Comparison of two specimen retrieval techniques in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: what is the role of endobag?

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become a popular stand-alone treatment for morbid obesity. However, removal of the gastric specimen could be a challenging step due to its large size relative to the width of the trocar site. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare a simplified retrieval technique for extraction of the gastric specimen without an endobag with conventionally performed specimen retrieval using an endobag. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted recruiting patients undergoing LSG. Patient's demographics, preoperative characteristics, intra-operative, and postoperative variables were compared between the two groups according to the technique of gastric specimen removal. RESULTS: A total of 193 patients (60.6% female) were enrolled into case (n = 100) and control groups (n = 93). Mean ± SD age and BMI of patients were 35.64 ± 11.84 years and 47.28 ± 8.22 Kg/m2, respectively with no significant difference between groups. Median (25th, 75th inter-quartile), extraction time was significantly reduced in the non-endobag group compared to the endobag group (3.5 [2.5-4.5] min vs. 6.5 [3.4-8.2] min, p = 0.03).Patients of both groups had similar intra-operative and trocar site complications (hernia and wound infection) (3% for endobag group and 3.3 % for non-endobag group). The median (25-75% [IQR]) LOS was also comparable between endobag and non-endobag patients (3[2-3] vs. 3[2-4] days, p = 0.84). No difference was observed between the two groups for weight loss and comorbidity resolution. CONCLUSION: Non-endobag technique for gastric specimen retrieval is safe and feasible with substantial saving in operative time and comparable intra-operative and postoperative outcomes to the conventional retrieval technique.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in patients with abdominoplasty: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Abdominoplasty is increasingly performed after weight loss surgery. However, performing a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) after abdominoplasty poses technical challenges. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to compare operative events and postoperative outcomes between LSG patients with and without a history of prior abdominoplasty. SETTING: University hospital, Qatar. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on 2 groups of patients with (n = 33) and without (n = 69) prior abdominoplasty who underwent LSG. Patient demographics, baseline characteristics, as well as operative and postoperative events were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients with an average age of 39.6±7.7 years and body mass index (BMI) of 42.8±5.9 kg/m2 were included. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of demographic characteristics, preoperative BMI, and co-morbidities. The number of ports required was significantly higher in the LSG patients with a history of prior abdominoplasty than in the nonabdominoplasty patients. The operation time was also significantly longer in the abdominoplasty patients than in the nonabdominoplasty patients (90.3±36.7 minutes versus 57.1±17.7 minutes; P<.0001). However, no significant differences were observed in terms of postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and weight loss results. CONCLUSION: LSG after abdominoplasty is associated with longer operative times and the need for additional port placement to overcome the decreased working space. However, operative strategies should be considered to overcome the technical challenges during LSG in patients who underwent a prior abdominoplasty.