Staple Line Research Articles

Increased staple line leak rates following re-sleeve: analysis comparing re-sleeve versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass conversion and primary sleeve gastrectomy.

Sleeve gastrectomy is the most common bariatric procedure and its long-term complications include inadequate weight loss, weight regain, and de novo GERD, often requiring revisional surgery. Revisions, notably re-sleeve and conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), are frequently performed, but safety data is limited. Herein, we used the MBSAQIP database to compare 30day outcomes of primary sleeve gastrectomy (SG) with re-sleeve (RS) and SG to RYGB conversion. Patients who underwent primary SG, RS, and SG to RYGB conversion within the MBSAQIP data registry from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022 were included in this study. Using Propensity Score Matching analysis, the cohorts were matched for 23 preoperative characteristics. We then compared 30day postoperative outcomes and bariatric-specific complications between primary SG and RS (analysis 1) and between RS and SG to RYGB conversion (analysis 2). A total of 302,961 were included. The matched cohorts in analysis 1 (n = 1630) and analysis 2 (n = 1633) had similar pre-operative characteristics. Propensity-matched outcomes in analysis 1 showed that patients in the RS group had significantly higher staple line leak (1.3% vs. 0.1%, p < 0.001) when compared to primary SG. Similarly, longer operative times (90.16 ± 51.90min vs. 68.32 ± 37.54min, p < 0.001) and higher rates of readmissions (5.5% vs. 2.1%, p < 0.001), reoperations (2.3% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001), interventions (2.5% vs. 0.4%, p < 0.001) were found in those who underwent RS. In analysis 2, RS showed higher leak rates (1.3% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.015) when compared to conversion from SG to RYGB. The RS group has a higher risk of staple line leaks compared to primary SG and conversion from SG to RYGB. In our study, there was a 2.6-fold increase in staple line leak after re-sleeve compared to RYGB conversion and a 13-fold increase compared to primary SG.

Analysis of the effect of staple line reinforcement on leaking and bleeding after sleeve gastrectomy from the UK National Bariatric Surgery Registry.

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is currently the most frequently performed procedure for obesity worldwide. Staple line reinforcement (SLR) has been suggested as a strategy to reduce the risk of staple line leak or bleeding; however, its use for SG in the United Kingdom (UK) is unknown. This study examined the effect of SLR on the development of postoperative complications from SG using a large national dataset from the UK. Patients undergoing either primary or revision SG over 10years from Jan 2012 to Dec 2021 were identified by the National Bariatric Surgery Registry. Comparative and logistic regression analyses were undertaken to determine the effect of SLR on staple line leak and bleeding. During this time, 14,231 patients underwent SG for whom there were complete data. Of these, 76.5% were female and the median age was 46years (IQR: 36-53). The rate of surgical complications was 2.3% (n=219/14,231). The incidence of bleeding was 1.3% (n=179/14,231) and leak was 1.0% (n=140/14,231). Over time, the use of SLR of any variety declined significantly from 99.7% in 2012 to 57.3% in 2021 (p<0.001). Multivariable (adjusted) regression analysis demonstrated that neither the use of nor the type of reinforcement had any effect on the rate of bleeding or leaking. SLR for SG has declined in the UK since 2012. There were no differences in staple line leak or bleed with or without reinforcement.

Effect of Routine Stapler Line Omentopexy on the Outcome of Early Postoperative Complication of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Effect of Routine Stapler Line Omentopexy on the Outcome of Early Postoperative Complication of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

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

Comparison of early recurrence in young-onset primary spontaneous pneumothorax following surgery using different covering methods.

The treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax not only involves bulla resection via video-assisted thoracic surgery but also covers the lesion. Ideal treatment should minimize adhesions and reduce the recurrence rate. This study aimed to explore different covering methods and compare the frequency of early recurrence for each covering method. We included 370 subjects with primary spontaneous pneumothorax < 25years who were treated with video-assisted thoracic surgery from August 2012 to December 2022. Subjects were divided into three groups depending on how the treated lesions were covered. The P group included 162 subjects treated between April 2012 and June 2017 whose lesions were covered using polyglycolic acid sheets on the staple line of the bulla resection lesion. The O group included 93 subjects treated between July 2017 and July 2019 whose lesions were covered with oxidized regenerated cellulose over a polyglycolic acid sheet. The N group included 115 subjects treated between August 2019 and December 2022 whose lesions were covered with oxidized regenerated cellulose over a polyglycolic acid nano sheet. Recurrence rates were 3.7%, 8.6%, and 6.0% in the P, O, and N groups, respectively; however, the differences were not statistically significant. The adhesions were milder in the N group than in the P and O groups. Although both covering methods were effective in preventing recurrence, further studies involving further treatment modifications and longer-term follow-ups are required.

Staple Line Reinforcement during Sleeve Gastrectomy with SeamGuard: Single-Center Retrospective Case-Control Study over a 5-Year Period.

Introduction: Various techniques and reinforcements have been proposed over the years in order to prevent leaks and bleeding after sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare the staple line complication (SLC) rate in patients who underwent LSG with the use of bioabsorbable membrane (GORE® SEAMGUARD®, GoR) for staple line versus those who received no reinforcement. Methods: Data on all consecutive patients undergoing LSG between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: the GoR+ group if the SeamGuard (GoR) was used and the GoR- group if no reinforcement was applied on the staple line. Preoperative demographics and rate of SLC were compared between groups. All cases of SLC coming from other centers were also reviewed. Results: A total number of 626 LSGs were performed at our institution during the study period. GoR was applied in 450 (71.9%) cases (GoR+ group), while NR was used in 176 (28.1%) patients (GoR- group). Two (1.13%) cases of leaking and two (1.13%) cases of bleeding occurred in the GoR- group, while no SLC was recorded in patients who received GoR (p < 0.05). Thirteen cases of SLC coming from other institutions were treated at our hospital; all these cases were performed without any SLR. Conclusion: In our case series, the use of GoR reduced the rate of SLC after LSG. In all cases of SLC coming from other institutions, no reinforcement had been applied on the staple line during LSG.

A superior approach? The role of robotic sleeve gastrectomy in patients with super super obesity using the 2019-2022 MBSAQIP database.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in patients with BMI ≥ 60 presents technical challenges, that might be overcome by robotic surgery, but its effectiveness has not been rigorously evaluated. We compared the 30-day outcomes of LSG and robotic sleeve gastrectomy (RSG) in patients with BMI < 60 versus ≥ 60 and between LSG and RSG in patients with BMI ≥ 60. Patients aged 18-65 years who underwent sleeve gastrectomy were included using the 2019-2022 MBSAQIP database. We performed a Propensity Score Matching analysis, with 21 preoperative characteristics. We compared 30-day postoperative outcomes for patients with BMI < 60 versus ≥ 60 using either a laparoscopic (Analysis 1) or robotic approach (Analysis 2) and compared LSG versus RSG in patients with BMI ≥ 60 (Analysis 3). 297,250 patients underwent LSG and 81,008 RSG. Propensity-matched¸ outcomes in analysis 1 (13,503 matched cases), showed that patients with BMI ≥ 60 had higher rates of mortality (0.1% vs. 0.0%, p=0.014), staple line leak (0.3% vs. 0.2%, p=0.035), postoperative bleeding (0.2% vs 0.1%, p=0.028), readmissions (3.5% vs. 2.4%, p<0.001), and interventions (0.7% vs. 0.5%, p=0.028) when compared to patients with BMI < 60. In analysis 2 (4350 matched cases), patients with BMI ≥ 60 demonstrated longer operative times, length of stay, and higher rates of unplanned ICU when compared to patients with BMI < 60. In analysis 3 (4370 matched cases), patients who underwent RSG had fewer readmissions (2.9% vs. 3.7%, p=0.037), staple line leaks (0.1% vs. 0.3%, p=0.029), and postoperative bleeding (0.1% vs. 0.3%, p=0.045), compared to LSG. Conversely, a longer operative time (92.74 ± 38.65 vs. 71.69 ± 37.45 min, p<0.001) was reported. LSG patients with BMI ≥ 60 have higher rates of complications compared to patients with a BMI < 60. Moreover, some outcomes may be improved with the robotic approach in patients with BMI ≥ 60. These results underscore the importance of considering a robotic approach in this super super obese population.

Reinforcement in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Is It Effective?

Despite the success of bariatric surgery in treating obesity, it can still lead to complications. The most serious and feared technical complications are bleeding and leakage from the gastric staple line. In this study, stapler line reinforcement was investigated to determine whether it affects postoperative leakage and bleeding rates and their management. Overall, 510 patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy were evaluated retrospectively. They were divided into 2 groups according to whether reinforcement of the staple line with running imbricating sutures was performed. In the reinforcement group, there were two leaks (0.7%), which were diagnosed seven and eight days after surgery. In the non-reinforcement group, there were nine leaks (4%). There was no difference between the two groups in staple line bleeding. This study shows that reinforcement with continuous imbricating sutures is associated with less stapler line leakage and a lower reoperation rate at the cost of increased operative time.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Suture or not Suture Staple Line

Background The severity of postoperative complications is the main disadvantage of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Staple line reinforcement (SLR) is strongly advocated. Recently, oversewing has been proposed as a cost-effective and helpful method for reinforcing the staple line. Aim of the study: To evaluate the benefit of staple lines over sewing in decreasing postoperative complications and their severity. Patients and methods: One hundred laparoscopic surgery group (LSG) patients were randomly assigned to either group (A) without staple line over sewing or (B) with staple line over sewing from January 2022 to January 2023 in a prospective study conducted at three hospitals (Alhussein Medical City, Alkafeel Private Hospital, and Zain Alabdin Private Hospital). We want to learn if laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients benefited more from a staple line than a sewn one. Results: The most frequently reported complication was bleeding, which was reported in two patients in group A and one patient in group B, respectively; vomiting was reported more frequently in group B. The cross-tabulation between complications and comorbidities revealed no significant association between them. The hospital stay was the same in both groups except for patients with non-surgical complications, which need more hospital stay time. In regard to the severity of complications, we found that complicated cases in group A needed more hospital stays and more interventions to control the problem in comparison to those in group B. Conclusion: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with staple line over sewing is a technique that may decrease early complications and the severity of complications. There was no significant difference between the two groups (with and without staple line over sewing) in regard to the relation between complications on one side and the comorbidity on the other.

Management of staple line leaks after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: Single-center experience

Objective: In obesity surgery, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a frequently applied method. However, there are certain complications. Leakage is one of the most serious complications after surgery, causing postoperative morbidity and sometimes mortality. There is no consensus about management of leaks after LSG. In our study, we aimed to present our experience on the management of LSG leaks. Patients and Methods: Patients who underwent LSG between 2010-2017 in a tertiary university hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, endoscopic and surgical interventions, morbidity, and mortality rates of patients diagnosed with LSG leak were analyzed from prospectively recorded data. Results: Leak was observed in 11 (2.15%) of a total of 510 LSG patients. Six (54%) patients were diagnosed as acute and 5 were early leaks. Stent was applied to most of the patients (72%) with or without surgical exploration. The average length of stay in hospital was 21 days. Mortality was observed in 2 patients. Conclusions: Consequently, leakage after LSG is a complication that requires multimodal therapy. Surgical treatment combined with endoscopic intervention may increase success.

Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Staple Line Leaks Following Sleeve Gastrectomy

PurposeThe long-term outcomes of patients with staple line leaks (SLL) after SG are under-reported. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with SLL after SG.Materials and MethodsA retrospective analysis of a maintained patient registry of patients undergoing SG between January 2012 and December 2020 in a single bariatric center was analyzed and included patients with SLL. Outcomes were compared to a group without SLL.ResultsDuring this period, 1985 patients underwent SG of which 61 patients (3.1%) developed leak. 26 patients (1.3%) had overt SLL and the rest had organ space infection around the staple line. The mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 39.8 ± 11.3 and 41.5 ± 4.7, respectively. 7 patients (11.4%) underwent concomitant surgery and 12 patients (19.7%) had intraoperative complications. Leak was complicated by Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3 in 31 patients (50.8%). Reoperation rate was 27.8% (n = 17). ≥ 2 interventions were required in 26% of patients (n = 16). Two patients died during hospitalization due to septic complications. Long-term follow-up of median 121 months was available in 78% of the cohort (n = 48). The median total weight loss and BMI were 27% and 30.1 kg/m2, respectively. Weight loss outcomes were higher in comparison to patients without SLL. Seven patients (14.6%) underwent SG revision. All associated medical problems improved during follow-up except for gastroesophageal reflux which was found in 50% of cohort.ConclusionLong-term outcomes of SG patients with SLL are satisfactory in terms of weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, and requirement for surgical revision.Graphical

Evaluating the incidence, risk factors and postoperative complications associated with leaks following duodenal switch procedures: an analysis of the MBSAQIP

BackgroundMetabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS) is the most effective management for patients with obesity and weight-related medical conditions. Duodenal switch (DS) is a recent MBS procedure with increasing attention in recent years, however the risk of anastomotic or staple line leaks and the lack of efficient surgical expertise hinders the procedure from becoming fully adopted. ObjectivesTo determine the 30-day predictors of leaks following DS and explore their association with other 30-day postoperative complications. SettingMetabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database. MethodsPatients who underwent a primary biliopancreatic diversion with DS or single-anastomosis duodenoileostomy with sleeve procedure, categorized as DS, were assessed for 30-day leaks. A multivariable logistic regression was constructed to identify the predictors of leaks. The assessment of postoperative complications arising from leaks was also performed. ResultsA total of 21,839 DS patients were included, of which 177 (.8%) experienced leaks within 30 postoperative days. The most significant predictor of leaks was steroid immunosuppressive use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.56–5.13], P < .001) and age, with each decade of life associated with a 26% increase in risk (aOR = 1.26, 95% CI [1.09–1.45], P = .001). Operative length was also associated with leaks, with every additional 30 minutes increasing the odds of a leak by 23% (aOR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.18–1.29], P < .001). The occurrence of leaks was correlated with postoperative septic shock (Crude Odds Ratio [COR] = 280.99 [152.60–517.39]) and unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admissions (COR = 79.04 [56.99–109.59]). Additionally, mortality rates increased 17-fold with the incidence of leaks (COR = 17.64 [7.41–41.99]). ConclusionsLeaks following DS are a serious postoperative complication with significant risk factors of steroid use, prolonged operative time and advanced age. Leaks are also associated with other severe complications, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and intervention along with additional studies to further validate our results.

Effect of Intraoperative Blood Pressure Regulation on Postoperative Hemorrhage After Bariatric Surgery

IntroductionWith a rising number of bariatric procedures, the absolute number of postoperative complications is increasing, too. Postoperative bleeding, particularly along the staple line, is a recognized challenge. Numerous strategies including reinforcement of the staple line (SLR) have been proposed to improve bleeding rates, but no single technique has shown superiority over the others. In our bariatric center, we have implemented intraoperative blood pressure regulation alone, without SLR, to reduce hemorrhagic complications postoperatively.MethodsThis retrospective observational analysis compares the incidence of postoperative bleeding in two groups of consecutive patients (total n = 438 patients), one with and one without intraoperative blood pressure elevation to 150 mmHg systolic without the additional use of staple line reinforcement. This intervention was integrated into our standard bariatric surgical procedure, no randomization or matching was conducted. Significant postoperative bleeding was defined as drop of hemoglobin of more than 2.5 mg/dl in 48 h and one of the following symptoms: lactate ≥ 2 mmol/L, bloody drainage, quantity of drainage more than 200 ml and/or radiological signs.ResultsDefined postoperative bleeding occurred in 33 (7.5%) patients. We observed a decrease in bleeding rates from 10% to 5% (n = 22 vs. n = 11) after introducing intraoperative blood pressure increase (p = 0.034). The rate of revisional surgery for bleeding also decreased from 2.7% to 0.5% (n = 6 vs. n = 1). In multivariate analysis, the intervention with blood pressure elevation showed a significant decrease on bleeding rates (p = 0.038).ConclusionThe use of increased intraoperative blood pressure alone, without staple line reinforcement, appears to be an effective and suitable method for reducing post-bariatric hemorrhagic complications.Graphical

The Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Balloon Dilatation in the Treatment of Functional Post-Sleeve-Gastrectomy Stenosis

Background and Objectives: Functional gastric stenosis, a consequence of sleeve gastrectomy, is defined as a rotation of the gastric tube along its longitudinal axis. It is brought on by gastric twisting without the anatomical constriction of the gastric lumen. During endoscopic examination, the staple line is deviated with a clockwise rotation, and the stenosis requires additional endoscopic manipulations for its transposition. Upper gastrointestinal series show the gastric twist with an upstream dilatation of the gastric tube in some patients. Data on its management have remained scarce. The objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of endoscopic balloon dilatation in the management of functional post-sleeve gastrectomy stenosis. Patients and Methods: Twenty-two patients with functional post-primary-sleeve-gastrectomy stenosis who had an endoscopic balloon dilatation between 2017 and 2023 were included in this retrospective study. Patients with alternative treatment plans and those undergoing endoscopic dilatation for other forms of gastric stenosis were excluded. The clinical outcomes were used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of balloon dilatation in the management of functional gastric stenosis. Results: A total of 45 dilatations were performed with a 30 mm balloon in 22 patients (100%), a 35 mm balloon in 18 patients (81.82%), and a 40 mm balloon in 5 patients (22.73%). The patients’ clinical responses after the first balloon dilatation were a complete clinical response (4 patients, 18.18%), a partial clinical response (12 patients, 54.55%), and a non-response (6 patients, 27.27%). Nineteen patients (86.36%) had achieved clinical success at six months. Three patients (13.64%) who remained symptomatic even after achieving the maximal balloon dilation of 40 mm were considered failure of endoscopic dilatation, and they were referred for surgical intervention. No significant adverse events were found during or following the balloon dilatation. Conclusions: Endoscopic balloon dilatation is an effective and safe minimally invasive procedure in the management of functional post-sleeve-gastrectomy stenosis.

Biological therapy of bariatric surgery complications

In recent years, the number of performed bariatric interventions has increased significantly. Despite the high effectiveness of this method of treatment, the occurrence of complications is not uncommon. The most common complications are stapler line leaks, occurring in 1.5–2.4% of cases; anastomotic leakage after One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass – in 2.2–8% of cases. The problem with all methods is the increased duration of treatment and the need to go without food for significant periods of time, which means starting parenteral nutrition and risking malnutrition. The article demonstrates the effectiveness of biological therapy for complications of bariatric surgery in a series of clinical cases. Clinical cases of 2 patients with anastomotic leakage after One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass are described; also 2 patients with incompetent staple line after laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. PRP therapy, stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and fibrin glue were used. Platelet-rich plasma is an autologous blood serum containing high concentrations of platelets and growth factors. As a result, after 4 courses of PRP therapy, the patient with the failure of the upper third of the stapler line received an application of twocomponent fibrin glue “Kriofit” with a positive effect. In addition, positive dynamics was observed in the patient with the use of threecomponent therapy of anastomotic leakage. Based on the above facts, it can be concluded, that biological therapy demonstrates great potential value in the treatment of bariatric surgery complications such as stapler line leaks, and anastomotic leakage.

Salvage surgery for pouch-related complication after ileal pouch–anal anastomosis: a report of two cases

BackgroundPouch-related complications (PRCs), such as pelvic abscesses and perianal complex fistulas, can occur after ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) in ulcerative colitis (UC). They are often difficult to treat and require salvage surgery. We report two cases of PRC associated with fistulas.Case presentationFirst case: A 38-year-old man was diagnosed with UC at age 26 years. Four months after the diagnosis of UC, the patient underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy, IPAA, and ileostomy for acute fulminant UC. Two years after the closure of the ileostomy, the patient developed a perianal abscess and underwent ileostomy reconstruction. He was referred to our department at 35 years of age, because his symptoms did not improve despite repeated seton drainage of a complicated perineal fistula. We diagnosed PRC with a pelvic abscess and complicated pouch fistula and performed salvage surgery. This diagnosis was revised to Crohn’s disease. Second case: A 50-year-old man was diagnosed with UC at age 18 years and was administered high doses of steroids; however, his symptoms did not improve. He underwent restorative proctocolectomy, IPAA, and ileostomy at another hospital. The ileostomy was closed, and his condition stabilized thereafter. At 35 years of age, perianal pain developed, and he was diagnosed with a complicated pouch–perineal fistula. A fistula was observed near the staple line of the ileal end closure on the head side of the pouch. Reconstruction of the ileostomy and seton drainage were performed; however, his symptoms did not improve, and he was referred to our hospital. We diagnosed PRC with a pelvic abscess and a complicated pouch fistula and performed salvage surgery. The resected specimen showed strictures in two locations: at the oral site of the afferent limb (at the pouch) and at the IPAA. Both patients returned to society and are currently outpatients.ConclusionsWe encountered two cases of PRC after IPAA that did not improve with seton drainage or ileostomy. Pouch resection was performed after considering the patient’s quality of life and reintegration into society.

Maximum resistance pressure at the time of lung tissue rupture after porcine lung transection using automatic linear staplers with different reinforcement methods.

Polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheets, fibrin glue, and staple line reinforcement are frequently used to prevent air leakage during lung resection. However, the optimal staple-line reinforcement method remains unclear. Cranial lung lobes of pigs were used to evaluate different staple line reinforcement methods (n = 6). Ventilator-assisted manometry was used to measure the maximum resistance pressure at the time of rupture of the lung tissue after stapling. The mean maximum resistance pressures at the time of lung tissue rupture after using the stapler alone, stapler with PGA sheet and fibrin glue, and stapler with reinforcement were 38.0 cmH2O, 51.3 cmH2O, and 62.7 cmH2O, respectively. A significant increase in the maximum resistance pressure was observed with stapler reinforcement (P < 0.001), while the differences between the other groups were not statistically significant (P = 0.055, P = 0.111). A histological assessment revealed disruption of alveolar structures near the needle-stitching site in the stapler alone, and in the stapler with PGA sheet and fibrin glue groups. Pleural rupture near the staple line was observed in the stapler with reinforcement group. The maximum resistance pressure before air leakage was significantly higher when using a stapler with reinforcement than when using a stapler alone.

Peroperative administration of tranexamic acid in Roux-en-Y and one-anastomosis gastric bypass to reduce haemorrhage in patients with morbid obesity: protocol for randomised controlled trial (PATRY trial)

IntroductionBy implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Bariatric Surgery protocols and day-care surgery, early discharge poses a challenge if excessive bleeding occurs after bariatric surgery. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has demonstrated efficacy...

Phase 2 Clinical Trial of VGT-309 for Intraoperative Molecular Imaging During Pulmonary Resection

BackgroundAdvances in intraoperative molecular imaging (IMI) may improve surgical outcomes when resecting tumors in the lung. A single-center trial was conducted using VGT-309, a cathepsin-targeted near-infrared imaging agent that causes lung nodules to fluoresce during surgical resection. The end point of this phase 2 study was to evaluate the frequency that IMI with VGT-309 resulted in a clinically significant event (CSE): localization of pulmonary nodules, discovery of unsuspected additional cancers, or identification of positive margins. MethodsPatients undergoing surgical resection for known or suspected cancer in the lung received VGT-309 (0.32 mg/kg) preoperatively. During the surgical procedure, localization and resection of the nodules were performed using standard surgical techniques. Near-infrared imaging was then used to localize nodules, seek occult lesions, and assess resection margins. Efficacy was measured by the frequency of CSEs. ResultsOf the 40 patients who underwent pulmonary resection with VGT-309, 17 (42.5%) had at least 1 CSE. Near-infrared imaging identified lesions not found by standard surgical methods in 16 patients, additional cancers not found by preoperative imaging in 1 patient, and margins within 5 mm of the closest staple line in 2 patients. VGT-309 performance was tested across a broad range of tumor types and commercial near-infrared imaging systems. VGT-309 appeared safe, well-tolerated, with no infusion reactions, and no drug-related serious adverse events. ConclusionsThis phase 2 study demonstrated the utility of IMI with VGT-309 in localizing pulmonary nodules, recognizing synchronous lesions, and identifying positive margins. A multi-institutional study will further evaluate the efficacy of VGT-309.

Three-dimensional Pouchography: A Proof-of-concept Study of a Breakthrough Technique for Visualising Ileoanal Pouch Anatomy and Morphology in Normal and Mechanical Pouch Complication Patients.

Herein, we present a proof-of-concept study of three-dimensional [3D] pouchography using virtual and printed 3D models of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis [IPAA] in patients with normal pouches and in cases of mechanical pouch complications. We performed a retrospective, descriptive case series of a convenience sample of 10 pouch patients with or without pouch dysfunction, who had CT scans appropriate for segmentation who were identified from our pouch registry. The steps involved in clinician-driven automated 3D reconstruction are presented. We included three normal patients who underwent CT imaging and were found to have no primary pouch pathology, and seven patients with known pouch pathology identifiable with 3D reconstruction [including pouch strictures, megapouch, pouch volvulus, and twisted pouches], underwent 3D virtual modelling; one normal and one twisted pouch were 3D-printed. We discovered that 3D pouchography reliably identified staple lines [pouch body, anorectal circular and transverse, and tip of J], the relationship between staple lines, and variations in pouch morphology and pouch pathology. Three-dimensional reconstruction of IPAA morphology is highly feasible using readily available technology. In our practice, we have found 3D pouchography to be an extremely useful adjunct to diagnose various mechanical pouch complications and improve planning for pouch salvage strategies. Given its ease of use and helpfulness in understanding the pouch structure and function, we have started to routinely integrate 3D pouchography into our clinical pouch referral practice. Further study is needed to formally assess the value of this technique to aid in the diagnosis of pouch pathology.