The Impact of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Thyroid Functions in Egyptian Patients with Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) continues to be one of the most popular bariatric procedures all over the world. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) frequently shows a slight elevation in patients with obesity. The effect of SG on thyroid hormones has been rarely investigated. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to assess the short-term effect of SG on thyroid functions in Egyptian patients with morbid obesity and the potential predictors of the postoperative thyroid functions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included patients undergoing SG at kasr al ainy hospitals. The patients underwent preoperative 3-, 6-, and 12-month postoperative analyses of the thyroid functions and other biochemical markers. RESULTS: The study included 106 patients who showed significant improvement in thyroid functions at the follow-up assessment. Twelve-month TSH positively correlated with the 12-month measures of LDL and HbA1c. TSH change at 12-month follow-up (TSH) was inversely correlated to 12-month BMI and positively correlated to preoperative TSH and 12-month percentage of total weight loss (TWL%). Univariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that preoperative TSH (p < 0.001), 12-month TWL% (p = 0.042), 12-month HbA1c (p = 0.001), and 12-month LDL (p = 0.049) were significant predictors for the 12-month TSH levels. Multivariable analysis showed that only preoperative TSH levels (p < 0.001) and 12-month HbA1c levels (p = 0.021) could affect the 12-month TSH levels. CONCLUSION: The current study supports the evidence of thyroid function improvement after sleeve gastrectomy. This improvement was affected by the amount of weight loss after surgery.

Prognostic value of free air under diaphragm on chest radiographs in correlation with peritoneal soiling intraoperatively.

PURPOSE: Gastrointestinal perforation is a significant injury that originates mainly from gastrointestinal ulcers. It is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The height of the column of the air under the diaphragm can be used to estimate the amount of peritoneal soiling due to viscus perforation. This study aimed to determine the correlation between this estimate and the incidence of morbidity and mortality. METHODS: To achieve this aim, a prospective cohort study was conducted on 83 patients at Kasr al ainy hospital who, between March 2021 and March 2022, presented to the emergency department with free air under the diaphragm at chest X-ray and required surgical intervention for a perforated viscus. For each case, the amount of peritoneal soiling and the amount of air under the diaphragm as determined by a chest X-ray were recorded. RESULTS: The mean air under the diaphragm in a plain erect chest X-ray was 1.78 ± 1.92 cm, and the mean amount of peritoneal soiling was 1201.83 ± 948.99 CC. There are positive correlations between the amount of air under the diaphragm as shown on an X-ray and the size of the perforation (p = 0.034), the amount of peritoneal soiling (p = 0.003), and the mortality (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: There was a statistically significant correlation between air under the diaphragm according to X-ray and the amount of peritoneal soiling in patients with a perforated viscus. This measure can be used as a sensitive tool to predict morbidity and mortality as more free air in the chest X-ray is associated with significant mortality. These results may enhance the decision making using sensitive and available tool of diagnosis.

Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Albuminuria in Non-Diabetic Non-Hypertensive Patients with Severe Obesity: a Short-Term Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease and albuminuria. Despite the well-documented obesity association with diabetes mellitus and hypertension, its predisposition to albuminuria is not related to these comorbidities, and, in some times, its occurrence is independent of DM or hypertension. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The present study aimed to evaluate bariatric surgery effect on albuminuria in patients with severe obesity with no DM or hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of 137 patients with extreme obesity and albuminuria scheduled for bariatric surgery and did not have diabetes or hypertension. They underwent an assessment for 24-h urinary albumin at baseline (T0) and 6 months postoperatively (T2). RESULTS: Albuminuria remission occurred in 83% of patients; there was a statistically highly significant difference between the baseline and the 6-month postoperative in the 24-h urinary albumin assessment. Weight loss and BMI at T2 were independent predictors of albuminuria remission. CONCLUSION: The current work emphasizes the importance and promising role of bariatric surgery as an effective weight reduction management method in improving albuminuria, an early sign of chronic kidney disease, and a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Omentopexy Effect on the Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms and the Esophagogastroduodenoscopy Findings in Patients Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has gained acceptance worldwide. However, SG has its own complications that need a specialized management. Omentopexy is a technique in which the sleeved part of the stomach is fixed to the greater omentum. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present work aimed to investigate the potential effect of omentopexy on the upper GIT disturbances in patients with severe obesity and undergoing LSG. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included patients who were recruited for LSG in our institution from June 2019 to October 2020. Patients having no upper GIT symptoms, no esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) GERD signs, and no hiatus hernia were eligible for the study. Patients were randomly enrolled into the omentopexy group (underwent LSG with omentopexy) and the non-omentopexy group (underwent LSG only). Patients were followed up 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year after the operation. EGD was performed at the 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Forty-five patients constituted the omentopexy group and forty-six constituted the non-omentopexy group. Omentopexy was associated with significant reduction in the early post LSG upper GIT symptoms, and less EGD evident reflux esophagitis at the 1-year follow-up (statistically non-significant). CONCLUSION: The current work adds a new evidence of the omentopexy benefits in patients undergoing sleeve gastrostomy, with an overall better outcome in regard to the upper GIT upset and GERD compared to LSG alone.