Clinical predictors of leak after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity

Background: Gastrointestinal leak is a complication of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Contrast studies may underdiagnose leaks, forcing surgeons to rely solely on clinical data. This study was designed to evaluate various clinical signs for detecting leakage after LRYGB. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 210 consecutive patients who underwent LRYGB between April 1999 and September 2001. There were nine documented leaks (4.3%). Clinical signs between patients with leaks (group 1) and those without leaks (group 2) were compared using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Evidence of respiratory distress and a heart rate exceeding 120 beats per min were the two most sensitive indicators of gastrointestinal leak. Routine upper gastrointestinal contrast imaging detected only two of nine leaks (22%). Conclusion: Leak after LRYGB may be difficult to detect. Evidence of respiratory distress and tachycardia exceeding 120 beats per min may be the most useful clinical indicators of leak after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Presented in part at the 8th World Congress of Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), New York, New York, USA, 13–16 March 2002     

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 efficacy of fibrin sealant in prevention of anastomotic leak after laparoscopic gastric bypass

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leak after laparoscopic gastric bypass (GBP) can result in significant morbidity, mortality, and consumption of healthcare resources. Fibrin sealant has been used clinically in the prevention of leak; however, its efficacy has not been clearly demonstrated. The aims of this study were to (1) develop an iatrogenic leak model in swine, (2) examine the efficacy of fibrin sealant in sealing iatrogenic anastomotic leak, and (3) review our experience with the use of fibrin sealant in 66 patients who underwent laparoscopic GBP. METHODS: This study was performed in three phases. In phase 1, laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy was performed in adult swine with iatrogenic disruption of the anastomotic staple line. The size of disruption was sequentially increased (6- to 12-F opening) until a leak model was developed. In phase 2, 16 animals underwent laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy with a 12-F disruption of the anastomosis; 10 animals (study group) had fibrin sealant (Tisseel VH) applied on the disrupted anastomosis and 6 animals (control group) did not receive fibrin sealant. Animals were sacrificed on postoperative day 5 or earlier if peritonitis developed and were examined for sealing of the anastomotic disruption and the presence of intraabdominal abscess. In phase 3, the outcome of 66 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic GBP with fibrin sealant applied at the gastrojejunostomy was reviewed. RESULTS: In phase 1, an anastomotic leak model was developed with a 12-F disruption of the staple line. In phase 2, two control animals required early sacrifice for bile peritonitis; three control animals had intraabdominal abscess discovered at sacrifice and one animal did not have any evidence of intraabdominal abscess or leak. Of the 10 animals in the study group, all survived until sacrifice and none of these animals had evidence of intraabdominal abscess or persistent leak. Therefore, 83% of animals in the control group developed either leak or abscess compared to 0% in the study group (P < 0.01, Fisher's exact test). Clinically, no leak or intraabdominal abscess developed in 66 patients who underwent laparoscopic GBP with the use of fibrin sealant. CONCLUSIONS: An anastomotic leak model was developed in swine with disruption of the stapled gastrojejunostomy to a 12-F opening. The use of fibrin sealant significantly reduces leak and abscess complication. Our results support the tissue sealing property of fibrin sealant and its use on high-risk gastrointestinal anastomosis.     

A zero leak rate in 251 consecutive laparoscopic gastric bypass operations using a two-layer gastrojejunostomy technique

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is quickly replacing open techniques in the morbidly obese patient who presents for surgical treatment. Safety concerns about the laparoscopic technique have arisen in the literature with gastrojejunostomy leak rates of 5% or greater reported in several series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 251 consecutive gastric bypass operations were performed from August 2001 to January 2004 by a single surgeon with over 6 years' experience. A double layer technique was used for every gastrojejunostomy anastomosis. This consisted of end-to-side stapled anastomosis using only 30 mm of a 45 mm blue (3.5 mm) staple cartridge that was fired inside the gastric pouch and Roux limb. A posterior running suture was then used to reinforce the back wall. An intraluminal 32F bougie was placed before the stapler opening was closed. Finally, 2 running sutures were used to reinforce the anterior and lateral sides of the anastomosis. RESULTS: The average patient age was 43 years (range, 18-67 years), 89% were female, average preoperative weight was 137 kg (range, 89.5-214.5 kg), and average body mass index of 49 kg/m2 (range, 35-75). One hundred forty-two cases were performed with the Ethicon endoscopic linear stapler and 109 with the United States Surgical endoscopic linear stapler. There were no anastomotic leaks, staple line leaks, pulmonary emboli, or in-hospital deaths recorded. Endoscopic dilation successfully treated 10 (4%) cases of stomal stenosis. Eleven (4%) patients developed marginal ulcers that were easily treated with a proton pump inhibitor. Average excess weight loss at 12 months and 18 months was 63% and 71%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic results are as good as or better than open surgery in the morbidly obese patient. The learning curve for this operation is steep and this may be reflected in the higher leak rates reported in earlier series. However, the technique used to create the gastrojejunostomy anastomosis may also account for a lower leak rate. The two-layer gastrojejunostomy anastomotic technique combines an inner stapled layer and outer sutured layer that yields excellent results.     

Preperitoneal Richter hernia after a laparoscopic gastric bypass

Trocar-site incisional hernias are potentially dangerous because of their susceptibility to become Richter hernias. The authors describe a morbidly obese patient in whom developed an unusual type of Richter hernia after a laparoscopic isolated Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at a 10-mm trocar site. Although the fascial closure of the trocar hernia site was intact, a hernia developed through the peritoneum into the preperitoneal space. For morbidly obese patients, the thick preperitoneum is a potential space that allows for the development of a Richter hernia, despite adequate fascial closure. It is recommended that all 10-mm and 12-mm trocar sites be closed, incorporating the peritoneum into the fascial closure to obliterate the preperitoneal space, to prevent this postoperative complication.     

Repair of a combined femoral pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula using a covered stent graft

Our purpose was to demonstrate clinical efficacy of covered stent use in the peripheral vasculature. A 68-year-old man was transferred from an outlying hospital for evaluation and treatment of a pulsatile mass in his right groin after cardiac catheterization. Imaging with duplex ultrasound and diagnostic arteriogram demonstrated a 6-cm pseudoaneurysm (PSA) of the right superficial femoral artery (SFA) and an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) of the SFA and the profunda vein. Using a covered stent extending from the proximal SFA across the origins of the AVF and PSA, complete exclusion was attained. Follow-up ultrasound at 6 weeks revealed a patent stent, no AVF, and thrombosis of the PSA. Endovascular treatment of peripheral lesions (AVF/PSA) in an elective to semi-elective setting offers patients a safe, less invasive treatment option to consider over traditional open surgery. Consequently, a formidable reduction in incision length, wound infection, and postoperative immobility can be expected.     

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.     

Remission of diabetes after laparoscopic gastric bypass

Diabetes is a well-recognized and treatable risk factor for cardiac disease, and one of many comorbidities associated with obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of a cohort of morbidly obese patients with documented diabetes who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Fifty-nine patients with sufficient follow-up were included in the study. Mean preoperative duration of diabetes was 68 months. At 1 month postoperatively, mean excess body weight loss was 17 per cent with 29 patients (49%) showing improvement and 21 patients (36%) having remission of their disease. Mean excess body weight loss was 67 per cent at 12 months postoperatively with 25 patients (42%) showing improvement and 34 patients (58%) having remission of diabetes. Mean preoperative fasting blood glucose level decreased from 152 g/dL preoperatively to 100 g/dL at 12 months (P = 0.02), whereas glycosylated hemoglobin decreased from 7.9 per cent to 5.7 per cent, respectively (P < 0.01). Patients with remission of diabetes had a shorter length of condition compared with patients with only improvement (43 vs 103 months, P < 0.01). Weight loss associated with laparoscopic gastric bypass significantly improves diabetes control and results in discontinuation or marked reduction of antidiabetic medications in the majority of patients. Improvement in glucose control occurs as early as 1 month postoperatively.     

Endoscopic dilation of gastroesophageal anastomosis stricture after gastric bypass

Background: The management of strictures after gastric bypass procedure using balloon dilation is described. Methods: A retrospective review of all dilations performed is presented. Balloon dilators were used, and all strictures were dilated initially up to 12 to 15 mm for 1 min. Results: The review included 24 patients with a mean age of 42.8 years and a mean body mass index of 49.6. All the patients except one were women. In terms of procedure, 67% required one dilation and 30% required two. In the first 3 months after surgery, 21 patients developed the stricture. Three patients (13%) had leaks. There was no endoscopic appearance suggesting the need for a repeated procedure. All the dilations were successful, and weight loss compared well with that in the rest of the patients. Conclusions: A successful technique for the treatment of anastomotic strictures after gastric bypass is presented. Most of the patients required one dilation. Most strictures appeared during the first 3 months after surgery. Female gender and leak may be high risk factors for the development of stricture.     

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass leak complications

HYPOTHESIS: Enteric leakage is a significant complication of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure that can be treated successfully. DESIGN: Retrospective study of 400 consecutive RYGB patients from 1999-2002. SETTING: Community hospital with a university surgical residency. PATIENTS: Hospital records of 400 morbidly obese patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Time of discovery of leak, location of leak, treatment, hospital stay, and mortality. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (5.25%) developed leaks. The mean body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) was 54.2. Thirteen patients were noted to develop a leak at the gastrojejunal anastomosis, with an average time to diagnosis of 7.0 days. Five of these patients underwent reexploration, and 8 were successfully treated with percutaneous drainage alone. Four patients developed leaks at the jejunojejunal anastomosis (mean time to diagnosis, 2.0 days). All of these patients required exploration, and 2 patients died. Four patients were noted to have leaks in other areas (average time to diagnosis, 3.5 days). Two patients were treated with drainage, and 2 underwent exploration. The average hospital stay of all patients was 33 days. CONCLUSIONS: Enteric leakage is a significant complication of the RYGB. Patients who are suspected of having an enteric leak because of signs of sepsis or hemodynamic instability require emergent exploration. Leaks that are more insidious may be treated successfully with percutaneous drainage. Aggressive exploration of patients who appear to be septic, and percutaneous drainage of insidiously developing leaks may decrease patients' morbidity and mortality.     

Stricture dilation after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND: In surgical treatment of morbid obesity, maintaining a restrictive anastomosis is key to long-range success. However, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) may result in gastrojejunal (GJ) stricture, requiring treatment in up to 27% of patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of the outcome of 223 consecutive LRYGB patients. Patients developing stricture received standard endoscopic balloon dilation by the same surgeon. Stricture and nonstricture groups were compared for excess body weight loss (EBWL) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: GJ stricture requiring dilation occurred in 38 patients (17%). After dilation all patients were relieved of stricture symptoms and none required revision. By 12 months, patients with stricture had an EBWL of 86% compared with nonstrictured patients at 75%. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic balloon dilation is a safe and effective treatment option for GJ stricture. Improved weight loss occurred for patients with stricture requiring dilation.     

Internal hernias after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic gastric bypass (Lap-RYGB) is an increasingly common procedure performed for severe obesity. Internal hernias are a potential problem associated with Lap-RYGB, and little is known about the clinical presentation and the diagnostic accuracy of this potentially serious complication. METHODS: A retrospective review of 1,000 retrocolic Lap-RYGB was performed to identify those who developed postoperative internal hernias. Clinical symptoms, radiologic characteristics, and operative outcomes were analyzed to determine clinical and radiologic diagnostic accuracy (including computed tomography [CT] scan and upper gastrointestinal imaging). Subsequent independent review was performed to match operative intervention with radiologic imaging and interpretation. Operative outcomes, including the hernia closure technique, hospital length of stay, and mortality were obtained. RESULTS: Of 1,000 Lap-RYGB procedures, 45 internal hernias were identified (4.5%) in 43 patients. Hernia location included transverse colon mesentery (n = 43, 95%) or Petersen's defect (n = 2, 5%). The most common clinical symptoms included intermittent, postprandial abdominal pain, and/or nausea vomiting (86%), although 20% had no abdominal tenderness. Initial radiologic imaging studies were diagnostic in 64%, although subsequent review of all imaging studies showed diagnostic abnormalities in 97%. CT findings suggestive of internal hernia include small bowel loops in the left upper quadrant and evidence of small bowel mesentery traversing the transverse colon mesentery. All patients with internal hernias underwent operative repair (98% performed laparoscopic). One patient had a negative laparoscopy, although the preoperative CT suggested an internal hernia was present. The mean time to intervention for an internal hernia repair was 225 days (range 2 to 490), whereas hospital length of stay was 1.2 days (range 1 to 4). No deaths were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Internal hernias after retrocolic lap-RYGB are associated with vague abdominal complaints and limited radiologic imaging results. A high index of clinical suspicion should be used in this patient population, and surgeon review of radiology imaging studies should be performed. Prompt surgical intervention is successful and can commonly be performed laparoscopically.     

Pregnancy outcomes after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BackgroundEarly reports described adverse perinatal outcomes of pregnancies after weight loss surgery (WLS), which subsequently raised concerns regarding safety. Our objective was to investigate, in a community-based, academic, tertiary care center, the safety of pregnancies after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and its potential effect on obesity-related perinatal complications.MethodsThe pregnancy outcomes of patients delivering infants after LRYGB at our institution were compared with those of control subjects (stratified by body mass index) who had not undergone WLS. The charts were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, delivery route, and perinatal complications.ResultsA total of 26 patients who delivered after LRYGB and 254 controls were identified. The mean interval from LRYGB to conception was 25.4 ± 13.0 months. In general, the perinatal complications in the LRYGB patients were similar to those in the nonobese controls and lower than in the obese and severe obese controls, although statistical significance was not noted for all complications. No spontaneous abortions or stillbirths occurred in the LRYGB patients. No LRYGB patients required intravenous nutrition or hydration. The overall incidence of cesarean section in the LRYGB patients was similar to that in the obese and severely obese controls but significantly greater than that in the nonobese controls. The complication rates were similar in pregnancies occurring “early” (<12 mo) versus “late” (>18 mo) after LRYGB.ConclusionThe results of our study have shown that pregnancy after LRYGB is safe, with an incidence of perinatal complications similar to that of nonobese patients, and lower than that of obese and severely obese patients, who had not undergone WLS. Larger studies are required to demonstrate statistically significant improvements in outcome in patients treated with WLS.