Esophageal stricture as a complication of stent placement for leak after sleeve gastrectomy

Abstract

Obesity is defined as body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. Weight loss improves the quality of life and alleviates or even treats some obesity-related comorbidities with general improvement in the quality of life. Sleeve gastrectomy results in major reduction of the size of the stomach and decreases the sense of hunger due to various hormonal and neuronal pathways. A 31-year-old lady had BMI of 49 underwent sleeve gastrectomy. Three weeks after surgery, she presented with epigastric pain and vomiting with radiological signs of leak. Endoscopic esophageal stent placed with resultant improvement of the condition; after stent removal, she developed esophageal stricture diagnosed with barium study. The patient underwent repeated successful endoscopic dilatation. Leak and bleeding are the most serious complications after sleeve gastrectomy. Subclinical leak is treated with antibiotics, drainage of the collection and stent, critical patients need stenting with operative repair of the site of leak.