Renoprotective Effects of Metabolic Surgery Versus GLP1 Receptor Agonists on Progression of Kidney Impairment in Patients with Established Kidney Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the renoprotective effects of metabolic surgery in patients with established chronic kidney disease (CKD). BACKGROUND: The impact of metabolic surgery compared with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) in patients with established CKD has not been fully characterized. METHODS: Patients with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2), type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 20-60 mL/min/1.73 m² who underwent metabolic bariatric surgery at a large U.S. health system (2010-2017) were compared with nonsurgical patients who continuously received GLP-1RA. The primary end point was CKD progression, defined as decline of eGFR by ≥50% or to <15 mL/min/1.73 m2, initiation of dialysis, or kidney transplant. The secondary end point was the incident kidney failure (eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2, dialysis, or kidney transplant) or all-cause mortality. RESULTS: 425 patients, including 183 patients in the metabolic surgery group and 242 patients in the GLP-1RA group, with a median follow-up of 5.8 years (IQR, 4.4-7.6) were analyzed. The cumulative incidence of the primary end point at 8-years was 21.7% (95% CI, 12.2-30.6) in the surgical group and 45.1% (95% CI, 27.7-58.4) in the nonsurgical group, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.40 (95% CI, 0.21-0.76), P=0.006. The cumulative incidence of the secondary composite end point at 8-years was 24.0% (95% CI, 14.1-33.2) in the surgical group and 43.8% (95% CI, 28.1-56.1) in the nonsurgical group, with an adjusted HR of 0.56 (95% CI, 0.31-0.99), P=0.048. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with T2DM, obesity, and established CKD, metabolic surgery, compared with GLP-1RA, was significantly associated with a 60% lower risk of progression of kidney impairment and a 44% lower risk of kidney failure or death. Metabolic surgery should be considered as a therapeutic option for patients with CKD and obesity.

Leukopenia is an independent risk factor for early postoperative complications following incision and drainage of anorectal abscess.

AIM: Few data are available regarding the management of anorectal abscess in patients with leukopenia. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of leukopenia among patients undergoing incision and drainage for anorectal abscess. METHOD: A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database identified patients from 2015 to 2020. Perianal fistulas and supralevator abscesses were excluded. Patients were grouped based on white blood cell (WBC) count: WBC < 4.5 cells/µl, WBC = 4.5-11.0 cells/µl and WBC > 11.0 cells/µl. The 30-day overall complications and outcomes were compared using regression models, accounting for demographics and comorbidities. RESULTS: Ten thousand two hundred and forty (70.3% male) patients were identified. Univariate analysis showed that, compared with patients with leukocytosis (WBC > 11.0 cells/µl) and normal WBC count (WBC = 4.5-11.0 cells/µl), patients with leukopenia (WBC <4.5 cells/µl) had higher rates of overall (p < 0.001), pulmonary (p < 0.001) and haematological complications (p < 0.001). They also had higher rates of readmission (p < 0.001), reoperation (p = 0.005), discharge to a care facility (p = 0.003), increased length of hospital stay (p = 0.004) and death (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified leukopenia as an independent risk factor for overall complications [odds ratio (OR) 2.31, 95% CI 1.65-3.24; p < 0.001], pulmonary complications (OR 5.65, 95% CI 1.88-16.97; p = 0.002), haematological complications (OR 4.30, 95% CI 2.94-6.28; p < 0.001), unplanned readmission (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.43-3.40; p < 0.001), reoperation (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.10-2.93; p = 0.019) and death (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.02-7.52; p = 0.046). Discharge to a care facility and length of stay were not significant on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: Leukopenia is associated with increased risk for pulmonary and haematological complications, readmissions, reoperations, discharge to a care facility and death after incision and drainage for anorectal abscess.

Consensus Conference Statement on the General Use of Near-infrared Fluorescence Imaging and Indocyanine Green Guided Surgery: Results of a Modified Delphi Study.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, the use of near-infrared light and fluorescence-guidance during open and laparoscopic surgery has exponentially expanded across various clinical settings. However, tremendous variability exists in how it is performed. OBJECTIVE: In this first published survey of international experts on fluorescence-guided surgery, we sought to identify areas of consensus and nonconsensus across 4 areas of practice: fundamentals; patient selection/preparation; technical aspects; and effectiveness and safety. METHODS: A Delphi survey was conducted among 19 international experts in fluorescence-guided surgery attending a 1-day consensus meeting in Frankfurt, Germany on September 8th, 2019. Using mobile phones, experts were asked to anonymously vote over 2 rounds of voting, with 70% and 80% set as a priori thresholds for consensus and vote robustness, respectively. RESULTS: Experts from 5 continents reached consensus on 41 of 44 statements, including strong consensus that near-infrared fluorescence-guided surgery is both effective and safe across a broad variety of clinical settings, including the localization of critical anatomical structures like vessels, detection of tumors and sentinel nodes, assessment of tissue perfusion and anastomotic leaks, delineation of segmented organs, and localization of parathyroid glands. Although the minimum and maximum safe effective dose of ICG were felt to be 1 to 2 mg and >10 mg, respectively, there was strong consensus that determining the optimum dose, concentration, route and timing of ICG administration should be an ongoing research focus. CONCLUSIONS: Although fluorescence imaging was almost unanimously perceived to be both effective and safe across a broad range of clinical settings, considerable further research remains necessary to optimize its use.

Nerve autofluorescence in near-ultraviolet light markedly enhances nerve visualization in vivo.

BACKGROUND: During surgery, surgeons must accurately localize nerves to avoid injuring them. Recently, we have discovered that nerves fluoresce in near-ultraviolet light (NUV) light. The aims of the current study were to determine the extent to which nerves fluoresce more brightly than background and vascular structures in NUV light, and identify the NUV intensity at which nerves are most distinguishable from other tissues. METHODS: We exposed sciatic nerves within the posterior thigh in five 250-300 gm Wistar rats, then observed them at four different NUV intensity levels: 20%, 35%, 50%, and 100%. Brightness of fluorescence was measured by fluorescence spectroscopy, quantified as a fluorescence score using Image-J software, and statistically compared between nerves, background, and both an artery and vein by unpaired Student's t tests with Bonferroni adjustment to accommodate multiple comparisons. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated for each NUV intensity. RESULTS: At 20, 35, 50, and 100% NUV intensity, fluorescence scores for nerves versus background tissues were 117.4 versus 40.0, 225.8 versus 88.0, 250.6 versus 121.4, and 252.8 versus 169.4, respectively (all p < 0.001). Fluorescence scores plateaued at 50% NUV intensity for nerves, but continued to rise for background. At 35%, 50%, and 100% NUV intensity, a fluorescence score of 200 was 100% sensitive, specific, and accurate identifying nerves. At 100 NUV intensity, artery and vein scores were 61.8 and 60.0, both dramatically lower than for nerves (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: At all NUV intensities ≥ 35%, a fluorescence score of 200 is 100% accurate distinguishing nerves from other anatomical structures in vivo.

Nerve autofluorescence under near-ultraviolet light: cutting-edge technology for intra-operative neural tissue visualization in 17 patients.

BACKGROUND: Nerve visualization and the identification of other neural tissues during surgery is crucial for numerous reasons, including the prevention of iatrogenic nerve and neural structure injury and facilitation of nerve repair. However, current methods of intra-operative nerve detection are generally expensive, unproven, and/or technically challenging. Recently, we have documented, in both in vivo animal models and ex vivo human tissue, that nerves autofluorescence when viewed in near-ultraviolet light (NUV). In this paper, we describe our use of nerve autofluorescence to facilitate the visualization of nerves and other neural tissues intra-operatively in 17 patients undergoing a range of surgical procedures. METHODS: Employing the same prototype axon imaging system previously documented to markedly enhance nerve visualization in both in vivo animal and ex vivo human models, surgical fields were observed in 17 patients under both white and NUV light during parotid tumor resection (n = 3), thyroid tumor resection (n = 7), and surgery for peripheral nerve and spinal tumors and injury (n = 7). RESULTS: In all 17 patients, the intra-operative use of the imaging system both was feasible and markedly enhanced the localization of all neural tissues throughout their course within the surgical field. All 17 procedures were successful and devoid of any peri-operative complications or post-operative neurological deficits. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-operatively visualizing auto-fluorescent peripheral nerves and other neural tissues under NUV light is feasible in human patients across a range of clinical scenarios and appears to appreciably enhance nerve and other neural tissue visualization. Controlled studies to explore this technology further are needed.

Shifting surgical archetypes of ICG fluorescent-angiography for bowel perfusion assessment in cardiogenic shock under ECMO support.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been adopted to support patients with acute severe cardiac or pulmonary failure that is potentially reversible and unresponsive to conventional management. Mesenteric ischemia (MI) can present as a life-threatening complication in patients receiving veno-arterial echocardiogram (ECHO) support. Due to the nature and acuity of these conditions, determining adequate perfusion upon surgical intervention is challenging for the operating surgeon, especially in cardiogenic shock (CS) patients on ECMO support persenting low arterial pulsatility. Indocyanine green fluorescent angiography (ICG-FA) has proven to be useful for real-time assessment of vascular perfusion, which may help determine the extent of bowel ischemia in patients receiving ECMO support. The case report here-in presented, breaks the paradigm of performing non-cardiac surgical procedures on ECMO support via a pioneering visual aid technique. LEARNING OBJECTIVE: ICG-FA is a promising visual intraoperatory technique providing real-time feedback for the adequate identification and assessment of target tissue/organs. The high morbidity and mortality rates associated to MI and CS-particularly when concomitantly present-hinders salvage surgical therapy. The use of ECMO provides hemodynamic stability This case report highlights the importance of adequate surgical intervention under extracorporeal life support in the presence of both CS and MI. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of application of ICG-FA to evaluate mesenteric perfusion in a patient receiving ECMO support.

Association of Bariatric Surgery With Cancer Risk and Mortality in Adults With Obesity.

Importance: Obesity increases the incidence and mortality from some types of cancer, but it remains uncertain whether intentional weight loss can decrease this risk. Objective: To investigate whether bariatric surgery is associated with lower cancer risk and mortality in patients with obesity. Design, Setting, and Participants: In the SPLENDID (Surgical Procedures and Long-term Effectiveness in Neoplastic Disease Incidence and Death) matched cohort study, adult patients with a body mass index of 35 or greater who underwent bariatric surgery at a US health system between 2004 and 2017 were included. Patients who underwent bariatric surgery were matched 1:5 to patients who did not undergo surgery for their obesity, resulting in a total of 30 318 patients. Follow-up ended in February 2021. Exposures: Bariatric surgery (n = 5053), including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, vs nonsurgical care (n = 25 265). Main Outcomes and Measures: Multivariable Cox regression analysis estimated time to incident obesity-associated cancer (a composite of 13 cancer types as the primary end point) and cancer-related mortality. Results: The study included 30 318 patients (median age, 46 years; median body mass index, 45; 77% female; and 73% White) with a median follow-up of 6.1 years (IQR, 3.8-8.9 years). The mean between-group difference in body weight at 10 years was 24.8 kg (95% CI, 24.6-25.1 kg) or a 19.2% (95% CI, 19.1%-19.4%) greater weight loss in the bariatric surgery group. During follow-up, 96 patients in the bariatric surgery group and 780 patients in the nonsurgical control group had an incident obesity-associated cancer (incidence rate of 3.0 events vs 4.6 events, respectively, per 1000 person-years). The cumulative incidence of the primary end point at 10 years was 2.9% (95% CI, 2.2%-3.6%) in the bariatric surgery group and 4.9% (95% CI, 4.5%-5.3%) in the nonsurgical control group (absolute risk difference, 2.0% [95% CI, 1.2%-2.7%]; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.53-0.87], P = .002). Cancer-related mortality occurred in 21 patients in the bariatric surgery group and 205 patients in the nonsurgical control group (incidence rate of 0.6 events vs 1.2 events, respectively, per 1000 person-years). The cumulative incidence of cancer-related mortality at 10 years was 0.8% (95% CI, 0.4%-1.2%) in the bariatric surgery group and 1.4% (95% CI, 1.1%-1.6%) in the nonsurgical control group (absolute risk difference, 0.6% [95% CI, 0.1%-1.0%]; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.31-0.88], P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance: Among adults with obesity, bariatric surgery compared with no surgery was associated with a significantly lower incidence of obesity-associated cancer and cancer-related mortality.

Understanding intraoperative fluorescent cholangiography: ten steps for an effective and successful procedure.

BACKGROUND: Common bile duct injuries (BDI) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) continue to be the source of morbidity and mortality. The reason for BDI is mostly related to the misidentification of the extrahepatic bile duct structures and the anatomic variability. Near-infrared fluorescent cholangiography (NIFC) has proven to enhance visualization of extrahepatic biliary structures during LCs. The purpose of this study was to describe the most important steps in the performance of NIFC. METHODS: In accordance to the most current surgical practice of LC at our institution, a consensus was achieved on the most relevant steps to be followed when utilizing NIFC. Dose of indocyanine green (ICG), time of administration, and identification of critical structures were previously determined based on prospective and randomized controlled studies performed at CCF. RESULTS: The ten steps identified as critical when performing NIFC during LC are preoperative administration of ICG, exposure of the hepatoduodenal ligament, initial anatomical evaluation, identification of the cystic duct and common bile duct junction, the cystic duct and its junction to the gallbladder, the CHD, the common bile duct, accessory ducts, cystic artery and, time-out and identification of Calot's triangle, and evaluation of the liver bed. CONCLUSIONS: Routine use of NIFC is a useful diagnostic tool to better visualize the extrahepatic biliary structures during LC. The implementation of specific standardized steps might provide the surgeon with a better algorithm to use this technology and consequently reduce the incidence of BDI.

Nerve spectroscopy: understanding peripheral nerve autofluorescence through photodynamics.

BACKGROUND: Being able to accurately identify sensory and motor nerves is crucial during surgical procedures to prevent nerve injury. We aimed to (1) evaluate the feasibility of performing peripheral human nerve visualization utilizing nerves' own autofluorescence in an ex-vivo model; (2) compare the effect of three different nerve fiber fixation methods on the intensity of fluorescence, indicated as the intensity ratio; and (3) similarly compare three different excitation ranges. METHODS: Samples from various human peripheral nerves were selected postoperatively. Nerve fibers were divided into three groups: Group A nerve fibers were washed with a physiologic solution; Group B nerve fibers were fixated with formaldehyde for 6 h first, and then washed with a physiologic solution; Group C nerve fibers were fixated with formaldehyde for six hours, but not washed afterwards. An Olympus IX83 inverted microscope was used for close-up image evaluation. Nerve fibers were exposed to white-light wavelength spectrums for a specific time frame prior to visualization under three different filters-Filter 1-LF405-B-OMF Semrock; Filter 2-U-MGFP; Filter 3-U-MRFPHQ Olympus, with excitation ranges of 390-440, 460-480, and 535-555, respectively. The fluorescence intensity of all images was subsequently analyzed using Image-J Software, and results compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: The intensity ratios observed with Filter 1 failed to distinguish the different nerve fiber groups (p = 0.39). Conversely, the intensity ratios seen under Filters 2 and 3 varied significantly between the three nerve-fiber groups (p = 0.021, p = 0.030, respectively). The overall intensity of measurements was greater with Filter 1 than Filter 3 (p < 0.05); however, all nerves were well visualized by all filters. CONCLUSION: The current results on ex vivo peripheral nerve fiber autofluorescence suggest that peripheral nerve fiber autofluorescence intensity does not greatly depend upon the excitation wavelength or fixation methods used in an ex vivo setting. Implications for future nerve-sparing surgery are discussed.

Complications of feeding jejunostomy placement: a single-institution experience.

BACKGROUND: Feeding jejunostomy is an alternative route of enteral nutrition in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal operations when a feeding gastrostomy is not suitable. METHODS: A single institution review of patients who underwent open or laparoscopic jejunostomy tube (JT) placement between 2009 and 2019 was performed. Data collected included demographics, preoperative serum albumin, surgery indication, concomitancy of procedure, size of JT tube and time to its removal. JT complications were analyzed in the early postoperative period (< 30 days) and in a long-term follow-up (> 30 days). The Chi-square test was used to compare rates of complications according to tube size. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients underwent JT placement, and gastroesophageal cancer (n = 48, 65.7%) was the most common indication. The JT was most frequently placed concomitantly (n = 56, 76.7%) to the primary operation and through a laparoscopic approach (n = 66, 90.4%). A total of 14 patients (19.1%) had early complications and 15 had late complications (20.5%). The reasons for early complications were clogged JT (n = 8, 10.9%), JT dislodgement (n = 3, 4.1%), leakage (n = 2, 2.7%), small bowel obstruction adjacent to the site of the jejunostomy tube (n = 2, 2.7%), JT site infection (n = 1, 1.3%), and intraperitoneal JT displacement (n = 1, 1.3%). The reasons for late complications were clogged JT (n = 6, 8.2%), JT dislodgement (n = 6, 8.2%), JT site infection (n = 3, 4.1%), and JT leakage (n = 1, 1.3%). There was no procedure-related mortality in this series. However, 12 patients (16.4%) died due to their baseline disease. The mean time to tube removal was 83.4 ± 93.6 days. The most frequently used JT size was 14 French (n = 39, 53.4%) but in nine patients the tube size was not reported. No statistical significance (p = 0.75) was found when comparing the two most commonly used sizes to rates of complications. CONCLUSION: The rate of JT complications in our study is comparable to other published reports in literature. As an alternative route for nutritional status optimization, the procedure appears to be safe despite the number of complications.

Reduction of invasive interventions in severely obese with osteoarthritis after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) affects 56,000,000 Americans, 30% with obesity. Their risk of developing OA is 5 times higher. With each extra kilogram above ideal weight, the risk of OA increases to 13%. The study aim is to describe changes in OA treatment after undergoing bariatric surgery (BS). METHODS: After IRB approval, we conducted a retrospective analysis of all severely obese patients and OA that underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass from 2004 to 2018. Changes of OA severity were assessed based on the requirement of invasive intervention (INI) at 12 and 24 months after BS. INI was defined as the need for surgical drainage; articular injection; and surgical interventions such as meniscectomy, total hip replacement, and total knee replacement. RESULTS: A total of 11.52% (N = 486) had OA diagnosed prior to BS, the most common location being unilateral hip 31.1% (N = 151). A total of 35.2% (N = 159) of patients required pain management (PM) for OA at 12 months. Of these, 90% (N = 144) required only INI and 5.6% (N = 9) required PM only. Baseline and postoperative BMI were associated to need for INI. At 12 months, the 66.7% (N = 301) who did not require INI had a baseline BMI of 44.70 ± 8.22 and total weight loss percent (TWL%) of 14.29 ± 13 (P = 0.05; 95% CI 0.96-1.00). LSG patients were the majority compared to other procedures (44.5%; N = 134). On the other hand, 64.3% (N = 175) did not require INI at 24 months and had a baseline BMI of 17.82±17.4 and TWL% of 2.43 ± 6 (P = 0.003; 95% CI 1.04-1.25). The risk to require INI was reduced by 69.9% at 12 months and 80% at 24 months. Need for pain medications at 12 months was reduced by 96.9%. CONCLUSION: According to this study data, bariatric surgery reduces the need for INI in patients with OA. The effect seems to be related to the amount of weight loss. Additional studies conducted on a larger scale are necessary to validate findings.

Impact of rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery on the prevalence of arterial hypertension in severely obese patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension (HTN) is one of the most important risk factors for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Rapid weight loss after bariatric interventions has a positive impact on blood pressure levels of hypertensive patients. The aim of our study is to assess the prevalence of HTN in patients with CKD after bariatric surgery (BS). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed severely obese patients who underwent BS from 2010 to 2017. We used guidelines of the American College of Cardiology to define HTN. Only patients meeting ACC criteria and the calculation of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using CKD epidemiology collaboration study equation preoperatively and at 12-month follow-up were included in the analysis. RESULTS: From a total of 2900 patients, 29.13% (845) met the required criteria and had variables for the calculation of eGFR recorded preoperatively. 36.92% (312) had preoperative HTN and s classified as CKD stage ≥ 2. We observed a predominantly female population 63.83% (203) with mean age of 54.10 ± 11.58. Patients preoperatively classified in CKD 2, 3a, and 3b exhibited the greatest prevalence reduction of HTN at 12-month follow-up (68.59%, n = 214 vs. 36.59%, n = 114; 16.67%, n = 52 vs. 6.41%, n = 20; 7.69%, n = 24 vs. 1.28%, n = 4; p < 0.0001). A marked improvement in CKD was also observed along with improvement in HTN. The greatest benefit corresponded to patients classified preoperatively in CKD 2, 3a and 3b. A total of n = 70 (62.5%) patients with HTN were classified as CKD 2 preoperatively compared to n = 55 (49.11%) at 12-month follow-up (p = 0.0436). Similarly, n = 22 (19.64%) patients with HTN were classified preoperatively as CKD 3a compared to n = 7 (6.25%) and n = 12 (10.71%) patients as CKD 3b compared to n = 4 (3.57%) during the same time period (p = 0.0028, p = 0.0379, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Rapid weight loss after BS significantly reduces prevalence of HTN in all stages of CKD at 12-month follow-up. Additionally, there was a positive impact on classification of CKD at 12-month follow-up.

Incisionless fluorescent cholangiography (IFC): a pilot survey of surgeons on procedural familiarity, practices, and perceptions.

BACKGROUND: Incisionless fluorescent cholangiography (IFC) has recently been proven feasible, safe, and efficacious as an intraoperative procedure to help identify extrahepatic bile ducts during laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC). We conducted a pilot survey of 51 surgeons attending an international conference who perform endoscopic cholecystectomies to identify their typical LC practices, and perceptions of IFC. METHODS: An international panel of ten IFC experts, all with > 500 prior IFC procedures and related research publications, convened during the 4th International Congress of Fluorescence-Guided Surgery in Boca Raton, Florida in February 2017. The panel was charged with developing questions about LC practices and experience with IFC, and perceptions regarding its advantages, barriers to use, and indications. These questions then were asked to other congress attendees during one of the didactic sessions using an online polling application. Attendees, who ranged from zero to considerable experience performing IFC, accessed the survey via their portable devices. RESULTS: Of the 51 survey participants, 51% were from North America; 77% identified themselves as general/minimally invasive surgeons, and roughly 60% performed under 50 cholecystectomies/year. Only 12% performed routine intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), while 72.3% routinely performed critical safety reviews. Thirty-five percent estimated that their institution's laparoscopic-to-open surgery conversion rate was > 1% during LC. Roughly 95% of respondents felt that surgeons should have access to a noninvasive method for evaluating extrahepatic biliary structures; 84% felt that the most advantageous characteristic of IFC is the lack of any biliary-tree incision; and 93.3% felt that IFC would have considerable educational value in surgical training programs; and 78% felt that any surgeon who performs LC could benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons who participated in our survey overwhelmingly recommended the routine use of IFC during laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a complimentary imaging technique. Prospective randomized clinical trials remain necessary to determine whether IFC reduces the incidence of bile duct injuries and other LC complications.

Metabolic Surgery Reduces the Risk of Progression From Chronic Kidney Disease to Kidney Failure.

INTRODUCTION: According to the Chronic Kidney Disease Prognosis Consortium (CKD-PC), 1 in 4 patients age ≥ 65 in North America has some form of chronic kidney disease (CKD), while 3 in 100 will progress to kidney failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether bariatric surgery alters the progression of CKD to kidney failure in patients who are severely obese. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who underwent bariatric surgery at our institution over the last 16 years. Kidney function and injury were assessed using the average estimated glomerular filtration rate and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) over 3 months preoperatively and postoperative at 12-month follow-up. The risk of progression from CKD to kidney failure was assessed using the Chronic Kidney Disease Prognosis Consortium (CKD-PC) equation. RESULTS: Out of 2924 patients reviewed over this period of time, 69 (2.4%) had the recorded data necessary to assess kidney injury and the risk of disease progression to kidney failure. Patients within moderate and severe stages of CKD-related albuminuria improved the most at 12-month follow-up (by 48% and 79%; P = 0.0001 and P = 0.025, respectively). This translated to a relative risk reduction for progression to kidney failure in CKD ≥ stage 3 patients of 70% at 2 years and 60% at 5 years (both P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery seems to improve kidney injury, especially among patients with the most severe stages of CKD. Marked 2- and 5-year risk reduction in the progression from CKD to kidney failure was observed.

Randomized Trial of Near-infrared Incisionless Fluorescent Cholangiography.

BACKGROUND: Incisionless near-infrared fluorescent cholangiography (NIFC) is emerging as a promising tool to enhance the visualization of extrahepatic biliary structures during laparoscopic cholecystectomies. METHODS: We conducted a single-blind, randomized, 2-arm trial comparing the efficacy of NIFC (n = 321) versus white light (WL) alone (n = 318) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Using the KARL STORZ Image1 S imaging system with OPAL1 technology for NIR/ICG imaging, we evaluated the detection rate for 7 biliary structures-cystic duct (CD), right hepatic duct (RHD), common hepatic duct, common bile duct, cystic common bile duct junction, cystic gallbladder junction (CGJ), and accessory ducts -before and after surgical dissection. Secondary calculations included multivariable analysis for predictors of structure visualization and comparing intergroup biliary duct injury rates. RESULTS: Predissection detection rates were significantly superior in the NIFC group for all 7 biliary structures, ranging from 9.1% versus 2.9% to 66.6% versus 36.6% for the RHD and CD, respectively, with odds ratios ranging from 2.3 (95% CI 1.6-3.2) for the CGJ to 3.6 (1.6-9.3) for the RHD. After dissection, similar intergroup differences were observed for all structures except CD and CGJ, for which no differences were observed. Significant odds ratios ranged from 2.4 (1.7-3.5) for the common hepatic duct to 3.3 (1.3-10.4) for accessory ducts. Increased body mass index was associated with reduced detection of most structures in both groups, especially before dissection. Only 2 patients, both in the WL group, sustained a biliary duct injury. CONCLUSIONS: In a randomized controlled trial, NIFC was statistically superior to WL alone visualizing extrahepatic biliary structures during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02702843.

High cardiovascular risk patients benefit more from bariatric surgery than low cardiovascular risk patients.

INTRODUCTION: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and Framingham risk scores (FRS) are used to calculate 10-year risk of coronary death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or fatal/nonfatal stroke. Our goal is to evaluate the association between preoperative cardiovascular risk and weight loss. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed bariatric surgeries from 2010 to 2016. Patients who met criteria for calculating 10-year ASCVD score and FRS were included. Data collected included baseline demographics, perioperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes at 12 months. Simple linear regression and multiple linear regression models were applied to test influence of individual or multiple factors of interest on 12-month weight loss outcomes. RESULTS: Of 1330 bariatric patients studied, 360 patients met criteria for ASCVD and FRS calculation. Sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was the most prevalent surgery 63.05%, followed by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) 20.55%, revision procedures 11.9%, and adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) 4.4%. Initial BMI was 42.71 ± 7.85 kg/m2 for females and 42.72k ± 7.42 kg/m2 for males, with a 12-month percentage of estimated BMI loss (%EBMIL) of 66.51% in females and 60.29% in males. Preoperative 10-year ASCVD score was higher in males than females with a 34.73% relative risk reduction (RRR) in males and 35.3% RRR in females at 12-month follow-up. Regarding FRS, preoperative risk was 33.13 ± 21.1% in males and 15.71 ± 14.52% in females, with an RRR of 25.8% in males and 32.2% in females. Univariate analysis of preoperative FRS and %EBMIL showed that for every percentage unit increase in the patient's preoperative FRS, %EBMIL decreases 0.31 percentile unit (P < 0.001). Furthermore, preoperative ASCVD score is also significantly associated with %EMBIL-for every percentage unit increase in preoperative ASCVD score, %EBMIL decreases 0.42 percentile credits. CONCLUSION: Study results suggest ASCVD and FRS are equally reduced after bariatric surgery, especially after LSG and LRYGB. Moreover, preoperative FRS and ASCVD risk score showed an inversely proportional relationship with %EBMIL loss at 12 months.

Bariatric Surgery: Safety, Efficacy, Disease State, Collaboration, Future.

Obesity provides an opportunity for bariatric and orthopedic surgeons to collaborate through emphasis on safety, effectiveness and patient experience. A value equation can be offered for combining weight loss for the patient with obesity and joint disease.

Obesity Disease Pandemic on Joint Disease and Longevity.

Epidemiologic trends and recent literature reports indicate that the combination of bariatric surgery as a first step followed by orthopedic interventions as a second stage is beneficial for our patients. Bariatric interventions have proven to be safe and efficacious, offering a bridge to patients affected by severe obesity and osteoarthritis to undergoing a successful and long-lasting joint arthroplasty. In addition, the combination of joint arthroplasty after bariatric interventions will help patients resume their normal activities while introducing lifestyle changes that will, in turn, enable them to maintain weight loss.

Intraoperative Ureter Visualization Using a Novel Near-Infrared Fluorescent Dye.

Ureters can be accidentally severed during pelvic surgeries, significantly prolonging the times in the operating room to allow for complete repair of damaged ureters and leading to significant morbidities associated with consequent ureter obstruction and possible kidney dysfunction. In an effort to prevent these complications, light-emitting stents and urine-excreted dyes have been introduced to illuminate the ureter during surgery. However, problems with mechanical insertion, ureter spasm, image contrast, and localized injection have limited interest in their clinical applications. We report here the synthesis and characterization of a new near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye (UreterGlow) that can be injected systemically but is excreted primarily through the renal system, allowing ureter imaging with an NIR fluorescence camera. Following intravenous injection of 0.1 mg/kg UreterGlow, we have monitored the flow of UreterGlow through the proximal, medial, and distal segments of the ureter. The timing of ureter visualization was calculated from the time of injection of the drug. The null hypothesis was that "Visualization of the ureter in pigs is possible 60 min after administration of UreterGlow using an NIR camera". UreterGlow displayed excitation and emission maxima of λex = 800 nm and λem = 830 nm in phosphate buffered saline, pH 7.4, and could be imaged in the urinary tract in mice. Shortly after injection of UreterGlow into Yorkshire pigs, peristalsis of the ureter could be observed. The distal ureter could be visualized under NIR illumination after 60 min with constant fluorescence in all five pigs for >2 h. The same ureters could not be seen using visible light ( X2, p = 0.0001). Because both excitation and emission of UreterGlow occurs at >30 nm longer wavelength than most tumor-imaging fluorescent dyes, it should be possible to distinguish ureter fluorescence from tumor fluorescence with this dye.

Reduction of Framingham BMI score after rapid weight loss in severely obese subjects undergoing sleeve gastrectomy: a single institution experience.

BACKGROUND: There is vast evidence that supports the importance of obesity in the pathogenesis and progression of cardiovascular disease. Rapid weight loss induced by laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has proven beneficial. The aim of this study is to evaluate laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as an alternative treatment modality and its impact on the Framingham-BMI 10-year risk score. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients that underwent bariatric surgery at our institution between 2010 and 2014. Patients who met the criteria for calculating the Framingham BMI 10-year risk score were included. Data collected included baseline demographics, perioperative parameters such as tobacco use, diagnosis of diabetes, treatment for hypertension, BMI and postoperative outcomes at 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: From our 1129 bariatric patients, 358 (31.7%) met criteria for the Framingham BMI 10-year risk score calculation. LSG was the most prevalent surgery 61.45% (N = 220) followed by LRYGB 22.06% (N = 79). Females composed 69% (N = 248) of our population. The average age for females was 52.3 ± 10.8 years and for males 54.07 ± 11.2 years. The initial Framingham 10-year score risk was significantly higher in males compared with females (36.16% ± 22.3 vs. 16.97% ± 15.6 (p < 0.001)). After 12-month follow-up, the absolute risk reduction in males was 11.58% (p < 0.001) and 6.17% in females (p < 0.001). The preoperative heart age was high in females and males (69.23 ± 15.72 years and 73.55 ± 13.55 years, respectively (p = 0.012)), and after 12 months it was reduced 7.19 years in females (p < 0.001) and 7.04 years in males (p < 0.001). The percentage of estimated BMI loss at 1 year was 64.43% in females and 60.69% in males. CONCLUSION: Sleeve gastrectomy has demonstrated to be an effective method of treatment for obesity. Our results suggest that rapid weight loss after LSG has a positive impact in the reduction of the 10-year cardiovascular disease risk. Further prospective studies may be needed to better assess these findings.