Randomized controlled trial of monopolar cautery versus clips for staple line bleeding control in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Background Bleeding from the staple line is a rare but serious problem following bariatric surgery. Staple line bleeding control (SLBC) can be achieved in different ways such as the application of sutures, clips, glue or buttressing materials over the staple line. Cauterization alone is generally not preferred due to concerns about debilitating the staple line. Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the clip and monopolar cauterization methods for SLBC in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Setting University hospital. Methods A total of 70 morbidly obese patients were randomized into two groups. Patients with previous upper gastrointestinal surgery, re-do procedures and open surgeries were excluded. Their demographic characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were examined. Results A total of 489 SLBC interventions (274 clips and 215 cauterizations) were performed after 280 stapling applications. SLBC intervention number and location, additional trocar requirement, blood loss and operation time were not different between the groups. In the clip group, two patients required monopolar cauterization when clipping failed. No intraabdominal bleeding or gastrointestinal leakage was seen in any group. Postoperative gastrointestinal hemorrhage was seen in three patients, two in the clip group and one in the cautery group. There was no difference between the groups in terms of postoperative pain score, abdominal drainage amount, hemoglobin level alteration, morbidity or length of stay. Conclusions In laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, monopolar cauterization for SLBC can be used instead of clipping. It appears that monopolar cautery is a safe and effective approach for SLBC in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.