Sleeve gastrectomy and the risk of leak: a systematic analysis of 4,888 patients

Conclusions  Sleeve gastrectomy has become an important surgical option for the treatment of the ever growing morbidly obese population.
The risk of leak is low at 2.4%. Attention to detail specifically at the esophagogastric junction cannot be stressed enough.
Careful patient selection (BMI < 50 kg/m2) and adopting the use of a 40-Fr or larger bougie may decrease the risk of leak. Vigilant follow-up during the first 30 days
is critical to avoid catastrophe, because most leaks will happen after patient discharge.

Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00464-011-2085-3Authors
Alexander R. Aurora, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Lakeside 7, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USALeena Khaitan, …