The Safety and Efficacy of Apixaban (Eliquis) in 5017 Post-bariatric Patients with 95.3% Follow-up: a Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Thromboprophylaxis in bariatric surgery is widely debated; however, few large articles evaluate treatment plans and their efficacy. Herein, we make the first large-scale report of the safety and efficacy of apixaban (Eliquis) for thrombus prevention following bariatric surgery. PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of apixaban following bariatric surgery. SETTING: Three private institutes, USA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 5017 consecutive bariatric patients that were placed on postoperative apixaban for thromboprophylaxis were used for retrospective analysis. The dose prescribed to patients was 2.5 mg PO BID for a total of 30 days starting on day 3 postoperatively. RESULTS: In total, of the 5017 patients, 59.7%, 31.2%, 4.4%, 2.5%, 1.8%, and 0.1% of the patients had undergone sleeve gastrectomy (SG), single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with SG (SADI-S), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), conversion from SG to SADI, small bowel reconstruction, and RYGB reversal, respectively. The 30-day follow-up rate was 95.3%. In total, 1.7% of patients experienced apixaban-related side effects. The most common side effects were menorrhagia and rash. Two (0.03%) side effects developed into Clavien-Dindo grade II complications. Overall, 10 (0.1%) patients experienced thromboembolic complications (five (0.09%) PVTs and five (0.09%) PEs). In each case, the protocol was not followed for extenuating circumstances. There were no deaths or thromboembolic events in cases where the protocol was able to be fully followed. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, 30 days of postoperative apixaban appears to be safe and effective with minimal side effects while preventing thromboembolic events.

Long-Term (> 6 Years) Outcomes of Duodenal Switch (DS) Versus Single-Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileostomy with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S): a Matched Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: There are no comparative studies on the long-term outcomes after the primary traditional duodenal switch (DS) and single-anastomosis duodeno-ileostomy with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S). PURPOSE: This study aims to compare the long-term outcomes in a matched cohort. SETTING: This study took place in a single private institute, in the USA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 266 patients who underwent a primary laparoscopic traditional DS or primary laparoscopic SADI-S from September 2011 to December 2015 by four surgeons were used for a retrospective matched cohort. Data were obtained by matching every DS patient to a SADI-S patient of the same age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). In addition, only patients that were out at least 5 years and had a minimum 5-year follow-up were included in the study. RESULTS: The matched cohort included 30 DS and 30 SADI-S patients. There were no statistically significant differences in the preoperative characteristics and baseline comorbidities between both groups. The SADI-S patients had significantly shorter operative time and length of stay. The overall long-term complications, especially the long-term Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb complications, were significantly fewer with SADI-S. At 6 years, the DS patients had statistically higher %EWL; however, the ending BMIs were statistically similar between both groups. There were no significant differences in the long-term comorbidity and nutritional outcomes of both groups. The long-term failure rates were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Most long-term outcomes of SADI-S were either similar or significantly better than DS. Part of the reasons could be the surgeon's learning curve and the small sample sizes of both groups.

A Matched Cohort Comparison of Long-term Outcomes of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) Versus Single-Anastomosis Duodeno-ileostomy with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S).

BACKGROUND: The long-term effectiveness of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and single-anastomosis duodeno-ileostomy with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) is unknown. PURPOSE: Compare the long-term outcomes. SETTING: Single private institute, USA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 1254 patients who underwent primary RYGB or SADI-S were used for a retrospective matched cohort. Data were obtained by matching every RYGB patient to a SADI-S patient of the same sex, body mass index (BMI), and weight. Only patients out 5 years and had at least one > 5-year follow-up visit were included. RESULTS: The matched cohort included 61 RYGB and 61 SADI-S patients. There was no statistical, demographic difference between the two groups. At 5 years, a 100% follow-up was available in each group. The intraoperative outcomes were significantly better with SADI-S. The 30-day readmission, reoperation, emergency department (ED) visits, and complication rates were statistically similar between the two groups. The long-term complication rates, Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb complications, and number of patients with more than one complication were significantly lower with SADI-S. Weight loss was significantly greater in the SADI-S group at 5 years. The long-term weight-loss failure rate was significantly higher in the RYGB group. The SADI-S procedure was associated with fewer reintervention through 6 years (14.7% patients vs. 39.3% patients, p = 0.001). Conversion or reversal of the procedure was required only in the RYGB group. There also was no significant difference in nutritional outcomes between the two procedures. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that problems, including long-term complications, reinterventions, weight-loss failure, and conversion, were more often associated with RYGB than with SADI-S. The SADI-S may be considered one of the viable alternatives to RYGB.

Long-term outcomes of primary single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S).

BACKGROUND: The long-term outcomes of primary single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) have never been reported in the literature. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes after primary laparoscopic SADI-S (LSADI-S). SETTING: Single, private institute, United States. METHODS: Data from 750 patients who underwent a primary LSADI-S from June 2013 through November 2019 by 3 surgeons were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Seven hundred fifty patients were included in the study. The mean age and preoperative body mass index were 49.3 ± 13.1 years and 50 ± 12.6 kg/m2, respectively. Follow-up was available on 109 patients (61%) at 5 years and on 87 patients (53%) at 6 years. Six patients did not have any follow-up. The average operative time and length of stay were 67.6 ± 27.4 minutes and 1.5 ± .8 days, respectively. The intraoperative, short-term, and long-term complication rates were 0%, 7.8%, 11.7%, respectively. The 30-day emergency room visit, readmission, and reoperation rates were .4%, 1.1%, and 1.1%, respectively. In total, there were 15 (2%) grade IIIb long-term complications unique to LSADI-S. Complete remission of type 2 diabetes was seen in 77% of the diabetic population. At 5 and 6 years, the mean change in body mass index was 17.5 ± 6.9 and 17.6 ± 6.4 kg/m2, respectively. The mortality rate was .5%. CONCLUSIONS: LSADI-S is effective in this retrospective review in achieving good initial weight loss and weight maintenance. Although our data show acceptable nutritional complications, questions still remain because of the retrospective nature of the study.

A Multi-institutional Study on the Mid-Term Outcomes of Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass as a Surgical Revision Option After Sleeve Gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, a single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) has become increasingly popular for patients with BMI > 50 as a primary or staged surgery. Staging allows surgeons to do the sleeve gastrectomy (SG) first with the conversion only happening when a failure or technical challenge is identified. PURPOSE: We present the mid-term outcomes of SADI bypass surgery after SG. METHOD: A retrospective analysis was performed on a prospective database from four institutions. Ninety-six patients were identified from 2013 to 2018. Patients were divided into two groups: one had two-stage SADI because of insufficient weight loss, the second had planned two-stage SADI because of super obesity (BMI > 50 kg/m2). Incidence of complications was divided into < 30 days and > 30 days. RESULT: Of 96 patients, 3 patients were completely lost to follow-up. The mean age was 44.8 ± 11.3 years. There were no deaths or conversion to open surgery. The postoperative early complication and late complication rate was 5.3% and 6.4% respectively. At 24 months, group 2 had higher %weight loss (WL) and change in BMI units compared to group 1 with statistically significant difference. The average WL and change in BMI for entire patient's population at 24 months after 2nd stage SADI was 20.5% and 9.4 units respectively. The remission rate for DM was 93.7% with or without the use of medication. CONCLUSION: The two-stage approach to SADI-S appears technically simpler than a single compromised operation. However, this approach needs more patients to understand its limitations.

A Video Case Report of Gastric Perforation Following Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty and its Surgical Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a novel weight loss procedure that reduces the size of the stomach using an endoscopic suturing device. There are severe adverse events that have been reported following ESG (Brethauer et al. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 6:689-94, 2010; Abu Dayyeh et al. Gastrointest Endosc. 78:530-5, 2013; Nava et al. Endoscopy. 47:449-52, 2015; Nava et al. Endosc Int Open. 4(2):E222-7, 2016). However, complications like gastric perforation following ESG have not been reported. This video presents a case with gastric perforation following ESG and its surgical treatment. METHODS: A 44-year-old female patient with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 38 kg/m2 underwent an ESG. Her comorbidities include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). On postoperative day six, the patient presented with lower abdominal pain. The patient refused to get an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or laparoscopy done. An upper gastrointestinal series (UGI) was performed, and a large ileus was noted with no evidence of leak or free air. On postoperative day seven, a computed tomography (CAT) scan showed a large amount of free air and fluid throughout the abdomen and pelvis. The patient was taken to the operating room (OR) for an exploratory laparoscopy. RESULTS: Upon entering the abdomen, a large amount of pus and free fluid was noted. This was irrigated free from the abdominal cavity until it came back clear. We noted six sutures that went intraluminally to extraluminally and entered the anterior abdominal wall. These sutures were taken down until we found the perforation. A GIA stapler was placed over the perforation, and the defect was closed. The staple line was then imbricated. Once done with the imbrication, we spent a significant amount of time laparoscopically irrigating the abdomen with 12 L of fluid. In total, three drains were placed to assist with draining the abdomen. CONCLUSION: ESG is a feasible endobariatric option, but complications like gastric perforation can occur. For such complication, immediate surgical treatment is indicated.

Does the future of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy lie in the outpatient surgery center? A retrospective study of the safety of 3162 outpatient sleeve gastrectomies.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a safe and effective procedure that can be performed as an outpatient procedure. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine whether same-day discharge LSG is safe when performed in an outpatient surgery center. SETTING: Outpatient surgery centers. METHODS: The medical records of 3162 patients who underwent primary LSG procedure by 21 surgeons at 9 outpatient surgery centers from January 2010 through February 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Three thousand one hundred sixty-two patients were managed with enhanced recovery after surgery protocol and were included in this analysis. The mean age and preoperative body mass index were 43.1 ± 10.8 years and 42.1 ± 7.1 kg/m2, respectively. Sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were seen in 14.4%, 13.5%, 24.7%, 30.4%, and 17.6% patients, respectively. The mean total operative time was 56.4 ± 16.9 minutes (skin to skin). One intraoperative complication (.03%) occurred. The hospital transfer rate was .2%. The 30-day follow-up rate was 85%. The postoperative outcomes were analyzed based on the available data. The 30-day readmission, reoperation, reintervention, and emergency room visit rates were .6%, .6%, .2%, and .1%, respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was 0%. The total short-term complication rate was 2.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Same-day discharge seems to be safe when performed in an outpatient surgery center in selected patients. It would appear that outpatient surgery centers are a viable option for patients with minimal surgical risks.

Mid-term 4-Year Outcomes with Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery at a Single US Center.

BACKGROUND: Single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) is a modification of Roux-en-Y duodenal switch (RYDS). Long-term data on this operation is lacking in the literature. We reviewed our mid-term data of this RYDS modification. PURPOSE: To analyze the outcomes with SADI-S at 4 years. METHODS: Data from patients who underwent a primary SADI-S procedure performed by three surgeons at a single institution from June 2013 through February 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. All revision bariatric surgeries were excluded. Regression analyses were performed for all follow-up weight loss data. RESULTS: There were 437 patients in our database. The pre-operative mean body mass index (BMI) was 49.8 ± 8.8 kg/m2. The 30-day complication rate was 7.7%. The 30-day readmission, reoperation, and mortality rates were 1.8, 1.3, and 0.2%, respectively. The long-term complication rate was 10.9%. Seventy-nine patients were 4 years post SADI-S surgery and follow-up was possible for 44 patients (55.7%). At 4 years, patients had an average change in BMI of 18.1 ± 6 units with an excess weight loss (EWL) of 85.7 ± 27.3%. At 4 years, 97.6% patients were able to maintain HbA1c < 6% with or without the use of diabetic medication. There was a statistically significant difference between most of the pre-operative and post-operative nutritional data. CONCLUSIONS: SADI-S is a safe and effective procedure in both short- and mid-term data points. Diabetes resolution and weight loss appear similar to traditional RYDS and better than RYGB.

Laparoscopic stomach intestinal pylorus-sparing surgery as a revisional option after failed adjustable gastric banding: a report of 27 cases with 36-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate weight loss, weight recidivism, and device-related complications after an adjustable gastric banding (AGB) can be treated by a laparoscopic conversion to stomach intestinal pylorus-sparing surgery (SIPS). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the midterm outcomes of revision SIPS surgery after failed AGB. SETTING: Private practice, United States. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of our prospectively collected data of patients who underwent laparoscopic conversion from AGB to SIPS surgery from June 2013 and February 2017 by a single surgeon in a single institution. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (1 stage: 22 and 2 stage: 5) underwent a laparoscopic revision of AGB to SIPS surgery. The mean ± standard deviation preoperative body mass index (BMI) before AGB was 47.5 ± 6.8 kg/m2, while the mean nadir BMI after AGB was 36 ± 7.7 kg/m2. The overall time to reoperation was 9.3 ± 8.7 and 5.6 ± 2.5 years in 1- and 2-stage conversion patients, respectively. The mean preoperative BMI before revision SIPS surgery was 46.7 ± 7 kg/m2. At 36 months, the patients had an average change in BMI of 20.9 units with 90% excess weight loss. A major complication occurred in 4 patients. Postoperatively, the fasting blood glucose, insulin, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and most of the co-morbidities were resolved or improved. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that conversion of failed AGB to SIPS surgery is an effective approach to AGB failure.

The incidence of complications associated with loop duodeno-ileostomy after single-anastomosis duodenal switch procedures among 1328 patients: a multicenter experience.

BACKGROUND: The single-anastomosis duodenal switch procedure is a type of duodenal switch that involves a loop anastomosis rather than traditional Roux-en-Y reconstruction. To date, there have been no multicenter studies looking at the complications associated with post-pyloric loop reconstruction. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to report the incidence of complications associated with loop duodeno-ileostomy (DI) following single-anastomosis duodenal switch (SADS) procedures. SETTING: Mixed of private and teaching facilities. METHODS: The medical records of 1328 patients who underwent primary SADS procedure (single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy or stomach intestinal pylorus-sparing surgery) by 17 surgeons from 3 countries (United States, Spain, and Australia) at 9 centers over a 6-year period were retrospectively reviewed, and their results were compared with articles in the literature. RESULTS: Mean preoperative body mass index was 51.6 kg/m2. Of 1328 patients, 123 patients received a linear stapled duodeno-ileostomy (DI) and 1205 patients a hand-sewn DI. In the overall series, the anastomotic leak, ulcer, and bile reflux occurred in .6% (9/1328), .1% (2/1328), and .1% (2/1328), respectively. None of our patients experienced volvulus at the DI or an internal hernia. Overall, 5 patients (.3%) (3/123 [2.4%] with linear stapled DI versus 2/1205 [.1%] with hand-sewn DI [P<.05]) experienced stricture at the DI in this series. CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of complications associated with loop DI was lower than the reported incidence of anastomotic complications after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. SADS procedures may cause much fewer anastomotic complications compared with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.

A retrospective comparison of biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch with single anastomosis duodenal switch (SIPS-stomach intestinal pylorus sparing surgery) at a single institution with two year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The traditional duodenal switch is performed using a Roux-en-Y configuration. This procedure has proven to be the most effective procedure for long-term weight loss and co-morbidity reduction. Recently, stomach intestinal pylorus sparing surgery (SIPS) has been introduced as a simpler and potentially safer variation of the duodenal switch (DS). It is a single anastomosis end-to-side proximal duodeno-ileal bypass with a sleeve gastrectomy. In this study, we compare our outcomes between biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) and SIPS at 2 years. SETTING: This is a retrospective analysis from a single surgeon at a single private institution. METHODS: We analyzed data from 182 patients retrospectively, 62 patients underwent BPD-DS while 120 other patients underwent SIPS between September 2011 and March 2015. A subset analysis was performed comparing data from both procedures to evaluate weight loss and complications. RESULTS: Of 182 patients, 156 patients were beyond 1 year postoperative mark and 99 patients were beyond 2 year postoperative mark. Five patients were lost to follow-up. None of our patients had complications resulting in death. BPD-DS and SIPS had statistically similar weight loss at 3 months but percent excess weight loss (%EWL) was more with BPD-DS than SIPS at 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. Patient lost a mean body mass index (BMI) of 23.3 (follow-up: 69%) and 20.3 kg/m2 (follow-up: 71%) at 2 years from the BPD-DS and SIPS surgery, respectively. However, patients who had undergone SIPS procedure had significantly shorter operative time, shorter length of stay, fewer perioperative and postoperative complications than BPD-DS (P<.001). Interestingly, even though BPD-DS patients lost slightly more weight, the actual final BMI for SIPS group was lower than BPD-DS group (25.6 versus 26.9) (P<.05). There was no statistical difference between 2 groups for postoperative nutritional data such as vitamins D, B1, B12, serum calcium, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), insulin, serum albumin, serum total protein, and lipid panel. CONCLUSION: The SIPS is a simplified DS procedure. The SIPS eliminates one anastomosis and compared with BPD-DS has fewer perioperative and postoperative complications, shorter operative time and length of stay, and similar nutritional results at 2 years. However, weight loss was more with BPD-DS. A fair criticism is that the vast majority of BPD-DS cases were done before the SIPS cases. As a result, experience and learning curve cannot be completely dismissed when viewing postoperative complications.

A Matched Cohort Analysis of Stomach Intestinal Pylorus Saving (SIPS) Surgery Versus Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch with Two-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: In bariatric surgery, the procedure with the highest average weight loss is the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPDDS). A new simplified duodenal switch called the stomach intestinal pylorus sparing (SIPS) surgery with less malabsorption and one fewer anastomosis claims to have similar outcomes when compared to the BPDDS. METHODS: A retrospective matched cohort analysis of SIPS versus BPDDS patients in a single private practice was obtained by matching every BPDDS to a SIPS patient of the same gender and BMI. Excess weight loss percentage (EWL), BMI, and percentage total weight loss (%TWL) were compared. Additionally, comorbidity resolution, nutritional data, and complications were also compared. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and comparative statistics. RESULTS: Over 2 years, there was no statistical difference in weight loss between BPDDS and SIPS. There also was no difference in nutritional data between the two procedures pre- and post-op. Complication rates were lower in SIPS however, due to the small sample sizes this is not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Weight loss and nutritional results between SIPS and BPDDS are similar at 2 years. However, there are fewer complications with SIPS.

A comparison of outcomes of bariatric surgery in patient greater than 70 with 18 month of follow up.

BACKGROUND: There is a scarcity of data available to determine the safety and effectiveness of bariatric surgery in the elderly population. Additionally, there are no studies showing the effect of the single anastomosis duodenal switch (SADS) has on the elderly obese, in comparison with other more popular procedures. Here we compare laparoscopic gastric band surgery (LAGB), Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (LRYGB), and the SADS to analyze the weight loss, perioperative and postoperative morbidity in the patients >70 years of age at a single US center. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 53 consecutive patients ≥70 years old who underwent weight loss surgery from 2009 to 2015.Weight loss in terms of the percentage excess body mass index lost (%EBMIL), percentage excess weight lost (%EWL) and body mass index (BMI) points lost, resolution of comorbidities, length of stay, early (30-day) and late complication rates were compared using descriptive statistics and non-linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 53 patients, 24 underwent LAGB, 14 underwent LRYGB and 15 underwent SADS. The average patient age was 72.7 ± 2.5 years (range, 70-81.4) and 66 % were females. There was no statistical difference in the demographic data between three groups except for age and sleep apnea. There were no operative or early deaths. There were differences in complication rates between the surgical arms; however, with our small data set statistical significance was not achieved. There was 1 patient who lost to follow up in SADS group. Follow up time period was 18 months.  % EBMIL and BMI reduction showed a statistically significant difference between the procedures, where the SADS had the highest loss of  %EBMIL and BMI points. Comorbidities prevalence decreased post-operatively with SADS having higher percentage of patients who had resolution of their comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Each of the three procedures can be performed on patients older than 70 with low morbidity rate. However, when the focus is weight loss alone, the SADS procedure is the most effective of the three procedures in regards to weight loss in the short term for patients older than 70. The SADS is as safe as RYGB but LAGB with all its limitations is still the safest bariatric procedure.

Mid-term outcomes of gastric bypass weight loss failure to duodenal switch.

BACKGROUND: The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a very effective treatment for obesity and its related co-morbidities. However, some patients fail to achieve>50% of their excess weight loss (EWL), and others regain much of the weight that they lost. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze early outcomes after conversion of RYGB to duodenal switch (DS) in terms of weight loss, change in co-morbidities, and complications. SETTING: This is a retrospective analysis from 1 surgeon at a single private institution. METHODS: We analyzed data from 32 obese patients retrospectively who underwent revision for failed RYGB. Nine patients underwent DS with Roux-en-Y reconstruction (RYDS), and 23 patients underwent single anastomosis DS between October 2012 and December 2015. Regression analyses were performed for all follow-up weight-loss data. RESULTS: The patients experienced mean EWL of 16.2% over an average of 16 years (range: 0-38) with their primary RYGB surgery. Of 32 patients who underwent revision DS, 22 patients are beyond the 1-year postoperative mark (follow-up 81.8%), and 15 patients are beyond the 2-year postoperative mark (follow-up 73.3%). One patient was lost to follow-up. The patients experienced mean EWL of 31.2%, 45.1%, 51%, 54.2%, 56%, and 56.4% at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively, after their revisional surgery. Mean total weight loss achieved at 12 and 24 months was 27.7% and 29.2%, respectively. There was no statistical significant difference in mean %EWL at 12 months (P = .468) and 24 months (P = .266) between RYDS and single anastomosis DS. CONCLUSION: A laparoscopic revision from RYGB to DS is an effective weight-loss operation with midterm follow-up of 2 years. Though long-term follow-up is warranted to measure recidivism, the initial data seem favorable.

Portal vein thrombosis after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: presentation and management.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a serious problem with a high morbidity and mortality, often exceeding 40% of affected patients. Recently, PVT has been reported in patients after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The frequency is surprisingly high compared with other abdominal operations. OBJECTIVE: We present a series of 5 patients with PVT after LSG. The treatment was not restricted simply to anticoagulation alone, but was determined by the extent of disease. A distinction is made among nonocclusive, high-grade nonocclusive, and occlusive PVT. We present evidence that systemic anticoagulation is insufficient in occlusive thrombosis and may also be insufficient in high-grade nonocclusive disease. SETTING: Single private institution, United States. METHODS: We present a retrospective analysis of 646 patients who underwent LSG between 2012 and 2015. In all patients, the diagnosis was established with an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan as well as duplex ultrasound of the portal venous system. All patients received systemic anticoagulation. Depending on the extent of disease, thrombolytic therapy and portal vein thrombectomy were utilized. All patients received long-term anticoagulation. RESULTS: Four patients with PVT were identified. A fifth patient with PVT after LSG was referred from another center. The mean age of all patients was 49 years. One patient had a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). No complications were identified intraoperatively or during the hospital stay, and all patients were discharged by postoperative day 2. The patients presented with PVT at an average of 20 days (range: 10-35) post-LSG. The CT scan was positive for PVT in all patients. In stable noncirrhotic patients with nonocclusive disease, we administered therapeutic anticoagulation. One patient with high-grade, nonocclusive PVT received anticoagulation alone. Patients with occlusive disease were treated with operative thrombectomy including intraoperative and postoperative thrombolysis (tissue plasminogen activator) with subsequent therapeutic anticoagulation, followed by oral warfarin or a factor Xa inhibitor. There was 1 death from multisystem organ failure in the patient who was referred from another institution with occlusive disease, initially managed only with an anticoagulation infusion. CONCLUSIONS: We maintain that portal vein patency is essential to normal gastrointestinal physiology and should be the treatment goal in all patients with PVT. In these patients, the therapeutic option should be guided by the extent of the thrombosis. In view of currently available approaches, we propose that operative portal vein thrombectomy, in conjunction with fibrinolysis and anticoagulation, offers the best long-term success in patients with occlusive PVT.

Stomach intestinal pylorus sparing surgery (SIPS) with laparoscopic fundoplication (LF): a new approach to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the setting of morbid obesity.

The increase in the prevalence of obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has paralleled one another. Laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) (Nissen or Toupet) is a minimally invasive form of anti-reflux surgery. The duodenal switch is a highly effective weight loss surgery with a proven record of long term weight loss success. However, fundoplication alone does not give satisfactory results when used for GERD in morbidly obese patients. Here we present a novel approach combining stomach intestinal pylorus sparing surgery (SIPS) with LF for morbidly obese patients with GERD. The data from patients who underwent the SIPS procedure along with LF in past year was retrospectively analyzed. The variables collected were age, sex, height, weight, intra-operative and post-operative complications, length of stay, operative time, and estimated blood loss. All revisions were excluded. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. The total sample size of the study was 5 patients, with a mean age of 59.6 ± 16.4 years, a mean weight of 292.1 ± 73.6 lbs., and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 43.4 ± 6.3. Weight loss patterns were the same as those without LF. All the 5 patients had resolution or improvement in their GERD symptoms within 6 months. SIPS with LF provides substantial and sustained weight loss and GERD resolution. Long term follow ups and further study on this novel surgical technique is recommended.