The impact of the surgical technique on stenosis after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Challenge scenario: mid-gastric stenosis and gastric tube twist following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

The incidence of gastric stenosis, a complication of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), has been reported to range from 0.7% to 4%. Only 1.1% of stenosis develop symptoms that require endoscopic or surgical intervention. We herein report a challenging case of mid-gastric stenosis and gastric tube twist following LSG. A 38-year-old woman with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m2 and metabolic syndrome undergoing LSG. A week after surgery, the patients developed intermittent vomiting and eating difficulty. Gastroscopy and following diagnostic laparoscopy were performed 3 weeks after LSG, subsequently revealing unusual mid-gastric stenosis and gastric tube twist. Initial conservative treatment and endoscopic balloon dilatation were implemented but failed. The patient received laparoscopic revisional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and recovered well. A follow-up after 2 years revealed that her BMI decreased to 22.1 kg/m2. In conclusion, post-LSG stenosis is a serious complication that requires early detection and prompt management. Prompt revisional surgery is necessary for complicated stenosis.