Does endoscopic mean safer? A comparison of the short-term safety of endoscopic versus laparoscopic bariatric therapies.

Background and study aims There is minimal research on real-world, large-volume data comparing endoscopic bariatric therapy (EBT) to laparoscopic bariatric therapy (LBT). This study aimed to compare 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality outcomes of primary EBT vs LBT using the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. Patients and methods Patients aged 18 to 80 with body mass index (BMI) 35 to 40 kg/m 2 undergoing primary procedures were included. Propensity score matching 1:50 was performed for EBT versus LBT based on age, sex, and BMI. Results We matched 211 EBTs with 9,059 LBTs. Operative length (63.9, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 57.9, 69.8 versus 81.1, 95 % CI: 80.1, 82.1) and length of stay (0.49 days, 95 % CI: 0.29, 0.69 versus 1.43 days, 95 % CI: 1.41, 1.45) were significantly lower in the EBT group than the LBT group. There was no difference between EBT and LBT in the odds of readmission (odds ratio [OR] = 0.31, 95 % CI: 0.08, 1.25), reoperation (OR = 0.39, 95 % CI: 0.05, 2.84), or reintervention (OR = 0.98, 95 % CI: 0.24, 3.99). After controlling for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, history of myocardial infarction, hypertension requiring medications, and diabetes, EBT continued to be associated with lower odds of having any adverse event (AE) than LBT, with an OR of 0.34 (95 % CI: 0.16, 0.69). Subgroup analysis comparing EBT to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) showed that EBT was associated with a lower risk having any AE than LSG, with an OR of 0.39 (95 % CI: 0.19, 0.79). Conclusions EBT is associated with a lower 30-day AE rate and shorter procedural length and length of stay than LBT, with similar rates of readmission, reintervention, and reoperation.

Gastric Mucosal Devitalization (GMD): Using the Porcine Model to Develop a Novel Endoscopic Bariatric Approach.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: As the pig model has similar gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology to humans, we used pigs to create a gastric mucosal devitalization (GMD) model in preparation for clinical translation of this technique as an endoscopic bariatric therapy (EBT). The aims of this study were to determine the ablation parameters and technique for a successful, safe, and feasible large surface area GMD that produces weight loss. METHODS: We performed GMD using argon plasma coagulation (APC) in 3 phases. Phase 1 assessed the ablation energy required to accomplish selective mucosal ablation using ex vivo pig stomachs (n = 2). Phase 2 assessed the optimal percentage of mucosal surface area to be treated and was performed on 10 pigs. Phase 3 assessed feasibility, efficacy, and safety with 8 pigs randomized into GMD (n = 4) or sham (SH, n = 4) and survived for 1 month. Body weights (GMD, n = 4, SH, n = 4) were measured daily in phase 3 for 1 month, and relative body weights were calculated and analyzed using one-tailed Student's t-test. Percent body fat was compared between GMD and SH at baseline and 1 month post-GMD. RESULTS: Phase 1 identified the optimal ablation parameters (120 W) that were then used in phase 2. Phase 2 revealed a trend that was suggestive that the optimal percent surface area to ablate was similar to that which is removed at laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. In phase 3, GMD was performed over 70% surface area of the greater curvature of the stomach in four pigs. GMD pigs had significantly lower relative body weight increase compared to SH at 1 month (1.375 ± 0.085 vs 1.575 ± 0.047, p = 0.0435). MRI showed a significantly lower body fat mass at 1 month in GMD pigs (5.9 ± 0.4% vs 12.7 ± 2.3%, p = 0.026) compared to SH. CONCLUSIONS: GMD resulted in decreased weight gain in the GMD group as evidenced by a lower relative body weight at 1 month. GMD in an animal model appears to show promise as a potential weight loss therapy.

Impedance planimetry values for predicting clinical response following peroral endoscopic myotomy.

BACKGROUND: There is growing interest in developing impedance planimetry as a tool to enhance the clinical outcomes for endoscopic and surgical management of achalasia. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether impedance planimetry measurements can predict clinical response and reflux following peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). METHODS: A multicenter cohort study of patients with achalasia undergoing POEM was established from prospective databases and retrospective chart reviews. Patients who underwent impedance planimetry before and after POEM were included. Clinical response was defined as an Eckardt score of ≤ 3. Tenfold cross-validated area under curve (AUC) values were established for the different impedance planimetry measurements associated with clinical response and reflux development. RESULTS: Of the 290 patients included, 91.7 % (266/290) had a clinical response and 39.4 % (108/274) developed reflux following POEM. The most predictive impedance planimetry measurements for a clinical response were: percent change in cross-sectional area (%ΔCSA) and percent change in distensibility index (%ΔDI), with AUCs of 0.75 and 0.73, respectively. Optimal cutoff values for %ΔCSA and %ΔDI to determine a clinical response were a change of 360 % and 272 %, respectively. Impedance planimetry values were much poorer at predicting post-POEM reflux, with AUCs ranging from 0.40 to 0.62. CONCLUSION: Percent change in CSA and distensibility index were the most predictive measures of a clinical response, with a moderate predictive ability. Impedance planimetry values for predicting reflux following POEM showed weak predictive capacity.

Intestinal stem cell-derived enteroids from morbidly obese patients preserve obesity-related phenotypes: Elevated glucose absorption and gluconeogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: The mechanisms behind the efficacy of bariatric surgery (BS) for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes, particularly with respect to the influence of the small bowel, remain poorly understood. In vitro and animal models are suboptimal with respect to their ability to replicate the human intestinal epithelium under conditions induced by obesity. Human enteroids have the potential to accelerate the development of less invasive anti-obesity therapeutics if they can recapitulate the pathophysiology of obesity. Our aim was to determine whether adult stem cell-derived enteroids preserve obesity-characteristic patient-specific abnormalities in carbohydrate absorption and metabolism. METHODS: We established 24 enteroid lines representing 19 lean, overweight, or morbidly obese patients, including post-BS cases. Dietary glucose absorption and gluconeogenesis in enteroids were measured. The expression of carbohydrate transporters and gluconeogenic enzymes was assessed and a pharmacological approach was used to dissect the specific contribution of each transporter or enzyme to carbohydrate absorption and metabolism, respectively. RESULTS: Four phenotypes representing the relationship between patients' BMI and intestinal dietary sugar absorption were found, suggesting that human enteroids retain obese patient phenotype heterogeneity. Intestinal glucose absorption and gluconeogenesis were significantly elevated in enteroids from a cohort of obese patients. Elevated glucose absorption was associated with increased expression of SGLT1 and GLUT2, whereas elevated gluconeogenesis was related to increased expression of GLUT5, PEPCK1, and G6Pase. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity phenotypes preserved in human enteroids provide a mechanistic link to aberrant dietary carbohydrate absorption and metabolism. Enteroids can be used as a preclinical platform to understand the pathophysiology of obesity, study the heterogeneity of obesity mechanisms, and identify novel therapeutics.

Endoscopic gastrointestinal anastomosis: a review of established techniques.

Technologic advancements in the field of therapeutic endoscopy have led to the development of minimally invasive techniques to create GI anastomosis without requiring surgery. Examples of the potential clinical applications include bypassing malignant and benign gastric outlet obstruction, providing access to the pancreatobiliary tree in those who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and relieving pancreatobiliary symptoms in afferent loop syndrome. Endoscopic GI anastomosis is less invasive and less expensive than surgical approaches, result in improved outcomes, and therefore are more appealing to patients and providers. The aim of this review is to present the evolution of luminal endoscopic gastroenteric and enteroenteric anastomosis dating back to the first compression devices and to describe the clinical techniques being used today, such as magnets, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, and EUS-guided techniques. Through continued innovation, endoscopic interventions will rise to the forefront of the therapeutic arsenal available for patients requiring GI anastomosis.

Endoscopic full-thickness suturing plus argon plasma mucosal coagulation versus argon plasma mucosal coagulation alone for weight regain after gastric bypass: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic transoral outlet reduction (TORe) has been used to manage weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. We conducted a meta-analysis to summarize the efficacy and safety of the two most commonly used techniques: full-thickness suturing plus argon plasma mucosal coagulation (ft-TORe) and argon plasma mucosal coagulation alone (APMC-TORe). METHODS: A literature search of publication databases was performed from their inception to February 2020 for relevant studies. The outcomes of interest were percentage total body weight loss, gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA) diameter, and adverse events (AEs). The pooled effect estimates were analyzed using a random-effects model. Meta-regression was conducted to identify associations between GJA diameter and weight loss. RESULTS: Nine ft-TORe (n = 737) and 7 APMC-TORe (n = 888) studies were included. APMC-TORe was performed as a series of sessions (mean number of sessions ranging from 1.2 to 3), whereas ft-TORe was mostly performed as a single session. Percentage total body weight loss was 8.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.3%-9.7%), 9.5% (95% CI, 8.1%-11.0%), and 5.8% (95% CI, 4.3%-7.1%) after ft-TORe and 9.0% (95% CI, 4.1%-13.9%), 10.2% (95% CI, 8.4%-12.1%), and 9.5% (95% CI, 5.7%-13.2%) after APMC-TORe at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively, with no weight-loss difference at 3 and 6 months (P > .05). Only one severe AE was observed after APMC-TORe and none after ft-TORe. Stricture formation was the most common AE (ft-TORe 3.3% and APMC-TORe 4.8%, P = .38). All were successfully treated by endoscopic dilation or conservative treatment. Smaller aperture of the post-TORe GJA and greater change in the GJA diameter correlated with greater weight loss in APMC-TORe and numerical trends in ft-TORe. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis demonstrates that both ft-TORe and APMC-TORe offer significant and comparable weight-loss outcomes with a high and comparable safety profile. However, APMC-TORe typically required multiple endoscopic sessions. Identifying a goal for the final and change in GJA diameter could be useful treatment targets.

Correction to: Anatomical Configuration of the Stomach Post-Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)-What Are the Sutures Doing?

The name of author Vivek Kumbhari was misspelled in the original article.

The Effects of Bariatric Surgery and Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies on GERD: An Update.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Bariatric surgery and endoluminal bariatric therapies (EBTs) form an increasingly utilized therapeutic approach to treat obese patients but may worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In this updated article, we review the evidence on the effects of bariatric procedures on GERD. FINDINGS: Recent evidence implicates sleeve gastrectomy with the highest rates of de novo GERD and Barrett's esophagus (BE), whereas malabsorptive-restrictive procedures such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) were shown to have significantly lower reported rates. The intragastric balloon (IGB) has been associated with increased likelihood of GERD, whereas insufficient evidence exists linking endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) to GERD. SUMMARY: Gastroesophageal reflux disease may be treated with some bariatric procedures but is often developed de novo as a result of the change in anatomy. Patients set to undergo bariatric surgery may benefit from pre-procedural endoscopy to choose the more suitable therapy. Further studies with objective measurements of GERD post procedure may provide more insight into the effects of bariatric therapies on reflux, especially more novel ones such as ESG.

Cryoballoon ablation for gastric pouch and/or outlet reduction in patients with weight regain post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Cryoballoon ablation could induce stricture formation to achieve outlet and pouch reduction in patients regaining weight after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This pilot study aimed to assess technical feasibility and short-term efficacy. METHODS: A retrospective chart review (January - November 2018) at two academic centers identified patients with weight regain post-RYGB, treated with cryoablation if pouch > 4 cm and/or outlet > 15 mm. Patients were scheduled for surveillance endoscopies at 8 weeks. RESULTS: 22 patients presented 10.5 years (SD 4.42) post-RYGB with weight regain of 30.9 kg (SD 13.7). Technical success was 89.5 % for outlet ablation and 93.0 % for pouch ablation. From baseline to 8 weeks, the outlet was reduced from 24.1 mm (95 % confidence interval [CI] 19.8 to 28.5) to 17.1 mm (95 %CI 13.1 to 21.1; P < 0.001), and pouch from 5 cm (95 %CI 4.1 to 5.9) to 3.9 cm (95 %CI 2.6 to 5.1; P < 0.05). Total body weight loss at 8 weeks was 8.1 % (SD 12.8 %). CONCLUSION: Cryoablation appears technically feasible and effective for outlet and/or pouch reduction in the short term.

The Effect of the Intra-gastric Balloon on Gastric Emptying and the DeMeester Score.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The mechanism of weight loss with the intra-gastric balloon (IGB) is thought to be a decrease in gastric emptying (GE); however the evidence is conflicting. Nausea, abdominal pain, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause intolerance resulting in early removal. This is demoralizing for the patient and costly for the healthcare system. The ability to predict which patients will have superior weight loss and tolerance is invaluable. We sought to investigate if the IGB induced weight loss by reducing GE and the effect of the IGB on the DeMeester score. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data for patients undergoing IGB placement at a single hospital. Manometry and pH studies were performed before and with the IGB in place. Weight was measured at baseline, at removal, and 6 months later. Adverse events leading to early removal were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were evaluated. There was a statistically significant decrease in GE for solids with the IGB (117.92 ± 150.23 vs 281.48 ± 206.49 min; p = 0.0048), but not for liquids (54.44 ± 17.97 vs 56.08 ± 43.96 min; p = 0.7228). The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure did not change significantly with placement of the IGB (17.76 ± 7.39 vs 14.74 ± 7.24 mmHg; p = 0.09). On multivariate analysis, increase in DeMeester score was associated with total body weight loss (p = 0.0125) and change in GE (p = 0.038) independently. CONCLUSION: The IGB delays GE for solids, but not for liquids, and increases the DeMeester score by a mechanism other than a loss of LES pressure.

Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Bariatric surgery is the most successful treatment for obesity. However, many patients avoid surgery due to its perceived invasive nature and fear of complications. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a seemingly less invasive option for patients with obesity. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ESG in adults. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library through July 2019. Investigated outcomes included the percent total body weight loss (TBWL), body mass index reduction, percent excess weight loss (EWL), and adverse events. RESULTS: We extracted data from 8 original studies, published from 2016 through 2019, which included a total of 1772 patients. At 6 months, mean TBWL was 15.1% (95% CI, 14.3-16.0), mean decrease in body mass index was 5.65 kg/m2 (95% CI, 5.07-6.22), and mean excess weight loss was 57.7% (95% CI, 52.0-63.4). Weight loss was sustained at 12 months and 18-24 months with a TBWL of 16.5% (95% CI, 15.2-17.8) and 17.2% (95% CI, 14.6-19.7), respectively. The pooled post-ESG rate of severe adverse events was 2.2% (95% CI, 1.6%-3.1%), including pain or nausea requiring hospitalization (n = 18, 1.08%), upper gastrointestinal bleeding (n=9, 0.56%), and peri-gastric leak or fluid collection (n = 8, 0.48%). CONCLUSIONS: In a systematic review and meta-analysis, we found ESG to produce clinically significant weight loss that was reproducible among independent centers and to have a low rate of severe adverse events. ESG appears to be an effective intervention for patients with obesity, although comparative studies and randomized controlled trials are necessary. PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42019121921.

Anatomical Configuration of the Stomach Post-Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)-What Are the Sutures Doing?

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a procedure in which endoscopically placed sutures involute the stomach and promote weight loss. There is limited data on the durability of these sutures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a single center series of 5 patients who underwent ESG performed by a single endoscopist. Patients underwent repeat endoscopy for different clinical indications. RESULTS: ESGs were successfully reversed at 3 weeks and 1 month following index ESG without significant fibrosis or scaring. At 8 and 14 months, a few sutures had dehisced though there were extensive areas of fibrosis. By 2 years, most of the sutures had dehisced; however, the gastric volume remained reduced. CONCLUSION: This case series offers an intriguing evaluation of the anatomical changes induced by ESG.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty versus high-intensity diet and lifestyle therapy: a case-matched study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a safe and effective minimally invasive bariatric procedure. This study compared weight loss in patients undergoing ESG with that of matched patients undergoing high-intensity diet and lifestyle therapy (HIDLT). METHODS: In this case-matched study, patients were matched 2/3:1 (HIDLT/ESG) by age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). One hundred five patients (30 men) who underwent ESG + low-intensity diet and lifestyle therapy (LIDLT) between 2016 and 2018 were compared with 281 patients (92 men) who underwent HIDLT at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions from 2013 to 2014. Weight was evaluated 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after beginning HIDLT or post-ESG to determine the mean percent total body weight loss (%TBWL). RESULTS: Mean age across both cohorts was 48.0 ± 12.1, and baseline BMI was 40.0 ± 7.7 kg/m2. In multivariable analysis controlling for age, sex, and baseline BMI, the mean %TBWL at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months was significantly higher in patients undergoing ESG than matched patients undergoing HIDLT. Specifically, at 3 months, the mean %TBWL in the ESG cohort was 14.0% compared with 11.3% in the HIDLT cohort (P <.011), and at 12 months the mean %TBWL in the ESG cohort was 20.6% versus 14.3% in the HIDLT cohort (P < .001). ESG patients with baseline BMI ≤40 kg/m2 continued to show significantly greater %TBWL than those of the same BMI group in the HIDLT group at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after intervention (3 months, coefficient = 3.43 [P < .001]; 12 months, coefficient = 8.14 [P < .001]). CONCLUSIONS: Through 12 months of follow-up, patients who underwent ESG achieved significantly greater weight loss than patients enrolled in HIDLT. ESG appears to be a valuable alternative for patients who experience difficulty complying with HIDLT.

Gastric mucosal devitalization improves blood pressure, renin and cardiovascular lipid deposition in a rat model of obesity.

Background and study aims In lieu of the drawbacks of metabolic surgery, a method of mimicking resection of the gastric mucosa could be of value to those with obesity-related cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our study aims to investigate the effect of gastric mucosal devitalization (GMD) on blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular lipid deposition in a rat model of obesity. Methods GMD of 70 % of the stomach was achieved by argon plasma coagulation. GMD was compared to sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and sham (SH) in a high-fat-diet-induced rat model of obesity (48 rats). At 8 weeks, we measured noninvasive BP, renin, vessel relaxation and ghrelin receptor regulation in the aorta. In addition, we quantified cardiac lipid deposition and lipid droplet deposition in cardiac muscle and aorta. Results GMD and SG were observed to have similar reductions in body weight, visceral adiposity, and serum lipid profile compared to SH rats. GMD resulted in a significant reduction in arterial BP compared to SH. Furthermore, there were significant reductions in plasma renin activity and percentage of phenylnephrine constriction to acetylcholine at the aortic ring in GMD rats compared to SH, providing insights into the mechanisms behind the reduced BP. Interestingly, the reduced BP occurred despite a reduction in endothelial ghrelin recteptor activation. Cardiac lipid content was significantly reduced in GMD rats. Lipid deposition, as illustrated by Nile Red stain, was reduced in cardiac muscle and the aorta. Conclusion GMD resulted in a significant improvement in BP, renin and cardiovascular lipid deposition. GMD deserves further attention as a method of treating obesity-related CVD.

Gastric mucosal devitalization (GMD): translation to a novel endoscopic metabolic therapy.

Background and study aims The metabolic effects of bariatric surgery may partially result from removal of the gastric mucosa, an often underappreciated endocrine organ. Using argon plasma coagulation (APC), we may be able to selectively devitalize (ablate) the mucosa. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal tissue color that would correspond to selective gastric mucosal devitalization (GMD) using ex-vivo human stomach specimens. Patients and methods Stomach specimens were obtained at sleeve gastrectomy. Prior to APC application, a submucosal fluid cushion was created. APC was then applied over a 2 × 2-cm area to the fundus and body, aiming for the three indicator colors (white, golden, brown). Pathological analysis was then performed independently and in a blinded fashion by two pathologists to determine the depth of mucosal and submucosal percent thermal injury and mucosal percent cell death. Results Six patients were enrolled. There was a significant correlation between tissue color and mucosal percent thermal injury. The highest percent mucosal thermal injury was seen with brown (99.6 %, 95 % CI: 98.7, 100), followed by golden (92.5 %, 95 % CI: 85.5, 99.5), and then white (75.2 %, 95 % CI: 58.3, 92.1, P  < 0.01). Submucosal thermal injury was seen in 88.9 % of the slides. Greater than minimal submucosal injury (> 10 % depth) was found significantly more with brown tissue color (91.6 %) than golden (75 %) or white (33.3 %, P  < 0.05). However, 91.7 % of the entire sample set < 50 % injury. Conclusion GMD is achievable using APC without thermal injury to muscularis propria. A golden color results in sufficient mucosal injury with only superficial injury to the submucosa.

Safety and Efficacy of Endoscopically Secured Fully Covered Self-Expandable Metallic Stents (FCSEMS) for Post-Bariatric Complex Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The use of fully covered self-expandable metallic stents (FCSEMS) has opened the door to treat stenosis in the post-bariatric stomach. We hypothesized that endoscopically securing a FCSEMS would be technically feasible, effective, and safe for > 30-day dwell time. OBJECTIVES: To assess the technical feasibility, clinical efficacy, and safety of endoscopically secured FCSEMS in the stomach for > 30 days. METHODS: A retrospective review (September 2016 to April 2018) of consecutive patients who underwent FCSEMS suturing in the stomach at a single academic institution was reviewed. Technical success, stent dwell time, symptoms, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (median age of 49 (31-70)) were included. Stents were inserted for gastrojejunal (GJ) stricture or gastric stenosis in 9/15 and 6/15 of patients, respectively. All procedures were technically successful (100%). Immediate and short-term clinical success (prior to stent removal) was 100% in patients who did not have stent migration. Stent migration was seen in 3 cases (20%) after a median dwell time of 211 days. However, 2/3 (66.6%) had not attended their scheduled removal. Recurrence of symptoms after stent removal was seen in 53.3% of patients with 40% undergoing repeat stenting. Median stent dwell was 117 (30-342) days. Sixty percent and 33% of patients had stent dwell of at least 90 and 180 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A FCSEMS, if secured, may be safe and effective for even > 90-day dwell time in the post-bariatric stomach and may result in long-term clinical success for GJ stricture after stent removal.

Secured Lumen-Apposing Fully Covered Metallic Stents for Stenoses in Post-Bariatric Surgery Patients.

New approaches for refractory stenosis in post-bariatric surgical patients include fully covered lumen-apposing metallic stents (LAMS); however, stent migration continues to be a problem. Endoscopic suture placement to LAMS can reduce the migration. Aiming to assess the feasibility and safety of the procedure, we evaluated nine consecutive patients with inability to tolerate a solid diet due to a benign gastrointestinal stricture recalcitrant to previous attempts at endoscopic therapy. All patients were symptom-free starting from 1-week follow-up. Median stent dwell time was nearly 3 months. During the removal procedures, three incidental foreign bodies were found and removed. No stent migration was observed in any patients. Suturing LAMS is a feasible technique allowing for prolonged stent dwell times; however, it requires a high level of expertise plus additional procedure time.

Outcomes of endoscopic treatment of leaks and fistulae after sleeve gastrectomy: results from a large multicenter U.S. cohort.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery in the United States. Leaks after sleeve gastrectomy (SGL) occur in 1% to 3% of patients. Endoscopic therapies are increasingly used for treatment of SGLs, but few data exist on their outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess technical success, leak resolution, and reoperation rates of patients undergoing endoscopic therapy for repair SGLs. SETTING: Eight high-volume academic endoscopy centers. METHODS: Patients undergoing endoscopic therapy for SGLs from 2007 to 2017 were identified. Patients were excluded if the index endoscopic therapy for SGL was performed elsewhere or if no follow-up data were available. Leaks were classified as acute (≤7 d of SG), early (1-6 wk), late (7-12 wk), and chronic (>12 wk). Leak resolution was defined as lack of extraluminal air, extravasation on oral contrast radiography, cross-sectional imaging, or resolution of percutaneous drain output. Demographic and procedural data were recorded as rates of additional therapy, adverse events, and surgical revision. RESULTS: A total of 85 patients met criteria for analysis (70 women, age 42.6 ± 10.8 yr). A total of 295 endoscopic sessions (median 3, range 1-14) were performed across the cohort. SGLs resolved after index endoscopic therapy in 43 (50.1%) patients. The primary outcome of endoscopic resolution of SGL was observed in 62 patients (72.9%). There were 34 (11.5%) PRAE (the majority occurring with self-expandable metal stents), all but 1 of which were managed endoscopically. Surgical revision was required in 23 (21.7%) patients. On univariate analyses independent variables associated with the need for surgical revision included both acute and chronic SGLs (P = .028), loculated subphrenic collections/abscesses (P = .03), and intraabdominal sepsis (P = .03). On multivariable logistic regression using statistically significant predictors from the univariate analyses, acute SGLs were significantly associated with a need for surgical revision (odds ratio 4.8, 95% confidence interval 1.2-18.9, P = .025). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic therapy for SGLs is associated with good clinical success, avoiding the need for surgical revision in 73% of patients, with an acceptable adverse event profile. Patients with acute or chronic SGLs and those with loculated abscesses or intraabdominal sepsis are more likely to undergo surgical revision. Endoscopic therapy is an appropriate first-line modality for the management of SGLs, especially those not classified as acute or chronic.

A Real-World, Insurance-Based Algorithm Using the Two-Fold Running Suture Technique for Transoral Outlet Reduction for Weight Regain and Dumping Syndrome After Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transoral outlet reduction (TORe) by devitalization and/or endoscopic suturing (ES) has been implemented in the management of weight regain post-RYGB. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of TORe following an insurance-based algorithm. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent TORe between September 2015 and January 2018 at a single academic center was reviewed. An algorithm was followed whereby management was based on insurance coverage. As part of the algorithm, all patients presented for a repeat endoscopy at 8 weeks. Patients did not receive any diet, lifestyle intervention, or pharmacotherapy. RESULTS: In total, 55 patients were included (median age 48 years), out of which 50 were females (90.9%). Patients presented for evaluation at a mean of 8.7 years post-RYGB. The main presenting symptom was combined dumping syndrome (DS) and weight regain (49.1%), followed by weight regain alone (45.5%). Twenty-nine patients required treatment at their second procedure, and 11 required treatment at their third procedure. Average percent total body weight loss (%TBWL) after TORe observed at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up was 8.2, 9.3, 8.4, and 5.5%, respectively. The mean DS Severity Score was significantly reduced from 23.3 ± 12.4 before TORe to 16.3 ± 6.51 after TORe (p < 0.01). The adverse event rate from TORe was 14.5%. CONCLUSION: TORe is effective in halting ongoing weight regain and achieving moderate short-term weight loss as well as improving DS in post-RYGB patients. Durability at 1 year remains questionable due to weight recidivism.

Gastric Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (G-POEM) for the Treatment of Gastric Stenosis Post-Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG).

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become the most common form of bariatric surgery performed worldwide. However, it is associated with potentially debilitating adverse events such as post-operative stenosis. Finding effective and minimally invasive treatments for such complications is of paramount importance. Gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) is a novel procedure developed over the past decade to treat conditions that delay gastric emptying. We present a case demonstrating the use of G-POEM in the successful endoscopic management of post-LSG gastric stenosis.