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 %).     

The use of fibrin sealant to prevent major complications following laparoscopic gastric bypass: results of a multicenter, randomized trial

Background

Published interim results have shown that fibrin sealant (Tissucol^®/Tisseel^® Baxter AG, Vienna, Austria) may be effective in preventing anastomotic leaks and internal hernias following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP). We report the final results of a multicenter, randomized clinical trial evaluating the use of fibrin sealant in LRYGBP.

Methods

Between January 2004 and December 2005, 340 patients aged 21–65 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 40–59 kg/m² undergoing LRYGBP were randomized (1:1) to two treatment groups: fibrin sealant group (applied to gastrojejunal and jejunojejunal anastomoses and over mesenteric openings), and control group (no fibrin sealant; suture of the mesenteric openings). Operative time, early and late complications, reinterventions, time to oral diet initiation, and length of stay were assessed.

Results

Overall, 320 patients were included into the study: 160 in the control group and 160 in the fibrin sealant group. All patients completed follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 months, and 60.9% completed assessments at 24 months. There were no significant differences between groups with respect to demographics, operative time, oral diet initiation, hospital stay, and BMI reduction at 6, 12, and 24 months. The incidence of anastomotic leak was numerically, but not significantly, greater in the control group. The overall reintervention rate for specific early complications (<30 days) was significantly higher in the control group (p = 0.016). No deaths or conversions to open laparotomy occurred.

Conclusion

The use of fibrin sealant in laparoscopic RYGBP may be beneficial in reducing the reintervention rate for major perioperative (<30 days) complications. Larger studies are needed.     

Linear-Stapled Gastrojejunostomy with Transverse Hand-Sewn Enterotomy Closure Significantly Reduces Strictures for Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background

Gastrojejunostomy (GJ) stricture is a common complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for morbid obesity, and the optimal anastomotic technique remains uncertain. The objective of this study was to use cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis to compare rates of gastrojejunostomy strictures after linear stapling with longitudinal versus transverse enterotomy closure in gastric bypass patients.

Methods

Charts of all consecutive patients with at least 60 days of post-operative follow-up after laparoscopic RYGB (LRYGB) at our tertiary care institution from Nov 2009 to Dec, 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Gastrojejunostomy stricture was diagnosed by history and upper endoscopy. CUSUM method of quality control analysis was used to determine sequential improvement in stricture rates with the change in technique.

Results

A total of 197 patients were included (97 longitudinal closure, median age 44 (21–67), median BMI 47 (35–80), 85.8 % female). Gastrojejunostomy strictures occurred in 16 % of longitudinal and 0 % of transverse patients (p?=?<0.0001). CUSUM analysis demonstrated sequential statistically significant improvement in stricture rates after the change in technique was applied. The longitudinal group had a statistically significant increased rate of surgery-related readmissions (15.5 vs 6.0 %, p?=?0.038), with 43.7 % of those readmissions related to GJ strictures. There were no other significant outcome differences between groups.

Conclusions

Linear-stapled anastomosis with a transverse enterotomy closure significantly reduces the rate of gastrojejunostomy stricture for LRYGB, considerably reducing procedural morbidity.     

Foreign material erosion after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: findings and treatment

Background

Patients after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) can have nonspecific, upper gastrointestinal (UGI) complaints. During postoperative endoscopy, we have noted the erosion of nondissolvable material, such as Peri-Strips® or silk sutures, into the gastric pouch. This study reports the incidence and presentation of foreign material erosion into the gastric pouch after a LRYGB and the outcome after therapeutic endoscopy.

Methods

From a prospective LRYGB database, postoperative endoscopies from February 2002 to June 2005 that found foreign material in the gastric pouch were reviewed. Presenting symptoms, time until endoscopy, and patient outcomes were evaluated. A therapeutic endoscopy was performed by using endo-shears and biopsy forceps to remove the foreign material.

Results

A total of 23 patients underwent 29 therapeutic endoscopies. From February 2002 to November 2004, 208 LRYGB were performed using silk suture for the outer layer of the gastrojejunostomy, and 21 patients (10%) had silk suture found on endoscopy. Peri-Strips were used from February 2002 to December 2003 (n = 153) and 6 patients (4%) had erosions. Since converting to Vicryl suture and Seamguard®, we have had 173 and 228 patients, respectively, without pouch erosion. The most common presenting symptom was abdominal pain (n = 15, 65%). Other symptoms included nausea (n = 13, 57%), vomiting (n = 12, 52%), dysphagia (n = 5, 22%), and melena (n = 3, 13%). Foreign material was found by a mean of 34 weeks. Of 29 therapeutic endoscopies, 20 resulted in resolution of symptoms (69%), 4 led to improvements (14%), and 5 had no effect (17%). There were no endoscopic complications and no anastomotic leaks.

Conclusions

Nonabsorbable material used during a LRYGB can migrate into the gastric pouch and cause UGI complaints. A therapeutic endoscopy will resolve most UGI symptoms. Using absorbable material in the creation of the gastric pouch and the gastrojejunostomy will avoid foreign material erosion.     

What Is the Risk of Clinical Anastomotic Leak in the Diverted Colorectal Anastomosis?

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify clinical leak in diverted colorectal anastomoses.

Design

Cohort analysis.

Setting

The study was conducted in a subspecialty practice at a tertiary care facility.

Patients

Consecutive subjects undergoing colorectal anastomosis and proximal fecal diversion between July 16, 2007 and June, 31 2012.

Interventions

No intervention was applied.

Main Outcome Measures

Clinical anastomotic leak.

Results

Two hundred forty-five patients underwent a colorectal anastomosis with proximal fecal diversion. A total of 34 (14 %) clinical leaks were identified at a median of 43 days. Clinical leaks were identified in 13 (5 %) patients within 30 days of surgery (early leaks) and in 21 (9 %) patients after 30 days of surgery (late leaks). Age, sex, use of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and method of anastomotic construction were similar in patients with clinical leaks as compared to those with no evidence of leak. However, clinical leaks were more likely to develop in patients with a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease or other diagnoses, i.e., radiation enteritis, ischemia, and injury/enterotomy. Patients with clinical leak were not more likely to have air leaks on intraoperative air leak testing.

Conclusions

In diverted anastomoses, most leaks become clinically apparent beyond 30 days. The standard practice of censoring outcomes that occur beyond postoperative day 30 will fail to identify a substantial fraction of leaks in diverted colorectal anastomoses.     

NSAID Use and Anastomotic Leaks Following Elective Colorectal Surgery: a Matched Case-Control Study

Introduction

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) decrease postoperative pain and opioid consumption. The objective of the study was to determine if postoperative NSAIDs were associated with anastomotic leaks following elective colorectal surgery.

Materials and Methods

We used a matched nested case-control study design. Using a prospectively collected database, we identified all patients having elective colorectal surgery between January 2001 and June 2012. Cases and matched controls were identified based on the occurrence of a postoperative anastomotic leak. The primary and secondary exposure variables were, respectively, use of any NSAID and use of ketorolac specifically. Conditional logistic regression was used to determine the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio.

Results

A total of 262 patients were included (65.6 % inflammatory bowel disease, 34.4 % cancer). Use of any NSAID was associated with a non-significant increase in anastomotic leaks (odds ratio (OR) 1.81, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.98–3.37, p?=?0.06). Use of ketorolac was associated with a significant increase in anastomotic leaks (OR 2.09, 95 % CI 1.12–3.89, p?=?0.021). There was no significant association between anastomotic leaks and cumulative NSAID dose.

Conclusion

These data suggest that there may be an association between NSAIDs and risk of anastomotic leaks after colorectal surgery. Further research is needed to better elucidate this relationship to clarify the implications for patients.     

Reinforcing the Staple Line with Surgicel® Nu-knit® in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Comparison with Bovine Pericardial Strips

Background

In the literature, staple line leak rate is reported to be 1–6 %, and hemorrhage rate is 2–5 % in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Various buttress materials are available in an attempt to reduce perioperative complications. The aims of our study are to evaluate the effect of using absorbable hemostat (SNK) as buttress material and compare its usage with bovine pericardial strips (PSD).

Methods

Between January 2006 to May 2007 and from October 2007 to December 2009, a total of 1,074 patients underwent LRYGB at our institution. Of these 1,074 patients, PSD was used in 443 (41.2 %) patients, and SNK was used in 631 (58.8 %) patients. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed for all LRYGB patients, noting the outcomes and complications of the procedure.

Results

Five (1.1 %) patients required transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBC) during early postoperative period (postoperative 1–3 days) in the PSD group, while two (0.3 %) patients required transfusion in the SNK group. SNK patients received significantly lower mean units of PRBC (1.0 unit) when compared to that of PSD patients (5.0 units). One (0.2 %) anastomotic leak was found in the PSD group on postoperative day (POD) 10. One (0.2 %) patient in the SNK group also showed an anastomotic leak on POD 2. Additionally, the cost of SNK per procedure was significantly less than that of PSD.

Conclusions

The use of absorbable hemostat as buttress material may be effective in reducing acute postoperative bleeding in LRYGB at a significantly lower cost.     

Randomized Trial Comparing Side-to-Side Stapled and Hand-Sewn Esophagogastric Anastomosis in Neck

Background

Leak from cervical esophagogastric anastomosis (CEGA) following esophagectomy is associated with morbidity and poor functional outcome. To address this issue, we conducted a randomized trial comparing ??hand-sewn?? with ??stapled side-to-side?? CEGA.

Methods

Of 174 patients who underwent esophageal resection and CEGA between 2004 and 2010, 87 each were randomized to ??hand-sewn?? and ??stapled side-to-side?? CEGA [www.Clinical Trials.gov: NCT00497549]. The primary outcome measure was anastomotic leak rate. The secondary outcome measures included CEGA construction time and occurrence of anastomotic stricture during follow up.

Results

The overall anastomotic leak rate was 17.2?% (major leaks: 8?%). The leak rate was similar among the two groups (hand-sewn: 14/87, stapled: 16/87; p?=?0.33). The stapled anastomotic technique was faster (25?±?6.5?min vs. 27?±?5.5?min; p?=?0.02). The overall operative mortality and morbidity rates were 6.3?% and 40.8?%, respectively. At a median follow up of 12 (6?C42) months, anastomotic stricture occurred in 24 (14.7?%) patients and was significantly more common in the ??hand-sewn?? group (17/82 vs. 7/81; p?=?0.045).

Conclusion

There were no differences in the leak rates and postoperative outcome between the two CEGA techniques. At follow up, anastomotic strictures occurred less frequently following stapled CEGA. The ideal CEGA technique remains elusive.     

Low Anastomotic Stricture Rate After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Using a 21-mm Circular Stapling Device

Background

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) has been established as a safe and effective procedure for morbid obesity management. Amongst some of the postoperative complications are gastrojejunal (GJ) anastomotic strictures, with an incidence of 3 to 27?% in some series. This study evaluates the incidence of GJ strictures using a 21-mm circular stapling device and its response to treatment with endoscopic balloon dilation.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who underwent LRYGB between January 2007 and September 2010. We used our previously published technique of retrocolic, retrogastric Roux-en-Y bypass, using a 21-mm circular stapler to construct the gastrojejunostomy. Postoperatively, patients with persistent food intolerance underwent an endoscopy. Those found to have a GJ stricture (defined as inability to pass the endoscope beyond he anastomotic site) underwent pneumatic dilation with a 12-mm balloon.

Results

A total of 338 patients underwent LRYGB. Median follow-up was 57.6?weeks (8?C137). Twenty-two patients underwent an endoscopy due to food intolerance. Sixteen patients (4.7?%, 16/338) were identified with GJ stricture and received at least one endoscopic dilation. The other six patients had a normal endoscopic evaluation. GJ strictures presented at an average of 35?days (13 to 90?days) postoperatively. Four patients underwent two endoscopic interventions, and one underwent three endoscopic interventions.

Conclusions

We hereby demonstrate that the construction of GJ anastomosis with a 21-mm circular stapler is associated with a low stricture rate using our standardized technique. Strictures are amenable to balloon dilatation with subsequent long-term resolution of symptoms.     

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.     

The Burden of Gastrointestinal Anastomotic Leaks: an Evaluation of Clinical and Economic Outcomes

Objective

To evaluate the clinical and economic burden associated with anastomotic leaks following colorectal surgery.

Methods

Retrospective data (January 2008 to December 2010) were analyzed from patients who had colorectal surgery with and without postoperative leaks, using the Premier Perspective? database. Data on in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), re-admissions, postoperative infection, and costs were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses, and the propensity score matching (PSM) and generalized linear models (GLM).

Results

Of the patients, 6,174 (6.18 %) had anastomotic leaks within 30 days after colorectal surgery. Patients with leaks had 1.3 times higher 30-day re-admission rates and 0.8–1.9 times higher postoperative infection rates as compared with patients without leaks (P?<?0.001 for both). Anastomotic leaks incurred additional LOS and hospital costs of 7.3 days and $24,129, respectively, only within the first hospitalization. Per 1,000 patients undergoing colorectal surgery, the economic burden associated with anastomotic leaks—including hospitalization and re-admission—was established as 9,500 days in prolonged LOS and $28.6 million in additional costs. Similar results were obtained from both the PSM and GLM for assessing total costs for hospitalization and re-admission.

Conclusions

Anastomotic leaks in colorectal surgery increase the total clinical and economic burden by a factor of 0.6–1.9 for a 30-day re-admission, postoperative infection, LOS, and hospital costs.     

Management of Anastomotic Leak: Lessons Learned from a Large Colon and Rectal Surgery Training Program

Background

Anastomotic leak is a dreaded surgical complication that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Despite its prevalence, there is no consensus on the management of anastomotic leak. This study aimed to review the management of anastomotic leak in the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at two institutions.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of all anastomotic leaks occurring after surgery in the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at two teaching institutions during 1997–2008.

Results

Altogether, 103 leaks occurred in 1,707 anastomoses (6 %), with a median time to diagnosis of 20 days (2–1,400 days). The 90-day mortality rate was 3 %. The majority of cases were managed nonoperatively (73 %), and the majority of leaks were from an extraperitoneal anastomosis (67 %). Success (i.e., radiographic demonstration of a healed leak, restored gastrointestinal continuity) occurred in 54 % of operatively managed leaks and 57 % of nonoperatively managed leaks (56 % overall). Operative management differed by leak location. In 91 % of patients with intraperitoneal leaks, the anastomosis was resected. In 76 % of patients with extraperitoneal leaks, diversion and drainage alone was performed without manipulating the anastomosis. Nonoperative management was successful for 57 % of extraperitoneal leaks and 58 % of intraperitoneal leaks. There was no significant difference in the success rates based on type of management (operative/nonoperative) for either extraperitoneal or intraperitoneal leaks.

Conclusions

Anastomotic leak continues to result in patient morbidity and mortality. Its diverse presentation requires tailoring management to the patient. Nonoperative and operative treatments are viable options for intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal leaks based on patient presentation.     

Not All Leaks Are Created Equal: a Comparison Between Leaks After Sleeve Gastrectomy and Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass

Introduction

It is commonly stated in bariatric surgical forums that leaks following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are more difficult to manage than those following laparoscopic roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). However, no previous study has provided a thorough comparison of leak management following these two operations.

Methods

Our database was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with leak following LSG and LRYGB performed between January 2007 and December 2017.

Results

Postoperative leak was diagnosed in 16/2132 (0.75%) LSG and 9/595 (1.5%) LRYGB patients. More of the LRYGB leaks had undergone revisional surgeries (66.7 vs. 6.3%, p?<?0.001), and were diagnosed in the index admission (77.8 vs. 18.7%, p?=?0.002). The mean time between the bariatric operation and the diagnosis of leak was 6.0 days in LRYGB and 26.2 days in LSG patients (p?=?0.097). Approximately two thirds of each group were initially treated with laparoscopic exploration and drainage. Subsequent endoscopy was utilized more commonly in LSG patients (87.5 vs. 22.2%, p?<?0.001). Drainage alone (laparoscopic or percutaneous) eventually led to leak resolution in more LRYGB patients (66.7 vs. 18.8%, p?=?0.02), while endoscopic intervention led to resolution in more LSG patients (37.5 vs. 0%, p?=?0.04). The mean time between leak diagnosis and its resolution was 57.8 and 44.2 days, for LSG and LRYGB patients, respectively.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of leak tends to be earlier in LRYGB patients. Endoscopic therapies are more frequently required in the management of leaks following LSG, while in those following LRYGB, drainage alone leads to resolution of leak in the majority of cases.

     

End-to-End Cervical Esophagogastric Anastomoses Are Associated with a Higher Number of Strictures Compared with End-to-Side Anastomoses

Background

Leakage and benign strictures occur frequently after esophagectomy. The objective of this study was to analyze the outcome of hand-sewn end-to-end versus end-to-side cervical esophagogastric anastomoses.

Methods

A series of 390 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction was analyzed.

Results

The end-to-end technique was performed in 112 (29 %) patients and the end-to-side in 278 (71 %) patients. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 20 (18 %) patients with an end-to-end anastomosis versus 58 (21 %) patients with an end-to-side anastomosis (p?=?0.50). A higher incidence in anastomotic strictures was seen in end-to-end anastomoses (48 (43 %)) compared with end-to-side anastomoses (89 (32 %); p?=?0.04). Moreover, a median of 11 (7–17) dilations was necessary in patients with a benign anastomotic stricture in the end-to-end group compared with four (2–8) dilations in patients with a benign anastomotic stricture in the end-to-end group (p?<?0.036). After multivariate analysis, the difference in anastomotic leakage rates remained nonsignificant (p?=?0.74), whereas anastomotic stricture rate and number of dilations were higher in the end-to-end group (p?=?0.03 and p?=?0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

The technique of anastomosis is not significantly related to anastomotic leakage rate. However, patients with end-to-end anastomoses develop postoperative strictures more frequently, requiring a higher number of dilations compared to end-to-side anastomoses.     

Dural tear and resultant cerebrospinal fluid leaks after cervical spinal trauma

Purpose

Traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries (SCIs) frequently develop dural tears and resultant cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. They are not usually identified with advanced imaging, and there are no reports on managing CSF leaks after cervical trauma. Hence, the authors evaluated the incidence of CSF leaks after cervical SCIs and described how to predict and manage CSF leaks.

Methods

An observational retrospective study was done confirming intraoperative CSF leaks among 53 patients with anterior cervical surgery after cervical spine trauma between 2004 and 2011.

Results

Seven patients (13.2 %) had dural tears and resultant CSF leaks intraoperatively (M:F ratio of 6:1; mean age, 44.7 years). An initial poor American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale was significantly associated with CSF leaks (p = 0.009). From magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), disruption of the ligamentum flavum was correlated with CSF leaks (p = 0.02). Intraoperative application of fibrin glue on the operated site, postoperative management through the early removal of the wound drain within the first 24 h and early rehabilitation were performed in patients with CSF leaks without perioperative insertion of a lumbar drain. During the follow-up period, none of the patients developed CSF-leak-related complications.

Conclusion

The incidence of CSF leaks after traumatic cervical SCI is relatively higher than that of degenerative cervical spinal surgery. An initial poor neurological status and disruption of the ligamentum flavum on the MRI in patients were predictable factors of dural tears and CSF leaks.     

Upper Gastrointestinal Swallow Study Following Bariatric Surgery: Institutional Review and Review of the Literature

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of routine upper gastrointestinal imaging following the three forms of laparoscopic bariatric surgery completed at our institution (laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LS), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB)).

Methods

Radiograph reports were reviewed from the period of January 2005 to July 2010. During that time, 129 patients underwent LRYGB, 209 underwent LS, and 12 patients underwent LAGB. Of those patients, 120 LRYGB patients, 188 LS patients, and 11 LAGB patients underwent upper gastrointestinal studies on postoperative days (POD) 1 or 2.

Results

Of the 319 total patients who underwent UGI, no contrast leaks were found. One LRYGB patient was found to have stenosis of the jejunojejunal anastomosis and was taken to the operating room for revision. A total of ten patients went on to develop leaks: four LRYGB patients, six LS patients, and zero LAGB patients.

Conclusions

The results of our study show that a positive UGI study for stricture has a specificity of 100?%. In terms of leak, which offers a much higher risk of significant morbidity and mortality, UGI was unable to find any on postoperative days 1 or 2. Based on the results of this study, our institution has stopped completing routine UGI on POD 1 following bariatric surgery.     

Factors Affecting Hospital Mortality in Patients with Esophagogastric Anastomotic Leak: A Retrospective Study

Objective

We aimed to clarify the association between anastomotic leak and leak-associated mortality to assist decision-making and reduce hospital mortality.

Background

Anastomotic leak is a common complication after esophagectomy, but the nature of its relationship to leak-associated mortality has not been established.

Methods

A retrospective review of all esophagogastric anastomotic leaks that had occurred between 2008 and 2012 at our institution (n = 246) was performed. Risk factors for leak-associated mortality were determined using a multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of the 246 patients with anastomotic leaks, 14 (5.7 %) died. Leak-associated mortality rates were similar regardless of anastomosis location (cervical vs. thoracic anastomosis), surgical approaches (retrosternal vs. prevertebral reconstruction route) and anastomotic techniques (hand-sewn vs. mechanical anastomosis). When a leak occurred, risk factors for leak-associated mortality as determined by multivariate logistic analysis included patient age >60 years (P = 0.029) and the occurrence of the leak within 1 week of surgery (P = 0.039). When disease worsened after treatment, leak-associated mortality was more frequent in patients requiring reintubation (25.6 vs. 1.4 %, P < 0.001). Fatal bleeding and sepsis were the most common causes of leak-associated mortality.

Conclusion

In patients with anastomotic leaks, patient age >60 years and the occurrence of the leak within 1 week of surgery were risk factors for leak-associated mortality. Increased efforts to reduce the incidence of early anastomotic leaks within 1 week after surgery and prevent the need for reintubation are important for improving patient prognosis.

     

Differences in Early Complications between Circular and Linear Stapled Gastrojejunostomy in Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

Background

Laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGBP) is the most common bariatric procedure worldwide. The gastrojejunostomy can be stapled with a circular or linear stapler, each with their own specific advantages. We have evaluated differences in postoperative complications between the two techniques.

Methods

We studied operative data and postoperative complications in 560 patients (79.8 % females, median age 42, BMI 42.5) operated with LGBP between 2008 and 2012 at our center. The gastrojejunostomy was initially performed using a circular stapler (CS) in 288 patients and later by linear stapler (LS) in 272. Complications, operative time, and length of stay were retrieved from our database. The risk of developing a port site infection was evaluated with multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Port site infections were more common with CS than LS, 5.2 and 0.4 %, respectively (p?<?0.01). Multivariate analysis demonstrated CS to be an independent risk factor for port site infections (OR 16.3 (2.09–126), p?<?0.01), as well as for stomal ulcers (OR 10.1, 1.15–89, p?=?0.04). Major postoperative complications remained unchanged (anastomotic leak 1.0 vs. 1.1 %, abscess 0.7 vs. 0.4 %), while operative time and length of stay were found to be shorter using the LS (122 vs. 83 min, p?<?0.001 and 4 vs. 3 days, p?<?0.001).

Conclusions

The linear stapled technique yielded lower incidence of port site infections, probably by avoiding the passage of a contaminated circular stapler through the abdominal wall. No difference in major complications was seen, but operative time was shorter using a linear stapler instead of a circular stapler.     

Could hyponatremia be a marker of anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery? A single center analysis of 1,106 patients over 5 years

Purpose

The aim of this study is to define the significance of hyponatremia as a marker of anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery.

Methods

All anastomoses in colorectal surgery performed at a single institution between July 2007 and July 2012 (n?=?1,106) were retrospectively identified. Serum sodium levels and leukocyte values measured when an anastomotic leak was diagnosed by CT scan and/or surgical reintervention (n?=?81) were compared to the values preferably on postoperative day 5 in the absence of an anastomotic leak (n?=?1,025).

Results

The leak rate in anastomoses of the rectum was 9.0 %, while the leak rate of the other anastomoses was 5.4 %. Mean serum sodium level was 138.8 mmol/l in the group with an anastomotic leak and 140.5 mmol/l in the group without. Hyponatremia (<136 mmol/l) was present in 23 % of patients in the group with an anastomotic leak and in 15 % in the group without (p?<?0.001). In multivariate analysis, leukocytes and serum sodium level remained as significant markers of an anastomotic leak. As a marker of an anastomotic leak, hyponatremia had a specificity of 93 % and a sensitivity of 23 %, while the presence of either leukocytosis or hyponatremia had a sensitivity of 68 %, a specificity of 75 %, a positive predictive value of 18 %, and a negative predictive value of 97 %.

Conclusions

Hyponatremia could be a specific and relevant marker of anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery. If hyponatremia and leukocytosis are present after colorectal surgery, anastomotic leakage should be suspected and a CT scan with rectal contrast dye is recommended.     

The Effect of Route of Anvil Insertion on Stricture Rates with Circular Stapled Gastrojejunostomy During Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

Background

A higher incidence of gastrojejunal (GJ) anastomotic strictures has been reported following laparoscopic gastric bypass (LRYGB) with the 21 mm compared to 25 mm circular stapler. We hypothesized that the rate of stricture formation is affected by route of anvil insertion and its position relative to the gastric pouch staple line [trans‐gastric above staple line (trans‐gastric) vs. trans‐oral through staple line (trans‐oral)] following LRYGB.

Methods

Retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent LRYGB with circular stapled GJ studied in four groups: trans-gastric‐21 mm, trans-gastric‐25 mm, trans-oral‐21 mm, and trans-oral-25 mm. Primary outcome studied was GJ stricture; secondary outcomes were results with endoscopic therapy and weight loss at 12 months. Predictors studied were age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, and operative technical factors including anvil size and insertion route. Regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of GJ stricture.

Results

Eight hundred seventy-six patients underwent LRYGB. Seventy-six (8.7 %) developed a GJ stricture. The highest stricture rate occurred in the trans-gastric‐21 mm group (17 %, p?<?.01 for all comparisons). Stricture rates were similar for trans-gastric‐25 mm (8.4 %), trans-oral‐21 mm (5.2 %), and trans-oral‐25 mm (1.6 %) groups. Independent predictors of stricture were: trans-gastric‐21 mm (OR 10.9, 95%CI 1.4–85.1; p?=?.022) and age (OR 0.97, 95%CI 0.95–0.99; p?=?.002). Endoscopic dilation relieved symptoms in all patients. There was no difference in %EWL at 12 months in patients with and without a stricture.

Conclusions

We conclude that the trans-oral-21 mm anvil is associated with a low stricture rate. With the advantage of smaller abdominal wall wound, trans-oral‐21 mm may be the preferred size and route of anvil insertion.