Comparing bougie sizes in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for obesity

Multicentric Randomized Prospective Study Assessing the Impact of the Bougie Calibration Size During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on the Rate of Postoperative Staple-line Leak Rate

Not applicable Interventional Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT02937649

This study is testing whether using different sizes of a tool called a bougie during weight loss surgery can help prevent leaks in the stomach for people with severe obesity.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1658 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorAssistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Academic / other
Locations12 sites (Boulogne-Billancourt and 11 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02937649 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the impact of different bougie sizes on the rate of staple-line leaks following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in patients with morbid obesity. It is a prospective randomized trial that compares the outcomes of using standard bougie calibers (34, 36, or 38 Fr) versus a larger 48-Fr bougie. The hypothesis is that a larger bougie diameter may reduce the risk of gastric leaks without compromising long-term weight loss results. The study will involve patients who meet specific eligibility criteria and will be conducted at multiple hospital locations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 with a BMI over 40 or over 35 with related comorbidities, seeking primary bariatric surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with previous upper abdominal surgeries, significant comorbidities, or specific esophageal disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to reduced complications and improved outcomes for patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored bougie sizes in bariatric surgery, but this specific comparison of standard versus larger bougie sizes is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients between 18 and 70 years
* Sleeve gastrectomy as a primary bariatric procedure
* Body Mass Index (BMI) \> 40 kg/m² or \> 35 kg/m² associated with at least one comorbidity susceptible to improve after surgery (including arterial hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and other severe respiratory disorders, severe metabolic disorders, particularly type 2 diabetes, incapacitating osteo-articular disorders, non alcoholic steatohepatitis)
* Decision for intervention after multidisciplinary discussion
* Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous upper abdominal surgery (cholecystectomy excepted)
* ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) score \> 3
* Ongoing pregnancy or breast feeding
* Esophagus pathology or disorder (esophageal varices, esophageal diverticula, esophageal tumors, esophageal strictures)
* Coagulation disorder
* Patient not covered by social security service and patient on AME
* Patient under legal guardianship and trusteeship
* Patient with known silicon allergy (calibration bougie contains medical silicon)
* More generally, all other contraindications to the use of esophageal bougie MID-TUBE that have been the subject of a scientific paper or have been identified by the practitioner or practitioners

Where this trial is running

Boulogne-Billancourt and 11 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Morbid ObesityObesityBariatric surgerySleeve gastrectomyStaple-line LeakBougieCalibration
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.