Case report-complex management of a postoperative bronchogastric fistula after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Obes Surg. 2009 Feb;19(2):261-264. doi: 10.1007/s11695-008-9643-3. Epub 2008 Aug 12.

Abstract

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a new restrictive bariatric procedure increasingly indicated in the treatment of morbid obesity. Postoperative complications are mainly represented by gastric fistula with an occurrence rate of 0% to 5.1% in the literature. This complication is difficult to manage and requires multiple radiological, endoscopic, and surgical procedures. We report herein the case of a 23-year-old woman who underwent LSG for morbid obesity. This patient was reoperated for peritonitis due to a gastric fistula located on the top of the staple line. Five months later, she complained of a cough with fever and expectoration. A methylene blue test and a computed tomography scan diagnosed a postoperative bronchogastric fistula. After failure of aggressive conservative management, radical surgery was performed with total gastrectomy, reconstruction of the diaphragm using the extended latissimus dorsi flap, and a pulmonary lobectomy. This case report highlights the possible issue of the complex management of gastric fistula after LSG.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bariatric Surgery / adverse effects*
  • Bariatric Surgery / methods
  • Bronchial Fistula / diagnosis
  • Bronchial Fistula / etiology*
  • Bronchial Fistula / surgery
  • Coloring Agents
  • Contrast Media
  • Diaphragm / surgery
  • Female
  • Gastrectomy / adverse effects*
  • Gastrectomy / methods
  • Gastric Fistula / diagnosis
  • Gastric Fistula / etiology*
  • Gastric Fistula / surgery
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy / adverse effects*
  • Laparoscopy / methods
  • Lung / surgery
  • Methylene Blue
  • Obesity, Morbid / surgery
  • Reoperation
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • Contrast Media
  • Methylene Blue