Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, 529 cases without a leak: short-term results and technical considerations

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is gaining acceptance among bariatric surgeons as a viable option for treating morbidly obese patients. We describe results of a single surgeon's experience with LSG in a community practice revealing a low complication rate and describing the surgical technique.

LSG was performed in 529 consecutive patients from December 2006 to March 2010. A technique is described where all operations were performed with attention to avoiding strictures at the incisura angularis and stapling close to the esophagus at the angle of His. No operations performed used buttressing material or over-sewing of the staple line. A retrospective chart review and e-mail survey was conducted to determine the occurrence of complications and weight loss.

Follow-up data was collected on 490 of the 529 (92.6%) patients at 6 weeks. A total complication rate of 3.2% and a 1.7% 30-day readmission rate were observed. No leaks occurred in any of the 529 patients, and one death (0.19%) was observed. The most common complications were nausea and vomiting with dehydration and venous thrombosis. The percentages of excess weight loss were 42.36, 65.92, 66.11, and 64.42 with a follow-up of 71%, 68%, 63%, and 49% at 6 months, 1 year, 2, and 3 years, respectively.

The LSG can be performed in a community practice with a low complication rate. Surgeons performing LSG should strive to minimize the risk of creating strictures at the incisura angularis and stapling near the esophagus at the angle of His.