A 4-tier Protocolized Radiological Classification System for Leaks Following Sleeve Gastrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a classification of sleeve gastrectomy leaks able to reliably predict outcomes, from protocolized computed tomography (CT) findings and readily available variables. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Leaks post sleeve gastrectomy remain morbid and resource-consuming. Incidence, treatments, and outcomes are variable, representing heterogeneity of the problem. A predictive tool available at presentation would aid management and predict outcomes. METHODS: From a prospective database (2009-2018) we reviewed patients with staple line leaks. A Delphi process was undertaken on candidate variables (80-20). Correlations were performed to stratify 4 groupings based on outcomes (salvage resection, length of stay, and complications) and predictor variables. Training and validation cohorts were established by block randomization. RESULTS: A 4-tiered classification was developed based on CT appearance and duration postsurgery. Interobserver agreement was high (κ = 0.85, P < 0.001). There were 59 patients, (training: 30, validation: 29). Age 42.5 ± 10.8 versus 38.9 ± 10.0 years (P = 0.187); female 65.5% versus 80.0% (P = 0.211), weight 127.4 ± 31.3 versus 141.0 ± 47.9 kg, (P = 0.203). In the training group, there was a trend toward longer hospital stays as grading increased (I = 10.5 d; II = 24 d; III = 66.5 d; IV = 72 d; P = 0.005). Risk of salvage resection increased (risk ratio grade 4 = 9; P = 0.043) as did complication severity (P = 0.027).Findings were reproduced in the validation group: risk of salvage resection (P = 0.007), hospital stay (P = 0.001), complications (P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: We have developed and validated a classification system, based on protocolized CT imaging that predicts a step-wise increased risk of salvage resection, complication severity, and increased hospital stay. The system should aid patient management and facilitate comparisons of outcomes and efficacy of interventions.

Mischievous gastric band port: a rare and delayed presentation.

Bowel perforation is a rare and unusual complication of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) insertion, which if left undiagnosed can have potentially fatal consequences. We present the first case ever published of a delayed presentation of small-bowel perforation secondary to a laparoscopic port insertion. A young woman presented to Emergency Department with intermittent vague abdominal pain for 5 months, on the background of having a LAGB inserted 4 years prior. She was subsequently found to have a small-bowel perforation with mesenteric adhesions to a laparoscopic port site. The patient underwent a successful small-bowel resection with primary anastomosis and made an uneventful recovery.

Indications and efficacy of endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure therapy for upper gastrointestinal perforations.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure (EndoVAC) therapy is a recent innovation described for use in upper gastrointestinal perforations and leaks, with reported success of 80-90%. It provides sepsis control and collapses the cavity preventing stasis, encouraging healing of the defect. Whilst promising, initial reports of this new technique have not established clear indications, feasibility and optimal technique. METHODS: We analysed all patients who underwent EndoVAC therapy between 2014 and 2016. The technique involved a standard gastroscope, nasogastric tube and vacuum-assisted closure dressing kit, with endoscopic placement of the polyurethane sponge. Data were collected on indication, technique, sepsis control, outcomes and drainage volumes. RESULTS: Ten patients were treated. Average age was 56.7 ± 12.3 years. There were three mortalities. EndoVAC placement was feasible in nine patients and successful healing was observed in six patients. Failure was more likely in the cases of large (>8 cm), chronic or complex cavities. A three-phase response was seen in successful cases, with initial reduction in external drainage (average: 143-17 mL/day within 1 week), followed by a progressive reduction in inflammatory markers (2 weeks) and finally a healing phase with reduction in cavity size (3 weeks). CONCLUSION: EndoVAC therapy is a potentially useful adjunct to conventional treatments of a subset of upper gastrointestinal leaks and perforations when there is a contained cavity <8 cm. It appears less effective in an uncontained perforation or chronically established tract. It has clear advantages of being easily applied with readily available equipment and disposables.

Outcomes of high-volume bariatric surgery in the public system.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery has not been widely used in the Australian public health system. As obesity is strongly associated with socio-economic status, excluding its use from the public system will deny many of the most in-need access to a potentially very effective treatment. Alternatively, with rigorous follow-up and behavioural change requirements, highly successful outcomes in the private system may not translate to the public system. METHODS: The Alfred Hospital rapidly expanded bariatric surgery from 2007. A 6-year prospective follow-up study was conducted with annual review of weight, co-morbidities, retention in follow-up, serum HbA1c, quality of life and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: There were 1453 patients. Procedures were predominantly laparoscopic-adjustable gastric bands (n = 861). Patient details were age 49 ± 11 years, body mass index 50.7 ± 11.2 kg/m(2) and weight 139.0 ± 30.2 kg. There was no mortality, and mean length of stay was 1.1 ± 1.2 days. Follow-up was 98% (1 year) and 85% (6 years). Weight loss was 22 ± 13.1 kg (32.8 ± 18% excess weight loss) at 1 and 30.1 ± 16.8 kg (60 ± 28%) at 6 years. The mean number of co-morbidities was 4.2 ± 1.1 with significant improvements observed. Patient satisfaction was 7.7 ± 2.3 out of 10. Mental and physical summary scores (SF-36) improved from 41.02 ± 13.17 to 45.50 ± 13.27 (P < 0.001) and 33.97 ± 10.53 to 44.79 ± 11.19 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients were older, heavier and suffered more co-morbid disease than previously reported cohorts. For the first time, excellent outcomes across a range of key quality domains in a large patient cohort have been reported in the public system. High-volume bariatric surgery in the public system is viable.