Revisional Robotic Bariatric Surgery. Largest Single Centre Prospective Cohort Study and Review of the Literature.

Introduction: Robotic bariatric surgery (RBS) has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, yet questions persist about its utility concerning postoperative complications, costs, and technical aspects. RBS, while increasing in number, presents a greater technical challenge associated with more post-operative complications compared to primary bariatric surgery. In this study, we present our single institution experience and review the literature to assess the value of robotic revisional surgery. Material and Method: The retrospective review involved 42 patients (31 females, 11 males) who underwent various procedures, with the most frequent being the conversion of sleeve gastrectomy to gastric bypass (n=30). Encouragingly, no leaks or severe complications were identified. Furthermore, a systematic review indicated comparable outcomes, with decreased complication rates favoring robotic revisional surgery. Results: In direct comparison to standard laparoscopic revisional bariatric surgery, revisional robotic surgery demonstrated superior results in terms of efficacy, safety, and reduced hospital stay. However, rates of mortality, morbidity, and reintervention did not significantly differ between the two approaches. Conclusions: Considering these findings, we advocate for surgeons to acquire proficiency in the robotic technique, as part of the broader process of democratization and standardization of bariatric surgery. Embracing revisional robotic bariatric surgery can lead to improved patient outcomes, and its wider implementation may lead to enhanced surgical care and patient satisfaction in the field of bariatric procedures.

Incidence and risk factors for trocar-site incisional hernia detected by clinical and ultrasound examination: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Trocar site incisional hernia (TSIH) is the most frequent complication associated with laparoscopic surgery. Few studies currently describe its incidence or risk factors. The aim of this report is to determine the real incidence of TSIH and to identify risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional prospective study was performed including consecutive patients who underwent a laparoscopic procedure during a 4 months period. All the patients were assessed both clinically (TSIHc) and by an ultrasonographic examination (TSIHu). The main variable studied was the incidence of TSIH. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors. RESULTS: 76 patients were included. 27.6% of patients were clinically diagnosed as having TSIH (TSIHc) but only 23.7% of those cases were radiologically confirmed (TSIHu). In the logistic regression analysis, age > 70 years (OR 3.462 CI 1.14-10.515, p = 0.028) and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 (OR 3.313 CI 1.037-10.588, p = 0.043) were identified as risk factors for TSIH. The size of the trocar also showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). Mean follow-up time was 34 months. CONCLUSIONS: TSIH is under-diagnosed due to the lack of related symptomatology and the inadequacy of the postoperative follow-up period. We detected discrepancies between the clinical and ultrasonographic examinations. TSIHu should be considered as the gold standard for the diagnosis of TSIH. Risk factors such as age, BMI and size of the trocar were confirmed. Patients should be followed-up for a minimum of 2 years. Trial registration The study has been retrospectively registered in Clinicaltrials.gov on June 4, 2020 under registration number: NCT04410744.

Assessment of the effectiveness of a polypropylene onlay mesh in the prevention of laparoscopic trocar-site incisional hernia in high-risk patients. A randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Trocar site incisional hernia (TSIH) is a common complication of laparoscopic surgery. In the scientific literature there are few descriptions of methods or tools for its prevention. The aim of this report was to assess the effectiveness and safety of a prophylactic measure designed to lower rates of TSIH. METHODS: A multicenter randomized double-blinded clinical trial was performed in high-risk patients (diabetes mellitus and/or age ≥ 70 years and/or BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and/or extended incision for specimen retrieval) who underwent either elective or emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were assigned to prophylactic onlay polypropylene mesh fixation (intervention) or to standard trocar closure (control). The main aim was to analyze the efficacy of the intervention, taking occurrence of TSIH as the primary outcome. Clinical and radiological follow up lasted at least one year after surgery. Secondary endpoints were technique-related complications (surgical site occurrences). RESULTS: One hundred and forty-three patients were randomized and finally 116 were analyzed (64 in the intervention arm and 52 in the control arm). Groups were homogeneous. Mean [SD] age, 65 [18] years; 86 (60.6%) were women. The cumulative TSIH incidence was lower in the intervention group although the differences did not reach statistical significance, assessed either radiologically (16 [25.4%] vs 17 [31.5%], p = 0.538) or clinically (9 [16.1%] vs 9 [20], p = 0.613). No differences in surgical site infection, hematoma or seroma were detected. Mean follow-up was 670 days (range 223-1294). CONCLUSION: Our results show that, when properly assessed, the overall TSIH incidence is extremely high. Although polypropylene onlay mesh placement is safe, it does not appear to be effective in reducing the TSIH incidence rate. Radiological evaluation may be more accurate. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.org NCT03495557. Date of registration: April 12, 2018.

Analysis of the Variability in Different Criteria to Define the Success of Bariatric Surgery: Retrospective Study 5-Year Follow-Up after Sleeve Gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

(1) Background: The current criteria for defining good or bad responders to bariatric surgery based on the percentage of weight loss do not properly reflect the therapeutic impact of the main bariatric techniques. At present there is an urgent need to fill this gap and provide scientific evidence that better define the success or failure of bariatric surgery in the long term. (2) Methods: This is a retrospective database study of a prospective cohort with 5-year follow-up. We established the success or failure of bariatric surgery in terms of weight loss according to a selected criterion: (1) Halverson and Koehler; (2) Reinhold modified by Christou; (3) Biron; (4) TWL > 20%; (5) percentage of changeable weight (AWL > 35%). We analyzed sensitivity and specificity for successful weight loss. (3) Results: 223 (38.7%) patients underwent sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and 353 (61.2%) underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP). The success rates at 5 years are: EWL > 50% 464 (80%), Reinhold 436 (75.6%), Biron 530 (92%), TWL > 20% 493 (85.5%), AWL < 35% 419 (72.7); ≥50% EWL and alterable weight loss AWL > 35 were the most adequate criteria as their specificities and sensibility were far above >80%. (4) Conclusions: The present study shows how the different definitions of success or failure are inconsistent in relation to the outcomes of BS. However, there are some criteria that associate statistically significant differences for the resolution of comorbidities and show the highest sensitivity and specificity rates.