Management of chronic proximal fistulas after sleeve gastrectomy by laparoscopic Roux-limb placement.

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an increasingly popular bariatric procedure. However, after LSG, leaks may occur that are difficult to treat and that can persist for months. Treatment is controversial and ranges from stent placement to total gastrectomy. We propose an alternative laparoscopic treatment. The aims of our study were to report on the incidence of chronic fistulas after LSG and the outcome of Roux-limb placement on these defects. The setting was a major teaching hospital in Belgium.

METHODS

From January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2011, we performed LSG as a primary weight loss operation (PLSG) in 728 patients and as a corrective operation (CLSG) in 84 patients. A retrospective chart and database review was conducted. When a chronic leak persisted beyond 4 months, we performed a laparoscopic Roux-limb placement on the defect.

RESULTS

Leaks occurred in 26 patients (3.6%) after PLSG and in 6 (7.1%) after CLSG. A leak persisted beyond 4 months in 7 patients (26.9%) after PLSG and in 2 patients (33.3%) after CLSG. Two patients with a chronic fistula after PLSG were referred to our hospital. In 11 patients, a Roux limb was laparoscopically sutured to the defect. The mean time for a chronic fistula to heal after Roux-limb placement was 12.5±10.2 days, and the mean length of hospital stay was 19.6± 14.2.

CONCLUSION

Proximal leaks after LSG are relatively rare. However, a significant number become chronic. Laparoscopic placement of a Roux-limb on the defect is a safe treatment with an eventual succes rate of 100%.