[Endoscopic placement of a "plug" made of acellular biomaterial: a new technique for the repair of gastric leak after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass].

BACKGROUND

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is one of the most commonly performed bariatric surgeries in Brazil. Gastric leaks are relatively uncommon and potentially dangerous complications. The initial management of gastric leaks consists in adequate drainage, nutritional support, antibiotics and acid suppression. In almost 30% of the cases the fistula will become chronic.

AIM

A novel peroral endoscopic treatment of gastric leaks in Roux-en-Y gastric bypassed patients is presented.

METHODS

An acellular biomaterial was endoscopically placed in the fistulous orifice in order to promote healing and avoid surgery in 25 patients. The time between fistula diagnosis and endoscopic treatment varied from 4 to 25 weeks (median: 7 weeks).

RESULTS

Endoscopic treatment was successful in 20 (80%) patients. Fistula closure was obtained after one, two and three sessions in 6 (30%), 11 (55%) and 3 (15%) patients, respectively. No procedure related complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic repair of gastric leak after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass by using an acellular biomaterial is safe and effective. However two or three endoscopic sessions are usually needed.