Robotic-Assisted Resection of a Benign Schwannoma of the Obturator Nerve: A Rare Case.

BACKGROUND Neurilemmomas are rare tumors derived from the Schwann cells that comprise the peripheral nerve sheaths. They have a slow growth and rarely display malignancy. Early diagnosis is rare, and the treatment consists by surgical resection. Although robotic-assisted surgery is commonly used for treating retroperitoneal diseases, there are few reports of resection of retroperitoneal and pelvic schwannoma through robotic-assisted surgery. In the present study, we reported a case of complete excision of a benign retroperitoneal schwannoma of the obturator nerve by robotic-assisted surgery. CASE REPORT A 51-year-old woman was referred by her gynecologist for left pelvic discomfort of a 3-month duration. The physical examination was normal, but a computerized tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed an expansive pelvic lesion in the topography of the left iliac vessels, a hypodense contrast enhancement measuring 4.6×3.4 cm. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an extraperitoneal lesion located medially and inferiorly to the left external iliac vessels, with a size of 4.9×3.7 cm, and of probable neural etiology. Surgical resection of the tumor was recommended because of the diagnostic hypothesis of obturator nerve schwannoma. CONCLUSIONS This case showed that retroperitoneal neurilemmomas are difficult to diagnose owing to a lack of specific symptoms, and the best treatment is complete tumor resection. The use of robotic techniques gives greater dexterity to the surgeon, since it provides high-definition 3-dimensional vision, which can make the removal of retroperitoneal tumors susceptible to minimally invasive resection in a safe and effective way.

Robotic approach to remove four tailgut cyst cases in Brazil: a case series.

Tailgut cysts are rare congenital lesions that are remnants of the embryonic hindgut. This abnormality presents with non-specific symptoms or no symptoms; therefore, misdiagnosis is common. Here, we present four cases of tailgut cysts that were successfully removed using a robotic surgical approach. A 42-year-old woman with tenesmus, pain in the right gluteal region, and discomfort in the rectal region during evacuation was referred to our medical center. Another patient was a 28-year-old woman who presented with the same symptoms to our general practitioner. Both patients underwent upper abdominal and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging that revealed a tailgut cyst. Further, a 36-year-old woman was referred with coccyx and hypogastric pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed two pararectal cystic formations. She underwent robot-assisted surgery, and after analysis by a pathologist, the conclusion was that the tailgut cyst was associated with scarring fibrosis. A 55-year-old woman with posterior epigastric pelvic pain associated with heartburn underwent robot-assisted surgery to resect a retroperitoneal tumor. These cases highlighted the importance of tailgut cysts in the differential diagnosis of rectal lesions. Surgical treatment is preferred because malignant transformations can occur. The difference between laparoscopic and robotic approaches is the better visualization and stability of the latter, inducing less tissue damage. Robotic resection is a safe procedure, especially in patients with a narrow pelvis, because it reduces tissue damage.

Internal post-bariatric hernia due to hepatic adhesion: a case report.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, a procedure proven effective for treating morbid obesity and metabolic disorders, carries the risk of complications such as the formation of internal hernias. These hernias are often difficult to diagnose and can be potentially fatal because they can cause structural obstruction. Most internal hernias occur in the jejunojejunostomy mesentery space, followed by Petersen's space hernias, although herniation at other locations can also occur. Our case report presents an example of a rare internal hernia after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. A 36-year-old woman presented with an uncommon internal hernia located between the liver and alimentary loop, resulting in the formation of a new space and consequently incarcerating the entire biliopancreatic loop. This type of internal hernia is rare and has not been reported in the literature, indicating that this is the first report of such a case. In this case, we realized that the diagnosis was challenging and imaging examinations could not help determine the etiology of the pain and obstruction. Therefore, videolaparoscopy revealed an uncommon hernia formed by firm adhesion between the hepatic segment III and the alimentary loop mesentery. Our case is an example of an internal hernia that was not detected with a normal computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis. Only diagnostic laparoscopy revealed herniation, effectively preventing further complications for the patient.

Robotic approach to remove four tailgut cyst cases in Brazil: a case series

ABSTRACT Tailgut cysts are rare congenital lesions that are remnants of the embryonic hindgut. This abnormality presents with non-specific symptoms or no symptoms; therefore, misdiagnosis is common. Here, we present four cases of tailgut cysts that were successfully removed using a robotic surgical approach. A 42-year-old woman with tenesmus, pain in the right gluteal region, and discomfort in the rectal region during evacuation was referred to our medical center. Another patient was a 28-year-old woman who presented with the same symptoms to our general practitioner. Both patients underwent upper abdominal and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging that revealed a tailgut cyst. Further, a 36-year-old woman was referred with coccyx and hypogastric pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed two pararectal cystic formations. She underwent robot-assisted surgery, and after analysis by a pathologist, the conclusion was that the tailgut cyst was associated with scarring fibrosis. A 55-year-old woman with posterior epigastric pelvic pain associated with heartburn underwent robot-assisted surgery to resect a retroperitoneal tumor. These cases highlighted the importance of tailgut cysts in the differential diagnosis of rectal lesions. Surgical treatment is preferred because malignant transformations can occur. The difference between laparoscopic and robotic approaches is the better visualization and stability of the latter, inducing less tissue damage. Robotic resection is a safe procedure, especially in patients with a narrow pelvis, because it reduces tissue damage.

Internal post-bariatric hernia due to hepatic adhesion: a case report

ABSTRACT Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, a procedure proven effective for treating morbid obesity and metabolic disorders, carries the risk of complications such as the formation of internal hernias. These hernias are often difficult to diagnose and can be potentially fatal because they can cause structural obstruction. Most internal hernias occur in the jejunojejunostomy mesentery space, followed by Petersen's space hernias, although herniation at other locations can also occur. Our case report presents an example of a rare internal hernia after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. A 36-year-old woman presented with an uncommon internal hernia located between the liver and alimentary loop, resulting in the formation of a new space and consequently incarcerating the entire biliopancreatic loop. This type of internal hernia is rare and has not been reported in the literature, indicating that this is the first report of such a case. In this case, we realized that the diagnosis was challenging and imaging examinations could not help determine the etiology of the pain and obstruction. Therefore, videolaparoscopy revealed an uncommon hernia formed by firm adhesion between the hepatic segment III and the alimentary loop mesentery. Our case is an example of an internal hernia that was not detected with a normal computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis. Only diagnostic laparoscopy revealed herniation, effectively preventing further complications for the patient.

INCISIONAL HERNIA AFTER BARIATRIC SURGERY: ONLY THE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION IS ENOUGH?

BACKGROUND: Incisional hernia is characterized by a bulging of the abdominal wall caused by the prolapse of intracavitary structures, such as a segment of the small intestine, through the trocar orifice. Ultrasonography and physical examination are used in the diagnosis of incisional hernia. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the difference between physical examination and abdominal ultrasonography at the diagnosis of incisional hernia in patients who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery. METHODS: A total of 123 patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass type bariatric surgery performed by laparoscopy were analyzed for the presence or absence of hernia by physical and ultrasonography examination at each trocar incision site. RESULTS: In our results, a total of 7 hernias were detected by physical examination, while ultrasonography detected a total of 56 hernias in at least one of the incision sites. Lin's concordance analysis showed that the tests are not concordant. The association between body mass index and hernia detection (p=0.04 for physical examination and p=0.052 for ultrasonography) was observed. Ultrasonography detected more incisional hernias in 10-mm or larger trocars than in 5-mm trocars (p<0.0001, p<0.05). No differences were noted among the trocar types that were used. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal ultrasonography showed to have a higher accuracy than physical examination, resulting in a substantial increase in incisional hernia detection at the trocar sites.

Incisional hernia after bariatric surgery: only the physical examination is enough? / Hérnia incisional após a cirurgia bariátrica: apenas o exame físico é suficiente?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Incisional hernia is characterized by a bulging of the abdominal wall caused by the prolapse of intracavitary structures, such as a segment of the small intestine, through the trocar orifice. Ultrasonography and physical examination are used in the diagnosis of incisional hernia. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the difference between physical examination and abdominal ultrasonography at the diagnosis of incisional hernia in patients who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery. METHODS: A total of 123 patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass type bariatric surgery performed by laparoscopy were analyzed for the presence or absence of hernia by physical and ultrasonography examination at each trocar incision site. RESULTS: In our results, a total of 7 hernias were detected by physical examination, while ultrasonography detected a total of 56 hernias in at least one of the incision sites. Lin's concordance analysis showed that the tests are not concordant. The association between body mass index and hernia detection (p=0.04 for physical examination and p=0.052 for ultrasonography) was observed. Ultrasonography detected more incisional hernias in 10-mm or larger trocars than in 5-mm trocars (p<0.0001, p<0.05). No differences were noted among the trocar types that were used. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal ultrasonography showed to have a higher accuracy than physical examination, resulting in a substantial increase in incisional hernia detection at the trocar sites.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A hérnia incisional é caracterizada por um abaulamento da parede abdominal causada por um prolapso das estruturas intracavitárias, como um segmento do intestino delgado, através de um orifício de trocarte. A ultrassonografia e o exame físico são usados no diagnóstico da hérnia incisional. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a diferença entre o exame físico e a ultrassonografia abdominal no diagnóstico da hérnia incisional em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia bariátrica por videolaparoscopia. MÉTODOS: O total de 123 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica, tipo derivação gástrica em Y de Roux, foram avaliados para a presença ou ausência de hérnia incisional por exame físico e ultrassonografia, nos sítios incisionais de cada trocarte. RESULTADOS: O total de sete hérnias foram detectados por exame físico, enquanto a ultrassonografia detectou um total de 56 hérnias em pelo menos um sítio incisional. A análise de concordância de Lin mostrou que os testes empregados não são concordantes. A associação entre o Índice de Massa Corpórea e a detecção de hérnia foi observada (p=0.04, para exame físico, p=0.052 para ultrassonografia). A ultrassonografia detectou mais hérnias incisionais em trocartes de 10 mm ou mais do que em trocartes de 5 mm (p<0,0001, p<0.05). Não foi observada diferença entre os tipos de trocartes empregados. CONCLUSÕES: A ultrassonografia abdominal demonstrou ter acurácia mais elevada que o exame físico, resultando em um aumento substancial na detecção de hérnia incisional nos locais de inserção dos trocartes.

Antibiotics alone versus appendectomy to treat uncomplicated acute appendicitis in adults: what do meta-analyses say?

BACKGROUND: Primary appendectomy is the current standard of care for treating uncomplicated acute appendicitis, but interest in conservative treatment with antibiotics alone has been increasing in recent years. Clinical trials so far have shown controversial results. METHODS: A series of meta-analyses were reviewed. Studies comparing surgery versus antibiotics alone for treating uncomplicated acute appendicitis in adults were included. Descriptive statistics and data on treatment effects were retrieved and summarized. RESULTS: The conservative approach has a success rate of around 60 % and is associated with shorter pain duration, reduced analgesic medication, faster resolution of the inflammation process, lower expenses and quicker return to work. On the other hand, medical treatment leads to high (up to 20 %) readmission rates and more often requires surgery. An operative approach is associated with higher treatment success rates (>90 %) and very a low mortality rate. CONCLUSION: Based on the current body of evidence, the use of antibiotics for primary treatment of uncomplicated acute appendicitis cannot be routinely recommended. Appendectomy remains the gold-standard treatment.

Marcadores hepáticos, prevalência de alterações da síndrome metabólica e efeito do bypass gástrico com reconstrução em Y-de-Roux em pacientes obesos mórbidos / Liver markers, prevalence of the metabolic syndrome abnormalities and effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in morbidly obese subjects

Objectives: To evaluate the relations between liver markers (GGT, ALT and AST) and the metabolic syndrome (and its components) in morbidly obese subjects, and to determine the response of these metabolic factors and hepatic enzymes after weight loss induced by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Methods: This study was carried out at a university hospital, in Santo André (SP), Brazil. We evaluated 140 morbidly obese subjects aged from 18 to 60 years submitted to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, who were followed for a mean period of 8 months. Patients with a history of heavy drinking, type 1 diabetes, and/or liver disease were excluded. Results: Liver markers, most notably GGT, were strongly associated with metabolic abnormalities, mainly hyperglycemia. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes significantly increased with increasing levels of GGT (highest versus lowest quartile GGT: odds ratio 3.89 [95%CI: 1.07-14.17]). Liver markers significantly decreased 8 months after the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and the reduction of GGT levels were associated with the reduction of glucose levels (Pearson r = 0.286; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Elevated levels of liver markers, principally GGT, in morbidly obese subjects are associated with metabolic abnormalities. In addition to the well-known benefits of bariatric surgery, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, reduced the levels of liver markers to the normal range.

Objetivos: Avaliar as relações entre os marcadores hepáticos (GGT, ALT e TGO) e a síndrome metabólica (e seus componentes) em indivíduos com obesidade mórbida, e determinar a resposta desses fatores metabólicos e enzimas hepáticas após a perda de peso induzida pelo bypass gástrico em Y-de-Roux. Métodos: Estudo realizado em um hospital universitário, localizado em Santo André (SP). Foram avaliados 140 indivíduos com obesidade mórbida, entre 18 e 60 anos de idade, submetidos ao bypass gástrico em Y-de-Roux, acompanhados por um período médio de 8 meses. Pacientes com história de alcoolismo pesado, diabetes tipo 1 e/ou doença hepática foram excluídos. Resultados: Os marcadores hepáticos, principalmente GGT, foram fortemente associados a alterações metabólicas, principalmente hiperglicemia. A prevalência de diabetes tipo 2 aumentou significativamente com a elevação dos níveis de GGT [quartil superior versus inferior: odds ratio 3,89 (IC95%: 1,07-14,17)]. Os marcadores hepáticos diminuíram significativamente 8 meses após o bypass em Y-de-Roux e a redução dos níveis de GGT estava associada à redução dos níveis de glicose (Pearson r = 0,286; p = 0,001). Conclusões: Níveis elevados de marcadores hepáticos, principalmente GGT, em pacientes com obesidade mórbida, estavam associados a alterações metabólicas. Além dos já conhecidos benefícios da cirurgia bariátrica, o bypass gástrico em Y-de-Roux reduziu os níveis dos marcadores hepáticos a valores normais.

Desempenho preditivo de 12 equações para estimativa da taxa de filtração glomerular em pacientes gravemente obesos / Predictive performance of 12 equations for estimating glomerular filtration rate in severely obese patients

Objective: Considering that the Cockcroft-Gault formula and the equation of diet modification in renal disease are amply used in clinical practice to estimate the glomerular filtration rate, although they seem to have low accuracy in obese patients, the present study intends to evaluate the predictive performance of 12 equations used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate in obese patients. Methods: This is a cross-sectional retrospective study, conducted between 2007 and 2008 and carried out at a university, of 140 patients with severe obesity (mean body mass index 44 ± 4.4 kg/m2). The glomerular filtration rate was determined by means of 24-hour urine samples. Patients were classified into one or more of the four subgroups: impaired glucose tolerance (n = 43), diabetic (n = 24), metabolic syndrome (n = 76), and/or hypertension (n = 66). We used bias, precision, and accuracy to assess the predictive performance of each equation in the entire group and in the subgroups. Results: In renal disease, Cockcroft-Gault's formula and the diet modification equation are not precise in severelyobese patients (precision: 40.9 and 33.4, respectively). Sobh's equation showed no bias in the general group or in two subgroups. Salazar- Corcoran's and Sobh's equations showed no bias for the entire group (Bias: -5.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -11.4, 1.0, and 6. 2; 95%CI = -0.3, 12.7, respectively). All the other equations were imprecise for the entire group. Conclusion: Of the equations studied, those of Sobh and Salazar-Corcoran seem to be the best for estimating the glomerular filtration rate in severely obese patients analyzed in our study.

Objetivo: Considerando que a fórmula de Cockcroft-Gault e a equação de modificação da dieta em doença renal são amplamente utilizadas na prática clínica para estimar a taxa de filtração glomerular, de aparente baixa acurácia em pacientes obesos, o presente estudo procura avaliar o desempenho preditivo de 12 equações utilizadas para estimar a taxa de filtração glomerular em pacientes obesos. Métodos: Estudo transversal, retrospectivo, realizado entre 2007 e 2008 em uma universidade, com 140 pacientes com obesidade grave (índice de massa corpórea médio de 44 ± 4,4 kg/m2). A taxa de filtração glomerular foi determinada por meio de amostras de urina de 24 horas. Os pacientes foram classificados em um ou mais dos quatro subgrupos: intolerância à glicose (n = 43), diabéticos (n = 24), síndrome metabólica (n = 76) e/ou hipertensos (n = 66). Viés, precisão e acurácia foram usados para avaliar o desempenho preditivo de cada equação no grupo como um todo e nos subgrupos. Resultados: A fórmula de Cockcroft-Gault e a equação de modificação da dieta em doença renal são imprecisas em pacientes gravemente obesos (precisão de 40,9 e 33,4, respectivamente). A equação de Sobh não apresentou viés no grupo geral e em dois subgrupos. As equações de Salazar- Corcoran e Sobh não apresentaram viés em todo o grupo (viés: -5,2, intervalo de confiança (IC) 95% = -11,4, 1,0 e 6,2; IC95% = -0,3, 12.7, respectivamente). Todas as outras equações foram imprecisas no grupo como um todo. Conclusão: Das equações estudadas, a de Sobh e a de Salazar-Corcoran parecem ser as melhores para estimar a taxa de filtração glomerular em pacientes gravemente obesos analisados no estudo.

Relation of uric acid with components of metabolic syndrome before and after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in morbidly obese subjects.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence of hyperuricemia in morbidly obese subjects before and after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) and its relationship with metabolic syndrome abnormalities. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We evaluated 420 morbidly obese patients. Pre and postoperative (8 months after RYGBP) blood samples were drawn. Obese patients underwent laparoscopic RYGBP and after eight months all the tests were repeated. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of hyperuricemia was 34.28%. Hyperuricemia was more common in men than in women (51.72 vs. 29.72%; p = 0.0002). Men with hyperuricemia were more likely to have diabetes (p = 0.034) and more elevated fasting plasma glucose levels (p = 0.027). Women with hyperuricemia were more likely to have hypertension (p = 0.003), metabolic syndrome (p = 0.001), elevated triglycerides (p = 0.001) and GGT (p = 0.009), and decreased HDL (p = 0.011). After surgery, uric acid levels decreased from 5.60 ± 1.28 to 4.23 ± 1.20 (p < 0.0001). The prevalence of hyperuricemia decreased from 33.6% to 6.4% (p < 0.0001), in men from 48.3% to 17.2% (p < 0.0001) and in women from 29.7% to 3.6% (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Concentrations of uric acid were associated with the prevalence of metabolic abnormalities in this sample of morbidly obese patients. Also, weight loss after RYGBP can reduce uric acid levels and the prevalence of hyperuricemia.

Relation of uric acid with components of metabolic syndrome before and after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in morbidly obese subjects / Relação do ácido úrico com os componentes da síndrome metabólica antes e após o bypass gástrico com reconstrução em Y-de-Roux em pacientes obesos mórbidos

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence of hyperuricemia in morbidly obese subjects before and after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) and its relationship with metabolic syndrome abnormalities. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We evaluated 420 morbidly obese patients. Pre and postoperative (8 months after RYGBP) blood samples were drawn. Obese patients underwent laparoscopic RYGBP and after eight months all the tests were repeated. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of hyperuricemia was 34.28 percent. Hyperuricemia was more common in men than in women (51.72 vs. 29.72 percent; p = 0.0002). Men with hyperuricemia were more likely to have diabetes (p = 0.034) and more elevated fasting plasma glucose levels (p = 0.027). Women with hyperuricemia were more likely to have hypertension (p = 0.003), metabolic syndrome (p = 0.001), elevated triglycerides (p = 0.001) and GGT (p = 0.009), and decreased HDL (p = 0.011). After surgery, uric acid levels decreased from 5.60 ± 1.28 to 4.23 ± 1.20 (p < 0.0001). The prevalence of hyperuricemia decreased from 33.6 percent to 6.4 percent (p < 0.0001), in men from 48.3 percent to 17.2 percent (p < 0.0001) and in women from 29.7 percent to 3.6 percent (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Concentrations of uric acid were associated with the prevalence of metabolic abnormalities in this sample of morbidly obese patients. Also, weight loss after RYGBP can reduce uric acid levels and the prevalence of hyperuricemia.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a prevalência de hiperuricemia em pacientes obesos mórbidos antes e após o bypass gástrico com reconstrução em Y-de-Roux (RYGBP) e sua relação com anormalidades da síndrome metabólica. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 420 pacientes com obesidade mórbida. Amostras de sangue pré e pós-operatório (8 meses após RYGBP) foram obtidas. Os pacientes obesos foram submetidos a RYGBP laparoscópica e após oito meses todos os testes foram repetidos. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de hiperuricemia foi 34,28 por cento. A hiperuricemia foi mais comum em homens do que em mulheres (51,72 vs. 29,72 por cento, p = 0,0002). Homens com hiperuricemia foram mais propensos a ter diabetes (p = 0,034) e tinham níveis mais elevados de glicemia de jejum (p = 0,027). Mulheres com hiperuricemia foram mais propensas a ter hipertensão arterial (p = 0,003), síndrome metabólica (p = 0,001), triglicérides elevado (p = 0,001) e GGT (p = 0,009) e diminuição de HDL (p = 0,011). Após a cirurgia, os níveis de ácido úrico diminuíram de 5,60 ± 1,28 para 4,23 ± 1,20 (p < 0,0001). A prevalência de hiperuricemia diminuiu 33,6 por cento para 6,4 por cento (p < 0,0001), em homens de 48,3 por cento para 17,2 por cento (p < 0,0001) e nas mulheres de 29,7 por cento para 3,6 por cento (p < 0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: As concentrações de ácido úrico foram associadas com a prevalência de anormalidades metabólicas nesta amostra de pacientes com obesidade mórbida. Além disso, a perda de peso após RYGBP pode reduzir os níveis de ácido úrico e a prevalência de hiperuricemia.

Liver markers, prevalence of the metabolic syndrome abnormalities and effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in morbidly obese subjects.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relations between liver markers (GGT, ALT and AST) and the metabolic syndrome (and its components) in morbidly obese subjects, and to determine the response of these metabolic factors and hepatic enzymes after weight loss induced by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. METHODS: This study was carried out at a university hospital, in Santo André (SP), Brazil. We evaluated 140 morbidly obese subjects aged from 18 to 60 years submitted to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, who were followed for a mean period of 8 months. Patients with a history of heavy drinking, type 1 diabetes, and/or liver disease were excluded. RESULTS: Liver markers, most notably GGT, were strongly associated with metabolic abnormalities, mainly hyperglycemia. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes significantly increased with increasing levels of GGT (highest versus lowest quartile GGT: odds ratio 3.89 [95%CI: 1.07-14.17]). Liver markers significantly decreased 8 months after the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and the reduction of GGT levels were associated with the reduction of glucose levels (Pearson r = 0.286; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of liver markers, principally GGT, in morbidly obese subjects are associated with metabolic abnormalities. In addition to the well-known benefits of bariatric surgery, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, reduced the levels of liver markers to the normal range.

Impact of plasmatic lipids in glycemic control and its influence in the cardiometabolic risk in morbidly obese subjects / Impacto dos lipídios plasmáticos no controle glicêmico e sua influência no risco cardiometabólico em pacientes obesos mórbidos

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether biochemical parameters are associated with a good glycemic control and to identify the occurrence of cardiometabolic risk variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred forty Brazilians were evaluated. The subjects were characterized with regard to glycemic control as good, fair and poor and were divided into tertiles by TG and HbA1c. We use the ROC curve to determine which variables were predicted of poor glycemic control and the factor analyses to identify the domains that segregated among the risk variables. RESULTS: Fasting glucose and insulin levels, TG level, VLDL-C and HOMA-IR increased significantly across HbA1c tertiles. The best marker for identification of poor glycemic control was triglycerides. The presence of cardiometabolic abnormalities did not alter the glycemic control, but HOMA-IR was significantly higher in subjects with abnormalities. CONCLUSION: The use of TG levels offers a reasonable degree of clinical utility. In morbidly obese subjects insulin resistance is associated with individual cardiometabolic factors.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o quanto os lipídios plasmáticos, o IMC e a glicemia de jejum estão associados com um bom controle glicêmico e identificar a ocorrência de variáveis do risco cardiometabólico. MÉTODO: Cento e quarenta brasileiros foram avaliados. Os pacientes foram caracterizados, de acordo com o controle glicêmico, como tendo bom controle, moderado controle e controle ruim e foram divididos em tercis de TG e HbA1c. Utilizou-se a curva ROC para determinar quais variáveis predizem um controle glicêmico inadequado e a análise fatorial para identificar os domínios que segregam as diferentes variáveis. RESULTADOS: A glicemia de jejum e os níveis de insulina, os níveis de TG, VLDL-C e HOMA-IR aumentaram significativamente de acordo com os tercis de HbA1c. O melhor marcador para identificação de indivíduos com um controle glicêmico ruim foi o triglicérides. A presença de anormalidades cardiometabólicas não alterou significativamente o controle glicêmico, mas o HOMA-IR foi significativamente maior nestes indivíduos. CONCLUSÃO: O uso dos níveis de TG oferece uma boa utilidade clínica. Em pacientes obesos mórbidos, a resistência à insulina esta associada com fatores de risco cardiometabólico.

Percentage of excess BMI lost correlates better with improvement of metabolic syndrome after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in morbidly obese subjects: anthropometric indexes and gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a complex disorder characterized by a number of cardiovascular risk factors usually associated with central fat deposition and insulin resistance. Many different medical treatments are available for MS, including bariatric surgery, which improves all risk factors. The present study aimed to evaluate, at the Clinic of Gastroenterology and Obesity Surgery (Brazil), the accuracy of different anthropometric indexes and their correlation with improvement of the MS factors in the postoperative (6-month) period. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 140 patients who had undergone gastric bypass. Most of the patients were women (79.3%). The mean body mass index was 44.17 kg/m(2). We evaluated the weight of the subjects, the presence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension as co-morbidities, and the biochemical parameters. The anthropometric indexes tested included the percentage of excess weight loss, amount lost in kilograms, difference in the body mass index, percentage of initial weight lost, percentage of excess body mass index lost (%EBL), and percentage of initial fat mass lost. RESULTS: The %EBL had a Spearman's correlation coefficient of 0.55 (P <.0001) for the difference between the MS factors before and after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The receiver operating characteristic curve for the %EBL resulted in an area under the curve of 0.846 (P = 0.0001) and a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 61.29%, respectively, for a cutoff value of 64.55%. CONCLUSION: The %EBL was the best method to report weight loss and the improvement in MS in morbidly obese subjects after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Estudo da gastrinemia pré e pós-operatória em pacientes submetidos à gastroplastia vertical com banda e reconstrução em Y de Roux por obesidade mórbida / The behaviour of pre and post operative gastrinemia in patients submitted to vertical banded gastroplasty with Roux-em-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as concentrações pré e pós-operatória da gastrina sérica, hormônio fundamental na produção do ácido clorídrico gástrico, correlacionando-as com as complicações cloridropépticas pós-cirúrgicas, em pacientes submetidos à gastroplastia vertical com banda e reconstrução em Y de Roux (GVBYR). MÉTODO: Foram incluídos neste estudo, 20 pacientes com Índice de Massa Corpórea (IMC) superior a 40 Kg/m² selecionados após rigorosa avaliação psicológica. A dosagem da gastrina foi realizada no pré e no pós-operatório. Neste mesmo período todos os pacientes forma também submetidos a exame endoscópico com biópsia para estudo histopatológico. RESULTADOS: As quantidades de gastrina produzidas antes e após o tratamento cirúrgico não diferiram significativamente (p= 0,4281). Nenhum paciente apresentou alteração endoscópica ou histológica até o 2º mês de pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: Após a realização da GVBYR ocorre uma adaptação do tubo digestivo, de modo a manter a sua fisiologia, conduzindo-nos à convicção da segurança dessa técnica no tratamento da obesidade mórbida.

BACKGROUND: This present study shows the preoperative and postoperative serum gastric, a fundamental hormone in the production of gastric chloridric acid, correlating these findings with postoperative complications, in patients submitted to GVBYR. METHODS: We selected 20 patients with body mass index (BMI) over 40 Kg/m² after a rigorous psychological evaluation. Serum gatrin was measured in the preoperative and postoperative periods. These patients were also submitted to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy for histological analysis. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative serum gastrin (p= 0.4281). CONCLUSION: Our results show that GVBYR leads to a digestive tract adaptation after surgery, in order to maintain its physiology, suggesting that this procedure is safe for the treatment of morbid obesity. Key-words: morbid obesity*, gastric bypass*, gastrin*.