Computed tomography-based assessment of abdominal adiposity changes and their impact on metabolic alterations following bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of surgically induced weight loss on the abdominal adipose tissue depots and the metabolic profile in morbidly obese (MO) patients. METHODS: The study was performed with a semi-automated quantification of adipose tissue compartments on single-slice abdominal CT series before surgery, 6 and 12 months after bariatric surgery. Thirty-eight MO patients with mean age of 35.7 ± 10.1 years and mean body mass index (BMI) of 43.6 ± 6.5 kg/m(2) were studied (20 patients underwent gastric banding and 18 patients underwent sleeve gastrectomy). Anthropometric measurements, metabolic and inflammatory parameters were analyzed in each patient. RESULTS: Markedly decreased levels of total abdominal adipose tissue, abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (AbSAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) at 6 and 12 months were noted in comparison to the preoperative values. The total % reduction of VAT was significant higher in comparison to the total % reduction of AbSAT at 12 months after bariatric surgery (P < 0.01) with the mean ratio of AbSAT/VAT to increase from 4.1 ± 1.7 preoperatively to 6.2 ± 3.1 at 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.001). In addition, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) decreased significantly with weight loss after bariatric surgery and the total abdominal lipid loss was related to the decrease in hsCRP. CONCLUSIONS: Significant changes in abdominal lipid deposition occurred in MO patients 6 and 12 months after bariatric surgery. The changes were significantly, correlated with the magnitude of BMI loss. The fat redistribution may contribute to the improvements in metabolic abnormalities.

Large presacral tailgut cyst with a carcinoid tumor in a male: report of a case.

Tailgut cysts are developmental hamartomas found in the presacral space. They are usually detected incidentally during physical examinations or imaging studies. However, they may cause symptoms due to compression of nearby organs. Due to their potential malignant transformation, surgical resection is warranted, while routine biopsy is considered controversial because of the concern about infection of the tailgut cyst and needle-track implantation of malignant cells. The co-existence of a carcinoid in a tailgut cyst is extremely rare. Only 16 cases have been reported previously, the vast majority of which were found in females. We herein present the case of a carcinoid in a tailgut cyst found in a male patient, discuss the potential pathogenesis of tailgut carcinoids, and underline the fact that their previous consideration of the condition as a female-restricted entity should be rejected.

Current recommendations for procedure selection in class I and II obesity developed by an expert modified Delphi consensus.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is widely considered the most effective option for treating obesity, a chronic, relapsing, and progressive disease. Recently, the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) issued new guidelines on the indications for MBS, which have superseded the previous 1991 National Institutes of Health guidelines. The aim of this study is to establish the first set of consensus guidelines for selecting procedures in Class I and II obesity, using an Expert Modified Delphi Method. In this study, 78 experienced bariatric surgeons from 32 countries participated in a two-round Modified Delphi consensus voting process. The threshold for consensus was set at an agreement or disagreement of ≥ 70.0% among the experts. The experts reached a consensus on 54 statements. The committee of experts reached a consensus that MBS is a cost-effective treatment option for Class II obesity and for patients with Class I obesity who have not achieved significant weight loss through non-surgical methods. MBS was also considered suitable for patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher. The committee identified intra-gastric balloon (IGB) as a treatment option for patients with class I obesity and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) as an option for patients with class I and II obesity, as well as for patients with T2DM and a BMI of ≥ 30 kg/m2. Sleeve gastrectomy (1) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) were also recognized as viable treatment options for these patient groups. The committee also agreed that one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is a suitable option for patients with Class II obesity and T2DM, regardless of the presence or severity of obesity-related medical problems. The recommendations for selecting procedures in Class I and II obesity, developed through an Expert Modified Delphi Consensus, suggest that the use of standard primary bariatric endoscopic (IGB, ESG) and surgical procedures (SG, RYGB, OAGB) are acceptable in these patient groups, as consensus was reached regarding these procedures. However, randomized controlled trials are still needed in Class I and II Obesity to identify the best treatment approach for these patients in the future.

Alterations in gut hormones after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a prospective clinical and laboratory investigational study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on fasting and meal-stimulated release of the gut hormones ghrelin, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), peptide-YY (PYY), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and amylin and of the adipocytokine leptin. BACKGROUND: Mounting evidence suggests that the mechanisms of weight loss and the improvement in glucose metabolism seen after LSG are related not only to gastric restriction but also to neurohormonal changes. METHODS: : Fasting and postprandial levels at 60 and 120 minutes after a standard test meal of the above peptides and glucose metabolism indices were evaluated in 15 consecutive morbidly obese (MO) subjects before and 6 and 12 months after LSG. As study controls, 15 lean subjects matched for age and sex were also assessed. RESULTS: Body mass index values notably decreased at 6 and 12 months (P < 0.01), postoperatively. In addition, an overall improvement of the glycemic profile of MO patients was noted. After LSG, markedly decreased fasting and postprandial levels of ghrelin, amylin, and leptin were observed. A significant postprandial increase of PYY and GLP-1 levels was also noted postoperatively. Interestingly, significantly increased levels of PP were noted only at 60 minutes postprandially after LSG. CONCLUSIONS: LSG markedly improved glucose homeostasis and generated significant changes in ghrelin, PP, PYY, GLP-1, amylin, and leptin levels. These multiple hormonal actions may have several beneficial effects on the underlying mechanism of weight loss, demonstrating that LSG could be more than just a restrictive bariatric operation.

Alterations of global gastrointestinal motility after sleeve gastrectomy: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in gastrointestinal motility. BACKGROUND: SG is a widely used bariatric operation leading to weight loss and early improvement of patient's metabolic profile. Current data indicate faster postoperative gastric emptying, but detailed studies on alterations in small bowel motility are missing. DESIGN: We evaluated 21 morbidly obese patients who underwent laparoscopic SG before and 4 months after the procedure. After consumption of a semisolid radiolabeled meal, their gastric and intestinal transit times were studied with a gamma camera. Particularly the times of 10% gastric emptying, 50% gastric emptying, maximal intestinal filling, 10% terminal ileum filling, duodenal to terminal ileum transit, cecal filling initiation, and ileocecal valve transit (T ICVt) were studied pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: Ten percent gastric emptying and 50% gastric emptying were decreased postoperatively as well as maximal intestinal filling, indicating faster gastric emptying and intestinal filling. Duodenal to terminal ileum transit and 10% terminal ileum filling also decreased as small bowel transit time accelerated and the meal reached the terminal ileum more rapidly. Contrary opening of the ileocecal valve and food transit through it were delayed, with postoperative increase in cecal filling initiation and T ICVt, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SG accelerates gastric emptying and small bowel transit of semisolids. In addition, it delays the initiation of cecal filling and T ICVt. This early and prolonged contact of food with the distal small bowel mucosa may explain the metabolic effects of SG occurring before substantial weight loss.

A giant pregnancy-associated intra-abdominal desmoid tumour: not necessarily a contraindication for subsequent pregnancy.

Desmoid tumours are rare mesenchymal tumours, often locally invasive and characteristically associated with a high local recurrence rate after resection. A potential aetiological role for female hormones is indicated. Pregnancy-associated desmoid tumours are almost exclusively located in the abdominal wall. An essential issue is how to counsel women who have had a pregnancy-associated desmoid tumour and subsequently wish to bear a child. A considerably rare case of a patient with a resection of a giant pregnancy-associated, 33 cm in diameter, intra-abdominal desmoid tumour is presented. After a subsequent pregnancy, the patient delivered healthy twins 26 months later. Fifty-four months after treatment, there are no signs of recurrent or second desmoid tumour. Although rarely located in the abdomen, pregnancy-associated desmoid tumours should be included in the differential diagnosis of intra-abdominal tumours detected during or shortly after pregnancy. Based on this case and a few others reported in the literature, subsequent pregnancy does not necessarily seem to be a risk factor for recurrent or new disease.

Co-existence of intramuscular spindle cell lipoma with an intramuscular ordinary lipoma:report of a case.

Spindle cell lipoma is a relatively rare adipocytic neoplasm, which usually occurs in the posterior neck, shoulder or upper back of male patients aged 45-65 years. We report here an unusual coexistence of ordinary and spindle cell lipoma. The patient presented with a painless mass in the area of the right scapula. Imaging was suggestive of a lipomatous mass, possibly liposarcoma. Histological examination revealed the concurrent existence of an intramuscular spindle cell lipoma and an ordinary lipoma. In the literature there are only fourteen cases of intramuscular spindle cell lipoma and only in four cases there was a coexisting mature lipoma. As exclusion of malignancy remains clinicians main concern,diagnosis and treatment of deep seated lipomatous tumors remains challenging.

Complications and toxicity after abdominal and pelvic hypoxic stop-flow perfusion chemotherapy: incidence and assessment of risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Controversial results regarding the efficacy and toxicity of hypoxic abdominal and pelvic stop-flow perfusion chemotherapy (SFP) have been reported in relatively small series. Hence, because adequate assessment of its benefit in large homogenous cohorts is missing, acceptable morbidity should initially be assured in a series of adequate size. Additionally, risk factors should be assessed for eventual patient selection. METHODS: The morbidity of abdominal and pelvic SFP performed on a miscellaneous group of patients in our institute was analyzed and potential risk factors for adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS: Seventy abdominal (n = 42) and pelvic (n = 28) SFP were performed on 55 patients. In total, 28 adverse effects were observed after 30% of the procedures. Severe (grade 3) adverse events were recorded only after 4% of the procedures, while treatment-related life-threatening events and deaths were not present. Abdominal procedures when compared with pelvic ones were associated with increased systemic toxicity (36 vs. 7%, p = 0.005). Advanced age, gender, prior chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, limited experience, repeated procedure, drug choice and omission of hemofiltration after SFP completion were not associated with statistically significant increase of procedures with overall or systemic adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: In the present series, abdominal and pelvic SFP was associated with an acceptable morbidity, which was mostly mild or moderate. Abdominal procedures were associated with increased toxicity. This procedure seems to be repeatable and also well tolerated both by elderly patients and by patients who had undergone prior chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, while hemofiltration does not appear to decrease the incidence of systemic toxicity.

Changes in metabolic profile and adipoinsular axis in morbidly obese premenopausal females treated with restrictive bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of surgically induced weight loss on the metabolic profile and adipocytokine levels in premenopausal morbidly obese females. METHODS: Twenty premenopausal morbidly obese (MO) women with a median age of 34 years (range: 24-48 years) and a median body mass index (BMI) of 41.47 kg/m(2) (range: 38.0-56.73 kg/m(2)) were studied (13 women underwent gastric banding and 7 women underwent sleeve gastrectomy). In addition, 20 lean premenopausal women with a median age of 32 years (range: 22-44 years) and a median BMI of 20.0 kg/m(2) (range: 18.5-24.7 kg/m(2)) were also studied. Anthropometric measurements and metabolic parameters were analyzed in each patient, along with changes in leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) before surgery, 6 months after surgery, and 12 months after surgery. Comparisons with the reference normal-weight subjects were also performed. RESULTS: Both weight and BMI were found to be significantly decreased postoperatively. A 54.5% loss of excess BMI was observed 12 months after surgery, and was associated with significant improvement in all anthropometric and metabolic parameters. Twelve months after surgery we also observed decreased levels of serum leptin, resistin, and IL-6; increased levels of serum adiponectin; and a remarkable improvement in metabolic syndrome markers. Furthermore, postoperative serum resistin and IL-6 levels were found to reach those of normal-weight volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that weight loss through restrictive bariatric surgery results in a significant reduction in leptin, resistin, and IL-6 levels, and an increase in adiponectin levels, in addition to improving insulin sensitivity and glucose and lipid homeostasis in young morbidly obese female patients. These changes were significantly correlated with the magnitude of weight loss.

The extent of lymph node dissection for gastric cancer: a critical appraisal.

The extent of lymphadenectomy during therapeutic gastrectomy for gastric cancer remains a protracted and controversial issue. While traditionally extended lymphadenectomy is performed in Eastern Asia, limited lymphadenectomy is advocated by most western surgeons. Two large western randomized trials, meta-analyses and a recent systematic review were unable to demonstrate overall benefit from extended lymphadenectomy. In this review, the currently available data on this topic are critically evaluated, while ongoing studies and future perspective are discussed.

Pregnancy after breast cancer. A comprehensive review.

Pregnancy after breast cancer treatment has become an important issue since many young breast cancer patients have not completed their family. Generally, these patients should not be discouraged to become pregnant when they want to, since published data suggest no adverse effect of pregnancy on survival. As fertility may be impaired by chemotherapy, different fertility preserving strategies have been developed. Births seem to sustain no adverse effects, while breastfeeding appears to be feasible and safe.

The effect of preoperative chemoradiotherapy on lymph node harvest after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate whether preoperative chemoradiotherapy reduces the number of lymph nodes harvested after total mesorectal excision of rectal cancer. METHODS: From January 1995 to December 2007, 168 consecutive patients with rectal cancer underwent total mesorectal excision in the Department of Surgical Oncology at the University of Crete. The patients were divided into three groups (Group A, no chemoradiotherapy; Group B, short course of chemoradiotherapy; Group C, long course of chemoradiotherapy). The primary end points were the number of lymph nodes examined and the percentage of patients with fewer than 12 lymph nodes removed. RESULTS: The overall number of lymph nodes retrieved was not significantly reduced by the use of preoperative chemoradiotherapy. The percentage of patients with fewer than 12 lymph nodes examined, however, was significantly higher in Group C. The leakage rate and the duration of hospital stay were not affected. The rate of wound infections was higher in Group C. CONCLUSION: Preoperative chemoradiotherapy did not significantly decrease the overall number of lymph nodes retrieved but did increase the percentage of patients with fewer than 12 lymph nodes examined.

Melanoma of the vulva: a pigmented lesion is also significant in a non-sun-exposed area.

PURPOSE: The foremost important aetiological factor for malignant melanoma is considered to be sunlight exposure. However, primary lesions are also seen in non-sun-exposed areas. Vulvar melanoma is rare and associated with impaired outcome. Herein, we attempt to increase physicians' awareness for early diagnosis in order to improve prognosis. CASE REPORT: A 64-year-old female presented with pruritus and irritation at her external genitalia. At examination a pigmented lesion of the vulva 3 cm in diameter was seen. Incisional biopsy revealed melanoma. Clinical examination and imaging studies did not show evidence for metastatic disease. She underwent wide excision of the melanoma with primary wound closure and biopsy of sentinel lymph nodes, which were free of disease. After a follow-up period of 43 months, she remains free of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Literature review shows that prognosis is poorer than at other sites, most probably due more advanced disease at diagnosis. This case demonstrates that early diagnosis by physicians aware of this malignancy at this relatively rare site is of crucial importance since it may result in improved outcome, similar to that of melanoma at more common sites.

Parathyroid carcinoma: clinical presentation and management.

Parathyroid carcinoma constitutes a rare cause of hyperparathyroidism. Five patients, presenting with symptoms and clinical signs of parathyroid hyperfunction, were diagnosed with parathyroid carcinoma in our department over a 12-year period. The experience we gained in the management of these tumors is presented. The aim of this study is to elucidate the clinical features of the disease, the surgical treatment, and the sensitivity of the imaging modalities used to enhance the diagnostic ability. Preoperative recognition and intraoperative identification of this rare endocrine malignancy require a high index of clinical suspicion. Intraoperative awareness is needed of the malignant potential of the encountered lesion.

Sleeve gastrectomy-a "food limiting" operation.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG), which, thus far, is showing good resolution of comorbidities and good weight loss, shows increasing popularity among bariatric surgeons. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcome and the gastric emptying of solid foods, 24 months after SG. METHODS: Fourteen morbidly obese patients, four males and ten females, median age 41 years (range 29-65), median body mass index (BMI) 49.46 kg/m(2) (range 41.14-55.63), who underwent SG for weight loss, were studied prospectively. Nine patients underwent gastric emptying studies, using radioisotopic technique before, 6 months and 24 months after the operation. The remaining five patients underwent gastric emptying studies, 6 months and 24 months after the operation. RESULTS: A significant reduction in patients' weight and BMI was evident at 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. In the nine patients who underwent gastric emptying studies pre-, 6 and 24 months postoperatively, the T-lag phase duration significantly decreased, following the SG, from 17.30 (range 15.50-20.90) min, to 12.50 (range 9.20-18.00) min at 6 months and 12.16 (range 10.90-20.00) min at 24 months postoperatively (P < 0.05). The gastric emptying half time (T1/2) accelerated significantly postoperatively from 86.50 (range 77.50-104.60) min, to 62.50 (range 46.30-80.00) min at 6 months and 60.80 (range 54.80-100.00) min at 24 months after SG (P < 0.05). The percentage of gastric emptying (%GE) increased significantly postoperatively, from 52 (range 43-58) % to 72 (range 57-97) % at 6 months and 74 (range 45-82) % at 24 months, following SG (P < 0.05). No differences in gastric emptying were observed, when values at 24 months were compared to those at 6 months postoperatively. When the whole group of 14 patients was studied, there were also no significant changes in T-lag, T1/2 and %GE between 6 and 24 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates the constant effect of SG in the acceleration of gastric emptying of solids, which occurs faster, not only in short but also in long-term postoperatively. Such effects on gastric motility, in combination with the reported alterations in gut hormones, may explain how this 'food limiting' operation results in weight loss.

The effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on quality of life: A prospective cohort study with 5-years follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Obesity has a negative effect on quality of life (QoL). Bariatric surgery results in significant weight loss with improvement of QoL. Very few studies have evaluated QoL after sleeve gastrectomy (SG), especially with a long-term follow-up. OBJECTIVES: To assess long-term longitudinal changes of QoL of a laparoscopic SG cohort, with the obesity specific Moorehead-Ardelt II questionnaire (MAII) and to identify parameters associated with QoL outcome. SETTING: Bariatric Unit, University Hospital of Heraklion, Greece. METHODS: Morbidly obese patients admitted for laparoscopic SG over a 30-month period were prospectively studied. QoL was assessed using the Greek version of the MAII questionnaire and a visual analog scale preoperatively and at 6, 12, 24, and 60 months postoperatively. Anthropometric data and obesity-related co-morbidities were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 95 patients with mean age of 37.4 ± 9.2 years and body mass index of 48.3 ± 7.1 kg/m2 completed the 5-year follow-up. Percentage excess body mass index loss was 51.7 ± 14.2, 64.8 ± 16.9, 67.4 ± 17.7, and 55.8 ± 25.5 at 6, 12, 24, and 60 months, respectively. All obesity-related co-morbidities improved significantly. MAII score increased from -.38 ± 1.3 preoperatively to 1.77 ± .8, 2.08 ± 0.8, 2.12 ± .7, and 1.67 ± 1.1 at the above time points, respectively (trend P < .001), and visual analog scale increased from 3.05 ± 1.6 to 9.11 ± 1.0, 9.2 ± 1.1, 9.03 ± 1.3, and 7.85 ± 2.4 (P < .001). Overall QoL scores at 6 and 24 months (P < .001), as well as patients' female sex, correlated significantly with higher QoL at the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic SG is an effective bariatric operation, resulting in significant weight loss and improvements in QoL. Female sex and higher MAII score at 6 and 24 months predict better long-term QoL outcome.

Sleeve gastrectomy: a restrictive procedure?

BACKGROUND: Diet and surgically-induced weight loss have been shown to lead to alterations in motor and sensory function of the stomach. We investigated the clinical outcome and gastric emptying of solid foods in morbidly obese (MO) patients following sleeve gastrectomy (SG). METHODS: We studied 23 MO patients [(7 males, 16 females), mean age 38.9 +/- 11.0 years (range 20-64 years), mean weight 135.1 +/- 19.0 kg (range 97-167 kg), mean BMI 47.2 +/- 4.8 kg/m(2) (range 39.6-56.0 kg/m(2))] who each underwent a sleeve gastrectomy (SG) for weight reduction. At the monthly follow-up visits, variations in weight and BMI changes, postoperative meal size and frequency, and presence of gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded. 11 patients underwent scintigraphic measurement of the gastric emptying of a solid meal pre- and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: A significant reduction in patients' weight was evidenced at 6 and 12 months postoperatively [98.6 +/- 11.8 kg and 87.0 +/- 10.7 kg respectively (P=0.001)]. BMI decreased to 35.2 +/- 4.3 kg/m(2) at 6 months and to 31.1 +/- 4.5 kg/m(2) at 12 months, respectively (P=0.001). Although meal size was drastically reduced, meal frequency increased postoperatively in 12 patients (52.2%). Only 5 patients (21.8 %) reported occasional vomiting after meals following SG. The gastric emptying half-time (T1/2) accelerated (47.6 +/- 23.2 vs 94.3 +/- 15.4, P<0.01) and the T-lag phase duration decreased (9.5 +/- 2 min vs 19.2 +/- 2 min, P<0.05) post-operatively. The percentage of the meal emptied from the stomach 90 min after consumption increased significantly after SG (75.4 +/- 14.9% vs 49.2 +/- 8.7%, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that following SG, the stomach empties its contents rapidly into the small intestine and symptoms of vomiting after eating (characteristic of restrictive procedures) are either absent or very mild. Therefore, the term 'restrictive' is possibly ill-advised for this new bariatric operation. It remains for other mechanisms of energy intake reduction, such as intestinal distension and satiety signals through gut hormones to be investigated, to comprehensively explain precisely how this 'food limiting' procedure results in weight loss.

Bioabsorbable materials in orthopaedics.

The applications of bioabsorbable implants in orthopaedic surgery have mainly been mandated from the need to eliminate implant removal operations. Although they have not gained widespread popularity among orthopaedic surgeons, they still represent an area of evolution. Considerable effort has been put into developing new bioabsorbable materials with fewer adverse effects. In this article an extensive review of the literature is presented emphasising on basic science and clinical applications of these materials. A review of the types of implants, the materials used, their biochemical properties, their adverse effects and some of the potential future applications is presented.

A Simple Food-Diverting Operation for Type 2 Diabetes Treatment. Preliminary Results in Humans with BMI 28-32 kg/m2.

BACKGROUND: The feasibility of a simple side-to-side jejunoileal anastomosis (SJA) in non-morbidly obese individuals to control type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was studied in six diabetic patients with BMI 28-32. This novel procedure was performed in two Academic Centers and preliminary data is presented. METHODS: SJA bypassing a significant part of the small bowel and diverting food and biliopancretic secretions to the distal ileum was performed laparoscopically in six diabetic patients with BMI 28-32 kg/m2. SJA was performed at a distance of 100 cm from the Treitz ligament and 150 cm from the ileocecal valve, thus a total bowel alimentary and biliopancreatic loop length of 2.5 m was created. RESULTS: Three of the patients (two female, one male) experienced complete remission of diabetes from the immediate postoperative period and up to 3 years after the procedure. Two other patients remained medication-free after the operation experiencing partial diabetes remission, and the third patient significantly reduced his daily insulin requirements immediately after surgery. There were no early or late postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: A simple SJA, diverting the food and biliopancreatic secretion to the distal small bowel, was able to control T2DM in all patients offering total or partial remission of the disease soon after the procedure. Those preliminary data and the simplicity of the operation are encouraging and promising. However, further studies are in progress in both Institutions to reveal the possible mechanism of diabetes control and investigate the effect of this operation on larger number of patients, with longer follow-up period.