Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: review of 500 cases in single surgeon Australian practice

Introduction Reported results and techniques of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are variable. Our objective was to assess results of weight loss, complications and reflux in a large consecutive series of LSG, describing technical detail which contributed to outcomes. Methods Retrospective review of prospectively collected data of 500 consecutive patients undergoing LSG. Patient demographics, weight loss, complications and functional outcomes were analysed and operative technique described. Results Five hundred patients underwent LSG over 3 years (37 revisional). Mean (range) preoperative body mass index was 45 kg/m2 (35–76 kg/m2). Mean follow‐up and length of hospital stay were 14 months (1–34) and 3.8 days (3–12), respectively. All‐cause 30‐day readmission rate 1.2%. Mean excess weight loss (interquartile range, available patient data) was 43% (22–65%, 423 patients), 58% (45–70%, 352 patients), 76% (52–84%, 258 patients), 71% (51–87%, 102 patients) and 73% (55–86%, 13 patients) at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 months, respectively. There was no mortality. Intraoperative complications occurred in two (0.4%) – splenic bleeding; bougie related oesophageal injury. Early surgical complications in four (1.2%) patients (one staple line leak and three post‐operative bleeds). Other early complications occurred in three (0.6%) patients (one pseudomembranous colitis; one central line sepsis; one portal venous thrombosis) and late in four (0.8%) patients (three port‐site incisional hernias; mid‐sleeve stricture requiring endoscopic dilatation). Gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms decreased from 45 to 6%. Conclusion With attention to detail, LSG can lead to good excess weight loss with minimal complications. Tenants to success include repair of hiatal laxity, generous width at angula incisura and complete resection of posterior fundus.