Clinical features of rhabdomyolysis after open and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyolysis (RML) is caused by muscle injury, this may cause kidneys overload and lead to acute renal failure (ARF). The risk factors for RML in bariatric surgery (BS) are operative time (OT) >4 h and high BMI. The frequency of RML in BS varies from 12.9 to 37.8%. This study has the objective of describing the characteristics associated with RML and ARF in BS. METHODS: We studied retrospectively 114 patients submitted to BS. Criteria for RML were CPK level >950 IU/l (five times the normal value). The variables were BMI, OT, age, intraoperative hydration and diuresis, CPK, creatinine, arterial hypertension, peripheric vascular disease, diabetes, open and laparoscopic techniques--inclusion criteria: patients submitted to gastric bypass; exclusion: renal failure and statins use. RESULTS: RML incidence was 7%. The factors associated with RML in the bivariate analysis were hepatic steatosis, high BMI, high weight, higher excess weight, and prolonged OT. The risk factor for RML in the multivariate analysis was BMI > or = 50 kg/m2. When the OT was below 2 h the incidence of RML was zero, but this was not significant in the multivariate analysis. The factors associated with a higher risk of CPK elevation (multivariate analysis) were hypertension and open technique. CONCLUSION: BS is safe, with low incidence of RML/ARF. High BMI is associated with a higher risk of RML. Probably a longer OT is associated with a higher risk of RML not statistically demonstrated in this study. The factors associated with a higher risk of CPK elevation were hypertension and open technique.

Incidence of lower limbs deep vein thrombosis after open and laparoscopic gastric bypass: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Lower limbs deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are major causes of morbidity and mortality and are even higher in bariatric patients. The longer operative time and higher immobility in these patients increase the DVT risk. Although deaths after bariatric surgery have been reported, there is no consensus regarding the prophylaxis of DVT. This study's objective is to determine the incidence of lower limbs DVT in patients submitted to Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (RYGBP) under prophylaxis by enoxaparin. METHODS: Patients with body mass index (BMI) equal to or higher than 35 kg/m(2) who submitted to RYGBP by laparotomy or laparoscopy using 40 mg/day of enoxaparin for 15 days were recruited between October 2004 and August 2005. Individuals with previous DVT and heparin allergy were excluded. Patients were tested for DVT using color Doppler ultrasound performed before surgery and on the second and fifth weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The study population included 136 patients, with 126 concluding the protocol. There were 79% (100/126) of female patients aged 19 to 65 years old, with mean of 40 years SD = 10 and BMI between 35 and 61 kg/m(2), mean of 43 kg/m(2) (SD = 5). All patients who submitted to RYGBP were divided as 55% (69/126) by laparoscopy and 45% (57/126) by laparotomy. The incidence rate of lower limbs DVT was 0.79% (1/126). CONCLUSION: The low incidence rate of DVT found in our study suggests that obesity might not be a major risk factor for venous thromboembolism in patients submitted to RYGBP.

Rhabdomyolysis: diagnosis and treatment in bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyolysis (RML) and subsequent acute renal failure can be serious problems following bariatric operations. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid the complications of RML. METHODS: This review was achieved by searching the key words: Rhabdomyolysis, diagnosis, treatment and bariatric surgery. We included prospective, retrospective, case reports and review articles. RESULTS: RML diagnosis can be done by: signs and symptoms, physical evaluation, laboratory findings and imaging examinations. Muscle weakness, myalgia, decubitus ulcer, proteinuria and myoglobinuria are the more mentioned findings. Elevation of CPK levels is the most sensitive diagnostic evidence of RML. Treatment is geared toward preserving renal function by avoiding dehydration, hypovolemia, tubular obstruction, aciduria, and free radical release. Early recognition allows the administration of fluids, bicarbonate, and mannitol. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic measures and early diagnosis and treatment of rhabdomyolysis in bariatric surgery are imperative to prevent the potential fatal complications of this condition.

Laparoscopic gastric banding in the rat model as a means of videolaparoscopic training.

BACKGROUND: The development of laparoscopy in bariatric surgery has attracted a large number of surgeons. Learning this method for future clinical practice requires intensive training with inert tissues, simulators and experimental surgery in animals. Performing these procedures in small animals, with the same equipment used in humans, is feasible, allowing familiarization with and comprehension of the basic techniques. Wistar rats weighing 300-600 g were used. The animals were kept in standard laboratory conditions. A laparoscopic video-system, Veress needle, three ports, a 0 degree optic, a laparoscopic needle-holder, two 5-mm graspers, a 5-mm dissection clamp and a 5-mm scissors were used. An orogastric catheter with three 4-0 nylon sutures and one 6-0 nylon suture were also utilized. For the gastric band, we used a plastic device similar to the human gastric band. The present study describes a simple, inexpensive and reproducible technique for laparoscopic gastric banding in a rat model utilizing the same instruments developed for humans. The experimental rat model is more motivating than simulators, requires less space, and has easier maintenance compared with bigger animals, and consequently allows the use of more animals for teaching, training and application in many scientific studies.

Staplerless laparoscopic gastric bypass: a new option in bariatric surgery.

The staplerless Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is a new option in bariatric surgery. The first to describe it was Himpens (2004) utilizing the LigaSure Atlas (LSA) in a series of 10 patients. The laparoscopic RYGBP is performed utilizing the LSA for the gastric and jejunal partition; after that, an imbricating running suture is performed to ensure stomach and bowel hermetic closure. All anastomoses are hand-sewn. Technical disadvantages are: learning curve; complications related to suture failure; possible thermal/electricity related injuries; longer operating time. Advantages are: stapler-associated bleeding, leaks, staple-line disruption, and fistulas are avoided; cost reduction. The staplerless RYGBP is complex; the surgeon involved requires expertise and ability. This technique will evolve and will be used by more surgeons. It is a new option for the surgeon preoccupied with costs, which is particularly important in developing countries.

Remission of psoriasis after open gastric bypass.

Psoriasis is a frequent skin disease, affecting 2% of the world's population. Stress, alcohol, smoking and obesity may be associated with psoriasis. A 56-year-old man with BMI 46.9 kg/m(2), hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux, had severe psoriasis for the last 39 years, without any remission on multiple treatments. Psoriatic papules and plaques were noted on his face, dorsum of hands, buttocks, knees, and elbows. He underwent open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. At 4-month follow-up, the patient had lost 23 kg or 34.8% of excess weight, and presented complete remission of the psoriasis without medications. Bariatric surgery for positive metabolic, psychological and lifestyle consequences should be considered a treatment of psoriasis. Long-term observation is necessary.

Closure of the abdominal cavity after severe peritonitis in bariatric surgery utilizing a mesh and plastic device.

The major cause of peritonitis in bariatric surgery is leakage of GI contents, which can have a catastrophic outcome for the bariatric patient. To resolve this serious problem, the surgeon must act quickly. This paper describes a 27-year-old female after gastric bypass with disruption of the gastroenterostomy and severe contamination and peritonitis. Closure of the anastomotic leak, drainage, and gastrostomy in the bypassed stomach were performed, but the abdomen could not be closed, due to dilated bowel and the intra-abdominal edema with the sepsis. Temporary laparostomy closure was performed; a plastic sheet with an overlying mesh was sutured to the fascial margins. Planned multiple reoperations permitted removal of necrotic and infected debris, with progressive approximation and ultimate closure of the fascia. This treatment resulted in a successful outcome for the patient.

Prevention of rhabdomyolysis in bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyolysis (RML) is a clinical and biochemical syndrome caused by skeletal muscle necrosis that results in extravasation of toxic intracellular contents from the myocytes into the circulatory system. Postoperative RML in bariatric surgery occurs with various non-physiological surgical positions, with prolonged muscle compression. The potential consequences may lead to death. The purpose of this study is to review its pathophysiology and the best ways to prevent RML in bariatric surgery. METHODS: We searched the literature and reviewed all relevant articles, by searching for the keywords: rhabdomyolysis, morbid obesity, prevention and bariatric surgery, giving a total of 39 articles. RESULTS: Prevention may be enhanced by careful padding on the operative table at all pressure-points. Changing patient position, both intraoperatively and postoperatively, also reduces RML. A potential new solution to decrease the longer operative time and avoid RML is to perform the bariatric operation in two stages. Another way to limit the duration of surgery in high-risk patients is to alert surgeons not to select super-obese high-risk patients early in the learning curve. CONCLUSION: As RML is an important and potentially fatal complication of bariatric surgery, the best way to avoid it is effective prevention. More research on this subject is necessary.