Global 30-Day Morbidity and Mortality of Primary Bariatric Surgery Combined with Another Procedure: The BLEND Study.

BACKGROUND: No robust data are available on the safety of primary bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) alone compared to primary BMS combined with other procedures. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to collect a 30-day mortality and morbidity of primary BMS combined with cholecystectomy, ventral hernia repair, or hiatal hernia repair. SETTING: This is as an international, multicenter, prospective, and observational audit of patients undergoing primary BMS combined with one or more additional procedures. METHODS: The audit took place from January 1 to June 30, 2022. A descriptive analysis was conducted. A propensity score matching analysis compared the BLEND study patients with those from the GENEVA cohort to obtain objective evaluation between combined procedures and primary BMS alone. RESULTS: A total of 75 centers submitted data on 1036 patients. Sleeve gastrectomy was the most commonly primary BMS (N = 653, 63%), and hiatal hernia repair was the most commonly concomitant procedure (N = 447, 43.1%). RYGB accounted for the highest percentage (20.6%) of a 30-day morbidity, followed by SG (10.5%). More than one combined procedures had the highest morbidities among all combinations (17.1%). Out of overall 134 complications, 129 (96.2%) were Clavien-Dindo I-III, and 4 were CD V. Patients who underwent a primary bariatric surgery combined with another procedure had a pronounced increase in a 30-day complication rate compared with patients who underwent only BMS (12.7% vs. 7.1%). CONCLUSION: Combining BMS with another procedure increases the risk of complications, but most are minor and require no further treatment. Combined procedures with primary BMS is a viable option to consider in selected patients following multi-disciplinary discussion.

Revision/Conversion Surgeries After One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass-An Experts' Modified Delphi Consensus.

PURPOSE: There is a lack of evidence for treatment of some conditions including complication management, suboptimal initial weight loss, recurrent weight gain, or worsening of a significant obesity complication after one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). This study was designed to respond to the existing lack of agreement and to provide a valuable resource for clinicians by employing an expert-modified Delphi consensus method. METHODS: Forty-eight recognized bariatric surgeons from 28 countries participated in the modified Delphi consensus to vote on 64 statements in two rounds. An agreement/disagreement among ≥ 70.0% of the experts was regarded to indicate a consensus. RESULTS: A consensus was achieved for 46 statements. For recurrent weight gain or worsening of a significant obesity complication after OAGB, more than 85% of experts reached a consensus that elongation of the biliopancreatic limb (BPL) is an acceptable option and the total bowel length measurement is mandatory during BPL elongation to preserve at least 300-400 cm of common channel limb length to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Also, more than 85% of experts reached a consensus on conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) with or without pouch downsizing as an acceptable option for the treatment of persistent bile reflux after OAGB and recommend detecting and repairing any size of hiatal hernia during conversion to RYGB. CONCLUSION: While the experts reached a consensus on several aspects regarding revision/conversion surgeries after OAGB, there are still lingering areas of disagreement. This highlights the importance of conducting further studies in the future to address these unresolved issues.

Effect of anti-reflux suture on gastroesophageal reflux symptoms after one anastomosis gastric bypass: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is an issue after one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and modification of OAGB with adding an anti-reflux system may decrease the incidence of postoperative GERD. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of the anti-reflux mechanism to treat preoperative GERD and prevent de novo GERD. METHODS: A prospective randomized clinical trial study was conducted on patients with a body mass index of 40 and more from August 2020 to February 2022. Patients undergoing one anastomosis gastric bypass with and without anti-reflux sutures (groups A and B, respectively). These patients had follow-ups for one year after the surgery. GERD symptoms were assessed in all the patients using the GERD symptom questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean age was 39.5 ± 9.8 years and 40.7 ± 10.2 years in groups A and B respectively. GERD symptoms remission occurred in 76.5% and 68.4% of patients in groups A and B, respectively. The incidence of de novo GERD symptoms was lower in group A, compared to group B (6.2% and 16.1% in groups A and B respectively), without any statistically significant difference (p-value: 0.239). CONCLUSION: GERD symptoms and de novo GERD after OAGB seems to be under-reported after OAGB. This study suggests that applying an anti-reflux suture can decrease de novo GERD symptoms.

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.

Patient Selection in One Anastomosis/Mini Gastric Bypass-an Expert Modified Delphi Consensus.

PURPOSE: One anastomosis/mini gastric bypass (OAGB/MGB) is up to date the third most performed obesity and metabolic procedure worldwide, which recently has been endorsed by ASMBS. The main criticisms are the risk of bile reflux, esophageal cancer, and malnutrition. Although IFSO has recognized this procedure, guidance is needed regarding selection criteria. To give clinicians a daily support in performing the right patient selection in OAGB/MGB, the aim of this paper is to generate clinical guidelines based on an expert modified Delphi consensus. METHODS: A committee of 57 recognized bariatric surgeons from 24 countries created 69 statements. Modified Delphi consensus voting was performed in two rounds. An agreement/disagreement among ≥ 70.0% of the experts was considered to indicate a consensus. RESULTS: Consensus was achieved for 56 statements. Remarkably, ≥ 90.0% of the experts felt that OAGB/MGB is an acceptable and suitable option "in patients with Body mass index (BMI) > 70, BMI > 60, BMI > 50 kg/m2 as a one-stage procedure," "as the second stage of a two-stage bariatric surgery after Sleeve Gastrectomy for BMI > 50 kg/m2 (instead of BPD/DS)," and "in patients with weight regain after restrictive procedures. No consensus was reached on the statement that OAGB/MGB is a suitable option in case of resistant Helicobacter pylori. This is likely as there is a concern that this procedure is associated with reflux and its related long-term complications including risk of cancer in the esophagus or stomach. Also no consensus reached on OAGB/MGB as conversional surgery in patients with GERD after restrictive procedures. Consensus for disagreement was predominantly achieved "in case of intestinal metaplasia of the stomach" (74.55%), "in patients with severe Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)(C,D)" (75.44%), "in patients with Barrett's metaplasia" (89.29%), and "in documented insulinoma" (89.47%). CONCLUSION: Patient selection in OAGB/MGB is still a point of discussion among experts. There was consensus that OAGB/MGB is a suitable option in elderly patients, patients with low BMI (30-35 kg/m2) with associated metabolic problems, and patients with BMIs more than 50 kg/m2 as one-stage procedure. OAGB/MGB can also be a safe procedure in vegetarian and vegan patients. Although OAGB/MGB can be a suitable procedure in patients with large hiatal hernia with concurrent hiatal hernia, it should not be offered to patients with grade C or D esophagitis or Barrett's metaplasia.

The first survey addressing patients with BMI over 50: a survey of 789 bariatric surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery in patients with BMI over 50 kg/m2 is a challenging task. The aim of this study was to address main issues regarding perioperative management of these patients by using a worldwide survey. METHODS: An online 48-item questionnaire-based survey on perioperative management of patients with a BMI superior to 50 kg/m2 was ideated by 15 bariatric surgeons from 9 different countries. The questionnaire was emailed to all members of the International Federation of Surgery for Obesity (IFSO). Responses were collected and analyzed by the authors. RESULTS: 789 bariatric surgeons from 73 countries participated in the survey. Most surgeons (89.9%) believed that metabolic/bariatric surgery (MBS) on patients with BMI over 50 kg/m2 should only be performed by expert bariatric surgeons. Half of the participants (55.3%) believed that weight loss must be encouraged before surgery and 42.6% of surgeons recommended an excess weight loss of at least 10%. However, only 3.6% of surgeons recommended the insertion of an Intragastric Balloon as bridge therapy before surgery. Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) was considered the best choice for patients younger than 18 or older than 65 years old. SG and One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass were the most common procedures for individuals between 18 and 65 years. Half of the surgeons believed that a 2-stage approach should be offered to patients with BMI > 50 kg/m2, with SG being the first step. Postoperative thromboprophylaxis was recommended for 2 and 4 weeks by 37.8% and 37.7% of participants, respectively. CONCLUSION: This survey demonstrated worldwide variations in bariatric surgery practice regarding patients with a BMI superior to 50 kg/m2. Careful analysis of these results is useful for identifying several areas for future research and consensus building.

Roux-en-Y to One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Conversion: Description of a Novel Technique.

Introduction: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) remains among the most widely performed bariatric procedures. A significant decline in its indication has been observed due to weight regain and reappearance of comorbidities. Moreover, the lack of effective therapeutic alternatives after failure justifies why other techniques are more frequently chosen. We present a novel technique to convert a failed RYGB into a one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). Case Presentation: A 43-year-old male patient with a body mass index (BMI) of 47 kg/m2 and several comorbidities was submitted to RYGB. Initially his surgery was successful, but after 7 years he visited the bariatric and metabolic surgery clinic with reappearance of all comorbidities, and the same BMI as before having bariatric surgery. After proper evaluation and preparation, conversion to OAGB was decided. After anatomy identification, the alimentary limb was transected 20 cm distal to the gastrojejunal anastomosis, and a new anastomosis with the common channel (CC) was created, to form a new long afferent biliopancreatic limb and a new short efferent CC. Results: The surgical procedure and postoperative course were uneventful. One year after the procedure the patient's BMI was 36 kg/m2. He has been able to stop all medications and therapies related to previous comorbidities. To date, the patient has good dietary and supplementation adherence resulting in no nutritional deficiencies, or gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusion: This new surgical technique is safe and feasible. Short-term results have shown reasonable weight loss (WL), and especially remission of comorbidities with an improved quality of life.

Factors that make Bariatric Surgery Technically Challenging: A Survey of 370 Bariatric Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: There is no published data on the factors bariatric surgeons think make bariatric surgery challenging. This study aimed to identify factors that bariatric surgeons feel and increase the technical complexity of bariatric surgery. METHODS: Bariatric surgeons from around the world were invited to participate in a questionnaire-based survey on Survey Monkey®. An Average Weighted Score was calculated for each factor. A score of < 1.0 meant that the factor was perceived to make surgery technically easier. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy bariatric and metabolic surgeons from 59 countries completed the survey. The top 10 factors that our respondents felt were most important for determining the technical difficulty of a procedure were inappropriate trocar placement (AWS 3.44), BMI above 60 (AWS 3.41), open bariatric surgery (AWS 3.26), less experienced bariatric anesthetist (AWS 3.18), liver cirrhosis (AWS 3), large liver (AWS 2.99), less experienced bariatric assistant (AWS 2.97), lower surgeon total bariatric surgery volume (AWS 2.95), lower surgeon specific procedure volume (AWS 2.85) and previous laparotomy (AWS 2.83), respectively. Respondents also felt that the younger patients (AWS 0.78), dedicated operating team (AWS 0.67), BMI less than 35 (AWS 0.54), and French position (AWS 0.45) actually make the surgery easier. CONCLUSION: This survey is the first attempt to understand the factors which make bariatric surgery more difficult. Knowing the factors made the operation more challenging, led to better scheduling the potentially difficult patients to reduce the complications.

IFSO Update Position Statement on One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB).

The International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) issued a position statement on the role of one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) in the field of bariatric/metabolic surgery in 2018 De Luca et al. (Obes Surg. 28(5):1188-206, 2018). This position statement was issued by the IFSO OAGB task force and approved by the IFSO Scientific Committee and IFSO Executive Board. In 2018, the OAGB task force recognized the necessity to update the position statement in the following 2 years since additional high-quality data could emerge. The updated IFSO position statement on OAGB was issued also in response to inquiries to the IFSO by society members, universities, hospitals, physicians, insurances, patients, policy makers, and media. The IFSO position statement on OAGB has been reviewed within 2 years according to the availability of additional scientific evidence. The recommendation of the statement is derived from peer-reviewed scientific literature and available knowledge. The IFSO update position statement on OAGB will again be reviewed in 2 years provided additional high-quality studies emerge.

Areas of Non-Consensus Around One Anastomosis/Mini Gastric Bypass (OAGB/MGB): A Narrative Review.

PURPOSE: One anastomosis/mini gastric bypass (OAGB/MGB) is now an established bariatric and metabolic surgical procedure with good outcomes. Despite two recent consensus statements around OAGB/MGB, there are some issues which are not accepted as consensus and need more long-term data and research. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After identifying the topic of non-consensus from the two recent OAGB/MGB consensuses, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane were searched for articles published by November 2020. RESULTS: In this study, we evaluated these non-consensus topics around OAGB/MGB and all related articles on these topics were assessed by authors to have an argument on these items. CONCLUSION: There is enough evidence to include OAGB/MGB as an accepted standard bariatric and metabolic surgical procedure. However, long-term data and more research are needed to have a consensus in all aspects including these non-consensus topics.

One Anastomosis/Mini-Gastric Bypass (OAGB/MGB) as Revisional Surgery Following Primary Restrictive Bariatric Procedures: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB/MGB) has gained popularity in the past decade. International databases were searched for articles published by September 10, 2020, on OAGB/MGB as a revisional procedure after restrictive procedures. Twenty-six studies examining a total of 1771 patients were included. The mean initial BMI was 45.70 kg/m2, which decreased to 31.52, 31.40, and 30.54 kg/m2 at 1, 3, and 5-year follow-ups, respectively. Remission of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) following OAGB/MGB at 1-, 3-, and 5-year follow-up was 65.16 ± 24.43, 65.37 ± 36.07, and 78.10 ± 14.19%, respectively. Remission/improvement rate from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Also, 7.4% of the patients developed de novo GERD following OAGB/MGB. Leakage was the most common major complication. OAGB/MGB appears to be feasible and effective as a revisional procedure after failed restrictive bariatric procedures.

The First Modified Delphi Consensus Statement for Resuming Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in the COVID-19 Times.

The purpose of this study was to achieve consensus amongst a global panel of expert bariatric surgeons on various aspects of resuming Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery (BMS) during the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A modified Delphi consensus-building protocol was used to build consensus amongst 44 globally recognised bariatric surgeons. The experts were asked to either agree or disagree with 111 statements they collectively proposed over two separate rounds. An agreement amongst ≥ 70.0% of experts was construed as consensus as per the predetermined methodology. We present here 38 of our key recommendations. This first global consensus statement on the resumption of BMS can provide a framework for multidisciplinary BMS teams planning to resume local services as well as guide future research in this area.

Assessment of body composition in obese patients undergoing one anastomosis gastric bypass: cross-sectional study.

Bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term treatment to obesity, and it is necessary to assess changes in body composition and to be able to establish better follow-up of patients. Cross-sectional, observational study in patients undergoing One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) bariatric surgery. We analysed changes in weight and body composition during the first postoperative year. 405 patients (68.9% women. 31.1% men), mean age 44 years, mean weight 110.02 kg, Body Mass Index (BMI) 39.76 kg/m2, height 1.66 m. The variables analyzed were substantially decreased compared to the preoperative values one year after surgery in every case: weight (110.02 ± 22.03 kg vs. 69.36 ± 13.60 kg), BMI (39.76 ± 6.65 vs. 24.52 ± 3. 76), fat free mass (61.12 ± 12.43 kg vs. 53.61 ± 11.61 kg), fat mass (50.44 ± 14.36 kg vs. 15.74 ± 6.74 kg), bone mass (58.06 ± 11.85 kg vs. 50.92 ± 11.06 kg) and water (45.08 ± 9.99 kg vs. 37.39 ± 9.23 kg), P < 0.001. The results show noticeable improvements in weight reduction and changes in body composition, and will contribute to develop a thorough understanding of both of them, contributing also to perform a better patients' follow-up.

Long-Term Weight Loss Results, Remission of Comorbidities and Nutritional Deficiencies of Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG), Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) and One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) on Type 2 Diabetic (T2D) Patients.

This study aimed to compare the long-term weight loss results, remission of comorbidities and nutritional deficiencies of sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and One-Anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) on type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all the morbidly obese and diabetic patients undergoing SG, RYGB, and OAGB as primary bariatric procedures between February 2010 and June 2015 was performed. Anthropometric parameters, remission of comorbidities, nutritional deficiencies and supplementation requirements at 1, 2 and 5 years' follow-up were monitored. Patients lost to follow-up 5 years after surgery were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: 358 patients were included. The follow-up rate was 84.8%. Finally, 83 SG, 152 RYGB, and 123 OAGB patients were included in the analysis. OAGB obtained significantly greater weight loss and remission of dyslipidemia than the other techniques. There was a trend towards greater T2D and hypertension remission rate after OAGB, while fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels were significantly lower after OAGB. There were no significant differences in hemoglobin or protein levels between groups. SG obtained lower iron deficiencies than the other techniques, while there were no significant differences in other nutritional deficiencies between groups. CONCLUSION: OAGB obtained greater weight loss and remission of dyslipidemia than RYGB or SG. Excluding lower iron deficiency rates after SG, there were no significant differences in the development of nutritional deficiencies between groups.

Changes in Lipid Profile, Body Weight Variables and Cardiovascular Risk in Obese Patients Undergoing One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass.

Morbid obesity has a direct impact on the development of cardiovascular disease. One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is an effective surgical technique for the control of body weight and the reduction of cardiovascular risk. This work examines the change in weight loss, lipid profile and cardiovascular risk in 100 patients (71 women, 29 men), mean age 42.61 ± 11.33 years at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months after OAGB. At 24 months post-surgery, mean body weight was significantly reduced compared to pre-operative values (116.75 ± 22.19 kg vs. 69.66 ± 13.07 kg), as were mean total cholesterol (201.86 ± 44.60 mg/dL vs. 172.99 ± 32.26 mg/dL), LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol (126.90 ± 39.81 mg/dL vs. 96.28 ± 26.99 mg/dL), triglycerides (138.05 ± 78.45 mg/dL vs. 76.04 ± 30.34 mg/dL) and cardiovascular risk (total cholesterol/HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol: 4.32 ± 1.24 vs. 2.93 ± 0.71), while the mean HDL cholesterol concentration was significantly higher (49.09 ± 14.16 mg/dL vs. 61.98 ± 14.86 mg/dL) (all p < 0.001). In conclusion, OAGB surgery led to significant reductions in body weight, a significant improvement in the lipid profile, and a reduction in cardiovascular risk.

Implications of Professional Occupation Related to Obesity in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery.

Obesity is an epidemic with severe consequences on the professional development of patients. Bariatric surgery has proven to be a safe treatment with effective results in weight control. The aim of this study is to assess the implications of professional occupation in relation to the development of obesity and weight changes after bariatric surgery. We analyzed 500 obese patients (77.8% women, 22.2% men) who underwent one anastomosis gastric bypass surgery at the Centre of Excellence for the Study and Treatment of Obesity and Diabetes (2014-2019), assessing the influence of professional occupation on body composition and evolution of weight loss up to two years after surgery. Preoperative obesity type III and IV was higher in men than in women (45.9-19.8% vs. 43.7-9.5%; respectively). Prevalent clinical history in women was depression (46.7%), varicose veins (35.6%), and thyroid disease (9.7%), while in men it was respiratory failure (98.2%), high blood pressure (56.8%), hepatic steatosis (82%). Postoperative weight loss was effective in every professional field, reaching normal weight values from 12 months after surgery.

Short-Term Changes on Body Composition and Bone Mass After One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass: a Prospective Observational Study.

PURPOSE: Bariatric surgery generates a large weight loss. It is considered a successful surgery when 50% of the excess weight loss is reached. However, this measure does not include some variables that may have a direct impact on a patient's health, such as fat-free mass (FFM) or bone mass. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate body composition and bone mass in patients undergoing one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed in patients undergoing OAGB. Body composition and bone mass were evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis at baseline (1 day prior to surgery), at 6 and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 94 patients (67% females and 33% males) were included in the study. The excess BMI loss at 6 and 12 months after surgery was 97.9 ± 20.1% and 110.2 ± 30.5% respectively. The FFM showed a reduction of 6.6 ± 4.8 kg (p < 0.01) 6 months after surgery and of 7.9 ± 4.9 kg (p < 0.01) at 12 months, meaning a decrease of 10.5 ± 7.3% and a 12.9 ± 6.6% respectively. The bone mass decrease was 10.1 ± 6.9% (p < 0.01) and 12.9 ± 6.5% (p < 0.01) at 12 months after OAGB. CONCLUSIONS: OAGB obtains a relevant weight loss in patients with morbid obesity, mainly, due to fat mass reductions. However, this procedure also provokes FFM and bone mass decreases, especially in females, but not significantly greater than other restrictive or mixed procedures.