title: Technique or technology? Evaluating leaks after gastric bypass.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the relationship between technique and surgical devices on anastomotic and staple-line leaks after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Leaks after bariatric surgery remain a major source of morbidity and mortality. The association of surgical technique and devices with leaks after gastric bypass is poorly understood.
  
  
  METHODS
  Multi-centered study that included teaching and non-teaching hospitals that participate in a statewide consortium for quality improvement using a payer-funded outcome registry.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analyzed data from the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative and performed a case-control study comparing patients who sustained a leak with those who did not after primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. A total of 71 (.44%) patients with leaks were identified between January 2007 and December 2011. The leak group was matched 1:2 to a control group (nonleak) based on procedure type, age, body mass index, sex, and the year in which the procedure was performed. Technique-specific case characteristics and device-specific factors were assessed by reviewing operative notes from all primary bariatric procedures in our study population.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The rate of leak decreased during the study period, and there was a significant downward trend (slope estimate: -.19961%, P = .0372). After performing multivariate analysis, the type of anastomosis (circular stapler, hand-sewn, or linear stapler) and stapler manufacturer were not associated with leaks. The use of buttressing material was associated with a higher rate of leaks (odds ratio: 8.79 [95% confidence interval: 2.49-31.01], P = .0007), whereas the use of fibrin sealant was associated with a lower rate of leaks (odds ratio .11 [95% confidence interval: .03-.41], P = .0013). These findings could not be explained by differences in measures of surgeon performance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Leak rates after laparoscopic gastric bypass have fallen in Michigan despite variations in technique and device utilization. Although the type of anastomosis and stapler manufacturer do not appear to be significantly associated with leaks, it appears that the use of buttressing material was more common in cases in which leaks occurred, whereas the use of fibrin sealant was not. Given the complex interplay of multiple variables that affect surgical outcomes, future studies justifying the benefits of operative devices should be evaluated prospectively in the context of surgeon technique and skill.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Electronic address: ovarban@med.umich.edu.
authors.forename: Oliver A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Varban
authors.affiliation: Center of Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
authors.forename: Ruth B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Cassidy
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
authors.forename: Kyle H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Sheetz
authors.affiliation: Center of Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cain-Nielsen
authors.affiliation: Wayne State University and Department of Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan.
authors.forename: Arthur M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Carlin
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Spectrum Health Medical Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
authors.forename: Jon L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Schram
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Huron Valley Sinai Hospital, Commerce Charter Township, Michigan.
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Weiner
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Oakwood Hospital, Dearborn, Michigan.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bacal
authors.affiliation: Center of Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stricklen
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
authors.forename: Jonathan F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Finks
mesh_terms: D057868:Anastomotic Leak / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013537:Sutures; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Bariatric surgery; Buttressing reinforcement; Complications; Fibrin sealant; Outcomes