Successful endoscopic removal of an eroded gastric ring with subsequent endoscopic suturing of the luminal defect

A 50-year-old woman with a history of Fobi Pouch Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) presented to our hospital with abdominal pain, reflux, and significant weight loss. Initial endoscopic evaluation at an outside hospital revealed a Silastic ring that had eroded into the gastric pouch. The patient refused surgery and was referred to our institution for management.

On upper endoscopy, there was evidence of a RYGB with an eroded Silastic ring protruding below the gastric pouch into the jejunum. A double-channel gastroscope was used. A rat tooth forceps (Rat Tooth Alligator Jaw Grasping Forceps; Olympus America Inc., Central Valley, Pennsylvania, USA) was deployed through one channel to grasp the ring from the mucosa. The ring was then dissected using endo-scissors (Olympus Endotherapy Loop Cutter; Olympus America Inc.,), which were inserted through the secondary channel. The endoscopic suturing system was used to repair the full-thickness defect created from ring removal. Three interrupted sutures were placed successfully across the gastrojejunal anastomosis, and a clinch was used to ensure closure of the ring defect. Closure was confirmed by lack of extravasation of contrast after injection ([Fig. 1], [Video 1]). The procedure was well tolerated, and no adverse events occurred. At 1-month follow-up, the patient reported significant relief of her symptoms.

Fig. 1 Successful endoscopic removal of an eroded gastric ring, with subsequent endoscopic suturing of the luminal defect. a Radiological image of the eroded gastric ring (arrowhead) at the beginning of the procedure. b The eroded gastric ring (arrow) prior to removal. c Dissected eroded gastric ring being removed using rat-tooth forceps. d Upper gastrointestinal series showed no contrast leak following suturing of the mucosal defect.

Video 1 Successful endoscopic removal of an eroded gastric ring, with subsequent endoscopic suturing of the luminal defect.

The Silastic ring is a restrictive band, which is surgically placed around the gastrojejunal anastomosis in patients who have undergone RYGB. The intent is to further limit the size of the gastric pouch in order to achieve weight loss [1]. Possible causes of band erosion include: excessive constriction of the band, suturing the band to the stomach, and infection [2]. Symptomatic band migration or erosion necessitates removal [3].

Recently, endoscopy has emerged as the first-line technique for the management of band erosion because of a high rate of technical success, and low rates of morbidity and mortality [2] [4] [5]. This video demonstrates a safe, efficient, and feasible method for treatment of Silastic ring erosion.

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Competing interests

Reem Z. Sharaiha is a consultant for Apollo endosurgery.

• References

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• 5 Blero D, Eisendrath P, Vandermeeren A. et al. Endoscopic removal of dysfunctioning bands or rings after restrictive bariatric procedures. Gastrointest Endosc 2010; 71: 468-474