Evaluation of Veress Needle as a Liver Retraction Technique in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background; Liver retraction management in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is challenging for surgeons, especially in patients with enlarged livers. Traditional methods, such as the Nathanson retractor (NR), often necessitate additional incisions, potentially increasing liver enzymes and increasing the risk of complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the use of a Veress needle (VN), an alternative liver retraction technique, in LSG surgery compared with NR. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at a university-affiliated hospital between May 2022 and December 2022. Patients who underwent LSG were divided into two groups: one utilizing the NR and the other employing the VN for liver retraction. Parameters such as operation duration, retraction time, liver laceration, trocar-induced hemorrhage, subxiphoid trocar site infections, pain scores measured via the visual analog scale (VAS) at various time points, pre- and postoperative liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT, GGT, ALP) and CRP levels were analyzed. Results: Data from 151 patients were analyzed. The AST/ALT elevations (P < 0.001) were significantly lower in the VN group (73 patients) than in the NR group (78 patients), while there was no significant difference in GGT/ALP levels. Retraction-related bleeding was significantly greater in the NR group than in the VN group (6.4% vs 0%, P = 0.035). Postoperative infection rate was lower in the VN group but not statistically significant (0% vs 3.8%, P = 0.135). CRP differences were significant on the first postoperative day (P < 0.001). Postoperative VAS scores were significantly lower in the VN group at all measured time points except at the 48th hour and 10th day. Conclusions: The VN technique in LSG significantly reduces liver enzyme elevation and the need for an extra trocar and incision, potentially lowering complication risk and enhancing patient outcomes.