title: Treatment of gastro-jejunal leakage and fistulization after gastric bypass with coated self-expanding stents.
abstract: Leakage and fistulization of the gastro-jejunostomy have been the major drawback of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) surgery. Most authors agree that operative treatment is the mainstay of therapy in patients with signs of sepsis. However, intestinal contents causing localized infection may impede healing of sutured leaks in some patients, and fistulas develop. Because the anastomosis cannot be disconnected or exteriorized for anatomical reasons, other forms of treatment have to be applied. The following case-reports describe a technique with implantation of coated self-expanding stents. Leakage of the gastro-jejunostomy occurred in one patient 3 days after RYGBP and resulted in formation of a fistula. A fistula developed in a second patient 63 days after RYGBP. Coated self-extending stents were implanted endoscopically in both patients on postoperative days 19 and 67. Enteral nutrition could be started 6 days later. Stents were removed 2 months after implantation without problems. Weight loss and quality of life 7 and 21 months after stent removal have been excellent in both patients. Implantation of coated self-expanding stents was an effective and minimally invasive option for gastro-jejunal anastomotic fistulas after RYGBP where surgical repair was not possible. In these cases, application of stents allows septic source control without any other intervention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Rudolfstiftung Hospital, Vienna, Austria. Stefan.Kriwanek@wienkav.at
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kriwanek
authors.forename: Nada
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ott
authors.forename: Sirwan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ali-Abdullah
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pulgram
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tscherney
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Reiter
authors.forename: Rudolf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Roka
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005747:Gastric Fistula / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome