The utility of radiological upper gastrointestinal series and clinical indicators in detecting leaks after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a case-controlled study

Background

Leak after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) often presents after hospital discharge, making timely diagnosis difficult. This study evaluates the utility of radiological upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series and clinical indicators in detecting leak after LSG.

Methods

A retrospective case-controlled study of 1762 patients who underwent LSG from 2006 to 2014 was performed. All patients with radiographically confirmed leaks were included. Controls consisted of patients who underwent LSG without leak, selected using a 10:1 case-match. Data included baseline patient characteristics, surgical characteristics, and UGI series results. Clinical indicators including vital signs, SIRS criteria, and pain score were compared between patients who developed leak and controls.

Results

Of 1762 LSG operations, 20 (1.1 %) patients developed leaks and were compared with 200 case-matched controls. Three patients developed leak during their index admission [mean = 1.3 days, range (1, 2)], while the majority (n = 17) were discharged and developed symptoms at a mean of 17.1 days [range (4, 63)] postoperatively. Patients diagnosed with leak were similar to controls in baseline and surgical characteristics. Contrast extravasation on routine postoperative UGI identified two patients with early leaks, but was negative in the remainder (89 %). Patients with both early and delayed leaks demonstrated significant clinical abnormalities at the time of leak presentation, prior to confirmatory radiographic study. In multiple regression analysis, independent clinical factors associated with leak included fever [OR 16.6, 95 % CI (4.04, 68.10), p < 0.0001], SIRS criteria [OR 7.0, 95 % CI (1.47, 33.26), p = 0.014], and pain score ≥9 [OR 19.1, 95 % CI (1.38, 263.87), p = 0.028].

Conclusions

Contrast extravasation on routine postoperative radiological UGI series may detect early leaks after LSG, but the vast majority of leaks demonstrate normal results and present 2–3 weeks after discharge. Therefore, clinical indicators (specifically fever, SIRS criteria, and pain score) are the most useful factors to raise concern for leaks prior to confirmatory radiographic study and may be used as criteria to selectively obtain UGI studies after LSG.

     

Routine upper gastrointestinal swallow studies after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy are unnecessary

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has gained popularity among bariatric surgeons. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of early upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast studies in the detection of postoperative complications.

Methods

Radiographic reports were reviewed from April 2006 to January 2013. During that time, 161 patients underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. All patients were submitted to UGI examination on postoperative day (POD) 1.

Results

Among the 161 patients who underwent UGI, no contrast leaks were found on POD 1. Three patients (1.9%) developed stapler line leaks near the gastroesophageal junction, which were diagnosed on PODs 3, 4, and 10. Gastroesophageal reflux in 5 patients (3.1%) and delayed gastroesophageal transit in 10 patients (6.2%) were detected.

Conclusions

The results of this study show that UGI series on POD 1 cannot assess the integrity of the gastric remnant. Early UGI series are not required as routine procedures in all operated patients. Computed tomographic swallow studies should be performed in patients who postoperatively develop clinical signs and symptoms of complications such as tachycardia, pain, or fever.     

Routine Upper Gastrointestinal Gastrografin® Swallow after Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass

Background: Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) swallow radiographs following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) may detect an obstruction or an anastomotic leak. The aim of our study was to determine the efficacy of routine imaging following LRYGBP. Methods: Radiograph reports were reviewed for 201 consecutive LRYGBP operations between April 1999 and June 2001. UGI swallow used Gastrografin?, static films, fluoroscopic video, and a delayed image at 10 minutes. Mean values with one standard deviation were tested for significance (P<0.05) using the Mann-Whitney U test statistic. Results: Of 198 available reports, UGI detected jejunal efferent (Roux) limb narrowing (n=17), partial obstruction (n=12), anastomotic leak (n=3), complete bowel obstruction (n=3), diverticulum (n=1), hiatal hernia (n=1), and proximal Roux limb narrowing (n=1). A normal study was reported in 160 cases (81%). Partial obstruction resolved without intervention. Complete obstruction required re-operation. Compared to 6 patients who developed delayed leaks, early identification of a leak by routine UGI swallow resulted in a shorter hospital stay (mean 7.7±1.5 days vs 40.2±12.3 days, P<0.03). Conclusions: Early intervention after UGI swallow may lessen morbidity. Routine UGI swallow following LRYGBP does not obviate the importance of close clinical follow-up.     

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.     

Cost and validity of early postoperative contrast swallow after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding

BackgroundTo assess the validity and cost of early routine upper gastrointestinal (UGI) studies after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) at a university hospital in the United States. Today, although there is widespread use of LAGB, and it is considered a safe procedure, it also can result in some specific early complications. In most centers, an UGI series after bariatric surgery is performed to rule out these potentially dangerous complications.MethodsFrom March 2006 to July 2010, 183 LAGB procedures were performed by a single surgeon. All data were collected prospectively in a computerized database and reviewed retrospectively. The patients underwent water-soluble UGI studies during the early postoperative phase (2–24 h) to exclude gastrointestinal perforation, obstruction, and gastric band malposition.ResultsNo intraoperative complications occurred. One conversion to an open procedure was required because of massive adhesions. A total of 21 postoperative complications (11.5%) occurred. None of the 183 patients who underwent an early UGI series experienced leakage, gastric band malposition, or slippage. The only radiologic abnormality was a stomal obstruction (.5%) requiring reoperation. The total cost for the 183 UGI studies was $54,900. The mean hospital stay was .5 day (range .1–5.6). Approximately 90% of patients were discharged within the first 24 hours.ConclusionThe fear of acute perforation or obstruction has been the rationale for obtaining UGI studies after LAGB. We found this to be expensive and of limited value in an experienced center and have created a decisional algorithm to determine when its use is appropriate for symptomatic patients.     

Selective approach to use of upper gastroesophageal imaging study after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND: Many institutions routinely perform upper gastroesophageal imaging (UGI) studies on their laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) patients after surgery. We had routinely studied our patients with UGI on postoperative day 1 to rule out an anastomotic leak or obstruction, until recently when we abandoned this practice. As previously reported, we found that routine UGI did not contribute significantly to patient care. The purpose of this study was to determine whether patient outcomes were affected by this change in protocol. METHODS: From March 2004 to September 2005, 508 LRYGB cases were performed at our institution. Linear cutting staplers were used to create both the gastrojejunostomy and the jejunojejunostomy. In each case, the Roux limb was brought up in an antecolic, antegastric configuration. Before changing our protocol, 194 LRYGB cases were performed, and each patient underwent a routine UGI study (group 1). After abandoning this practice, 314 LRYGB cases were performed (group 2), and an UGI study was obtained only if clinical indicators (e.g., tachypnea, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, low urine output, and/or abdominal pain) were present. The patient demographics, including gender, age, body mass index, length of hospital stay, and complications were recorded in our bariatric database and reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: A postoperative UGI study was obtained in 204 patients--in 194 patients routinely (group 1) and in 10 patients because of clinical indications (group 2). No obstructions or leaks were found in any of these 204 patients. In group 2, 304 patients were discharged without an UGI series and did well without any leak or obstruction, except for 1 patient who returned 3 months postoperatively with a stricture at his jejunojejunostomy. No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The results of our study have shown that routine UGI studies after LRYGB do not contribute significantly to postoperative patient care at our institution. We now perform them selectively according to clinical indications, without this change adversely affecting our clinical outcomes.     

Significance of the clinical course and early upper gastrointestinal studies in predicting complications associated with repair of esophageal atresia

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: In many centers, use of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast studies in the early postoperative period after esophageal atresia (EA) repair is considered routine. Indications for this are many, including searching for existing problems and predicting future complications. However, most major complications, both early and late, usually are identified clinically before any radiologic studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that may anticipate the development of postoperative complications after EA repair, looking particularly at the predictive value of routine early postoperative UGI studies. METHODS: A total of 111 consecutive cases of EA were identified retrospectively over a 10-year period from 2 major Canadian pediatric health centers. One hundred one were associated with a distal tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), of which, 90 had repairs. Ninety-seven percent of these had a UGI study at a median of 9.1 postoperative days (range, 2 to 23) before consideration of oral feeding. Charts were reviewed looking at patient variables, surgical factors, early UGI findings, and postoperative courses. Complications that required intervention were noted, including anastomotic leaks, gastroesophageal reflux (GER), strictures, and recurrent and missed fistulae. All initial UGI studies were reexamined by 1 of 2 pediatric radiologists. Logistic regression was used to examine relationships between these clinical and radiologic variables and outcomes. RESULTS: Of the variables analyzed, univariate analysis showed clinically significant leaks to be associated with intraoperative factors (subjective degree of anastomotic tension, and the use of myotomies) and early postoperative clinical evidence suggesting a leak. In a multivariate model, all remained independently significant except for the use of myotomies. Later development of clinically significant GER also was associated with the degree of tension. It had no relationship, however, with findings of dysmotility, esophageal shortening, or reflux at the initial UGI study. Development of a stricture requiring dilatations or resection was associated with a history of clinically evident GER only; no relationships were seen with a history of an anastomotic leak or any other clinical, operative, or radiographic variables. Missed or recurrent fistulae were all suspected clinically before radiologic confirmation. CONCLUSIONS: Early and late complications after repair of EA can be identified and potentially anticipated based on clinical findings at the time of repair and during the postoperative period. The use of early "routine" UGI studies, with no suspicion of a problem, has little value in terms of predicting complications or future clinical course.     

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.     

Predictive value of upper gastrointestinal studies versus clinical signs for gastrointestinal leaks after laparoscopic gastric bypass

Background The utility of routine upper gastrointestinal (UGI) studies after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is a matter of great debate. Because the morbidity and mortality rates associated with an unrecognized postoperative leak are high after LRYGB, diagnosis of a postoperative leak earlier would be of benefit. Clinical signs, however, may predict the diagnosis of a postoperative leak more often. This study explored the hypothesis that UGI studies are more predictive than clinical signs for the early diagnosis of a postoperative leak after LRYGB. Methods All patients who underwent LRYGB at the authors’ institution were included in this study. Charts were reviewed to examine immediate clinical signs (heart rate, temperature, and white blood cell count within the first 24 h), UGI studies, and clinical course. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and efficiency of clinical signs and UGI studies were calculated. Results This study included 245 patients with a 3% rate of leak. The positive and negative predictive value of UGI studies were 67% and 99%, respectively. Only an elevated white blood count had a better predictive value (100% for negative predictive value). The efficiency of UGI studies (98%) was better than that of heart rate (83%), white blood count (8%), or temperature (95%). Conclusions According to our data, UGI studies are the most predictive of an early leak diagnosis. Clinical signs alone may not be as useful in predicting leaks early after laparoscopic gastric bypasses. Routine early postoperative UGI studies are a reasonable approach to predicting leaks after LRYGB.     

Anatomy and Complications Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Radiological Evaluation and Imaging Pitfalls

Background  

To evaluate the post-operative gastric anatomy depicted by upper gastrointestinal gastrografin swallow studies (UGI) and report radiological work-up and management of complications following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).     

New CT Scan Classification of Leak After Sleeve Gastrectomy

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become one of the most common bariatric procedures. Even so, the gastric leak remains the most feared complication with a difficult, non-standardized treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of a new classification of leakage after LSG used in Montpellier University Hospital. We have studied the correlations between radiological findings and therapeutic outcome for the 20 gastric leaks. The presence of a leak was evaluated according to the day of appearance, the symptomatology, the location, severity on the CT scan, and the management. From May 2010 to September 2012, we prospectively collected data from 20 patients diagnosed with gastric leak after LSG. There were 16 women and 4 men with a mean age of 34 years old (range 21–52 years old). The fistula was diagnosed at postoperative day 28.1 days (range 3–77 days). Patients were grouped by the new classification in: 11—type I, 6—type II, 3—type III fistula, and 0—type IV. The visualization of leakage was observed for five cases (25 %). The initial surgical drainage was performed for 11 cases and the conservative treatment was preferred in 9 cases. Three cases necessitated a delayed surgical drainage after 1 week of conservative treatment. The surgical drainage was performed by laparoscopy in 12 cases and by laparotomy in 2 cases. The new CT scan classification of gastric leak could serve as a working basis for a consensus on the therapeutic management of this dreaded complication.     

Short-Term Outcomes of Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity: Does Staple Line Reinforcement Matter?

Background

Stand-alone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been found to be effective in producing weight loss but few large, one-center LSG series have been reported. Gastric leakage from the staple line is a life-threatening complication of LSG, but there is controversy about whether buttressing the staple line with a reinforcement material will reduce leaks. We describe a single-center, 518-patient series of LSG procedures in which a synthetic buttressing material (GORE® SEAMGUARD® Bioabsorbable Staple Line Reinforcement) was used in the most recently treated patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent LSG in our unit between September 2007 and December 2011. Patients treated before August 2009 did not receive the staple line reinforcement material (n?=?186), whereas all patients treated afterward did (n?=?332).

Results

The percentages of excess weight loss in the 518 patients (mean age, 41 years; 82 % female; mean preoperative body mass index, 44 kg/m²) were 67 % (79 % follow-up rate) at 6 months postoperatively, 81 % (64 %) at 1 year, and 84 % (30 %) at 2 years. Type 2 diabetes resolved in 71 % of patients (91/128). Patients given reinforcement material had baseline characteristics similar to those in the no-reinforcement-material group, but had no postoperative staple line leaks or bleeding. The no-reinforcement group had three leaks (p?=?0.045) and one case of bleeding.

Conclusions

LSG resulted in substantial short-term weight loss. Use of the bioabsorbable staple line reinforcement material may decrease leaks after LSG.     

Preventing Staple-Line Leak in Sleeve Gastrectomy: Reinforcement with Bovine Pericardium vs Oversewing

One of the most serious, potentially life-threatening complications of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is staple-line leakage. Oversewing the LSG staple line vs buttressing it with bovine pericardial strips (BPS) to reduce perioperative bleeding and postoperative gastric leak was evaluated. From 2006 through 2011, 160 patients underwent LSG with suturing as the only staple-line reinforcement (Group A). From March 2010 through August 2012, 84 LSG patients had BPS incorporated into their last two stapler firings (Group B). Staple lines were evaluated perioperatively for bleeding, and patients were monitored for indications of staple-line leaks (peritonitis, abnormal output from the drain). In preoperative Group A and B, there were 117 (73.1 %) vs 56 (66.7 %) females; mean age, 35.2 years (18.0–68.0) vs 33.8 years (15.0–64.0); mean body mass index (BMI, kilograms per square meter), 42.5 (27.0–76.0) vs 42.0 (30.0–58.0). Three months after surgery, mean BMI for Group A was 37.3 (?5.9); Group B, 35.2 (?7.3); at 6 months, 32.7 (?10.8) and 31.5 (?11.3; p?<?0.001). Although there was no significant difference in perioperative blood loss, oversewn staple lines in Group A often required electrocautery to stanch bleeding; this was not required for Group B. In Group A, 15 patients (9.4 %) developed complications; in Group B, five (6.0 %; p?=?0.46). Gastric fistula, verified by barium swallow, occurred in eight Group A patients (5.0 %); in Group B, one (1.2 %; p?=?0.17). Relative to oversewing, staple-line buttressing with bovine pericardium was readily accomplished, safe, and associated with a lower staple-line leak rate.     

Usefulness of X-Ray in the Detection of Complications and Side Effects After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a surgical procedure which reduces the gastric volume causing a feeling of early fullness while decreasing hunger due to a reduced secretion of ghrelin. This leads to a considerable loss of body weight. The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of early x-ray examination and subsequent x-ray follow-up in the detection of postoperative complications and long-term functional recovery.

Methods

From March 2010 to April 2011, 101 consecutive patients underwent LSG for morbid obesity and were subsequently included in this retrospective study. All patients were submitted to early x-ray examination 1–3 days after surgery and x-ray follow-up 3–6 months after surgery to detect the presence and persistence of surgical and functional complications.

Results

Early postoperative x-ray examination detected one case of suture leakage 1 day after surgery as well as one abscess and one gastric fistula in two patients who had become symptomatic 9 and 10 days after surgery.

Conclusions

Early x-ray examination showed that complications were mainly functional and rarely surgical. Subsequent follow-up showed that functional disturbances were significantly reduced over time. X-ray is an easy and reliable method for detecting complications and side effects of LSG. However, in view of the extremely low incidence of surgical complications revealed at the early x-ray examination, this procedure may not be required as a routine examination in all operated patients and should be performed only in patients who become symptomatic and those considered at risk of developing more serious complications.     

Cost analysis of leak after sleeve gastrectomy

Background

Leaks after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are serious complications of this procedure. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the costs of leaks after LSG.

Setting

Private hospital, France.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on a prospective cohort of 2012 cases of LSG between September 2005 and December 2014. Data were collected on all diagnostic and therapeutic measures necessary to manage leaks, ward, and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay. Additional outpatient care was also analyzed.

Results

Twenty cases (0.99%) of gastric leak were recorded. Fifteen patients had available data for cost analysis. Of these, 13 patients were women (86.7%) with a mean age of 41.4 years (range 22–61) and mean BMI of 43.2 kg/m² (range 34.8–57.1). The leaks occurred after 7.4 days (±2.3) postoperatively. Only one gastric leak was recorded for the last 800 cases in which absorbable staple line reinforcement was used. Mean intra-hospital cost was 34398 € (range 7543–91,632 €). Prolonged hospitalization in ICU accounted for the majority of hospital costs (58.9%). Mean additional outpatient costs for leaks were 41,284 € (range 14,148–75,684€).

Conclusions

Leaks after LSG are an expensive complication. It is therefore important to take all necessary measures to reduce their incidence. Our data should be considered when analyzing the cost effectiveness of staple line reinforcement usage.

     

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.     

C-reactive protein, white blood cells, and neutrophils as early predictors of postoperative complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Background

Early detection and treatment of complications after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are mandatory. This study aimed to evaluate C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC) count, and neutrophil (NEU) count in relation to the early diagnosis of major surgical complications after LSG.

Methods

A prospective study of 177 patients who underwent LSG during 2008–2011 was performed. Measurements of WBC, NEU, and CRP performed on postoperative days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 30 were correlated with postoperative surgical complications.

Results

Both WBC and NEU were correlated with leak or abscess on postoperative days 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, whereas on day 1, only NEU was significantly increased. Elevated CRP was correlated with leak or abscess on all the days (p < 0.001). The parameters measured were not correlated with postoperative bleeding unless leak or abscess coexisted. According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, CRP detected leak or abscess with remarkably higher sensitivity and specificity than WBC or NEU on all the days. Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) of CRP was higher than the AUC of WBC or NEU, suggesting important statistical significance. On day 1, WBC and NEU achieved 77.8 and 78.3 % sensitivity, respectively, and an even lower specificity (68.4 and 52.6 %), whereas a CRP cutoff at 150 mg/l achieved 83.2 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity. On day 3, the sensitivity and specificity of CRP reached 100 % (cutoff level, 200 mg/l), and on day 5, CRP achieved 83.2 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity (cutoff level, 150 mg/l), whereas for WBC and NEU, specificity was high (>92 %), but sensitivity did not exceed 78.2 %.

Conclusion

Because CRP detected leak or abscess after LSG with remarkably higher sensitivity and specificity than WBC or NEU, CRP seems to be a more accurate market for the early detection of these complications.     

The utility of routine postoperative upper GI series following laparoscopic gastric bypass

Background Routine upper gastrointestinal (UGI) studies following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) have the potential advantage of early identification of anastomotic complications. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of routine postoperative UGI and its relationship to clinical outcomes. Methods Over a three-year period, 516 patients underwent LRYGBP followed by routine postoperative UGI studies. Data were collected on the results of the UGI, clinical parameters, and patient outcomes. Study groups were composed of patients with a normal UGI (Group I, n = 455), abnormal UGI not requiring further intervention (Group II, n = 36), and abnormal UGI requiring further intervention (Group III, n =25). Statistical significance was set at α= 0.05 level for all analyses. Results The three study groups were not statistically different in mean age (42 years) or body mass index (BMI) (45) and were predominantly female (90%). Most patients had an uneventful postoperative course. Anastomotic complications (gastrojejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy) were uncommon (1.3%). The sensitivity of the UGI for anastomotic leak in this study was low (33%). However, all patients with alimentary limb obstruction (n = 3) had UGI evidence of this complication. Of the 516 UGI reports, there were only 25 (4.8%, Group III) that were abnormal and required some form of intervention ranging from serial imaging (84%) to reoperation (16%). Of the various clinical parameters examined, the patients in Group III demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of fever (p < 0.001), tachycardia (p < 0.01), vomiting (p < 0.001), and postoperative day 1 leukocytosis (p < 0.005). Conclusions Our data suggest that routine UGI after LRYGBP has limited utility as it may result in unnecessary intervention based on false-positive results or a delay in treatment based on false-negative results. We advocate selective UGI imaging following LRYGBP based on the patient’s clinical factors, particularly fever and tachycardia. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Las Vegas, Nevada, April 2007     

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: efficacy of fibrin sealant in reducing postoperative bleeding. A randomized controlled trial

Staple line leakage and bleeding are worrisome complications of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Solutions such as buttressing, oversewing or roofing the staple line with gelatin matrix have been proposed with controversial results. Because the use of fibrin sealant has shown a possible benefit in reducing the reoperation rate due to early complication in patients (pts) undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP), this solution has been tested in 100 consecutive pts undergoing LSG. A clinical trial has been performed on 100 consecutive pts. Exclusion criteria from the study were considered ASA IV pts, treated or untreated malignancies at any stage, steroids or FANS assumption, previous sovramesocolic surgery and conversion to open surgery. All pts were randomized to receive (group A, 50 pts) or to not receive (group B, 50 pts) 4 ml of human fibrin sealant (Tisseel?, Baxter^® Deerfield, IL, USA) sprayed along the suture line. Primary endpoint was the incidence of postoperative complications: leaks, bleeding of the staple line or stenosis of the gastric remnant. Significance was assigned at a p level <0.05. By considering pts in group A vs. pts in group B our results shown no significant difference in fistulas or strictures occurrence (p = 0.2). Bleeding was significantly higher in patients not sprayed with sealant (group A vs. group B, 1/7, p = 0.03). This randomized trial has so far shown the use of fibrin sealant in LSG to significantly reduce postoperative bleeding. Although a trend in reducing leak occurrence emerges, it does not reach statistical significance.     

Is Routine Postoperative Gastrografin Study Needed After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy? Experience of 712 Cases

Background

The current standard of care is to perform a postoperative gastrografin study following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) to detect leakage or obstruction. This study evaluated the usefulness of this routine procedure.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed in December 2012. All patients had routine intraoperative methylene blue testing to check for possible leakage from the staple line, and any leaking points were oversewn. We also performed postoperative contrast study (gastrografin) routinely in the first 24–48 h for all patients.

Results

From June 2007 to December 2012, 712 cases underwent LSG during the study period. Patients included in this study were 556 women (78.1 %) and 156 men (21.9 %). The mean age was 35 years. The mean BMI was 48 kg/m². The operative time was 107?±?29 min, and there were no conversions to open surgery. Intraoperative methylene blue test detected leakage in 28 cases (3.93 %). Postoperative contrast study (gastrografin) was negative for leakage in all cases. Computed tomography (CT) scan with oral contrast study detected leakage in 1.4 % (ten cases); none of these cases were detected by regular contrast study.

Conclusions

Our study showed that intraoperative methylene blue test for leakage is a very sensitive and effective method for detecting leakage during sleeve gastrectomy and should be done routinely in all cases. Routine postoperative contrast study is not needed to detect leakage unless clinically indicated in selected cases, and in such cases contrast-enhanced CT scans are the modality of choice.