Cancer incidence, type, and survival after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Many types of cancer have been found to be associated with being overweight or obese. Literature has demonstrated a reduction in cancer risk in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVES: To compare the incidence and types of new cancer diagnoses, cumulative cancer incidence, cancer risk, and overall survival in patients with obesity who underwent bariatric surgery with that of those who did not. SETTING: Community-based academic medical center. METHODS: We retrospectively compared the rates and types of new incident cancers in a bariatric surgery cohort (Bariatric group) with those of a non-surgical cohort (Comparison group). The Comparison group was chosen from patients who had a clinic visit in our health system within 30 days of each bariatric surgical operation and matched on age, sex, and body mass index. Patients who had a cancer diagnosis prior to having bariatric surgery were excluded from the Bariatric group and patients who had a cancer diagnosis prior to the clinic visit on which they were matched were excluded from the Comparison group. Relative risk of cancer by type was calculated. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used for categorical data analysis, and Wilcoxon rank-sum for continuous data. The Kaplan Meier estimator with the log-rank test was used to compare overall survival between groups, while competing risks survival analysis with the Gray test for equality was used to compare cancer incidence in the Surgery group with that in the Comparison group. RESULTS: After matching, the Bariatric group had 1593 patients and the Comparison group had 2156. The Bariatric and Comparison groups had 82 and 222 new incident cancer cases, respectively (P < .001). The 10-year incidence of any new cancer in the Bariatric group was 6.5%, compared with an incidence of 12.1% in the Comparison group (P < .001). Relative risk of cancer in the Bariatric group was lower than that of the Comparison group, with the greatest differences in endometrial (88.8%), kidney (77.4%), thyroid (72.9%), and ductal carcinoma in situ (71.2%) cancers. The 10-year overall survival rate was higher in the Bariatric group than in the Comparison group, 93.3% versus 80.6%, respectively (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery reduces the risk for developing cancer and offers survival advantage when compared with similar patients who do not undergo bariatric surgery.

American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery position statement on one-anastomosis gastric bypass.

The following position statement is issued by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in response to inquiries made to the society by patients, physicians, society members, hospitals, health insurance payors, and others regarding one-anastomosis gastric bypass as a treatment for obesity and metabolic disease. This statement is based on current clinical knowledge, expert opinion, and published peer-reviewed scientific evidence available at this time. The statement may be revised in the future as more information becomes available.

Obesity, Bariatric Surgery, and Hip/Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes.

Obesity is an independent risk factor for osteoarthritis due to mechanical and inflammatory factors. The gold-standard treatment of end-stage knee and hip osteoarthritis is total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Weight loss decreases progression of osteoarthritis and complications following TJA in patients with obesity. Bariatric surgery allows significant, sustained weight loss and comorbidity resolution in patients with morbid obesity. Existing data describing bariatric surgery on TJA outcomes are limited but suggest a benefit to bariatric surgery prior to TJA. Further studies are needed to determine optimal risk stratification, bariatric procedure selection, and timing of bariatric surgery relative to TJA.

Pre-screening for bariatric surgery patients: comparative effectiveness of transnasal endoscopy versus esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic evaluation is frequently performed before bariatric surgery to identify foregut pathology that may alter procedure selection. Transnasal endoscopy (TNE) is an alternative to esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The objective of this study was to compare TNE to EGD. METHODS: Patients who underwent TNE or EGD before bariatric surgery from January 2012 through April 2019 were reviewed. Statistical analyses included Chi-square, Wilcoxon two-sample, and Fisher's exact tests. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Three hundred and forty-five patients underwent preoperative screening (63% EGD, 37% TNE) before bariatric surgery. Mean age and preoperative body mass index in the TNE and EGD groups were 46.2 ± 12.4 vs 45.5 ± 11.6 years (p = 0.58) and 46.5 ± 7.1 vs. 45.5 ± 6.1 kg/m2 (p = 0.25), respectively. Three TNEs were aborted, resulting in a success rate of 98%. Of patients who underwent EGD, 1 (0.5%) visited the emergency department (ED), and 7 (3%) called the nurse with post-procedure concerns. There were no ED visits or nurse calls from patients who underwent TNE. The median total time in the procedure room was 77 (57-97) min for EGD vs. 26 (8-33) min for TNE (p < 0.001). One patient who underwent TNE required subsequent EGD. Mean charge per patient for EGD and TNE was $5034.70 and $1464.00, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TNE was associated with less post-procedure care, shorter procedure time and fewer charges compared to EGD. TNE could be considered an initial screening tool for patients undergoing bariatric surgery, while EGD could be used selectively in patients with abnormal TNE findings.

Follow-up trends after emergency department discharge for acutely symptomatic hernias: A southwestern surgical congress multi-center trial.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this multi-center study was to examine the follow-up trends after emergency department (ED) discharge in a large and socioeconomically diverse patient population. METHODS: We performed a 3-year retrospective analysis of adult patients with acutely symptomatic hernias who were discharged from the EDs of five geographically diverse hospitals. RESULTS: Of 674 patients, 288 (43%) were evaluated in the clinic after discharge from the ED and 253 (37%) underwent repair. Follow-up was highest among those with insurance. A total of 119 patients (18%) returned to the ED for hernia-related complaints, of which 25 (21%) underwent urgent intervention. CONCLUSION: The plan of care for patients with acutely symptomatic hernias discharged from the ED depends on outpatient follow-up, but more than 50% of patients are lost to follow-up, and nearly 1 in 5 return to the ED. The uninsured are at particularly high risk.

Defining Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery: a Call for Standardization.

BACKGROUND: Some weight regain is expected after bariatric surgery; however, this concept is not well defined. A favorable weight loss response has commonly been defined as 50% excess weight loss (EWL). The medical literature uses %total weight loss (%TWL), which has recently been adopted in some surgical literature. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate variability in bariatric surgery outcomes based on the definition applied and propose a standardized definition. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent bariatric surgery from 2001 to 2016 with ≥ 1 year follow-up was completed. Several previously proposed definitions of weight regain were analyzed. RESULTS: One thousand five hundred seventy-four patients met inclusion criteria. Preoperative mean body mass index (BMI) was 47.6 ± 6.4 kg/m2. Increased preoperative BMI was associated with increased mean %TWL at 2 years postoperative (29.3 ± 9.1% for BMI < 40, vs. 37.5 ± 9.5% for BMI > 60; P < 0.001). Based on %EWL, 93% of patients experienced ≥ 50% EWL by 1-2 years, and 61.8% maintained ≥ 50% EWL through the 10-year follow-up period. Similarly, 97% experienced ≥ 20% TWL by 1-2 years and 70.3% maintained ≥ 20% TWL through the 10-year follow-up period. Over 50% of patients maintained their weight based on several proposed definitions through 5 years follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage (> 90%) of patients achieve ≥ 20% TWL and ≥ 50% EWL. Increased preoperative BMI was associated with increased %TWL and decreased %EWL at 2 years postoperative. The incidence of weight regain varies depending on the definition. We propose a standardized definition for identifying good responders following bariatric surgery to be ≥ 20% TWL, as this measure is least influenced by preoperative BMI.

The southwestern surgical congress multi-center trial on suspected common duct stones.

BACKGROUND: Choledocholithiasis is present in up to 15% of cholecystectomy patients. Treatment can be surgical, endoscopic, or via interventional radiology. We hypothesized significant heterogeneity between hospitals exists in the approach to suspected common duct stones. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients that had a preoperative MRCP, endoscopic ultrasound, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP), or intra-operative cholangiogram was performed. Comparisons were by Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests with significance of p < 0.05 for paired variables and p < 0.017 for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Twelve participating institutions identified 1263 patients (409 men and 854 women) with a median age of 49 years (IQR: 31-94). Liver function tests (LFT's) were elevated in 939 patients (75%), median bilirubin level 1.75 mg/dl (IQ: 0.8-3.7 mg/dl) and median common duct size 7 mm (IQR 5-10 mm). The most common initial procedure was cholecystectomy with IOC at seven institutions, endoscopy at four and MRCP at one. CONCLUSION: Significant variation exists within the surgical community regarding suspected common duct stones. These results underscore the need for a protocol for common duct stones to minimize multiple, redundant interventions.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus sleeve gastrectomy: what factors influence patient preference?

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are the most commonly performed bariatric procedures. RYGB involves altered gastrointestinal anatomy and 2 anastomoses, while SG involves gastric resection. When potential patients view images of the procedures, they may perceive RYGB to involve significant risk compared with SG, in which no significant gastrointestinal alterations are depicted. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate preferences for RYGB versus SG. SETTING: Survey of U.S. adults. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to 1000 U.S. adults. Respondents selected either RYGB or SG based on (1) procedural pictures alone, (2) only data on risks and benefits of each procedure, (3) pictures with corresponding risk/benefit profile, and (4) pictures with mismatched information. RESULTS: Overall, 999 individuals met inclusion criteria; 66 (7%) had undergone bariatric surgery and were excluded. Mean age and body mass index of respondents was 44.8 ± 14.6 years (n = 922) and 28.7 ± 8.0 kg/m2 (n = 915). A higher proportion of patients preferred RYGB to SG when images only were provided (54% versus 46%), when information only was provided (63% versus 37%), and when correct information with the procedure image was provided (57% versus 43%). When presented with mismatched information and images, 56% preferred RYGB information + SG image versus SG information + RYGB image (44%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on this survey, providing evidence-based risks and benefits of a procedure resulted in the majority of respondents choosing RYGB over SG. When procedure images were provided alone, preference for RYGB and SG were similar. There are likely other factors contributing to increasing SG volume aside from patient preference.

Long-term (>10-year) outcomes after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) has been the "gold standard" for weight loss surgery. Long-term data are limited, and reporting methods for LRYGB outcomes vary in the literature. In addition, follow-up compliance within bariatric centers is poor due to insurance and access to care issues, making long-term follow-up evaluation difficult. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate long-term LRYGB outcomes using standard outcome reporting definitions. SETTING: Integrated multispecialty health system. METHODS: A retrospective review of our institution's prospective bariatric surgery registry and integrated multispecialty electronic medical record system was completed for patients who underwent LRYGB from 2001 to 2015. Data were defined according to the 2015 Standards for Outcome Reporting. RESULTS: During the study period, 1402 patients underwent primary LRYGB; mean age and preoperative body mass index were 44.5±10.3 years and 47.5±6.2 kg/m2, respectively. Early complications included anastomotic leak (0.2%), venous thromboembolism (0.6%), surgical site infections (1.4%), and urinary tract infections (1.6%). The 30-day readmission rate was 3.5%. There were no 30-day mortalities. Follow-up weight data were available for>70% of eligible patients through 12 years postoperative. The highest mean percent excess weight loss and lowest body mass index were reached at 18 months postoperative at 79% and 30.1 kg/m2, respectively. Remission of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension were observed through 8 years postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of long-term (>10-year) outcomes from a single integrated health system using the 2015 Standards for Outcome Reporting. LRYGB results in significant, sustained weight loss and durable improvement and remission of obesity-related co-morbidities. Integrated healthcare systems provide an optimal environment for data collection and long-term follow-up.

Impact of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass versus sleeve gastrectomy on postoperative lipid values.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic surgery has been shown to significantly improve many obesity-related co-morbidities, including dyslipidemia. The literature has produced mixed results comparing postoperative lipid values after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) compared to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG); with some indicating significantly greater reductions in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in LRYGB versus LSG, and others reporting no significant differences. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the postoperative lipid values after LRYGB versus LSG at a community hospital. SETTING: Integrated multispecialty health system with a community teaching hospital. METHODS: A retrospective review of our prospective database was completed to identify patients who underwent either LRYGB or LSG at our institution from 2001 through 2013. Lipid values available at 6-18 months postoperative were evaluated. Statistical analysis included χ2 and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. A P value<.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There were 1326 and 121 patients who underwent LRYGB and LSG during the study period, respectively. Of these patients, 644 LRYGB and 67 LSG patients had pre- and postoperative lipid values available and included in the final analysis. Postoperative mean total cholesterol and LDL values were significantly lower in LYRGB versus LSG patients. Postoperatively, 10% and 30% of LRYGB and LSG patients had a total cholesterol values≥200 mg/dL (P<.001); 4% and 24% had LDL values≥130 mg/dL (P<.001); and 8% and 9% had triglyceride levels>130 mg/dL (P = .68), respectively. HDL values were within the recommended range in 52% and 57% of LRYGB and LSG patients, respectively (P = .64). CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent LRYGB had a greater postoperative reduction in total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides. LRYGB may be the more appropriate bariatric procedure for patients with significant preoperative hypercholesterolemia.

Fellowship Training: Need and Contributions.

Surgical subspecialties are now well established, and many surgery residents pursue fellowship training for various reasons. Fellowships can bridge the gaps found in many residency programs by providing graduating residents with opportunities to master surgical skills, gain confidence and progressive autonomy, and receive further mentorship. The experience also eases the transition to independent practice by allowing surgeons to tailor their training to coincide with personal interests and future practice goals. It is unlikely that the number of surgery residents pursuing fellowship training will decrease, so it is important to provide the infrastructure, oversight, and opportunities to meet their needs.

Management of biliary symptoms after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Biliary disease requiring intervention can be complicated in the postbariatric surgery patient. METHODS: A retrospective review was completed to identify patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy from September 2001 to September 2014, and those who underwent biliary intervention were identified. RESULTS: A total of 1527 patients underwent bariatric surgery during the study period. Of the 1,112 patients without prior cholecystectomy, 91 (8%) had biliary symptoms requiring intervention. Ninety patients underwent cholecystectomy, with 86 successfully completed laparoscopically. Six patients required laparoscopy-assisted percutaneous transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography along with cholecystectomy to clear gallstones from the common bile duct. Three patients who had undergone cholecystectomy before bariatric surgery developed primary common bile duct stones. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for biliary disease after bariatric surgery can be completed successfully with minimal complications, and percutaneous transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography has a high success rate of access to and clearance of the biliary tree.

Reoperative antireflux surgery.

Patient satisfaction with primary antireflux surgery is high, but a small percentage of patients experience recurrent reflux and dysphagia, requiring reoperation. The major anatomic causes of failed fundoplication are slipped fundoplication, failure to identify a short esophagus, and problems with the wrap. Minimally invasive surgery has become more common for these procedures. Options for surgery include redo fundoplication with hiatal hernia repair if needed, conversion to Roux-en-Y anatomy, or, as a last resort, esophagectomy. Conversion to Roux-en-Y anatomy has a high rate of success, making this approach an important option in the properly selected patient.

Biliary issues in the bariatric population.

Biliary disease is common in the obese population and increases after bariatric surgery. This article reviews management of the gallbladder at the time of bariatric surgery, as well as imaging modalities in the bariatric surgery population and prevention of lithogenesis in the rapid weight loss phase. In addition, diagnosis and treatment options for biliary diseases are discussed, including laparoscopic-assisted percutaneous transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the patient having bariatric surgery.

Intensive care unit stay not required for patients with obstructive sleep apnea after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Many programs admit morbidly obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to the intensive care unit after laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB), fearing pulmonary complications. Our practice has been to admit these patients to the surgical floor. Our objective was to compare the perioperative course and outcomes in morbidly obese patients with OSA to those of patients without OSA undergoing LGB in a physician-led health system with a 325-bed community teaching hospital serving 19 counties. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 650 patients who had undergone LGB from 2001 to 2008 and divided them into 2 groups: patients with OSA as confirmed by polysomnography (OSA group) and those without OSA (non-OSA group). The patients who reported a diagnosis of OSA without documentation confirming the diagnosis were excluded. The statistical analysis included t tests and chi-square tests. RESULTS: A total of 217 patients met the inclusion criteria for the OSA cohort and 368 for the non-OSA cohort. Of the 650 patients, 65 reported a history of OSA without confirmation and were excluded from the present study, leaving 585 patients. The demographic data were similar between the 2 groups, and no difference was found between the OSA and non-OSA groups for the length of postanesthesia care unit stay (105.4 versus 106.3 minutes), length of hospital stay (2.2 days for both groups), and 30-day major complication rate (3.7% versus 5.2%). No deaths and no intensive care unit admissions for pulmonary complications occurred in either group. CONCLUSION: The results of our study have shown that morbidly obese patients with OSA undergoing LGB have a perioperative course and postoperative pulmonary complication rate similar to that of patients without OSA. Thus, routine admission to the intensive care unit after LGB in patients with OSA is not indicated.

Video. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy for splenic artery aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Large splenic artery aneurysms are rare but comprise 60% of all visceral artery aneurysms. Most are found incidentally and rupture in the nonpregnant patient has an approximate 25 to 36% mortality rate. Historically these have been managed with an open surgical approach for resection. METHODS: We present the case of a 43-year-old man with a recent episode of bacterial endocarditis with an incidental finding of a large 6-cm splenic artery aneurysm. There was noted to be splenic vein occlusion and multiple splenic infarcts versus abscesses on preoperative imaging. There were concerns that this represented a mycotic aneurysm. He underwent laparoscopic en bloc splenic artery aneurysm resection with splenectomy and distal pancreatectomy with preoperative prophylactic balloon catheter placement. RESULTS: His large splenic artery aneurysm was adjacent to the splenic hilum. Due to the splenic vein occlusion, there were large collateral vessels complicating the dissection. Additionally, the aneurysm had dense adhesions to the tail of the pancreas from a desmoplastic reaction. To safely remove the aneurysm, a distal pancreatectomy was included with resection of the spleen. The specimen was successfully removed intact using the laparoscopic approach. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged home on postoperative day 2. Final pathology revealed no evidence of bacterial etiology. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy is an appropriate minimally invasive option for the treatment of splenic artery aneurysms. This video demonstrates the technical challenges and management options for successfully completing a distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy in the face of a splenic artery aneurysm.

Benefits of laparoscopic fellowship training: a survey of former fellows.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) fellowship training on the fellows' clinical practice as well as former fellows' perception of their fellowship experience. METHODS: A survey composed of 50 multiple-choice questions was e-mailed to 268 former MIS fellows who began a fellowship in the United States between 2000 and 2005. E-mail addresses were obtained from Covidien, an industry sponsor of MIS fellowships. RESULTS: The response rate was 30%. The most frequent reason for choosing an MIS fellowship was to enhance laparoscopic skills (34%). A total of 85% believed that an MIS fellowship provided an edge on referral of advanced laparoscopic procedures. In all, 75% indicated that their fellowship was extremely beneficial, and 86% would recommend their former fellowship to future applicants. CONCLUSION: The majority of respondents felt that their MIS fellowship experience was beneficial and had a positive impact on their laparoscopic knowledge base, skills, referrals, and career.