Insufficient weight loss after banded vs. non-banded primary gastric bypass surgery: insights from an observational 5 year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: While Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is effective in achieving weight loss and improving obesity-related co-morbidities, insufficient weight loss in the long-term can occur. The goal was to assess whether banded vs. non-banded RYGB reduces the risk of insufficient weight loss at 5-year follow-up. METHODS: This is a retrospective single-center cohort study from Switzerland. We assessed the 5-year metabolic trajectories in terms of body weight, body mass index, glucose control, lipid profile and blood pressure of two surgical cohorts undergoing identical RYGB procedures with or without banding using a uniform 6.5 cm silastic Fobi band. Insufficient weight loss was defined as < 50% excess weight loss (EWL) at 5 years. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients receiving banded (Fobi) and 55 patients receiving non-banded (non-Fobi) RYGB were included in the analysis. 5-year follow-up was 91% for both groups. Percentage of EWL at 5 years was 78.11 ± 26.1% and 73.5 ± 27%.3 for the Fobi vs. non-Fobi group (p = 0.368), respectively. Insufficient weight loss (defined as < 50%EWL) at 5 years or last follow-up was significantly higher in the non-Fobi group compared to the Fobi group (19/55 vs. 9/55, respectively, OR = 2.639 (95% CI 1.066, 6.531), p = 0.036). Surrogate markers for cardiometabolic outcomes consistently improved over time, without differences between the groups. During the follow-up period, Fobi-removal was necessary in nine patients (16.3%). CONCLUSION: Banded-RYGB lowered the odds of insufficient weight loss at 5 years follow-up by approximately 62%. Further research is needed to explore the effect of restriction on eating behaviour and neuroendocrine responses after RYGB.

Short-term outcomes of endoscopic gastro-jejunal revisions for treatment of dumping syndrome after Roux-En-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Dumping syndrome is a known long-term complication of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Most cases can be avoided with dietary and lifestyle changes. Severe dumping is characterized by multiple daily episodes with significant impact on quality-of-life. As dumping correlates with rapid pouch emptying through a dilated gastro-jejunal anastomosis (GJA), the aim was to assess endoscopic gastro-jejunal revisions (EGR) regarding feasibility, safety, and outcome. METHODS: From January 2016 to August 2018, we reviewed the electronic records of all patients with dumping syndrome undergoing EGR with the Apollo OverStitch suturing device (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, Texas, USA). Demographics, procedure details, and outcome variables were recorded. Sigstad questionnaire was administered before and after surgery to assess symptomatic response. RESULTS: There were 40 patients (M:F = 13:27) treated with EGR for dumping. Mean procedure time was 18.5 min (12-41) with a median number of 1 suture (range 1-3) used. Mean anastomotic diameter was 22.6 mm (R 18-35) at the beginning and 6.2 mm (R 4-13) at the end of the procedure, with 100% technical success in narrowing the GJA. There were no intra-operative or 30-day complications. Repeat EGR was required in 9 patients (22.5%) for persistent/recurrent dumping. Two patients (5%) required a laparoscopic pouch revision. For patients with minimum 1-month follow-up who were treated only endoscopically, 33/37 (89.2%) had improved or resolved symptoms during the follow-up period. Mean follow-up time was 12.5 months (R1-33.8). Survey responses were available for 25/34 (73.5%) patients. Mean Sigstad score decreased from 13.9 (R 0-28) pre-operatively to 8.6 (R 0-28) after EGR. CONCLUSION: EGR of the dilated GJA is a highly effective treatment option for dumping syndrome after RYGB. Due to its endoluminal approach, it is a feasible and safe procedure, and effective for immediate symptom resolution in most patients. In some patients, repeat narrowing of the anastomosis is necessary for the maintenance of symptom resolution.

Surgical Prevention of Weight Regain and Type 2 Diabetes Recurrence in 3 Different Bariatric Operations and Their Differential Long-Term Outcome: An 8-Year Prospective Observational Study.

Introduction: Comparative data on long-term outcomes of mechanistically different bariatric operations are scarce. Methods: In this prospective, observational study, consecutive patients with severe obesity were studied using a predefined reoperation algorithm to determine long-term health outcomes after bariatric surgery (BS): adjustable gastric banding (AGB), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), or biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). All patients were assessed for mortality, postoperative weight loss, rate of reoperation, comorbidities, and quality of life (QoL) 8 years after surgery. Results: Between 1996 and 2008, 2364 Swiss patients, with a mean body mass index of 43 ± 7 kg/m2 (mean ± SD) underwent AGB (n = 1404), RYGB (n = 790), or BPD (n = 170). Two thousand two hundred twenty-eight (94%) were followed for 8 years after BS. Eight-year mortality of the whole study group was 34.3 per 104 person-years. Percent excessive weight loss at 8 years was 56.7 ± 1.4% (95% confidence interval) in AGB, 62.5 ± 2.4% in RYGB and 64.8+-3.0% in BPD. The rate of major reoperation was highest in AGB and significantly lower in RYGB and BPD (63.4 vs 54.3 vs 47.2 per 103 person-years, P < 0.001). Remission of comorbidities was observed across all 3 groups, with key improvement (P < 0.01) in esophagitis in the RYGB group, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) (>60%) in procedures involving duodenal exclusion. Total improvement in QoL was similar between the 3 types of operations but was strongly correlated with weight loss preservation (P < 0.001). Conclusions: BS, at the expense of a high reoperation rate but low procedural mortality, considerably improves the QoL and results in sustained remission of comorbidities, especially T2D using a predefined reoperation algorithm developed to prevent weight regain and operation-specific complications.

Reversal of Long-Term Weight Regain After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Using Liraglutide or Surgical Revision. A Prospective Study.

PURPOSE: This study investigates whether pharmacotherapy with liraglutide is similarly effective in reversing weight regain more than 6 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) as revisional surgery aimed at restoring restriction. METHODS: Ninety-five consecutive patients (11 male, 84 female; mean BMI 45 ± 6 kg/m2) undergoing RYGB 9 ± 4 years ago were treated for 24 months as follows: Patients, who gained less than 10% from weight NADIR, served as controls and were provided lifestyle counseling (DC, n = 30). The others were allowed to choose between three different treatment groups: daily s.c. administration of liraglutide (LG, n = 34); endosurgery using Apollo's Overstitch System™ (ES, n = 15), or implantation of a Fobi-ring with pouch resizing (FP, n = 16). RESULTS: Controls kept their weight stable during 24 months of study (- 0.1 ± 1.7 kg/m2). Weight loss was 4.8 ± 2.9 kg/m2 for LG and 5.5 ± 2.9 kg/m2 for FP, both losing more than 85% of regained weight from weight NADIR (p < 0.001). In contrast, weight loss in ES was 1.0 ± 0.9 kg/m2 (i.e., 20% of regained weight). Thirty-seven percent of FP experienced serious complications (p < 0.05) in contrast to the other groups. An improved prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia was observed in LG and FP (p < 0.02) 24 months after intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Weight regain during more than 6 years after RYGB can be safely and effectively reversed with liraglutide. Compared with revisional surgery, pharmacotherapy with liraglutide was low risk and resulted in an important improvement in hypertension and dyslipidemia. Therefore, daily subcutaneous injections of liraglutide are a valid option to treat weight regain after RYGB.

Postoperative Dysphagia Following Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

The addition of posterior cruroplasty to magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA-PC) has been shown to be effective in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study evaluates the predictors of persistent postoperative dysphagia, one of the major complaints after MSA-PC. From August 2015 to February 2018 the medical records of 118 patients (male=59, female=59) receiving MSA-PC for GERD were reviewed. Postoperative dysphagia was present in 80 patients (67.8%), with 20 (16.9%) requiring dilation for persistent dysphagia. Three patients (2.5%) had the magnetic sphincter augmentation device removed for persistent dysphagia, one was converted to a Nissen fundoplication. The median number of dilations was 1, mean time from surgery to dilation was 5.6 months, and 15/20 (75%) had symptom resolution after 1 to 2 dilations. Dilated patients were more likely than nondilated patients to have atypical GERD symptoms preoperatively (70% vs. 44.7%, P=0.042). After dilation, 93.3% of patients reported a good quality of life.

Successful multi-intervention treatment of severe obesity: a 7-year prospective study with 96% follow-up.

BACKGROUND: No long-term, high participation study of the outcome of bariatric surgery has examined how a multi-intervention approach to the treatment of severe obesity can achieve and sustain weight loss after an initial bariatric procedure. METHODS: We employed a multi-intervention treatment that combines adjustable gastric banding with intensive follow-up to support patient life-style change and use of an algorithm allowing reoperation-to bypass, if necessary-in the event of complications. Four hundred four severely obese patients with an average BMI = 42.6 at the outset had initial AGB surgery and were followed with a high rate of face-to-face consultations for 7 years. Seventy-five percent of the patients retained a gastric band throughout the study. Weight loss, complications, and comorbidities were studied, and quality of life was assessed using Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS). RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-eight (96%) patients completed the 7-year follow-up. Average BMI reduction at 5 years was 28% and remained stable through year 7, at which the mean excess weight loss was 61%. The preoperative prevalence of metabolic syndrome, 59.7%, decreased to 13.3% at 7 years and was abolished for patients with more than 40% loss of initial BMI. Similar changes were seen for all components of metabolic syndrome. More than 60% of patients had a "good" or higher BAROS score; 10.1% were considered failures. Patients converted to gastric bypass, and those retaining gastric bands throughout the study had very similar outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term, multi-intervention treatment of severe obesity can achieve and preserve weight loss and thus improved quality of life and sustained reduction or disappearance of all components of metabolic syndrome, for a high proportion of severely obese patients with preoperative BMI between 35 and 55.

Advances in circular stapling techniques for gastric bypass: the circular stapler introducer.

BACKGROUND: Modern laparoscopic bariatric surgery relies strongly on stapling devices and the perfection of the anastomotic technique is at the core of the patient's safety. METHODS: Circular stapler anastomosis is a common technique for performing gastro-jejunostomy in gastric bypass surgery. In obese patients, transabdominal circular stapler introduction can be challenging and associated with morbidity. To overcome these technical obstacles, we have developed a new device, circular stapler introducer (CSI) to assist both the abdominal wall passage of the circular staplers and its introduction into the jejunum. RESULTS: The CSI facilitates the insertion of the circular stapler not only into the abdomen but also into the jejunum enhancing safety and swiftness of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. CONCLUSIONS: Our innovative CSI device facilitates this part of the operation significantly and makes the performance of bariatric surgery more convenient.

Circular stapler introducer: a novel device to facilitate stapled colorectal anastomosis.

OBJECTIVES: A circular stapler introducer was developed to protect the head of the circular stapler and enable atraumatic introduction and advancement of the circular stapler without interfering with the application and safety of an anastomosis. METHODS: In a Phase I prospective study, we tested the feasibility and safety of the novel circular stapler introducer device in 60 consecutive patients undergoing left-sided colorectal resections. RESULTS: The median distance of the anastomoses from the anal verge was 12 cm (7-20, n = 60). Total morbidity was 15 percent. No mortality was observed. Handling of the circular stapler introducer was considered nonproblematic by all surgeons who participated in the study. No interference of the circular stapler introducer with the circular stapling devices used was encountered. The advancement of the stapler into the end of the colorectal stump was always possible with the aid of the circular stapler introducer. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the circular stapler introducer facilitates the double-stapling technique of colorectal anastomosis. The circular stapler introducer has great potential and should be tested in larger studies.

Endoscopic Closure of Gastro-gastric Fistula After Gastric Bypass: a Technically Feasible Procedure but Associated with Low Success Rate.

BACKGROUND: Gastro-gastric fistulas (GGF) are reported to be as high as 12% after gastric bypass for treatment of morbid obesity. While different endoscopic methods are described, the management traditionally consists of surgical revision with high associated morbidity. The aim of the study was to assess feasibility, safety and success rate of endoscopic closure using an endoscopic suturing device. METHODS: From January 2016 to March 2018, we reviewed the electronic records of all patients undergoing endoscopic closure of a GGF with the Apollo Overstitch system (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, Texas, USA). Demographic details, procedure details, and outcome variables were recorded. RESULTS: A total of six patients (M:F = 5:1) underwent endoscopic fistula closure. Five patients (83.3%) had a prior banded gastric bypass (with subsequent band removal). The median number of prior abdominal surgeries was 3, the mean time from bypass to endoscopic fistula closure was 5 years (range 1.1-10.4). While immediate complete endoscopic fistula closure was possible in 10 of 12 attempts in those six patients (83%), all patients had recurrent (persistent) fistulas at follow-up. After a mean follow-up time of 12 months, 83.3% had further laparoscopic converted to open (n = 2) or laparoscopic (n = 3) revisions with complete fistula closure. One patient is refusing further intervention. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic gastro-gastric fistula closure with an endoscopic suturing device is feasible and safe. Unfortunately, due to the nature of gastro-gastric fistulas, permanent successful closure is rare. Therefore, the approach should be reserved for patients in whom a laparoscopic or open surgical attempt is impossible due to prior abdominal revisions.

Endoscopic Gastrojejunal Revisions Following Gastric Bypass: Lessons Learned in More Than 100 Consecutive Patients.

BACKGROUND: Weight regain and dumping after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are long-term challenges thought to be due to dilation of the gastrojejunal anastomosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of endoscopic gastrojejunal revisions (EGRs) after its introduction in a tertiary bariatric surgery center. METHODS: From January 2016 to March 2018, we reviewed the electronic records of all patients undergoing EGR with the OverStitch suturing device. Demographics, procedure details, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: There were 107 patients (M:F = 29:78) treated with 133 EGR procedures for weight regain (n = 81), dumping syndrome (n = 13), or both (n = 13) with mean age 47.3 years (R 22.0-72.9) and mean BMI 32.9 kg/m2 (R 22.2-49.8) at time of procedure. Mean procedure time was 17.8 min (R 12-41), with median 1 suture used (R 1-2). No intra-operative or 30-day complications were recorded. Mean follow-up time was 9.2 months (R 1-26.8). Patients lost a mean of 4.1, 5.8, and 8.0 kg at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively, after the procedure. Weight loss outcomes were significantly better when two compared to one suture was used (p = 0.036), and for patients with higher starting BMI (p = 0.047). For patients with dumping syndrome, 90-100% had treatment response after one or two EGRs. CONCLUSION: EGR is feasible and safe for weight regain and dumping syndrome after RYGB. It can stabilize weight regain and improve dumping symptoms. Around 20% of patients will need repeat EGR within 1 year to achieve sufficient narrowing of the anastomosis.

Long-term outcomes and frequency of reoperative bariatric surgery beyond 15 years after gastric banding: a high band failure rate with safe revisions.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) has had encouraging early results. However, intermediate and late results were discouraging, and LAGB is presently being replaced by stapled procedures. There is still ongoing debate whether LAGB should be abandoned altogether. OBJECTIVE: To present our outcomes beyond 15-year follow-up after LAGB. SETTING: Private hospital, Bern, Switzerland. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of patients receiving LAGB between 1997 and 2002 with minimum 15-year follow-up. Patient characteristics, co-morbidities, reoperative bariatric surgery (RBS), and weight trends were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 387 LAGB patients were identified. Of them, 342 (88.4%) had a minimum of 15 years of follow-up (range, 15-21 yr). There were 270 (78.9%) women with a mean age of 40.3 years (range, 15-62 yr) and body mass index (BMI) of 43.1 kg/m2 (range, 30.0-60.1 kg/m2) and 72 (21.1%) men with a mean age of 41.2 years (range, 16-61 yr) and BMI of 43.6 kg/m2 (range, 33.0-72.5 kg/m2). During follow-up, 283 (82.7%) patients underwent a mean of 3.3 reoperative bariatric operations (range, 1-5), with 224 (65.5%) converted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). At the end of the study period, 96 (28%) patients still had a band in place. No deaths were recorded. At most recent follow-up after LAGB, mean excess BMI loss was 65.4% (range, -9.4% to 134.5%) with significant decrease in co-morbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Only 28% of patients had sufficient weight loss outcomes after LAGB alone and predictive selection criteria are lacking. The majority of LAGB operations fail even with close structured follow-up. RBS can be performed safely.

Is testing for postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia after gastric bypass necessary?

INTRODUCTION: Postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (pHH) is an increasingly reported complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). As pHH can cause life-threatening emergencies if occurring without warning symptoms, challenge testing may detect patients at risk. The study objective was to determine the frequency of occurrence of pHH with or without symptoms of hypoglycemia after RYGB. METHODS: We undertook an observational cohort study of consecutive, unselected patients approximately one year after uncomplicated RYGB. To simulate normal habits, all patients received a standardized carbohydrate-rich solid mixed meal. Plasma glucose and insulin were measured at 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 min thereafter. Symptoms were classified as autonomous or neuroglycopenic. Patients with hypoglycemia (plasma glucose <3.0 mmol/L [55 mg/dL]), were tested a second time with a protein-rich solid mixed meal. RESULTS: 113 patients were included. Total weight loss at the first follow-up check (14 ± 0.4 months) was 33.97 ± 9.3%. After the carbohydrate-rich meal, glucose dropped to <3.0 mmol/L in 13.2% (n = 15) of patients vs no drop to <3.0 mmol/L after a protein-rich meal. The pHH occurred in 11.5% (n = 13) of patients. Asymptomatic patients (5.3%, n = 6) carried an increased risk (p = 0.008) for pHH. One patient needed emergency treatment after sudden loss of consciousness after the carbohydrate-rich meal. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of pHH was quite high in our study population with 11.5% thereof 5.3% asymptomatic. We therefore suggest that detection of these patients warrants a screening of patients after RYGB. At-risk patients should than be adequately advised to avoid carbohydrate-rich meals in order to optimize risk management.

Bowel habits after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Disordered bowel habits might influence quality of life after bariatric surgery. Different types of bariatric operations-gastric banding (AGB), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), or biliopancreatic diversion (BPD)-might alter bowel habits as a consequence of the surgical procedure used. Whether change in bowel habits affects quality of life after AGB, RYGB, or BPD differently is unknown. METHODS: The study group contained 290 severely obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery between August 1996 and September 2004 [BPD: n = 103, 64.1% women, age 43 +/- 1 years (mean +/- SEM), BMI 53.9 +/- 0.9 kg/m(2), weight 153.4 +/- 2.9 kg; Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: n = 126, 73.0% women, age 43 +/- 1 years, BMI 44.2 +/- 0.3 kg/m(2), weight 123.8 +/- 1.5 kg; adjustable gastric banding (AGB): n = 61, 57.4% women, age 44 +/- 1 years, BMI 49.9 +/- 0.5 kg/m(2), weight 146.1 +/- 2.0 kg). Changes in bowel habits, flatulence, flatus odor, and effects on social life were estimated at least 4 months after surgery using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Fecal consistency changed significantly after surgery. Loose stools and diarrhea were more frequent after BPD and RYGB (P < 0.001) but more so after BPD than after either RYGB or AGB (P < 0.002). Constipation was more likely after AGB (P = 0.03). In addition, malodorous flatus affecting social life was more frequent after BPD than after either RYGB or AGB (P < 0.003). Furthermore, flatus frequency increased after BPD and RYGB, and patients were more bothered by their malodorous flatus than after AGB (all P < 0.001). Flatus severity score was highest in BPD, intermediate in RYGB, and lowest in AGB patients (all P < 0.001), a difference that was not influenced by frequency of metabolic syndrome before and after surgery. Moreover, observation period after surgery had no influence on overall results of bowel habits. Subsore quality of life bariatric analysis and reporting outcome system (BAROS) scores were largely similar between all three groups. However, flatulence severity score correlated inversely with quality of life estimated by BAROS in BPD and RYGB, but not in AGB patients. CONCLUSIONS: The type of bariatric surgery affects bowel habits in an operation-specific manner, resulting mainly in diarrhea after BPD and RYGB, and constipation after AGB. Flatulence severity impairs quality of life most in BPD, is intermediate in RYGB, and is only minor after AGB, a phenomenon that was only partially mirrored in quality-of-life measures of BAROS.

Severe recurrent hypoglycemia after gastric bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is, at present, the most effective method to achieve major, long-term weight loss in severely obese patients. Recently, severe recurrent symptomatic hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia was described as a consequence of gastric bypass surgery (GBS) in a small series of patients with severe obesity. Pancreatic nesidioblastosis, a hyperplasia of islet cells, was postulated to be the cause, and subtotal or total pancreatectomy was the suggested treatment. METHODS: We observed that severe, disabling hypoglycemia after GBS occurred only in patients with loss of restriction. Whether restoration of gastric restriction might treat severe, recurrent hypoglycemia after GBS is unknown. RESULTS: Therefore, gastric restriction was restored by surgical placement of a silastic ring (n = 8, first two patients with additional distal pancreatectomy) or an adjustable gastric band (n = 4) around the pouch in 12 consecutive patients presenting with severe hypoglycemia (blood glucose below 2.2 mM). At follow-up after restoration of gastric restriction (median follow-up 7 months, range 5 to 19 months), 11 patients demonstrated no hypoglycemic episodes, while one had recurrence of hypoglycemia and underwent distal pancreatectomy. Procedural mortality was 0% and morbidity 8.3%. CONCLUSION: Patients suffering from severe recurrent hypoglycemia after GBS can be treated, in most cases, just by restoration of gastric restriction. Distal pancreatectomy should be considered a second-line treatment.

The history and role of gastric banding.

Gastric banding has emerged in the development of bariatric surgery as an important therapeutic option for morbidly obese patients. Following the major pioneering milestones of Wilkinson and Peloso, who placed a nonadjustable band around the upper part of a patient's stomach in 1978, and Hallberg and Forsell, as well as Kuzmak, who worked on separate continents to develop the clinical application of adjustable gastric bands in the early 1980s, banding entered into widespread use in the mid 1990s, when the innovation of the laparoscopic technique made it possible to insert adjustable bands without open surgery. Today, several institutions have reported long-term (> or =5-year) results with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). With a small number of exceptions, LAGB efficacy data range from satisfactory to excellent, with some institutions noting annual reoperation rates in the vicinity of 5%, and quality of life scores using the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System in the good-to-excellent range in up to 70% of patients. These outcomes, coupled with the fact that LAGB has the best record of safety among the bariatric operations, is reversible, and can be performed at a relatively low cost, have established LAGB as an important tool in the long-term management of morbid obesity.

Salvage of gastric restriction following staple-line dehiscence after vertical banded gastroplasty by insertion of an adjustable gastric band.

BACKGROUND: Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) has been a common and safe surgical treatment for morbid obesity. However, the complication of staple-line dehiscence (SLD) results in VBG failure. We present a minimally invasive revision procedure when SLD occurs: gastric restriction is salvaged by adjustable gastric banding (AGB), usually laparoscopically, providing that the previous restriction had achieved sufficient weight loss initially and was well-tolerated. METHODS: 13 patients with unexplained weight regain after VBG were found to have SLD on endoscopy. AGB was performed to re-establish restriction. Weight loss and complications were compared with two control groups: the first undergoing uncomplicated VBG, and the second undergoing AGB alone. Follow-up of 4.3+/-0.1 (mean+/-SEM) years after salvage reoperation, including complications, reoperations and weight loss, were studied. RESULTS: Insertion of the band through the retrogastric tunnel was feasible in all cases, despite adhesions in the area of the VBG Marlex band, the proximal stomach, and left lobe of liver. There was no surgeryrelated mortality. Following "salvage AGB", weight loss and overall complication rates were similar between the study group and the two control groups. CONCLUSION: Salvage of gastric restriction by AGB after SLD secondary to VBG is safe and reliable, despite the possibility of adhesions. Morbidity is low and intermediate-term weight loss is comparable to patients with uncomplicated VBG.

Impact of age, sex and body mass index on outcomes at four years after gastric banding.

BACKGROUND: Adjustable gastric banding for weight reduction in severely obese persons allows reversible individualized restriction during postoperative follow-up. It is unknown whether preoperative age, sex and BMI might modulate treatment outcome. METHODS: 404 severely obese patients (79% women; age 42 +/- 0.5 years [mean +/- SEM]; BMI 42.1 +/- 0.2 kg/m2) completed 4-year follow-up after banding. Weight loss, complications, and Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) scores were recorded prospectively. RESULTS: 4 years after banding, younger (<50 years) women lost more weight than older (50 years) men (28.2 +/- 0.7% vs 19.4+/- 1.6%; P=0.001); older women and younger men lost similar weight. Patients with preoperative BMI >50 lost more weight than patients with BMI <35 (30.5 +/- 2.3% vs 22.8 +/- 2.6%; P=0.03). 22.3% of patients (n=90) had band system-related complications. Compared to women, men had more band leaks (7.0% vs 1.9%; P=0.007), and older men had more band slippages than younger men (8.4% vs 0.0%; P=0.035). Patients with preoperative BMI >50 were less likely than patients with BMI 35-40 or 40-50 to experience gastric complications (10.6%, 18.8%, 23.0%, respectively), but more likely to experience port/tube complications (15.8%, 2.4%, 7.9%, respectively; P<0.055). BAROS scores were different between men and women (P=0.05), and between younger and older people (P=0.001). Women and younger people were more likely than men and older people to score "very good" (P=0.03, P=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Adjustable gastric banding is an effective intermediate-term treatment for severe obesity. Preoperative age, sex, and BMI are important modulators of outcome and should be considered during preoperative evaluation.

Management of failed adjustable gastric banding.

BACKGROUND: About 100,000 adjustable gastric band placements have been performed worldwide, but more than 10% of patients have needed reoperation for insufficient weight loss or device-related complications. This study investigates the complications following gastric banding, and the outcome using a structured management strategy. METHODS: In the period April 1996 to January 2002, 824 severely obese patients (body mass index 43 +/- 1 kg/m 2 [mean +/- standard error under the mean], age 43 +/- 1 years; 77% women) underwent gastric banding in a single institution and were followed prospectively. Complications, insufficient weight loss, and subsequent management were analyzed. RESULTS: By the fifth treatment year, excess weight loss (EWL) was 54.8 +/- 1.7%; 72.8% of patients lost weight continuously or attained EWL of at least 50%. Insufficient weight loss occurred in 143 patients, and band-related complications occurred in 131 patients, with a mean annual rate of 5.0%. Major reoperation was necessary in 121 patients, and the annual reoperation rate was 4.7%. Following major reoperation, band- and bypass-related complication rates ranged from 6.3% to 11.7% per year. Three deaths occurred, 1 after reoperation and 2 due to preexisting cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: Applying a structured reoperation algorithm, 5% annual failure after banding was corrected in most patients, and 72.8% of patients attained sufficient weight loss. Reoperation-related mortality was low (.8%), and its annual morbidity was acceptable (4.6%).

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding with duodenal switch for morbid obesity: technique and preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: The procedure of choice for morbid obesity remains controversial. One of the most effective treatments is the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS), which is, however, associated with a significant morbidity rate. Adjustable gastric banding (AGB) by the laparoscopic approach is an easier procedure with the intent to reduce complication rates. It replaced the sleeve gastrectomy in this study. The objective was to assess the feasibility and safety of this new laparoscopic treatment. METHODS: AGB with duodenal switch (DS) was performed laparoscopically with 7 trocars. A gastric band was appropriately placed below the gastroesophageal junction, followed by BPD/DS with a 250-cm alimentary channel and a 100-cm common channel. RESULTS: All 5 patients were women, with mean preoperative BMI 52.2 kg/m(2) (40.6 to 64.4). The operations were performed via laparoscopy in a mean of 206 +/- 35 minutes. There was no postoperative complication, infection or conversion. Mean hospital stay was 8.8 days (8-11). At 12 months, mean BMI is 35.8 kg/m(2) (26.1-46.0), with continuing weight loss and no hypoalbuminemia. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that laparoscopic AGB/DS is feasible, with a low morbidity rate. This technique could combine the long-term weight loss of malabsorptive procedures, with a low-morbidity, adjustable, restrictive procedure. This technique could be used in selected patients, but requires a larger study with longer follow-up.