Mucosal and serosal changes after gastric stapling determined by a new “real-time” surface tissue oxygenation probe: a pilot study

Although significant reproducible mucosal and serosal decreases in StO2 were seen in proximity to the gastric staple lines, the decrease in mucosal StO2 was dramatic in the absence of any visible changes. The persistence of tissue ischemia with gastric stapling or in the creation of an anastomosis might contribute to the development of complications. The use of a real-time, noninvasive tissue probe could ultimately assist surgeons in identifying patients at risk of complications.