GERD after Bariatric Surgery. Can We Expect Endoscopic Findings?

Background and Objectives: Bariatric surgery remains the gold standard treatment for morbidly obese patients. Roux-en-y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy are the most frequently performed surgeries worldwide. Obesity has also been related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The management of a preoperative diagnosis of GERD, with/without hiatal hernia before bariatric surgery, is mandatory. Endoscopy can show abnormal findings that might influence the final type of surgery. The aim of this article is to discuss and review the evidence related to the endoscopic findings after bariatric surgery. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the literature has been conducted, including all recent articles related to endoscopic findings after bariatric surgery. Our review of the literature has included 140 articles, of which, after final review, only eight were included. The polled articles included discussion of the endoscopy findings after roux-en-y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Results: We found that the specific care of bariatric patients might include an endoscopic diagnosis when GERD symptoms are present. Conclusions: Recent evidence has shown that endoscopic follow-up after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy could be advisable, due to the pathological findings in endoscopic procedures in asymptomatic patients.

Development of the International Federation for Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders-European Chapter (IFSO-EC) Grade-Based Guidelines on the Surgical Treatment of Obesity Using Multimodal Strategies: Design and Methodological Aspects.

Background: The prevalence of obesity is already a worldwide health concern. The development of straightforward guidelines regarding the whole available armamentarium (i.e., medical, endoscopic, and surgical interventions in conjunction with a guidance program) is paramount to offering the best multimodal approach to patients with obesity. Methods: The International Federation for Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders-European Chapter (IFSO-EC) identified a panel of experts to develop the present guidelines. The panel formulated a series of clinical questions (based on the patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome conceptual framework), which have been voted on and approved. A GRADE methodology will be applied to assess the quality of evidence and formulate recommendations employed to minimize selection and information biases. This approach aims to enhance the reliability and validity of recommendations, promoting greater adherence to the best available evidence. Results: These guidelines are intended for adult patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 who are candidates for metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS). The expert panel responsible for developing these guidelines comprised 25 panelists (92% were bariatric surgeons) and 3 evidence reviewers, with an average age of 50.1 ± 10.2 years. The panel focused on 3 key questions regarding the combined use of structured lifestyle interventions, approved obesity management medications, and endoscopic weight loss procedures with MBS. Conclusions: The complexity of obesity as a chronic disease requires a comprehensive knowledge of all the available and feasible therapeutic options. The IFSO-EC society felt the urgent need to develop methodologically valid guidelines to give a full picture and awareness of the possible surgical and non-surgical therapeutic strategies employed with a multimodal approach.

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Obesity Class V (BMI > 60 kg/m2): a Modified Delphi Study.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the preferred method to achieve significant weight loss in patients with Obesity Class V (BMI > 60 kg/m2). However, there is no consensus regarding the best procedure(s) for this population. Additionally, these patients will likely have a higher risk of complications and mortality. The aim of this study was to achieve a consensus among a global panel of expert bariatric surgeons using a modified Delphi methodology. METHODS: A total of 36 recognized opinion-makers and highly experienced metabolic and bariatric surgeons participated in the present Delphi consensus. 81 statements on preoperative management, selection of the procedure, perioperative management, weight loss parameters, follow-up, and metabolic outcomes were voted on in two rounds. A consensus was considered reached when an agreement of ≥ 70% of experts' votes was achieved. RESULTS: A total of 54 out of 81 statements reached consensus. Remarkably, more than 90% of the experts agreed that patients should be notified of the greater risk of complications, the possibility of modifications to the surgical procedure, and the early start of chemical thromboprophylaxis. Regarding the choice of the procedure, SADI-S, RYGB, and OAGB were the top 3 preferred operations. However, no consensus was reached on the limb length in these operations. CONCLUSION: This study represents the first attempt to reach consensus on the choice of procedures as well as perioperative management in patients with obesity class V. Although overall consensus was reached in different areas, more research is needed to better serve this high-risk population.

Global burden of metabolic diseases, 1990-2021.

BACKGROUND: Common metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), have become a global health burden in the last three decades. The Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) data enables the first insights into the trends and burdens of these metabolic diseases from 1990 to 2021, highlighting regional, temporal and differences by sex. METHODS: Global estimates of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths from GBD 2021 were analyzed for common metabolic diseases (T2DM, hypertension, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and MASLD). Age-standardized DALYs (mortality) per 100,000 population and annual percentage change (APC) between 1990 and 2021 were estimated for trend analyses. Estimates are reported with uncertainty intervals (UI). RESULTS: In 2021, among five common metabolic diseases, hypertension had the greatest burden (226 million [95 % UI: 190-259] DALYs), whilst T2DM (75 million [95 % UI: 63-90] DALYs) conferred much greater disability than MASLD (3.67 million [95 % UI: 2.90-4.61]). The highest absolute burden continues to be found in the most populous countries of the world, particularly India, China, and the United States, whilst the highest relative burden was mostly concentrated in Oceania Island states. The burden of these metabolic diseases has continued to increase over the past three decades but has varied in the rate of increase (1.6-fold to 3-fold increase). The burden of T2DM (0.42 % [95 % UI: 0.34-0.51]) and obesity (0.26 % [95 % UI: 0.17-0.34]) has increased at an accelerated rate, while the rate of increase for the burden of hypertension (-0.30 % [95 % UI: -0.34 to -0.25]) and hypercholesterolemia (-0.33 % [95 % UI: -0.37 to -0.30]) is slowing. There is no significant change in MASLD over time (0.05 % [95 % UI: -0.06 to 0.17]). CONCLUSION: In the 21st century, common metabolic diseases are presenting a significant global health challenge. There is a concerning surge in DALYs and mortality associated with these conditions, underscoring the necessity for a coordinated global health initiative to stem the tide of these debilitating diseases and improve population health outcomes worldwide.

Burden of disease attributable to high body mass index: an analysis of data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

Background: Obesity represents a major global health challenge with important clinical implications. Despite its recognized importance, the global disease burden attributable to high body mass index (BMI) remains less well understood. Methods: We systematically analyzed global deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to high BMI using the methodology and analytical approaches of the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021. High BMI was defined as a BMI over 25 kg/m2 for individuals aged ≥20 years. The Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) was used as a composite measure to assess the level of socio-economic development across different regions. Subgroup analyses considered age, sex, year, geographical location, and SDI. Findings: From 1990 to 2021, the global deaths and DALYs attributable to high BMI increased more than 2.5-fold for females and males. However, the age-standardized death rates remained stable for females and increased by 15.0% for males. Similarly, the age-standardized DALY rates increased by 21.7% for females and 31.2% for males. In 2021, the six leading causes of high BMI-attributable DALYs were diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, chronic kidney disease, low back pain and stroke. From 1990 to 2021, low-middle SDI countries exhibited the highest annual percentage changes in age-standardized DALY rates, whereas high SDI countries showed the lowest. Interpretation: The worldwide health burden attributable to high BMI has grown significantly between 1990 and 2021. The increasing global rates of high BMI and the associated disease burden highlight the urgent need for regular surveillance and monitoring of BMI. Funding: National Natural Science Foundation of China and National Key R&D Program of China.

Esophagectomy with Ileocoloplasty, Last Treatment for a Leak After Laparoscopic Sleeve: "From Less to More".

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is increasingly playing a key role in obesity management. Such operations, however, carry complications sometimes including leaks. The esophageal stent is one of the frequent options used to treat leaks after a sleeve gastrectomy. The fully covered stents are the ones of choice. However, their use can result in serious consequences requiring aggressive solutions. The longer the stent is maintained, there is more risk of withdrawal, even esophageal mucosal avulsion developing stenosis afterward. Endoscopic stenting is a double-edged sword that must be handled cautiously. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 36-year-old woman with BMI 44 and obstructive apnea syndrome undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in November 2017 with a 36 Fr bougie and reinforced staplers. She presented a leak as immediate complication. It was initially treated with an esophageal stent and removed 2 months afterwards with a mucosal avulsion during the procedure. She developed after an esophageal stenosis which was treated with enteral nutrition and endoscopic dilatations for 6 months without results. RESULTS: We present an open esophagectomy with ileocoloplasty reconstruction due to intrathoracic esophageal stricture after conservative management with partially covered metal stents and dilatations of a leak in a laparoscopic sleeve. She presented a neck leakage in the postoperative period with a good evolution after parenteral nutrition for 3 weeks and antibiotic therapy. She was discharged one month after surgery eating soft food in a reasonable manner. CONCLUSIONS: Although one of the existing options to treat leaks after a sleeve gastrectomy is the use of an esophageal stent, it is essential to choose the correct type, being the fully covered the ones of choice. The use of self-expandable metal stents appears to be a safe and effective method in the treatment of post-LSG leaks. The longer it is maintained, there is more risk in withdrawal, even esophageal mucosal avulsion. Endoscopic stenting is a double-edged sword that must be handled cautiously.

Postoperative Diet with an Oligomeric Hyperproteic Normocaloric Supplement versus a Supplement with Immunonutrients in Colorectal Cancer Surgery: Results of a Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial.

(1) Background: For normo-nourished colorectal cancer patients, the need for immunonutrients after elective surgery is not known. (2) Methods: Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, phase III clinical trial comparing the postoperative diet with 200 mL oligomeric hyperproteic normocaloric (OHN; experimental arm) supplement vs. 200 mL immunonutritional (IN) (active comparator) supplement twice a day for five days in 151 normo-nourished adult colorectal-resection patients following the multimodal rehabilitation ERAS protocol. The proportions of patients with complications (primary outcome) and those who were readmitted, hospitalized for <7 days, had surgical site infections, or died due to surgical complications (secondary outcome) were compared between the two groups until postoperative day 30. Tolerance to both types of supplement and blood parameters was also assessed until day 5. (3) Results: Mean age was 69.2 and 84 (58.7%) were men. Complications were reported in 41 (28.7%) patients and the incidence did not differ between groups (18 (25%) vs. 23 (32.4%) patients with OHN and IN supplement, respectively; p = 0.328). No significant differences were found for the rest of the variables. (4) Conclusions: IN supplement may not be necessary for the postoperative recovery of colorectal cancer patients under the ERAS regimen and with normal nutritional status at the time of surgery.

Patient Selection in One Anastomosis/Mini Gastric Bypass-an Expert Modified Delphi Consensus.

PURPOSE: One anastomosis/mini gastric bypass (OAGB/MGB) is up to date the third most performed obesity and metabolic procedure worldwide, which recently has been endorsed by ASMBS. The main criticisms are the risk of bile reflux, esophageal cancer, and malnutrition. Although IFSO has recognized this procedure, guidance is needed regarding selection criteria. To give clinicians a daily support in performing the right patient selection in OAGB/MGB, the aim of this paper is to generate clinical guidelines based on an expert modified Delphi consensus. METHODS: A committee of 57 recognized bariatric surgeons from 24 countries created 69 statements. Modified Delphi consensus voting was performed in two rounds. An agreement/disagreement among ≥ 70.0% of the experts was considered to indicate a consensus. RESULTS: Consensus was achieved for 56 statements. Remarkably, ≥ 90.0% of the experts felt that OAGB/MGB is an acceptable and suitable option "in patients with Body mass index (BMI) > 70, BMI > 60, BMI > 50 kg/m2 as a one-stage procedure," "as the second stage of a two-stage bariatric surgery after Sleeve Gastrectomy for BMI > 50 kg/m2 (instead of BPD/DS)," and "in patients with weight regain after restrictive procedures. No consensus was reached on the statement that OAGB/MGB is a suitable option in case of resistant Helicobacter pylori. This is likely as there is a concern that this procedure is associated with reflux and its related long-term complications including risk of cancer in the esophagus or stomach. Also no consensus reached on OAGB/MGB as conversional surgery in patients with GERD after restrictive procedures. Consensus for disagreement was predominantly achieved "in case of intestinal metaplasia of the stomach" (74.55%), "in patients with severe Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)(C,D)" (75.44%), "in patients with Barrett's metaplasia" (89.29%), and "in documented insulinoma" (89.47%). CONCLUSION: Patient selection in OAGB/MGB is still a point of discussion among experts. There was consensus that OAGB/MGB is a suitable option in elderly patients, patients with low BMI (30-35 kg/m2) with associated metabolic problems, and patients with BMIs more than 50 kg/m2 as one-stage procedure. OAGB/MGB can also be a safe procedure in vegetarian and vegan patients. Although OAGB/MGB can be a suitable procedure in patients with large hiatal hernia with concurrent hiatal hernia, it should not be offered to patients with grade C or D esophagitis or Barrett's metaplasia.

Revision of a Previous Capella Bypass due to dysphagia, GERD and Candy Cane Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Capella ringed gastric bypass is a technical variant of gastric bypass which seeks to improve long-term outcomes with a greater restriction. Frequent complications are due to the band, due to its inclusion or slippage, without being able to reject others. Our purpose is to present the video of a revisional bariatric surgery made by laparoscopic approach in a patient with a previous open retrogastric retrocolic Capella gastric bypass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patient presents dysphagia, gastroesophagic reflux disease (GERD), and pain, with a BMI of 36 kg/m2. Her supplementary tests show a hiatal hernia, GERD, and a Candy Cane Syndrome. The surgery was difficult due to multiple adhesions. Hiatal hernia was repaired and pillars were closed. The band was visualized intraoperatively close to the gastrojejunal anastomosis, although the high endoscopy did not detect neither stenosis nor difficulty of passage to the gastric pouch. It showed the retrogastric gastrojejunal anastomosis with a normal food loop and a 15-cm widened blind loop (Candy Cane Syndrome), which was resected. RESULTS: She had a left pneumonia and damage in left hepatic lobe (LHL). She was discharged after antibiotic treatment for 7 days. The patient has improved clinically, without dysphagia nor GERD. Her current BMI is 29.8 kg/m2. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, bariatric revisional surgery can lead to serious complications, but it is justified in patients with poor quality of life. A ringed retrocolic retrogastric bypass poses more difficulties in revisional procedures. It is mandatory to know which technique was performed before. The duration of the procedure can result in more complications like liver damage.

Management of Leak after Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy.

The single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) has been introduced in the past few years for the treatment of morbid obesity. SADI-S has shown good results in terms of long-term results and short-term complications. However, the management of patients undergoing SADI-S and suffering from a leak is a great challenge for surgeons. We present an extensive review of the currently available literature on the management of leak after SADI in morbid obese (MO) patients. We aim at providing objective information regarding the optimal management, including diagnosis, technical options for the different strategies that have been proposed, to facilitate the selection of the best individual approach for each MO patient.