Conservative management of leakage after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Abstract

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a common surgical procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. Severe complications may result with significant morbidity and mortality. Staple-line leakage is a rare,but important, complication. Here we present the case of a patient with staple-line leakage after LSG whowas treated conservatively. The patient was a 36-year-old female with a body mass index of 43. LSG wasperformed. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on postoperative day3. She presented with fever and back pain on postoperative day 5. An intermediate, type 2 staple-line leakwas confirmed with computed tomography (CT). The patient was treated conservatively. The patient waswell 1 year after the initial treatment and a follow-up CT confirmed complete resolution. Leakage and relatedmorbidity and mortality after LSG may be a challenge for the patient and the surgeon. Early diagnosis andaggressive treatment is essential to overcome potential serious consequences. In some selected patients, aconservative approach with close observation may help to manage leakage after LSG.