Revisional bariatric surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease: characterizing patient and procedural factors and 30-day outcomes for a retrospective cohort of 4412 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a well-established potential consequence of bariatric surgery and can require revisional surgery. Our understanding of the population requiring revision is limited. In this study, we aim to characterize patients requiring revisional surgery for GERD to understand their perioperative risks and identify strategies to improve their outcomes. METHODS: Using the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) registry, a retrospective cohort of patients who required revisional surgery for GERD in 2020 was identified. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to assess correlations between baseline characteristics and morbidity. RESULTS: 4412 patients required revisional surgery for GERD, encompassing 24% of all conversion procedures. In most cases, patients underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG) as their original surgery (n = 3535, 80.1%). The revisional surgery for most patients was a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (n = 3722, 84.4%). Major complications occurred in 527 patients (11.9%) and 10 patients (0.23%) died within 30 days of revisional surgery. Major complications included anastomotic leak in 31 patients (0.70%) and gastrointestinal bleeding in 38 patients (0.86%). Multivariable analyses revealed that operative length, pre-operative antacid use, and RYGB were predictors of major complications. CONCLUSION: GERD is the second most common indication for revisional surgery in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. Patients who underwent SG as their initial procedure were the primary group who required revisional surgery for GERD; most underwent revision via RYGB. Further inquiry is needed to tailor operative approaches and pre-operative optimization for revisional surgery patients.

Persistent hyperbilirubinemia following preoperative biliary stenting in patients undergoing anatomic hepatectomy predicts serious complications.

BACKGROUND: Biliary obstruction before liver resection is a known risk factor for post-operative complications. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of persistent hyperbilirubinemia following preoperative biliary drainage before liver resection. METHODS: The ACS-NSQIP (2016-2021) database was used to extract patients with cholangiocarcinoma who underwent anatomic liver resection with preoperative biliary drainage comparing those with persistent hyperbilirubinemia (> 1.2 mg/dL) to those with resolution. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared with bivariate analysis. Multivariable modeling evaluated factors including persistent hyperbilirubinemia to evaluate their independent effect on serious complications, liver failure, and mortality. RESULTS: We evaluated 463 patients with 217 (46.9%) having hyperbilirubinemia (HB) despite biliary stenting. Bivariate analysis demonstrated that patients with HB had a higher rate of serious complications than those with non-HB (80.7% vs 70.3%; P = 0.010) including bile leak (40.9% vs 31.8%; P = 0.045), liver failure (26.7% vs 17.9%; P = 0.022), and bleeding (48.4% vs 36.6%; P = 0.010). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that persistent HB was independently associated with serious complications (OR 1.88, P = 0.020) and mortality (OR 2.39, P = 0.049) but not post-operative liver failure (OR 1.65, P = 0.082). CONCLUSIONS: Failed preoperative biliary decompression is a predictive factor for post-operative complications and mortality in patients undergoing hepatectomy and may be useful for preoperative risk stratification.

Histological reappraisal of IgA nephropathy: the role of glomerular pattern of injury and mesangial complement deposition.

BACKGROUND: There is a clear need to refine the histological assessment in IgA Nephropathy (IgAN). We sought to investigate the clinical significance of the light microscopy (LM) pattern of glomerular injury and of the intensity of mesangial C3 staining in IgAN. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational study that included all patients with biopsy-proven primary IgAN that had at least 12 months of follow-up. The LM pattern of glomerular injury was reevaluated based on a modified HAAS classification. Mesangial C3 deposition by immunofluorescence (IF) staining was scored semi-quantitatively. The study primary composite endpoint was defined as doubling of serum creatinine or ESRD (dialysis, renal transplant or eGFR < 15 ml/min). The secondary study endpoint was eGFR decline per year. RESULTS: This cohort included 214 patients with IgAN (mean age, 41.4 ± 12.6 years), with a mean eGFR and median 24-h proteinuria of 55.2 ± 31.5 ml/min/1.73m2 and 1.5 g/day (IQR:0.8-3.25), respectively. The most frequent LM pattern was the mesangioproliferative (37.4%), followed by the sclerotic (22.5%) and proliferative/necrotizing patterns (21.4%). Regarding the IF findings, mild-moderate and intense mesangial C3 staining was present in 30.6% and 61.1% of patients, respectively. Those with sclerosing and crescentic patterns had the worst renal survival (5-year renal survival of 48.8% and 42.9%) and the highest rate of eGFR change/year (-2.32 ml/min/y and - 2.16 ml/min/y, respectively) compared to those with other glomerular patterns of injury. In addition, those with intense C3 staining reached the composite endpoint more frequently compared to those without intense C3 staining (35.5% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.04). After multivariate adjustment, patients with crescentic and sclerosing patterns had a 3.6-fold and 2.1-fold higher risk for the composite endpoint compared to those with mesangioproliferative pattern, while an intense mesangial C3 deposition being also associated with a worse renal outcome (HR, 3.33; 95%CI, 1.21-9.2). CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that the LM pattern of glomerular injury and the intensity of mesangial C3 deposition might stratify more accurately the renal outcome in patients with IgAN.

Complications After Renal Mass Biopsy: Frequency, Nature, Timing, and Associated Characteristics.

BACKGROUND. Observation periods after renal mass biopsy (RMB) range from 1 hour to overnight hospitalization. Short observation may improve efficiency by allowing use of the same recovery bed and other resources for RMBs in additional patients. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency, timing, and nature of complications after RMB, as well as to identify characteristics associated with such complications. METHODS. This retrospective study included 576 patients (mean age, 64.9 years; 345 men, 231 women) who underwent percutaneous ultrasound- or CT-guided RMB at one of three hospitals, performed by 22 radiologists, between January 1, 2008, and June 1, 2020. The EHR was reviewed to identify postbiopsy complications, which were classified as bleeding-related or non-bleeding-related and as acute (< 24 hours), subacute (24 hours to 30 days), or delayed (> 30 days). Deviations from normal clinical management (analgesia, unplanned laboratory testing, or additional imaging) were identified. RESULTS. Acute and subacute complications occurred after 3.6% (21/576) and 0.7% (4/576) of RMBs, respectively. No delayed complication or patient death occurred. A total of 76.2% (16/21) of acute complications were bleeding-related. A deviation from normal clinical management occurred after 1.6% (9/551) of RMBs that had no associated postbiopsy complication. Among the 16 patients with bleeding-related acute complications, all experienced a deviation, with mean time to deviation of 56 ± 47 (SD) minutes (range, 10-162 minutes; ≤ 120 minutes in 13/16 patients). The five non-bleeding-related acute complications all presented at the time of RMB completion. The four subacute complications occurred from 28 hours to 18 days after RMB. Patients with, versus those without, a bleeding-related complication had a lower platelet count (mean, 197.7 vs 250.4 × 109/L, p = .01) and greater frequency of entirely endophytic renal masses (47.4% vs 19.6%, p = .01). CONCLUSION. Complications after RMB were uncommon and presented either within 3 hours after biopsy or more than 24 hours after biopsy. CLINICAL IMPACT. A 3-hour monitoring window after RMB before patient discharge (in the absence of deviation from normal clinical management and complemented by informing patients of the low risk of a subacute complication) may provide both safe patient management and appropriate resource utilization.

Characteristics and outcomes for patients undergoing revisional bariatric surgery due to persistent obesity: a retrospective cohort study of 10,589 patients.

BACKGROUND: Revisional bariatric surgery in an option for patients who experience weight regain or inadequate weight loss after primary elective bariatric procedures. However, there is conflicting data on safety outcomes of revisional procedures. We aim to characterize patient demographics, procedure type, and safety outcomes for those undergoing revisional compared to initial bariatric interventions to guide management of these patients. METHODS: The 2020 Metabolic and Bariatric Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) registry was analyzed, comparing primary elective to revisional bariatric procedures for inadequate weight loss. Bivariate analysis was performed to determine between group differences. Multivariable logistic regression determined factors associated with serious complications or mortality. RESULTS: We evaluated 158,424 patients, including 10,589 (6.7%) revisional procedures. Patients undergoing revisional procedures were more like to be female (85.5% revisional vs. 81.0% initial; p < 0.001), had lower body mass index (43.6 ± 7.8 kg/m2 revisional vs. 45.2 ± 7.8 kg/m2 initial; p < 0.001), and less metabolic comorbidities than patients undergoing primary bariatric surgery. The most common revisional procedures were Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (48.4%) and sleeve gastrectomy (32.5%). Revisional procedures had longer operative duration compared to primary procedures. Patients undergoing revisional procedures were more likely to experience readmission to hospital (4.8% revisional vs. 2.9% initial; p < 0.001) and require reoperation (2.4% revisional vs. 1.0% initial; p < 0.001) within 30 days of the procedure. Revisional procedures were independently associated with increased serious complications (OR 1.49, CI 1.36-1.64, p < 0.001) but were not a significant predictor of 30-day mortality (OR 0.74, CI 0.36-1.50, p = 0.409). CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to primary bariatric surgery, patients undergoing revisional procedures have less metabolic comorbidities. Revisional procedures have worse perioperative outcomes and are independently associated with serious complications. These data help to contextualize outcomes for patients undergoing revisional bariatric procedures and to inform decision making in these patients.

Substance abuse screening prior to bariatric surgery: an MBSAQIP cohort study evaluating frequency and factors associated with screening.

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing bariatric surgery experience substantial risk of pre- and postoperative substance use. Identifying patients at risk for substance use using validated screening tools remains crucial to risk mitigation and operative planning. We aimed to evaluate proportion of bariatric surgery patients undergoing specific substance abuse screening, factors associated with screening and the relationship between screening and postoperative complications. METHODS: The 2021 MBSAQIP database was analyzed. Bivariate analysis was performed to compare factors between groups who were screened for substance abuse versus non-screened, and to compare frequency of outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the independent effect of substance screening on serious complications and mortality, and to assess factors associated with substance abuse screening. RESULTS: A total of 210, 804 patients were included, with 133,313 (63.2%) undergoing screening and 77,491 (36.8%) who did not. Those who underwent screening were more likely to be white, non-smoker, and have more comorbidities. The frequency of complications was not significant (e.g., reintervention, reoperation, leak) or similar (readmission rates 3.3% vs. 3.5%) between screened and not screened groups. On multivariate analysis, lower substance abuse screening was not associated with 30-day death or 30-day serious complication. Factors that significantly affected likelihood of being screened for substance abuse included being black (aOR 0.87, p < 0.001) or other race (aOR 0.82, p < 0.001) compared to white, being a smoker (aOR 0.93, p < 0.001), having a conversion or revision procedure (aOR 0.78, p < 0.001; aOR 0.64, p < 0.001, respectively), having more comorbidities and undergoing Roux-en-y gastric bypass (aOR 1.13, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There remains significant inequities in substance abuse screening in bariatric surgery patients regarding demographic, clinical, and operative factors. These factors include race, smoking status, presence of preoperative comorbidities, and procedure type. Further awareness and initiatives highlighting the importance of identifying at risk patients is critical for ongoing outcome improvement.

Asian race is not associated with increased 30-day serious complications or mortality: a MBSAQIP analysis of 594,837 patients.

INTRODUCTION: With expansion of bariatric surgery indications to include Asian patients with diabetes and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27.5, or BMI ≥ 32.5, it is important to characterize Asian patient population undergoing bariatric surgery and assess their postoperative outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the 2015-2019 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database. All patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) who self-reported as Asian or White race were included. The primary outcomes were to characterize the Asian race population in North American and to identify if Asian race was associated with serious complications or mortality at 30 days. RESULTS: Overall, 594,837 patients met inclusion, with 4229 self-reporting Asian racial status. Patients of Asian race were younger (41.8 vs 45.5 years, p < 0.001) and had a lower BMI (42.8 vs 44.7 kg/m2 p < 0.001) than White patients. They were also more likely to have insulin dependent diabetes (10.9% vs 8.2%, p < 0.001), have received prior cardiac surgery (10.0% vs 1.2% p < 0.001), and suffer from renal insufficiency (1.0% vs 0.5%, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between rates of RYGB (28.3% vs 28.9%, p = 0.4) and mean operative duration (87.7 vs 87.5 min, p = 0.7). Additionally, there were no differences in 30 day outcomes including leak (0.5% vs 0.5%, p = 0.625), bleeding (1.2% vs 1.0%, p = 0.1), serious complications (3.4% vs 3.5%, p = 0.6), or mortality (0.1% vs 0.1%, p = 0.7) and after confounder control, Asian race was not independently associated with serious complications (OR 1.0, CI 0.9-1.2, p = 0.7), or mortality (OR 1.1, CI 0.3-3.3, p = 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increased metabolic burden of Asian patients, no differences in 30-day outcomes compared to White patients occurs. This data supports evidence suggesting these patients may safely undergo bariatric surgery independent of their increased metabolic burden.

A 5-year characterization of trends and outcomes in elderly patients undergoing elective bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: The North American population with severe obesity is aging and with that so will the number of elderly patients (≥ 65 years) meeting indications for metabolic surgery. Trends in bariatric delivery in this population are poorly characterized and outcomes remain conflicting, limiting potential uptake and delivery. METHODS: The MBSAQIP database was used to identify elderly patients (≥ 65 years) undergoing elective bariatric surgery from 2015 to 2019. Our objectives were to analyze their unique characteristics, surgical operative trends, and outcomes by comparing to a non-elderly cohort. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of serious complications and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: There was a total of 751,607 patients, 5.3% (n = 39,854) were elderly. Mean ages were 43 ± 11 years (non-elderly) versus 68 ± 3 years (elderly). Elderly patients were less likely to be female (70.7% elderly; 80.1% non-elderly) and had lower BMI (43.17 ± 6.64 kg/m2 elderly; 45.42 ± 7.87 kg/m2 non-elderly). They had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, lower functional status, more insulin dependent diabetes, and hypertension, among other comorbidities. There were no clinically significant differences between the most frequently performed bariatric surgery. Sleeve gastrectomy remained the most common (73.7% non-elderly; 72.3% elderly); however, operative time was longer among the elderly. Functional status was most predictive for both serious complications (OR 1.72; CI 1.53-1.94) and mortality (OR 2.92; CI 1.98-4.31). Surgery among elderly patients was associated with poorer 30-day postoperative outcomes across all categories and was independently associated with serious complications (OR 1.23; CI 1.17-1.30, p < 0.001; AR 4.64%) and 30-day mortality (OR 2.49; CI 2.00-3.11, p < 0.001; AR 0.27%), after adjusting for comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: After adjusting for comorbidities, functional status remains the most predictive factor for poor outcomes; however, elderly patients have increased 30-day odds of serious complications and 30-day mortality, suggesting a need to tailor our approach to these individuals that carry a unique operative risk.

Does ASA classification effectively risk stratify patients undergoing bariatric surgery: a MBSAQIP retrospective cohort of 138,612 of patients.

INTRODUCTION: It is important to appropriately risk stratify bariatric surgery patients, as these patients often have obesity-related comorbidities which can increase postoperative complication risk but also benefit the most from bariatric surgery. We aimed to evaluate the utility of risk stratification using ASA class for bariatric surgery patients and assessed predictive factors of postoperative complications. METHODS: The 2020 MBSAQIP database was analyzed, and an ASA-deemed high-risk cohort (class IV) and normal-risk (ASA class II and III) cohort were compared. Univariate analysis was performed to characterize differences between cohorts and to compare complication rates. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with increased odds of postoperative complications. RESULTS: We evaluated 138 612 patients with 5380 (3.9%) considered high-risk and 133 232 (96.1%) normal-risk. High-risk patients were more likely to be older (46.2 ± 12.0vs.43.4 ± 11.9, p < 0.001), male (30.9%vs.18.4%, p < 0.001), have higher BMI (51.4 ± 10.2vs.44.9 ± 7.4, p < 0.001), and have more comorbidities. High-risk patients were more likely to have increased 30-day serious complications (4.5%vs.2.8%, p < 0.001) and death (0.2%vs.0.1%, p = 0.001) but not anastomotic leak (0.2%vs.0.2%, p = 0.983). Multivariate models showed ASA class IV patients were at higher odds for any serious complication by 30 days (aOR 1.36, 95%CI 1.18-1.56, p < 0.001) but not for death (aOR 1.04, 95%CI 0.49-2.21, p = 0.921). The factor independently associated with the highest odds of complication in both models was functional status preoperatively (partially dependent aOR 2.06, 95%CI 1.56-2.72, p < 0.001; fully dependent aOR 3.19, 95%CI 1.10-9.28, p = 0.033 for any serious complication; partially dependent aOR 5.08, 95%CI 2.16-12.00, p < 0.001 for death). CONCLUSIONS: While elevated ASA class correlates with increased serious complications, pre-operative functional status appears to have a much greater contribution to odds of serious complications and mortality. These findings question the utility of using ASA to risk stratify patients peri-operatively and provides evidence for using a simpler and more practical functional status approach.

New persistent opioid use after bariatric surgery: a systematic review and pooled proportion meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Increasing evidence suggests surgical patients are at risk for developing new, persistent opioid use (NPOU) following surgery. This risk may be heightened for patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Few studies have evaluated this important long-term outcome and little is known about the rate of NPOU, or factors associated with NPOU for bariatric surgery patients. METHODS AND PROCEDURE: We conducted a systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases in August 2021. Studies were reviewed and data extracted independently by two reviewers following MOOSE guidelines. Studies evaluating bariatric surgery patients reporting NPOU, defined as new opioid use > 90 days after surgery, were included. Abstracts, non-English, animal, n < 5, and pediatric studies were excluded. Primary outcome was NPOU prevalence, and secondary outcomes were patient and surgical factors associated with NPOU. Factors associated with NPOU are reported from findings of individual studies; meta-analysis could not be completed due to heterogeneity of reporting. RESULTS: We retrieved a total of 2113 studies with 8 meeting inclusion criteria. In studies reporting NPOU rates (n = 4 studies), pooled prevalence was 6.0% (95% CI 4.0-7.0%). Patient characteristics reported by studies to be associated with NPOU included prior substance use (tobacco, alcohol, other prescription analgesics), preoperative mental health disorder (anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders), and public health insurance. Surgical factors associated with NPOU included severe post-operative complications and in-hospital opioid use (peri- or post operatively). CONCLUSIONS: NPOU is an uncommon but important complication following bariatric surgery, with patient factors including prior substance abuse, mental health disorders, and use of public health insurance placing patients at increased risk, and surgical factors being complications and peri-operative opioid use. Studies evaluating techniques to reduce NPOU in these high-risk populations are needed.

Endoscopic plication compared to laparoscopic fundoplication in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic plication offers an alternative to surgical fundoplication for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate outcomes following endoscopic plication compared to laparoscopic fundoplication. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted in September 2022. Study followed PRISMA guidelines. Studies comparing endoscopic plication to laparoscopic fundoplication with n > 5 were included. Primary outcome was PPI cessation, with secondary outcomes including complications, procedure duration, length of stay, change in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone, and DeMeester score. RESULTS: We reviewed 1544 studies, with five included comparing 105 (46.1%) patients receiving endoscopic plication (ENDO) to 123 (53.9%) undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication (LAP). Average patient age was 47.6 years, with those undergoing plication being younger (46.4 ENDO vs 48.5 LAP). BMI (26.6 kg/m2 ENDO vs 26.2 kg/m2 LAP), and proportion of females (42.9% ENDO vs 37.4% LAP) were similar. Patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures had worse baseline LES pressure (12.8 mmHg ENDO vs 9.0 mmHg LAP) and lower preoperative DeMeester scores (34.6 ENDO vs. 34.1 LAP). The primary outcome demonstrated that 89.2% of patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication discontinued PPI compared to 69.4% for those receiving plication. Meta-analysis revealed that plication had significantly reduced odds of PPI discontinuation (OR 0.27, studies = 3, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.64, P = 0.003, I2 = 0%). Secondary outcomes demonstrated that odds of complications (OR 1.46, studies = 4, 95% CI 0.34 to 6.32, P = 0.62, I2 = 0%), length of stay (MD - 1.37, studies = 3, 95% CI - 3.48 to 0.73, P = 0.20, I2 = 94%), and procedure durations were similar (MD 0.78, studies = 3, 95% CI - 39.70 to 41.26, P = 0.97, I2 = 98%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first meta-analysis comparing endoscopic plication to laparoscopic fundoplication. Results demonstrate greater likelihood of PPI discontinuation with laparoscopic fundoplication with similar post-procedural risk.

Opioid prescribing practices following bariatric surgery: a systematic review and pooled proportion meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: A paucity of literature exists regarding current opioid prescribing and use following bariatric surgery. We aimed to characterize opioid prescribing practices and use following bariatric surgery to inform future studies and optimized prescribing practices. METHODS AND PROCEDURE: We performed a systematic review of Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Cochrane Library (via WILEY) on August 20, 2021. Two reviewers reviewed and extracted data independently. Studies evaluating adult patients undergoing bariatric surgery that reported opioid prescriptions at discharge were included. Abstracts, non-English studies, and those with n < 5 were excluded. Primary outcomes assessed the amount of morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) prescribed at discharge. Secondary outcomes evaluated opioids used following discharge, proportion of patients with unused opioid, and if unused opioids were properly discarded. RESULTS: We evaluated 2113 studies, with 18 undergoing full-text review, and 5 meeting inclusion criteria. Overall, 847 patients were included, with 450 (53%) undergoing sleeve gastrectomy and 393 (46%) receiving Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Most patients were female (n = 484/589, 82.2%), and the average age and BMI were 44.6 (± 11.8) years and 48.1 kg/m2 (± 8.4 kg/m2), respectively. On average, 348.4 MMEs were prescribed to patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Patients used only 84.7 MMEs, with 87.0% (95% CI 66.0-99.0%) having unused opioid, and 41/120 (34.2%) retaining these excess opioids. CONCLUSION: Nearly 90% of all bariatric patients evaluated in our systematic review are prescribed excessive opioids at discharge. Further work characterizing current opioid prescribing practices and use may help guide development of standardized post-bariatric surgery prescription guidelines.

Gastric ischemic conditioning prior to esophagectomy reduces anastomotic leaks and strictures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gastric ischemic conditioning (GIC) is a strategy to promote neovascularization of the gastric conduit to reduce the risk of anastomotic complications following esophagectomy. Despite a number of studies and reviews published on the concept of ischemic conditioning, there remains no clear consensus regarding its utility. We performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the impact of GIC, particularly on anastomotic leaks, conduit ischemia, and strictures. METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was performed on February 5th, 2020 by a university librarian after selection of key search terms with the research team. Inclusion criteria included human participants undergoing esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction, age ≥ 18, N ≥ 5, and GIC performed prior to esophagectomy. Our primary outcome of interest was anastomotic leaks. Our secondary outcome was gastric conduit ischemia, anastomotic strictures, and overall survival. Meta-analysis was performed with RevMan 5.4.1 using a Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 1712 preliminary studies were identified and 23 studies included for final review. GIC was performed in 1178 (53.5%) patients. Meta-analysis revealed reduced odds of anastomotic leaks (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.46-0.97; I2 = 5%; p = 0.03) and anastomotic strictures (OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.29-0.80; I2 = 65%; p = 0.005). Meta-analysis revealed no difference in odds of conduit ischemia (OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.13-1.23; I2 = 0%; p = 0.11) and no difference in odds of overall survival (OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.29-1.02; I2 = 22%; p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: GIC is associated with reduced odds of anastomotic leaks and anastomotic strictures and may decrease morbidity in patients undergoing esophagectomy. Further prospective randomized trials are needed to better identify the optimal patient population, timing, and techniques used to best achieve GIC.

Management of choledocholithiasis after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a systematic review and pooled proportion meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several therapeutic modalities have been proposed for the management of choledocholithiasis (CDL) following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), yet debate exists regarding the optimal management. The purpose of our study was to review the current literature to compare the efficacy of various techniques in the management of CDL post-RYGB. METHODS: A comprehensive search of multiple databases was conducted. Studies reporting on the management of CDL in patients post-RYGB and including at least 5 patients were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was successful stone clearance. Secondary outcomes included procedure duration, length of hospital stay, and adverse events. RESULTS: Of 3259 identified studies, 53 studies involving 857 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 54.4 years (SD 7.05), 78.8% were female (SD 13.6%), and the average BMI was 30.8 kg/m2 (SD 6.85). Procedures described included laparoscopy-assisted ERCP (LAERCP), balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE), ultrasound-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE), laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE), EUS-guided intra-hepatic puncture with antegrade clearance (EGHAC), percutaneous trans-hepatic biliary drainage (PTHBD), and rendezvous guidewire-associated (RGA) ERCP. High rates of successful stone clearance were observed with LAERCP (1.00; 95% CI 0.99-1.00; p = 0.47), EDGE (0.97; 95% CI 0.9-1.00; p = 0.54), IGS ERCP (1.00; 95% CI 0.87-1.00), PTHBD (1.0; 95% CI 0.96-1.00), and LCBDE (0.99; 95% CI 0.93-1.00, p < 0.001). Lower rates of stone clearance were observed with BAE (61.5%; 95%CI 44.3-76.3, p = 0.188) and EGHAC (74.0%; 95% CI 42.9-91.5, p = 0.124). Relative to EDGE, LAERCP had a longer procedure duration (133.1 vs. 67.4 min) but lower complication rates (12.8% vs. 24.3%). CONCLUSION: LAERCP and EDGE had high rates of success in the management of CDL post-RYGB. LAERCP had fewer complications but was associated with longer procedure times. BAE had lower success rates than both LAERCP and EDGE.

Characterization of Near-Infrared Imaging and Indocyanine-Green Use Amongst General Surgeons: A Survey of 263 General Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRFI) is an increasingly utilized imaging modality, however its use amongst general surgeons and its barriers to adoption have not yet been characterized. METHODS: This survey was sent to Canadian Association of General Surgeons and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons members. Survey development occurred through consensus of NIRFI experienced surgeons. RESULTS: Survey completion rate for those opening the email was 16.0% (n = 263). Most respondents had used NIRFI (n = 161, 61.2%). Training, higher volumes, and bariatric, thoracic, or foregut subspecialty were associated with use (P < .001).Common reasons for NIRFI included anastomotic assessment (n = 117, 72.7%), cholangiography (n = 106, 65.8%), macroscopic angiography (n = 66, 41.0%), and bowel viability assessment (n = 101, 62.7%). Technical knowledge, training and poor evidence were cited as common barriers to NIRFI adoption. CONCLUSIONS: NIRFI use is common with high case volume, bariatric, foregut, and thoracic surgery practices associated with adoption. Barriers to use appear to be lack of awareness, low confidence in current evidence, and inadequate training. High quality randomized studies evaluating NIRFI are needed to improve confidence in current evidence; if deemed beneficial, training will be imperative for NIRFI adoption.

Factors that predict 30-day readmission after bariatric surgery: experience of a publicly funded Canadian centre.

Background: Hospital readmissions after bariatric surgery can significantly increase health care costs. Rates of readmission after bariatric surgery have ranged from 0.6% to 11.3%, but the rate of complications and the factors that predict readmission have not been well characterized in Canada. The objective of this study was to characterize readmission rates and the factors that predict 30-day readmission in a Canadian centre. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on all patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2010 and 2015 in a single Canadian centre. Procedures included laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Prospectively collected data were extracted from an administrative database. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine which factors predict 30-day readmission. Results: A total of 1468 patients had bariatric surgery (51.0% LRYGB, 40.5% LSG, 8.6% LAGB) during the 6-year study period, with an overall 30-day readmission rate of 7.5%. LRYGB was associated with a higher readmission rate (11.4%) than LSG (3.7%) or LAGB (1.6%). Common reasons for readmission were infection (24.8%), pain (17.4%) and nausea or vomiting (10.1%). Multivariable analysis identified 3 factors that independently predicted readmission: length of stay greater than 4 days (odds ratio [OR] 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-4.63, p = 0.042), LRYGB (OR 5.21, 95% CI 1.19-22.73, p = 0.028) and acute renal failure (OR 14.10, 95% CI 1.07-186.29, p = 0.045). Conclusion: Readmissions after bariatric surgery were most commonly caused by potentially preventable factors, such as pain, nausea or vomiting. Strategies to identify and address factors associated with readmission may reduce readmissions and health care costs after bariatric surgery in a publicly funded health care system.

Contexte: Les réadmissions hospitalières après la chirurgie bariatrique peuvent accroître significativement le coût des soins de santé. Les taux de ces réadmissions ont varié de 0,6 % à 11,3 %, mais le taux de complications et les facteurs de prédiction des réadmissions n'ont pas été bien caractérisés au Canada. L'objectif de cette étude est de caractériser les taux de réadmissions et les facteurs qui permettent de prédire une réadmission à 30 jours dans un centre canadien. Méthodes: Nous avons étudié rétrospectivement tous les cas de chirurgie bariatrique effectués entre 2010 et 2015 dans un établissement canadien. Les interventions incluaient la dérivation gastrique Roux-en-Y laparoscopique (DGRYL), la gastrectomie en manchon laparoscopique (GML) et la gastroplastie laparoscopique avec anneau ajustable (GLAA). Les données recueillies de manière prospective ont été extraites d'une base de données administrative. Nous avons procédé à une analyse de régression logistique multivariée pour déterminer quels facteurs permettaient de prédire la réadmission à 30 jours. Résultats: En tout, 1468 patients ont subi une chirurgie bariatrique (51,0 % DGRYL, 40,5 % GML et 8,6 % GLAA) durant les 6 années de l'étude, avec un taux global de réadmission à 30 jours de 7,5 %. La DGRYL a été associée un taux de réadmission plus élevé (11,4 %) que la GML (3,7 %) ou la GLAA (1,6 %). Les raisons de réadmission les plus fréquentes ont été infection (24,8 %), douleur (17,4 %) et nausées ou vomissements (10,1 %). L'analyse multivariée a permis de dégager 3 facteurs indépendants de réadmission, soit séjour de plus de 4 jours (rapport des cotes [RR] 2,18, intervalle de confiance [IC] de 95 % 1,03­4,63, p = 0,042), DGRYL (RC 5,21, IC de 95 % 1,19­22,73, p = 0,028) et insuffisance rénale aiguë (RC 14,10, IC de 95 % 1,07­186,29, p = 0,045). Conclusion: Les réadmissions après la chirurgie bariatrique ont le plus souvent été dues à des facteurs évitables, tels que douleur, nausées et vomissements. Des stratégies visant à identifier et à corriger les facteurs de réadmission pourraient réduire ces dernières et le coût des soins de santé après la chirurgie bariatrique dans un système de santé public.

Indocyanine green for the prevention of anastomotic leaks following esophagectomy: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative evaluation with fluorescence angiography using indocyanine green (ICG) offers a dynamic assessment of gastric conduit perfusion and can guide anastomotic site selection during an esophagectomy. This study aims to evaluate the predictive value of ICG for the prevention of anastomotic leak following esophagectomy. METHODS: A comprehensive search of electronic databases using the search terms "indocyanine/fluorescence" AND esophagectomy was completed to include all English articles published between January 1946 and 2018. Articles were selected by two independent reviewers. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) instrument. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included for meta-analysis after screening and exclusions. The pooled anastomotic leak rate when ICG was used was found to be 10%. When limited to studies without intraoperative modifications, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.78 (95% CI 0.52-0.94; p = 0.089), 0.74 (95% CI 0.61-0.84; p = 0.012), and 8.94 (95% CI 1.24-64.21; p = 0.184), respectively. Six trials compared ICG with an intraoperative intervention to improve perfusion to no ICG. ICG with intervention was found to have a risk reduction of 69% (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.15-0.63). CONCLUSIONS: In non-randomized trials, the use of ICG as an intraoperative tool for visualizing microvascular perfusion and conduit site selection to decrease anastomotic leaks is promising. However, poor data quality and heterogeneity in reported variables limits generalizability of findings. Randomized, multi-center trials are needed to account for independent risk factors for leak rates and to better elucidate the impact of ICG in predicting and preventing anastomotic leaks.

Effects of dietary fibre on metabolic health and obesity.

Obesity and metabolic syndrome represent a growing epidemic worldwide. Body weight is regulated through complex interactions between hormonal, neural and metabolic pathways and is influenced by numerous environmental factors. Imbalances between energy intake and expenditure can occur due to several factors, including alterations in eating behaviours, abnormal satiation and satiety, and low energy expenditure. The gut microbiota profoundly affects all aspects of energy homeostasis through diverse mechanisms involving effects on mucosal and systemic immune, hormonal and neural systems. The benefits of dietary fibre on metabolism and obesity have been demonstrated through mechanistic studies and clinical trials, but many questions remain as to how different fibres are best utilized in managing obesity. In this Review, we discuss the physiochemical properties of different fibres, current findings on how fibre and the gut microbiota interact to regulate body weight homeostasis, and knowledge gaps related to using dietary fibres as a complementary strategy. Precision medicine approaches that utilize baseline microbiota and clinical characteristics to predict individual responses to fibre supplementation represent a new paradigm with great potential to enhance weight management efficacy, but many challenges remain before these approaches can be fully implemented.

Characterization of Early Small Bowel Obstructions Following Elective Bariatric Surgery.

PURPOSE: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) after bariatric surgery is an uncommon but important complication. We sought to characterize bariatric surgery patients who developed SBO, to compare 30-day complications, and to determine the influence of patient and procedure factors on the development of SBO. METHODS AND MATERIALS: All data was extracted from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database using the 2020 operative year. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to determine the influence of patient and operative factors on the development of SBO. RESULTS: Of a total of 142 111 patients, 408 (0.3%) were identified as having developed an SBO. SBO patients were older (45.7 ± 11.5 vs. 43.5 ± 11.9 years; p = 0.0002), of reduced BMI (43.6 ± 6.8 vs. 45.1 ± 7.7; p = 0.0001), and more likely to be of female sex (92.2% vs. 81.1%; p < 0.0001). At 30 days post-operation, serious complications were increased in SBO patients. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) was the largest independent predicator of the development of SBO (OR 11.91; 95% CI 8.92-15.90; p < 0.0001). With regard to patient factors, COPD (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.54-4.38; p < 0.0001) and prior DVT (OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.49-3.77; p < 0.0001) were found to be independently predictive of the development of SBO. Additionally having a lower BMI and being of female sex were found to be independently predictive. CONCLUSION: SBO occurred in approximately 0.3% of MBSAQIP cases. SBO is associated with serious outcome measures and patients of female sex and reduced index BMI, and those undergoing RYGB may be at an increased risk.