Imaging evaluation of laparoscopic greater curvature plication: preliminary observations

The purpose of this article is to assess normal imaging findings and complications after laparoscopic greater curvature plication on luminal upper gastrointestinal studies and CT.

This was a retrospective chart review of 24 adults who underwent laparoscopic greater curvature plication between 2008 and 2011. Seventeen patients (70.8%) underwent postoperative luminal upper gastrointestinal studies, and four (16.7%) underwent postoperative CT. Normal imaging features and complications were recorded. The percentage of intraluminal gastric diameter occupied by the plicated segment and the percentage of greater curvature involved on postoperative upper gastrointestinal luminal studies were determined.

A multilobular intraluminal filling defect reflecting the surgical plication occupied the proximal third of the greater curvature in 16 of 17 patients (94%), extending to the mid portion in 10 of 17 patients (59%) and to the distal third in one of 17 patients (6%). There was luminal narrowing of 50-75% in 14 of 17 patients (82%) and narrowing of 25-50% in two patients (12%). In 14 of 17 patients (82%), the plication involved 50-75% of the greater curvature length and 25-50% in the remaining three patients (18%). In four patients who underwent CT, a central low-attenuation stripe accompanied the plication. Five of 24 patients (21%) had complications, including extraluminal gastric leak (n = 1), gastric outlet obstruction (n = 2), and plication suture failure (n = 2).

Laparoscopic greater curvature plication is seen as multilobular filling defects most commonly along the proximal greater curvature with 50-75% narrowing of the gastric lumen. A linear low-attenuation stripe accompanies the filling defect on CT.