Total Gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y Limb Reconstruction for Complex and Chronic Fistulas After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Single-Center Experience

Purpose: When a leak after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) becomes a chronic fistula, the best surgical treatment remains controversial. The aim of study was to review our experience concerning the treatment of chronic and complex fistulas after LSG.

Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with a gastric fistula following LSG who were treated at our center between January 2013 and December 2018 was performed. All patients included underwent a total gastrectomy with a Roux-en-Y reconstruction (TG) for LSG chronic fistula.

Results: During the period considered, 13 patients had a chronic fistula and were treated with open TG. The primary leak evolved to a gastro-cutaneos fistula in three patients (23%), to a gastro-splenic fistula in two patients (15.4%), to a gastro-pleural fistula in four patients (30.8%), and to a gastro-bronchial fistula in four patients (30.8%). During TG, a splenectomy and a spleno-pancreatectomy were needed in the two cases of gastro-splenic fistula. Five patients (38.5%) developed an early complication. Two patients developed an esophago-jejunal anastomotic leak treated with a conservative approach (15.4%). No patients needed hospitalization in the intensive care unit. Overall mean length of stay was 19 days (8-30 days). Mean BMI before LSG was 36 (± 5 kg/m²), mean BMI before TG was 30.3 (± 5.2 kg/m²), and mean BMI 2 years after TG was 23.5 (± 2.9 kg/m²).

Conclusion: When a more conservative and less mutilating surgical option is not possible, open TG with esophago-jejunostomy remains a valuable salvage procedure in the case of complex and extensive fistulas after LSG.