Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal bypass (SADI-S) as Primary or Two-Stage Surgery: Mid-Term Outcomes of a Single Canadian Bariatric Center.

PURPOSE: Compare primary single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) and two-stage SADI after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in terms of weight loss, reduction/remission of comorbidities, and morbidity. METHODS: Retrospective study including 179 patients treated laparoscopically between 2016 and 2020. A 50Fr bougie was used for the SG in the primary SADI-S (group 1) and 36/40Fr for the two-stage procedure (group 2). The duodeno-ileal anastomosis was performed at 250 cm from the ileocecal valve and at least 2 cm after the pylorus. RESULTS: Mean age was 44.1 years old, and there were 148 women and 31 men. There were 67 (37.4%) patients in group 1 and 112 (62.6%) in group 2, with 67% completing the 4-year follow-up. Mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 51.1 kg/m2 and 44.6 kg/m2 for groups 1 and 2, respectively. Preoperative comorbidities were obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia in 103 (57.5%), 93 (52%), 65 (36.3%), and 58 (32.4%) of cases. At 4 years postoperatively, excess weight loss (EWL) was 67.5% in group 1 and 67% in group 2 (p = 0.1005). Both groups had good comorbidity remission rates. Early postoperative morbidity rate was 10.4% in group 1 and 3.6% in group 2. In group1, there were mostly postoperative intra-abdominal hematomas managed conservatively (n = 4). Two revisional surgeries were needed for duodeno-ileal anastomosis leaks. Postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), daily diarrhea, vitamin, and protein levels were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Both types of strategies are efficient at short and mid-term outcomes. Preoperative criteria will inform surgeon decision between a primary and a two-stage strategy.

Long-term follow-up of a cohort with post sleeve gastrectomy leaks: results of endoscopic treatment and salvage surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most performed bariatric procedure worldwide. The most challenging postoperative complication is gastric leak. The objectives of this study are to examine the efficacy and morbidity of different therapeutic strategies addressing leakage, and the long-term outcomes of a cohort of LSG leaks. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients treated for LSG leaks between September 2014 and January 2023 at our high-volume bariatric surgery center was performed. RESULTS: The charts of 37 patients (29 women and 8 men) were reviewed, with a mean age of 43 years and a median follow-up of 24 months. The mean preoperative body mass index was 45.1 kg/m2. Overall, 30/37 (81%) patients were successfully treated with endoscopic management, and 7/37 (19%) ultimately underwent salvage surgery. If the leak was diagnosed earlier than 6 weeks, endoscopic treatment had a 97% success rate. The median number of endoscopic procedures was 2 per patient, and included internal pigtails, stents, septoplasty, endoluminal vacuum therapy and over-the-scope clips. Complications included stent-related ulcers (10), esophageal stenosis requiring endoscopic dilatations (4), stent migrations (2) and kinking requiring repositioning (1), and internal pigtail migration (3). Revisional surgery consisted of proximal gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y esophago-jejunal anastomosis, Roux-en-Y fistulo-jejunostomy or classic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass proximal to the gastric stricture. In 62% of the cases, the axis/caliber of the LSG was abnormal. Beyond 4 attempts, endoscopy was unsuccessful. The success rate of endoscopic management dropped to 25% when treatment was initiated more than 45 days after the index surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Purely endoscopic management was successful in 81% of cases; with 97% success rate if diagnosis earlier than 6 weeks. After four failed endoscopic procedures, a surgical approach should be considered. Delayed diagnosis appears to be a significant risk factor for failure of endoscopic treatment.

Five-year outcomes after surgery for class 1 obesity: a retrospective analysis of a Canadian bariatric centre's experience.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of literature exploring the role of bariatric surgery in class 1 obesity. We evaluated the 5-year outcomes after bariatric surgery in patients with class 1 obesity, assessing weight loss, resolution/reduction of obesity-related comorbidities, morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We performed a single-centre retrospective analysis of patients who underwent bariatric surgery (laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy [LSG] or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [LRYGB)]) for class 1 obesity (body mass index [BMI] 30.0-34.9) between January 2012 and February 2019. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (35 [95%] female, mean age 44.5 yr [standard error (SE) 11.3 yr], mean preoperative BMI 33.1) were included, of whom 32 underwent LSG and 5 underwent LRYGB. Thirty-five patients were followed for 5 years post-operatively, achieving a mean BMI of 25.6 (SE 1.2) and excess weight loss of 89.4% (SE 15.1%). Remission of hypertension was achieved in 5 of 12 patients (42%), and remission of dyslipidemia was achieved in 7 of 11 patients (64%). Of the 11 patients with diabetes, 7 underwent LSG and 4, LRYGB. At 5 years postoperatively, the mean glycosylated hemoglobin concentration was 6.3%. Four patients in the LSG group developed de novo reflux, 1 patient required conversion to LRYGB, and 1 patient with sleeve stenosis required endoscopic dilatation. There were no deaths in either patient group. CONCLUSION: At our centre, bariatric surgery for class 1 obesity was safe and had long-term efficacy, with remission or reduction of related comorbidities. Prospective controlled trials are required to confirm these results.

The Development of a Novel Bariatric Laparoscopic Simulator.

Bariatric surgery presents a specific challenge in surgical education; simulators need to take into account the specific technical difficulties related to the patient population but also to various types of surgery. We interviewed several leaders in the fields of bariatric and general surgery with experience in laparoscopic surgery and developed a bariatric-specific laparoscopic simulator. This novel simulator was constructed using a variety of silicone-based materials and 3D printing techniques to be reusable and adjustable for a variety of procedures, with no essential components being disposed of following each use. Expert surgeons (n=4) with knowledge on bariatric procedures were recruited and asked to perform a simple simulated laparoscopic procedure. Following testing, participants were asked to complete a survey and rate the simulator based on its physical attributes, global realism, usefulness in improving surgical skills, and overall surgical experience. Face and content validation outcomes based on the questionnaire evaluations completed by expert surgeons showed very good results, with an overall mean score of 4.3 out of 5 (86%). These preliminary results highlight the potential for the simulator's application as a tool to improve bariatric surgical education and patient outcomes.

Case Report: Endoscopic Removal of an Eroded Gastric Band Causing Small Bowel Obstruction upon Migration into the Proximal Jejunum.

BACKGROUND: Adjustable gastric banding (AGB) is on the decline due to its relatively modest amount of expected weight loss, coupled with high rates of revision and complications such as band erosion. Management of eroded gastric bands can be challenging especially when complete intra-gastric erosion is followed by distal migration causing small bowel obstruction. METHODS: We present an endoscopic option of using a pediatric colonoscope to remove an eroded AGB causing jejunal obstruction. RESULT: Endoscopic removal of an eroded ABG causing bowel obstruction was successful. CONCLUSION: Endoscopy remains a safe and relatively non-invasive approach to deal with such complications.

Decreasing complication rates for one-stage conversion band to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) revision surgery is often necessary because of its high failure rate. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that better patient selection, when converting a failed LAGB to a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a one-stage revision procedure, is safe, feasible and improves the complication rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent a one-stage conversion of failed gastric banding to a LSG. Collected data included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), intraoperative complications, length of stay and post-operative complications. The results were compared to a previous study of 90 cases of LSG as a revision procedure for failed LAGB. RESULTS: There were 75 patients in the current study, 61 women and 14 men, aged 25-67 (average: 46), with a mean BMI of 45 kg/m2 (32-66). Seventy patients (93.3%) were operated for insufficient weight loss and 5 patients (6.7%) for intolerance to the band. In our previous study, 35 patients (39%) were operated for slippage, erosion or obstruction and 14 (15.6%) had post-operative complications as opposed to only 4 patients (5.3%) in this series (P = 0.0359). Gastric leak also improved to 1.3% compared to 5.5% previously. Average hospitalisation time was 2.5 days (1-40). CONCLUSIONS: Rigorous patient selection, without band complications such as slippage, erosion or obstruction, allows for a significantly lower rate of operative complications for a one-stage conversion of failed gastric banding to a LSG.

Efficiency of Laparoscopic One-Step Revision of Failed Adjusted Gastric Banding to Gastric Sleeve: a Retrospective Review of 101 Consecutive Patients.

BACKGROUND: Until recently, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) was one of the most commonly performed bariatric surgeries worldwide. Today, its high rate of complications and failure rates up to 70% requires revisional surgery. The one-stage conversion from LAGB to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been shown to be safe, although there are some concerns on efficacy and long-term weight loss. OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate that one-step revision of LAGB to another restrictive procedure, such as LSG, might have efficient long-term outcomes. METHODS: The charts from 133 revisional LSGs for failed or complicated LAGB were retrospectively reviewed for the period between January 2010 and August 2017. Thirty-two patients were excluded for loss to follow-up. Demographics, complications, and percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) were determined. RESULTS: One hundred one patients were included (85 women and 16 men), with a mean age of 48.5 years, and a mean body mass index of 47.1 kg/m2. During the follow-up, 15 patients (15%) underwent a second revisional surgery for weight loss failure (8 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP), 3 biliopancreatic diversion, 3 single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass, 1 revisional LSG). Ten patients (10%) had long-term complications (8 severe reflux and 2 stenosis) during this period and underwent a second revisional surgery (10 RYGBP). The remaining 76 had a mean follow-up of 4.3 years and a mean %EWL of 53.2%. CONCLUSION: Single-stage conversion to LSG is a safe and appropriate solution for failed or complicated LAGB with good long-term weight loss.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Radiological Guide to Common Postsurgical Failure.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most common bariatric procedures worldwide. It has recently gained in popularity because of a low complication rate, satisfactory resolution of comorbidities, and excellent weight loss outcome. This article reviews the surgical technique, expected postsurgical imaging appearance, and imaging findings of common complications after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Understanding of the surgical technique of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and of the normal postsurgical anatomy allows accurate interpretation of imaging findings in cases of insufficient weight loss, weight regain, and postsurgical complications.

Endoscopic management of post-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most popular bariatric surgery worldwide. Gastric sleeve stenosis is the most common postoperative complication, occurring in up to 3.9% of the cases. Current treatment options include endoscopic treatments, such as dilatations and stent placement as well as surgical revisions such as laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), wedge gastrectomy or seromyotomy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of our prospectively collected therapeutical endoscopy database was performed between January 2014 and February 2017. We included all cases of axial deviation or stenosis post LSG, which were treated endoscopically. Patients with concomitant sleeve leaks were excluded. Endoscopic interventions were performed under general anaesthesia and fluoroscopic assistance when needed. Sequential treatment with CRE balloons, achalasia balloons (30-40 mm) and fully covered stent placement for refractory cases was performed. RESULTS: A total of 1332 LSG were performed. Overall, 27/1332 patients (2%) developed a gastric stenosis. All patients presented an axial deviation at the incisura angularis and 26% had a concomitant proximal stenosis. Successful endoscopic treatments were performed in 56% (15/27) of patients, 73% of the successful patients underwent a single dilatation procedure. All successful cases had a maximum of 3 interventions. The unsuccessful cases (44%) underwent LRYGB. Mean time between the primary surgery and the diagnosis of the stenosis was 10.3 months. Mean follow-up after the endoscopic treatment was 11.5 months. A stent migration was the only complication (3.7%) recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment appears to be effective in 56% of patients with post-LSG stenosis. Only one session of achalasia balloon dilatation is necessary in 73% of successful cases. Pneumatic balloon dilatation seems to be a safe procedure in this patient population. Surgical revision into a LRYGB offers good outcomes in patients that have failed three consecutive endoscopic treatments.

Laparoscopic revision of Billroth II with Braun anastomosis into Roux-en-Y anatomy in a patient with intestinal malrotation.

INTRODUCTION: Various reconstructions of the gastro-intestinal tract have been described in the past after distal gastrectomy. Among these, a Billroth II (BII) anastomosis can be performed with the addition of the Omega entero-enterostomy that may theoretically reduce the alkaline reflux. Given the significant complications associated with this procedure such as biliary reflux, marginal ulceration, and afferent loop syndrome, a revision into a Roux-en-Y anatomy is generally recommended. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A 73-year-old healthy male was referred to our foregut surgery service for treatment of severe biliary gastritis. The patient previously underwent an open distal gastrectomy with a BII reconstruction followed by a Braun-type entero-enterostomy 6 months later. His main complaint was worsening daily biliary reflux with constant regurgitations, which were non-responsive to medical treatment. The preoperative endoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of severe biliary gastritis secondary to alkaline reflux. The distance between the gastro-jejunostomy and the Braun anastomosis was also measured with a pediatric colonoscope and the length of the efferent limb was estimated to be 80 cm. RESULTS: Identification of the afferent and efferent limb was complicated by the patient's incomplete intestinal malrotation with the angle of Treitz being present in the right hypochondrium. Intra-operative gastroscopy enabled visualization of the jejuno-jejunostomy and ensured correct interpretation of the anatomy. Subsequently, resection of the afferent limb completed the revision into a Roux-en-Y anatomy. The patient recovered well after the surgery and was discharged home on post-operative day 2. At 6 months follow-up, the patient's reflux symptoms have completely disappeared. CONCLUSION: BII reconstruction with or without Braun entero-enterostomy is a classic historical option following distal gastrectomy. Surgical revision of a BII into a Roux-en-Y anatomy is a good solution for severe biliary reflux and other long-term complications. Intra-operative endoscopy is a great adjunct to laparoscopic exploration in case of complex surgical procedures.

Evolution of endoscopic treatment of sleeve gastrectomy leaks: from partially covered to long, fully covered stents.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become a widely accepted option in the treatment of morbid obesity. Gastric leaks after SG occur in .9%-2.2% of the patients, mostly at the gastroesophageal junction. The current treatment algorithm includes drainage, antibiotics, nutritional support, and endoluminal control. OBJECTIVES: Our hypothesis is that long, fully covered stents represent a safe, effective solution for SG leaks. SETTING: University hospital. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of our prospectively collected bariatric database was performed between June 2014 and May 2016. We included all patients treated for leaks after SG. Endoscopic treatment included partially covered metallic stent (Wallstent, Boston Scientific, Galway, Ireland), fully covered stent (Mega stent, Taewoong Medical Industries, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea), over-the-scope clip (Ovesco Endoscopy, Tubingen, Germany), and internal pigtail drainage. RESULTS: A total of 872 SGs were performed. Overall, 10 of 872 patients (1.1%) developed a gastric leak. One patient was an outside referral. The 11 patients underwent endoscopic treatment accompanied by either percutaneous or laparoscopic abscess drainage. Endoscopic fistula closure at the gastroesophageal junction was achieved in 10 of 11 cases and the average time for closure was 9.9 (range: 4-24) weeks. One patient developed a second leak in the antrum, treated by subtotal gastrectomy. Overall, treatment with Wallstent failed in 3 of 5 patients, and these patients were eventually successfully treated with a Mega stent. The initial use of long, fully covered stents was successful in 5 of 6 cases. CONCLUSION: Long, fully covered stents appear to be a good alternative to traditional stents either as primary treatment or after failure of other endoscopic treatments.

Long-term outcome after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in patients over 65 years old: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for obesity with BMI (body mass index) reduction, and resolution or lowering of obesity-related co-morbidities. The relative age limit for bariatric surgery has gradually been increased to 60 years of age and above. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) performed in older patients (≥65 years old). SETTING: University hospital. METHODS: Between May 1, 2007 and November 30, 2013, 30 consecutive patients≥65 years old were included in this retrospective study of our prospectively collected bariatric database. RESULTS: A total of 27 (90%) primary LSG and 3 revisional LSG (10%) were performed. Mean patient age was 67.2 (range: 65-74) years, and mean preoperative BMI (±standard deviation [SD]) was 44.1±5.6 kg/m2. Thirty-day morbidity included 3 cases of self-limiting nausea and vomiting and 1 case of gastric sleeve stenosis necessitating conversion to gastric bypass. No mortality reported. The overall mean percentage of excess weight loss (±SD) and percentage of total weight loss (±SD) at 12 months were 53.8±19.8 and 23.9±8.4; 52.9±21.8 and 24±9.9 at 36 months, respectively. No patients were lost to follow-up but 5 were excluded because they underwent revisions. Age-adjusted mixed model analyses revealed that baseline BMI (P = .018), BMI>45 kg/m2 (P = .001), and having diabetes (P = .030) were associated with excess weight loss<50% across follow-up. CONCLUSION: LSG seems to be effective and safe for patients≥65 years old. Obesity related co-morbidities have improved across follow-up. BMI>45 kg/m2 and diabetes is associated with insufficient weight loss or weight regain.

Fully Ambulatory Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: 328 Consecutive Patients in a Single Tertiary Bariatric Center.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is becoming one of the most popular bariatric procedures because of its short operative time, good resolution of comorbidities, excellent weight loss, and low complications rate. However, the safety of LSG as a day-surgery procedure has not yet been widely documented. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected bariatric database, in a single institution, between August 2012 and February 2015, yielded 980 patients who underwent LSG; 328 patients (33.5 %) responded to established criteria and were operated on a 1-day surgery basis (length of stay < 12 h). RESULTS: There were 258 (78 %) primary LSG and 70 revisional LSG (22 %) performed on 284 females and 44 males, with a mean age (±SD) of 38 ± 9 years. Mean (±SD) preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 45 ± 6 kg/m(2). Operative time was 68 ± 17 min (mean ± SD). There were no deaths. A total of 322 patients (98.2 %) were discharged home the day of surgery. There were 6 (1.8 %) unplanned overnight hospitalization, and 28 patients (8.5 %) were readmitted between days 1 and 30. Most patients (25/34, 73 %) were hospitalized for minor problems, such as pain, nausea, and/or vomiting. There were two cases of (0.6 %) gastric staple line leaks, three (0.9 %) of intra-abdominal hematomas, two (0.6 %) of pneumonia, one (0.3 %) of acute pancreatitis, and one (0.3 %) of urinary tract infection. All patients recovered well. CONCLUSIONS: LSG can be performed as an outpatient procedure in selected patients, with acceptable results in terms of retention, readmission, and complication rates.

Novel uroflow stop test at time of catheter removal is a strong predictor of early urinary continence recovery following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: a pilot study.

AIM: To study whether the ability to completely stop urinary flow during voiding at time of catheter removal, measured objectively using uroflowmetry, can predict early recovery of urine continence following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this pilot study, 108 patients with a minimum of 2 years follow-up, operated by a single surgeon (AEH) were subjected to an uroflowmetry at the time of urethral catheter removal following RARP. Normal Saline (150 ml) was instilled intravesically prior to catheter removal and patients were instructed to attempt to stop urine flow during voiding in uroflowmeter. Two groups were studied, group one with positive Stop Test (n = 80) and group two with negative Stop Test (n = 28). Covariates included age, BMI, IPSS score, PSA, tumor stage, prostate volume, nerve sparing status, and estimated blood loss. RESULTS: Basic characteristics were not statistically different between both groups. Early continence recovery was significantly higher in group one. Pad-free continence rates in group one and two at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were 62% vs. 7% (P < 0.001), 85% vs. 28% (P < 0.001), 93% vs. 67% (P 0.001), 93% vs. 82% (P 0.079), 97% vs. 82% (P 0.006), and 97% vs. 85% (P 0.023), respectively. Uroflow Stop Test was the only independent predictor of early urine continence recovery on univariate and multivariate regression analysis [OR 2.87 (95%CI 1.34-4.38, P = < 0.001)]. CONCLUSION: Novel use of uroflowmetry at time of urethral catheter removal is a simple, non-invasive study with independent ability to predict early continence recovery following RARP.

Postoperative sleep disruptions: a potential catalyst of acute pain?

Despite the substantial advances in the understanding of pain mechanisms and management, postoperative pain relief remains an important health care issue. Surgical patients also frequently report postoperative sleep complaints. Major sleep alterations in the postoperative period include sleep fragmentation, reduced total sleep time, and loss of time spent in slow wave and rapid eye movement sleep. Clinical and experimental studies show that sleep disturbances may exacerbate pain, whereas pain and opioid treatments disturb sleep. Surgical stress appears to be a major contributor to both sleep disruptions and altered pain perception. However, pain and the use of opioid analgesics could worsen sleep alterations, whereas sleep disruptions may contribute to intensify pain. Nevertheless, little is known about the relationship between postoperative sleep and pain. Although the sleep-pain interaction has been addressed from both ends, this review focuses on the impact of sleep disruptions on pain perception. A better understanding of the effect of postoperative sleep disruptions on pain perception would help in selecting patients at risk for more severe pain and may facilitate the development of more effective and safer pain management programs.

Is there a future for Laparoscopic Gastric Greater Curvature Plication (LGGCP)? a review of 44 patients.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic gastric greater curvature plication (LGGCP) is a new restrictive weight loss procedure. METHODS: Between February 2011 and June 2012, 57 patients underwent LGGCP. Thirteen had it associated with a lap band and were excluded from the study. Data was collected through routine follow-up. Demographics, complications, and percentage of excess weight loss (% EWL) were determined. RESULTS: Forty-four patients underwent LGGCP, 40 women and 4 men with a mean age of 40 years (range, 18-72), a mean body mass index of 38 kg/m(2) (range, 35-46). Comorbidities included 2 diabetes mellitus, 11 hypertension, 8 hyperlipidaemia, and 8 obstructive sleep apnea. The mean operative time was 106 min (range, 60-180) and mean duration of hospital stay was 18 h (range, 12-168). Operative complications included one subphrenic abscess, one gastrogastric hernia, and one acute respiratory distress syndrome. Thirty patients experienced strong restriction with nausea and vomiting for the first 10 days (79.5 %). Eleven patients (25.0 %) came back with intractable nausea and vomiting, and were hospitalized, or had their hospital stay prolonged. Four patients needed early reversal of gastric plication (9 %). There was no postoperative death. The mean postoperative % EWL was 30.6 % (n = 40), 57.0 % (n = 24), 50.7 % (n = 13) at 1, 6, and 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LGGCP yields an acceptable weight loss compared to other restrictive procedures, but with a higher readmission rate for postoperative nausea and vomiting, or even reversal of plication. We advocate more studies to evaluate safety and effectiveness.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)-a good bariatric option for failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB): a review of 90 patients.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is one of the most frequently performed bariatric surgeries. Even with a high failure rate, revisional procedures such as re-banding or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) were commonly performed. Recently, conversions of LAGB to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) were reported. We will review our experience on this conversion. METHODS: Between February 2007 and January 2012, 800 patients underwent LSG, with 90 as a revisional procedure for failed LAGB. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed. Data were collected through routine follow-up and weight loss data were also obtained through self-reporting via the Internet. Demographics, complications, and percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) were determined. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients underwent LSG as a revisional procedure, comprising of 77 women and 13 men with a mean age of 41 years (22 to 67), a mean body mass index of 42 kg/m(2) (26 to 58). Among them, 15.5 % had diabetes mellitus, 35.5 % had hypertension, 20.0 % had hyperlipidemia, and 18.8 % had obstructive sleep apnea. The mean operative time was 112 min (50 to 220) and mean hospital stay was 4.2 days (1 to 180). Operative complications included 5.5 % leak and 4.4 % hemorrhage or gastric hematoma. There was no postoperative mortality. The mean postoperative %EWL was 51.8 % (n = 82), 61.3 % (n = 60), 61.6 % (n = 45), 53.0 % (n = 30), 55.3 % (n = 20), and 54.1 % (n = 10) at 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LSG after LAGB yields a positive outcome with higher complication rates than for primary LSG. We advocate this procedure as a good bariatric option for failed LAGB.

Prospective randomized trial of barbed polyglyconate suture to facilitate vesico-urethral anastomosis during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: time reduction and cost benefit.

UNLABELLED: Study Type - RCT (randomized trial) Level of Evidence 2b. What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? In a previous randomized controlled trial, barbed polyglyconate suture for vesico-urethral anastomosis was associated with more frequent cystogram leaks, longer mean catheterization times and greater suture costs per case. In the current randomized controlled trial, we show that barbed polyglyconate suture is associated with decreased anastomosis time, decreased need to readjust suture tension, cost reduction, and equal continence and early/late urinary complication rates. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of barbed polyglyconate suture (V-Loc 180; Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA) compared with standard monofilament for posterior reconstruction (PR) and vesico-urethral anastomosis (VUA) during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in 70 consecutive RARP cases by a single surgeon (K.C.Z.). Standard VUA was performed using three 4-0 poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl; Ethicon Endosurgery, Cincinnati, OH, USA) sutures secured with absorbable suture clips (LapraTy, Ethicon; one single 6-inch [15.2 cm] for PR and two attached 6-inch [15.2 cm] for VUA). Barbed suture VUA was performed using two 3-0 6-inch (15.2 cm) barbed polyglyconate sutures. Time to complete the suture set-up by the nursing team, anastomosis time and need to adjust suture tension were recorded. Suture-related complications, validated-questionnaire continence and cost were also examined. RESULTS: Compared with a conventional reconstruction technique, there was a significant reduction in mean nurse set-up time (31 vs. 294 s; P < 0.01) and reconstruction time (13.1 vs. 20.8 min; P < 0.01) for the barbed suture technique. Need to readjust suture tension or to place additional suture clips for watertight closure was greater in the standard monofilament group than in the barbed suture group (6% vs. 24%; P= 0.03). • A cost reduction was recorded at our institution (48.05 vs. 70.25 $CAN) with the barbed suture technique. • With a mean follow-up of 6.2 months, no delayed anastomotic leak or bladder neck contracture was observed in either group. • Pad-free continence outcomes for the monofilament suture vs the barbed suture groups at 1 (64 vs. 69%, P= 0.6), 3 (76 vs. 81%, P= 0.5) and 6 months (88 vs. 92%, P= 0.7) were similar. CONCLUSIONS: • Compared with standard monofilament suture, the unidirectional barbed polyglyconate suture appears to provide safe, efficient and cost-effective PR and VUA during RARP. • Use of the interlocked barbed polyglyconate suture technique prevents slippage, precluding the need for assistance, knot-tying and constant reassessment of anastomosis integrity.

Novel method of knotless vesicourethral anastomosis during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: feasibility study and early outcomes in 30 patients using the interlocked barbed unidirectional V-LOC180 suture.

PURPOSE: : Our purpose was to describe the safety and feasibility of a running posterior reconstruction (PR) integrated with continuous vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) using a novel self-cinching unidirectional barbed suture in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS: : Between March and October 2010, 30 consecutive patients with organ-confined prostate cancer underwent RARP by an experienced single surgeon (KCZ). Upon completion of radical prostatectomy, urinary reconstruction was carried out using 2 knotless, interlocked 6-inches 3-0 V-Loc-180 suture. The left tail of the suture was initially used for PR (starting at 5-o'clock and ran to re-approximate the retrotrigonal layer to the rectourethralis) followed by left-sided VUA (from 6- to 12-o'clock), while the right-sided suture completed the right-sided VUA. Assurance of watertight closure with an intraoperative 300 cc saline visual cystogram was performed in all cases prior to case completion. Perioperative outcomes and 30-day complications were recorded. RESULTS: : All anastamoses were performed without assistance and without knot tying. Median time for nurse setup and urinary reconstruction was 40 seconds (interquartile range [IQR] 25-60) and 14.6 min (IQR 10-18), respectively. The need to readjust suture tension or place Lapra-Ty clips (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, OH) to establish watertight closure was observed in 2 cases (7%). No patient had clinical urinary leak and there was no urinary retention after catheter removal on mean postoperative day 5 (IQR 4-6). CONCLUSIONS: : Our clinical experience with a novel technique using the interlocked V-Loc suture during RARP for both PR and anastomosis appears to be safe and efficient. Using the barbed suture prevents slippage and eliminates the need for bedside assistance to maintain suture tension or knot tying, thus assuring watertight tissue closure.

International prospective evaluation of scintimammography with (99m)technetium sestamibi.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of scintimammography with (99m)Technetium-Sestamibi for the diagnosis of breast cancer. METHODS: This was a multicenter prospective cohort clinical trial. A total of 1,734 women were enrolled of whom 1,243 had complete data upon study completion. RESULTS: The mean +/- standard error age of the patients is 56 +/-12 years (with a range of 19 to 94). Mammographic results were classified by the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) as 199 (16%) BIRADS 5, 149 (12%) BIRADS 4, 199 (16%) BIRADS 3, and 696 (56%) BIRADS 2 or 1. Scintimammography was positive for 322 (26%) of the patients and negative for 921 (76%). Histopathology showed malignancy for 201 (16%) of the patients. Sensitivity and specificity of scintimammography was estimated 93% and 87% respectively. A positive predictive value (PPV) of 58% with a negative predictive value of 98% were calculated. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that scintimammography with (99m)Technetium-Sestamibi is highly accurate for the detection of breast cancer.