Gastro-peritoneal fistula is a rare but serious complication of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with significant morbidity and mortality. We present the case of a 42-year-old man who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity and presented later with a history of chronic epigastric pain and severe reflux. Upper gastrointestinal series showed the presence of a communicating fistula between the stomach and the left hemi-diaphragm and peri-splenic area.
Patient positioning is a vital in ensuring patient comfort, dignity and good access to
the operative site. Accurate positioning helps in minimising the risk of injury to the
patient. An in-house airbag made from recyclable medical supplies can be used
to replace the conventional sandbag for head and neck surgeries. It involves the
use of an empty irrigation bottle, a valve and suction tubing. Its shape and volume
is readily adjustable by altering the volume of inflated air. Moreover, compressible
air moulds the bag to the curvature of the patient’s external surface reducing the
risk of pressure sores in prolonged surgery. Ultimately this serves as an innovative technique which is financially savvy with the use of recyclable items.