Staple Line Complications Research Articles

Efficacy of Omentopexy on Complications of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

BackgroundLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a commonly performed type of bariatric surgery. Early complications of LSG include bleeding, leakage, pulmonary embolism, and surgical site infections. Most surgeons try to implement preventive methods, such as omentopexy. Staple line-imbrication, which has a difficult learning curve, often prevents complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of omentopexy on patients with imbricated LSG.Material and MethodsThe study applied a retrospective data analysis design to patients who underwent LSG between 2020 and 2023. All patients’ staple lines were imbricated, and patients were then divided into two groups: omentopexy group and control group. Patients’ demographic features, such as age, gender, height, weight, body mass index(BMI), bleeding, leakage, and reoperations, were recorded and examined retrospectively.ResultsA total of 1356 patients were included in the study (540 in omentopexy, 816 in control), of which the mean age was 37.9 ± 10.5 years, 82.3% were women, and mean BMI was 40.9 ± 5.8 kg/m2. The mean bleeding rate was 1.0% (1.3–0.7%), the mean leakage rate was 0.2% (0.2–0.2%, respectively), and the mean reoperation rate was 0.6% (0.7% and 0.5%, respectively). No statistically significant differences were observed.ConclusionOmentopexy is a technique that is widely used to prevent staple line complications. According to our study, omentopexy applied to an imbricated stapler line increased the operation time but did not affect bleeding or leakage ratios. This is the first study to evaluate the effect of omentopexy on imbricated staple lines. The findings of the study indicate that omentopexy has no additional benefit on early complications when using staple-line imbrication.Graphical

A comparative study between staple line reinforcement during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and no reinforcement: an Egyptian experience

BackgroundLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become an increasingly popular bariatric procedure. LSG still conveys some risks, including early staple line complications such as bleeding and leaks. It has been proposed that staple line complications can be reduced by staple line reinforcement (SLR). This study aimed to compare the short-term efficacy and safety of the SLR during LSG by oversewing versus no SLR in an Egyptian cohort over a period of 11 years.Patients and methodsThis is a retrospective study that analyzed data from patients undergoing LSG by the same surgeon over a period of 11 years. The patients’ early postoperative complications were compared according to performing SLR.ResultsThe SLR group showed significantly longer surgery time (p = 0.021) and a lower rate of postoperative bleeding (p = 0.027). All leakage cases occurred in the non-SLR group (0.7% vs. 0.0%) without statistical significance (p = 0.212). The two mortality cases occurred in the non-SLR group. The LOS was comparable in the two groups (p = 0.289).ConclusionThis study confirms the short-term benefits of SLR by oversewing during LSG in terms of a lower incidence of 30-day morbidity, particularly bleeding, and lower rates of reoperation, with a clinically questionable longer operation time.

The importance of compression time in stapled hemorrhoidopexy: is patience a virtue?

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether longer compression time before firing the stapler reduced the postoperative complications related to staple line formation in stapled hemorrhoidopexy. This retrospective case-control study was conducted at a colorectal-anal specialty hospital. Consecutive patients with grades III and IV hemorrhoids who underwent stapled hemorrhoidopexy between January 2016 and November 2019 were included. According to the compression time, patients were assigned to the long compression time group (2 minutes) or the typical compression time group (30 seconds). The primary outcome measure was incidence of staple line complications such as dehiscence, bleeding, and stenosis. A total of 348 patients treated with stapled hemorrhoidopexy were evaluated. Seventy-three and 275 patients were included in the long compression time group and the typical compression time group, respectively. No significant differences were observed in patient characteristics between the groups. However, additional procedures were performed more frequently in the typical compression time group (78.1% vs. 92.0%, P=0.001). Bleeding occurred more frequently in the typical compression time group (1.4% vs. 8.4%, P=0.030). The rates of dehiscence and stenosis were not significantly different between the groups. Fecal urgency developed more frequently in the typical compression time group (0% vs. 5.1%, P=0.040). In logistic regression analysis, typical compression time (30 seconds) was the only risk factor for bleeding (odds ratio, 8.496; P=0.040). Longer compression time was associated with a decreased incidence of postoperative bleeding after stapled hemorrhoidopexy.

Endoscopic Self-Expanding Metallic Stent Placement in the Management of Post Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Complications

Abstract Introduction Endoscopic treatments have become popular by providing the best solution for healing complications while allowing oral nutrition. In this study, we aim to evaluate outcomes of the endoscopic-covered stents for staple line complications following bariatric surgery. Methods A prospective evaluation was performed for all patients treated for staple line complications after bariatric surgery. Bariatric patients with acute leaks, chronic gastrocutaneous fistulas, and anastomotic strictures refractory to endoscopic dilation after sleeve gastrectomy were included in this survey. Results From January 2019 to June 2020, 41 patients (12 with acute leaks, 16 with chronic fistulas, and 13 with strictures) were treated with endoscopic silicone-covered stents (polyester or nitinol). The mean follow-up was 3.5 months. Immediate symptomatic improvement occurred in 95.2% (91.7% of acute leaks, 81.2% of fistulas, and 92.3% of strictures). In addition, 87.8% of patients initiated oral feeding immediately after stenting. There was no mortality case in this population. Conclusion Although stent migration rarely occurs in subjects, the endoscopic silicone-covered stents strategy is one of the best treatments for anastomotic complications after bariatric surgery, providing rapid healing while simultaneously allowing for oral nutrition.

Staple Line Complications without Reinforcement, with Oversewing and with Buttressing Using Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Randomized Comparative Study

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is currently one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures. Oversewing is one of most commonly performed techniques for staple line reinf...

Helicobacter pylori, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease; Is there a Relation?

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is an effective bariatric procedure, yet can be associated with complications as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in SG specimens, its relation with GERD, and its impact on postoperative outcomes. All SG specimens received in the pathology laboratory were reviewed. The prevalence of H. pylori in SG specimens was recorded. Patients with H. pylori infection who received triple therapy were compared with patients without H pylori in terms of baseline characteristics, preoperative GERD and its outcome postoperatively, development of new-onset GERD, staple line complications, and weight loss. The records of 176 patients were reviewed; 69 (39.2%) were positively tested on H. pylori infection. Patients with H. pylori had higher body mass index (BMI) (RR = 1.51), greater incidence of preoperative GERD (RR = 1.67), and complained more of dyspepsia (RR = 1.87). Eradication of H. pylori was achieved in 67 (97.1%) of 69 patients. Postoperative improvement in GERD symptoms (44.4% Vs 19%, p = 0.036) and dyspepsia (85.7% Vs 51.7%, p = 0.007) was higher in patients with H. pylori with confirmed eradication of infection than patients without H. pylori. Both groups had similar operation time, postoperative BMI, excess weight loss, staple line complications, and new-onset GERD. More than one-third of patients with morbid obesity had H. pylori infection. Morbidly obese patients with H. pylori infection may be more prone to develop GERD symptoms; yet after eradication of the infection, they may also experience better improvement in symptoms after SG.

The evolution of the serial transverse enteroplasty for pediatric short bowel syndrome at a single institution

PurposeThe serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) tapers and lengthens the gut to improve adaptation. Mortality has decreased with multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation programs (IRP) allowing more time to reach adaptive potential. We reviewed our STEP experience to compare surgical outcomes between early and late eras of our IRP. MethodsA retrospective cohort study of all STEP patients managed by our IRP (Jan 2003–Dec 2016; era 1 2003–2005, era 2 2006–2016) was completed. Patient demographics, operative data, complications, and outcome data were collected. Univariate analysis between eras with nonparametric statistics was performed. ResultsThirty-six patients received STEP (Era 1 = 12; Era 2 = 24) [median age 5mo; males 22/36 (61.1%)]. In Era 2 a higher proportion had gastroschisis (8.3% vs 58.3%); p = 0.004) and shorter pre-STEP small bowel remnant (48 vs 111 cm, p = 0.001). The median increase in bowel length post-STEP was 52.9%. Overall, 42% of patients reached enteral autonomy (Era 1 7/12 (58%) vs Era 2 8/24 (33%); p = 0.15). Median time to PN discontinuation was shorter in Era 1 (259 vs 968 days, p = .208). Staple line complications were higher in Era 1 (16.7% vs 0%; p = 0.040). ConclusionPresently, STEP is reserved for a specific subset of IRP patients, allowing 42% to wean off PN. STEP's use should be under the umbrella of a multidisciplinary IRP. Type of studyRetrospective cohort study. Level of evidenceIII

Effectiveness of Fibrin Sealant Application on the Development of Staple Line Complications After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

Evaluate the effectiveness of the use of fibrin sealant (FS) for preventing the development of staple line complications (SLCs) after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). There is no consensus on the best means of preventing SLCs after SG. This was a prospective, intention-to-treat, randomized, 2 center study of a group of 586 patients undergoing primary SG (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01613664) between March 2014 and June 2017. The 1:1 randomization was stratified by center, age, sex, gender, and body mass index, giving 293 patients in the FS group and 293 in the control group (without FS). The primary endpoint (composite criteria) was the incidence of SLCs in each of the 2 groups. The secondary criteria were the mortality rate, morbidity rate, reoperation rate, length of hospital stay, readmission rate, and risk factors for SLC. There were no intergroup differences in demographic variables. In an intention-to-treat analysis, the incidence of SLCs was similar in the FS and control groups (1.3% vs 2%, respectively; P = 0.52). All secondary endpoints were similar: complication rate (5.4% vs 5.1%, respectively; P = 0.85), mortality rate (0.3% vs 0%, respectively; P = 0.99), GL rate (0.3% vs 1.3%, respectively; P = 0.18), postoperative hemorrhage/hematoma rate (1% vs 0.7%, respectively; P = 0.68), reoperation rate (1% vs 0.3%, respectively; P = 0.32). Length of stay was 1 day in both groups (P = 0.89), and the readmission rate was similar (5.1% vs 3.4%, respectively; P = 0.32). No risk factors for SLCs were found. The incidence of postoperative SLCs did not appear to depend on the presence or absence of FS.

The effect of oversewing the staple line in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: randomized control trial.

IntroductionLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is one of the most popular bariatric procedures. The procedure is associated with serious staple-line complications such as bleeding, leaks, and stenosis.AimTo determine whether oversewing the staple line, compared with clipping, in LSG reduces the incidence of postoperative bleeding.Material and methodsWe conducted a parallel-group, prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 100 patients who underwent LSG for obesity at a single institution between May 2014 and August 2015. Patients were assigned to one of two groups for reinforcement of the staple line: the oversewing group (staple line oversewn) or the clipping group (staple line clipped). The primary outcome was reoperation for hemodynamic instability caused by staple-line bleeding within 72 h postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were operative duration, length of hospital stay, postoperative leaks, and postoperative stenosis.ResultsMean operative duration was longer in the oversewing group (78.2 ±20.5 min) than in the clipping group (64.1 ±16.5 min, p < 0.001). Mean length of hospital stay was comparable in both groups. Postoperatively, there was no significant between-group difference in bleeding (oversewing, n = 0 vs. clipping, n = 2 (4.6%); p = 0.21) or in stenosis and leakage (both outcomes: oversewing, n = 0, vs. clipping, n = 1 (2.3%); p = 0.46).ConclusionsOversewing the staple line prolongs operative duration. No conclusions can be drawn regarding the effects of oversewing on staple-line bleeding, postoperative leakage and stenosis, or length of hospital stay.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy With or Without Staple Line Inversion and Distal Fixation to the Transverse Mesocolon: Impact on Early Postoperative Outcomes

Staple line complications and axial rotation of the gastric tube after sleeve gastrectomy are well-recognized complications of the procedure. The present study aims to investigate the role of staple line inversion and distal fixation to the transverse mesocolon in reducing these complications. This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 252 patients with morbid obesity who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Patients were subdivided into two groups: group I comprising 124 patients did not have distal sleeve fixation and group II comprising 128 patients underwent staple line inversion and distal fixation. Patients were 171 females and 81 males with a mean age of 33.2±8.7years and a mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) of 50.9±8.6 Kg/m2. The mean operating time was 103.9±26.9min and the median hospital stay was 1day. Major complications were detected in 15 (5.9%) patients, who were all in group I. Group I had significantly shorter operative time and significantly higher rates of staple line bleeding (4% in group I versus 0 in group II) and gastric axial rotation (5.6% in group I versus 0 in group II). There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding early postoperative vomiting (21.7% versus 26.5%) and staple line leak (2.4% versus 0). Staple line inversion and distal fixation to the transverse mesocolon can be a simple, effective strategy to prevent staple line bleeding, and gastric axial rotation, though it prolonged the operative time of LSG.

Clinical Benefit of Gastric Staple Line Reinforcement (SLR) in Gastrointestinal Surgery: a Meta-analysis.

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to assess whether the use of staple line reinforcement (SLR) reduces staple line complications (SLC). Mechanical staple lines are essential for gastrointestinal surgery such as bariatric surgery. However, SLC, such as bleeding and leakage, still occur. The purposes of this study were to provide quantitative evidence on the relative efficacy of gastric SLR and to compare the rates of effectiveness of three commonly used methods.MethodsA search of the medical literature in English language journals identified studies from Jan 1, 2000, to Dec 31, 2013, using the following reinforcement types: (1) no reinforcement, (2) oversewing, (3) a biocompatible glycolide copolymer, and (4) bovine pericardium after gastric bypasses and sleeve gastrectomies. Types of reinforcement were compared using a random-effects model.ResultsThis meta-analysis reviewed 16,967 articles, extracting data on 56,309 patients concerning leak and 41,864 patients concerning bleeding. Over 40 % of patients had no reinforcement, resulting in the highest leak rate (2.75 %) and bleed rate (3.45 %). Overall, reinforcing with bovine pericardium had the lowest leak (1.28 %) and bleed (1.23 %) rates. Suture oversewing was better than no reinforcement but not as effective as bovine pericardium for leak (2.45 %) and bleed (2.69 %) rates. Buttressing with a biocompatible glycolide copolymer resulted in the second highest leak rate (2.61 %) and a bleed rate of 2.48 % but had significantly lower bleed rates than no reinforcement.ConclusionsSLR provided superior results for patients compared to no reinforcement for reducing SLC. Buttressing with bovine pericardium resulted in the most favorable outcomes. The effectiveness of different methods used to reinforce the staple line in gastric surgery does not appear to be equal.

STARR with CONTOUR® TRANSTAR™ device for obstructed defecation syndrome: one-year real-world outcomes of the European TRANSTAR registry

PurposeStapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) in patients with obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS) is limited by the capacity of the circular stapler used. This prospective cohort study was conducted to assess real-world clinical outcomes of STARR with the new CONTOUR® TRANSTAR™ device, shortly named TRANSTAR, at 12 months postoperatively.MethodsFrom January 2009 to January 2011, consecutive patients who underwent TRANSTAR in 22 European colorectal centers were enrolled in the study. Functional outcomes and quality of life were assessed by the changes in a number of scoring systems (Knowles-Eccersley-Scott-Symptom (KESS) score, ODS score, St. Mark’s score, Euro Quality of Life-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) score, and Patient Assessment of Constipation—Quality of Life (PAC-QoL) score), at 12 months as compared to baseline. All complications were recorded and analyzed.ResultsA total of 100 patients (98 % female), mean age 60 years, were entered in the study. Statistically significant improvements were seen in the KESS (median 18 vs. 6; p < 0.01), ODS (median 15 vs. 4; p < 0.01), and PAC-Qol scores (median 2.10 vs. 0.86; p < 0.01). St. Mark’s and EQ-5D scores improved nonsignificantly. Complications were reported in 11 % of patients, including bleeding (5 %), staple line complications (3 %), urinary retention (2 %), and persistent pain (1 %). No major complications or mortality occurred.ConclusionTRANSTAR facilitated a tailored, real circumferential full-thickness rectal resection, leading to improved patient functional and quality of life outcomes at 12 months postoperatively. It represents a safe and effective treatment for ODS in local clinical practice, although the sustainability of real-world results needs to be proven in the long-term follow-up.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Severe Complications: Is It Always a Reasonable Surgical Option?

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is widely adopted but exposes serious complications. A retrospective database analysis was done to study LSG staple line complications in a tertiary referral university center with surgical ICU experienced in treatment of morbid obesity and complications. Twenty-two consecutive patients were referred between January 2004 and February 2012 with postoperative gastric leak or stenosis after LSG. Interventions consisted in the control of intra-abdominal and general sepsis; restoration of staple line continuity or revision of LSG; nutritional support; treatment of associated complications. Main outcome measures concerned success rates of therapeutic strategies, morbidity and mortality rates, LOS, and time to cure. Thirteen patients (59 %) were referred after failure of reoperation (seven fistula repairs were attempted). Three patients received emergency surgery in our center with transorificial intubation and jejunostomy formation. An endoscopic stent was tried in nine patients but failed in 84.6 % of cases within 20 days (1-161). Seven patients (32 %) necessitated total gastrectomy within 217 days (0-1,915 days) for conservative treatment failure. Procedures under general anesthesia were required in 41 % of cases, organ failure was found in 55 % of cases, and central venous device infection in 40 %. Mortality rate was 4.5 % (n = 1). Patients with unfavorable evolution of LSG complications (death or additional gastrectomy) had more previous bariatric procedure (82 % vs. 18 %, p = 0.003). Median time to cure was 310 days (9-546 days). LSG exposes severe complications occurring in patients with benign condition. Endoscopic stents entail high failure rate. Total gastrectomy is required in one third of the cases.

Partially covered esophageal stents cause bowel injury when used to treat complications of bariatric surgery

We hypothesized that an esophageal nitinol stent that is mainly silicone-covered but partially uncovered may allow tissue ingrowth and decrease the migration rate seen with fully covered stents and still allow safe stent removal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the first human results of using partially covered stents for anastomotic complications of bariatric surgery. This was a retrospective evaluation of all patients with staple-line complications after bariatric surgery who received a partly covered stent at a single tertiary-care bariatric center. The stents varied in length from 10 to 15 cm and in diameter from 18 to 23 mm. From April 2009 to April 2010, eight patients received partially covered stents on 14 separate occasions. The indications were gastrojejunal stricture in four, acute leak in two, acute leak followed by a later stricture in one, and a perforated anastomotic ulcer in one patient. Single stents were placed in 12 sessions and two overlapping stents in two sessions. At the time of stent deployment, one patient had the uncovered proximal end of the stent in the stomach, with all others in the distal esophagus. Immediate symptom improvement occurred in 12/14 stent placements. Oral nutrition was initiated for 10/14 stent treatments within 48 h. Stents were removed after 25 ± 10 days. Minor stent displacement occurred with 9/13 stents, with the proximal end of the stent moving into the stomach, though the site of pathology remained covered. The stents were difficult to remove when tissue ingrowth was present. One patient required laparoscopic removal and one required two endoscopy sessions for removal. At the time of removal of ten stents, where the proximal end was found in the stomach, four had gastric ulceration, three had gastric mucosa replaced by granulation tissue, and three had normal gastric mucosa. In four cases where the proximal portion of the stent stayed in the esophagus, the esophageal deployment zone had abnormalities: three with granulation tissue and one with denuding of the esophageal mucosa. The distal uncovered portion of the stent in the Roux limb never became embedded in the mucosa and caused minimal injury. A partially covered stent was successful in keeping the site of the pathology covered and provided rapid symptom improvement and oral nutrition in most patients. The proximal end of the stent generally moved from the esophagus to the stomach, probably due to esophageal peristalsis. The proximal uncovered portion of the stent causes significant bowel mucosal injury and sometimes becomes embedded in the esophagus or the stomach, making removal difficult. We no longer use partially covered stents.

Collagen matrix staple line reinforcement in gastric bypass

BackgroundStaple line leaks and bleeding, anastomotic strictures, and marginal ulcers are significant complications of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for morbid obesity. Reinforcing the staple lines with bovine collagen matrix reinforcement (CMR) might safely decrease the incidence of leaks and bleeding without causing other complications. Our objective was to determine the effect in RYGB of reinforcing the linear and circular gastric staple lines with CMR on the outcomes including abdominal septic events, blood transfusions, and the incidence of stricture and marginal ulceration of the gastrojejunostomy in a private bariatric surgery practice at 2 Surgical Review Committee Center of Excellence community hospitals. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected data comparing consecutive outcomes of 505 patients undergoing RYGB without CMR from 2005 to 2006 to 568 patients with CMR of the linear and circular gastric staple lines from 2007 to 2009. ResultsThe application of CMR was associated with a significant reduction from 4% to 1% in the incidence of abdominal septic events, including frank staple line leakage, purulent drainage, and abscess. The number of patients needing transfusion showed a trend downward. The frequency of stricture (1%) and marginal ulceration (2%) was unchanged. No gastrogastric fistulas were identified in either group. No evidence of migration of collagen matrix material appeared after CMR. The 90-day mortality rate for each group was .2% and was unrelated to staple line complications. ConclusionThe use of CMR was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of abdominal septic complications and a trend toward fewer patients needing transfusion. The frequency of stricture and marginal ulceration was unchanged by the use of CMR.

Assessing the safety, effectiveness, and quality of life after the STARR procedure for obstructed defecation: results of the German STARR registry

Internal rectal prolapse and rectocele are frequent clinical findings in patients with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS). However, there is still no evidence whether stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) provides a safe and effective surgical option. Therefore, the German STARR registry was initiated to assess safety, effectiveness, and quality of life. The German STARR registry was designed as an interventional, prospective, multicenter audit. Primary outcomes include safety (morbidity and adverse events), effectiveness (ODS, symptom severity, and incontinence scores), and quality of life (PAC-QoL and EQ-5D) documented at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Statistical evaluation was performed by an independent research organization of clinical epidemiology. Complete data of 379 patients (78% females, mean age 57.8 years) were entered into the registry database. Mean operative time was 40 min, mean hospitalization was 5.5 days. A total of 103 complications and adverse events were reported in 80 patients (21.1%) including staple line complications (minor bleeding, infection, or partial dehiscence; 7.1%), major bleeding (2.9%), and postsurgical stenosis (2.1%). Comparisons of ODS and symptom severity scores (SSS) demonstrated a significant reduction in ODS score between baseline (mean 11.14) and 6 months (mean 6.43), which was maintained at 12 months (mean 6.45), and SSS at preoperative and at 6- and 12-month follow-up (13.02 vs. 7.34 vs. 6.59; paired t test, p < 0.001). Significant reduction in ODS symptoms was matched by an improvement in quality of life as judged by symptom-specific PAC-QoL and generic ED-5Q (utility and visual analog scale) scores and was not associated with an impairment of incontinence score following STARR (p > 0.05). However, 11 patients (2.9%) showed de novo incontinence, and new-onset symptoms of fecal urgency were observed in 25.3% of patients. These data indicate that STARR is a safe and effective procedure. However, conclusions are limited due to the selection and reporting bias of a registry. The problem of fecal urgency needs cautious reassessment.

Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection for Obstructed Defecation Syndrome: One-Year Results of the European STARR Registry

Stapled transanal rectal resection is advocated for the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome. Supporting evidence for its safety and effectiveness has been lacking. To address this, the European Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection Registry was initiated in January 2006. This study was designed to analyze 12-month postoperative outcomes of this procedure using data collected in the registry. On May 17, 2008, data were downloaded from the Stapled Transanal Resection Registry to perform an analysis of 12-month outcomes. Data had been collected prospectively on effectiveness (symptom severity and obstructed defecation scores), quality of life, incontinence, and safety profile at baseline, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. A total of 2,838 patients were entered into the registry, of whom 2,224 had reached 12 months of follow-up. Mean age was 54.7 years. A total of 2,363 patients (83.3%) were female. A significant improvement was seen in obstructive defecation and symptom severity scores and quality of life between baseline and 12 months (obstructed defecation score: 15.8 vs. 5.8, respectively, P < 0.001; symptom severity score: 15.1 vs. 3.6, respectively, P < 0.001). Complications were reported in 36.0% and included defecatory urgency (20.0%), bleeding (5.0%), septic events (4.4%), staple line complications (3.5%), and incontinence (1.8%). One case of rectal necrosis and one case of rectovaginal fistula were reported. Stapled transanal rectal resection produces improved function and better quality of life for patients with obstructed defecation that is maintained at 12 months of follow-up. Further investigation is required to optimize patient selection and reduce the potential complications of postoperative defecatory urgency and pain.

Comparison of permanent and nonpermanent staple line buttressing materials for linear gastric staple lines during laparoscopic Roux-en- Y gastric bypass

Background Several publications have suggested that staple line buttressing might decrease staple line bleeding, increase burst pressure, and decrease the likelihood of acute failure resulting in leak. Currently, permanent and nonpermanent options are available. However, concern has been raised about the permanent buttress material and its potential for delayed strip expulsion. This study analyzed our experience with 3 different buttressing materials for creating the gastric division during laparoscopic Roux-en- Y gastric bypass. Methods From July 5, 2001 to May 30, 2007, 1451 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass with buttressing material used for the stapled creation of the gastric pouch. Peristrips Dry (PSDs), permanent bovine pericardial strips, were used in 926 cases from July 5, 2001 to October 11, 2005. Seamguards, a synthetic bioabsorbable product, were used in 145 cases from November 2, 2004 to July 18, 2006, and PSD Veritas, remodelable, nonpermanent bovine pericardial strips, were placed in 380 patients from October 11, 2005 to May 30, 2007. All products were applied to the 60-mm-long, 3.5-mm cartridges of the EndoGIA II stapler. The ease of use, operative complications, visual bleeding, and postoperative leaks were recorded. Results The patient characteristics were comparable for all groups. All products were easy to load on the stapler, and no operative complications related to the use of the buttress materials occurred. The incidence and severity of staple line bleeding was not specifically calculated but was visually noted to be minimal in all cases. Of the 3 groups, 4 contained leaks occurred in the Seamguards group, and all were successfully managed nonoperatively. No acute leaks were discovered in the PSD or PSD Veritas groups. This difference was statistically significant ( p <.001). Conclusion Neither the PSDs or PSD Veritas group exhibited staple line complications. However, 4 leaks occurred in the patients who had Seamguards incorporated into their gastric pouch linear staple lines.

Use of Endoscopic Stents to Treat Anastomotic Complications after Bariatric Surgery

Complications after bariatric surgery often require longterm parenteral nutrition to achieve healing. Recently, endoscopic treatments have become available that provide healing while allowing for oral nutrition. The purpose of this study was to present outcomes of the largest series to date treating staple line complications after bariatric surgery with endoscopic covered stents. A retrospective evaluation was performed of all patients treated for staple line complications after bariatric surgery at a single tertiary care bariatric center. Acute postoperative leaks, chronic gastrocutaneous fistulas, and anastomotic strictures refractory to endoscopic dilation after both gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy were included. From January 2006 to June 2007, 19 patients (11 with acute leaks, 2 with chronic fistulas, and 6 with strictures) were treated with a total of 34 endoscopic silicone covered stents (23 polyester, 11 metal). Mean followup was 3.6 months. Immediate symptomatic improvement occurred in 90% (91% of acute leaks, 100% of fistulas, and 84% of strictures). Oral feeding was started in 79% of patients immediately after stenting. Resolution of leak or stricture after stent treatment occurred in 16 of 19 patients (84%). Healing of leak, fistula, and stricture occurred at means of 33 days, 46 days, and 7 days, respectively. Three patients (1 with leak, 1 with fistula, and 1 with stricture) had unsuccessful stent treatment. Migration of the stent occurred in 58% of 34 stents placed. Most migration was minimal, but three stents were removed surgically after distal small bowel migration. There was no mortality. Treatment of anastomotic complications after bariatric surgery with endoscopic covered stents allows rapid healing while simultaneously allowing for oral nutrition. The primary morbidity is stent migration.