Use of Endoscopic Stents to Treat Anastomotic Complications after Bariatric Surgery

Migration of endoluminal gastroesophageal stents: A case series

“…Endoluminal stenting has proven to be an effective mode of treatment for esophageal and gastric leaks, perforations, structures, and fistulae [1][2][3][4]. With the growth of sleeve gastrectomy, there has been a parallel growth in delayed microperforation, the most serious and frequent complication of sleeve gastrectomy.…”

“…Gastric microperforation following bariatric surgical procedures is often treated with endoluminal esophagogastric stent placement [1][2][3][4]. Stent migration is a common occurrence, reportedly occurring in 30-50% of stent placements following sleeve gastrectomy micro leaks [2,5,6].…”

Role of Endoscopy in Laparoscopic Procedures

“…In a retrospective study that included 5 patients with anastomotic leak and one patient with chronic gastrocutaneous fistula; self-expandable plastic stent was successful in closing the leak in all 5 patients but not in the patient with the fistula [52]. In another retrospective study that included 11 patients with acute leak and 2 patients with chronic fistula as a complication of bariatric surgery, self-expandable removal stents (metal and plastic) were successful in healing the acute leak in 89% of patients and one of the two patients with chronic fistula [53]. A new endoscopic device named "over the scope clip(OSC)," which utilizes a combination of clip with grasper and large suction cap to ensure serosa to serosa closure, was recently introduced to clinical practice.…”

16 Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Management of Complications

“…Eubanks et al [ 24 ] reported a success rate of 84 %. Tan et al reported a success rate for closure of only 50 % due to stent-related complications.…”