Characterization of regulatory T cells in obese omental adipose tissue in humans.

Obesity-associated visceral adipose tissue (AT) inflammation promotes insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In mice, lean visceral AT is populated with anti-inflammatory cells, notably regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing the IL-33 receptor ST2. Conversely, obese AT contains fewer Tregs and more proinflammatory cells. In humans, however, there is limited evidence for a similar pattern of obesity-associated immunomodulation. We used flow cytometry and mRNA quantification to characterize human omental AT in 29 obese subjects, 18 of whom had T2D. Patients with T2D had increased proportions of inflammatory cells, including M1 macrophages, with positive correlations to body mass index. In contrast, Treg frequencies negatively correlated to body mass index but were comparable between T2D and non-T2D individuals. Compared to human thymic Tregs, omental AT Tregs expressed similar levels of FOXP3, CD25, IKZF2, and CTLA4, but higher levels of PPARG, CCR4, PRDM1, and CXCL2. ST2, however, was not detectable on omental AT Tregs from lean or obese subjects. This is the first comprehensive investigation into how omental AT immunity changes with obesity and T2D in humans, revealing important similarities and differences to paradigms in mice. These data increase our understanding of how pathways of immune regulation could be targeted to ameliorate AT inflammation in humans.

Canadian consensus statement: enhanced recovery after surgery in bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: In Canada, bariatric surgery continues to remain the most effective treatment for severe obesity and its comorbidities. As the number of bariatric surgeries continues to grow, the need for consensus guidelines for optimal perioperative care is imperative. In colorectal surgery, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols were created for this purpose. The objective of this review is to develop evidence-based ERAS guidelines for bariatric surgery. METHODS: A literature search of the MEDLINE database was performed using ERAS-specific search terms. Recently published articles with a focus on randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were included. Quality of evidence and recommendations were evaluated using the GRADE assessment system. RESULTS: Canadian bariatric surgeons from six provinces and ten bariatric centers performed a review of the evidence surrounding ERAS in bariatric surgery and created consensus guidelines for 14 essential ERAS elements. Our main recommendations were (1) to encourage participation in a presurgical weight loss program; (2) to abstain from tobacco and excessive alcohol; (3) low-calorie liquid diet for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery; (4) to avoid preanesthetic anxiolytics and long-acting opioids; (5) unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparin prior to surgery; (6) antibiotic prophylaxis with cefazolin ± metronidazole; (7) reduced opioids during surgery; (8) surgeon preference regarding intraoperative leak testing; (9) nasogastric intubation needed only for Veress access; (10) to avoid abdominal drains and urinary catheters; (11) to prevent ileus by discontinuing intravenous fluids early; (12) postoperative analgesia with acetaminophen, short-term NSAIDS, and minimal opioids; (13) to resume full fluid diet on first postoperative day; (14) early telephone follow-up with full clinic follow-up at 3-4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The purpose of addressing these ERAS elements is to develop guidelines that can be implemented and practiced clinically. ERAS is an excellent model that improves surgical efficiency and acts as a common perioperative pathway. In the interim, this multimodal bariatric perioperative guideline serves as a common consensus point for Canadian bariatric surgeons.

Impact of sex on the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer.

SUMMARY: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy. Observed clinical and pathological differences between the sexes of PTC patients have been reported. There is currently no consensus regarding the impact of sex on PTC prognostication. We studied 566 PTC patients and observed that there was a higher PTC incidence in women, that PTC diagnosis was more challenging in women, and that men tended to present with larger cancers. However, once PTC is diagnosed, both sexes have a similar cancer prognosis, as evaluated using the MACIS (Metastasis, Age, Completeness of Resection, Invasion, Size) score. Our observations suggest that research efforts should be especially directed at improving the diagnostic yield of preoperative fine needle aspiration biopsy in women who present with nodular thyroid disease.

Total intracorporeal anastomosis for right hemicolectomy: Experience from a Canadian center.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (LRHC) techniques have varied in the approach to anastomosis. We compared outcomes of laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with extracorporeal anastomosis (ECA) versus intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all LRHCs conducted at Richmond Hospital between January 2015 and October 2017. We compared the demographic, pathologic, intraoperative, and postoperative data. RESULTS: 74 LRHCs were included during the study period: 56 ECA and 18 ICA. The groups were comparable in age, gender, tumor staging, and tumor location. Incidence of clinical ileus was significantly less for ICA (0% vs. 21%, p = 0.032). Mean length of stay was significantly shorter for ICA (3.13 vs. 4.82 days, p = 0.003). There was no difference between ICA and ECA in mean operative time (158 vs. 145 min, p = 0.087), surgical site infections (6% vs. 4%, p = 1.0), emergency department visits within 30 days (5% vs. 6%, p = 1.0), and hospital readmission within 30 days (4% vs 0%, p = 1.0). There were no incidences of anastomotic leaks, perioperative deaths, or cardiopulmonary complications in either group. CONCLUSIONS: An ICA approach to LRHC results in shorter hospital stay and decreased rates of clinical ileus.

Revision of sleeve gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Canadian experience.

INTRODUCTION: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) can be associated with inadequate weight loss, insufficient resolution of co-morbidities and severe reflux. Conversion to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) is a potential solution. The aim of this study was to determine the common indications for conversion from SG to RYGB at our centre, and evaluate patient outcomes with respect to weight loss and co-morbidity resolution. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent conversion from SG to RYGB between 2008 and 2015. RESULTS: 273 SGs were performed of which 6.6% (n = 18) were converted to RYGB most commonly due to inadequate weight loss (65.3%) and severe reflux (26.1%). Two patients were converted as a planned two-stage approach to RYGB. Patients went from a mean preoperative BMI of 50.5 to a mean BMI of 40.5 post-SG on average by 20.9 months. The mean time to conversion was 41.8 months. There was a positive correlation between pre-SG BMI and time to conversion (p = 0.040). The mean BMI after conversion was 36.4, but this additional weight loss was not significant (p = 0.057). After conversion, four of the five diabetic patients are now medication free and 75% of patients no longer have reflux symptoms. All patients had complete resolution of their hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea. Revision perioperative complication rates were comparable to primary RYGB. Two patients developed new onset iron deficiency anemia. CONCLUSION: Revision to RYGB is a safe option for SG failure and resulted in significant benefits from co-morbidity resolution.

Intragastric Balloon for Management of Severe Obesity: a Systematic Review.

Older models of intragastric balloons (IGBs) had unacceptably high complication rates and inconsequential weight loss. With FDA approval of newer models, we aimed to systematically examine the literature regarding the efficacy of IGB therapy for obesity. A comprehensive electronic database search was completed. Title searching was restricted to the following keywords: bariatric, gastric, gastric bypass, gastric band, sleeve gastrectomy, and intragastric balloon. Twenty-six primary studies (n = 6101) were included. At balloon removal, mean change in weight and BMI were 15.7 ± 5.3 kg and 5.9 ± 1.0 kg/m(2). The most common complications were nausea/vomiting (23.3 %) and abdominal pain (19.9 %). Serious complications were rare: mortality (0.05 %) and gastric perforation (0.1 %). IGBs are associated with marked short-term weight loss with limited serious complications.

Aldosterone deficiency after unilateral adrenalectomy for Conn's syndrome: a case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 35% of cases of Conn's syndrome (primary aldosteronism) result from a solitary functioning adrenal adenoma, and these patients are best managed by adrenalectomy. Postoperative hypoaldosteronism after unilateral adrenalectomy is uncommon. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case and literature review of hypoaldosteronism after unilateral adrenalectomy for Conn's syndrome, which demonstrates the insidious and sometimes delayed presentation. DISCUSSION: In this clinical case we summarize the previously published cases of post-adrenalectomy hypoaldosteronism based on a PUBMED and EBSCOhost search of all peer-reviewed publications (original articles and reviews) on this topic. A few cases of aldosterone insufficiency post-adrenalectomy for Conn's syndrome were identified. The etiological factors for prolonged selective suppression of aldosterone secretion after unilateral adrenalectomy remain unclear. CONCLUSION: It is important to be aware of the risk of postoperative hypoaldosteronism in this patient population. Close postoperative follow-up is necessary and strongly recommended, especially in patients with certain risk factors. Patients may need mineralocorticoid supplementation during this period.