Itroduction: Although theoretically a simple procedure, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) can be followed by life-threatening complications. Early postoperative complications include staple line bleeding and leakage. Staple line reinforcement (SLR) has been used to decrease these complications. There are various methods for reinforcement of staple line such as suture over sewing, placing omental flap, using buttressing material, and spraying fibrin glue along the staple line. However, it is controversial whether SLR reduces the rate of staple line complications or not.
Materials and methods: A prospective randomized clinical trial included 200 super morbidly obese patients randomized into two groups: Group 1 with reinforcement of the staple line by SEAMGUARD® (Gore Medical, Newark, Delaware) and Group 2 with reinforcement of the staple line using suture over sewing.
Results: The mean operative time was significantly shorter in Group 1 than Group 2 (62.6 ± 14.5 vs. 84.7 ±15.8 min, p=0.02). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in Group 1 than Group 2 (17.1± 19.1 vs. 56.8 ± 27.9ml, p=0.00). Staple line hematomas were significantly higher in Group 2. There was no difference in postoperative bleeding between the two groups. No leak was reported in both groups. The cost was higher in Group 1.
Conclusion: Reinforcing the staple line in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy using suturing is equal to SEAMGUARD® in all aspects except shorter operative time and lower intraoperative blood loss with SEAMGUARD®.