Low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with deep neuromuscular blockade versus standard pressure pneumoperitoneum in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstone disease: a non-inferiority randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (LPP) is an attempt at improving laparoscopic surgery. However, it has the issue of poor working space for which deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) may be a solution. There is a lack of literature comparing LPP with deep NMB to standard pressure pneumoperitoneum (SPP) with moderate NMB. METHODOLOGY: This was a single institutional prospective non-inferiority RCT, with permuted block randomization of subjects into group A and B [Group A: LPP; 8-10 mmHg with deep NMB [ Train of Four count (TOF): 0, Post Tetanic Count (PTC): 1-2] and Group B: SPP; 12-14 mmHg with moderate NMB]. The level of NMB was monitored with neuromuscular monitor with TOF count and PTC. Cisatracurium infusion was used for continuous deep NMB in group A. Primary outcome measures were the surgeon satisfaction score and the time for completion of the procedure. Secondarily important clinical outcomes were also reported. RESULTS: Of the 222 patients screened, 181 participants were enrolled [F: 138 (76.2%); M: 43 (23.8%); Group A n = 90, Group B n = 91]. Statistically similar surgeon satisfaction scores (26.1 ± 3.7 vs 26.4 ± 3.4; p = 0.52) and time for completion (55.2 ± 23.4 vs 52.5 ± 24.9 min; p = 0.46) were noted respectively in groups A and B. On both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis it was found that group A was non-inferior to group B in terms of total surgeon satisfaction score, however, non-inferiority was not proven for time for completion of surgery. Mean pain scores and incidence of shoulder pain were statistically similar up-to 7 days of follow-up in both groups. 4 (4.4%) patients in group B and 2 (2.2%) in group A had bradycardia (p = 0.4). Four (4.4%) cases of group A were converted to group B. One case of group B converted to open surgery. Bile spills and gallbladder perforations were comparable. CONCLUSION: LPP with deep NMB is non-inferior to SPP with moderate NMB in terms of surgeon satisfaction score but not in terms of time required to complete the procedure. Clinical outcomes and safety profile are similar in both groups. However, it could be marginally costlier to use LPP with deep NMB.

Poor Performance of Non-invasive Tests for Advanced Fibrosis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Multicentric Asian Study.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive tests (NITs) are useful to assess advanced fibrosis (AF) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Data from Asian countries suggest that these tests have poor performance. We aimed to assess diagnostic accuracy of established thresholds of biomarker-based NITs and Transient Elastography (TE) in identifying AF and evaluated the utility of a two-step test approach. METHODS: Biopsy-proven 641 NAFLD patients (55.2% males, median age 42 years) were included from three different centers of Asia. AF (≥ F3) was identified as per histological staging (24.8%). RESULTS: TE had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) 0.82 (0.79-0.86), and all other biomarker-based NITs had low AUROC (< 0.7). NITs performed poorly at established thresholds. The combination of NITs utilizing liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and biomarkers, Agile 3+ and FAST, demonstrated acceptable diagnostic accuracy (AUROC 0.82 and 0.78, respectively), but none were superior to LSM alone. LSM measured using appropriate M and XL probes remained accurate regardless of body mass index (BMI); NFS and APRI scores were less accurate at higher BMI ranges. A two-step approach using NFS rule-out criteria (< - 2.97 to rule out) followed by LSM (< 7.3 kPa to rule out and ≥ 12.7 kPa to rule in) correctly classified 62.4% of patients, with only 10.2% of patients incorrectly classified. CONCLUSION: NITs have not been validated to identify AF in the Asian NAFLD population, and internationally accepted thresholds yield high false-negative rates. LSM and LSM-based combination tests remain the most accurate.

Ultrasonography of the neck in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

INTRODUCTION: In resource-limited settings, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often goes undiagnosed as polysomnography (PSG) is expensive, time-consuming, and not readily available. Imaging studies of upper airway have been tried as alternatives to PSG to screen for OSA. However, racial differences in upper airway anatomy preclude generalizability of such studies. We sought to test the hypothesis that ultrasonography (USG), an inexpensive, readily available tool to study soft tissue structures of the upper airway, would have predictive value for OSA in South Asian people. METHODS: Adult patients with sleep-related complaints suspicious for OSA were taken for overnight PSG. After the PSG, consecutive patients with and without OSA were studied with submental ultrasonography to measure tongue base thickness (TBT) and lateral pharyngeal wall thickness (LPWT). RESULTS: Among 50 patients with OSA and 25 controls, mean age was 43.9 ± 11.4 years, and 39 were men. Patients with OSA had higher TBT (6.77 ± 0.63 cm vs 6.34 ± 0.54 cm, P value = 0.004) and higher LPWT (2.47 ± 0.60 cm vs 2.12 ± 0.26 cm, P value = 0.006) compared to patients without OSA. On multivariate analysis, TBT, LPWT, and neck circumference were identified as independent factors associated with OSA. These variables could identify patients with severe OSA with a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 76%. CONCLUSION: Patients with OSA have higher tongue base thickness and lateral pharyngeal wall thickness proportionate to the severity of the disease, independent of BMI and neck circumference. These findings suggest that sub-mental ultrasonography may be useful to identify patients with severe OSA in resource-limited settings.

Polypill and Combination Therapy: Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The number of medications prescribed to patients has been progressively increasing, primarily driven by cardioprotective medications. The advent of pharmaceutical 3D printing technology holds the promise of reducing the burden of multiple pills by combining various medications with different release mechanisms into a single tablet. This development encourages a comprehensive review of the evidence supporting the use of combination pills. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent randomized studies have shown higher BP control rates in quadpill groups than in monotherapy groups and improved 6-month BP control rates with a low-dose triple fixed-dose combination (FDC) medication compared to usual care. Recent randomized controlled trials also support FDC use for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Three-dimensional printing technologies such as powder-based (PB) 3D printing, fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing, and semisolid extrusion (EXT) 3D printing are examples of promising technologies that could be utilized to combine multiple medications with different release mechanisms into a single tablet. FDC therapy can provide patients with combination regimens with a reduced pill burden, which promotes improved adherence and efficacy. Recent randomized trials have shown that FDC can be used for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease with no significant difference in adverse events. Multidisciplinary approaches should be implemented to enhance long-term adherence, and further research on establishing affordable and effective initial dual antihypertensive therapy options is necessary. Pharmaceutical 3D printing technology may play an important role in enhancing the flexibility, affordability, and feasibility of clinical FDC utilization.

Endoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair for groin hernia: Experience from a tertiary care centre.

Background: Totally extra-peritoneal (TEP) and transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair are two established minimal access techniques of groin hernia surgery. TEP offers the advantage of avoiding violation of the peritoneal cavity. Aim: This study aims to describe the decade-long experience of TEP in groin hernia repair in a tertiary care teaching institute and the feasibility of the same in difficult scenarios. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of the database of patients undergoing TEP repair for inguinal hernia in a single surgical unit at a tertiary teaching hospital between January 2008 and December 2019 was performed. Detailed pre-operative clinical details, operative duration, intraoperative and post-operative complications, including pain, length of post-operative hospital stay and hernia recurrence data were analysed. Results: Over 12 years' duration, 511 patients underwent endoscopic TEP mesh repair and the total number of hernias repaired was 614. Majority (97.45%) of patients were male. The mean age of the patient population was 51.3 years. Primary hernia was seen in 490 patients. The mean operating time for unilateral inguinal hernia repair was 56.8 ± 16 min and for bilateral repair 80.9 ± 25.2 min. TEP in previous lower abdominal/suprapubic surgical scars was attempted in 17 (3.3%) patients, with only one requiring conversion. The intraoperative peritoneal breach was the most common documented complication (34.8%). Seroma was seen in 9.4% of patients. Seventeen patients required conversion (14 TAPP and 3 open). Recurrence was seen in 4 (0.7) patients. Conclusion: TEP repair is an effective method of groin hernia repair and can be attempted in the majority of patients groin hernia, including patients with previous lower abdominal incisions.

Diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive tests for advanced fibrosis in patients with NAFLD: an individual patient data meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Liver biopsy is still needed for fibrosis staging in many patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The aims of this study were to evaluate the individual diagnostic performance of liver stiffness measurement by vibration controlled transient elastography (LSM-VCTE), Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) and NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) Fibrosis Score (NFS) and to derive diagnostic strategies that could reduce the need for liver biopsies. DESIGN: Individual patient data meta-analysis of studies evaluating LSM-VCTE against liver histology was conducted. FIB-4 and NFS were computed where possible. Sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) were calculated. Biomarkers were assessed individually and in sequential combinations. RESULTS: Data were included from 37 primary studies (n=5735; 45% women; median age: 54 years; median body mass index: 30 kg/m2; 33% had type 2 diabetes; 30% had advanced fibrosis). AUROCs of individual LSM-VCTE, FIB-4 and NFS for advanced fibrosis were 0.85, 0.76 and 0.73. Sequential combination of FIB-4 cut-offs (<1.3; ≥2.67) followed by LSM-VCTE cut-offs (<8.0; ≥10.0 kPa) to rule-in or rule-out advanced fibrosis had sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) of 66% (63-68) and 86% (84-87) with 33% needing a biopsy to establish a final diagnosis. FIB-4 cut-offs (<1.3; ≥3.48) followed by LSM cut-offs (<8.0; ≥20.0 kPa) to rule out advanced fibrosis or rule in cirrhosis had a sensitivity of 38% (37-39) and specificity of 90% (89-91) with 19% needing biopsy. CONCLUSION: Sequential combinations of markers with a lower cut-off to rule-out advanced fibrosis and a higher cut-off to rule-in cirrhosis can reduce the need for liver biopsies.

Impact of bariatric surgery on urinary incontinence in morbidly obese individuals.

BACKGROUND: There is scanty evidence on the impact of bariatric surgery on urinary incontinence (UI) in the Asian population. METHODOLOGY: Patients who underwent bariatric surgery from June 2018 to June 2019 were screened using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence-Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) questionnaire. Patients having UI were identified and followed until 1 year of surgery using the ICIQ-UI-SF. These were classified as having stress, urge, or mixed type of UI. The prevalence, change in scores, and the number of pads used were compared at baseline and at follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 148 patients underwent bariatric surgery of whom, 41 patients (M = 2, F = 39) had UI. Stress incontinence was seen in 70.7%, 19.5% had urge incontinence, and rest had the mixed type. Using logistic regression, it was found that female gender was the most important predictor of having UI (OR: 8.33). The prevalence of UI decreased from 27.7% at baseline to 8.1% at 6 months and 3.4% at 12 months. The mean ICIQ-UI-SF score improved from 8.76 (SD = 3.2) at baseline to 0.66 (SD = 2.1) at 12 months of follow-up. The proportion of patients with UI using any number of pads decreased from 92.7% at baseline to 9.8% at 12 months. There was a decrease in the number of patients having moderate to very severe UI from 35 (85.4%) at baseline to 2 (4.9%) at 12 months. Proportion of patients showing resolution was highest among the stress incontinence group at 96.5%. Presence or absence of comorbidities did not significantly influence the ICIQ-UI-SF scores. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery leads to profound improvement in UI in obese individuals which is well sustained until 1 year of follow-up. Resolution rates might be higher in Asian population.

Urinary Diversion: Core Curriculum 2021.

Urinary diversion after cystectomy has been a historical standard for the treatment of numerous benign and malignant diseases of the bladder. Since the first published description in the early 1900s, improvements in surgical technique and a better understanding of the metabolic sequelae postoperatively have greatly enhanced patient outcomes. Both continent and incontinent diversions are available to patients after cystectomy. In appropriately selected patients, orthotopic neobladder reconstruction can offer preservation of body image and continence, and continent cutaneous diversions represent a reasonable alternative. Conduit diversion, which remains the most commonly performed diversion technique, is ideal for patients who would benefit from a less morbid surgical procedure that negates the need for self-catheterization. This installment of the Core Curriculum in Nephrology outlines numerous aspects of urinary diversion, in which a multidisciplinary approach to postoperative management at the intersection of nephrology and urology is required to effectively optimize patient outcomes. This article includes a discussion of the various reconstructive options after cystectomy as well as a comprehensive review of frequently encountered short-term and long-term metabolic abnormalities associated with altered electrolyte and acid-base homeostasis.

FibroScan-aspartate aminotransferase score in an Asian cohort of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its utility in predicting histological resolution with bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The FibroScan-aspartate aminotransferase (FAST) score was developed for identifying patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, who also have an elevated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score (NAS) ≥ 4 and significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2). We aimed to validate it in our NAFLD cohort and assess if it correlates with the histological changes after bariatric surgery. METHODS: Patients with NAFLD, including those undergoing bariatric surgery, were included. The FAST score was calculated using liver stiffness measure, controlled attenuation parameter, and aspartate aminotransferase. Calibration and discrimination of the model were assessed by calibration plots and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed at the rule-out and rule-in cutoffs (≤0.35 and ≥0.67), respectively. Changes in the NAS and FAST scores were compared in the bariatric cohort 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: The cohort composed of 309 patients, of which 48 patients underwent repeat liver biopsy at 1 year. The model showed good discrimination with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.79 (0.74-0.84); however, it was not satisfactorily calibrated (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, P = 0.008). The sensitivity and specificity at the rule-out and rule-in cutoffs were 0.90 and 0.84, respectively. A significant correlation was seen between the 1-year reduction in the NAS and FAST scores (r = 0.38, P = 0.009). A significant reduction in the median FAST score was seen in patients who had ≥2-point reduction in NAS after bariatric surgery. CONCLUSION: FibroScan-aspartate aminotransferase score demonstrated good discrimination for fibrotic non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in our cohort. However, a miscalibration resulted in overprediction. The score correlated well with the histological response to interventions for NAFLD.

Impact of bariatric surgery on carotid intima-medial thickness and cardiovascular risk: results of a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of bariatric surgery on atherosclerosis is a relatively less studied subject. Obesity has been identified as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis and risk of CVD, has been found to be associated with obesity. Recent literature has shown that there is significant reduction in CIMT following bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of bariatric surgery on CIMT and risk of CVD in an Indian population. METHODS: This is a prospective study conducted in a tertiary referral centre in India. Patients undergoing bariatric surgery from December 2017 to September 2019 were included. CIMT measurements and American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA)-pooled cohort CVD risk scores were done before and at 6 months and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were enrolled, of which 70% were females. Mean age was 40.8 ± 10.7 years. Mean pre-operative weight and mean BMI were 115.2 ± 21.9 kg and 45.9 ± 6.5 kg/m2, respectively. Patients who completed 12-month follow-up were considered for analysis of outcomes. There was significant reduction in BMI to 33.1 ± 5.7 kg/m2 at 12 months after surgery (p < 0.0001). Mean CIMT reduced significantly from 0.58 ± 0.08 mm at baseline to 0.52 ± 0.10 mm at 12 months. Lipid profile, fasting blood sugar and HbA1C also improved, which resulted in reduction of lifetime and 10-year CVD risk from 42.3 to 26% and 4 to 1.5%, respectively, at 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery results in significant reduction in CIMT and CVD risk in patients with morbid obesity.

The first modified Delphi consensus statement on sleeve gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the commonest bariatric procedure worldwide. Yet there is significant variation in practice concerning its various aspects. This paper report results from the first modified Delphi consensus-building exercise on SG. METHODS: We established a committee of 54 globally recognized opinion makers in this field. The committee agreed to vote on several statements concerning SG. An agreement or disagreement amongst ≥ 70.0% experts was construed as a consensus. RESULTS: The committee achieved a consensus of agreement (n = 71) or disagreement (n = 7) for 78 out of 97 proposed statements after two rounds of voting. The committee agreed with 96.3% consensus that the characterization of SG as a purely restrictive procedure was inaccurate and there was 88.7% consensus that SG was not a suitable standalone, primary, surgical weight loss option for patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) without dysplasia. There was an overwhelming consensus of 92.5% that the sleeve should be fashioned over an orogastric tube of 36-40 Fr and a 90.7% consensus that surgeons should stay at least 1 cm away from the angle of His. Remarkably, the committee agreed with 81.1% consensus that SG patients should undergo a screening endoscopy every 5 years after surgery to screen for BE. CONCLUSION: A multinational team of experts achieved consensus on several aspects of SG. The findings of this exercise should help improve the outcomes of SG, the commonest bariatric procedure worldwide, and guide future research on this topic.

Correlation between pre-operative endoscopic findings with reflux symptom score for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in bariatric patients.

INTRODUCTION: There is a strong association between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and morbid obesity. METHODS: Two hundred and eleven morbidly obese patients operated between September 2007 and June 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent pre-operative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and assessment by reflux symptomatic score questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the total 211 patients, 156 (73.94%) were females; mean body mass index of the cohort was 46.23 ± 3.1 kg/m2. There was no evidence of Barrett's oesophagus or malignancy on pre-operative endoscopy. 63.04% of the patients (n = 133) in the study cohort had normal endoscopy. Pre-operative evaluation by reflux symptom score (RSS) questionnaire revealed no evidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in 61.13% of patients (n = 129). The total number of patients with symptoms was 82 (38.86%). They were further divided into two categories based on severity of symptoms, namely, mild + moderate 60 (73.17%) and severe + very severe 22 (26.83%). From the cohort of symptomatic patients, the sub-cohort of 60 mild + moderate symptomatic patients had equal number of patients with normal 30 (50%) and abnormal endoscopy 30 (50%). In the sub-cohort of patients with severe + very severe symptoms (n = 22; 26.83%), endoscopy was abnormal in 6 (27.7%) patients. Whereas, out of 129 (61.13%) asymptomatic patients, one-third (n = 42) had abnormal endoscopy. The weighted kappa score was used between pre-operative endoscopic findings and RSS was statistically not significant (k - 0.0986). CONCLUSION: Pre-operative endoscopy is a must in all bariatric patients as significant percentage of asymptomatic patients can have abnormal endoscopy and vice versa.

Impact of bariatric surgery on type 2 diabetes in morbidly obese patients and its correlation with pre-operative prediction scores.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery, besides causing significant weight reduction, leads to improvement in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there is a scarcity of data on the prediction of diabetes resolution in non-Western population. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of bariatric surgery on T2DM and to assess the accuracy of pre-operative scoring systems in predicting remission. STUDY SETTING: A tertiary care academic centre, India. METHODOLOGY: We used a retrospective cohort of all diabetic patients (n = 244) who underwent bariatric surgery at our centre in the past 10 years. The cohort was followed up for diabetes remission, and pre-operative scoring systems were analysed against the observed results. RESULTS: Of 244 patients, we were able to contact 156 patients. The median period of follow-up was 38 months. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the study group decreased from 45.4 to 33.4 kg/m2 (%excess BMI loss = 61.2%). The number of patients dependent on oral anti-diabetic pharmacotherapy and on insulin decreased from 133 (85.3%) to 40 (25.6%) and from 31 (19.9%) to 7 (4.5%), respectively. Remission was analysed for 96 patients, who submitted complete biochemical investigations. The median follow-up period for this sub-cohort was 36 months. 38 (39.6%) patients were in complete remission, 15 (15.6%) patients in partial remission and 34 (38.5%) patients showed an improved glycaemic control. The three pre-operative scores, Advanced-DiaRem, DiaRem and ABCD, showed predictive accuracies of 81.1%, 75.6% and 77.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Besides leading to excess BMI loss of 61.2%, bariatric surgery also resulted in diabetes remission in 55.2% of the patients. Amongst various pre-operative scores, Advanced-DiaRem has the highest predictive accuracy for T2DM remission.

Complications after bariatric surgery: A multicentric study of 11,568 patients from Indian bariatric surgery outcomes reporting group.

BACKGROUND: Complications after bariatric surgery are not uncommon occurrences that influence the choice of operations both by patients and by surgeons. Complications may be classified as intra-operative, early (<30 days post-operatively) or late (beyond 30 days). The prevalence of complications is influenced by the sample size, surgeon's experience and length and percentage of follow-up. There are no multicentric reports of post-bariatric complications from India. OBJECTIVES: To examine the various complications after different bariatric operations that currently performed in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A scientific committee designed a questionnaire to examine the post-bariatric surgery complications during a fixed time period in India. Data requested included demographic data, co-morbidities, type of procedure, complications, investigations and management of complications. This questionnaire was sent to all centres where bariatric surgery is performed in India. Data collected were reviewed, were analysed and are presented. RESULTS: Twenty-four centres responded with a report on 11,568 bariatric procedures. These included 4776 (41.3%) sleeve gastrectomy (SG), 3187 (27.5%) one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), 2993 (25.9%) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and 612 (5.3%) other procedures. Total reported complications were 363 (3.13%). Post-operative bleeding (0.75%) and nutritional deficiency (0.75%) were the two most common complications. Leaks (P = 0.009) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (P = 0.019) were significantly higher in SG, marginal ulcers in OAGB (P = 0.000), intestinal obstruction in RYGB (P = 0.001) and nutritional complications in other procedures (P = 0.000). Overall, the percentage of complications was higher in 'other' procedures (6.05%, P = 0.000). There were 18 (0.16%) reported mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: The post-bariatric composite complication rate from the 24 participating centres in this study from India is at par with the published data. Aggressive post-bariatric follow-up is required to improve nutritional outcomes.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on bariatric surgery in India: An obesity and metabolic surgery society of India survey of 1307 patients.

BACKGROUND: Although safe practice guidelines were issued by the Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society of India (OSSI) in the end of May 2020, surgeons have been in a dilemma about risk of subjecting patients to hospitalisation and bariatric surgery. This survey was conducted with the objective to evaluate the risk of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection in peri- and post-operative period after bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS). METHODS: A survey with OSSI members was conducted from 20 July 2020 to 31 August 2020 in accordance with EQUATOR guidelines. Google Form was circulated to all surgeon members through E-mail and WhatsAppTM. In the second phase, clinical details were captured from surgeons who reported positive cases. RESULTS: One thousand three hundred and seven BMS were reported from 1 January 2020 to 15 July 2020. Seventy-eight per cent were performed prior to 31 March 2020 and 276 were performed after 1 April 2020. Of these, 13 (0.99%) patients were reported positive for COVID-19 in the post-operative period. All suffered from a mild disease and there was no mortality. Eighty-seven positive cases were reported from patients who underwent BMS prior to 31 December 2019. Of these, 82.7% of patients had mild disease, 13.7% of patients had moderate symptoms and four patients succumbed to COVID-19. CONCLUSION: BMS may be considered as a safe treatment option for patients suffering from clinically severe obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due care must be taken to protect patients and healthcare workers and all procedures must be conducted in line with the safe practice guidelines.

Laparoscopic repair of recurrent traumatic diaphragmatic hernia.

Laparoscopic repair of recurrent diaphragmatic hernia is infrequently reported. We report successful laparoscopic management of such a case in a 23-year-old male who presented with recurrent vomiting and hiccoughs. He had suffered a gun-shot injury to the chest 2 years ago, following which a primary diaphragmatic repair was done by laparotomy and thoracotomy. The patient developed recurrent left diaphragmatic hernia, which was repaired using polypropylene mesh using a laparoscopic approach. At 6 months of follow-up, the patient is doing well, and his symptoms have resolved. Laparoscopic repair of recurrent diaphragmatic hernia is feasible.

Adenocarcinoma of oesophagus involving gastro-oesophageal junction following mini-gastric bypass/one anastomosis gastric bypass.

Mini-gastric bypass/one anastomosis gastric bypass (MGB/OAGB) is an emerging weight loss surgical procedure. There are serious concerns not only regarding the symptomatic biliary reflux into the stomach and the oesophagus but also the increased risk of malignancy after MGB/OAGB. A 54-year-old male, with a body mass index (BMI) of 46.1 kg/m2, underwent Robotic MGB at another centre on 22nd June 2016. His pre-operative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was not done. He lost 58 kg within 18 months after the surgery and attained a BMI of 25.1 kg/m2. However, 2-year post-MGB, the patient had rapid weight loss of 19 kg with a decrease in BMI to 18.3 kg/m2 within a span of 2 months. He also developed progressive dysphagia and had recurrent episodes of non-bilious vomiting. His endoscopy showed eccentric ulcerated growth in lower oesophagus extending up to the gastro-oesophageal junction and biopsy reported adenocarcinoma of oesophagus. MGB/OAGB has a potential for bile reflux with increased chances of malignancy. Surveillance by endoscopy at regular intervals for all patients who have undergone MGB/OAGB might help in early detection of Barrett's oesophagus or carcinoma of oesophagus or stomach.

Infection is the chief cause of mortality and non-death censored graft loss in the first year after renal transplantation in a resource limited population: A single centre study.

AIM: Few studies have assessed the impact of infections after renal transplantation (RTX) in low and middle income countries. This single centre study aimed to delineate the profile and impact of infections requiring hospitalization (IRH) occurring in the first year after RTX in India. METHOD: Patients who underwent RTX between July 2012 and June 2015 were followed up for 12 months after transplantation. RESULTS: 60.2% of the 387 patients studied had at least one IRH and total 492 infections were diagnosed. The most common were urinary tract (30.3%), gastrointestinal (17.1%) and pulmonary (11.2%) infections. Viral aetiology (33.3%) was most frequent, followed by bacterial (23.6%), parasitic (5.1%), tuberculosis (4.5%), and fungal infections (3.9%). 86.4% deaths were due to infections. One year patient and graft survival were inferior among recipients with IRH compared to those with no IRH: 91.8% vs. 98.1% (log rank = 0.010) and 90.1% vs. 97.4% (log rank = 0.006) respectively. Average monthly income per family member <5000 Rupees (75 USD), NODAT, and acute rejection were independent risk factors for IRH. CONCLUSION: The profile of IRH is unique involving opportunistic, community-acquired and endemic infections seen in this country. It is the predominant cause of mortality and graft loss in the first year after RTX. Poor economic status is an important determinant of IRH in our population.

Outcomes in morbidly obese adolescent patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in the Indian subcontinent: A retrospective review.

INTRODUCTION: There is a worldwide increase in the prevalence of obesity among the adolescent population in India from 16.3% in 2001 to 19.3% in 2010. Recent evidence suggests that bariatric surgery leads to resolution of comorbidities and associated long-term complications in adolescent patients with morbid obesity. AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the impact of bariatric surgery on the weight loss and comorbidities of morbidly obese adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the data of 10 adolescent patients, who underwent Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy at our institute (tertiary care hospital), from July 2009 to July 2016 was carried out. RESULTS: Of the 10 patients, 4 patients had syndromic forms of obesity. The median age was 16.54 years. The median pre-operative weight and height were 112 kg and 154 cm, respectively, with a body mass index of 47.2 kg/m2. There was no intra-operative or post-operative complication except for suspected methylene blue toxicity in one patient which was treated conservatively. Median follow-up period was 1 year (0-5 years). The patients had an increase in excess weight loss (EWL) of 54.5% until the end of 1 year. There was a regain of weight between the 1st and 2nd year, followed by a sustained weight loss achieving 44.8% EWL at 3 years and 60% at the end of 5 years (only two patients followed up at 5 years). Similar results were found in syndromic patients. Among the four diabetic patients, three had complete resolution and one had improvement in diabetes status. Among the three patients with obstructive sleep apnoea, two patients had complete resolution, while one patient had improvement in symptoms. One patient with hypocortisolism improved after surgery with a decrease in the steroid requirement. Among the hypothyroid patients, one patient had a complete resolution, one patient had improvement in hypothyroid status while two patients had no change. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery is effective for morbidly obese adolescents, leading to significant resolutions of comorbid illness.