Role of Primary Use of Mega Stents Alone and Combined with Other Endoscopic Procedures for Early Leak and Stenosis After Bariatric Surgery, Single-Institution Experience

Purpose Surgical therapy for post-bariatric surgery complications is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic options like primarily endoscopically placed fully covered self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) offer significant benefits for the management of leaks and obstructions or stenosis, and even in case of mega stent failure, further endoscopic techniques could resolve the situation. Materials and Methods We conducted a single-centre retrospective study on patients with leakage and stenosis/obstruction after bariatric surgery who were managed primarily by SEMS between January 2015 and January 2019. Clinical success rate was evaluated in terms of the cure of the reason for stenting, the need for other interventions, and the presentation of stent-related complications. Results There were 58 patients included, (50 with leak, 8 with stenosis/obstruction following bariatric surgery). Mean time to stent placement was 6.82 (+/- 1.64) days for the leak group and 35 (+/- 21.13) days for the stenosis group (p = 0.019). Successful outcomes with SEMS alone were achieved in 42 (72.41%) patients, while 16 patients had failed SEMS treatment, of whom 14 were successfully managed by endoscopic procedures while two cases needed surgical intervention. Of the SEMS-related complications encountered, 25.86% were ulcers; 24.13%, vomiting; 22.41%, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GerdQ >= 8); 18.96%, stent migration; and 5.17%, stent intolerance. Conclusion A mega stent is an effective and safe tool for the early management of post-bariatric surgery leakage and stenosis, and it is associated with acceptable rates of failure that can be managed by further endoscopic techniques in most of the patients.

Automated summary

Surgical therapy for post-bariatric surgery complications can have high morbidity and mortality rates. Endoscopic options like fully covered self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) offer significant benefits for managing leaks and obstructions following bariatric surgery. In cases of treatment failure with SEMS, further endoscopic techniques can usually resolve the situation.