Twisting of sleeve gastrectomy: two ways of clinic presentation

Abstract

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is an increasingly widespread bariatric surgical technique thanks to its good outcomes and apparent simplicity. However, complications may arise, including hemorrhage, gastric fistula, and stenosis, which can be either organic or functional. Functional stenosis is caused by gastric tube twisting. We present two cases of patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and who were subsequently diagnosed with gastric twisting. Both cases required conversion to laparoscopic gastric bypass. Accompanying symptoms may vary but they commonly include early satiety, epigastric pain associated with food intake, gastroesophageal reflux and early vomiting. Although diagnose is mainly clinical, it requires high suspicion since endoscopy and gastrointestinal studies are not conclusive. The principal therapeutic options are endoscopic dilatations, serotomy and conversion to gastric bypass.