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Background: Over 100,000 sleeve gastrectomy procedures are performed annually in the USA. Despite technological advances, postoperative bleeding and gastric staple line leak are complications of this procedure. We analyzed patient-specific and perioperative factors to determine their association with these complications. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy between 2005 and 2019 at our institution. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and procedure details including type of energy device, staple type, staple height, staple line oversewing, and staple line clipping were compared using multiple logistic regression for combined postoperative complications (blood transfusion, bleeding, and staple line leak). Postoperative bleeding was defined by requiring blood transfusion and/or re-operation to control bleeding. Staple line leak was confirmed radiographically. Results: There were 1213 patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy. Fifty-two high-risk patients were excluded due to cirrhosis, end-stage renal disease, and anticoagulation use for left ventricular assist device. Of the remaining 1161 patients, twenty-five (2.2%) received postoperative blood transfusion, nine (0.8%) had postoperative bleeding, two (0.2%) had staple line leak, and twenty-eight patients (2.4%) had combined postoperative complications. The median age was significantly higher for patients with combined postoperative complications (43 vs 49; p= 0.02). There was no difference in postoperative blood transfusion, bleeding, staple line leak, or combined postoperative complication with different energy devices (p= 0.92), staple types (p= 0.21), staple heights (p= 0.50), or staple line suturing/clipping (p= 0.95). In addition, there was no difference in bleeding when comparing staple line sewing techniques (p= 0.44). Predictably, patients with combined postoperative complications had increased length of stay (3 days vs 1 day; p< 0.001). Conclusion: Sleeve gastrectomy procedure has tremendous variability in technique and devices used. We observed no difference in the combined postoperative complications of bleeding or staple line leak with respect to different energy devices, staple height, or oversewing of the gastric staple line. Patient selection is crucial, as patient age and coagulopathic comorbidities were found to lead to higher combined postoperative complications.

Primary laparoscopic hiatal repair with fundoplication is associated with a high recurrence rate. We wanted to evaluate the potential risks posed by routine use of onlay-mesh during hiatal closure, when compared to primary repair. Utilizing single-institutional database, we identified patients who underwent primary laparoscopic hiatal repair from January 2005 through December 2014. Retrospective chart review was performed to determine perioperative morbidity and mortality. Long-term results were assessed by sending out a questionnaire. Results were tabulated and patients were divided into 2 groups: fundoplication with hiatal closure + absorbable or non-absorbable mesh and fundoplication with hiatal closure alone. A total of 505 patients underwent primary laparoscopic fundoplication. Mesh reinforcement was used in 270 patients (53.5%). There was no significant difference in the 30-day perioperative outcomes between the 2 groups. No clinically apparent erosions were noted and no mesh required removal. Standard questionnaire was sent to 475 patients; 174 (36.6%) patients responded with a median follow-up of 4.29 years. Once again, no difference was noted between the 2 groups in terms of dysphagia, heartburn, long-term antacid use, or patient satisfaction. Of these, 15 patients (16.9%, 15/89) in the ‘Mesh’ cohort had symptomatic recurrence as compared to 19 patients (22.4%, 19/85) in the ‘No Mesh’ cohort (p= 0.362). A reoperation was necessary in 6 patients (6.7%) in the ‘Mesh’ cohort as compared to 3 patients (3.5%) in the ‘No Mesh’ cohort (p= 0.543). Onlay-mesh use in laparoscopic hiatal repair with fundoplication is safe and has similar short and long-term results as primary repair.

Abstract: Background: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using an underlay mesh frequently requires suture fixation across the abdominal wall, which results in significant postoperative pain. This study investigates the utility of a novel mesh fixation technique to reduce the strangulation force on the abdominal wall. Methods: Multiple 2-cm2 pieces of polyester mesh (Parietex Composite, Covidien) were placed as an underlay against a porcine abdominal wall. Fixation was accomplished using either the standard 0-polyglyconate or the 0-polyglyconate barbed anchor suture designed to hold in tissue without the need to tie a knot (V-Loc 180; Covidien). Suture fixation began with a stab wound incision in the skin. A suture-passing device then was used to pass the suture across the abdominal wall and through the mesh. The suture passer was removed and reintroduced through the same stab wound incision but at a different fascial entry point 1.5 cm away. The tail of the suture was grasped and pulled up through both the mesh and the abdominal wall, creating a full-thickness U-stitch. One tail of the suture was attached to a tensiometer, and the strangulation force on the abdominal wall was measured while the suture was tied (standard) or looped (barbed). To compare pullout force, the tensiometer was attached to either the mesh or the suture, and traction was applied until material failure or suture pull through. Results are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Comparisons were performed using Student’s t-test. Results: Eight pieces of mesh were placed for each suture. The average force required to secure the barbed suture (0.59 ± 0.08 kg) was significantly less than the force needed to secure the standard suture (2.17 ± 0.58 kg) (P < 0.0001). Table 1 compares the suture pullout forces with the mesh failure forces. Although the pullout force for the standard suture is significantly greater than for the barbed suture, both sutures have a pullout strength significantly greater than the mesh failure force.Table 1 Suture fixation forces for standard and barbed sutures

Abstract: Introduction: SSL introduces ergonomic challenges while establishing the critical view during dissection of the Triangle of Calot (TOC). This study investigates the use of a novel percutaneous instrument platform and MAGS in performing SSL cholecystectomy with a technique that closely mimics four-port cholecystectomy. Methods: SSL cholecystectomy was performed on four female cadavers via a 15–18-mm incision made at the umbilicus for introduction of these devices and the working port. MAGS comprises an internal effector with a retractable monopolar cautery hook coupled across the abdominal wall to an external magnet held by the surgeon. The novel grasper was introduced percutaneously in the RUQ and comprises a 3-mm transabdominal shaft mated to a 5-mm end effector intracorporeally. Retraction was accomplished using the percutaneous grasper to manipulate the fundus and a standard 5-mm grasper at the umbilicus for the infundibulum. Dissection was performed by using a combination of the MAGS and a standard Maryland dissector. Total procedure time, time from procedure start to obtain a critical view of the TOC and clipping and dividing the cystic duct/artery, time for dissection of the gallbladder from the liver bed, and thickness of the abdominal wall at the umbilicus were measured. Results: The critical view was obtained in each case, and all four procedures were completed successfully. Mean procedure time was 40 (range, 33–51) min; time from procedure start to obtaining the critical view and clipping and dividing the cystic duct/artery was 33 (range, 28–38) min, and time for dissection of the gallbladder from the liver bed was 6.7 (range, 3–13) min. The mean abdominal wall thickness was 1.9 (range, 1.5–2) cm. Conclusions: The use of a novel graspers and MAGS overcomes the limitations of SSL cholecystectomy and improves surgeon dexterity. Making SSL feel more like traditional laparoscopy will enable a wider adoption of this procedure in the community.