Temporal Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Adipokines, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Subjects with Impaired Glucose Homeostasis at 4 Years of Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have examined changes in plasma markers of inflammation and oxidative stress up to 24 months following bariatric surgery, but there is limited evidence on the long-term effects of bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of bariatric surgery on adipokines (adiponectin, leptin), inflammatory cytokines [C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10(IL-10)] and global plasma measures of oxidative stress [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total antioxidant status (TAOS) 1 and 6 months, and 4 years post-surgery in subjects with obesity and impaired glucose regulation. METHODS: A prospective study comprising of 19 participants (13 females, mean age 50.4 ± 6.2 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 54 ± 14 kg/m2, 17 type 2 diabetes) undergoing bariatric surgery (10 sleeve gastrectomy, 6 biliopancreatic diversion, 2 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 1 laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding). Serial measurements of the above markers were made pre-operatively, 1 and 6 months and 4 years post-operatively. RESULTS: Compared to pre-operative levels, significant decreases were seen 4 years post-operatively in CRP (11.4 vs 2.8 ng/mL, p < 0.001), IL-6 (8.0 vs 2.1 pg/mL, p < 0.001) and leptin (60.7 vs 32.1 pg/mL, p = 0.001). At 4 years, both fasting and 120 min TAOS significantly increased by 35% and 19% respectively. However, fasting and 120 min TBARS did not show any significant changes. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, no other studies have described changes in inflammation and oxidative stress at 4 years following bariatric surgery. This study contributes to the current literature supporting the longer-term beneficial effect of bariatric surgery on chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.

Effect of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Static and Dynamic Measures of Glucose Homeostasis and Incretin Hormone Response 4-Years Post-Operatively.

INTRODUCTION: There is limited literature available on the long-term effect of bariatric surgery especially laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on the incretin hormone response. AIM: Our primary aim was to investigate changes in glucose metabolism and incretin hormone responses in participants with impaired glucose regulation approximately 4 years after LSG. The secondary aim was to examine the long-term incretin hormone changes of biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). METHOD: A non-randomised prospective study comprising of 10 participants undergoing LSG and 6 participants undergoing BPD. Serial measurements of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) were performed during an oral glucose tolerance test pre-operatively and 1 month, 6 months and at approximately 4-7 years post-operatively. Area under the curve (AUC) was examined at 60 and 120 min. RESULTS: In the LSG group, a significant reduction in 2-h plasma glucose (2 h PG), HbA1c and HOMA-IR was observed at 4 years. Compared with pre-operative levels, significant increases in post-glucose GLP-1 secretion were observed at 1 and 6 months, but not maintained at 4 years. A linear increase was seen in post-glucose GIP response at 1 month and 6 months and 4 years. Within the BPD group, a reduction in HbA1c along with an increase GLP-1 response was observed at 7 years. CONCLUSION: An increase in GLP-1 response was not preserved at 4 years, but a significant increase in GIP response was observed along with improved glycaemic control following LSG.

Prospective comparison of the perceived preoperative computed tomographic, endosonographic and histopathological stage of oesophageal cancer related to body mass indices.

Pre-morbid weight loss and low body mass index (BMI) have been reported to be associated with decreased odds of misclassification of the defined stage of oesophageal cancer by endoluminal ultrasound (EUS). The aim of this study was to assess the strengths of agreement between the perceived preoperative radiological T and N stage compared with the final histopathological stage related to four categories of BMI (low <20, normal 20-24.9, high 25-30, and obese >30 kg/m(2)). One hundred sixty-six patients with oesophageal carcinoma were studied. Strength of agreement between the CT and EUS stages and histopathological stage was determined by the weighted kappa statistic (Kw). Kw for EUS T stage related to increasing BMI category was 0.840 (P = 0.0001) to 0.620 (P = 0.001), compared with 0.415 (P = 0.018) to 0.260 (P = 0.011) for CT. Kw for EUS N stage related to increasing BMI category was 0.438 (P = 0.067) to 0.513 (P = 0.010), compared with 0.143 (P = 0.584) to 0.582 (P = 0.030) for CT. EUS was good at predicting tumour infiltration irrespective of BMI when compared with CT, while CT N staging accuracy improved with higher BMIs. Multidisciplinary teams should be aware of these limitations when planning treatment strategies.

Prognostic significance of endoscopic ultrasound-defined pleural, pericardial or peritoneal fluid in oesophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is known to detect smaller effusion volumes than computerised tomography (CT), yet the outcomes for patients diagnosed with oesophageal carcinoma and EUS-defined pleural, pericardial or ascitic fluid effusions (EDFE) are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of multidisciplinary stage directed treatment for such patients. METHODS: Forty-nine (9.2%) out of a consecutive 527 patients diagnosed with oesophageal cancer from a single regional upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer network were found to have evidence of EDFE undetected by CT. Thirty-nine (79.6%) patients had pleural effusions, eight (16.3%) pericardial effusions, and two (4.1%) ascites. RESULTS: Twelve (24.4%) underwent surgery, 3 (6.1%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy without subsequent surgery, 12 (24.5%) received definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT), and 22 (44.9%) received palliative treatment. Survival in patients with EDFE was significantly shorter (median and 2-year survival 15.6 months and 24%, respectively) when compared with patients without EDFE (26.7 months and 40%, respectively, p = 0.001), and was unrelated to EDFE type (p = 0.192). Two-year survival after oesophagectomy with or without neoadjuvant therapy was 45% in patients with EDFE compared with 42% in patients without EDFE (p = 0.668). CONCLUSIONS: EDFE was an important adverse prognostic indicator, but patients deemed to have operable tumours should still be treated with radical intent.

Closure of mesenteric defects during Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Closure of mesenteric defects during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) has not been fully established as standard operative practice. However, in recent years a body of evidence has emerged suggesting that non-closure of defects leads to increased rates of internal herniation and its potential consequences, including the need for reoperation, along with an associated morbidity and mortality risk. Within the emerging literature there has also been some evidence of a greater risk of 30-day complications in closure groups. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to look at the existing evidence and provide guidance on whether closure of mesenteric defects should be standard operative practice. METHODS: The systematic review and meta-analysis has been registered a priori. A literature search will be performed interrogating the Medline and Embase databases via Ovid, and also the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL), to identify randomised and non-randomised studies reporting comparative outcomes following closure vs. non-closure of mesenteric defects during RYGB. The primary outcome will be reoperation for small bowel obstruction, and secondary outcomes will include internal herniation, jejuno-jejunal anastomosis narrowing or kinking, adhesions, complications (<30 days and >30 days after surgery), 30-day mortality, reoperation, and any other outcome deemed relevant and reported in more than one study.

Temporal effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on adipokines, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with impaired glucose homeostasis.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for morbid obesity and metabolic dysfunction. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to examine the early temporal effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on adipokines (adiponectin, leptin), inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, interleukin-10), and global plasma measures of oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and total antioxidant status) in a sample of 55 participants preoperatively, and 1 and 6 months postoperatively. The focus was on a sample of patients with impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes, which is associated with increased low-grade systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. SETTING: University hospital, United Kingdom. METHODS: This was a prospective study comprising 55 participants with impaired glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes undergoing LSG (mean body mass index 50.4 kg/m2, mean glycated hemoglobin 7.4%). Serial measurements of the above markers were made preoperatively, 1 and 6 months postoperatively (43 had measurable cytokines and oxidative stress at 1- and 6-mo follow-up). RESULTS: We observed a significant reduction in interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, leptin, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, along with an increase in adiponectin 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge the effects of LSG on inflammatory cytokines and plasma markers of oxidative stress have not been examined temporally in a sizeable sample of participants who have undergone LSG. This present study supports the role of LSG for the treatment of the proinflammatory and pro-oxidant status associated with obesity-related glucose dysregulation.

Temporal Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Predicted 10-Year and Lifetime Cardiovascular Risk at 1 Month, 6 Months, and 5 Years Following Surgery: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cardiovascular (CV) risk equations are routinely used to predict risk in nonbariatric populations, but have not been studied in depth in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and specifically those with impaired glucose regulation. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate changes in the 10-year and lifetime predicted CV risk in subjects with impaired glucose regulation before, 1 month, 6 months, and 5 years after bariatric surgery. METHOD AND RESULTS: A nonrandomized prospective study was conducted of 45 participants with impaired glucose regulation undergoing temporal assessments during follow-up. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, lipid profile, and HbA1c were recorded preoperatively, 1 month, 6 months, and 5 years postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative predicted CV risk was calculated using the QRISK2, QRISK lifetime, and JBS3 calculators. Follow-up rates were 93%, 91%, and 71% at 1 month, 6 months, and 5 years, respectively. The sample had a mean age of 48.8 ± 7.0 years, a mean BMI of 53.9 ± 11.1 kg/m2, and a mean HbA1c of 7.5% ± 1.7%. The predicted 10-year QRISK2 score decreased by 35%, 54%, and 24% at 1 month, 6 months, and 5 years, respectively (P < 0.001). The predicted lifetime risk also decreased with the greatest reduction (24.5% with QRISK lifetime and 26.7% with JBS3 lifetime score) observed at 5 years even though the subjects were 5 years older. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery in patients with impaired glucose regulation is associated with a significant reduction in predicted 10-year and lifetime CV risk in a population that was 5 years older compared to baseline.

Temporal changes in plasma markers of oxidative stress following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in subjects with impaired glucose regulation.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an effective treatment for obesity and associated metabolic complications. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with increased oxidative stress. Previous studies have examined changes in plasma oxidative stress after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, but there is limited evidence of the effects of LSG. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of LSG on plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total antioxidant status (TAOS) at 1 and 6 months after LSG in patients with obesity and impaired glucose regulation. SETTING: University hospital, United Kingdom. METHODS: Twenty-two participants with impaired glucose homeostasis undergoing LSG (body mass index 50.1 kg/m2, glycated hemoglobin 53 mmol/mol) were studied. Measurements of fasting and 120-minute TBARS and TAOS were performed during an oral glucose tolerance test preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Compared with preoperative levels, significant decreases were seen 6 months postoperatively in fasting TBARS (61.0±17.9 versus 39.4±13.8 ng/mL, P = .04) and 120-minute TBARS (76.0±29.5 versus 46.5±16.3 ng/mL, P = .02). No significant changes were observed in plasma TAOS. No significant association was observed between changes in TBARS and other clinical or biochemical measures. CONCLUSION: We observed a significant reduction in TBARS, a global measure of lipid peroxidation 6 months after LSG in participants with obesity and impaired glucose regulation.

Association between the preoperative fasting and postprandial C-peptide AUC with resolution of type 2 diabetes 6 months following bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bariatric surgery results in the remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in morbidly obese subjects. The aim of the study was to investigate the predictive value of both static and dynamic measures of C-peptide in relation to T2DM resolution 6 months after bariatric surgery regardless of the operation type. METHODS AND RESULTS: A non-randomized prospective study of 24 participants with T2DM undergoing bariatric surgery. Measurements of fasting and 2-hour plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide and measures of insulin sensitivity were recorded temporally during an oral glucose tolerance test pre-operatively and 6 months post-operatively. A responder was defined with a fasting glucose <5.6 mmol/L and HbA1c <6.0% postoperatively. Within the sample there were 11 responders and 13 non-responders at 6 months. There was a significant difference in the duration of diabetes between the groups. Fasting C-peptide (P≤0.05) and 2-hour C-peptide (P≤0.05) were higher in responders compared to non-responders. Significantly higher C-peptide levels were observed preoperatively at all time points for responders, with significantly higher area under the curve (AUC0-60 and AUC0-120). Using the lower quartiles for C-peptide levels, both fasting C-peptide (>2.5 ng/mL [0.83 nmol/L]) and 2-hour C-peptide (>5.2 ng/mL [1.73 nmol/L]) had a sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100% to predict T2DM remission. Logistic regression showed that C-peptide, duration of diabetes and BMI were associated with response. The area under the ROC curve was 0.94 and a regression model predicted diabetes remission with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 88.9%. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that static (fasting) and dynamic (AUC, 2-hour) C-peptide measurements predict T2DM resolution 6 months following bariatric surgery. This work provides insight into C-peptide dynamics as a predictor of response to bariatric surgery.

Prospective evaluation of nutritional status related to body mass indices and outcomes after modified D2 gastrectomy for carcinoma.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine the perioperative nutritional status, body mass indices (BMI) and nutritional intakes of patients undergoing a modified D2 gastrectomy (preserving pancreas and spleen) for carcinoma to determine whether a relationship exists between the above and outcomes. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients [median age 71 years, 38 male] with gastric adenocarcinoma were studied prospectively. RESULTS: Seven patients (14%) were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2), 16 patients (32%) were overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2), 21 patients (42%) were of normal weight (BMI 20-25 kg/m2), and six patients (12%) were underweight (BMI < 20 kg/m2). Operative morbidity was commoner in underweight patients (33%) when compared with overweight patients (17%, P = 0.391) and patients of normal weight (14%, P = 0.289). Fatal complications, however (two patients, 4%) were confined to overweight patients (P = 0.118). Preoperative serum albumin levels were significantly higher in overweight patients (43 g/dl) compared to underweight patients (34.5 g/dl; P = 0.003), though no correlation was found between patients' serum albumin levels and postoperative morbidity (r = -0.023, P = 0.877). Overweight patients were significantly less likely to achieve their protein requirements postoperatively than underweight patients (P = 0.037). Early enteral feeding contributed to 56% of the median energy requirements and 45% of the median protein requirements on the seventh postoperative day. CONCLUSION: BMI alone is a poor indicator of outcomes after modified D2 gastrectomy for carcinoma. The role of early enteral nutrition in patients undergoing gastrectomy for cancer deserves further evaluation.

Open-access gastroscopy is associated with improved outcomes in gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether patients with gastric cancer diagnosed via open-access gastroscopy (OAG) differ in their outcomes compared with patients referred conventionally to outpatient clinics or as acute emergencies. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective observational study in the gastroenterology and surgical units of a large district general hospital. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred consecutive patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were collected prospectively and subdivided into two groups according to whether the patients were referred via the open-access route or the conventional route. RESULTS: Diagnostic delay from onset of symptoms was shorter for patients referred via OAG compared with those referred conventionally. Stages of disease were significantly earlier in patients referred via OAG compared with patients referred conventionally. Potentially curative resection was significantly more likely following OAG than after conventional referral. Cumulative five-year survival for patients referred via OAG was 30% compared with 12% after conventional outpatient referral and 13% after acute referral. Multivariate analysis revealed three factors to be associated with survival: stage of disease, distant metastases and referral via the open-access route. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric cancers presenting at OAG were diagnosed at an earlier stage than cancers diagnosed after conventional referral. This led to a higher proportion of potentially curative resections and better five-year survival.

Changes in inflammatory markers after sleeve gastrectomy in patients with impaired glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for morbid obesity. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with chronic inflammation. There is lack of data examining the effects of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on inflammatory biomarkers. Our aim was to study the effects of SG on specific cytokines associated with obesity including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), leptin, adiponectin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) preoperatively, 1 and 6 months after surgery. METHODS: A nonrandomized prospective study comprising of 22 participants with impaired glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes undergoing SG (body mass index 50.1 kg/m(2), glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] 53 mmol/mol). Serial measurements of IL-6, IL-10, leptin, adiponectin, and CRP were performed during oral glucose tolerance testing preoperatively, 1 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: We observed significant improvements at 1 and 6 months in leptin (P≤.001) and CRP (P = .003) after SG. We also observed a significant reduction in IL-6 at 6 months (P = .001). No statistically significant differences were observed for adiponectin and IL-10. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to examine the detailed changes in the inflammatory cytokines after SG. Our study shows significant improvements in the inflammatory biomarkers after SG in patients with impaired glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes.

Temporal changes in glucose homeostasis and incretin hormone response at 1 and 6 months after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for morbid obesity. Current literature reports significant improvements in glucose homeostasis after malabsorptive surgery. There is limited evidence on the effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on glucose-insulin homeostasis and postoperative incretin hormone response. The objective of this study was to examine the metabolic effects of SG on temporal changes in insulin and glucose homeostasis, incretin hormones and hepatic insulin clearance in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes (T2 DM). METHODS: A nonrandomized prospective study comprising 22 participants undergoing SG (body mass index [BMI] 50.1 kg/m(2), glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] 53 mmol/mol) and 15 participants undergoing biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) (BMI 62.1 kg/m(2), HbA1c 58 mmol/mol). Serial measurements of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic hormone (GIP) were performed during oral glucose tolerance testing preoperatively and 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Areas under the curve (AUC) were examined at 30, 60, and 120 minutes. RESULTS: Within the SG group, significant improvements were observed respectively at 1 and 6 months in glucose control (HbA1c: -0.9%, -1.3%), measures of insulin sensitivity (fasting insulin: -4.8 mU/L, -8.5 mU/L; fasting C-peptide: -0.6 pmol/L, -1.1 pmol/L; Homeostasis Model Assessment [HOMA-IR]: -0.144, -0.174; HOMA %S:+29.6,+92.4), hepatic insulin clearance (+0.07,+0.13) and postprandial GLP-1 response (AUC0-30 pmol h L(-1):+300,+331, AUC0-60:+300,+294, AUC0-120:+316,+295). These results were comparable to the BPD group. CONCLUSIONS: SG is associated with significant early improvements in insulin sensitivity and incretin hormone response and results in significant improvements in IGT/T2 DM.

Does bariatric surgery adversely impact on diabetic retinopathy in persons with morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes? A pilot study.

AIMS: To assess the incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) 12 months post bariatric surgery in persons with morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A retrospective pilot analysis of electronic hospital records between 1998 and 2012. RESULTS: 40 of 148 subjects had pre- and post-surgery DR screening. Of those without DR pre-surgery 1.5% (n = 26) progressed to minimum background DR (BDR) post surgery. Those with minimum BDR (n = 9) pre-surgery revealed no progression, with 55.6% (n = 5) showing evidence of regression. One person with moderately severe BDR and two with pre-proliferative DR (PPDR) prior to surgery experienced progression. Two persons with PPDR prior to surgery remained under the hospital eye services and were therefore not eligible to be re-assessed by the screening service. CONCLUSIONS: There was a low incidence of new DR and progression of DR in those either without evidence of retinopathy or with minimal BDR prior to surgery with some subjects showing evidence of regression. There was however a risk of progression of DR in those with moderate BDR or worse, and should therefore be monitored closely post-surgery.

D2 or not D2? The gastrectomy question.

BACKGROUND: The best reported long-term survival following surgery for gastric cancer is from centers performing radical D2 gastrectomy. Yet comparative studies from European centers report higher rates of postoperative complications following D2 gastrectomy than after the less radical D1 gastrectomy, without any benefit in survival. We aimed to compare the outcome after modified D2 gastrectomy (preserving spleen and pancreas where possible), performed by specialist surgeons, with that after conventional D1 gastrectomy performed by general surgeons for gastric cancer in a large United Kingdom cancer unit. METHODS: Two groups of patients were studied: a historical control group of 245 consecutive patients with gastric cancer, of whom 50 underwent a potentially curative D1 resection (median age, 69 years; 35 males) was compared with 200 consecutive patients, 72 of whom underwent a potentially curative D2 resection (median age, 71 years; 47 males). RESULTS: Among the 122 patients judged to have curable cancers, patients who underwent a D2 gastrectomy had lower operative mortality (8.3% vs 12%; chi(2) = 0.48; P = 0.50) and experienced fewer complications (28% vs 36%; chi(2) = 0.93; P = 0.35) than patients who underwent a D1 gastrectomy. Cumulative survival at 5 years was 56% after D2 resections, compared with 11% after D1 resections ( P < 0.00001). In a multivariate analysis, only the stage of disease (stage I, hazard ratio [HR], 0.068; P = 0.0001; stage II, HR, 0.165; P = 0.001; stage III, HR, 0.428; P = 0.053) and the level of lymphadenectomy (HR, 0.383; P = 0.00001) were independently associated with the duration of survival. CONCLUSION: Modified D2 gastrectomy without pancreatico-splenectomy, performed by specialist surgeons, can improve survival after R0 resections without increasing operative morbidity and mortality, when compared with D1 gastrectomy performed by general surgeons.

Prognostic significance of acute presentation with emergency complications of gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although acute complications necessitating emergency hospital admission are well documented in patients with carcinoma of the colon, comparable data for patients with gastric carcinoma is thin. The aim of this study, therefore, was to examine the outcomes of patients presenting to hospital as acute admissions with emergency complications of previously undiagnosed gastric cancer. METHODS: Three hundred consecutive patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were studied prospectively, and subdivided into two groups according to whether the patients were referred as acute emergencies ( n = 116) or as outpatients ( n = 184). RESULTS: The commonest emergency complications were: abdominal pain (57%), vomiting (41%), gastrointestinal bleeding (37%), dysphagia (26%), and a palpable mass (18%). Stages of disease were significantly more advanced in patients presenting acutely (I : II : III : IV = 7 : 11 : 27 : 71) compared with patients referred via outpatients (20 : 23 : 50 : 91, Chi(2) = 3.955; DF, 1; P = 0.047). R0 gastrectomy was significantly less likely after acute presentation (23 patients; 20%) compared with patients referred via outpatients (70 patients; 38%; Chi(2) = 11.037; DF, 1; P = 0.001). Cumulative 5-year survival for patients referred acutely was 9%, compared with 22% after outpatient referral (Chi(2) = 9.11; DF, 1; P = 0.0025). Multivariate analysis revealed two factors to be significantly and independently associated with durations of survival: stage of disease (hazard ratio [HR], 1.742; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.493-2.034; P = 0.0001) and presentation with acute complications (HR, 1.561; 95% CI, 1.151-2.117; P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Emergency complications of gastric cancer are a significant and independent prognostic marker of poor outcome.

Western body mass indices need not compromise outcomes after modified D2 gastrectomy for carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To determine the role of body mass index (BMI) in a Western population on outcomes after modified D2 gastrectomy (preserving pancreas and spleen where possible) for gastric cancer. METHODS: Eighty-four consecutive patients undergoing an R0 modified D2 gastrectomy for gastric cancer were studied prospectively. Male patients with a BMI of greater than 24.7 kgm(-2) and female patients with a BMI of greater than 22.6 kgm(-2) were classified as overweight and compared with control patients with BMIs below these reference values. RESULTS: Thirty-eight of the patients (45%) were classified as overweight. The median BMI of the overweight patients was 27.0 kgm(-2) (range, 22.7-34.7 kgm(-2); 27 males) compared with 21.2 kgm(-2) (range, 15.2-24.7 kgm(-2), 31 males) for control patients. Operative morbidity and mortality were 26% and 7.9% in overweight patients compared with 22% and 6.5% in control patients (morbidity, chi(2) = 0.240; df = 1; P = 0.624; mortality, chi(2) = 0.059; df = 1; P = 0.808). Cumulative survival at 5 years was 52% for overweight patients compared with 55% for control patients (chi(2) = 0.15; df = 1; P = 0.7002). In a multivariate analysis, the number of lymph node metastases (hazard ratio, 1.441; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.159-1.723; P = 0.009) and splenectomy (hazard ratio, 12.111; 95% CI, 9.645-14.577; P = 0.043) were independently associated with the duration of survival. CONCLUSION: High BMIs were not associated with increased operative risk, and longterm outcomes were similar in the two groups after modified D2 gastrectomy.

Laparoscopy significantly improves the perceived preoperative stage of gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of laparoscopy is staging patients with gastric cancer in comparison with preoperative computed tomography (CT) examination. METHODS: One hundred patients out of a consecutive series of 258 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma underwent a preoperative staging CT followed by a staging laparoscopy. The strengths of the agreement between the CT stage, the laparoscopic stage, and the final histopathological stage were determined by the weighted Kappa statistic (Kw). RESULTS: The strengths of agreement between the CT stage and the final histopathological stage were Kw = 0.336 (95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.172-0.5; P = 0.0001) for T stage and 0.378 (95% CI; 0.226-0.53; P = 0.0001) for M stage, compared with 0.455 (95% CI; 0.301-0.609; P = 0.0001) and 0.73 (95% CI; 0.596-0.864; P = 0.0001) for the laparoscopic T and M stages, respectively. Unsuspected metastases that were not detected by CT, were found in 21 patients at laparoscopy, all of whom had T3 or T4 locally advanced tumors evident on CT. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative laparoscopic staging of gastric cancer is indicated for potential surgical candidates with locally advanced disease in the absence of metastases on CT. The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of laparoscopy in staging patients with gastric cancer in comparison with preoperative computed tomography (CT) examination.