A prospective observational study investigating postoperative hemorrhage after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy using Bipolar Seal and Cut Caiman® (Aesculap AG)

Introduction  Postoperative hemorrhage (POH) is the second most important acute complication following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), with staple line leakage being the first. POH is reported in up to 5% of cases after LSG. Sufficient vessel sealing is crucial in avoiding later complications of POH during mobilization. This study investigated bleeding complications after LSG using the Advanced Bipolar Seal and Cut instrument Caiman 5 by Aesculap AG.  Methods  All LSG´s were performed using the Caiman 5 (Aesculap AG). Primary outcome was the incidence of POH, defined as the need for revisional surgery and/or blood transfusions. Secondary outcomes were hemoglobin levels preoperatively at the day of surgery (POD 0) and at postoperative days (POD) 1 and 2, volume and duration of drainage at POD 0-2, procedure time, and length of hospital stay.  Results  100 patients who had undergone LSG from April 2016 to September 2017 were consecutively included in the study. Patients with contraindications to undergo LSG or were not able to give consent were excluded. Four patients needed treatment due to POH, in 3 of them surgery became necessary. Average operation time was 68.5 min, total volume of drainage was 186 ml. The drain stayed in situ for 2.2 days (mean). Average hospital stay was 3.6 days.  Discussion/Conclusion  In our study group of 100 LSG procedures POH was 4%. Operation time, volume and duration of drainage, length of hospital stay were not prolonged. LSG using Caiman is feasible and shows comparable results to other vessel sealing instruments at our center.