Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in a patient with situs viscerum inversus totalis: is the life easy upside-down?

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is an epidemic on the rise [1]. The number of bariatric procedures has increased worldwide. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a valid therapeutic option, leading to a sustained weight loss with a low complication rate [2]. Situs viscerum inversus totalis (SIT) is the complete transposition of all the abdominal organs, occurring in about 1 in 10,000 people [3]. Laparoscopic approach in SIT is challenging due to the mirror image anatomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We present the case of a 41-year-old man with a body mass index of 46.4 kg/m (131 kg; 1.68 m) previously diagnosed with SIT who has undergone LSG.

RESULTS

In this video, we show a LSG performed in a patient with SIT. There were no changes in the technique compared to the "standard anatomy." The patient was placed on the operative table in anti-trendelenburg position with legs abducted. The surgeon stood between the legs while the assistant was on the right side of the patient and the scrub nurse on the opposite side. A 12-mm trocar was inserted with a direct technique in the right lateral flank. Carbon dioxide insufflation was done under vision. Other three trocars (12, 10, and 5 mm) were positioned in the left lateral flank, supraumbilical, and subxiphoid areas, respectively. Gastroepiploic dissection started at 5 cm from the pylorus up to the right crus. After the insertion of a 36-Fr boogie, an accurate stapling of the stomach was performed. The proximal side of the sleeve was reinforced with a non-absorbable suture. Titanium clips were placed leading to a complete haemostasis. The procedure lasted 45 min. The patient followed a "fast-track" protocol afterwards, with no changes in the perioperative workup compared to "standard anatomy" patients. He was discharged on day 2 postoperatively and no complication occured in the perioperative period.

CONCLUSION

SIT is a rare condition leading to a mirror image that can be challenging for a laparoscopic surgeon. LSG is feasible and safe also for morbidly obese patients with SIT, not requiring any change in the surgical technique and perioperative management, as long as the surgeon is well beyond the learning curve.