Publication:

Outcome of over-sewing reinforcement of gastric staple line during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in morbid obese patients: single center experience

Background During laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), different staple line reinforcement techniques are adopted by many bariatric surgeons, aiming at reducing the incidence of bleeding and leakage from the staple line.

Methods Fifty patients suffering from morbid obesity with body mass index above 35kg/m2 were prepared for LSG. The patients were enrolled in a prospective, randomized controlled study comparing the effect of staple line reinforcement by suture over-sewing versus non-reinforcement. Patients were classified randomly into two groups. In group I, after gastric stapling, the staple line was reinforced by suture over-sewing using continuous extra-serosal invaginating absorbable polyglycol sutures. In group II (non-reinforcement group), staple line over clipping by 10 mm clips was used when needed.

Results Three cases (12%) in group II presented with collected hematomas and staple line bleeding necessitated laparoscopic evacuation and staple line bleeding control by suture over-sewing or additional clipping. In group I, one case (4%) of hematoma responded well to per-cutaneous drainage. There were 2 cases of leakage (8%) in group II versus no detectable cases in group I. Stenosis was detected in one case (4%) in group II while no detected cases in group I. The operative duration was 135 minutes in group II versus 110 minutes in group I.

Conclusions Reinforcement by suture over-sewing of the staple line as a step in LSG is a safe, technically easy, of low cost and can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications as bleeding and leakage although it significantly prolongs the operative time.