Development of an animal model to investigate optimal laparoscopic trocar site fascial closure.

BACKGROUND: The rate of hernia formation after closure of 10-12 mm laparoscopic trocar sites is grossly under-reported. Using an animal model, we have developed a method to assess trocar site fascial dehiscence and the strength of different methods of fascial closure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pigs (n = 9; 17 ± 2.5 lbs) underwent placement of 12 mm Hasson trocars with pneumoperitoneum maintained for 1 h. Three closure techniques (Figure-of-eight; simple interrupted; pulley) were compared with no fascial closure and to native fascia at five randomly allocated abdominal wall midline locations. Necropsy was performed on the fourth postoperative d. Statistical comparisons of tensile strength and breaking strength based on closure type and trocar location were made using ANOVA with Tukey's tests. RESULTS: The mean (SD) force (Newtons) required for fascial disruption varied significantly with closure type [Native Fascia 170 (39), Figure-of-eight 169 (31), Pulley 167 (59), Simple Interrupted 151 (27), No Closure 108 (28)]; P = 0.007. The mean force required for fascial disruption was significantly increased for Native Fascia, Figure-of-eight, and Pulley relative to No Closure (P = 0.013, P = 0.015, P = 0.023, respectively). The mean (SD) force (in Newtons) required for fascial disruption also varied significantly with location of trocar [subxiphoid 181 (43), supraumbilical 151 (23), Umbilical 146 (23), infraumbilical 168 (62), suprapubic 120 (38)]; P = 0.03. The mean force for subxiphoid location was significantly increased relative to the suprapubic location (P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a novel assessment model that reliably detects differences in fascial integrity after laparoscopic trocar placement and closure. This model will allow for further testing of various trocars and closure techniques, and facilitate hernia prevention strategies.

Management options for symptomatic stenosis after laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy in the morbidly obese.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the incidence, etiology, and management options for symptomatic stenosis (SS) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). METHODS: A retrospective study reviewed morbidly obese patients who underwent LSG between October 2008 and December 2010 to identify patients treated for SS. RESULTS: In this study, 230 patients (83% female) with a mean age of 49.5 years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 43 kg/m(2) underwent LSG. In 3.5% of these patients (100% female; mean age, 42 years; mean BMI, 42.6 kg/m(2)), SS developed. The LSG procedure was performed using a 36-Fr. bougie and tissue-reinforced staplers. Four patients had segmental staple-line imbrication, and seven patients underwent contrast study, with 71.4% demonstrating a fixed narrowing. Endoscopy confirmed short-segment stenoses: seven located at mid-body and one located near the gastroesophageal junction. Endoscopic management was 100% successful. The mean number of dilations was 1.6, and the median balloon size was 15 mm. The mean time from surgery to initial endoscopic intervention was 48.8 days, and the mean time from the first dilation to toleration of a solid diet was 49.6 days. Two patients were referred to our institution after undergoing LSG at another facility. The mean time to the transfer was 28.5 days. The two patients had a mean age of 35 years and a mean BMI of 42.3 kg/m(2). Both patients experienced immediate SS after perioperative complications comprising one staple-line hematoma and one leak. Contrast studies demonstrated minimal passage of contrast through a long-segment stenosis. Both patients underwent multiple endoscopic dilation procedures and endoluminal stenting, ultimately requiring laparoscopic conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The mean time from the initial surgery to the surgical revision was 77 days, and the mean time after the first intervention to tolerance of a solid diet was 82 days. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic short-segment stenoses after LSG may be treated successfully with endoscopic balloon dilation. Long-segment stenoses that do not respond to endoscopic techniques may ultimately require conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.