Goal-directed program after sleeve gastrectomy improves weight loss.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study is to determine if a goal-directed program improves weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy. METHODS: Our goal-directed program involves setting excess weight loss targets at fixed intervals after sleeve gastrectomy. We identified patients in 3 bariatric centers between April 2010 and July 2013 and compared the center that has a goal-directed weight loss program (goal-directed program) with the other 2 centers (standard program). RESULTS: A total of 211 patients were included, with 129 patients in the goal-directed weight loss program. The 2 groups were similar in terms of gender distribution, ethnicity distribution, age, and preoperative weight, preoperative body mass index, and surgical technique. The follow-up rates at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months for patients in the goal-directed program was 84.5%, 75.2%, 59.7%, and 82.2%, respectively, compared with 65.9%, 68.3%, 51.2%, and 68.3% for the standard program. The percentage total weight loss at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months was 17.1%, 23.3%, 26.8%, and 28.6%, respectively, for the goal-directed program, compared with 15.3%, 21.8%, 24.4%, and 25.4%, respectively, for the standard program. The mean excess weight loss at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months were 40%, 54%, 62%, and 67%, respectively, for the goal-directed program group, and 36%, 50%, 54%, and 55%, respectively, for the standard program, where statistical significance (P<.005) was achieved at 12 months. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that a goal-directed protocol may improve weight loss outcomes after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Is Elective Gastroscopy Prior to Bariatric Surgery in an Asian Cohort Worthwhile?

BACKGROUND: The preoperative use of gastroscopy for patients undergoing bariatric surgery remains controversial. We aim to evaluate the diagnostic yield of gastroscopy and the clinical significance in asymptomatic individuals undergoing bariatric surgery in Asia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients undergoing gastroscopy prior to bariatric surgery at the National University Hospital and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore, between Jan 2006 and June 2013. Gastroscopy findings were classified into four groups: group 1 (normal study), group 2 (abnormal findings that do not modify surgical approach), group 3 (abnormal findings that modify surgical approach) and group 4 (absolute contraindications to immediate surgery). RESULTS: During the study period, 208 asymptomatic individuals were evaluated by gastroscopy prior to bariatric surgery. Gastroscopy was normal in 70 (33.6 %). Group 2 comprised 67 (32.2 %) patients with mild gastritis or oesophagitis. Group 3 included 69 (33.2 %) patients diagnosed with erosive gastritis or oesophagitis, peptic ulcer disease, hiatal hernia or mass lesions. There were 2 patients (1.0 %) in group 4. One patient had a gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, and 1 had a gastrointestinal stroma tumour. In group 3, modification of surgical approach included concurrent hiatal hernia repair, institution of medical therapy with delay in surgery, further evaluation of mass lesions and change in choice of surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Routine gastroscopy for asymptomatic bariatric patients has a high diagnostic yield. Given the high percentage of patients with clinically important lesions, our current experience supports the use of routine preoperative gastroscopy prior to bariatric surgery in Singapore.