Clinical Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Stent for Fistula Management Following Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background and Aims

Management of fistulas after bariatric surgery has shifted from a surgical to a primarily endoscopic approach. We aimed to determine the efficacy of a novel stent for the closure of fistulas and stent-related adverse events in patients with fistulas after sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

Methods

Fifteen patients who developed fistulas following SG between July 2016 and December 2020 and managed at a tertiary care hospital by a primarily endoscopic approach were retrospectively evaluated. The technical and clinical success of a novel stent for the exclusion and definitive closure of fistulas and the need for endoscopic and surgical reinterventions and adverse events were analyzed.

Results

Fifteen patients with median age of 47 (20-61) years, 11 (73%) females, were included. Fistulas were located at the cardia in 12 (80%) patients, with a median diameter of 4 (2-15) mm. Concomitant stricture of the gastric tube was detected in 8 (53%) patients. A single stent was placed in 13 (87%) patients. Endoscopic reinterventions were required in 5 (33%), and a surgical toilette was needed for 3 (20%) patients. After a median stent implantation duration of 6 (3-21) weeks, fistula closure was documented in all 15 (100%) patients. The concomitant stricture of the gastric tube that occurred in 8 (53%) patients was also successfully managed. Adverse events related to stent placement or removal occurred in 5 (33%) patients and were managed endoscopically. Stent dysfunction occurred in 1 (7%) patient. One patient died due to bleeding from an aortoesophageal fistula 3 cm above the proximal edge of the stent.

Conclusion

The novel stent is effective in closing fistulas after SG. The unique stent design is associated with a low risk of migration, allows for the management of concomitant strictures in the gastric tube, and facilitates stent removal.