A novel use of endoscopic cutter: Endoscopic retrieval of a retained nasogastric tube following a robotically assisted laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

CONTEXT: A nasogastric tube is utilized routinely by many bariatric surgeons to assist creation of gastrojejunal anastomosis during roux-en-y gastric bypass or duodenojejunal anastomosis during biliopancreatic diversion. However, inadvertent stapling or suturing of the nasogastric tube has been known as a potential complication of this technique. CASE REPORT: We describe a successful endoscopic removal of an inadvertently sutured nasogastric tube at the level of the duodenojejunal anastomosis in a 30-year-old woman undergoing a robotically assisted laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch for super morbid obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic technique is a feasible and safe minimally invasive technique to release a retained nasogastric tube with preservation of the newly created anastomosis. This option gives major advantages of avoiding a re-operation, as well as the potential general anesthetic complications.