The efficacy of staple line reinforcement during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Objective This study was performed to evaluate the effects of staple line reinforcement during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Methods Relevant articles published in English (up to July 25, 2015) were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Knowledge. The outcomes of staple line hemorrhage and leakage, overall complications, operative time were pooled. Data synthesis and statistical analysis were performed using Stata 13.1 software. Results Eight randomized controlled trials involving 791 patients (453 cases and 338 controls) were analyzed. Compared to performing no reinforcement, staple line reinforcement was associated with a lower risk of staple line hemorrhage (RR = 0.609, 95%CI = 0.439–0.846, P  = 0.003) and overall complications (RR = 0.673, 95%CI = 0.507–0.892, P  = 0.006). No significant difference was observed regarding postoperative leakage (RR = 0.654, 95%CI = 0.275–1.555, P  = 0.337). Oversewing of the staple line took longer operative time (WMD = 13.211, 95%CI = 6.192–20.229, P  = 0.000). Conclusion Staple line reinforcement using buttressing or roofing materials could reduce staple line hemorrhage and overall complications. No obvious advantages of oversewing the staple line were found and it took longer operative time. No significant reduction in leak rate was evidenced after reinforcement.