Best practice approach for redo-surgeries after sleeve gastrectomy, an expert's modified Delphi consensus.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most common metabolic and bariatric surgical (MBS) procedure worldwide. Despite the desired effect of SG on weight loss and remission of obesity-associated medical problems, there are some concerns regarding the need to do revisional/conversional surgeries after SG. This study aims to make an algorithmic clinical approach based on an expert-modified Delphi consensus regarding redo-surgeries after SG, to give bariatric and metabolic surgeons a guideline that might help for the best clinical decision. METHODS: Forty-six recognized bariatric and metabolic surgeons from 25 different countries participated in this Delphi consensus study in two rounds to develop a consensus on redo-surgeries after SG. An agreement/disagreement ≥ 70.0% on statements was considered to indicate a consensus. RESULTS: Consensus was reached for 62 of 72 statements and experts did not achieve consensus on 10 statements after two rounds of online voting. Most of the experts believed that multi-disciplinary team evaluation should be done in all redo-procedures after SG and there should be at least 12 months of medical and supportive management before performing redo-surgeries after SG for insufficient weight loss, weight regain, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Also, experts agreed that in case of symptomatic GERD in the presence of adequate weight loss, medical treatment for at least 1 to 2 years is an acceptable option and agreed that Roux-en Y gastric bypass is an appropriate option in this situation. There was disagreement consensus on efficacy of omentopexy in rotation and efficacy of fundoplication in the presence of a dilated fundus and GERD. CONCLUSION: Redo-surgeries after SG is still an important issue among bariatric and metabolic surgeons. The proper time and procedure selection for redo-surgery need careful considerations. Although multi-disciplinary team evaluation plays a key role to evaluate best options in these situations, an algorithmic clinical approach based on the expert's consensus as a guideline can help for the best clinical decision-making.

Risk Factors for Hemorrhagic Adverse Events in Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage: A Prospective Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: To determine risk factors (RFs) for hemorrhagic adverse events (AEs) associated with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and to develop a risk assessment model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a multicenter, prospective, case control study between 2015 and 2020. Adults with an indication for PTBD were included. Patients who had undergone recent previous drainage procedures were excluded. Multiple variables were controlled. The exposure variables were the number of capsular punctures and passes (using the same puncture). A multivariate analysis was performed (logistic regression analysis). RESULTS: A total of 304 patients (mean age, 63 years ± 14 [range, 23-87 years]; female, 53.5%) were included. Hemorrhagic AEs occurred in 13.5% (n = 41) of the patients, and 3.0% (n = 9) of the cases were severe. Univariate analysis showed that the following variables were not associated with hemorrhagic AEs: age, sex, bilirubin and hemoglobin levels, type of pathology, portal hypertension, location of vascular punctures, ascites, nondilated bile duct, intrahepatic tumors, catheter features, blood pressure, antiplatelet drug use, and tract embolization. Multivariate analysis showed that number of punctures (odds ratio [OR], 2.5; P = .055), vascular punctures (OR, 4.1; P = .007), fatty liver or cirrhosis (OR, 3.7; P = .021), and intrahepatic tumor obstruction (Bismuth ≥ 2; OR, 2.4; P = .064) were associated with hemorrhagic AEs. Patients with corrected coagulopathies had fewer hemorrhagic AEs (OR, -5.5; P = .026). The predictability was 88.2%. The area under the curve was 0.56 (95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.61). CONCLUSIONS: Preprocedural and intraprocedural RFs were identified in relation to hemorrhage with PTBD. AE risk assessment information may be valuable for prediction and management of hemorrhagic AEs.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy using a single-operator cholangioscope (pSOC), a retrospective, observational, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Percutaneous cholangioscopy (PC) is more complex and invasive than a transpapillary approach, with the need for a large percutaneous tract of 16 French (Fr) on average in order to advance standard percutaneous cholangioscopes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether percutaneous single-operator cholangioscopy (pSOC) using the SpyGlass™ DS system is feasible, safe, and effective in PC for diagnostic and therapeutic indications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 28 patients who underwent pSOC in 4 tertiary referral centers were retrospectively analyzed. Technical and clinical success for therapeutic procedures was assessed as well as diagnostic accuracy of pSOC-guided biopsies and visualization. Adverse events and the required number and size of dilatations were reviewed. RESULTS: 25/28 (89%) patients had a post-surgical altered anatomy. The average number of percutaneous dilatations prior to pSOC was 1.25 with a mean dilatation size of 11 French. Histopathology showed a 100% accuracy. Visual impression showed an overall accuracy of 96.4%. Technical and clinical success was achieved in 27/28 (96%) of cases. Adverse events occurred in 3/28 (10.7%) cases. CONCLUSION: pSOC is a feasible, safe, and effective technique for diagnostic and therapeutic indications. It may be considered an alternative approach in clinical cases where gastrointestinal anatomy is altered. It has the potential to reduce peri-procedural adverse events and costs. Prospective randomized-controlled trials are necessary to confirm the previously collected data.

[Teres ligament hemangioma: laparoscopic approach]. / Hemangioma del ligamento redondo: resección laparoscópica.

Hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors, whose origin comes from the embryonic mesodermal tissue remains. The liver is the most common location. Its location in the teres ligament is extremely rare. This is a 59 years old male admitted because of episodes of epigastric pain for six months. A CT scan and MRI demostrated a 2 cm diameter lesion located near the Teres ligament. Laparoscopic resection was performed. Hemangiomas are the most common benign solid tumors located in the liver. They represents 73% of all benign liver tumors. MRI is the imaging of greater certainty for diagnosis. The Teres ligament (ligamentum teres hepatis) is a fibrous cord resulting in obliteration of the umbilical vein. The location of hemangiomas in this region is extremely rare but should be considered and should make the differential diagnosis with a pedicled hepatic hemangioma or gastointestinal stromal tumors.

Single Port Laparoscopic Gastrostomy: description of a technique and initial experience.

INTRODUCTION: Since the first classic descriptions of surgical gastrostomies for feeding by supra-umbilical medial incisions, patients were operated under general anesthesia, with prolonged time of surgery; these were patients in poor health status, undernourished due to inadequate intake or to neurological or tumor involvement, with prolonged hospitalization, both for the recovery of the intestinal motility as well as for the recovery of post-surgical wounds. Therefore, we describe a new minimally invasive technique as an alternative to the percutaneous or endoscopic gastrostomy, in patients where we are not allowed to place a nasogastric tube to insufflate the stomach. This is mostly seen in patients with tumors, which cause obstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between July 2012 and June 2013, 8 patients underwent a single port laparoscopic gastrostomy. Five were females, mean age: 77 years (range: 67-87). In all the patients, it was impossible to place a nasogastric tube, due to obstructive tumor. RESULTS: The mean time of the procedure was 45 minutes. Seven patients underwent tolerance of dextrose 10% through the catheter after 12 hours and one 24 hours after the procedures. Enteral feeding was indicated after the dextrose 10% tolerance was performed. No complications related to the procedure were observed. DISCUSSION: Currently, the gold standard technique to perform a gastrostomy is the percutaneous or endoscopic approach. In patients with head and neck tumors, when it is not possible to insert a nasogastric tube to insufflate the stomach, a laparoscopic gastrostomy would be indicated. We describe a new technique, step by step, to perform less invasive laparoscopic surgery by a single port laparoscopic gastrostomy. CONCLUSION: The diameter created is the same as the one performed with an open technique, but in this case, with a minimally invasive approach, that allows us to start feeding the patient with a high quality of feeding, because of the wider lumen.

Total gastrectomy due to ferric chloride intoxication.

INTRODUCTION: The ferric chloride intoxication is frequently caused by accident. Its toxicity is generally underrated, which can lead to fatal evolution or irreversible consequences. In this case, the caustic condition of the substance is related to the toxic properties of iron. CASE PRESENTATION: A 36-year-old male patient arrives by ambulance indicating sensory deterioration. He presents erosive injuries in the buccal cavity and in the oropharynx, brownish teeth and metabolic acidosis. Toxicology tests and ferritin blood dosage are requested, which show a result from 1400 mg/dl. The symptoms are interpreted as acute iron intoxication. Due to the unfavorable evolution of his condition, an abdominal and pelvic CT scan are performed, which show extensive pneumoperitoneum and free fluid in the abdominal cavity. An exploratory laparotomy, a total gastrectomy with esophagostomy and feeding jejunostomy, washing and drainage due to perforated gastric necrosis caused by caustic ingestion are performed. DISCUSSION: In our country, there is a high rate of intoxication caused by iron compounds, although it is not statistically measured. Nevertheless, the ferric chloride intoxication is extremely infrequent. The ingestion of this product leads to complications, which are associated with the iron concentration and its condition as a caustic agent. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical indications in the presence of intoxication caused by iron compounds are: stomach evacuation of iron, gastric necrosis, perforation or peritonitis and stenosis. Early or prophylactic gastrectomy is contraindicated. However, if complications that require immediate surgical intervention arise, there should be no hesitation and the corresponding procedure should be performed.

[Gastric Bypass versus Sleeve gastrectomy: comparison between type 2 Diabetes weight loss and complications. Review of randomized control trails]. / Bypass gástrico vs manga gástrica: comparación de resultados sobre diabetes tipo 2, descenso de peso y complicaciones. Revisión de ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity today is a major health problem worldwide and the leading health problem in Western countries because it is associated with multiple comorbidities that increase the mortality of these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of the literature was done in PubMed (Medline) and Cochrane Library of randomized controlled trials comparing gastric bypass with sleeve gastrectomy in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Eighteen papers were found, of which eleven met the initial inclusion criteria. DISCUSSION: The variables analyzed to determine the superiority of one technique over the other were: the percentage ofexcess BMI lost (% EIMCP), the percentage of excess weight loss (% EPP), BMI at the end of the study, lost Kg and the percentage of weight lost. Regarding the control of T2DM fasting glycemia, the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc), whether or not oral agents or insulin were considered. CONCLUSION: No highlighting differences in results that can be obtained with RYGB and MG to control obesity and T2DM. Either method achieves excellent results, even surpassing those obtained with dietary, pharmacological and behavioral treatment.

[Treatment of bile duct stones by laparoscopy, endoscopy or combined approaches]. / Tratamiento de la litiasis coledociana mediante cirugía laparoscópica, endoscopía o combinado.

INTRODUCTION: Gallstones are a very common disease in our area, with a prevalence of 21.9%. Among the most common complications, choledocholithiasis is associated in about 3% to 10% of cases. The treatment may be performed by minimally invasive laparoscopy, endoscopy or a combination of both. There is no current consensus on what is the best strategy for treatment. We aimed to review the evidences of highest quality available, comparing two therapeutic strategies for cholelithiasis. Choledocholithiasis is divided into that in patients who underwent a cholecystectomy and that in patients with associated cholelithiasis. In the first group we have three subgroups: a) patients in whom gallstones remained intraoperatively, b) patients with bile duct lithiasis and biliary drainage, and c) patients with bile duct lithiasis without biliary drainage. In the first case can be performed a laparoscopic treatment at one or two times; in the second, a transfistular approach; and in the third, an endoscopic treatment. If the endscopic tretament fails, percutaneous or laparoscopic reoperation can be done. The treatment of a cholelithiasis associated with choledocholithiasis can be performed by laparoscopy, endoscopy or a combination of both. We conclude that the innovation of minimally invasive techniques has revolutionized the management of bile duct stones. The treatment in one time is possible in patients with adequate operative risk and in the hands of trained surgeons. Multidisciplinary approach is mandatory, according to the diagnostic and therapeutic method, depending on the means available in each institution.

[Mirizzi Syndrome: Prevalence, diagnosis and treatment]. / Síndrome de Mirizzi: Prevalencia, diagnóstico y tratamiento.

BACKGROUND: The Mirizzi syndrome was described by Pablo Luis Mirizzi in 1948, who emphasized this syndrome was characterized by the obstruction of the common hepatic duct due to mechanical compression caused by an impacted stone in the gallbladder neck or in the cystic duct. The incidence ranges from 0.05% to 4%. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study. Based on the database of the General Surgery Division of the Prof Alejandro Posadas National Hospital, between July 2007and June 2013, charts of all patients with biliary lithiasis disease operated in this period were analyzed. We analyzed the clinical features, the various diagnostic techniques and the treatment carried out in each of them. RESULTS: Surgery due to biliary lithiasis was performed in 2,160 patients. Fourteen patients, 8 females and 6 males, had Mirizzi syndrome (0.65%). The mean age was 55.3 years old (range 34-70 years old). Four patients were scheduled for elective surgery and 10 were operated during emergency. Preoperative differential diagnosis was: extrahepatic cholestasis 10, cholecystitis 3 and biliary duct stenosis vs gallbladder cancer 1. The treatments performed were: 3 conventional cholecystectomies with intraoperative dynamic cholangiography, 2 conventional cholecystectomies plus choledochoplasty with Kehr tube, 2 laparoscopic cholecystectomies plus choledochoplasty with Kehr tube, 1 partial cholecystectomy with Pezzer catheterization, 3 choledochoduodenostomy, 1 choledochoplasty with gallbladder remnant, 1 hepaticojejunostomy and 1 treatment in two steps (percutaneous biliary drainage and cholecystectomy). Regarding complications, we observed 1 autolimited leak from the choledocoduodenostomy, 1 death in an ederly patient, and 1 hepatic abscess treated by a minimaly invasive approach. CONCLUSIONS: Mirizzi syndrome is a disease with low prevalence, which must be taken into account in biliary surgery, because the treatment varies according to the intraoperative findings and the experience of the surgical team.

Prevalence of cholelithiasis in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Cholelithiasis is an important cause of morbidity in the world and it varies significantly depending on the region of study. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of cholelithiasis in Buenos Aires. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study performed in a public hospital with tertiary care in Gastrointestinal Surgery. From July 2010 to December 2011, 1,875 healthy volunteers who underwent liver, gallbladder and pancreas ultrasound imaging were included and a questionnaire containing the individual's medical history was administered. The presence of cholelithiasis and its eventual risk factors were studied. RESULTS: Of 1,875 individuals, 866 were males (46.2%) and 1,009 females (53.8%), older than 20 years old with an average age of 46.1 + 16.7 years. Cholelithiasis was found in 410 inidviduals (21.9%); 285 (15.2%) diagnosed at the time of the study and 125 (67%) who had already undergone a cholecystectomy due to gallstones. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cholelithiasis in Buenos Aires, capital city of Argentina, is 21.9%. A significant association was found between cholelithiasis and female gender, age, body mass index, history of colic pain, family history of cholelithiasis, smoking, fatty liver and number of pregnancies.

Swallowable Intragastric Balloon: First Consecutive Experience in Argentina.

Background: Swallowable balloons are innovative devices for the treatment of obesity. Endoscopy or anesthesia for implantation is not required. They are generally well tolerated and experience reports satisfactory results in relation to weight loss. The objective of this study was to analyze the first experience with the implementation of a swallowable balloon in Argentina. Methods: It is a descriptive retrospective observational study on the treatment of obesity in patients who underwent swallowable balloons in Argentina, admitted to one center, in a period time of 12 months with a follow-up of 6 months. Results: A total of n = 153 patients were recruited between June 2021 and May 2022, 78% were women and 22% men. The average age was 39 years. Average body mass index was 29.5 kg/m2. Balloon implantation was performed with complete swallowing by the patients in 19.4% of the cases, swallowing with operator assistance in 55.5%, and swallowing with stylet assistance in 25%. The adverse effects reported were abdominal pain (80%), nausea (60%), vomiting (38%), headache (36%), gastroesophageal reflux (29%), constipation (11%), and diarrhea (7%). No deaths were reported. A mean 4-month weight loss of 12% was reported. Conclusion: Swallowable balloon for the treatment of obesity is effective, safe, and well tolerated. Adverse effects are not severe.

Bariatric Evaluation Through AI: a Survey of Expert Opinions Versus ChatGPT-4 (BETA-SEOV).

BACKGROUND: Recent advancements in artificial intelligence, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT-4, are revolutionizing various sectors, including healthcare. This study investigates the use of ChatGPT-4 in identifying suitable candidates for bariatric surgery and providing surgical recommendations to improve decision-making in obesity treatment amid the global obesity epidemic. METHODS: We devised ten patient scenarios, thoughtfully encompassing a spectrum that spans from uncomplicated cases to more complex ones. Our objective was to delve into the decision-making process regarding the recommendation of bariatric surgery. From July 29th to August 10th, 2023, we conducted a voluntary online survey involving thirty prominent bariatric surgeons, ensuring that there was no predetermined bias in the selection of a specific type of bariatric surgery. This survey was designed to collect their insights on these scenarios and gain a deeper understanding of their professional experience and background in the field of bariatric surgery. Additionally, we consulted ChatGPT-4 in two separate conversations to evaluate its alignment with expert opinions on bariatric surgery options. RESULTS: In 40% of the scenarios, disparities were identified between the two conversations with ChatGPT-4. It matched expert opinions in 30% of cases. Differences were noted in cases like gastrointestinal metaplasia and gastric adenocarcinoma, but there was alignment with conditions like endometriosis and GERD. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of ChatGPT-4's role in determining bariatric surgery suitability uncovered both potential and shortcomings. Its alignment with experts was inconsistent, and it often overlooked key factors, emphasizing human expertise's value. Its current use requires caution, and further refinement is needed for clinical application.

Primary gastric rhabdomyosarcoma. Case report.

Rhabdomyosarcomas are rare and malignant tumors. There have been reported two histological types of gastric rhabdomyosarcomas, the pleomorphic and embryonal cell types. We report the case of a 53-year-old male with endoscopic diagnosis of a Bormann type III ulcer which revealed a gastric primary rhabdomyosarcoma. Ultrasound showed two liver lesions, two hepatic pedicle lymph nodes and a huge primary gastric tumor. CT scan revealed a primary gastric tumor. The patient is submitted to a distal gastrectomy with a Billroth II reconstruction and a resection of the distal liver metastases at segment IV The patient was discharged uneventfully on the eighth postoperative day. The gold standard for a final diagnoses is the immuno-histochemical staining of the endoscopic biopsy. There is very little information on the results of chemotherapy and the surgical treatment is the best choice.

Toward a Change in Our Work in Surgery: Collaborative Work, Coaching, and Teamwork.

Background: Until now, working with others has been shaped by a style where 1 person made the main decisions at the top of the hierarchical pyramid. These days this one-directional model no longer makes sense. That is why we need to change to a collaborative style. Methods: An overview on the change in our surgical work and definitions on the collaborative work, coaching, and teamwork will be discussed and analyzed. Results and Discussion: The system is defined by the boundaries that we set; they can often be the type of activity to be carried out or the way it is achieved. Collaboration means accompanying processes with a clear idea of what needs to be achieved and what values need to be followed. In work contexts that are globalized, diverse, virtual, and made up of highly educated specialists, isolation and a lack of collaboration are common. We would like to highlight four of them: (1) Signature relationship practices: The importance of building relationships on the basis of "who I am," not "what I am." (2) Ambidextrous leadership: Collaborative work needs to concentrate first on the task and on performing it effectively. (3) Mentoring versus "tit-for-tat culture": Collaborative work helps the design of individual and team identities. (4) Training in relationship skills: for communication and conflict resolution. Conclusions: Working on relationship building conversations generates a systemic view that allows the creation of a communication context that facilitates collaborative work. They are all key skills to achieve a collaborative culture on work.

Laparoscopic revisional hepaticojejunostomy for biliary stricture after open repair following common bile duct injury: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Incidence of bile duct injury has been reported more frequently following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. CASE REPORT: A 43-year-old female with a past medical history of laparoscopic cholecystectomy that was converted to open because of a common bile duct injury now presents with a stenosis at the hepaticojejunostomy that is causing recurrent cholangitis episodes. After the lysis of adhesions and dissection of the anastomotic area, a stricture was identified. The authors exposed and redid the hepaticojejunostomy with 4-0 Monocryl sutures without tension. The follow-up period was unremarkable. No leaks were documented, and the patient was discharged home on postoperative day 3. CONCLUSION: After percutaneous or endoscopic procedure failure for the treatment of hepaticojejunostomy strictures, the laparoscopic redo anastomosis is safe and feasible when performed by surgeons who are strongly trained in advanced laparoscopic surgery.

[Porcelain gallbladder: a clinical case and a review of the literature]. / Vesícula de porcelana. Caso clínico y revisión de la literatura.

Porcelain bladder is defined as calcification of the gallbladder wall. It is a rare condition and is seen in 0.06% to 0.8% of cholecystectomies. It origin is still unknown. We report two cases of patients with a porcelain gallbladder. One case is a 60 year-old male patient who was seen due to having biliary symptoms. The diagnosis was made by ultrasound and computed tomography, and he was surgically intervened by performing a partial cholecystectomy. The histopathology reported a gallbladder wall with sclerohyalinosis and dystrophic calcification foci. The other case is a 98 year-old female patient, whose form of presentation was incidental given that she suffered from symptoms of an intestinal obstruction. A cholecystectomy was performed with a good post-surgical outcome. A series published in between 1950 and 1960 show that the porcelain bladder can be frequently observed in patients with cancer of the gallbladder, although this relationship is currently being rejected. The reason why these cases are being presented is because of their low incidence and the controversy over what treatment to use, due to its association with gallbladder cancer.

Complications in Bariatric Surgery.

Bariatric surgery represents the most valid option to treat the chronic disease of morbid obesity and all its related comorbid conditions with the purpose to increase life expectancy. Despite multiple recommendations of the different scientific societies, bariatric surgery remains worldwide largely underused. Considering only a 16% rate of obesity disease, with the largest number of bariatric surgeries performed in Europe of 50k procedures a year, France should need more than 200 years to surgically approach all morbid obese patients. Similarly, in the United States, obesity is a chronic condition that affects more than 1 in 3 adults, with a mean number of 250k bariatric procedures a year, hence they would need 437 years to manage this population. Definitely, the bariatric surgery is very poorly used and there are several factors to explain it. Inadequate access to medical care and insufficient information provided by the general practitioner are frequently encountered in our practice. But the main limitation for the bariatric treatment remains the patients' "fear" of a surgical complication.

Chronic Gastric Dilation-Surgical Management.

Background: Chronic dilation of the gastric remnant is a rare complication, although it can be serious. It is due to an exaggerated distension of the gastric remnant after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Clinical suspicion and computed tomography (CT) are essential for its diagnosis. Its treatment is by means of a decompressive gastrostomy, which can be percutaneous or surgical, an option that can be carried out in certain patients. We present a clinical case of chronic dilation of the gastric remnant and its laparoscopic surgical resolution. Methods: We present a clinical case of a 67-year-old patient who underwent a RYGB. An abdominal CT scan showed chronic dilation of the gastric remnant. A laparoscopic biopsy and a laparoscopic-assisted percutaneous gastrostomy were performed. Conslusion: The combined percutaneous laparoscopic approach is a good option for cases of chronic gastric dilations of unknown origin, allowing to discover and treat its causes.

Online Education, Was It Here but We Did Not Know?

Background: Online education is not new. Their main options are talks, videos, and virtual courses. The quality and quantity of talks, together with the level of the speakers, is variable and heterogeneous. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this process. The objective of this study was to analyze the result of a questionnaire on the current state of online education. Methods: Retrospective descriptive observational study based on a questionnaire. The participants consulted were Latin American physicians with different specialties. Results: A total of n = 361 participants were recruited. 26.9% had between 6 and 15 years of work experience. 63.1% carried out teleconsultation with their patients, and 96.1% attended between 1 and 10 talks/courses/webinar during the pandemic, whereas 1.6% did not attend any. "Talks" given received a rating of "Very Good" by 51.2%, and a 59.5% considered that the "Hybrid" option would be the best modality for future medical congresses in the postpandemic era. 84.7% considered that other possibilities of online teaching and online surgical training should be explored. Conclusion: Online education has marked the way of transmitting knowledge in recent years. It has been well accepted by those attending academic meetings.

Reflux After Sleeve Gastrectomy: An Update.

Background: Modifications of gastric anatomy, function, and of the esophagogastric junction secondary to sleeve gastrectomy (SG) can worsen the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Its late diagnosis and poor treatment can lead to serious complications. In recent years, attempts have been made to optimize preoperative studies and improve surgical techniques to prevent this problem. The aim of this study was to update on the presence of GERD and their symptoms post-SG. Methods: A literature review of articles based on randomized clinical trials on the presence of GERD after SG was carried out, in a period of 10 years. Results: A result of 336 articles was obtained, of which 327 were discarded and 9 were included. The variables of GERD post-SG were analyzed according to their symptoms ("improved," "worsened," and "unchanged"), "remission," or appearance "de novo." Conclusion: GERD is a frequently associated pathology in obese patients. Several authors reported that symptoms worsen after SG, and has been diagnosed de novo. The application of exhaustive preoperative studies and a correct surgical technique could reduce its incidence.