Improving Hemostasis in Sleeve Gastrectomy With Alternative Stapler

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Staple line bleeding is a common complication in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
• This bleeding can necessitate interventions that compromise staple line integrity.
• Improved stapler technology is needed to reduce bleeding and enhance patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of the AEON™ Endostapler versus the Echelon Flex™ Powered Stapler in controlling staple line bleeding during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
• To evaluate the impact of stapler choice on intra-operative bleeding and the need for additional hemostatic measures.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 60 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy procedures.
• Thirty procedures utilized the AEON™ Endostapler (THICK MODE), and 30 used the Echelon Flex™ Powered Stapler (pulse technique).
• Intra-operative staple line bleeding was quantitatively assessed using a blinded evaluator's "bleeding score" based on laparoscopic imaging.

Main Results:

• The AEON™ Endostapler group showed a significantly lower mean "bleeding score" (2.1) compared to the Echelon Flex™ group (2.6) (p = 0.01).
• 50% of AEON™ cases had no fundic bleeding, versus 23% for Echelon Flex™.
• Profuse bleeding occurred in 0% of AEON™ cases, compared to 7% in the Echelon Flex™ group.

Conclusions:

• The AEON™ Endostapler provides a significantly drier staple line than the Echelon Flex™ Powered Stapler.
• This improved hemostasis may reduce the need for supplementary bleeding control techniques.
• AEON™ Endostapler represents a promising advancement for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy outcomes.