SHOULD ROUTINE LIVER BIOPSY BE CONSIDERED IN BARIATRIC SURGICAL PRACTICE? AN ANALYSIS OF THE LIMITATIONS OF NON-INVASIVE NAFLD MARKERS.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive markers are useful and practical tools for assessing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but liver biopsy remains the gold-standard method. Liver biopsy can be easily obtained on individuals undergoing bariatric surgery, but there is no ultimate evidence on the relationship between costs, risks and benefits of its systematic performance. OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive methods with liver biopsy for detection and staging of NAFLD in obese individuals undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study which enrolled individuals who underwent bariatric surgery from 2018 through 2019 at a public tertiary university hospital. Ultrasound scan, hepatic steatosis index, Clinical Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Score (C-NASH), hypertension, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and insulin resistance (HAIR), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI), NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS) and body mass index, AST/ALT ratio, and diabetes (BARD) were the methods compared with the histopathological examination of wedge liver biopsies collected during surgery. RESULTS: Of 104 individuals analyzed, 91 (87.5%) were female. The mean age was 34.9±9.7 years. There was no biopsy-related morbidity. The respective overall accuracies of each marker analyzed were: ultrasound scan (79.81% for steatosis), hepatic steatosis index (79.81% for steatosis), HAIR (40.23% for steatohepatitis), C-NASH (22.99% for steatohepatitis), APRI (94.23% for advanced fibrosis), NFS (94.23% for advanced fibrosis), and BARD (16.35% for advanced fibrosis). DISCUSSION: Given the high prevalence of liver disease within this population, even the most accurate markers did not present enough discretionary power to detect and/or rule out the NAFLD aspects they were designed to assess in comparison with liver biopsy, which is safe and easy to obtain in these patients. CONCLUSION: Wedge liver biopsy during bariatric surgery helps to diagnose and stage NAFLD, presents low risks and acceptable costs; given the limitations of non-invasive methods, it is justifiable and should be considered in bariatric routine.

A realização sistemática de biópsia hepática deveria ser considerada na prática cirúrgica bariátrica? Uma análise das limitações de marcadores não-invasivos de DHGNA / Should routine liver biopsy be considered in bariatric surgical practice? an analysis of the limitations of non-invasive nafld markers

ABSTRACT Background Non-invasive markers are useful and practical tools for assessing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but liver biopsy remains the gold-standard method. Liver biopsy can be easily obtained on individuals undergoing bariatric surgery, but there is no ultimate evidence on the relationship between costs, risks and benefits of its systematic performance. Objective To compare the diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive methods with liver biopsy for detection and staging of NAFLD in obese individuals undergoing bariatric surgery. Methods This is a cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study which enrolled individuals who underwent bariatric surgery from 2018 through 2019 at a public tertiary university hospital. Ultrasound scan, hepatic steatosis index, Clinical Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Score (C-NASH), hypertension, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and insulin resistance (HAIR), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI), NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS) and body mass index, AST/ALT ratio, and diabetes (BARD) were the methods compared with the histopathological examination of wedge liver biopsies collected during surgery. Results Of 104 individuals analyzed, 91 (87.5%) were female. The mean age was 34.9±9.7 years. There was no biopsy-related morbidity. The respective overall accuracies of each marker analyzed were: ultrasound scan (79.81% for steatosis), hepatic steatosis index (79.81% for steatosis), HAIR (40.23% for steatohepatitis), C-NASH (22.99% for steatohepatitis), APRI (94.23% for advanced fibrosis), NFS (94.23% for advanced fibrosis), and BARD (16.35% for advanced fibrosis). Discussion Given the high prevalence of liver disease within this population, even the most accurate markers did not present enough discretionary power to detect and/or rule out the NAFLD aspects they were designed to assess in comparison with liver biopsy, which is safe and easy to obtain in these patients. Conclusion Wedge liver biopsy during bariatric surgery helps to diagnose and stage NAFLD, presents low risks and acceptable costs; given the limitations of non-invasive methods, it is justifiable and should be considered in bariatric routine.

RESUMO Contexto Marcadores não-invasivos são ferramentas úteis e práticas para avaliar a doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA), porém, a biópsia hepática continua sendo o método padrão-ouro. A biópsia pode ser facilmente obtida em indivíduos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica, mas não há evidências definitivas acerca da relação entre custos, riscos e benefícios de sua realização sistemática. Objetivo Comparar a acurácia diagnóstica de métodos não-invasivos com a biópsia hepática para detecção e estadiamento da DHGNA em obesos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal, observacional e descritivo que envolveu indivíduos que se submeteram à cirurgia bariátrica de 2018 a 2019 em um hospital universitário público terciário. Ultrassonografia (US), índice de esteatose hepática (HSI), Escore Clínico de Esteato-hepatite Não-Alcoólica (C-NASH), Índice de Hipertensão, alanina aminotransferase (ALT) e resistência à insulina (HAIR), Razão entre aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e plaquetas (APRI), Escore de Fibrose da DHGNA (NFS) e índice de massa corporal (IMC), relação AST/ALT e diabetes (BARD) foram os métodos comparados com o exame histopatológico de biópsias hepáticas em cunha coletadas durante a cirurgia. Resultados De 104 indivíduos analisados, 91 (87,5%) eram do sexo feminino. A média de idade foi de 34,9±9,7 anos. Não houve morbidade relacionada à biópsia. As respectivas acurácias globais de cada marcador analisado foram: US (79,81% para esteatose), HSI (79,81% para esteatose), HAIR (40,23% para esteato-hepatite), C-NASH (22,99% para esteato-hepatite), APRI (94,23% para fibrose avançada), NFS (94,23% para fibrose avançada) e BARD (16,35% para fibrose avançada). Discussão: Considerando a alta prevalência de doença hepática nesta população, mesmo os mais acurados destes marcadores não apresentaram poder discricionário suficiente para detectar e/ou descartar os aspectos da DHGNA que foram desenvolvidos para avaliar em comparação com a biópsia hepática, que é segura e de fácil obtenção nestes pacientes. Conclusão A biópsia hepática em cunha durante a cirurgia bariátrica auxilia no diagnóstico e estadiamento da DHGNA, apresenta baixo risco e custos aceitáveis e, dadas as limitações dos métodos não-invasivos, é justificável e deve ser considerada na rotina bariátrica.

Revisional surgery in severe nutritional complications after bariatric surgical procedures: report of four cases from a single institution and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: bariatric surgery is currently the only treatment that leads to long-term and sustained weight loss and decreased morbidity and mortality in morbidly obese individuals. Roux-en-Y bypass causes weight loss by restricting food intake associated with reduced intestinal absorption, in addition to multiple endocrine and satiogenic effects. Biliopancreatic diversion promotes weight loss mainly due to poor absorption of the nutrients ingested. Both procedures exclude parts of the gastrointestinal tract. OBJECTIVE: to describe four cases of revisional surgery after primary bariatric surgery, due to serious nutritional complications, and to review the literature regarding this subject. METHODS: a retrospective analysis of patients of Unicamps bariatric center database and review of the literatures were performed. RESULTS: four patients were identified, 2 women and 2 men, with a mean age of 48 years. The mean body mass index before revisional surgery was 23.7 kg/m2. Three patients underwent Scopinaro biliopancreatic diversion, and onde patient underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The revisional surgeries were revision, conversion, and reversion. One patient died. For the review of the literature 12 articles remained (11 case reports and 1 case series). Another five important original articles were included. CONCLUSION: fortunately, revision surgery is rarely necessary, but when indicated it has increased morbidity, It can be revision, reverion or conversion according to the severity of the patient and the primary surgery performed.

Revisional surgery in severe nutritional complications after bariatric surgical procedures: report of four cases from a single institution and review of the literature / Cirurgia revisional em complicações nutricionais graves após cirurgia bariátrica: relato de 4 casos de uma única instituição e revisão da literatura

ABSTRACT Introduction: bariatric surgery is currently the only treatment that leads to long-term and sustained weight loss and decreased morbidity and mortality in morbidly obese individuals. Roux-en-Y bypass causes weight loss by restricting food intake associated with reduced intestinal absorption, in addition to multiple endocrine and satiogenic effects. Biliopancreatic diversion promotes weight loss mainly due to poor absorption of the nutrients ingested. Both procedures exclude parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Objective: to describe four cases of revisional surgery after primary bariatric surgery, due to serious nutritional complications, and to review the literature regarding this subject. Methods: a retrospective analysis of patients of Unicamps bariatric center database and review of the literatures were performed. Results: four patients were identified, 2 women and 2 men, with a mean age of 48 years. The mean body mass index before revisional surgery was 23.7 kg/m2. Three patients underwent Scopinaro biliopancreatic diversion, and onde patient underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The revisional surgeries were revision, conversion, and reversion. One patient died. For the review of the literature 12 articles remained (11 case reports and 1 case series). Another five important original articles were included. Conclusion: fortunately, revision surgery is rarely necessary, but when indicated it has increased morbidity, It can be revision, reverion or conversion according to the severity of the patient and the primary surgery performed.

RESUMO Introdução: atualmente, a cirurgia bariátrica é o único tratamento que leva à perda de peso prolongada e sustentada e diminuição da morbimortalidade em indivíduos obesos mórbidos. O bypass em Y-de-Roux causa perda de peso restringindo a ingestão de alimentos associada à redução da absorção intestinal, além de múltiplos efeitos endócrinos e sacietógenos. O desvio biliopancreático promove a perda de peso principalmente devido à diminuição da absorção dos nutrientes ingeridos. Ambos os procedimentos excluem partes do trato gastrointestinal. Objetivo: descrever 4 casos de cirurgia revisional após cirurgia bariátrica primária, devido a graves complicações nutricionais, bem como realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre esse assunto. Métodos: foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva dos pacientes do banco de dados do serviço de cirurgia bariátrica da Unicamp e revisão da literatura. Resultados: foram identificados 4 pacientes, 2 mulheres e 2 homens, com média de idade de 48 anos, o IMC antes da cirurgia revisional eram em média 23,7. Os pacientes haviam sido submetidos em 3 casos a cirurgia de Scopinaro e 1 caso ao bypass gástrico em Y-de-Roux. As cirurgias revisionais foram de revisão, conversão e reversão. Um paciente evoluiu a óbito. Em relação a revisão da literatura, foram selecionados 12 artigos (11 relatos de casos e 1 série de casos). Outros cinco artigos originais importantes foram incluídos. Conclusão: felizmente, a cirurgia revisional raramente é necessária, mas, quando indicada, apresenta alta morbidade. São cirurgias de revisão, reversão ou conversão, de acordo com a gravidade do paciente e a cirurgia primária realizada.

Influence of post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass weight recidivism on insulin resistance: a 3-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Although some early metabolic benefits provided by bariatric surgery are known to occur regardless of weight loss, the impact of mid- to long-term weight recidivism after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on metabolic outcomes is not profoundly understood. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of weight recidivism on insulin resistance among nondiabetic individuals with morbid obesity after RYGB during a 3-year follow-up. SETTING: Public tertiary university hospital. METHODS: This is a cohort study based on a prospectively collected database of a public tertiary university hospital, which enrolled individuals with morbid obesity who underwent RYGB and were followed-up for 3 years. Weight loss was classified into the following 3 categories: (1) no weight regain; (2) expected regain (regain ≤20% of the maximum weight loss); and (3) obesity recidivism (regain >20% of the maximum weight loss). Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) values were compared over time. RESULTS: Of 100 patients, 20% presented obesity recidivism and 52% an expected regain after 3 years of surgery; 28% showed no regain. The recidivism group presented a significant increase in HOMA 3 years after surgery (P = .02). The recidivism group presented a significantly higher HOMA 3 years after surgery than the observed in the other groups (P < .001), as well as a significantly higher percentage of HOMA variation throughout the follow-up (P = .02). CONCLUSION: Weight recidivism after RYGB was significantly associated with a worsening of insulin resistance among nondiabetic individuals with morbid obesity. Thus, weight loss seems to play a significant role in the maintenance of the early metabolic improvement achieved after RYGB.

PANCREATICODUODENECTOMY WITH VENOUS RESECTION: AN ANALYSIS OF 30-DAY MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY.

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with the resection of venous structures adjacent to the pancreatic head, even in cases of extensive invasion, has been practiced in recent years, but its perioperative morbidity and mortality are not completely determined. OBJECTIVE: To describe the perioperative outcomes of PD with venous resections performed at a tertiary university hospital. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted, classified as a historical cohort, enrolling 39 individuals which underwent PD with venous resection from 2000 through 2016. Preoperative demographic, clinical and anthropometric variables were assessed and the main outcomes studied were 30-day morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: The median age was 62.5 years (IQ 54-68); 55% were male. The main etiology identified was ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (82.1%). In 51.3% of cases, the portal vein was resected; in 35.9%, the superior mesenteric vein was resected and in the other 12.8%, the splenomesenteric junction. Regarding the complications, 48.7% of the patients presented some type of morbidity in 30 days. None of the variables analyzed was associated with higher morbidity. Perioperative mortality was 15.4% (six patients). The group of individuals who died within 30 days presented significantly higher values for both ASA (P=0.003) and ECOG (P=0.001) scores. CONCLUSION: PD with venous resection for advanced pancreatic neoplasms is a feasible procedure, but associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality; higher ASA e ECOG scores were significantly associated with a higher 30-day mortality.

Duodenopancreatectomia com ressecção venosa: análise de morbidade e mortalidade em 30 dias / Pancreaticoduodenectomy with venous resection: an analysis of 30-day morbidity and mortality

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with the resection of venous structures adjacent to the pancreatic head, even in cases of extensive invasion, has been practiced in recent years, but its perioperative morbidity and mortality are not completely determined. OBJECTIVE: To describe the perioperative outcomes of PD with venous resections performed at a tertiary university hospital. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted, classified as a historical cohort, enrolling 39 individuals which underwent PD with venous resection from 2000 through 2016. Preoperative demographic, clinical and anthropometric variables were assessed and the main outcomes studied were 30-day morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: The median age was 62.5 years (IQ 54-68); 55% were male. The main etiology identified was ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (82.1%). In 51.3% of cases, the portal vein was resected; in 35.9%, the superior mesenteric vein was resected and in the other 12.8%, the splenomesenteric junction. Regarding the complications, 48.7% of the patients presented some type of morbidity in 30 days. None of the variables analyzed was associated with higher morbidity. Perioperative mortality was 15.4% (six patients). The group of individuals who died within 30 days presented significantly higher values for both ASA (P=0.003) and ECOG (P=0.001) scores. CONCLUSION: PD with venous resection for advanced pancreatic neoplasms is a feasible procedure, but associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality; higher ASA e ECOG scores were significantly associated with a higher 30-day mortality.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A duodenopancreatectomia (DP) com ressecção de estruturas venosas adjacentes à cabeça do pâncreas, mesmo em casos de invasão extensa, tem sido praticada nos últimos anos, mas sua morbidade e mortalidade perioperatórias não são completamente determinadas. OBJETIVO: Descrever os resultados perioperatórios de DP com ressecções venosas realizadas em um hospital terciário universitário. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo retrospectivo, classificado como coorte histórica, envolvendo 39 indivíduos submetidos à DP com ressecção venosa entre 2000 e 2016. Foram estudadas variáveis demográficas, clínicas e antropométricas pré-operatórias e os desfechos principais foram a morbidade e mortalidade em 30 dias. RESULTADOS: A mediana de idade foi 62,5 anos (IQ 54-68), sendo 55% dos indivíduos do sexo masculino. A principal etiologia identificada foi o adenocarcinoma ductal de pâncreas (82,1%). Em 51,3% dos casos, a veia porta foi submetida à ressecção; em 35,9%, a veia mesentérica superior foi ressecada e nos outros 12,8%, a junção esplenomesentérica. Em relação às complicações, 48,7% dos pacientes apresentaram algum tipo de morbidade em 30 dias. Nenhuma das variáveis analisadas associou-se à maior morbidade. A mortalidade perioperatória foi 15,4% (seis pacientes). O grupo de indivíduos que cursou com mortalidade em 30 dias apresentou escores significativamente mais altos de ASA (P=0,003) e ECOG (P=0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A DP com ressecção venosa para neoplasias avançadas do pâncreas é um procedimento factível, porém que se acompanha de altos índices de morbidade e mortalidade; escores de ASA e ECOG altos são fatores significativamente associados à maior mortalidade.