Responsiveness and Reliability of a Sipping Device to Measure Motivation in Normal-Weight Individuals and Bariatric Surgery Patients.

There is an urgent need to measure the motivation to taste a sweet fluid in order to determine the influence of sweet tastes on the potential choices and consumption of beverages in patients with obesity. Current methods utilize either survey instruments or arbitrary operant tasks. The sipometer enables the participant to utilize an actual ingestive behavioral response to measure motivation during access to beverages on either ad libitum (AL) or progressive time ratio (PR) schedules. We determined the sipometer's responsiveness and reliability as a test of change in motivation for sweet tastes after bariatric surgery. Participants (58 patients and 28 controls, BMI: 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) sham-consumed an aspartame-sweetened (S) and non-sweetened (N) beverage under AL and PR schedules at a pre-surgery/baseline and a 3-month and 24-month visit (patients only). Cumulative pressure (CumPres), a measure of effort, was the sum of the pressures exerted during sipping under each condition. Baseline CumPres for PRS was higher than ALS and ALN in patients (p < 0.03) and higher than PRN in controls (p = 0.009). At 3 months, CumPres did not differ amongst conditions in patients, but CumPres for PRS was higher than all other conditions in controls (p < 0.0005). There were no baseline group differences; however, patients' CumPres for PRS was lower than controls' at 3 months (p = 0.002). Patients' CumPres for PRS decreased non-significantly between the baseline and 3 months but increased at 24 months compared to 3 months (p = 0.025) and was no different from baseline. Controls' CumPres for PRS increased at 3 months (p = 0.0359), but CumPres for all conditions was correlated between visits (p's < 0.038). The sipometer is a reliable and sensitive measure of motivation to consume sweet beverages and may reflect changes in post-operative energy intake.

Long-term quality of life and pelvic floor dysfunction after bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of bariatric surgery on pelvic floor mediated quality of life in morbidly obese women. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of 44 women undergoing bariatric surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-six women gave data at baseline and at mean follow-up of 3.15 years following bariatric surgery. Although urinary impact questionnaire scores improved (-34.92, P = .0020), colorectal-anal impact questionnaire and pelvic organ prolapse impact questionnaire scores did not improve despite significant weight loss. Baseline female sexual function index scores were low (17.70 ± 8.38) and did not improve with weight loss (16.91 ± 9.75, P = .5832). Pelvic organ prolapse/urinary incontinence sexual questionnaire scores did improve (35.78 ± 6.06 preoperatively vs 38.22 ± 6.03 postoperatively, P = .0193). CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery is associated with significant improvement in the impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life. Sexual function was poor, and improved only on the pelvic organ prolapse/urinary incontinence sexual questionnaire that evaluated urinary incontinence.

Diabetic and bariatric surgery: a review of the recent trends.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective treatment for diabetes associated with morbid obesity. METHODS: A Pubmed search was made for all articles on bariatric surgery and diabetes from 2009 to present (March 2011) in order to identify the recent advances in this field. Herein we review the recent data available on the long-term effects of bariatric surgery on diabetes. We also review the efficacy of gastrointestinal surgery done for diabetic patients having body mass index (BMI) <35 kg/m(2) and also the effect of novel bariatric procedures on diabetes associated with obesity. Finally, the efficacy of bariatric surgery in adolescent diabetes and the recent epidemiological trends of type 2 diabetes are also dealt with briefly. CONCLUSION: RYGB and biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) are effective surgical options for diabetes in the long term (>5 yrs). The efficacy of sleeve gastrectomy on diabetes in the long term is not yet known. Gastrointestinal procedures for non morbidly obese and non obese patients have shown great promise as surgical optional for diabetes, though their efficacy and safety in the long term are unknown. Novel endoscopic techniques and TANTALUS have shown some promise in resolving diabetes in obese patients. Bariatric surgery is very effective is resolving adolescent diabetes.

Comparison of comorbidity resolution and improvement between laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the rates for resolution and improvement of common comorbidities between laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. The comorbid conditions included were type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemias (LPD), degenerative joint disease (DJD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and asthma. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of the patients who underwent LSG or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding at our institution from July 2004 to July 2007 was performed. The resolution of comorbidities was determined via patient-completed questionnaires and objective data. RESULTS: Of the 123 patients (29 men and 94 women) reviewed, 49 had undergone LSG, and 74 had undergone laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. The mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 52 kg/m(2) for the LSG patients and 44 kg/m(2) for the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding patients. The overall percentages of excess weight loss (%EWL) were respectively 50.6 and 40.3% (P = 0.03) during mean follow-up periods of 15 and 17 months. There was a greater resolution or improvement of DM after LSG (100% vs 46%), HTN (78% vs 48%), and LPD (87% vs. 50%) than after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Other comorbidities resolved or improved at a similar rate. CONCLUSIONS: Although both LSG and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding resulted in postoperative improvement or resolution of comorbidities associated with obesity, LSG statistically showed a significantly higher rate of resolution or improvement of DM, HTN, and LPD. There was no significant difference between the groups for DJD, GERD, OSA, or asthma.

Routine management of stricture after gastric bypass and predictors of subsequent weight loss.

BACKGROUND: Gastrojejunal anastomotic stricture is the most commonly occurring short-term complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Endoscopic balloon dilation is the first-line treatment for stricture. However, an optimal dilation protocol has not been identified. This study aimed to document routine management of stricture after laparoscopic gastric bypass and its impact on postoperative weight loss. METHODS: Charts of patients who underwent gastric bypass from 2000 to 2006 were reviewed using a standardized abstraction form. Patients with stricture were matched with control subjects based on age +/-5 years, gender, and preoperative body mass index (BMI +/- 5). Patients with at least 6 months of follow-up assessment were included in the study. RESULTS: Of the 113 patients included in the study, 20% were male, 26% black, 19% Hispanic, and 51% white. Their mean age was 42 +/- 10 years (range, 22-66 years). The mean preoperative BMI was 47.0 +/- 5.4 kg/m(2) for the case group and 46.6 +/- 5.5 kg/m(2) for the control group (p = 0.3). After adjustment for patient characteristics, using a larger balloon was associated with reduced odds of stricture recurrence (odds ratio [OR], 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12-0.85; p = 0.02). All the patients were without signs or symptoms of stricture at the last follow-up visit (20 +/- 17 months). Weight loss was similar between the two groups. The percentage of estimated weight loss (%EWL) at 12 months postoperatively was 66% for the study participants and 67% for the control subjects (p = 0.5). Baseline alcohol use and higher preoperative BMI were associated with a higher BMI 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Initial dilation with a larger balloon is safe and may prevent stricture recurrence. Further study of modifiable risk factors for reduced weight loss after surgery, such as alcohol use, may improve patient outcomes.

Perception of NOTES among health care workers and medical students.

UNLABELLED: Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an experimental surgical approach. Several intra-abdominal procedures have been successfully performed in animals and humans although the long-term safety is still unknown. Potential advantages are reduction of wound-related complications, reduced postoperative pain, improved cosmesis, and short recovery time. This study aimed to measure the overall perception among health care workers and medical students. MATERIALS: A brief 9-item survey was created to measure the perception among health care workers and medical students. A total of 120 surveys were completed. RESULTS: Overall, 15% had a favorable perception, 29% had an unfavorable perception, and 55% were undecided. A total of 40% considered the possibility of avoiding wound-related complications the most appealing advantage, whereas 54% cited unknown safety as the most concerning possible disadvantage. Current occupation, previous knowledge, and affiliation to the surgical department influenced the overall perception. CONCLUSION: Most health care workers and medical students in our sample were undecided in their perception of NOTES.

Rat models for bariatric surgery and surgery for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus being one of the most prevalent diseases in the world has led to a variety of research using animal models. This review focuses on various rat models to study the effect that surgical procedures have on type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Rat models can be classified as Obese Diabetic, Non-Obese Diabetic, Obese Non-Diabetic, and Non-Obese Non-Diabetic. Here, we have discussed the particular characteristics of each rat so that it can provide the appropriate model to study different pathological processes involve in type 2 Diabetes and obesity.

Ketorolac Use Shortens Hospital Length of Stay After Bariatric Surgery: a Single-Center 5-Year Experience.

INTRODUCTION: There has been a recent increased interest in the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ketorolac for post-operative pain management to minimize opioid use and decrease hospital length of stay (LOS). Although NSAID use has been controversial following bariatric surgery due to anecdotal concerns for increased gastric bleeding, the impact of ketorolac as an adjunct to opioids needs further investigation on LOS and post-operative complications like bleeding. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the impact of post-operative ketorolac use on opioid consumption, LOS, and bleeding risk after bariatric surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively maintained database of all bariatric surgery patients who either underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) at a tertiary center between 2011 and 2015. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on post-operative pain control regimen as follows: (1) ketorolac and opioids and (2) opioids alone. RESULTS: A total of 1555 patients were identified who underwent either SG (n = 1255) or RYGB (n = 300). The overall LOS was 1.81 ± .059 days for ketorolac-opioid patients vs. 2.09 ± .065 days for opioid-only patients (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the risk of post-operative bleeding was similar between the two groups (P = 0.097). CONCLUSION: Patients who received ketorolac as an adjunct to opioids had a significantly shorter LOS compared to opioid-only patients. Additionally, ketorolac use was not associated with increased risk of post-operative bleeding complications. Therefore, if not contraindicated, ketorolac should be considered routinely for post-operative pain control among bariatric surgery patients.

The Long-Term Effects of the Adjustable Gastric Band on Esophageal Motility in Patients Who Present for Band Removal.

BACKGROUND: During the past decade, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) was one of the most popular surgical procedures in treating morbid obesity. Long-term effects, specifically on esophageal motility, of LAGB have not been well described in the literature despite the high prevalence of reoperations and post-operative dysphagia. We aimed to characterize esophageal dysmotility after long-term follow-up using data of high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) performed in patients who presented for LAGB removal. The research was conducted in Academic Hospital Center in the USA. METHODS: Research was conducted with approval from the institution's Institutional Review Board. We included 25 consecutive patients who were requesting removal of the band or revisional bariatric surgery. All patients underwent HRM between 2011 and 2015. RESULTS: A Fisher's exact test two-sided p value 0.41 shows no statistically significant difference in proportions of normal motility or impaired motility between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a history of LABG can have esophageal dysmotility whether they are symptomatic or asymptomatic. Based on existing literature, we recommend pre-operative manometry in these patients requesting revisional surgery.

Resolution of Symptomatic Obstructive Sleep Apnea Not Impacted by Preoperative Body Mass Index, Choice of Operation Between Sleeve Gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery, or Severity.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious obesity-associated disorder that causes significant short- and long-term medical consequences. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare the 6-month and 1-year postoperative symptomatic OSA remission rates of patients undergoing bariatric surgery based on their preoperative body mass index (BMI) stratification, type of bariatric operation-sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)-and OSA severity. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 297 obese patients with a diagnosis of OSA who had undergone either SG or RYGB between 2011 and 2015. RESULTS: The overall 6-month symptomatic OSA remission rate for patients (n = 255) was 74.5%. At 6 months, patients with a preoperative BMI of 30-34.9 kg/m2 (class I), 35-39.9 kg/m2 (class II), and 40+ kg/m2 (class III) had 100, 70.0, and 75.0% (p = 0.2164) remission rates, respectively. The 6-month remission rates for SG and RYGB were 75.3 and 70.8% (p = 0.5165), respectively. The overall 1-year symptomatic OSA remission rate for patients (n = 162) was 87.1%. At 1 year, class I, II, and III patients had 100, 85.7, and 87.5% (p = 0.5740) remission rates, respectively. The 1-year remission rates for SG and RYGB were 89.2 and 81.2% (p = 0.2189), respectively. A sub-analysis (n = 69) based on preoperative OSA severity levels did not affect the remission outcome at either the 6-month (p = 0.3670) or 1-year (p = 0.3004) follow-up. CONCLUSION: Most obese patients experience symptomatic remission of their OSA after bariatric surgery, regardless of their preoperative BMI, choice of operation, or OSA severity.

Preoperative insulin therapy as a marker for type 2 diabetes remission in obese patients after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Obesity not only increases the chances of developing diabetes-one of the top causes of death in the United States-but it also results in further medical complications. OBJECTIVE: To compare the 6-month and 1-year postoperative remission rates of type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients after bariatric surgery based on preoperative glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) stratification and pharmacologic therapy: insulin-dependent diabetic (IDD) versus noninsulin-dependent diabetic (NIDD). SETTING: Academic hospital, United States. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively maintained database of 186 obese patients with a diagnosis T2D who had undergone either a sleeve gastrectomy or a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery at our hospital. RESULTS: At 6 months (n = 180), patients who were stratified by preoperative A1C levels (<6.5; ≥6.5 to<8; ≥8) had 70.5%, 51.7%, and 30.0% remission rates (P<.001) and at 1 year (n = 118) patients had 72.0%, 54.0%, and 42.8% remission rates (P = .053), respectively. When patients were substratified by preoperative pharmacologic therapy, IDD and NIDD patients had different remission rates within the same A1C level. At 6-months follow-up within A1C ≥6.5 to<8 (IDD versus NIDD), the remission rate was 23.5% versus 64.1% (odds ratio [OR]: .173, confidence interval [CI]: .0471, .6308, P = .0079), and within A1C ≥8 the remission was 24.0% versus 37.5% (OR: .5263, CI: .2115, 1.3096, P = .1676), respectively. At 1-year follow-up within A1C ≥6.5 to<8, the remission rate was 30.0% versus 62.9% (OR: .2521, CI: .0529, 1.2019, P = .0838), and within A1C ≥8 the remission was 31.4% versus 61.9% (OR: .2821, CI: .0908, .8762, P = .0286), respectively. Furthermore, when IDD patients were compared between A1C ≥6.5 to<8 and A1C ≥8 the remission rates were nearly identical, and for NIDD patients A1C was not significantly associated with remission regardless of the level, except at 6 months. CONCLUSION: While a difference was observed between overall A1C levels-the lower the A1C level, the higher the remission rate-IDD patients had lower remission rates than NIDD patients irrespective of A1C levels; further, IDD patients performed similarly across A1C levels.

Is bariatric surgery effective for co-morbidity resolution in the super-obese patients?

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2D), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hypertension (HTN), and hyperlipidemia (HLD) are common co-morbidities that are strongly associated with obesity. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the rate of obesity-related co-morbidity remission and percent total body weight loss of super-obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥50 kg/m2 with bariatric patients who have a BMI of 30 to 49.9 kg/m2. SETTING: Academic hospital, United States. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of outcomes of a prospectively maintained database was done on obese patients with a diagnosis of ≥1 co-morbidity (T2D, OSA, HTN, or HLD) who at the time of initial visit had undergone either a sleeve gastrectomy or a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at our hospital between 2011 and 2015. The patients were stratified based on their preoperative BMI class, BMI of 30 to 49.9 kg/m2 versus BMI ≥50 kg/m2. RESULTS: Of the 930 patients, 732 underwent sleeve gastrectomy and 198 underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The 6-month follow-up co-morbidity remission rates for patients with a BMI of 30 to 49.9 kg/m2 (n = 759) versus super-obese patients (n = 171) were 46.0% and 36.7% (P = .348) for T2D; 75.0% and 73.2% (P = .772) for OSA; 35.0% and 22.0% (P = .142) for HTN; and 37.0% and 21.0% (P = .081) for HLD, respectively. The 1-year follow-up co-morbidity remission rates for patients with a BMI of 30 to 49.9 kg/m2 versus super-obese patients were 54.2% and 45.5% (P = .460) for T2D; 87.0% and 89.7% (P = .649) for OSA; 37.4% and 23.9% (P = .081) for HTN; and 43.2% and 34.6% (P = .422) for HLD, respectively. Furthermore, there was no difference in the mean percent total weight loss for patients with a preoperative BMI of 30 to 49.9 kg/m2 versus the super-obese at the 6-month (21.4%, 20.9%, P = .612) and 1-year (28.0%, 30.7%, P = .107) follow-ups. CONCLUSION: In our study, preoperative BMI did not have an impact on postoperative co-morbidity remission rates or percent total body weight loss. Future studies should investigate the effect of other factors, such as disease severity and duration.

Bariatric surgery for morbid obesity--a cure for metabolic syndrome?

At present there is no single medication that targets the metabolic syndrome directly. Bariatric surgery, a treatment option for morbidly obese individuals who fail medical therapy, has been shown to be very effective in treating multiple aspects of the metabolic syndrome. The decrease in insulin resistance is because of significant weight loss and by enhancing secretion of gut hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).

Histologic studies of the bypassed stomach after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) is highly effective for morbid obesity. However, the long-term effects in the bypassed segments are unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate gastrin and histologic changes in bypassed segments after LRYGBP. METHODS: 10 50-kg pigs were subjected to LRYGBP. Preoperative weight and serum gastrin were compared with similar measures at 6 months postoperatively, when the pigs were euthanized. At necropsy, full-thickness gastric, duodenal, and jejunal biopsies were performed. Normal biopsies were obtained from a control group of 10 pigs. RESULTS: 1 pig died at 3 months postoperatively because of an intestinal intussusception. In the remaining 9 pigs, weight increased after surgery from 52+/-2.2 kg to 55+/-1.9 kg. Serum gastrin was unchanged after surgery (mean 68.2 vs 68.3 pg/mL at 3 months and 61.7 pg/mL at 6 months). Histology showed no abnormalities from sections in all control pigs, and in 7 of the LRYGBP pigs as well. 1 LRYGBP pig was found to have hyperplastic duodenal glands, jejunal mucosa with mild chronic inflammation, and gastric mucosa with focal erosive gastritis. 1 LRYGBP pig had jejunal sections showing Peyer's patches. CONCLUSION: LRYGBP is not associated with gastrin changes and major histologic changes in the bypassed segments, at 6 months postoperatively in the porcine model.

Laparoscopic bariatric surgery can be safe for treatment of morbid obesity in patients older than 60 years.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports have questioned the safety of bariatric surgery in older patients. The aim of this study was to quantify the perioperative morbidity and mortality of older patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric procedures at our institution. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all laparoscopic bariatric procedures performed from February 1999 to September 2005 was performed to identify patients at Mount Sinai Medical Center who were older than 60 years at surgery. RESULTS: We identified 55 patients (36 women and 19 men). The mean age was 61.5 years (range 60-70), and the mean body mass index was 46.2 kg/m2 (range 38.1-61.0). Of the 55 patients, 33 (60%) had undergone laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, 9 (16%) laparoscopic gastric banding, 7 (13%) laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, 3 (5.5%) laparoscopic revisional surgery, and 3 (5.5%) laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The mean operative time was 2.3 hours (range 1.1-5.5). No patients required conversion to open surgery, and no perioperative mortality occurred within 30 days. The morbidity rate was 7.3% (n = 4). One patient developed an anastomotic bleed that was treated conservatively, and another patient developed an empyema that was successfully drained with a chest tube. That patient also developed a urinary tract infection, and another patient had a wound infection. The mean length of stay was 2.8 days (range 1-14). CONCLUSIONS: In a carefully selected patient population in a medical center with appropriate experience, laparoscopic bariatric surgery can be performed safely with low morbidity and mortality in the elderly population.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass for The Aging Population.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are the two most common bariatric surgeries for treating morbid obesity. The purpose of this study is to determine differences in outcomes from RYGB or SG between patients ages ≥ 60 years and < 60 years. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent RYGB and SG at our institution from 01/2008 to 05/2012 was conducted. Forty patients from each group (≥60 years and < 60 years) were matched based on gender, body mass index (BMI), co-morbidities, and type of bariatric surgery performed, and their charts were reviewed up to 1 year post-operatively. Primary end points measured were mean length of stay, operative time, incidence of complications, and readmissions in the first post-operative year. A secondary end point measured was percent total weight loss (%TWL) and excess weight loss (%EWL). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between group < 60 and group ≥ 60 in operative time (210 vs. 229 min; p = 0.177), in-hospital post-operative complication rates (2.5 vs. 5 %; p = 1.0), long-term complication rates (2.5 vs. 10 %; p = 0.359), and 30-day readmission rates (2.5 vs. 12.5 %; p = 0.2). Patients in group < 60 had shorter lengths of stay (2.2 vs. 2.7 days; p = 0.031), but this difference is not clinically significant. Both groups achieved similar %TWL (21.4 vs. 20.5 %; p = 0.711) and %EWL (50.6 vs. 50.7 %; p = 0.986). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age (≥60 years) is not a significant predictor of a worse outcome for SG and RYGB.

Nutritional deficiencies following bariatric surgery: what have we learned?

Deficiencies in vitamins and other nutrients are common following the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP), biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPDDS), and may become clinically significant if not recognized and treated with supplementation. This paper presents a review of the current literature and evidence of the most commonly deficient vitamins and minerals following weight loss surgery, including protein, iron, vitamin B12, folate, calcium, the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and other micronutrients. The deficiencies appear to be more substantial following malabsorptive procedures such as BPD, but occur with restrictive procedures as well. The review suggests that further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical significance of the nutritional deficiencies, and to determine guidelines for supplementation.

Laparoscopic reoperative bariatric surgery: experience from 27 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: 10 to 25% of patients undergoing bariatric surgery will require a revision, either for unsatisfactory weight loss or for complications. Reoperation is associated with a higher morbidity and has traditionally been done in open fashion. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of reoperative surgery using a laparoscopic approach. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records over a 22-month period was conducted. 27 consecutive obesity surgery patients, who had undergone a laparoscopic revision, were identified. 26 of the 27 patients were women. The average age was 40.3 years (range 20 to 58 years) and average original preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 51.6 kg/m2 (range 42 to 66.5). The 27 primary bariatric operations consisted of vertical banded gastroplasty (12), gastric band placement (9) and gastric bypass (6). 17 of them were open procedures. After the primary surgery, the lowest average BMI was 37.6 kg/m2 (range 21 to 52), which increased to 42.7 kg/m2 (range 29 to 56) before reoperation. 24 of the 27 reoperations were indicated for insufficient weight loss. On average, revision was undertaken 52 months after the primary procedure (range 12 to 240 months). RESULTS: 24 of the 27 laparoscopic reoperations were conversions to a gastric bypass. A second reoperation was indicated for insufficient weight loss on four occasions. In one case, conversion to open surgery was required. The average operative time was 232 +/- 18.5 minutes (range 120 to 480) and length of hospital stay was 3.7 days (range 1 to 9). 22% percent of patients (6) experienced complications, including pneumothorax, gastric remnant dilation, gastrojejunostomy stenosis, port-site hernia and protein malnutrition. There was no mortality in the study. The average BMI was 35.9 kg/m2 (range 27 to 45.5) 8 months after surgery (range 1 to 22 months). Compared with a preoperative BMI of 42.7 kg/m2, the weight loss was statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results compare favorably with those reported for open reoperative bariatric surgery. A laparoscopic approach may be considered a feasible and safe alternative to an open operation.

Laparoscopic vs. open biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch: a comparative study.

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) is a well-known emerging open procedure that appears to be as effective as other bariatric operations and has been shown to provide excellent long-term weight loss. Therefore we looked at the safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic BPD-DS procedure compared to open BPD-DS in superobese patients (body mass index >60). A retrospective study of 54 superobese patients (body mass index >60) was carried out from July 1999 to June 2001: laparoscopic BPD-DS in 26 patients and open BPD-DS in 28 patients. Median preoperative body weight was 189.8 kg (range 155.1 to 271.2 kg) in the laparoscopic BPD-DS group and 196.5 kg (range 160.3 to 298.9 kg) in the open BPD-DS group. Median body mass index was 66.9 kg/m(2) in the laparoscopic group and 68.9 kg/m(2) in the open group. The two groups were compared by means of the unpaired t test, which yielded the following results: Major morbidity occurred in six patients (23%) in the laparoscopic BPD-DS group and in five patients (17%) in the open BPD-DS group (P = 0.63). There were two deaths in the laparoscopic BPD-DS group (7.6% mortality) and one death (3.5% mortality) in the open BPD-DS group (P = 0.51). Preoperative comorbidity was improved in eight patients in the laparoscopic BPD-DS group and two patients in the open BPD-DS group (P < 0.02). Laparoscopic BPD-DS is a technically feasible procedure that results in effective weight loss similar to the open procedure. However, both open and laparoscopic BPD-DS procedures are associated with appreciable morbidity and mortality in the superobese population. Additional studies are needed to determine the best surgical treatment for superobesity.

Subcutaneous endoscopic fasciotomy in a porcine model of abdominal compartment syndrome: a feasibility study.

PURPOSE: Treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) involves abdominal decompression via a laparotomy, which can result in significant wound-related morbidity. Our aim was to determine if subcutaneous endoscopic abdominal fasciotomy in a porcine model of ACS is feasible and what effect it may have on intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) blood flow. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 6 female pigs weighing 50 kg each were used for the study. Each animal underwent placement of an arterial line, pulmonary artery catheter, SMA blood flow probe, IAP catheter, and intra-abdominal saline infusion line. After endoscopic dissection of a subcutaneous pocket overlying the rectus muscles, saline was infused into the abdomen to a pressure of 40 mm Hg. Physiologic parameters were measured before and after bilateral endoscopic anterior rectus fasciotomies were performed, and analyzed with a paired t-test. RESULTS: Mean subcutaneous dissection time was 42.5 +/- 11.3 minutes, and mean fasciotomy time was 5.5 +/- 2.3 minutes. There were no significant changes in heart rate, cardiac output, pO(2), or pH during the experiment. IAP increased exponentially as fluid was instilled into the abdomen. SMA blood flow decreased reliably and linearly with increasing IAP. Mean baseline IAP was 4.0 +/- 1.7 mm Hg. IAP decreased from 37 mm Hg to 25 mm Hg after fasciotomy (P < 0.001). Mean baseline SMA blood flow was 629 +/-164 mL/min. SMA blood flow improved from 265 mL/min to 389 mL/min after fasciotomy (P< 0.01). CONCLUSION: Subcutaneous endoscopic abdominal fasciotomy is feasible and appears to lower IAP and raise SMA blood flow in a porcine model of ACS.