Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy as a First Step Procedure for Oncologic Purposes: An Indication Beyond the Updated Guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a well-established risk factor for cancer. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is established as a safe procedure providing accelerated weight loss and comorbidity improvement or remission. Additionally, it is approved as a bridging procedure for various non-oncologic surgeries, with very limited data for oncologic procedures. The aim of this study is to present a series of patients with severe obesity and concomitant cancer who underwent LSG prior to definitive oncological procedure. METHODS: A retrospective review (2008-2023) was conducted in three institutions, identifying 5 patients with cancer and severe obesity who underwent LSG as bridging procedure. Variables analyzed were initial weight, initial body mass index (BMI), type of malignancy, comorbidities, interval between LSG and oncological surgery, weight and BMI before the second intervention, percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), and postoperative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Malignancies identified were 2 prostate cancers, 1 periampullary neuroendocrine tumor, 1 rectal cancer, and 1 renal clear cell carcinoma. Mean age of patients was 50.2 years, mean initial BMI 47.4 kg/ m 2 , and mean BMI before oncological surgery 37 kg/ m 2 . Mean time interval between LSG and oncological surgery was 8.3 months. Mean %EWL achieved was 45.2%. Two thromboembolic events were encountered after LSG, while none of the patients developed complications after definitive oncological treatment. The mean follow-up after oncological surgery was 61.6 months. CONCLUSION: LSG can be proposed as bridging procedure before oncological surgery in meticulously selected patients. Achieved weight loss can render subsequent oncological procedures easier and safer.

Technical Variations and Considerations around OAGB in IFSO-APC and IFSO-MENAC Chapters, an Expert Survey.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the technical variations of one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) among IFSO-APC and MENAC experts. BACKGROUND: The multitude of technical variations and patient selection challenges among metabolic and bariatric surgeons worldwide necessitates a heightened awareness of these issues. Understanding different perspectives and viewpoints can empower surgeons performing OAGB to adapt their techniques, leading to improved outcomes and reduced complications. METHODS: The scientific team of IFSO-APC, consisting of skilled bariatric and metabolic surgeons specializing in OAGB, conducted a confidential online survey. The survey aimed to assess technical variations and considerations related to OAGB within the IFSO-APC and IFSO-MENAC chapters. A total of 85 OAGB experts participated in the survey, providing their responses through a 35-question online format. The survey took place from January 1, 2024, to February 15, 2024. RESULTS: Most experts do not perform OAGB for children and adolescents younger than 18 years. Most experts create the gastric pouch over a 36-40-F bougie and prefer to create a gastrojejunostomy, at the posterior wall of the gastric pouch. An anti-reflux suture during OAGB is performed in all patients by 51.8% of experts. Most experts set a common limb length of > 4 m in revisional and conversional OAGBs to prevent nutritional complications. CONCLUSION: The ongoing debate among metabolic and bariatric surgeons regarding the technical variations and patient selection in OAGB remains a significant point of discussion. This survey demonstrated the variations in technical aspects and patient selection for OAGB among MBS surgeons in the IFSO-APC and IFSO-MENAC chapters. Standardizing the OAGB technique is crucial to ensure optimal safety and efficacy in this procedure.

Bariatric Evaluation Through AI: a Survey of Expert Opinions Versus ChatGPT-4 (BETA-SEOV).

BACKGROUND: Recent advancements in artificial intelligence, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT-4, are revolutionizing various sectors, including healthcare. This study investigates the use of ChatGPT-4 in identifying suitable candidates for bariatric surgery and providing surgical recommendations to improve decision-making in obesity treatment amid the global obesity epidemic. METHODS: We devised ten patient scenarios, thoughtfully encompassing a spectrum that spans from uncomplicated cases to more complex ones. Our objective was to delve into the decision-making process regarding the recommendation of bariatric surgery. From July 29th to August 10th, 2023, we conducted a voluntary online survey involving thirty prominent bariatric surgeons, ensuring that there was no predetermined bias in the selection of a specific type of bariatric surgery. This survey was designed to collect their insights on these scenarios and gain a deeper understanding of their professional experience and background in the field of bariatric surgery. Additionally, we consulted ChatGPT-4 in two separate conversations to evaluate its alignment with expert opinions on bariatric surgery options. RESULTS: In 40% of the scenarios, disparities were identified between the two conversations with ChatGPT-4. It matched expert opinions in 30% of cases. Differences were noted in cases like gastrointestinal metaplasia and gastric adenocarcinoma, but there was alignment with conditions like endometriosis and GERD. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of ChatGPT-4's role in determining bariatric surgery suitability uncovered both potential and shortcomings. Its alignment with experts was inconsistent, and it often overlooked key factors, emphasizing human expertise's value. Its current use requires caution, and further refinement is needed for clinical application.

Adjustable Gastric Banding Conversion to One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass: Data Analysis of a Multicenter Database.

INTRODUCTION: One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) has been proposed as a rescue technique for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) poor responders. AIM: We sought to analyze, complications, mortality, and medium-term weight loss results after LAGB conversion to OAGB. METHODS: Data analysis of an international multicenter database. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-nine LAGB-to-OAGB operations were retrospectively analyzed. Eighty-seven (46.0%) were converted in one stage. Patients operated on in two stages had a higher preoperative body mass index (BMI) (37.9 vs. 41.3 kg/m2, p = 0.0007) and were more likely to have encountered technical complications, such as slippage or erosions (36% vs. 78%, p < 0.0001). Postoperative complications occurred in 4.8% of the patients (4.6% and 4.9% in the one-stage and the two-stage group, respectively). Leak rate, bleeding episodes, and mortality were 2.6%, 0.5%, and 0.5%, respectively. The final BMI was 30.2 at a mean follow-up of 31.4 months. Follow-up at 1, 3, and 5 years was 100%, 88%, and 70%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Conversion from LAGB to OAGB is safe and effective. The one-stage approach appears to be the preferred option in non-complicate cases, while the two-step approach is mostly done for more complicated cases.

The Beirut Port Explosion Injuries and Lessons Learned: Results of the Beirut Blast Assessment for Surgical Services (BASS) Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: This multicenter study aims to describe the injury patterns, emergency management and outcomes of the blast victims, recognize the gaps in hospital disaster preparedness, and identify lessons to be learned. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: On August 4th, 2020, the city of Beirut, Lebanon suffered the largest urban explosion since Hiroshima and Nagasaki, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. METHODS: All injured patients admitted to four of the largest Beirut hospitals within 72 hours of the blast, including those who died on arrival or in the emergency department (ED), were included. Medical records were systematically reviewed for: patient demographics and comorbidities; injury severity and characteristics; prehospital, ED, operative, and inpatient interventions; and outcomes at hospital discharge. Lessons learned are also shared. RESULTS: An estimated total of 1818 patients were included, of which 30 died on arrival or in the ED and 315 were admitted to the hospital. Among admitted patients, the mean age was 44.7 years (range: 1 week-93 years), 44.4% were female, and the median injury severity score (ISS) was 10 (5, 17). ISS was inversely related to the distance from the blast epicenter (r = --0.18, P = 0.035). Most injuries involved the upper extremities (53.7%), face (42.2%), and head (40.3%). Mildly injured (ISS <9) patients overwhelmed the ED in the first 2 hours; from hour 2 to hour 8 post-injury, the number of moderately, severely, and profoundly injured patients increased by 127%, 25% and 17%, respectively. A total of 475 operative procedures were performed in 239 patients, most commonly soft tissue debridement or repair (119 patients, 49.8%), limb fracture fixation (107, 44.8%), and tendon repair (56, 23.4%). A total of 11 patients (3.5%) died during the hospitalization, 56 (17.8%) developed at least 1 complication, and 51 (16.2%) were discharged with documented long-term disability. Main lessons learned included: the importance of having key hospital functions (eg, laboratory, operating room) underground; the nonadaptability of electronic medical records to disasters; the ED overwhelming with mild injuries, delay in arrival of the severely injured; and the need for realistic disaster drills. CONCLUSIONS: We, therefore, describe the injury patterns, emergency flow and trauma outcome of patients injured in the Beirut port explosion. The clinical and system-level lessons learned can help prepare for the next disaster.

Plasma cells and lymphoid aggregates in sleeve gastrectomy specimens: Normal or gastritis?

Lymphoid follicles/aggregates in gastric biopsies have been traditionally linked to Helicobacter pylori gastritis, and less commonly to other inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. The frequency of such aggregates in normal stomachs has yet to be adequately evaluated. This is especially relevant when it comes to diagnosing non-specific chronic gastritis in biopsy specimens with chronic inflammation but no evidence of H pylori infection. Sleeve gastrectomies represent an opportunity to study adequately preserved gastric mucosa in patients who are otherwise asymptomatic and lack a history of gastric disease.To study sleeve gastrectomy specimens to quantify the amount of lymphoid follicles/aggregates and lymphocytic infiltration in normal stomachs.Sixty-eight bariatric sleeve gastrectomies and 13 control specimens from Whipple resections were examined for multiple histologic features including type, quantity, and distribution of chronic inflammation and lymphoid follicles/aggregates. Presence of H pylori was documented by both Hematoxylin and eosin-stained (H&E) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Clinical information including age, sex, medication intake, prior endoscopy, and/or H pylori infection was recorded. The patient population was divided in 2 groups, H pylori negative versus H pylori positive, and statistical analysis was performed by a biostatistician.Two hundred sixty three fundic sections from 68 bariatric patients were examined. Fifty three patients were found to be H pylori-negative, compared with 15 who were positive for H pylori. Among the H pylori-negative group, the average number of lymphoid aggregates was 3.33, compared with an average of 6.26 in the H pylori positive group (the difference was statistically significant with a P-value of .008). The average number of plasma cells per high power field was 2.15 in the H pylori negative group, compared and average of 5.07 in the H pylori positive group (the difference was also statistically significant with a P-value <.001). Clinically, 10 of the 53 H pylori-negative patients had esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) that showed endoscopic mild non-erosive gastric erythema. The remaining had no documentation of symptoms or medication intake, including Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI).Our results suggest that the presence of lymphoid aggregates and plasma cells infiltration can be a normal finding in otherwise normal gastric mucosa, though more pronounced in H pylori infected patients.

The Effect of Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine Versus Morphine on Postoperative Morphine Requirements After Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine is an α2 receptor agonist with sedative and analgesic properties. During bariatric surgery, its use may reduce postoperative opioid requirements, reduce their side effects, and improve quality of recovery. The aim of this prospective randomized controlled trial was to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine bolus and infusion versus morphine bolus given prior to the end of laparoscopic bariatric surgery. METHODS: Sixty morbidly obese patients (BMI > 40 kg m-2) aged 18 to 60 years, undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, received morphine sulfate (bolus 0.08 mg kg-1 followed by a saline infusion) (group M, n = 30) or dexmedetomidine (loading dose of 1 µg kg-1 followed by 0.5 µg kg-1 h-1) (group D, n = 30) 30 min before the end of surgery. Data collected included morphine consumption in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) (primary outcome) and at 24 h, pain intensity, nausea, heart rate, blood pressure, vomiting, sedation, and quality of recovery. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in morphine consumption in the PACU (group D 12.2 ± 5.44 mg, group M 13.28 ± 6.64 mg, P = 0.54) or at 24 h (group D 40.67 ± 24.78 mg, group M 43.28 ± 27.79 mg, P = 0.75); when accounting for intraoperative morphine given group M had significantly higher morphine consumption when compared to group D (23.48 ± 6.22 mg vs. 12.22 ± 5.54 mg, respectively, P < 0.01). Group D patients had more cardiovascular stability. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine given prior to end of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy provides the same level of postoperative analgesia as morphine with better hemodynamic profile.

Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux and risk factors for erosive esophagitis in obese patients considered for bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in obese individuals. Prospective studies investigating validated GERD questionnaires and clinical parameters at identifying erosive esophagitis (EE) in this population are limited. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the prevalence of GERD in obese patients considered for bariatric surgery and identify risk and predictive factors for EE. METHODS: Eligible patients completed two validated questionnaires: GERDQ and Nocturnal Symptom Severity Impact (N-GSSIQ) before routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy. RESULTS: 242 consecutive patients were enrolled (130 females; mean age 37.8 ± 11.8 years; mean BMI 40.4 ± 5.3 kg/m2). The overall prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux (GERDQ ≥ 8, EE and/or PPI use) was 62.4%. EE was identified in 82 patients (33.9%) including 13/62 (21.0%) receiving PPIs at baseline. Multivariate logistic regression identified GERDQ ≥ 8 (OR = 6.3, 95%CI 3.0-13.1), hiatal hernia (OR = 4.2, 95%CI 1.6-10.7), abnormal Hill grade (OR = 2.7, 95%CI 1.4-5.4), and tobacco use (OR = 2.5, 95%CI 1.2-4.9) as independent risk factors for EE. A pre-endoscopic composite assessment including GERDQ ≥ 8 and presence of severe nocturnal reflux symptoms had 90% specificity and 20.7% sensitivity in identifying EE (NPV 68.9% and PPV 51.5%). CONCLUSION: GERD is highly prevalent in obese patients. Anthropometric data and GERD questionnaires have limited accuracy at predicting erosive disease. Pre-operative endoscopic assessment in this population appears warranted.

Does intraoperative endoscopy decrease complications after bariatric surgery? Analysis of American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative endoscopy (IOE) has been proposed to decrease serious complications following bariatric surgeries such as leaks, bleeding, and stenosis. Such complications can lead to sepsis and eventually can be fatal. We aim to compare major postoperative complications in patients with and without IOE. METHODS: Data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database years 2011 till 2016 were used to identify laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) patients. We compared outcomes of IOE and non-IOE using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Thirty-day outcomes included sepsis, organ space infection, unplanned reoperations, unplanned readmissions, prolonged hospital stay, bleeding, and mortality. RESULTS: Out of 62,805 cases of LSG and 50,047 cases of LRYGB, 17.9%, and 19.7% had IOE, respectively. Endoscopy-assisted LSG was associated with a decrease in sepsis [0.37% vs. 0.21%, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.55 (0.36, 0.84)], unplanned reoperation [0.58% vs. 0.38%, AOR = 0.61 (0.44, 0.85)], prolonged hospital stay [14.9% vs. 14.0%, AOR = 0.87 (0.82, 0.92)], and composite complications [1.43% vs. 1.17%, AOR = 0.78 (0.65, 0.94)]. Outcomes after LRYGB were similar in both groups, except for decreased prolonged hospital stay with IOE [22.4% vs. 20.6%, AOR = 0.89 (0.84, 0.94)]. CONCLUSIONS: IOE is generally underutilized in baraitric procedures. IOE is associated with decreased risk of postoperative complications particularly sepsis, unplanned reoperations, prolonged hospital stay, and composite complications after LSG; and hospital stay after LRYGB. Large multicenter prospective studies are needed to explore the benefits of IOE in bariatric surgery, particularly the intermediate or long-term benefits.

Increased adverse outcomes after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in older super-obese patients: analysis of American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become the most popular bariatric operation over the last decade. Extreme obesity and increasing age have been generally associated with higher risks of complications after bariatric surgery. The postoperative risk for complications after SG has not been previously presented according to simultaneous grouping of body mass index (BMI) and age. OBJECTIVE: We aim to explore the association of age and BMI in determining the postoperative risk of SG from a national perspective. SETTING: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. METHODS: We analyzed patient characteristics and operative outcomes of the 2010 to 2013 SG cohort available in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (N = 21,131). Patients were grouped based on age and BMI: young-obese (N = 10,291; <50 yr, BMI <0 kg/m2; reference group), young-super-obese (N = 3594; <50 yr and BMI ≥50 kg/m2), older-obese (N = 5636; ≥50 yr, BMI <0 kg/m2), and older-super-obese (N = 1610; ≥50 yr, BMI ≥50 kg/m2). Composite morbidity and/or mortality (M&M) was used as the primary outcome and risk-adjusted odds ratios (AOR[M&M]) were derived by logistic regression. M&M was a composite of surgical site, renal, neurologic, cardiac, thromboembolic, respiratory, septic and bleeding complications, unplanned readmissions, prolonged stay, and death. RESULTS: Overall operative mortality was low (.1%) but significantly worse in older-super-obese patients (.37%; P = .005). M&M rates were lowest in young-obese (5.8%), similarly worse in young-super-obese (7.0%) and older-obese (7.0%), and highest for older-super-obese (10.1%; P < .001). After comprehensive covariate risk adjustment, the composite M&M outcome after SG was significantly increased (42%) only in older-super-obese patients (AOR = 1.42 [1.16-1.73]), while older age alone (AOR = 1.09 [.94-1.25]) and super obesity alone (AOR = 1.09 [.93-1.28]) did not. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program showed that super obesity is associated with increased complications in older patients undergoing SG. Older-super-obese patients should be appropriately counseled about increased SG perioperative risks within the context of expected long-term benefits.

The effect of bariatric surgery on inflammatory markers in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

AIM: The aims of this study is to address the improvement in CRP and adiponectin in obese PCOS and non PCOS after bariatric surgery, and to show that obese PCOS women have a slower rate of improvement when compared to obese non PCOS women. METHODS: This is a prospective case-control study evaluating the effect of weight loss by sleeve gastrectomy among obese PCOS patients. RESULTS: There was a 36.28% of weight loss among obese PCOS and 33.04% among the control group at 12 months. Both groups showed a significant increase in the adiponectin levels at 3, 6 and 12 months' post-surgery. The rate of increase was higher in the obese non PCOS women (4.93 ±â€¯1.79-9.79 ±â€¯3.9) compared to obese PCOS women (5.05 ±â€¯1.98-7.25 ±â€¯0.21). The CRP levels decreased with weight loss after the surgery to reach statistical significance at 3 months in obese PCOS group (4.18 ±â€¯3.94, p = 0.048). CONCLUSION: The degree of weight loss after surgery was effective in lowering CRP and increasing adiponectin levels in PCOS women. However, this improvement was slower compared to obese non PCOS patients. A genetic predisposition to insulin resistance might explain these findings.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or one anastomosis gastric bypass as rescue therapy after failed adjustable gastric banding: a multicenter comparative study.

BACKGROUND: To date, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding remains the third most commonly performed surgical procedure for weight loss. Some patients fail to get acceptable outcomes and undergo revisional surgery at rates ranging from 7% to 60%. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are among the most common salvage options for failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of converting failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding to RYGB, OAGB, or SG. METHODS: Data collected from 7 experienced bariatric centers around the world were retrospectively collected, reviewed, and analyzed. Final body mass index (BMI), change in BMI, percentage excess BMI loss, and major complications with particular attention to leaks, hemorrhage, and mortality were reported. RESULTS: Of 1219 patients analyzed, 74% underwent RYGB, 16% underwent OAGB, and 10% underwent SG after banding failure. The mean age was 38 years (±10 yr), and 82% of patients were women. The mean follow-up was 33 months. The follow-up rate was 100%, 87%, and 52% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. At the latest follow-up, percentage excess BMI loss >50% was achieved by 75% of RYGB, 85% of OAGB, and 67% of SG patients. Postoperative complications occurred in 13% of patients after RYGB, 5% after OAGB, and 15% after SG. CONCLUSION: Our data show that it is possible to achieve or maintain significant weight loss with an acceptable complication rate with all 3 surgical options.

Erratum: Triple thrombophilic simultaneous mutations in patients after bariatric surgery: is there a role for screening in the Eastern Mediterranean?

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjy135.][This corrects the article DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjy135.].

Triple thrombophilic simultaneous mutations in patients after bariatric surgery: is there a role for screening in the Eastern Mediterranean?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Thrombophilia is a hypercoagulable state that predisposes to thrombosis. Several genetic risk factors have been shown to predispose to thromboembolic events. Homozygosity to a thrombophilic mutation certainly predisposes the affected patient to more serious symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here we present a case of a 56-year-old male patient who underwent sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity, presenting to our institution with abdominal pain. Investigations revealed thrombosis of the splenic, axillary vein as well as the right pulmonary artery. The patient was found to have triple thrombophilic mutations. RESULTS: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of three specific simultaneous thrombophilic mutations in a patient from the Eastern Middle East. CONCLUSION: We suggest a role for screening for thrombophilic mutations in the Eastern Mediterranean patients undergoing bariatric surgeries for morbid obesity due to the increased risk of thrombosis in this group of patients.

Correction to: Comparison of Early Morbidity and Mortality Between Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass in High-Risk Patients for Liver Disease: Analysis of American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

The authors regret that some of the article text, which was in the original manuscript and was intended for and addressed to the reviewers during the review process of this article, was mistakenly overlooked during the proofs stage and remains in the published article.

Comparison of Early Morbidity and Mortality Between Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass in High-Risk Patients for Liver Disease: Analysis of American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic liver disease is prevalent in obese patients presenting for bariatric surgery and is associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality (M&M). There are no comparative studies on the safety of different types of bariatric operations in this subset of patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the 30-day postoperative M&M between laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-Y-gastric bypass (LRYGB) in the subset of patients with a model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score ≥ 8. METHODS: Data for LSG and LRYGB were extracted from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database from years 2012 and 2013. MELD score was calculated using serum creatinine, bilirubin, INR, and sodium. Postoperative M&M were assessed in patients with a score ≥ 8 and compared for the type of operation. This was followed by analysis for MELD subcategories. Multiple logistic regression was performed to adjust for confounders. RESULTS: Out of 34,169, 9.8% of cases had MELD ≥ 8 and were included. Primary endpoint, 30-day M&M, was significantly lower post-LSG (9.5%) compared to LRYGB (14.7%); [AOR = 0.66(0.53, 0.83)]. Superficial wound infection, prolonged hospital stay, and unplanned readmission were more common in LRYGB. M&M post-LRYGB (30.6%) was significantly higher than LSG (15.7%) among MELD15-19 subgroup analysis. CONCLUSION: LRYGB is associated with a higher postoperative risk than LSG in patients with MELD ≥ 8. The difference in postoperative complications between procedures was magnified with higher MELD. This suggests that LSG might be a safer option in morbidly obese patients with higher MELD scores, especially above 15.

Comparison of Outcomes Between Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy in a Lebanese Bariatric Surgical Practice.

PURPOSE: Long-term studies on the outcomes of bariatric surgery are still limited in the Middle East. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) up to 5 years of follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent LRYGB and LSG was performed. The primary outcome was weight loss. Postoperative complications, operative time, and hospital length of stay were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Four hundred patients underwent primary LSG and 175 patients underwent LRYGB between 2008 and 2013. Follow-up rates at 5 years were around 60%. Percent total weight loss was similar after 3, 4, and 5 years in both groups, averaging around 28%. Mean percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 5 years was 72.0 ± 31.0% in the LSG group vs. 63.0 ± 21.0% in the LRYGB group (p = 0.03). Patients undergoing LRYGB had a significantly longer operative time as well as a longer hospital stay. No significant difference was found in the rates of short- and long-term complications between the two groups. However, patients undergoing LRYGB were more likely to develop small intestinal obstruction and iron-deficiency anemia. CONCLUSIONS: Both LSG and LRYGB result in satisfactory weight loss within 5 years. Patients' comorbidities and potential risks must be included in the choice of the appropriate bariatric procedure. LSG appears to give durable weight loss with less risk of major long-term complications.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy with Concomitant Hiatal Hernia Repair: an Unresolved Question.

PURPOSE: The effectiveness of the concomitant repair of hiatal hernia (HHR) during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in reducing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms is still unclear. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of concomitant HHR on postoperative GERD symptoms in our patient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent LSG with or without HHR between 2011and 2014 was performed. Pre- and postoperative GERD symptoms were assessed at different time intervals until a maximum of 2 years after the surgery. RESULTS: The study included 165 patients; 76 (46%) underwent LSG with concomitant HHR (group A) while the rest underwent only LSG (group B). Baseline GERD complaints were more prevalent in group A (61.8 vs 41.6%, p = 0.04), in which 44 patients (57.9%) had evidence of hiatal hernia on preoperative EGD. In the remaining 32 patients, it was diagnosed intraoperatively. GERD symptoms did not significantly differ between the two groups after years 1 and 2. GERD remission was observed in 21.3% of the 76 patients who underwent concomitant HHR (group A) and in 29.7% of those who did not (group B) while new-onset GERD symptoms were reported in 12 patients (41.4%) in group A and in 24 patients (46.2%) in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Routine HHR at the time of LSG does not show an improvement in GERD symptoms. More prospective studies are needed to clarify the role of the routine dissection, identification, and repair of concomitant hiatal hernia during LSG.

Safety of concomitant cholecystectomy at the time of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

BACKGROUND: The indication and safety of concomitant cholecystectomy (CC) during bariatric surgical procedures are topics of controversy. Studies on the outcomes of CC with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are scarce. OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and 30-day surgical outcomes of CC with LSG. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database 2010 to 2013. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2013, 21,137 patients underwent LSG; of those 422 (2.0%) underwent CC (LSG+CC), and the majority (20,715 [98%]) underwent LSG alone. Patients in both groups were similar in age, sex distribution, baseline weight, and body mass index. The average surgical time was significantly higher, by 33 minutes, in the LSG+CC cohort. No differences were noted between the groups with regard to overall 30-day mortality and length of hospital stay. CC increased the odds of any adverse event (5.7% versus 4.0%), but the difference did not reach statistical significance (odds ratio 1.49, P = .07). Two complications were noted to be significantly higher with LSG+CC, namely bleeding (P = .04) and pneumonia (P = .02). CONCLUSION: CC during LSG appears to be a safe procedure with slightly increased risk of bleeding and pneumonia compared with LSG alone. When factoring the potential risk and cost of further hospitalization for deferred cholecystectomy, these data support CC for established gallbladder disease.

Long-Term Outcomes of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Conversion of Failed Laparoscopic Gastric Band.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) carries a high rate of failure and reoperation. Laparoscopic conversion of failed LAGB to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been shown to be safe and feasible, but long-term follow-up data is still limited. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of RYGB after failed LAGB in our patient population. SETTING: The setting was the University Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon. METHODS: Using a prospectively collected database, we retrospectively reviewed data of patients who underwent LAGB revision to RYGB at our institution between 2006 and 2014. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients underwent RYGB after failed LAGB in our institution between 2006 and 2014. Of those, 20 patients (34.5%) had concomitant band removal while the rest underwent a two-stage RYGB after a mean of 30 months after band removal. A follow-up was achieved in 84.5, 82, 83, 95, and 76% of patients at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years after RYGB. Percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was 62.8, 68.1, 64.2, 63.8, and 61.3% at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years, respectively, while percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) was 28.4, 30.7, 29.4, 28.9, and 28.6% at the corresponding time periods. The most common short-term complications were abscesses/leaks (5.2%) while the most common long-term complications were symptomatic gallstones necessitating laparoscopic cholecystectomy (5.2%), incisional hernias (5.2%), and small-bowel obstruction (3.4%). No surgery-related mortality was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: RYGB is a safe procedure with favorable weight loss outcomes at 5 years and can be considered a good rescue procedure after failed LAGB.