Robotic-assisted treatment of paraesophageal hernias in the emergency setting: a retrospective study.

Emergency treatment of paraesophageal hernias can be carried out through laparotomy or minimally invasive approaches, however, evidence in this regard is weak. The aim of our study was to assess safety and feasibility of the robotic-assisted treatment of paraesophageal hernias in the emergency setting. At the Bellinzona e Valli Regional Hospital, Switzerland, we conducted a retrospective analysis of patients operated on from January 2020 to January 2024 with robotic surgery for emergency presentation of paraesophageal hernias. Demographic and clinical details, operative techniques, and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed. Out of 82 patients who underwent robotic-assisted paraesophageal hernia repair, 17 were treated in the emergency setting. Median age was 79 years (IQR 77-85), 3 (17.6%) patients were male, and median BMI was 23.9 kg/m2 (IQR 21.0-26.0). Most frequent presentation symptoms were pain (100%), regurgitation (88.2%), and dyspnea (17.6%). No intraoperative complication, conversion to open surgery or stomach resections were recorded. Two complications of grade 3 according to the Clavien-Dindo classification and one of grade 2 occurred; all were successfully treated until resolution. The median length of hospital stay was 8 days (IQR 5-16). After a mean follow-up of 15.9 months (IQR 6.5-25.6) only two small axial asymptomatic recurrences that required no treatment. Despite limitations, our study demonstrated a very low rate of intra- and postoperative complications, likely supporting the safety and feasibility of robotic-assisted treatment for paraesophageal hernias in emergency settings. Larger studies with a control arm are needed to validate our initial findings.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block Versus Port-Site Infiltration with Local Anesthetics in Bariatric Surgery: a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has shown great potential usefulness in the management of postoperative pain; however, there is lacking evidence regarding its use in bariatric surgery. This randomized double-blind trial was aimed at comparing the effectiveness of the TAP block and port-site infiltration (PSI) in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: We included patients ≥ 18 years old undergoing bariatric surgery. From July 2020 to July 2021, all eligible patients were randomized to receive either laparoscopic-assisted TAP block or PSI. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: During the study period, we included 113 patients. Fifty-one were allocated to the TAP block group and 62 to the PSI group. The mean age was 47.9 ± 11.2 years, 88 (77.9%) patients were female, and mean BMI was 40.5 ± 5.9 kg/m2. Operative time was 110 ± 42 min vs. 114 ± 41 min in the TAP block and PSI groups (p = 0.658). At 24 h after surgery, pain on the VAS was 2.5 ± 2.6 vs. 2.3 ± 2.1 (p = 0.661). No significant difference between the groups was noted at 3, 6, 12, and 18 h. Also, opioid and antiemetic consumption, the length of stay (3.4 ± 1.5 days vs. 3.2 ± 1.1 days, p = 0.392), and satisfaction score (154 ± 10 pts vs. 154 ± 16 pts, p = 0.828) were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing bariatric surgery and receiving either the TAP block or the PSI had similar postoperative pain, nausea, length of stay, and satisfaction. As PSI is technically easier and more reproducible, it might be the first choice for postoperative multimodal analgesia in bariatric surgery.

Assessment of gastric pouch blood supply with indocyanine green fluorescence in conversional and revisional bariatric surgery: a prospective comparative study.

Our study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of indocyanine green (ICG) angiography during conversional or revisional bariatric surgery. We prospectively enrolled all patients scheduled for reoperative bariatric surgery with gastric pouch resizing and ICG assessment and we compared them with a retrospective series of similar patients who did not receive ICG. The primary outcome was the rate of intraoperative change in the surgical strategy due to the ICG test. We included 32 prospective patients receiving intraoperatively an ICG perfusion test and 48 propensity score-matched controls. The mean age was 50.7 ± 9.7 years, 67 (83.7%) patients were female, and the mean BMI was 36.8 ± 5.3 kg/m2. The patient characteristics were similar in both groups. The ICG angiography was successfully conducted in all patients, and no change of the surgical strategy was necessary. Postoperative complications were similar in both groups (6.2% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.846), as well as operative time (125 ± 43 vs. 133 ± 47 min, p = 0.454) and length of hospital stay (2.8 ± 1.0 vs. 3.3 ± 2.2 days, p = 0.213). Our study suggested that ICG fluorescence angiography might not have been useful for assessing the blood supply of the gastric pouch in patients who underwent reoperative bariatric surgery. Therefore, it remains uncertain whether the application of this technique is indicated.

Minimally-invasive versus open pancreatic enucleation: systematic review and metanalysis of short-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Minimally Invasive Pancreatic Enucleation, either laparoscopic or robot-assisted, is rarely performed. The aim of this study was to offer the current available evidence about the outcomes of minimally invasive pancreatic enucleations and explore the possible advantage of this approach over traditional surgery. METHODS: PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Library and Embase (ELSEVIER) medical databases were searched for articles published from January 1990 to March 2022. Studies which included more than 10 cases of minimally-invasive pancreatic enucleation were included. Data on the outcomes were synthetized and meta-analyzed when appropriate. RESULTS: Twenty studies published between 2009 and 2022 with a total of 552 patients were included in the systematic review: three hundred fifty-one patients (63.5%) had a laparoscopic intervention, two hundred and one (36.5%) robot-assisted with a cumulative incidence of conversion rate of 5%. Minimally-invasive surgery was performed in 63% of cases on the body/tail of the Pancreas and in 37% of the cases on the head/uncinate process of the Pancreas. The cumulative post-operative 30 days - mortality rate was 0.2% and the major postoperative morbidity (Clavien-Dindo III-IV-V) 35%. Clinically relevant pancreatic fistula was observed in 17% of the patients. Compared with the standardized open approach (n: 366 patients), mean length of hospital stay was significantly reduced in patients undergoing minimally invasive pancreatic enucleation (2.45 days, p = 0.003) with a favorable trend for post-operative major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo III-IV) (- 24% RR, p: 0.13). Operative time, blood loss and clinically relevant pancreatic fistula rate were comparable between the two groups. One hundred and fourteen robot-assisted enucleations entered in a subgroup analysis with comparable results to open surgery. CONCLUSION: Minimally-Invasive approach for pancreatic enucleation is safe, feasible and offers short-term clinical outcomes comparable with open surgery. The potential benefit of robotic surgery will need to be verified in further studies.

The performance of levothyroxine tablet is impaired by bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate if bariatric surgery can affect the LT4 performance. The endpoints were the following: 1) difference between LT4 daily dose before and 1 year after surgery, 2) difference between LT4 dose per weight before and 1 year after surgery, 3) difference among LT4 preparations. METHODS: The study period was between January 2018 and May 2022. Inclusion criteria were a) adults undergone bariatric surgery, b) with proven autoimmune hypothyroidism, c) on LT4 therapy before bariatric surgery, d) using any commercialized LT4 preparation. Excluded were patients a) proven to have or suspected for pre-surgical intestinal malabsorption, b) with other potential interfering factors on LT4 absorption; c) with heart, renal, and/or hepatic failure, d) with recent/current infection/inflammation, e) in pregnancy, f) with incomplete data about LT4 therapy. RESULTS: According to the selection criteria, 40 patients were included. Both TSH and LT4 daily doses were not significantly different with respect to baseline values. On the contrary, the LT4 dose per weight was significantly increased, especially in RYGB patients. An increased LT4 dose per weight was observed with the reduction of weight. CONCLUSION: One year after bariatric surgery 1) the daily dose of LT4 remains unchanged, and 2) despite the significant weight reduction, LT4 dose per weight increases. Most data are referred to LT4 tablet and the performance of LT4 caps should be further investigated.

Reoperative bariatric surgery after primary laparoscopic gastric plication for morbid obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic gastric plication (LGP) often requires reoperative bariatric surgery (RBS) due to complications and insufficient weight loss. The aim of our study was to assess perioperative morbidity and weight loss during follow-up in patients undergoing RBS after primary LGP for morbid obesity. METHODS: A search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using ("conversion"OR "revision*""OR "reoperat*")AND("gastric"OR "curvatur*")AND "plication." Studies were deemed eligible if data on RBS after LGP were provided. For each study, data were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: In the literature review, 291 articles were screened and 7 included. The studies covered a total of 367 patients, of whom 119 received a sleeve gastrectomy (SG), 85 a Roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB), 75 a one anastomosis-gastric bypass (OAGB), 45 a re-LGP, and 25 a jejuno-ileal bypass. After RBS, excess weight loss was 50.8 ± 6.5% at 6 months, 71.0 ± 7.7% at 12 months, and 89.0 ± 7.8% at 24 months. Operative time was 101.3 ± 14.6 min. Postoperatively, 18/255 patients (7.1%) had a complication, and leakage and reoperations were reported in 6/255 (2.4%) and 5/255 (2.0%) patients, respectively. Length of hospital stay was 3.1 ± 2.4 days. The quality of evidence was rated as "very low." CONCLUSIONS: Despite limitations, this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that RBS after LGP has an acceptable rate of complications and is effective in terms of excess weight loss during follow-up. No specific operation (e.g., SG, RYGB, OAGB) can be suggested over another due to the lack of evidence.

Opioid-Free Anesthesia in Bariatric Surgery: a Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

PURPOSE: Patients undergoing bariatric surgery are at particular high risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Few studies have shown the superiority of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) over general anesthesia with opioids in bariatric surgery. The aim was to investigate the potential advantages of the OFA in bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study on a prospectively collected database that included bariatric patients over a 3-year period. All patients who underwent bariatric surgery at our institution were included and divided into opioid-free or standard anesthesia. The primary endpoint was the length of hospital stay. Data was collected and analyzed using a propensity score. RESULTS: We included 344 patients, of these 209 (60.8%) received opioid-free and 135 (39.2%) received a standard anesthesia. Mean age was 46.2 ± 11.2 years, 265 (77.0%) patients were female, and 238 (69.2%) had at least one associated medical problem. The two groups were similar in terms of age, gender, BMI, associated medical problems, and type of operations. Postoperatively, we observed no significant difference in opioid requirement, while significantly less doses of antiemetics were administered in the OFA group at postoperative day 1 (0.4 ± 0.7 vs. 0.7 ± 1.0 doses, p = 0.006) and 2 (0.1 ± 0.4 vs. 0.2 ± 0.6 doses, p = 0.022). Length of stay was significantly shorter in the OFA group (2.8 ± 0.9 vs. 3.5 ± 2.0 days, p < 0.001) both in the overall and in the propensity score-matched analyses. CONCLUSION: OFA is effective for patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Perioperative outcomes are similar, while OFA patients required less antiemetics and were discharged earlier from hospital.

Robotic-Assisted Versus Laparoscopic Revisional Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Perioperative Outcomes.

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the role of robotic-assisted surgery in patients undergoing revisional bariatric surgery (RBS). According to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was performed: (("sleeve"AND "gastr*")OR "bariatric"OR "gastric bypass")AND("robot*"OR "DaVinci"OR "Da Vinci")AND("revision*"OR "conversion*"). In this review, six studies with 29,890 patients were included (2459 in the robotic group). No difference in postoperative complications (RR 1.070, 95%CI 0.930-1.231, p = 0.950), conversions to open surgery (RR 1.339, 95%CI 0.736-2.438, p = 0.339), length of stay (SMD - 0.041, 95%CI - 0.420-0.337, p = 0.831) or operative time (RR 0.219, 95%CI - 0.539-0.977, p = 0.571) was found. This systematic review and meta-analysis showed no significant advantage of robotic-assisted RBS; on the other hand, it showed a non-inferior efficacy compared to standard laparoscopy.

Suture and Fixation of the Transversalis Fascia during Robotic-Assisted Transabdominal Preperitoneal Hernia Repair to Prevent Seroma Formation after Direct Inguinal Hernia Repair.

Background. Seroma formation after videoendoscopic repair of inguinal hernias, known as "pseudorecurrence", may vary from an asymptomatic, self-limiting occurrence to a painful, chronic problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of postoperative seroma in robotic-assisted transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (R-TAPP), modified by suturing and fixating the transversalis fascia to the Cooper ligament. Methods. The study was approved by the local ethics committee (2019-01132 CE-3495). Patients undergoing R-TAPP for direct inguinal hernia from October 2017 to December 2019 were included. In all patients, a barbed running suture of the transversalis fascia was performed to close the cavity resulting from the direct hernia reduction and to fix it to the Cooper ligament, then a lightweight mesh was placed. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analysed. Results. Over the study period, 67 R-TAPP in 51 patients were identified. All patients were male, with a mean age of 63.1 ± 12.7 years. There was 1 case of conversion to open surgery due to adhesions of the caecum to the groin as a result of perforated appendicitis. The mean length of the hospital stay was 1.8 ± .6 days. After discharge, no cases of seroma or recurrence at 30 days nor chronic pain at a mean follow-up of 10.3 ± 6.8 months was detected. Conclusions. In the treatment of direct inguinal hernia with R-TAPP, suturing and anchoring the transversalis fascia to the Cooper ligament are safe, feasible and recommendable in order to prevent postoperative seromas.

Customized bariatric stents for sleeve gastrectomy leak: are they superior to conventional esophageal stents? A systematic review and proportion meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, there has been a burgeoning interest in the utilization of customized bariatric stents (CBS) for management of sleeve gastrectomy leak (SGL). We aimed to conduct a proportion meta-analysis to evaluate the cumulative efficacy and safety of these new stents and to compare them with the conventional esophageal stents (CES). METHODS: A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases was conducted through May 1, 2020. Primary outcomes were technical and clinical success and post-procedure adverse events of CBS and CES. Secondary outcomes were number of stents and endoscopic sessions per patient, and time to leak closure. A proportion meta-analysis was performed on outcomes using a random-effects model, and the weighted pooled rates (WPRs) or mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: The WPR with 95% CI of technical success, clinical success, and stent migration for CBS were 99% (93-100%) I2 = 34%, 82% (69-93%) I2 = 58%, and 32% (17-49%), I2 = 69%, respectively. For CES, the WPR (95% CI) for technical success, clinical success, and stent migration were 100% (97-100%) I2 = 19%, 93% (85-98%) I2 = 30%, and 15% (7-25%), I2 = 41%, respectively. Adverse events other than migration were very low with both types of stents. On proportionate difference, CBS had lower clinical success (11%) and higher migration rate (17%) in comparison to CES. In successfully treated patients, CBS was associated with lower mean number of stents and endoscopic sessions, and shorter time to leak closure compared to CES. The overall quality of evidence was very low. CONCLUSIONS: In treatment of SGL, there is very low level evidence that CES are superior to CBS in terms of clinical success and migration rate, though may require more stent insertions and endoscopic procedures. The evidence however remains very uncertain. Perhaps relevant to some types of stents, CBS are promising; however design modification is strongly recommended to improve outcomes.

Three-dimensional laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with totally hand-sewn anastomoses for morbid obesity. A single center experience.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of three-dimensional (3D) vision use on operative time (OT) in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) with hand-sewn anastomoses. METHODS: We analyzed a prospectively collected database of patients who underwent LRYGB. We included all patients operated on with either 2D or 3D vision. Demographics and clinical characteristics, operative time, hospital stay and 30-day postoperative complications were collected for all patients and analyzed. RESULTS: During the study time, out of 143 patients who underwent LRYGB for morbid obesity, 111 were considered eligible. Seventy-eight patients were operated with 2D vision and 33 patients with 3D vision. Demographics and clinical characteristics were not different among groups. Mean OT was 203±51 and 167±32 minutes in the 2D and 3D groups respectively (p<0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that increasing age and BMI were independently related to prolonged OT, while 3D vision (OR 6.675, 95% CI 2.380-24.752, p<0.001) was strongly associated with shorter OT. CONCLUSIONS: The use of 3D vision in LRYGB significantly reduced the OT, though intra- and postoperative complication rates and the length of hospital stay were not affected. Despite its limitations, our study supports the value of 3D vision laparoscopy in bariatric surgery.

Decreasing complication rates for one-stage conversion band to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) revision surgery is often necessary because of its high failure rate. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that better patient selection, when converting a failed LAGB to a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a one-stage revision procedure, is safe, feasible and improves the complication rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent a one-stage conversion of failed gastric banding to a LSG. Collected data included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), intraoperative complications, length of stay and post-operative complications. The results were compared to a previous study of 90 cases of LSG as a revision procedure for failed LAGB. RESULTS: There were 75 patients in the current study, 61 women and 14 men, aged 25-67 (average: 46), with a mean BMI of 45 kg/m2 (32-66). Seventy patients (93.3%) were operated for insufficient weight loss and 5 patients (6.7%) for intolerance to the band. In our previous study, 35 patients (39%) were operated for slippage, erosion or obstruction and 14 (15.6%) had post-operative complications as opposed to only 4 patients (5.3%) in this series (P = 0.0359). Gastric leak also improved to 1.3% compared to 5.5% previously. Average hospitalisation time was 2.5 days (1-40). CONCLUSIONS: Rigorous patient selection, without band complications such as slippage, erosion or obstruction, allows for a significantly lower rate of operative complications for a one-stage conversion of failed gastric banding to a LSG.

Clinical Adverse Events after Endoscopic Resection for Colorectal Lesions: A Meta-Analysis on the Antibiotic Prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: Post-polypectomy coagulation syndrome (PECS) is a well-known adverse event after endoscopic polypectomy for colorectal lesions. To date, there are no standardized guidelines for the antimicrobial prophylaxis. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the usefulness of antibiotics in patients undergoing endoscopic mucosal or submucosal resections. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies investigating the role of prophylactic antibiotic administration in reducing the PECS after endoscopic polypectomy were considered. The terms used to search were ("antimicrobial"OR"antibiotics"OR"prophylaxis"OR"prophylactic") AND ("resection"OR"polypectomy"OR"dissection") AND ("endoscopic"OR"mucosal"OR"submucosal") AND ("colon"OR"colorectal"OR"colonic"OR"rectum"). Data of included studies were collected and analysed. RESULTS: The literature search revealed 262 articles, 3 of whom were randomized trials and one was a retrospective study. Patients included were 850 (548 treated with antibiotics and 302 received no treatment). The overall incidence rate was 2.4 and 19.9% in treatment and control groups, respectively. The pooled analysis showed a reduction of 83% of postoperative events in the antibiotics group (relative risk 0.181; 95% CI 0.100-0.326, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In our meta-analysis, the antibiotic prophylaxis showed a positive effect in reducing the incidence of postoperative adverse events other than perforation and bleeding in patients treated with endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal lesions. Despite the low-level of evidence of this meta-analysis, the antibiotic prophylaxis should be taken into account. Further multicenter, large-sample, randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm our results and to evaluate whether specific subgroups of patients could actually benefit from an antibiotic prophylaxis.

Three-dimensional laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with totally hand-sewn anastomoses for morbid obesity. A single center experience

Abstract Purpose To assess the impact of three-dimensional (3D) vision use on operative time (OT) in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) with hand-sewn anastomoses. Methods We analyzed a prospectively collected database of patients who underwent LRYGB. We included all patients operated on with either 2D or 3D vision. Demographics and clinical characteristics, operative time, hospital stay and 30-day postoperative complications were collected for all patients and analyzed. Results During the study time, out of 143 patients who underwent LRYGB for morbid obesity, 111 were considered eligible. Seventy-eight patients were operated with 2D vision and 33 patients with 3D vision. Demographics and clinical characteristics were not different among groups. Mean OT was 203±51 and 167±32 minutes in the 2D and 3D groups respectively (p<0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that increasing age and BMI were independently related to prolonged OT, while 3D vision (OR 6.675, 95% CI 2.380-24.752, p<0.001) was strongly associated with shorter OT. Conclusions The use of 3D vision in LRYGB significantly reduced the OT, though intra- and postoperative complication rates and the length of hospital stay were not affected. Despite its limitations, our study supports the value of 3D vision laparoscopy in bariatric surgery.

Differential impedance spectra analysis reveals optimal actuation frequency in bulk mode acoustophoresis.

This work reports a method to select the optimal working frequency in transversal bulk resonator acoustophoretic devices by electrical impedance measurements. The impedance spectra of acoustophoretic devices are rich in spurious resonance peaks originating from different resonance modes in the system not directly related to the channel resonance, why direct measurement of the piezoelectric transducer impedance spectra is not a viable strategy. This work presents, for the first time, that the resonance modes of microchip integrated acoustophoresis channels can be identified by sequentially measuring the impedance spectra of the acoustophoretic device when the channel is filled with two different fluids and subsequently calculate the Normalized Differential Spectrum (NDS). Seven transversal bulk resonator acoustophoretic devices of different materials and designs were tested with successful results. The developed method enables a rapid, reproducible and precise determination of the optimal working frequency.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Radiological Guide to Common Postsurgical Failure.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most common bariatric procedures worldwide. It has recently gained in popularity because of a low complication rate, satisfactory resolution of comorbidities, and excellent weight loss outcome. This article reviews the surgical technique, expected postsurgical imaging appearance, and imaging findings of common complications after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Understanding of the surgical technique of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and of the normal postsurgical anatomy allows accurate interpretation of imaging findings in cases of insufficient weight loss, weight regain, and postsurgical complications.

Laparoscopic revision of Billroth II with Braun anastomosis into Roux-en-Y anatomy in a patient with intestinal malrotation.

INTRODUCTION: Various reconstructions of the gastro-intestinal tract have been described in the past after distal gastrectomy. Among these, a Billroth II (BII) anastomosis can be performed with the addition of the Omega entero-enterostomy that may theoretically reduce the alkaline reflux. Given the significant complications associated with this procedure such as biliary reflux, marginal ulceration, and afferent loop syndrome, a revision into a Roux-en-Y anatomy is generally recommended. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A 73-year-old healthy male was referred to our foregut surgery service for treatment of severe biliary gastritis. The patient previously underwent an open distal gastrectomy with a BII reconstruction followed by a Braun-type entero-enterostomy 6 months later. His main complaint was worsening daily biliary reflux with constant regurgitations, which were non-responsive to medical treatment. The preoperative endoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of severe biliary gastritis secondary to alkaline reflux. The distance between the gastro-jejunostomy and the Braun anastomosis was also measured with a pediatric colonoscope and the length of the efferent limb was estimated to be 80 cm. RESULTS: Identification of the afferent and efferent limb was complicated by the patient's incomplete intestinal malrotation with the angle of Treitz being present in the right hypochondrium. Intra-operative gastroscopy enabled visualization of the jejuno-jejunostomy and ensured correct interpretation of the anatomy. Subsequently, resection of the afferent limb completed the revision into a Roux-en-Y anatomy. The patient recovered well after the surgery and was discharged home on post-operative day 2. At 6 months follow-up, the patient's reflux symptoms have completely disappeared. CONCLUSION: BII reconstruction with or without Braun entero-enterostomy is a classic historical option following distal gastrectomy. Surgical revision of a BII into a Roux-en-Y anatomy is a good solution for severe biliary reflux and other long-term complications. Intra-operative endoscopy is a great adjunct to laparoscopic exploration in case of complex surgical procedures.

Endoscopic management of post-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most popular bariatric surgery worldwide. Gastric sleeve stenosis is the most common postoperative complication, occurring in up to 3.9% of the cases. Current treatment options include endoscopic treatments, such as dilatations and stent placement as well as surgical revisions such as laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), wedge gastrectomy or seromyotomy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of our prospectively collected therapeutical endoscopy database was performed between January 2014 and February 2017. We included all cases of axial deviation or stenosis post LSG, which were treated endoscopically. Patients with concomitant sleeve leaks were excluded. Endoscopic interventions were performed under general anaesthesia and fluoroscopic assistance when needed. Sequential treatment with CRE balloons, achalasia balloons (30-40 mm) and fully covered stent placement for refractory cases was performed. RESULTS: A total of 1332 LSG were performed. Overall, 27/1332 patients (2%) developed a gastric stenosis. All patients presented an axial deviation at the incisura angularis and 26% had a concomitant proximal stenosis. Successful endoscopic treatments were performed in 56% (15/27) of patients, 73% of the successful patients underwent a single dilatation procedure. All successful cases had a maximum of 3 interventions. The unsuccessful cases (44%) underwent LRYGB. Mean time between the primary surgery and the diagnosis of the stenosis was 10.3 months. Mean follow-up after the endoscopic treatment was 11.5 months. A stent migration was the only complication (3.7%) recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment appears to be effective in 56% of patients with post-LSG stenosis. Only one session of achalasia balloon dilatation is necessary in 73% of successful cases. Pneumatic balloon dilatation seems to be a safe procedure in this patient population. Surgical revision into a LRYGB offers good outcomes in patients that have failed three consecutive endoscopic treatments.