Conservative management of leakage after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Abstract

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a common surgical procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. Severe complications may result with significant morbidity and mortality. Staple-line leakage is a rare, but important, complication. Here we present the case of a patient with staple-line leakage after LSG who was treated conservatively. The patient was a 36-year-old female with a body mass index of 43. LSG was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 3. She presented with fever and back pain on postoperative day 5. An intermediate, type 2 staple-line leak was confirmed with computed tomography (CT). The patient was treated conservatively. The patient was well 1 year after the initial treatment and a follow-up CT confirmed complete resolution. Leakage and related morbidity and mortality after LSG may be a challenge for the patient and the surgeon. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment is essential to overcome potential serious consequences. In some selected patients, a conservative approach with close observation may help to manage leakage after LSG.