Standardised Sleeve Gastrectomy Without Reinforcement

Intra-operative Tranexamic Acid Administration Significantly Decreases Incidence of Postoperative Bleeding Without Increasing Venous Thromboembolism Risk After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Retrospective Cohort Study of Over 400 Patients

BACKGROUND

There is evidence that tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces surgical bleeding and is widely used in trauma, obstetrics and other specialties. This practice is less well-established in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) due to concerns surrounding venous thromboembolism (VTE); equally postoperative bleeding is a serious complication often requiring re-operation.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study compared 30-day outcomes following primary LSG in patients receiving intra-operative TXA (March 2020-July 2022) to those who did not (March 2011-March 2020). The primary outcome was postoperative bleeding (Hb < 9 g/dL) requiring transfusion or re-operation. Secondary outcomes were incidence of VTE, serious postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo > grade 3) and death. Patients underwent standardised-protocol LSG without staple line re-enforcement under a single surgeon within the independent sector (private practice). TXA 1 g intravenous was administered immediately after a methylene blue leak test, prior to extubation.

RESULTS

TXA group had 226 patients and non-TXA group had 192 patients. Mean age was 40.5 ± 10.3 and 39.1 ± 9.8 years, respectively. In the TXA group, no postoperative bleeds [versus 3 (1.6%) in non-TXA group, p = 0.0279] occurred. One staple line leak (0.4%) occurred in the TXA group compared to zero in the non-TXA group (p = ns). There was no VTE or death.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest cohort study of intra-operative TXA in primary LSG to date, which demonstrates significant decrease in postoperative bleeding without increasing VTE risk. The authors recommend administration of TXA immediately following leak test, or removal of bougie to maximise efficacy. Data of TXA in LSG is awaited from the randomised controlled PATAS trial.

A Comprehensive Review of Endoscopic Management of Sleeve Gastrectomy Leaks

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery leaks result in significant morbidity and mortality. Experts report variable therapeutic approaches, without uniform guidelines or consensus.

OBJECTIVE

To review the pathogenesis, risk factors, prevention, and treatment of gastric sleeve leaks, with a focus on endoscopic approaches. In addition, the efficacy and success rates of different treatment modalities are assessed.

DESIGN

A comprehensive review was conducted using a thorough literature search of 5 online electronic databases (PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Web of Science) from the time of their inception through March 2020. Studies evaluating gastric sleeve leaks were included. MeSH terms related to "endoscopic," "leak," "sleeve," "gastrectomy," "anastomotic," and "bariatric" were applied to a highly sensitive search strategy. The main outcomes were epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Literature search yielded 2418 studies of which 438 were incorporated into the review. Shock and peritonitis necessitate early surgical intervention for leaks. Endoscopic therapies in acute and early leaks involve modalities with a focus on one of: (i) defect closure, (ii) wall diversion, or (iii) wall exclusion. Surgical revision is required if endoscopic therapies fail to control leaks after 6 months. Chronic leaks require one or more endoscopic, radiologic, or surgical approaches for fluid collection drainage to facilitate adequate healing. Success rates depend on provider and center expertise.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic management of leaks post sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive and effective alternative to surgery. Their effect may vary based on clinical presentation, timing or leak morphology, and should be tailored to the appropriate endoscopic modality of treatment.

Efficacy of Staple Line Reinforcement With Omentopexy During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Postoperative Complications: Experience of a Single Center

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of staple line reinforcement with omentopexy during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on postoperative complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 3942 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy cases were included in the study. All the patients were divided into 3 groups: No reinforcement (NoSLR), staple line reinforcement with fibrin glue (SLR-FG), and staple line reinforcement with omentopexy (SLR-O). Demographic data and perioperative characteristics of the groups were analyzed retrospectively. Among these, age, sex, preoperative comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, body mass index, duration of operation, reoperation, complications, and Clavien-Dindo classification scores were recorded.

RESULTS

Age, sex, body mass index, comorbid diseases, American Society of Anesthesiologists, and Clavien-Dindo Classification scores were similar in all the groups. The overall complication rate was 3.0%. The overall minor and major complication rates were 1.7% and 1.3%, respectively. The mortality rate was 0.1% (4 patients). The most common postoperative complications were bleeding (0.9%) and leakage (0.5%). The incidence of leakage, bleeding, and twisted gastric sleeve rates were similar when compared between SLR-FG and NoSLR. In the SLR-O patients, the incidence of leakage, hemorrhage, and twist were significantly lower and the operation time was significantly longer when compared with the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The SLR-O technique, especially when performed by experienced surgeons, is a promising method for the prevention of postoperative leakage, bleeding, and twist complications with an acceptable increase in the duration of operation. Considering the limited effects of the SLR-FG technique, it was predicted that it would lose its popularity over time.