Gastrogastric Sutures Research Articles

Prospective, double center, 1-year results of adjustable gastric banding with MIDBAND (gastro-gastric suture vs. non-gastro-gastric suture).

PurposeAlthough laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a popular bariatric procedure, few comprehensive studies have been investigated on the use of non-gastro-gastric sutures (NGGSs) for decreasing postoperative complications. This study aimed to assess and compare the safety and effectiveness of MIDBAND with or without gastro-gastric sutures (GGSs).MethodsBetween February 2013 and March 2014, 41 severely obese patients underwent primary LAGB using pars flaccid technique at double center in South Korea. Excess weight loss, operative time and postoperative complications were assessed and compared between a GGS group (group 1) and a NGGS group (group 2), and patients were followed monthly for 1 year.ResultsMean body mass indices in groups 1 and 2 were 38.4 ± 4.7 and 38.9 ± 5.0 kg/m2, respectively, and mean percentage excess weight losses (%EWLs) were 59.9% ± 28.4% and 50.9% ± 20.0%, respectively, at 6 months, and 75.8% ± 26.6% and 72.5% ± 27.5%, respectively, at 12 months, and these intergroup differences of %EWL were not significant (P = 0.256 and P = 0.704, respectively). Mean operative time (57.2 minutes) was shorter in group 2 than in group 1 (79.2 minutes) (P < 0.001). In terms of complications, pouch dilatation rates were similar in the 2 groups, and no case of gastric band erosion was encountered.ConclusionOperative time was shorter in the NGGS group, and pouch dilatation rates and %EWL were similar in the 2 groups. We conclude NGGS using MIDBAND is both straightforward and effective. A long-term prospective comparative study is needed to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of NGGS.

Laparoscopic Band-Separated One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass.

This video demonstrates laparoscopic band-separated one anastomosis gastric bypass-combining the advantages of banding and gastric bypass without stapler and cutter use. This is basically a gastrojejunal loop bypass above an obstructive band in the upper stomach. An adjustable low pressure "Medsil" gastric band was introduced in the abdomen and retracted through the retrogastric tunnel. The front wall of the stomach below the band was displaced in the upward direction through the ring band, increasing the size of the anterior portion of the stomach pouch so that a gastroenteroanastomosis could be created at this point. Gastro-gastric sutures were placed to create a gastro-gastric plication around the band and hold it in position. The band tubing was exteriorized and connected to a special port, which was secured to the abdominal wall fascia. A jejunal loop was created about 200cm from the ligament of Treitz and anastomosed to the gastric pouch by hand using Vicryl 2/0 sutures. Between November 2015 and February 2016, the study was performed on 10 patients. The average operating time for all cases was 75min (range 63-87). There was no morbidity or mortality. No complications were observed, including band erosion and band infection. Operation costs were about $2000 lower with this method than with standard gastric bypass surgery. Postop the patients lost weight by 3-4kg per month. Preliminary results show that laparoscopic band-separated one anastomosis gastric bypass have feasibility, safety, efficacy, and reduced operating costs.

Diagnosis and management of early gastric band slip after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) used to be a very popular bariatric procedure at a certain time for the treatment of obesity as it has many advantages and is associated with low morbidity and mortality rates. Complications are often late and are rarely seen by general surgeons due to the limited number of patients, and physicians should be aware of the symptoms. We present a case of a 40-year-old female patient who underwent LAGB and was admitted for a huge gastric pouch dilatation on postoperative day 5. She had a history of food consumption on the fourth day after surgery. She was diagnosed with early gastric band slippage (EGBS). The band was repositioned and gastrogastric sutures were placed to prevent reprolapse of the band. The EGBS is an immediate postoperative complication. Diagnosis of EGBS can be made with oral contrast X-ray studies, and surgical intervention is necessary.

Is Fixation During Gastric Banding Necessary? A Randomised Clinical Study

Anterior fixation via a gastro-gastric suture in laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is commonly performed to prevent band-related complications. However, the necessity of this common technique has never been proven. Not fixing the band would be time sparing and would reduce adhesions on the stomach and probably make revisional surgery easier. This study was conceived as a 3-year randomised clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of the non-fixation technique. From December 2006 to December 2007, 81 patients undergoing LAGB were randomly distributed into two groups: group A, with gastro-gastric sutures (n = 41) and group B, without gastro-gastric fixation (n = 40). The two groups were equivalent regarding initial body mass index (BMI), age and sex ratio. The main outcome was postoperative complications and secondary outcomes were operative time and weight loss expressed by the percentage of excess BMI loss (%EBMIL). All patients were prospectively followed up for 2years. The mean preoperative BMI was 42.5kg/m² (35-56). All patients were available for follow-up at 2years. The mean overall preoperative time was 82 ± 20min for the fixation group and 72 ± 20min for the non-fixation group (p = 0.13). The mean hospital stay was 4.1 ± 1.5days (no significant difference between the two groups). The 2-year %EBMIL was 35.9 for group A and 39.4 for group B (p = NS). The mean BMI at 2years was 36.3 and 36.1, respectively, with no statistical difference. We observed three early band slippages in the non-fixation group and none in the fixation group. Three bands were removed during the second year of follow-up for causes other than band slippage (no significant difference between the two groups). This study was interrupted before a statistical significance could be reached, under the general agreement of all participating surgeons, because of the three unexpected early band slippages. For the patients who did not suffer from this complication, we did not observe any differences between the two groups in terms of late complications and weight loss. The operative time was shorter in the non-fixation group. This randomised clinical trial suggests that care should be taken when not fixating the LAGB because of the risk of early postoperative band slippage. We suggest that fixing the LAGB by gastro-gastric sutures should remain common practice.

Experimental in vivo canine model for gastric prolapse of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band system

Background The most prevalent long-term complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) surgery are symmetric pouch dilation and gastric prolapse (slippage). However, no published data or a reliable model are available to evaluate the actual mechanism of band slippage or how to prevent it. The objective of the present study was to construct an animal model of anterior gastric band prolapse and to use this model to evaluate the effectiveness of various arrangements of gastrogastric sutures and gastric wraps in preventing prolapse. Methods The esophagus of male mongrel dogs was accessed through the left chest, and a pressure transducer and an insufflation catheter were introduced. An AP-S Lap-Band (Allergan, Irvine, CA) filled to 10 cm 3 was placed using the pars flaccida technique. A standardized cut of meat was placed into the esophagus to simulate food impaction at a tight LAGB. After the placement of multiple different gastrogastric suture configurations, air was insufflated into the gastric pouch by way of the esophagus. Results Prolapse, identical to that seen in clinical practice, was reliably reproduced in this model by increased esophageal pressure acting on a LAGB outlet obstruction. In addition, prolapse was reproduced with all gastrogastric configurations that did not secure the anterior gastric wall to within 1.5 cm of the lesser curve. Conclusion The results of the present study support the theory that prolapse is caused by esophageal peristalsis against an occlusion at the level of the LAGB. In this canine model, gastrogastric sutures encompassing the anterior gastric wall were integral to preventing prolapse.

Robotic assistance improves intracorporeal suturing performance and safety in the operating room while decreasing operator workload

Intracorporeal suturing is one of the most difficult laparoscopic tasks. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of robotic assistance on novice suturing performance, safety, and workload in the operating room. Medical students (n = 34), without prior laparoscopic suturing experience, were enrolled in an Institutional Review Board-approved, randomized protocol. After viewing an instructional video, subjects were tested in intracorporeal suturing on two identical, live, porcine Nissen fundoplication models; they placed three gastro-gastric sutures using conventional laparoscopic instruments in one model and using robotic assistance (da Vinci) in the other, in random order. Each knot was objectively scored based on time, accuracy, and security. Injuries to surrounding structures were recorded. Workload was assessed using the validated National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) task load index (TLX) questionnaire, which measures the subjects' self-reported performance, effort, frustration, and mental, physical, and temporal demands of the task. Analysis was by paired t-test; p < 0.05 was considered significant. Compared with laparoscopy, robotic assistance enabled subjects to suture faster (595 +/- 22 s versus 459 +/- 137 s, respectively; p < 0.001), achieve higher overall scores (0 +/- 1 versus 95 +/- 128, respectively; p < 0.001), and commit fewer errors per knot (1.15 +/- 1.35 versus 0.05 +/- 0.26, respectively; p < 0.001). Subjects' overall score did not improve between the first and third attempt for laparoscopic suturing (0 +/- 0 versus 0 +/- 0; p = NS) but improved significantly for robotic suturing (49 +/- 100 versus 141 +/- 152; p < 0.001). Moreover, subjects indicated on the NASA-TLX scale that the task was more difficult to perform with laparoscopic instruments compared with robotic assistance (99 +/- 15 versus 57 +/- 23; p < 0.001). Compared with standard laparoscopy, robotic assistance significantly improved intracorporeal suturing performance and safety of novices in the operating room while decreasing their workload. Moreover, the robot significantly shortened the learning curve of this difficult task. Further study is needed to assess the value of robotic assistance for experienced surgeons, and validated robotic training curricula need to be developed.

PL-115: A canine model of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) prolapse and the importance of a complete gastrogastric wrap

The most prevalent long-term complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) surgery are pouch dilatation and gastric prolapse (slippage). A canine model of LAGB and a setup using a pump and pressure transducer was created to mimic esophageal contractions against a LAGB outlet obstruction. Multiple arrangements of gastro-gastric sutures and gastric wraps were then placed and evaluated for their utility in preventing gastric prolapse.

Laparoscopic revision from LAP-BAND® to gastric bypass

While the majority of patients achieve good outcomes with the LAP-BAND, there is a subset of patients who experience complications or fail to lose sufficient weight after the banding procedure. This study examines the feasibility and outcome of performing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) as a single-step revision surgery after a failed LAP-BAND procedure. In the past five years we have performed more than 1400 LAP-BAND procedures. We laparoscopically converted 33 (30 females) of these patients (mean age = 43.8 years) from LAP-BAND to RYGBP because of inadequate weight loss and/or complications. Key steps in the revision procedures were (1) identification and release of the band capsule; (2) careful dissection of the gastrogastric sutures; (3) creation of a small gastric pouch; and (4) Roux-en-Y anterior colic anterior gastric pouch-jejunum anastomosis. Revisions took place at a mean 28.2 months (range = 11-46; SD = 11.3) after the original gastric banding. Change in body mass index (BMI) between pre- and postrevision was evaluated with paired t tests. Among the 33 patients who would undergo revision surgery, the mean BMI before the LAP-BAND procedure was 45.7 kg/m2 (range = 39.9-53.0; SD = 3.4) and the mean weight was 126 kg (range = 99-155; SD = 17). The lowest BMI achieved by this group with the LAP-BAND before revision was 39.7 kg/m2 (range = 30-49.2; SD = 4.9); however, the mean BMI at the time of revision was 42.8 kg/m2 (range = 33.1-50; SD = 4.8). The mean revision operative time was 105 min (range = 85-175), and the mean hospital stay was 2.8 days (range = 1-10). Complications included one patient who underwent open reoperation and splenectomy for a bleeding spleen and one patient who required repair of an internal hernia. After conversion to RYGBP, mean BMI decreased to 33.9 kg/m2 at 6 months (p < 0.001) and 30.7 kg/m2 (range = 22-39.6; SD = 5.3) at 12 months or more of followup (average = 15.7 months; p < 0.0001). Laparoscopic conversion from LAP-BAND to RYGBP is safe and can be an alternative for patients who failed the LAP-BAND procedure. However, revision surgery is technically challenging and should be performed only by surgeons who have completed the learning curve for laparoscopic RYGBP.

Simulator Training for Laparoscopic Suturing Using Performance Goals Translates to the Operating Room

The purpose of this study was to develop a performance-based laparoscopic suturing curriculum using simulators and to test the effectiveness (transferability) of the curriculum. Surgical residents (PGY1 to PGY5, n = 17) proficient in basic skills, but with minimal laparoscopic suturing experience, were enrolled in an IRB-approved, randomized controlled protocol. Subjects viewed an instructional video and were pretested on a live porcine laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication model by placing three gastrogastric sutures tied in an intracorporeal fashion. A blinded rater objectively scored each knot based on a previously published formula (600 minus completion time [sec] minus penalties for accuracy and knot integrity errors). Subjects were stratified according to pretest scores and randomized. The trained group practiced on a videotrainer suturing model until an expert-derived proficiency score (512) was achieved on 12 attempts. The control group received no training. Both the trained and control groups were posttested on the porcine Nissen model. For the training group, mean time to demonstrate simulator proficiency was 151 minutes (range 107 to 224 minutes) and mean number of attempts was 37 (range 24 to 51 attempts). Both the trained and control groups demonstrated significant improvement in overall score from baseline. But the trained group performed significantly better than the control group at posttesting (389 +/- 70 versus 217 +/- 140, p < 0.001), confirming curriculum effectiveness. These data suggest that training to a predetermined expert level on a videotrainer suture model provides trainees with skills that translate into improved operative performance. Such curricula should be further developed and implemented as a means of ensuring proficiency.

Critical Extreme Anterior Slippage (Paragastric Richter's Hernia) of the Stomach after Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding: Early Recognition and Prevention of Gastric Strangulation

We report an unusual complication after Lap-Band placement characterized by herniation of the anterior stomach through the band. Group 1 - 105 patients: Operated elsewhere (prior to US FDA approval) and followed by us; perigastric technique was used in 74 and pars flaccida in 31. Group 2 - 218 patients: Operated by us since August 2001 using the pars flaccida approach only. 4 patients with this unusual problem were identified. Patients were all female, with age 37.5 (3343) yr, weight 143.7 (123-167) kg, and BMI 54 (45-65). Onset occurred at 9 (5-16) months, with weight loss: 38.5 (27-53) kg and %EWL 47.3 (31-54)%. All had sudden nausea, vomiting and epigastric abdominal pain that persisted despite emptying the band. None of these symptoms were related to a recent band adjustment. CT scan showed a paragastric Richter's hernia of the stomach underneath the band. At exploration, the band was in the normal location. 3 patients from Group 2 had Richter's hernia of the anterior stomach through the band; reduction of the stomach with closure of the defect was performed. One patient from group 1 had gangrene of the entrapped stomach, resulting in band removal and gastrectomy. Lap-Band patients with sudden nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, when not relieved by emptying the band, should undergo a CT scan. If a traditional slippage is not confirmed, paragastric Richter's hernia of the stomach through the band should be suspected. Immediate exploration with reduction of the stomach and closure of the defect can salvage the stomach and the band. Gastro-gastric sutures must completely close the space underneath the band to prevent this complication.

Simulator training for laparoscopic suturing using performance goals translates to the OR

Abstract Introduction: The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness (transferability) of a performance-based laparoscopic suturing curriculum using simulators. Methods: Surgical residents (R3-R5, n=10) proficient in basic skills but with minimal laparoscopic suturing experience were enrolled in an IRB-approved, randomized, controlled protocol. Subjects viewed an instructional video and were pre-tested on a live porcine laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication model by placing three gastrogastric sutures tied in an intracorporeal fashion. A blinded rater objectively scored each knot based on a previously published formula (600 minus completion time (sec.) minus penalties for accuracy and knot integrity errors). Subjects were stratified according to pre-test scores and randomized. The training group practiced on a videotrainer suturing model until a predetermined proficiency score (512) was achieved on 12 attempts. The control group received no training. Both the training and control groups were post-tested on the porcine Nissen model. Analysis was by t-Test (significance for p Results: For the training group, mean time to demonstrate simulator proficiency was 119 min. (range 95–165) and mean number of attempts was 34 (range 20–51). The training group demonstrated significant improvement in total score whereas the control group did not. At post-testing, the training group achieved significantly better total scores compared to the control group. Pre-testPost-testp ValueTraining174 ± 162417 ± 240.03Control118 ± 135216 ± 1570.2P value0.60.02 Conclusions: These data suggest that training to a predetermined proficiency level on a videotrainer suture model provides trainees with skills which translate into improved operative performance. Such curricula should be further developed and implemented.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

We introduced open adjustable silicone gastric banding (ASGB) for treatment of morbid obesity in our institution in 1991. It was done in a prospective study comparing ASGB with vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) with regard to weight loss. After 200 cases of open ASGB and 210 VBG procedures and the encouraging weight loss results, we started laparoscopic placement of the adjustable silicone band. The initial work was done in an animal laboratory program where a new surgical protocol has been established. Details of the laparoscopic dissection around the stomach in a deep operative field and fatty atmosphere have been developed, and a laparoscopically implantable version of the adjustable silicone band (LAGB) has been devised. The first human laparoscopic ASGB procedure was performed in our institution on September 1, 1993. Altogether 350 patients had undergone adjustable silicone gastric banding (LASGB) procedures by May 1997 (277 women, 73 men). All the patients were morbidly obese, with an average preoperative weight of 118 kg (92-200 kg). The mean BMI was 43 kg/m2 (36-65 kg/m2). The conversion rate to laparotomy has been low (1.4%). Early complications have been rare, and pouch dilatation and stomach slippage have been the only significant late complications. The rate of these complications has been considerably improved by reducing the pouch volume and using more gastrogastric sutures. Evaluation of postoperative weight loss of LASGB patients compared with our VBG and ASGB (open) patients showed a similar curve.