

Implantation of covered SEMS in patients with esophageal leak or perforation is a safe and feasible alternative to operative treatment and can lower the interventional morbidity rate.     

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic and surgical management for postoperative upper gastrointestinal leakage

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic therapy, an alternative and less invasive modality for the management of leakage after gastrectomy.

Methods

An electronic database of 35 patients with anastomotic leaks after surgery for stomach cancer that were treated with either an endoscopic procedure or surgery between January 2004 and March 2012 was reviewed. The success rates and safety of both modalities were evaluated.

Results

Endoscopic treatment was performed in 20 patients and surgical treatment in 15 patients. The median time interval between the primary surgery and diagnosis of leakage was 8.0 days (interquartile range, 5.0–14.0 days). Of the 20 patients with endoscopic treatment, technical success was achieved in 19 patients (95 %) with resulting clinical success achieved in all of these 19 patients (100 %). One patient with failed endoscopic management went on to receive surgery. There were no cases of leakage-related deaths after endoscopic treatment. Of the 15 patients with surgical treatment, 5 died due to sepsis, bleeding, or hospital-acquired pneumonia. For diagnosis of leakage, 17 patients from the endoscopy group underwent computed tomography (CT) scanning, which revealed leakages in 3 patients (17.6 %) and occult leakages were subsequently defined at fluoroscopy in all 20 patients. Seven of twelve patients (58.3 %) from the surgical group had leakages diagnosed by CT scan.

Conclusions

Endoscopic treatment can be considered a valuable option for the management of postoperative anastomotic leakage with a high degree of technical feasibility and safety, particularly for leakages that are not excessively large.     

Significant Weight Loss and Rapid Resolution of Diabetes and Dyslipidemia During Short-Term Follow-Up After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background

Bariatric surgery has been established as the best option of treatment for morbid obesity. Recently, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become very popular because of good postoperative weight loss and low morbidity. The aim of this study was to report our single-center experience with SG regarding feasibility, morbidity, and outcome.

Methods

From January 2006 to December 2011, 93 patients (68 female) with a median age of 46 years underwent laparoscopic SG at our department. Thirteen patients had a history of gastric banding with insufficient weight loss or band-related complications. Clinical outcome and laboratory findings were analyzed.

Results

The mean preoperative and postoperative body mass index (BMI) was 44.1?±?6.9 and 33.4?±?6.8 kg/m², respectively (p?<?0.001). The mean excessive body weight loss after a median follow-up of 11.9 months was 55.7 %?±?24.9 %. Three bleedings, two staple line leakages, and a deep wound infection required conversion to laparotomy (n?=?1), reoperation (n?=?4), or endoscopic stent implantation (n?=?2). Resolution of diabetes and dyslipidemia was seen in 85 and 50 % of patients, respectively. Blood test results of HbA1c, cholesterols, triglycerides, and leptin showed significant postoperative improvement.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic SG represents a feasible bariatric procedure with good short-term weight loss, low morbidity rate, and efficient resolution of diabetes and dyslipidemia, especially in patients with lower BMI. The significant decrease of leptin necessitates further studies to understand the ambiguous role of leptin in bariatric surgery.     

The Impact of Temperament and Character Inventory Personality Traits on Long-Term Outcome of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background

A significant proportion of patients who undergo bariatric surgery fail to achieve enduring weight loss. Previous studies suggest that psychosocial variables affect postoperative outcome, although this subject is still considered unclear. The purpose of this study is to further investigate the impact of psychosocial variables on Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) outcomes over long-term follow-up.

Materials and Methods

Individuals eligible for bariatric surgery were evaluated using validated psychopathological scales and the Temperament and Character Inventory in a specialized clinic for bariatric treatment. Adult patients who had RYGB were selected for the study. Percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) was measured after surgery at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and on the last clinical observation.

Results

This study included 333 subjects who had RYGB. Before surgery, mean age was 35.4 years (±9.5) and mean BMI was 43.3 kg/m² (±4.8). Higher baseline age and BMI were associated with lower %EWL across endpoints, although this association diminished over time. Follow up at 2 years and on the last clinical observation demonstrated that lower scores on the persistence personality variable and lower body dissatisfaction before surgery predicted lower %EWL.

Conclusions

Psychosocial variables and personality traits assessed during preoperative evaluation significantly predicted weight loss after bariatric surgery. Greater impact was observed in long-term follow-up at 2 years. These findings provide guidance in identifying patients at risk for worse outcomes and designing interventions to improve long-term weight loss.     

Does prophylactic stent insertion to the common bile duct during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) before cholecystectomy have any impact on the rate of biliary complications?

Background

Patients with choledochocystolithiasis generally undergo endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) followed by elective cholecystectomy. They can experience the development of recurrent biliary events while waiting for their scheduled surgery.

Aim

This study investigated whether stent insertion before cholecystectomy influences the rate of complications.

Methods

The study compared retrospective and prospective groups of patients with choledochocystolithiasis who underwent ES with or without prophylactic common bile duct stent insertion before cholecystectomy. The rate of emergency cholecystectomies and biliary complications during the waiting period before the elective procedure was analyzed.

Results

For the study, 162 patients with choledochocystolithiasis who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with ES were divided to two subgroups. Group A included 52 patients with stent insertion (mean age, 58.3 ± 19.4 years), and group B included 110 patients with no stent insertion (mean age, 61.4 ± 17.7 years) (p = 0.32). Males made up 33.3 % of group A and 53.7 % of group B (p = 0.018). The median time to elective cholecystectomy (open or laparoscopic) was 41.5 days for the patients without bile duct stent insertion before cholecystectomy and 53.5 days for the patients who had the stent insertion before cholecystectomy (p = 0.63). Repeat emergency ERCP due to acute cholangitis was 5.6 % in group A and 1.0 % in group B (p = 0.43). Emergency cholecystectomy rates due to acute cholecystitis after ES were 15.4 % in group A and 14.5 % in group B (p = 1.00). No mortality occurred.

Conclusions

According to the study findings, prophylactic stent insertion during ERCP before cholecystectomy has no impact on biliary complications.     

Use of a specially designed partially covered self-expandable metal stent (PSEMS) with a 40-mm diameter for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal suture or staple line leaks in 11 cases

Introduction

The use of self-expandable stents to treat postoperative leaks and fistula in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract is an established treatment for leaks of the upper GI tract. However, lumen-to-stent size discrepancies (i.e., after sleeve gastrectomy or esophageal resection) may lead to insufficient sealing of the leaks requiring further surgical intervention. This is mainly due to the relatively small diameter (≤30 mm) of commonly used commercial stents. To overcome this problem, we developed a novel partially covered stent with a shaft diameter of 36 mm and a flare diameter of 40 mm.

Methods

From September 2008 to September 2010, 11 consecutive patients with postoperative leaks were treated with the novel large diameter stent (gastrectomy, n = 5; sleeve gastrectomy, n = 2; fundoplication after esophageal perforation, n = 2; Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, n = 1; esophageal resection, n = 1). Treatment with commercially available stents (shaft/flare: 23/28 mm and 24/30 mm) had been unsuccessful in three patients before treatment with the large diameter stent. Due to dislocation, the large diameter stent was anchored in four patients (2× intraoperatively with transmural sutures, 2× endoscopically with transnasally externalized threads).

Results

Treatment was successful in 11 of 11 patients. Stent placement and removal was easy and safe. The median residence time of the stent was 24 (range, 18–41) days. Stent dislocation occurred in four cases (36 %). It was treated by anchoring the stent. Mean follow-up was 25 (range, 14–40) months. No severe complication occurred during or after intervention and no patient was dysphagic.

Conclusions

Using the novel large diameter, partially covered stent to seal leaks in the upper GI tract is safe and effective. The large diameter of the stent does not seem to injure the wall of the upper GI tract. However, stent dislocation sometimes requires anchoring of the stent with sutures or transnasally externalized threads.     

Pancreatic Secondary Lesions from Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background

Metastatic lesions to the pancreas are uncommon. The most frequent metastases are from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We analyzed the clinical features and survival of patients with pancreatic metastasis from renal cell carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients with pancreatic metastases from RCC, observed in our department from January 2004 to March 2010. Follow-up continued to September 2013.

Results

In the study period 13 patients with a diagnosis of metastasis from RCC were observed in our clinic, and among them 9 pancreatic resections were performed (2 pancreaticoduodenectomy, 1 duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection, 1 central pancreatectomy, and 5 distal pancreatectomy). Four patients did not undergo a pancreatic resection: two refused surgery, one had an endoscopic biliary stent for jaundice placed and then underwent a surgical biliary bypass, and the fourth patient was too advanced and had only an endoscopic biliary stent. The mean follow-up was 56 months (range  5–115, median  53), with one nonresected patient lost in follow-up after 38 months. Among the other 12 patients, 4 died: two for progression of disease 5 and 20 months respectively after our observation. The mean (±SEM) disease-free survival of seven resected patients with curative intent was 40 ± 11 months (median  34).

Conclusions

Pancreatic metastases from RCC are often asymptomatic. They generally present slow growth and an indolent behavior. Surgery is the treatment of choice in those patients with only pancreatic involvement, achieving long-term survival and disease-free survival.