Post Sleeve Gastrectomy Fistula: Experimental Model in Pigs

Abstract

Giuliana Fulco Gonçalves, Italo Barros Miranda, Amália Cinthia Meneses do Rêgo, Francisco Irochima Pinheiro and Irami Araújo-Filho*

Introduction: Bariatric surgery is considered the primary treatment against severe obesity, as it is effective in sustained weight loss and reduces the prevalence of associated comorbidities. However, bariatric surgery is not free of complications observed at various postoperative stages, including fistulas.

Purpose: To describe the creation of an experimental model of a gastric fistula after the performance of Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) in pigs.

Methods: Sleeve gastrectomy was performed in pigs, using tubes for postoperative fistula induction, following the ethical principles of animal experimentation.

Results: After an observation period of 21 days, it was possible to confirm the formation of the fistulous tract. None of the animals died.

Conclusion: The experimental model of post-Sleeve Gastrectomy fistula in pigs is efficient, effective, and reproducible and can be used in future studies to test new diagnostic methods and innovations in the therapeutic management of postoperative fistulas.