James T. McCormick

Laparoscopic management of complications following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity

Background: We reviewed our experience with complications following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) that were managed laparoscopically. Methods: A total of 246 consecutive morbidly obese patients (mean body mass index, 50.9 kg/m2) underwent LRYGB by three surgeons at two institutions. All patients met National Institutes of Health criteria for surgical treatment of morbid obesity. Patients were followed prospectively. Results: A total of 62 patients (25.2%) developed 64 complications, 34 of which (13.8%) required a surgical intervention. Twenty-seven of the 34 procedures were performed laparoscopically. Gastrojejunostomy stricture was the most common complication (8.9%), followed by intestinal obstruction (7.3%) and gastrointestinal bleeding (4%). The intestinal obstruction was secondary to adhesions (n = 6), internal hernia at the level of the transverse mesocolon (n = 3), jejunojejunostomy stricture (n = 3), and cicatrix around the Roux limb at the level of the transverse mesocolon (n = 3). Other complications included gastrojejunostomy leak (1.6%), symptomatic gallstone disease (2.8%), and gastric remnant perforation (0.8%). One patient underwent a negative laparoscopy to rule out anastomotic leak. There were 3 deaths in this series of patients, 2 attributable to anastomotic leak. Conclusions: A variety of complications can present after LRYGB. Laparoscopy is an excellent technique to treat these complications.

Laparoscopic revision of failed open bariatric procedures.

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered the surgical procedure of choice for morbid obesity. Patients who fail to meet weight loss goals after restrictive or malabsorptive surgery can be offered revision. We present five cases in which prior open bariatric procedures were revised laparoscopically. Patients: Five patients presented for laparoscopic revision having regained weight after initial success with prior bariatric surgery. Results: Preoperative body mass index averaged 46 kg/m2. Average operative time was significantly longer (344 min) than we had experienced with 56 primary RYGB during the same 4-month period (206 min). In one patient, a stricture had developed at the gastrojejunostomy requiring endoscopic dilation. There were no other complications and no deaths. All the patients had lost weight at the 6-month follow-up assessment. Conclusions: Laparoscopic revision of failed open bariatric procedures, although requiring longer operative times than primary RYGB, can be performed safely in the hands of an experienced minimally invasive surgeon.

The use of routine chest x-ray films after chest tube removal in postoperative cardiac patients

BACKGROUND The use of routine postoperative chest x-ray films (CXRs) for postoperative cardiac patients has been challenged, suggesting that only clinically indicated CXRs be obtained. The removal of chest tubes has been used as an indication for CXRs. Our hypothesis is that routine postoperative chest tube removal CXRs are not indicated in the asymptomatic postoperative cardiac patient. METHODS Charts of 1,021 consecutive postoperative median sternotomy patients were reviewed, focusing on postoperative findings of CXRs, clinical evaluations, and interventions. Those who died prior to tube removal were excluded from the study. RESULTS Tubes were removed on postoperative days 1 to 7 (average, 1.45 days). The two groups of patients were comparable in age, gender, procedure, and co-morbidity (p > .01). Seven hundred three patients underwent routine postoperative tube removal CXRs. Abnormal findings were present in 282 patients. Resultant therapeutic intervention was undertaken in 13 patients and 9 were symptomatic. No imaging after routine postoperative CXRs was conducted in 283 patients. These patients remained asymptomatic and required no intervention. Fourteen patients had clinically indicated CXRs after chest tube removal. Two of these patients had additional tubes placed, and 1 patient had follow-up films. In total, there was a 1.5% incidence of therapeutic intervention after chest tube removal. All patients were discharged without further sequelae of their tubes. CONCLUSIONS Omission of routine postoperative chest tube removal CXRs in postoperative cardiac patients is safe. The removal of chest tubes in these patients is not an indication for CXRs.

Reoperation following Minimally Invasive Surgery: Are the “Rules” Different?

This article discusses various indications for reoperation and how employing laparoscopy at primary operation might affect the incidence, presentation, and treatment of common complications. The abdomen is likely to be far less hostile after laparoscopic surgery than after laparotomy. Adhesions to the anterior abdominal wall are minimal or absent. As a result, relaparoscopy is a reasonable diagnostic and often successful treatment modality in patients suspected of having intra-abdominal complications following laparoscopic operation. Laparoscopic success in dealing with acute bowel obstruction after laparoscopic surgery is related to the paucity of adhesions and unique mechanisms of obstruction that are localized and amenable to minimal dissection. The same mechanisms are also responsible for the increased risk of bowel necrosis associated with bowel obstruction after laparoscopic surgery. Limited experience with successful laparoscopic management of bleeding and anastomotic leak has been reported with the caveat that if the bleeding or contamination is excessive, cannot be identified and controlled quickly, or is unresponsive to a reasonable and brief effort using laparoscopy, a prompt laparotomy is indicated. Based on the current literature, it is reasonable to conclude that laparoscopic approaches to primary Crohns disease and relaparoscopy for recurrence are an appropriate (perhaps the most appropriate) management strategy. Also, laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis after laparoscopic subtotal colectomy is the preferred treatment for toxic ulcerative colitis. We conclude that laparoscopic reoperative surgery is feasible for the treatment of many complications following laparoscopic major abdominal surgery and bowel resection.

Analysis of radiographic studies used to evaluate complications after laparoscopic ROUX-EN-Y gastric bypass

Purpose: The most commonly occurring complications after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are anastomotic stricture, intestinal obstruction and anastomotic leak. Patients who present with these complications undergo radiologic studies as part of their evaluation. We investigated the utility of computed tomography (CT), upper gastrointestinal series (UGI), and plain abdominal x-rays (AXR).