Outcomes of Concurrent Hiatus Hernia Repair with Different Bariatric Surgery Procedures: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hiatus hernia (HH) is prevalent among patients with obesity. Concurrent repair is often performed during metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), but a consensus on the safety and effectiveness of concurrent HH repair (HHR) and MBS remains unclear. We performed a systematic review of the safety and effectiveness of concurrent HHR and MBS through the measurement of multiple postoperative outcomes. METHOD: Seventeen studies relating to concurrent MBS and HHR were identified. MBS procedures included laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), and adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Studies with pre- and postoperative measurements and outcomes were extracted. RESULTS: For LSG, 9 of 11 studies concluded concurrent procedures to be safe and effective with no increase in mortality. Reoperation and readmission rates however were increased with HHR, whilst GORD rates were seen to improve, therefore providing a solution to the predominant issue with LSG. For LRYGB, in all 5 studies, concurrent procedures were concluded to be safe and effective, with no increase in mortality, length of stay, readmission and reoperation rates. Higher complication rates were observed compared to LSG with HHR. Among LAGB studies, all 4 studies were concluded to be safe and effective with no adverse outcomes on mortality and length of stay. GORD rates were seen to decrease, and reoperation rates from pouch dilatation and gastric prolapse were observed to significantly decrease. CONCLUSION: Concurrent HHR with MBS appears to be safe and effective. Assessment of MBS warrants the consideration of concurrent HHR depending on specific patient case and the surgeon's preference.

The use of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to reduce body weight and food cravings: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Several studies demonstrated non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are safe and simple techniques that can reduce body weight, food cravings, and food consumption in patients with obesity. However, a systematic to evaluate the efficacy of active NIBS versus sham stimulation in reducing body weight and food cravings in patients with obesity is not available. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Control Trial between January 1990 and February 2022. Mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcome variables with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to examine the effects of NIBS on body weight and body mass index (BMI), whereas the hedges's g test was used to measure the effects on food craving. Nineteen RCTs involving 571 participants were included in this study. Active neurostimulation (TMS and tDCS) was significantly more likely than sham stimulation to reduce body weight (TMS: -3.29 kg, 95% CI [-5.32, -1.26]; I2 = 48%; p < .001; tDCS: -0.82 kg, 95% CI [-1.01, -0.62]; I2 = 0.0%; p = .00) and BMI (TMS: -0.74, 95% CI [-1.17, -0.31]; I2 = 0% p = .00; tDCS: MD = -0.55, 95% CI [-2.32, 1.21]; I2 = 0% p = .54) as well as food cravings (TMS: g = -0.91, 95% CI [-1.68, -0.14]; I2 = 88 p = .00; tDCS: g = -0.32, 95% CI [-0.62, -0.02]; p = .04). Compared with sham stimulation, our findings indicate that active NIBS can significantly help to reduce body weight and food cravings. Hence, these novel techniques may be used as primary or adjunct tools in treating patients with obesity.

Peri- and Postoperative Outcomes for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Patients after Bariatric Surgery-a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is prevalent among patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Previous studies have reported a higher risk of complications, ICU admission and longer length of stay in patients with OSA following surgery. However, clinical outcomes following bariatric surgery are unclear. The hypothesis is that patients with OSA will have an increased risk of these outcome measures after bariatric surgery. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to answer the research question. Searches for bariatric surgery and obstructive sleep apnoea were performed using PubMed and Ovid Medline. Studies which compared OSA and non-OSA patients undergoing bariatric surgery and used outcome measures that included length of stay, risk of complications, 30-day readmission and need for ICU admission were selected for the systematic review. Comparable datasets from these studies were used for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Patients with OSA are at greater risk of complications after bariatric surgery (RR = 1.23 [CI: 1.01, 1.5], P = 0.04), driven mostly by an increased risk of cardiac complications (RR = 2.44 [CI: 1.26, 4.76], P = 0.009). There were no significant differences between the OSA and non-OSA cohorts in the other outcome variables (respiratory complications, length of stay, 30-day readmission and need for ICU admission). CONCLUSION: Following bariatric surgery, patients with OSA must be managed carefully due to the increased risk of cardiac complications. However, patients with OSA are not more likely to require a longer length of stay or readmission.

Selective oestrogen receptor antagonists inhibit oesophageal cancer cell proliferation in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Oestrogen receptors (ER) have a well-established role to the initiation, progression and regulation of responses to treatment of breast, prostate, and lung cancers. Previous data indicates altered ER expression in oesophageal cancers (OC). However the role of ER subtypes and ER specific inhibitors in the regulation of OC progression remains unclear. This study sought to assess levels of ERα and ERß in OC. The effects of highly selective ER antagonists on cell proliferation and apoptosis in two OC adenocarcinoma cell lines was also studied. METHODS: ERα and ERß expression profiling in paired normal oesophageal mucosa and tumour tissues (n = 34; adenocarcinoma n = 28; squamous cell carcinoma n = 6) was performed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Correlation between levels of ER with the clinico-pathological features for OC was determined. The effect of selective ER antagonists on proliferation of OE33 and OE19 OC cell lines was studied. RESULTS: ERα and ERß mRNA expression was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in tumour tissues relative to their paired normal mucosa and correlated inversely with survival outcome (p < 0.05). Upregulation of ERα mRNA correlated with higher pathological T-stage (p < 0.05) and lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05) while ERß mRNA upregulation correlated with positive vascular invasion (p < 0.05). A significant concentration-dependent inhibition of proliferation in OE33 and OE19 cell lines was induced by a highly-selective ERα antagonist (MPP) and an ERß specific antagonist (PHTPP) (p < 0.05). Moreover, anti-oestrogens induced cell death through stimulation of apoptotic caspase activity. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the ER system is involved in OC progression and thus may provide a novel target for the treatment of OC.

A Population-Based Cohort Study of Emergency Appendectomy Performed in England and New York State.

BACKGROUND: To compare selected outcomes (30-day reoperation and total length of hospital stay) following emergency appendectomy between populations from New York State and England. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used demographic and in-hospital outcome data from Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) and the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) administrative databases for all patients aged 18+ years undergoing appendectomy between April 2009 and March 2014. Univariate and adjusted multivariable logistic regression were used to test significant factors. A one-to-one propensity score matched dataset was created to compare odd ratios (OR) of reoperations between the two populations. RESULTS: A total of 188,418 patient records, 121,428 (64.4%) from England and 66,990 (35.6%) from NYS, were extracted. Appendectomy was completed laparoscopically in 77.7% of patients in New York State compared to 53.6% in England (P < 0.001). The median lengths of hospital stay for patients undergoing appendectomy were 3 (interquartile range, IQR 2-4) days versus 2 (IQR 1-3) days (P < 0.001) in England and New York State, respectively. All 30-day reoperation rates were higher in England compared to New York State (1.2 vs. 0.6%, P < 0.001), representing nearly a twofold higher risk of 30-day reoperation (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.64-2.14, P < 0.001). As the proportion of appendectomy completed laparoscopically increased, there was a reduction in the reoperation rate in England (correlation coefficient -0.170, P = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Reoperations and total length of hospital stay is significantly higher following appendectomy in England compared to New York State. Increasing the numbers of appendectomy completed laparoscopically may decrease length of stay and reoperations.

A Comparison of Mortality Following Emergency Laparotomy Between Populations From New York State and England.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare mortality following emergency laparotomy between populations from New York State and England. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Mortality following emergency surgery is a key quality improvement metric in both the United States and UK. Comparison of the all-cause 30-day mortality following emergency laparotomy between populations from New York State and England might identify factors that could improve care. METHODS: Patient demographics, in-hospital, and 30-day outcomes data were extracted from Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) in England and the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) administrative databases for all patients older than 18 years undergoing laparotomy for emergency open bowel surgery between April 2009 and March 2014. The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality within 30 days of the index laparotomy. Mixed-effects logistic regression was performed to model independent demographic variables against mortality. A one-to-one propensity score matched dataset was created to compare the odd ratios of mortality between the 2 populations. RESULTS: Overall, 137,869 patient records, 85,286 (61.9%) from England and 52,583 (38.1%) from New York State, were extracted. Crude 30-day mortality for patients was significantly higher in the England compared with New York State [11,604 (13.6%) vs 3633 (6.9%) patients, P < 0.001]. Patients undergoing emergency laparotomy in England had significantly higher risk of mortality compared with those in New York State (odds ratio 2.35, confidence interval 2.24-2.46, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The risk of mortality at 30 days is higher following emergency laparotomy in England as compared with New York State despite similar patient groups.

Predictors of Inadequate Weight Loss After Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is an effective treatment for morbid obesity resulting in approx. 70% excess weight loss (EWL) at 1-2 years. The aim of this study was to identify factors predictive of inadequate EWL following primary LRYGB. METHODS: Data on consecutive patients who underwent primary LRYGB between September 2009 and March 2013 were collected prospectively. The effects of age, gender, baseline body mass index (BMI), preoperative EWL, length of time between initial consultation and surgery (TtS), presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), arthritis, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) on EWL at 12 months were studied. General linear regression models were used to evaluate group differences in EWL and to assess independent associations between baseline variables and EWL at 12 months. Stepwise regression analyses were used to estimate individual contributions of independent variables to the variance in EWL at 12 months. In this study, inadequate EWL was defined as <50% EWL at 12 months. RESULTS: LRYGB was performed in 227 patients with a mean ± SD age and BMI of 48.6 ± 11 years and 53.6 ± 7.1 kg/m2, respectively. Female to male ratio was 3:1. EWL at 12 months had an inverse correlation with age (p = 0.01), baseline BMI (p < 0.001), TtS (p = 0.001), OSA (p = 0.039) and DM (p = 0.039). Conversely, there was a significant positive association between preoperative EWL and that at 12 months (p = 0.009). There was no effect of gender, arthritis or LOS on EWL at 12 months. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated inadequate EWL at 12 months to be predicted by older age (>60 years), patients with diabetes, higher baseline BMI (>60), those who gained weight preoperatively and in patients who waited longer than 18 months for surgery (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative factors that predict inadequate EWL at 12 months following primary LRYGB include higher initial BMI, older age, presence of DM and preoperative weight gain. Identification of these factors preoperatively should aid in providing intensive support to these at-risk patient groups.

Mid-Term Remission of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus After Laparoscopic Roux En-Y Gastric Bypass.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Roux en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is an established therapeutic modality for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there is paucity of data on the outcomes of LRYGB on T2DM beyond 2 years. This study aimed to examine the medium-term effects of LRYGB on T2DM and determine the predictors of T2DM resolution. METHODS: Prospective data were collected for all consecutive LRYGB performed from September 2009 to November 2010. The American Diabetes Association guidelines were used to define complete (CR) or partial (PR) remission of diabetes. Diabetes status was considered improved when there was >50 % reduction in the dose of medications or when glycaemic control was achieved after stopping insulin. The effects of baseline characteristics, diabetes data and weight loss data at 4 years on T2DM remission were studied. RESULTS: Forty-six patients with T2DM underwent LRYGB with mean ± SD age and body mass index (BMI) of 48.6 ± 9.6 years and 50.4 ± 6.5 kg/m2, respectively. Median (IQR, interquartile range) duration of T2DM preoperatively was 60 (36-126) months. Median (IQR) follow-up was 52 (50-57) months. T2DM remission was achieved in 64 % of patients (44 % CR, 20 % PR), and a further 28 % of patients had improvement in their diabetes status. Multivariate analyses demonstrated significant excess weight loss (EWL) [P = 0.008] and lower BMI [P = 0.04] at 4 years to be the only independent predictors of T2DM medium-term outcomes. CONCLUSION: The medium-term effects of LRYGB on T2DM remission/improvement were maintained in 92 % of patients. EWL and lower BMI at 4 years were independent predictors of T2DM remission.

Laparoscopic Roux en-Y Gastric Bypass Using a Modified Retrocolic-Supracolic Approach: Outcomes from 300 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Roux en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) achieves sustained long-term weight loss and reduced mortality in morbidly obese patients. It is routinely performed using an ante- or retrocolic approach with the jejuno-jejunostomy constructed in the infracolic compartment. We have modified the standard technique of performing LRYGB by constructing both anastomoses in the supracolic compartment. This study describes the outcomes of consecutive primary LRYGB performed using this novel retrocolic-supracolic approach. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected on consecutive primary LRYGB performed in a tertiary-referral Bariatric Centre in the United Kingdom from September 2009 to March 2013. Data included demographics, operative outcomes (duration of surgery, postoperative anastomotic leak/bleeding/reoperations), development of strictures, length of stay, excess weight loss (EWL) and resolution of diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: Hand-sewn LRYGB was successfully performed using the retrocolic-supracolic approach in 300 of 307 (98 %) consecutive patients (72 % female). Median (IQR) age, weight and baseline body mass index were 49 (41-56) years, 146 (134-163) kg and 52.9 (48.8-57.2) kg/m(2), respectively. There were 4 (1.3 %) anastomotic leaks and 8 (2.6 %) postoperative bleeds. The 30-day reoperation rate was 1.6 %. Median (IQR) hospital stay was 2 (2-2) days. Postoperative dysphagia requiring endoscopic balloon dilatation occurred in 19 (6.3 %) patients. Mean ± SD 12-month EWL was 69.9 ± 19.0 %. Within the follow-up period, 81 % of patients with type II diabetes mellitus achieved remission and 19 % reduced dosage of diabetes medication. CONCLUSIONS: LRYGB performed using the retrocolic-supracolic approach was safe, feasible, technically advantageous and resulted in clinical outcomes akin to the standard infracolic approach.

Intestinal ischemia following laparoscopic surgery: a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal ischemia is a rare complication of laparoscopic surgery. Its prognosis depends on a high index of suspicion and effective early treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: In the present report, we describe three cases where intestinal ischemia developed following laparoscopic surgery. Case 1 concerns a 52-year-old Caucasian man who developed large bowel ischemia following laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery. Case 2 concerns an 82-year-old Caucasian woman who developed fatal intestinal ischemia following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Case 3 concerns a 58-year old Caucasian woman who developed right-sided lower intestinal ischemia following open cholecystectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal ischemia is a rare complication of laparoscopic surgery. The identification of high-risk patients is an essential primary preventive measure. A high index of suspicion is required to make an early diagnosis, which may help improve outcomes.

Acute intestinal obstruction secondary to left paraduodenal hernia: a case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: An internal hernia is a protrusion of bowel through a normal or abnormal orifice in the peritoneum or mesentery. Although they are considered as a rare cause of intestinal obstruction, paraduodenal hernias are the most common type of congenital hernias. METHODS: A literature search using PubMed was performed to identify all published cases of left paraduodenal hernia (LPDH). RESULTS: In Literature search between 1980 and 2012 using PubMed revealed only 44 case reports before the present one. Median age was 47 years (range 18 - 82 years). Nearly 50% reported previous mild symptoms. Two-third of patients required emergency surgery in form of laparotomy or laparoscopic repair. Reduction of hernia contents with widening or suture repair of the hernia orifice were the most common standards in surgical management of LPDH. CONCLUSION: Intestinal obstruction secondary to internal hernias is a rare presentation. High index of suspicion and preoperative imaging are essential to make an early diagnosis in order to improve outcome.

Accidental finding of a toothpick in the porta hepatis during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Unintentional ingestion of a toothpick is not an uncommon event. Often the ingested toothpicks spontaneously pass through the gut without sequelae. However, serious complications can happen when these sharp objects migrate through the gastrointestinal wall. CASE PRESENTATION: In the current report, we describe the case of a 37-year-old Caucasian woman with an incidental finding of a toothpick in the porta hepatis during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gall stones. CONCLUSION: Toothpick ingestion is not an uncommon event and can predispose patients to serious complications. In this particular case, the toothpick was only discovered at the time of unrelated surgery. Therefore, it was important during surgery to exclude any related or missed injury to the adjacent structures by this sharp object.

Nipple-sparing skin-sparing mastectomy and vertical latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction for bilateral fibromatosis of the breast.

Fibromatosis of the breast results in aggressive, infiltrative lesions with a tendency for local recurrence. A case of bilateral fibromatosis of the breast treated with nipple-sparing skin-sparing mastectomy and vertical latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction occurring in 22-year-old woman is described herein.