Stricture Rate after Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass with a 21-mm Circular Stapler versus a 25-mm Linear Stapler

Background: Obesity is estimated to affect more than one and a half billion adults. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) has become one of the preferred weight loss procedures. However, complications can occur. Strictures at the gastrojejunal anastomosis lead to clinical symptoms such as vomiting, dysphagia, and patient discomfort. The stricture rate has been correlated with the size and type of stapler used. Methods: A retrospective review of the clinical records of patients who underwent LRYGB was performed between 2003 and 2010. A comparison was made between a 21-mm circular stapler technique and a 25-mm linear stapler technique. Results: The stricture rate for the 21-mm circular stapler group was 7.12% and comparable to the national average. Using the 25-mm linear stapler, this complication rate significantly decreased to 1.09% (p<0.0004; odds ratio 6.5; [95% confidence interval 1.96-33.83]). Conclusions: Stricture after LRYGB is a serious complication. This study found that with a change in technique, this complication can be decreased considerably.