Quantifying physiologic parameters of the gastroesophageal junction during robotic sleeve gastrectomy and identifying predictors of post-sleeve gastroesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy is among the most commonly-performed procedures for morbid obesity. However, patients occasionally develop post-sleeve gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Identifying patients most at risk for this complication remains difficult. We aimed to correlate intra-operative physiologic measurements of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) at the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) during robotic sleeve gastrectomy in an attempt to identify predictors of post-sleeve GERD symptoms. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of a prospectively maintained database identified 28 patients in whom robotic sleeve gastrectomy was performed utilizing EndoFLIP™ technology between January and September 2021. Intraoperative LES measurements at the GEJ including cross-sectional area (CSA), distensibility index (DI), intra-balloon pressure, and high-pressure zone (HPZ length) were correlated with post-operative GERD. RESULTS: GEJ CSA, pressure, and DI increased over the course of the surgery (CSA pre-op: 31 (IQR 19.3-39.5) mm2 vs. post-op: 67 (IQR 40.8-95.8) mm2, p < 0.001; pressure: 25.8 (IQR 20.2-33.1) mmHg vs. 31.5 (IQR 28.9-37.0) mmHg, p = 0.007; DI 1.1 (IQR 0.8-1.8) mm2/mmHg vs. 2.0 (IQR 1.2-3.0) mm2/mmHg, p = < 0.001), whereas HPZ length decreased (2.5 (IQR 2.5-3) cm vs. 2.0 (IQR 1.3-2.5) cm, p = 0.022). Twenty-three patients (82.1%) completed a post-operative GERD questionnaire. Fifteen (65.2%) had no GERD symptoms before or after surgery; 5 (21.7%) reported new post-sleeve GERD symptoms; 3 (13.0%) reported exacerbation of pre-existing GERD symptoms. Patients with new or worsening GERD symptoms had higher post-sleeve DIs (3.2 (IQR 1.9-4.5) mm2/mmHg vs. 1.5 (IQR 1.2-2.4) mm2/mmHg, p = 0.024) and lower post-sleeve LES pressures (29.9 (IQR 26.3-32.9) mmHg vs. 35.2 (IQR 31.0-38.0) mmHg, p = 0.023) than those without. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in GEJ CSA, pressure, and DI, and a decrease in GEJ length can be expected during robotic sleeve gastrectomy. Patients with new or worsening post-sleeve GERD symptoms have higher post-sleeve DI and lower post-sleeve LES pressure than their asymptomatic counterparts.

3D printed cannulas for use in laparoscopic surgery in feline patients: A cadaveric study and case series.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate custom 3D printed laparoscopic cannulas (3DPC) in a feline cadaveric abdominal surgery model and report their use in two live feline subjects. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental cadaver study, live subject case series. ANIMALS: Ten feline cadavers; two feline subjects. METHODS: Custom 3DPCs were initially modeled in a PLA filament material and then created in an autoclavable dental resin for use in live patients. The surgery time, number of surgical collisions and cannula complications were recorded during cadaver procedures before and after use of 3DPCs. Cannula complications were recorded during live procedures and patients were followed to suture removal to record any incisional complications. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in mean surgical time (125.6 vs. 95.2 min, p = 0.03), mean number of instrument collisions (6.8 vs. 2.6, p = 0.03), and mean number of cannula complications (10 vs. 2.2, p = 0.03) with the use of only 3DPCs during the procedure. During the live procedures the use of the 3DPCs was successful and no postoperative complications occurred at the incision sites. CONCLUSION: The use of customized 3DPCs may improve surgical dexterity and decrease complications in advanced procedures and was not associated with any clinical complications in two cats. The use of 3DPCs in veterinary medicine may allow for wider practice of laparoscopic techniques in small animals.

Laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy in felines: A cadaveric feasibility study and experimental case series in two cats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LVSG) in feline cadavers using endoscopic stapling equipment and report clinical outcomes in two live feline subjects. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric study and experimental case series. ANIMALS: Ten feline cadavers; two feline subjects. METHODS: LVSG technique was refined on feline cadavers and included retraction of the liver, dissection of the stomach, assessment of proper location for gastrectomy via stapling, and leak testing. Appropriateness of gastrectomy, gastrectomy %, surgical times and complications were recorded. The procedure was performed on two live feline subjects, and they were followed for 4 months to report surgical complications. RESULTS: LVSG was completed in 9/10 cadavers and both live patients. Stenosis at the incisura was recorded in 2/9 cadavers. No obvious leaks were seen in the 8 cadavers that were tested or either live patient. The mean surgical time for all cadaver procedures and live patients was 110.4 and 115 minutes, respectively. Mean weight of resected cadaver stomach was 10 g and the mean % of the total stomach weight resected was 27.6%. No intra- or postoperative surgical complications occurred in the live subjects. CONCLUSION: LVSG technique appears feasible and safe for use in live patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This LVSG technique may be safely used for partial gastric resection in cats. Further studies are necessary to determine if it is effective at reversing the effects of obesity and diabetes in this population.

Minimally invasive versus open duodenal switch: a nationwide retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to characterize the variability in clinical outcomes between open, laparoscopic, and robotic Duodenal Switch (DS). METHODS: From the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Accreditation Quality Improvement Program, patients who underwent DS (2015-2018) were identified. Open DS was compared to laparoscopic and robotic approaches with for patients factors, perioperative characteristics, and 30-day postoperative outcomes. Logistic regression estimates were used to characterize variables associated with surgical site infections, bleeding, reoperation, readmission, and early discharge (hospital stay of ≤ one day). RESULTS: Of 7649 cases, 411 (5.4%) were open, 5722 (74.8%) were laparoscopic, and 1515 (19.8%) were robotic DS. Open DS patients were more often older (≥ 65 years:4.7% vs. 4.3% vs. 2.1%, p < 0.01) and had lower body mass index (< 40 kg/m2:16.3% vs. 10.5% vs. 9.9%, p < 0.01). The co-morbidities were mainly comparable between the three groups. Open DS was more often without skilled assistance (35.3% vs. 12.1% vs. 5.3%, p < 0.01), revisional (41.4% vs. 20.5% vs. 21.3%, p < 0.01), and performed concurrently with other operations. Robotic DS surgery was more often longer (≥ 140 min:64.4% vs. 39.2% vs. 86.9%, p < 0.01). Post-operatively, open DS was associated with higher rates of surgical site infection (7.1% vs. 2% vs. 2.8%, p < 0.01), bleeding (2.4% vs. 0.7% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.001), reoperation (6.6% vs. 3.6% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.01), and readmission (12.4% vs. 6.8% vs. 8.3%, p = < 0.01). Patients undergoing robotic DS were more often discharged early (0.5% vs. 1% vs. 7.8%, p < 0.01). In the regression analyses, minimally invasive DS was associated with lower odds for wound infections (OR = 0.3,CI = [0.2-0.5]), bleeding (OR = 0.4,CI = [0.2-0.8]), and readmission (OR = 0.6,CI = [0.4-0.8]), as well as greater likelihood of early discharge (OR = 5.6 CI = [1.3-23.0]). CONCLUSION: Open DS is associated with greater risk for complications and excessive resource utilization when compared to minimally invasive approaches. Laparoscopic and robotic techniques should be prioritized in performing DS, despite the complexity of the procedure.

Robotic-assisted surgery enhances the learning curve while maintaining quality outcomes in sleeve gastrectomy: a preliminary, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The frequency of robotic-assisted bariatric surgery has been on the rise. An increasing number of fellowship programs have adopted robotic surgery as part of the curriculum. Our aim was to compare technical efficiency of a surgeon during the first year of practice after completing an advanced minimally invasive fellowship with a mentor surgeon. METHODS: A systematic review of a prospectively maintained database was performed of consecutive patients undergoing robotic-assisted sleeve gastrectomy between 2015 and 2019 at a tertiary-care bariatric center (mentor group) and between 2018 and 2019 at a semi-academic community-based bariatric program (mentee 1 group) and 2019-2020 at a tertiary-care academic center (mentee 2 group). RESULTS: 257 patients in the mentor group, 45 patients in the mentee 1 group, and 11 patients in the mentee 2 group were included. The mentee operative times during the first year in practice were significantly faster than the mentor's times in the first three (mentee 1 group) and two (mentee 2 group) years (P < 0.05) but remained significantly longer than the mentor's times in the last two (mentee 1 group) and one (mentee 2 group) years (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in venothromboembolic events (P = 0.89) or readmission rates (P = 0.93). The mean length of stay was 1.8 ± 0.5 days, 1.3 ± 0.5 days, and 1.5 ± 0.5 days in the mentor, mentee 1, and mentee 2 groups, respectively (P < 0.0001). There were no reoperations, conversion to laparoscopy or open, no staple line leaks, strictures, or deaths in any group. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the first series to show that the robotic platform can safely be taught and may translate into outcomes consistent with surgeons with more experience while mitigating the learning curve as early as the first year in practice. Long-term follow-up of mentees will be necessary to assess the evolution of fellowship training and outcomes.

Robotic-assisted approaches to GERD following sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most common bariatric operation in the United States but increases the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of our study was to describe our experience with robotic-assisted management of intractable GERD after SG. METHODS: A systematic review of a prospectively maintained database was performed of consecutive patients undergoing robotic-assisted magnetic sphincter augmentation placement after sleeve gastrectomy (MSA-S group) or conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB group) for GERD from 2015 to 2019 at our tertiary- care bariatric center. These were compared to a consecutive group of patients undergoing robotic-assisted magnetic sphincter augmentation placement (MSA group) for GERD without a history of bariatric surgery from 2016 to 2019. The primary outcome was perioperative morbidity. Secondary outcomes were operative time (OT), 90-day re-intervention rate, length of stay, symptom resolution and weight change. RESULTS: There were 51 patients included in this study; 18 patients in the MSA group, 13 patients in the MSA-S group, and 20 patients in the RYGB group. There was no significant difference in age, gender, ASA score, preoperative endoscopic findings, or DeMeester scores (P > 0.05). BMI was significantly higher in patients undergoing RYGB compared to MSA or MSA-S (P < 0.0001). There were significant differences in OT between the MSA and RYGB groups (P < 0.0001) and MSA-S and RYGB groups (P = 0.009), but not MSA group to MSA-S group (P = 0.51). There was no significant difference in intraoperative and postoperative morbidity (P = 1.0 and P = 0.60, respectively). 30-day morbidity: 5.6% (MSA), 15.4% (MSA-S) and 15% (RYGB). There was no difference on PPI discontinuation among groups, with more than 80% success rate in all. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the robotic platform in the different approaches available for treatment of GERD after SG appears to be a feasible option with low morbidity and high success rate. Further data is needed to support our findings.

Serum biomarkers of inflammation and adiposity in the LABS cohort: associations with metabolic disease and surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The utility of serum biomarkers related to inflammation and adiposity as predictors of metabolic disease prevalence and outcomes after bariatric surgery are not well-defined. METHODS: Associations between pre- and post-operative serum levels of four biomarkers (C-reactive protein (CRP), cystatin C (CC), leptin, and ghrelin) with baseline measures of adiposity and metabolic disease prevalence (asthma, diabetes, sleep apnea), and weight loss and metabolic disease remission after bariatric surgery were studied in the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (LABS) cohort. RESULTS: Baseline CRP levels were positively associated with the odds of asthma but not diabetes or sleep apnea; baseline CC levels were positively associated with asthma, diabetes, and sleep apnea; baseline leptin levels were positively associated with asthma and negatively associated with diabetes and sleep apnea; baseline ghrelin levels were negatively associated with diabetes and sleep apnea. Increased weight loss was associated with increased baseline levels of leptin and CRP and decreased baseline levels of CC. Remission of diabetes and asthma was not associated with baseline levels of any biomarker. A higher likelihood of asthma remission was associated with a greater decrease in leptin levels, and a higher likelihood of diabetes remission was predicted by a lesser decrease in CC. Bariatric surgery was associated with decreased post-operative CC, CRP, and leptin levels, and increased post-operative ghrelin levels. CONCLUSION: This is the largest study to date of serum biomarkers of inflammation and adiposity in a bariatric surgery cohort. Biomarker levels correlate with metabolic disease prevalence prior to bariatric surgery, and with weight loss but not metabolic disease remission after surgery. Bariatric surgery regulates serum biomarker levels in a manner consistent with anti-inflammatory and compensatory orexigenic effects. These data contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the biologic effects of bariatric surgery.

Lessons Learned From Developing a Mobile App to Assist in Patient Recovery After Weight Loss Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss surgery is safe and effective, but fluid and electrolyte balance remains problematic postoperatively. We developed a mobile app to help patients recover after weight loss surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single-center prospective, mixed-methods, participatory research design study of eligible English-speaking adults undergoing weight loss surgery was used. Patients used the app for 30 d after surgery. We developed and refined the app from July 2017 to October 2018. The principal component of the app is a daily survey designed to assess patients' recovery. The app was revised based on patient feedback, and we compared app utilization between initial and updated versions of the app. Primary outcome was successful patient engagement, which we defined as 80% of patients completing at least 70% of the surveys. RESULTS: Ten patients completed the trial period, four with the initial version of the app, and six with the updated version. All patients expressed satisfaction with the app and most frequently reported that push notifications were helpful. We found that one (25%) patient completed at least 70% of the surveys in the initial version of the app. In the updated version, five (83.3%) of patients completed at least 70% of the surveys, passing our criteria for successful engagement. CONCLUSIONS: Participatory research design in app development requires continuous evaluation and refinement to patient and clinician needs. This effort is essential as we observed significant improvement in app utilization. Our next step is to pilot the app in a larger set of patients to assess utility and feasibility.

Nasal positive pressure with the SuperNO2VA™ device decreases sedation-related hypoxemia during pre-bariatric surgery EGD.

INTRODUCTION: Pre-operative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is becoming routine practice in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Many patients with morbid obesity have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can worsen hypoxia during an EGD. In this study, we report our outcomes using the SuperNO2VA™ device, a sealed nasal positive airway pressure mask designed to deliver high-fraction inhaled oxygen and titratable positive pressure compared to conventional nasal cannula. METHODS: Between June 2016 and August 2017, we conducted a prospective observational study that included 56 consecutive patients who presented for EGD prior to bariatric surgery. Airway management was done using either the SuperNO2VA™ (N = 26) device or conventional nasal cannula (N = 30). Patient demographics, procedure details, and outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The SuperNO2VA™ group had a lower median age compared to the control group (38.5 vs. 48.5 years, p = 0.04). These patients had a higher body mass index (BMI) (47.4 vs. 40.5, IQR, p < 0.0001), higher ASA class (p = 0.03), and were more likely to have OSA (53.9% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.04). Desaturation events were significantly lower in the SuperNO2VA™ group (11.5% vs. 46.7%, p = 0.004) and the median lowest oxygen saturation was higher in the SuperNO2VA™ group (100% vs. 90.5%, p < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: This is the first study to report on the use of the SuperNO2VA™ device in bariatric patients undergoing pre-operative screening EGD. The use of the SuperNO2VA™ device offers a clinical advantage compared to the current standard of care. Our data demonstrate that patients with higher BMI, higher ASA classification, and OSA were more likely to have the SuperNO2VA™ device used; yet, paradoxically, these patients were less likely to have issues with desaturation events. Use of this device can optimize care in this challenging patient population by minimizing the risks of hypoventilation.

Effect of Bariatric Surgery on CKD Risk.

Obesity is linked to the development and progression of CKD, but whether bariatric surgery protects against CKD is poorly understood. We, therefore, examined whether bariatric surgery influences CKD risk. The study included 2144 adults who underwent bariatric surgery from March of 2006 to April of 2009 and participated in the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery-2 Study cohort. The primary outcome was CKD risk categories as assessed by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) consortium criteria using a combination of eGFR and albuminuria. Patients were 79% women and 87% white, with a median age of 46 years old. Improvements were observed in CKD risk at 1 and 7 years after surgery in patients with moderate baseline CKD risk (63% and 53%, respectively), high baseline risk (78% and 56%, respectively), and very high baseline risk (59% and 23%, respectively). The proportion of patients whose CKD risk worsened was ≤10%; five patients developed ESRD. Sensitivity analyses using year 1 as baseline to minimize the effect of weight loss on serum creatinine and differing eGFR equations offered qualitatively similar results. Treatment with bariatric surgery associated with an improvement in CKD risk categories in a large proportion of patients for up to 7 years, especially in those with moderate and high baseline risk. These findings support consideration of CKD risk in evaluation for bariatric surgery and further study of bariatric surgery as a treatment for high-risk obese patients with CKD.

Perioperative outcomes and anesthetic considerations of robotic bariatric surgery in a propensity-matched cohort of super obese and super-super obese patients.

BACKGROUND: The use of the robotic platform has not been well established in patients with super obesity (SO; body mass index, BMI ≥ 50) and super-super obesity (SSO, BMI ≥ 60). We aimed to determine safety and feasibility of robotic bariatric surgery in this cohort. METHODS: Review of a prospectively maintained database was performed of consecutive patients undergoing robotic bariatric surgery between 2015 and 2017. Propensity score analysis with 1:2 nearest neighbor matching was performed to control for baseline characteristics and procedure type. RESULTS: A propensity-matched cohort of 47 SO patients (median BMI 55.3, range 50.1-92.5) and 94 morbidly obese (MO; median BMI 41.8, range 35.1-48.8) patients were analyzed. After matching, there were no difference in baseline characteristics including age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, or preoperative comorbidities. Most patients in each group underwent sleeve gastrectomy (81% of SO patients versus 76% of MO patients) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (13% vs. 18%, respectively), p = 0.66. There were no differences in operative time, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, or re-admissions between groups. Length of stay was slightly longer in the MO group (2.2 days, IQR 1.8-3.2 vs. 1.8 days, IQR 1.2-2.7; p = 0.01). A subset of SSO patients (n = 11, median BMI 67, range 60-92) was analyzed; there was no increase in operation time, and zero intraoperative complications, conversions to open, or postoperative complications in this subset. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic bariatric surgery can safely be performed on patients with SO or SSO with low perioperative morbidity and no increase in operating time.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy: Minimally Invasive Surgery Training Improves Outcomes in Basic Laparoscopic Procedures.

BACKGROUND: To determine whether minimally invasive surgery (MIS) training improves outcomes in laparoscopic appendectomy, a procedure that is commonly performed in general surgery training. METHODS: Retrospective review was conducted of all patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy for suspected acute appendicitis between 2014 and 2015 at a single-center, tertiary-care academic institution. Patients operated on by MIS-trained surgeons (MIS group) were compared to those operated on by general surgeons (GS group). Single-incision and multiport laparoscopic appendectomies were included; open approach, known malignancy, and interval appendectomies were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 507 patients were included in the study: 181 patients in the MIS group and 326 in the GS group. There were no differences in patient demographics or medical comorbidities between groups and most patients were ASA class 1 or 2. Patients operated on by MIS-trained surgeons had significantly shorter operative time (43 min, IQR 32-60 vs. 58 min, IQR 44-81; p < 0.001) and fewer intra-operative adverse events (0/181 vs. 8/326, 2.5%; p = 0.03). There was no difference in number of postoperative adverse events between groups (6/181, 3.3% vs. 21/326, 6.4%; p = 0.13). In the MIS group, subgroup analysis of single-incision versus multiport appendectomy showed no differences in intra-operative or postoperative adverse events. On multivariable linear regression, lack of MIS training and traditional multiport approach had the greatest effects on prolonging operative time (11.2 and 12.8 min, respectively; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MIS fellowship improves operative metrics and patient outcomes even in basic laparoscopy.

Objectively-measured sedentary time and cardiometabolic health in adults with severe obesity.

It is unknown whether sedentary behavior is independently associated with the cardiometabolic health of adults with severe obesity. Additionally, there is debate regarding how best to derive meaningful indices of sedentary time (ST) from activity monitor data. A convenience sample of adults with severe obesity (N=927; 79% female, median age 45y, median body mass index (BMI) 46kg/m(2)) completed a research assessment at one of ten US hospitals in 2006-2009 prior to bariatric surgery. Cardiometabolic health was assessed via physical measures, fasting blood samples and medication use. Indices of ST were derived from StepWatch™ activity monitor data with minimum bout durations of 1min, 10min and 30min. Cross-sectional associations were examined. Median (25th, 75th percentile) ST was 9.3h/d (8.1, 10.5) in ≥1min bouts, 6.5h/d (5.2, 8.0) in ≥10min bouts, or 3.2h/d (2.1, 4.5) in ≥30min bouts. Associations with ST were generally strongest with the ≥10min bout duration. Independent of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity, BMI and other potential confounders, 1h/day ST in ≥10min bouts was associated with higher odds of diabetes by 15% (95%CI: 1.05-1.26), metabolic syndrome by 12% (95%CI: 1.01-1.24) and elevated blood pressure by 14% (95%CI: 1.02-1.26), and was associated with 1.4cm (95%CI: 0.9-1.9) larger waist circumference. Findings indicate the importance of considering ST as a distinct health risk among adults with severe obesity, and suggest a 10min minimum duration may be preferable to 1min or 30min for establishing ST from activity monitor data.

Change in Pain and Physical Function Following Bariatric Surgery for Severe Obesity.

IMPORTANCE: The variability and durability of improvements in pain and physical function following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) are not well described. OBJECTIVES: To report changes in pain and physical function in the first 3 years following bariatric surgery, and to identify factors associated with improvement. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery-2 is an observational cohort study at 10 US hospitals. Adults with severe obesity undergoing bariatric surgery were recruited between February 2005 and February 2009. Research assessments were conducted prior to surgery and annually thereafter. Three-year follow-up through October 2012 is reported. EXPOSURES: Bariatric surgery as clinical care. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Primary outcomes were clinically meaningful presurgery to postsurgery improvements in pain and function using scores from the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) (ie, improvement of ≥5 points on the norm-based score [range, 0-100]) and 400-meter walk time (ie, improvement of ≥24 seconds) using established thresholds. The secondary outcome was clinically meaningful improvement using the Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (ie, improvement of ≥9.7 pain points and ≥9.3 function points on the transformed score [range, 0-100]). RESULTS: Of 2458 participants, 2221 completed baseline and follow-up assessments (1743 [78.5%] were women; median age was 47 years; median body mass index [BMI] was 45.9; 70.4% underwent RYGB; 25.0% underwent LAGB). At year 1, clinically meaningful improvements were shown in 57.6% (95% CI, 55.3%-59.9%) of participants for bodily pain, 76.5% (95% CI, 74.6%-78.5%) for physical function, and 59.5% (95% CI, 56.4%-62.7%) for walk time. Additionally, among participants with severe knee or disability (633), or hip pain or disability (500) at baseline, approximately three-fourths experienced joint-specific improvements in knee pain (77.1% [95% CI, 73.5%-80.7%]) and in hip function (79.2% [95% CI, 75.3%-83.1%]). Between year 1 and year 3, rates of improvement significantly decreased to 48.6% (95% CI, 46.0%-51.1%) for bodily pain and to 70.2% (95% CI, 67.8%-72.5%) for physical function, but improvement rates for walk time, knee and hip pain, and knee and hip function did not (P for all ≥.05). Younger age, male sex, higher income, lower BMI, and fewer depressive symptoms presurgery; no diabetes and no venous edema with ulcerations postsurgery (either no history or remission); and presurgery-to-postsurgery reductions in weight and depressive symptoms were associated with presurgery-to-postsurgery improvements in multiple outcomes at years 1, 2, and 3. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among a cohort of participants with severe obesity undergoing bariatric surgery, a large percentage experienced improvement, compared with baseline, in pain, physical function, and walk time over 3 years, but the percentage with improvement in pain and physical function decreased between year 1 and year 3. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00465829.

A prospective randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of omentopexy during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in reducing postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy experience a significant amount of postoperative gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. The purpose of our study was to assess the efficacy of omentopexy during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in reducing postoperative food intolerance and GI symptoms. METHODS: Morbidly obese patients undergoing LSG were randomly assigned to have LSG with or without omentopexy from May 2012 to June 2013. A total of 60 patients were recruited with 30 patients in each group. Patients and the symptom scorer were blinded as to the assigned surgery. All procedures were performed by one of two surgeons utilizing the same surgical technique. Patients were administered standardized surveys, including the Rhodes Index survey, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) impact survey, and Eating Assessment Tool (EAT) survey at various time points postoperatively to assess nausea, vomiting, retching, frequency of GI symptoms, and level of distress. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in patient age, percent decrease in BMI at any time point, or length of hospitalization between the two groups (P > 0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in Rhodes Index scores, GERD impact scores, or EAT scores at any time point (P > 0.05). Patients in the LSG with omentopexy group required significantly more ondansetron perioperatively (16.1 ± 12.9 mg vs. 10.3 ± 10.2 mg, respectively; P = 0.04); however, there was no difference in metoclopramide requirement (P = 0.22). Surgical morbidity was not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). Finally, there was no significant difference in number of postoperative clinic visits, office telephone encounters, total postoperative readmissions, or postoperative readmissions associated with GI symptoms (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Omentopexy did not significantly decrease postoperative food intolerance or GI symptoms in morbidly obese patients undergoing LSG. Other methods of mitigating postoperative intolerance to oral intake and GI symptoms should be investigated.

Achalasia 5 years following Roux-en-y gastric bypass.

Oesophageal achalasia is a rare, but serious condition in which the motility of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) is inhibited. This disorder of idiopathic aetiology complicates the peristaltic function and relaxation of the LES that may cause symptoms such as dysphagia, epigastric pain, and regurgitation of an obstructed food. The following case describes achalasia in a patient 5 years following a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The patient underwent a laparoscopic Heller myotomy without a fundoplication. Although achalasia seems to be a rare occurrence in obese patients, this is the third case documented in a patient who previously had an RYGB. The role of performing a fundoplication in these patients remains to be elucidated.

Bariatric, metabolic, and diabetes surgery: what's in a name?

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the practical clinical consequences of offering surgery for metabolic disease and diabetes as opposed to weight loss. BACKGROUND: The terms "metabolic" and "diabetes surgery" indicate a surgical approach whose primary intent is the control of metabolic alterations/hyperglycemia in contrast to "bariatric surgery," conceived as a mere weight-reduction therapy. METHODS: A "metabolic surgery" program distinct from the "bariatric surgery" program was recently established at a tertiary US academic medical center. The 2 programs differ in their stated goals but offer the same procedures and use identical eligibility criteria for patients with morbid obesity. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality were assessed from a prospective database of 200 consecutive patients who underwent surgery at these units. RESULTS: Metabolic surgery patients were older (45.8±13.4 v 41.8±11.7, P<0.05), had a lower body mass index (42.4±7.1 vs 48.6±9.5 kg/m; P<0.01), and a higher prevalence of being of the male sex (42% vs 26%, P<0.05), having diabetes (62% vs 35%; P<0.01), hypertension (68% vs 52%; P<0.05), dyslipidemia (48% vs 31%; P<0.05), and cardiovascular disease (14% vs 5%; P<0.05). Diabetes was more severe among metabolic surgery patients (higher glycated hemoglobin levels; greater percentage of insulin use). There was no mortality, and there were no differences in perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Offering surgery to treat metabolic disease or diabetes rather than as a mere weight-reduction therapy changes demographical and clinical characteristics of surgical candidates. This has important and practical ramifications for clinical care and support consideration of metabolic/diabetes surgery as a novel practice distinct from traditional bariatric surgery.

Obesity does not increase morbidity of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Obesity has historically been a positive predictor of surgical morbidity, especially in the morbidly obese. The purpose of our study was to compare outcomes of obese patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: We reviewed 1382 consecutive patients retrospectively who underwent LC for various pathologies from January 2008 to August 2011. Patients were stratified based on the World Health Organization definitions of obesity: nonobese (body mass index [BMI] < 30 kg/m(2)), obesity class I (BMI 30-34.9 kg/m(2)), obesity class II (BMI 35-39.9 kg/m(2)), and obesity class III (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m(2)). The primary end points were conversion rates and surgical morbidity. The secondary end point was length of stay. RESULTS: There were significantly more females in the obesity II and III groups (P = 0.0002). American Society of Anesthesiologists scores were significantly higher in the obesity I, II, and III groups compared with the nonobese (P < 0.05; P < 0.01; and P < 0.0001, respectively). Independent predictors of conversion on multivariate analysis (MVA) included age (P = 0.01), acute cholecystitis (P = 0.03), operative time (P < 0.0001), blood loss (P < 0.0001), and fellowship-trained surgeons (P < 0.0001). Independent predictors of intraoperative complications on MVA included age (P = 0.009), white patients (P = 0.009), previous surgery (P = 0.001), operative time (P < 0.0001), and blood loss (P = 0.01). Independent predictors of postoperative complications on MVA included American Society of Anesthesiologists score (P < 0.0001), acute cholecystitis (P < 0.0001), and a postoperative complication (P < 0.0001). BMI was not a predictor of conversions or surgical morbidity. Length of stay was not significantly different between the four groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that overall conversion rates and surgical morbidity are relatively low following LC, even in obese and morbidly obese patients.

Body contouring after bariatric surgery: how much is really being done?

The proportion of postbariatric surgery patients who undergo body contouring (BC) procedures is unknown. We designed a study to explore demographic features and patient education regarding BC in the bariatric surgery (BS) population. A survey was mailed to 1158 patients who underwent BS by 2 surgeons between 2003 and 2011. A total of 284 (24.5%) patients responded. Seventy-two patients (25.4%) reported discussing BC surgery with their bariatric surgeon perioperatively. Forty patients (14.1%) were referred for plastic surgery consultation. Thirty-three patients (11.6%) underwent BC procedures. The most frequent reasons cited for not undergoing BC were expense (29.2%) and lack of awareness regarding options (23.6%). Thirty-nine percent of respondents reported that they might have chosen differently, had they received more information. As a result of insufficient perioperative counseling, the majority of BS patients are unaware of the multitude of BC procedures available. Additional efforts toward improving patient (and surgeon) education regarding postbariatric BC options are warranted.

Selection of Robotic Bariatric Surgery Candidates: a Nationwide Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to identify risk factors associated with 30-day major complications, readmission, and delayed discharge for patients undergoing robotic bariatric surgery. METHODS: From the metabolic and bariatric surgery and accreditation quality improvement program (2015-2018) datasets, adult patients who underwent elective robotic bariatric operations were included. Predictors for 30-day major complications, readmission, and delayed discharge (hospital stay ≥ 3 days) were identified using univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Major complications in patients undergoing robotic bariatric surgery were associated with both pre-operative and intraoperative factors including pre-existing cardiac morbidity (OR = 1.41, CI = [1.09-1.82]), gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD] (OR = 1.23, CI = [1.11-1.38]), pulmonary embolism (OR = 1.51, CI = [1.02-2.22]), prior bariatric surgery (OR = 1.66, CI = [1.43-1.94]), increased operating time (OR = 1.003, CI = [1.002-1.004]), gastric bypass or duodenal switch (OR = 1.58, CI = [1.40-1.79]), and intraoperative drain placement (OR = 1.28, CI = [1.11-1.47]). With regard to 30-day readmission, non-white race (OR = 1.25, CI = [1.14-1.39]), preoperative hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.16, CI = [1.14-1.38]), DVT (OR = 1.48, CI = [1.10-1.99]), therapeutic anticoagulation (OR = 1.48, CI = [1.16-1.89]), limited ambulation (OR = 1.33, CI = [1.01-1.74]), and dialysis (OR = 2.14, CI = [1.13-4.09]) were significantly associated factors. Age ≥ 65 (OR = 1.18, CI = [1.04-1.34]), female gender (OR = 1.21, CI = [1.10-1.32]), hypertension (OR = 1.08, CI = [1.01-1.15]), renal insufficiency (OR = 2.32, CI = [1.69-3.17]), COPD (OR = 1.49, CI = [1.23-1.82]), sleep apnea (OR = 1.10, CI = [1.03-1.18]), oxygen dependence (OR = 1.47, CI = [1.10-2.0]), steroid use (OR = 1.26, CI = [1.02-1.55]), IVC filter (OR = 1.52, CI = [1.15-2.0]), and BMI ≥ 40 (OR = 1.12, CI = [1.04-1.21]) were risk factors associated with delayed discharge. CONCLUSION: When selecting patients for bariatric surgery, surgeons early in their learning curve for utilizing robotics should avoid individuals with pre-existing cardiac or renal morbidities, venous thromboembolism, and limited functional status. Patients who have had previous bariatric surgery or require technically demanding operations are at higher risk for complications. An evidence-based approach in selecting bariatric candidates may potentially minimize the overall costs associated with adopting the technology.