Roux-En-Y Fistulojejunostomy: a New Therapeutic Option for Complicated Post-Sleeve Gastric Fistulas, Video-Report

Background Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become during the last few years the most frequent procedure in bariatric surgery. However, complications related to the gastric staple line can be even more serious. The incidence of gastric fistula after LSG varies from 1 to 7%. Its management can be very challenging and long. In case of chronic fistula and failure of the previous treatment, total gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y fistulo-jejunostomy (RYFJ) might be considered. RYFJ has been described very rarely as a salvage procedure of gastric leaks after LSG. Methods Between January 2015 and December 2015, we have performed a RYFJ in two patients, with chronic and persisting gastric fistulas, one after LSG and one after duodenal switch, respectively. In the two patients, the RYFJ procedure was attempted laparoscopically but in one case (patient after duodenal switch), conversion into laparotomy was necessary because of severe intra-abdominal inflammatory adhesions. In our video, we are presenting the case of this particular patient treated laparoscopically with a late and persisting leak 1 year after LSG. Results In this multimedia high-definition video, we described the steps of our technique of laparoscopic RYFJ. There was neither mortality nor severe postoperative complications. The fistula control after a minimum of 6 months follow-up was 100% for both of patients. Conclusions RYFJ in our particular case was efficient. However, larger series and longer follow-up are needed to confirm the efficiency of the RYFJ as a salvage procedure.