Abstract
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is currently one of the most common obesity procedures performed worldwide. Initially described as the first component of more complex procedures, it is now accepted as a stand-alone intervention. Although theoretically a simple procedure, it can be followed by life-threatening complications. Prevention and management of these complications require the adoption of a standardized perioperative protocol and timely interpretation of abnormal postoperative findings. Deviation from the normal postoperative clinical course or abnormal blood tests (elevation of inflammatory parameters or a drop in hemoglobin) should raise the suspicion of complications. An integrated teamwork approach is necessary to interpret abnormal signs, blood or radiology results and to instigate prompt management. Diagnostic laparoscopy yields highly specific results.
Postoperative complications can present either early or late. Early complications include staple line leakage and bleeding. Endoscopic stenting and/or surgical revision are usually required to manage leakage. Haemodynamic instability secondary to staple line bleeding necessitates surgical revision. Late postoperative complications include leakage (which may present as free intra-peritoneal leakage, abscess formation or development of fistula), sleeve stenosis (which may be associated with other complications including leakage) or perigastric hematoma. Late leakage may respond to endoscopic stenting, drainage or conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Stenosis can be managed with dilatation and/or conversion to RYGB. Malnutrition after LSG is another serious complication.
This chapter will analyze early and late post-LSG complications, highlighting our standardized perioperative protocol to prevent, diagnose and manage complications in a timely manner. Relevant algorithms are also discussed.
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Weiner, R.A., El-Sayes, I.A., Weiner, S.R. (2016). LSG: Complications—Diagnosis and Management. In: Agrawal, S. (eds) Obesity, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-04343-2_27
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-04343-2_27
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