Post-operative CT imaging of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: our initial experience

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a restrictive type of bariatric surgery. It is safe and effective with its many advantages like relative simplicity of the procedure, lack of malabsorption component and anastomoses and retaining the anatomical gastrointestinal continuity. Obesity, a chronic disease, with the significant rise of its comorbidities and mortality is attributing to the major financial and health burden globally. Methods: We conducted a prospective study of over 43 patients (male 32, female 11) over 5 years period i.e., from 2012 to 2017. These patients were assessed with contrast enhanced computerized tomography (CECT) for detection of post-operative complications.Results: The patients with the body mass index (BMI) >40 kg/m2 and or with a BMI >35 and <40 kg/m2 but with significant weight related comorbidities underwent Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Both intravenous (IV) and oral contrasts are used accordingly. With increasing number of surgeries and with associated co-morbidities complications following LSG are increasing, necessitating the need for a good understanding of clinical symptoms and post-operative complications of LSG. Post-operative imaging plays a crucial role in the early detection of complications resulting in reduced mortality rate.Conclusions: We suggest multidetector computed tomography (CT) with oral and IV contrast as an excellent tool for the patients having a nonspecific abdominal symptom post LSG.