Endoscopic Sleeve Leak Repair Now Offered By NIBR

WOODLAND PARK, N.J. - Sept. 25, 2013 - PRLog -- Woodland Park, NJ -- Following any bariatric surgery, some level of downtime is anticipated for recovery, however, if patients experience excessive pain, nausea, vomiting or fever it may be a sign that something is amiss. In some cases, a leak may have formed. A gastric sleeve leak is one unfortunate complication of sleeve gastrectomy. It occurs when gastric contents spill from an opening in the gastric sleeve into the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Normally, open or laparoscopic surgery would be required to close the leak,  but thanks to innovative procedures at the National Institute for Bariatric Repair patients can have this problem addressed using advanced endoscopic techniques.

Gastric sleeve leaks can occur along the staple line after a sleeve gastrectomy.  Repeat surgery carries a greater risk for complications and can be very technically challenging to perform.  Dr. Sohail Shaikh at the National Institute for Bariatric Repair uses advanced endoscopic techniques to help close the leak and allow the patient to heal without the need for repeat abdominal surgery. This procedure is performed under anesthesia. A flexible tube with suturing equipment is passed through the mouth and into the stomach to identify and repair the leak.  Temporary stents may be placed to help protect the area and allow it to heal. No external cuts are required, and recovery time for the procedure is minimal. Depending on the patient’s clinical condition, they may go home the same day.

Overall, endoscopic bariatric procedures decrease the surgical burden, minimize the risks of complications, reduce patient discomfort, and lower the risks of wound infection when compared to traditional surgical sleeve leak treatment methods.

Dr. Shaikh states, “Patients come to us with a variety of problems after bariatric surgery and fear their only option is another invasive procedure. I am thankful we are able to offer an alternative solution with advanced endoscopic techniques.”  NIBR offers a variety of endoscopic procedures designed to help patients avoid major surgery, and shorten hospital stays and recovery times.  If you have been suffering from a complication after a gastric sleeve, or other weight loss surgery, and would like to consider advanced endoscopic options instead of invasive surgery, give NIBR a call today.

About the National Institute for Bariatric Repair
NIBR is an innovative treatment center specializing in endoscopic procedures for complications that are traditionally treated with major or laparoscopic surgery. These state-of-the-art procedures are carried out by Dr. Sohail Shaikh, interventional gastroenterologist. For more information, please call NIBR at 973-638-1740 or visit them at BariatricRepair.com today!