Bariatric surgery and the neurohormonal switch: Early insulin resistance recordings after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a bariatric operation with a safe risk profile. It has been proven to successfully reduce weight, decrease insulin resistance (IR), and ameliorate diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to determine if there is an early improvement in IR after LSG and its association with weight loss. This was a prospective observational study of 32 patients who underwent LSG at a single center over a 3-year period. Serum insulin and fasting glucose levels were recorded preoperatively, on day 1 postoperatively, and 3 weeks after LSG. IR levels were calculated using the Homeostasis Model Assessment 2 Version 2.23. IR levels were compared along with the overall weight loss, via body mass index. ß-cell function was the secondary outcome. IR significantly improved the day after surgery with a statistically significant mean difference of 0.89 units (P = .043) and significantly more so 3 weeks postoperatively, with a mean difference of 4.32 units (P < .0005). ß-cell function reduced 3 weeks postoperatively, with a mean difference of 23.95 %ß (P = .025), while body mass index significantly reduced, with a mean difference of 4.32 kg/m2 (P < .0005). Early improvement of IR was observed on postoperative day 1 after LSG before any weight loss. This raises the possibility of an undetermined, underlying neurohormonal switch that improves IR. Further investigation is needed to determine this mechanism, as it may lead to an improvement in the medical management of diabetes mellitus.

Experience of imaging following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to report our experience with upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast studies and computed tomography (CT) swallow studies after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and comment on the merits of each modality. METHOD: Retrospective review of all patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in a New Zealand hospital between 2011 and 2014 was conducted. Over this time period, routine UGI was replaced by CT swallow studies. All medical records and radiology were reviewed and pertinent findings reported. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients underwent LSG over this time period and one patient had to be excluded; 48 (61.5%) had a UGI study and 30 patients (38.5%) had CT swallow. There were no leaks in this study and no leaks became clinically significant. Sixteen of 30 patients (53.3%) undergoing CT swallow had significant incidental findings demonstrated on axial imaging that required follow-up. CONCLUSION: CT swallow can provide the same information as a UGI but has a significant rate of incidental findings. The rate of incidental pathology on CT is higher than that quoted in the general population. In a bariatric population, this may allow early detection and treatment of co-existent pathology.