Endoscopic Management of Post-Sleeve Gastrectomy Leaks Using Long, Fully Covered Stents
- Author:
Chan SUNWOO
1
;
Jong Kyu PARK
;
Tae Yeong LEE
;
Sang Jin LEE
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:The Korean Journal of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research 2026;26(1):89-94
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Gastric leaks after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy are serious complications with mortality rates of up to 10%. Conventional self-expanding metal stents exhibit high migration rates (up to 58%), limiting their efficacy. Large, fully covered megastents that reduce migration rates are poorly tolerated and associated with traumatic ulcers and discomfort. We present two cases of successful endoscopic management of persistent gastric leaks following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy using long, fully covered Gastro-Seal stents (240 mm) after failed surgical re-exploration. These patients achieved complete fistula closure without stent migration or traumatic ulceration within 26 days and 45 days, respectively. The extended length and round-ended design of the Gastro-Seal stent effectively addressed the key limitations of both conventional and mega-stents. Long, fully covered gastroseal stents may thus be an effective treatment option for managing persistent post-bariatric leaks.
