Evaluation of Endostapled Anastomoses for Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass (EEA-LGB)

Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is a common procedure being performed for the treatment of morbid obesity. The procedure consists of a creation of a small gastric pouch and rerouting the small bowel to bypass the stomach and duodenum. There are two anastomoses in this procedure: the gastrojejunostomy and the jejunojejunostomy. Potential complications after gastric bypass include gastrointestinal bleeding and leaks. Gastrointestinal bleeding can occur at any staple line including the gastrojejunostomy. Potential methods for prevention of postoperative gastrointestinal bleeding include oversewing of the anastomosis or the use of a smaller stapler height. We hypothesize that the use of staplers with smaller staple height will significantly result in a lower rate of staple line bleeding and possible leaks.