Peri-operative Morbidity of Nissen Sleeve Gastrectomy: Prospective Evaluation of a Cohort of 365 Patients, Beyond the Learning Curve

Obes Surg. 2022 Jul;32(7):1-7. doi: 10.1007/s11695-022-06066-0. Epub 2022 May 7.

Abstract

Purpose: Over the last decade, an important interest was taken to prevent the reflux following sleeve. A new variant, Nissen-sleeve, was described with the purpose to prevent GERD and to decrease the occurrence of leak. The current study reports the preliminary results of a prospective trial.

Materials and methods: All consecutive patients who underwent a Nissen-Sleeve between January 2018 and September 2020 were included. Baseline characteristics including age, gender, weight, body mass index (BMI), GERD symptoms, and treatment were evaluated after 1 year. Operative time, length of stay, complication, and reoperation data were also collected.

Results: Three hundred sixty-five consecutive patients decided to undergo Nissen-sleeve: 75% females with median age of 41.2 years (+ / - 14.1) and an average BMI of 41.6 kg/m2 (+ / - 5.4). There were 16 cases (4.4%) of early postoperative complications (< 30 days): six cases of acute wrap perforation (1.6%), intraabdominal bleeding for 5 patients (1.4%), one case of wrap dilatation (0.3%), one case of acute complete aphagia, one case of incarcerated umbilical hernia, and 2 cases (0.5%) of pulmonary atelectasis/pneumonia and one venous pulmonary embolism. We recorded the following complications: 16 patients (4.4%) mild dysphagia; 3 patients (0.8%) chronic dysphagia; and 2 cases of wrap perforation that have been diagnosed 8 and 9 months respectively, after the procedure due to the use of steroids not associated with PPI intake. The mean operative time was 83 min (46-125 min). The conversion and mortality rates were nil.

Conclusion: Following the initial learning curve and additional technical modifications, the Nissen-Sleeve appears to be a safe surgical technique with an acceptable early postoperative complication rate.

Clinical trial registration: NCT02310178.

Keywords: Bypass; Fundoplication; GERD; Nissen sleeve; Reflux; Sleeve.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Deglutition Disorders / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Gastrectomy* / adverse effects
  • Gastrectomy* / methods
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Learning Curve
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Morbidity
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Prospective Studies

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02310178