Endoscopic Management of Bariatric Surgery Complications According to a Standardized Algorithm

Endoluminal Vacuum Therapy as Effective Treatment for Patients with Postoperative Leakage After Metabolic Bariatric Surgery-A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is standardized and safe. Nevertheless, complications such as anastomotic leakage (AL) or staple-line leakage (SLL) can occur. In upper GI or colorectal surgery, endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVT) offers a therapeutic alternative to revisional surgery. Data on EVT in patients with leakage after MBS remain scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of EVT and its potential as endoscopic alternative to revisional surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients treated for AL or SLL with EVT after MBS between 01/2016 and 08/2023 at the Department for General Surgery, Medical University Vienna, were included in this retrospective, single-center study. Therapeutic value of EVT as management option for acute postoperative leakage after MBS in daily practice was evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed descriptively.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients were treated with EVT within the observational period of 7 years. In 11 cases (52.4%), the index surgery was a primary bariatric intervention; in 10 cases (47.6%), a secondary surgery after initial MBS was performed. Favored approach was a combination of revisional surgery and EVT (n = 18; 85.7%), intermediate self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) in 16 (76.2%) cases. EVT was changed six times (0-33) every 3-4 days. Mean EVT time was 25.1 days (3-97). No severe associated complications were detected and EVT showed an efficacy of 95.2%.

CONCLUSION

This small case series supports the trend to establish EVT in daily clinical practice when revisional surgery after MBS is needed, thus preventing further reoperation and reducing associated morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients.

Management of fistulas in the upper gastrointestinal tract

Fistulas in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract are complex conditions associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. They may arise as a result of inflammatory or malignant processes or following medical procedures, including endoscopic and surgical interventions. The management of upper GI is often challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Accurate diagnosis, including endoscopic and radiological evaluations, is crucial to build a proper and personalized therapeutic plan, that should take into account patient's clinical conditions, time of onset, size, and anatomical characteristics of the defect. In recent years, several endoscopic techniques have been introduced for the minimally invasive management of upper GI fistulas, including through-the-scope and over-the-scope clips, stents, endoscopic suturing, endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVT), tissue adhesives, endoscopic internal drainage. This review aims to discuss and detail the current available endoscopic techniques for the treatment of upper GI fistulas.

The Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Balloon Dilatation in the Treatment of Functional Post-Sleeve-Gastrectomy Stenosis

Background and Objectives: Functional gastric stenosis, a consequence of sleeve gastrectomy, is defined as a rotation of the gastric tube along its longitudinal axis. It is brought on by gastric twisting without the anatomical constriction of the gastric lumen. During endoscopic examination, the staple line is deviated with a clockwise rotation, and the stenosis requires additional endoscopic manipulations for its transposition. Upper gastrointestinal series show the gastric twist with an upstream dilatation of the gastric tube in some patients. Data on its management have remained scarce. The objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of endoscopic balloon dilatation in the management of functional post-sleeve gastrectomy stenosis. Patients and Methods: Twenty-two patients with functional post-primary-sleeve-gastrectomy stenosis who had an endoscopic balloon dilatation between 2017 and 2023 were included in this retrospective study. Patients with alternative treatment plans and those undergoing endoscopic dilatation for other forms of gastric stenosis were excluded. The clinical outcomes were used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of balloon dilatation in the management of functional gastric stenosis. Results: A total of 45 dilatations were performed with a 30 mm balloon in 22 patients (100%), a 35 mm balloon in 18 patients (81.82%), and a 40 mm balloon in 5 patients (22.73%). The patients' clinical responses after the first balloon dilatation were a complete clinical response (4 patients, 18.18%), a partial clinical response (12 patients, 54.55%), and a non-response (6 patients, 27.27%). Nineteen patients (86.36%) had achieved clinical success at six months. Three patients (13.64%) who remained symptomatic even after achieving the maximal balloon dilation of 40 mm were considered failure of endoscopic dilatation, and they were referred for surgical intervention. No significant adverse events were found during or following the balloon dilatation. Conclusions: Endoscopic balloon dilatation is an effective and safe minimally invasive procedure in the management of functional post-sleeve-gastrectomy stenosis.

Endoscopic Management of Post-Sleeve Gastrectomy Complications

Obesity is associated with several chronic conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and malignancy. Bariatric surgery, most commonly Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, is an effective treatment modality for obesity and can improve associated comorbidities. Over the last 20 years, there has been an increase in the rate of bariatric surgeries associated with the growing obesity epidemic. Sleeve gastrectomy is the most widely performed bariatric surgery currently, and while it serves as a durable option for some patients, it is important to note that several complications, including sleeve leak, stenosis, chronic fistula, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, may occur. Endoscopic methods to manage post-sleeve gastrectomy complications are often considered due to the risks associated with a reoperation, and endoscopy plays a significant role in the diagnosis and management of post-sleeve gastrectomy complications. We perform a detailed review of the current endoscopic management of post-sleeve gastrectomy complications.

Endoscopic Administration of Combined Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Gastric Staple Line Leaks After Sleeve Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Gastric staple line leak treatment after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) remains challenging. Regenerative medicine is gaining place in the accelerated treatment of damaged tissues. This study presents the first series of gastric leak treatment after LSG using endoscopic intragastric administration of combined autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

METHODS

MSC-PRP harvesting and endoscopic administration techniques are described in detail. Data were prospectively gathered and analyzed. Primary endpoints were morbidity/mortality rates and fistula closure time.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (9 women, 3 men) were included. Median age was 41.5 years, median weight 105.5 kg and median BMI 38.9 kg/m2. Median time to gastric staple line leak detection was 10 days post-LSG. Median time between re-laparoscopy and MSC-PRP administration was 5 days. MSC-PRP endoscopic administration was successfully performed and tolerated by all patients, with median procedure duration of 27 min and minimal blood loss. Four postoperative complications were noted: two patients with increased tibial pain at tibial puncture site, one with tibial hematoma, and one with epigastric pain/dysphagia. Median length of hospital stay was 1 day. Gastric leak healing occurred after a median of 14 days, only two patients requiring a second MSC-PRP endoscopic injection. Median follow-up was 19 months, all patients being in good health at last contact.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic administration of combined autologous MSC-PRP seems to be a good option for treatment of gastric leaks after sleeve gastrectomy. It is a challenging procedure that should be performed in specialized bariatric centers by expert bariatric surgeons and endoscopists after meticulous patient selection.

Common postbariatric surgery emergencies for the acute care surgeon: What you need to know

ABSTRACT

The field of bariatric and metabolic surgery has changed rapidly over the past two decades, with an exponential increase in case volumes being performed because of its proven efficacy for morbid obesity and obesity-related comorbidities. Although this increased volume of procedures has been accompanied by significant decrease in postoperative complication rates, there are numerous potential complications after bariatric surgery that may require urgent or emergent surgical evaluation or interventions. Many of these risks extend well beyond the early postoperative period and can present months to years after the index procedure. Acute care surgeons are increasingly covering most or all of the emergency general surgery services at many centers and must be familiar with the numerous bariatric surgical procedures being performed and their individual complication profile to provide optimal care for these frequently challenging patients. This article provides a focused and concise review of the common bariatric procedures being performed, their early and late complication profiles, and a practical guide to the optimal diagnostic evaluations, surgical interventions, and perioperative management options. The author group includes both acute care surgeons and bariatric surgeons with significant experience in the emergency management of the complicated postbariatric surgical patient.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Literature Synthesis and Expert Opinion; Level V.

Endoscopic Transoral Outlet Reduction for the Treatment of Biliary Reflux Symptoms in Patients After One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass-a Case Series

PURPOSE

OAGB is the third most common bariatric surgery. Biliary reflux (BR) is an inherent complication of this unique anatomy, although there is still controversy regarding its significance and long-term risks including carcinogenesis. To date, there is no effective treatment for BR with conversion to RYGB reserved for refractory patients. TORe is an effective treatment for weight-regain and dumping syndrome after RYGB. We hypothesized that narrowing the anastomosis would decrease the amount of bile refluxate entering the stomach and esophagus in patients with BR symptoms after OAGB and alleviate symptoms. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of TORe for the treatment of BR symptoms after OAGB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BR was diagnosed clinically in patients after OAGB using the gastroesophageal reflux disease health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) instrument after treatment with high-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) excluded possible acid reflux. TORe was carried out using a suture pattern that narrowed and elongated the anastomosis. All patients were prospectively followed.

RESULTS

Twelve patients, post-OAGB, underwent TORe for BR. Symptoms resolved in 9 (75%) patients. GERD-HRQL score at 6 months declined from an average of 33.7 (SD 1.9) before the procedure to 16.1 (SD 10, p < 0.001). In one case, a small perforation was identified during the procedure and was immediately sutured with no further sequela.

DISCUSSION

TORe appears a safe and effective treatment for BR symptoms after OAGB, at least in the short term. Accurate tools for BR diagnosis, a larger cohort, and longer follow-up periods are needed to better show the effectiveness and durability of this treatment option.

Precision Bariatric/Metabolic Medicine and Surgery

Indications and techniques of bariatric surgery (BS) have constantly evolved in recent decades and now face new challenges [...].

Endoscopic treatment of large gastric leaks after gastrectomy using the combination of double pigtail drains crossing a covered stent

BACKGROUND

Endoscopy is the gold standard for the treatment of postoperative gastric leaks (GL). Large fistulas are associated with high rate of treatment failure. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy of a combining technique using a covered stent (CS) crossing through pigtails (PDs) for large postsurgical GL leaks.

METHODS

All consecutive patients with large (> 10 mm) postsurgical GL treated endoscopically with a combination of a CS and PDs were included in a single-center retrospective study. The primary endpoint was the rate of GL closure.

RESULTS

A total of 29 patients were included. Twenty-five patients underwent sleeve gastrectomy. The fistula (median diameter 15 mm) was diagnosed 6 days (IQR 4-9) after surgery. Technical success was observed in all procedures. After a median follow-up of 10.7 months (IQR 3.8-20.7), GL closure was observed in 82.7% with a median time of 63 days (IQR 40-90). Surgical management was finally necessary in four patients after a median of 186 days (IQR 122-250). No complications related to combined endoscopic treatment were observed especially stent migration during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

An endoscopic strategy combining CS crossing through PDs appears to be effective, safe and well tolerated for the treatment of large GL.

[Management of Endoscopic Complications after Bariatric Surgery: Focus on Current Endoscopic Therapy]

In bariatric surgery, complications are rare. Most of the complications can be managed by endoscopy. Rare complications impose a challenge in everyday clinical work. To optimally treat the complications and to minimise the harm to the patient it is important to implement complication management. This review gives an overview of relevant bariatric complications and endoscopic therapy strategies, focusing on published literature of the last five years. This manuscript could be a starting point for complication management in the clinic.

Stent Management of Leaks After Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite the low rates of complications of bariatric surgery, gastrointestinal leaks are major adverse events that increase post-operative morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic treatment using self-expanding stents has been used in the therapeutic management of these complications with preliminary good results.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of self-expanding stents placement for the management of gastrointestinal leaks after obesity surgery. Overall proportion of successful leak closure, stent migration, and reoperation were analysed as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were patients' clinical characteristics, duration and type of stent, other stent complications, and mortality.

RESULTS

A meta-analysis of studies reporting stents was performed, including 488 patients. The overall proportion of successful leak closure was 85.89% (95% CI, 82.52-89.25%), median interval between stent placement and its removal of 44 days. Stent migration was noted in 18.65% (95% CI, 14.32-22.98%) and the overall proportion of re-operation was in 13.54% (95% CI, 9.94-17.14%). The agreement between reviewers for the collected data gave a Cohen's κ value of 1.0. No deaths were caused directly by complications with the stent placement.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic placement of self-expanding stents can be used, in selected patients, for the management of leaks after bariatric surgery with a high rate of effectiveness and low mortality rates. Nevertheless, reducing stent migration and re-operation rates represents an important challenge for future studies.

Role of Endoscopic Internal Drainage in Treating Gastro-Bronchial and Gastro-Colic Fistula After Sleeve Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Gastro-bronchial and gastro-colic fistulas (GB-GC) represent a rare, but serious complication after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic first-line approach with endoscopic internal drainage (EID) by inserting double pigtail stents (DPS) METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 40 consecutive patients referred at two tertiary centers for gastro-bronchial (N=30) and gastrocolic (N=10) fistulas following LSG. Nineteen patients previously experienced emergency surgical drainage. The mean interval between the index surgery and endoscopic fistula treatment was 265.6±521 days.

RESULTS

Healing of the fistulous tract was achieved in 19 patients (47.5%), with complete resolution at an average follow-up of 16 months. Mean time of treatment duration was 157.8±141 days with 5.0±2.9 endoscopic sessions. No major adverse events were registered.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite complete fistula healing was achieved in less than 50% of our population, EID for GB/GC fistula after LSG still represents the most conservative approach with low complications rate. Previous surgical drainage seems to be a positive prognostic factor for endoscopic healing. While the longer the interval between the index surgery and endoscopic treatment, the lower was the rate of treatment success.