Is Staple Line Reinforcement Necessary in Conversion From Laparoscopic Adjustable Band to Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Background Once a common bariatric procedure, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) is more frequently the subject of conversion procedures, particularly to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), due to failure of weight loss, weight regain, and band intolerance. Staple line reinforcement (SLR) in primary LSG has been studied extensively, but has not been evaluated in revision procedures. The aim of this study is to investigate commonly used SLR techniques and their effects on morbidity and mortality in single-stage bands converted to sleeves. Methods The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality and Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) Participant Use Data Files (PUF) for 2015–2016 were utilized to assess data for single-stage bands converted to sleeves based on CPT codes, and records were stratified by technique of staple line reinforcement. The database contained all the defined variables utilized for analysis with the exception of leak rate and overall morbidity, which had to be derived. Thirty-day outcomes were analyzed using multiple bivariate analyses and Bonferroni corrections were applied. Results Of the 6,286 patients who underwent single-stage bands converted to sleeves for whom SLR data is available, 56.9% of surgeons utilized SLR only, 21.3% chose no reinforcement technique (No SLR), 13.4% chose SLR plus over-sewing of the staple line (SLR+OSL), and 8.4% chose OSL alone. There were no statistically significant differences in rates of death, reoperation, readmission, reintervention, number of bleeding events, and staple line leaks across groups. Conclusion Choice of SLR does not affect number of bleeding events or staple line leak rate. Graphical abstract