title: Iatrogenic oesophageal transection during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
abstract: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has been hailed as an easy and safe procedure when compared with other bariatric operations. However, it may be associated with well-recognised early complications such as leaks and bleeding, as well as late ones such as stenosis and weight regain. Iatrogenic complete oesophageal transection has never been reported before as a complication. We report a case of complete oesophageal transection during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy that was not recognised intraoperatively. The repair of this iatrogenic injury was staged, with the final stage carried out some 3 months after the initial procedure. This case report highlights the possible occurrence of complete oesophageal transection during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and suggests steps to avoid and correct such complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Abdul-Wahed Nasir
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Meshikhes
authors.forename: Osama Habib
authors.initials: OH
authors.lastname: Al-Saif
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004947:Esophagus / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005743:Gastrectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*