Conversion of sleeve gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: impact on reflux and weight loss.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most commonly performed weight loss operation, and its 2 most common complications are postoperative reflux and weight recurrence. There is limited evidence to guide decision-making in treating these conditions. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of conversion of SG to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for GERD management and weight loss. SETTING: Forty-one hospitals in Michigan. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study examining patients who underwent conversion of SG to RYGB from 2014 to 2022. The primary outcomes were changes in GERD-HRQL scores, anti-reflux medication use, and weight from baseline to 1 year after conversion. Secondary outcomes included 30-day postoperative complications and resource utilization. RESULTS: Among 2133 patients undergoing conversion, 279 (13%) patients had baseline and 1-year GERD-HRQL survey data and anti-reflux medication data. GERD-HRQL scores decreased significantly from 24.6 to 6.6 (P < .01). Among these, 207 patients (74%) required anti-reflux medication at baseline, with only 76 patients (27%) requiring anti-reflux medication at 1 year postoperatively (P < .01). Of the 380 patients (18%) with weight loss data, mean weight decreased by 68.4lbs, with a 24.3% decline in total body weight and 51.5% decline in excess body weight. In terms of 30-day complications, 308 (14%) patients experienced any complication and 89 (4%) experienced a serious complication, but there were no leaks, perforations, or deaths. Three-hundred and fifty-five (17%) patients presented to the emergency department and 64 (3%) patients underwent reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest reported experience with conversion from SG to RYGB. We found that conversion to RYGB is associated with significant improvement in GERD symptoms, reduction in anti-reflux medication use, and significant weight loss and is therefore an effective treatment for GERD and weight regain after SG. However, the risks and benefits of conversion surgery should be carefully considered, especially in patients with significant comorbidity burden.

Association of program-specific variation in bariatric surgery volume for Medicaid patients and access to care: a tale of inequality?

BACKGROUND: Although patients with lower socioeconomic status are at higher risk of obesity, bariatric surgery utilization among patients with Medicaid is low and may be due to program-specific variation in access. Our goal was to compare bariatric surgery programs by percentage of Medicaid cases and to determine if variation in distribution of patients with Medicaid could be linked to adverse outcomes. METHODS: Using a state-wide bariatric-specific data registry that included 43 programs performing 97,207 cases between 2006 and 2020, we identified all patients with Medicaid insurance (n = 4780, 4.9%). Bariatric surgery programs were stratified into quartiles according to the percentage of Medicaid cases performed and we compared program-specific characteristics as well as baseline patient characteristics, risk-adjusted complication rates and wait times between top and bottom quartiles. RESULTS: Program-specific distribution of Medicaid cases varied between 0.69 and 22.4%. Programs in the top quartile (n = 11) performed 18,885 cases in total, with a mean of 13% for Medicaid patients, while programs in the bottom quartile (n = 11) performed 32,447 cases in total, with a mean of 1%. Patients undergoing surgery at programs in the top quartile were more likely to be Black (20.2% vs 13.5%, p < 0.0001), have diabetes (35.1% vs 29.5%, p < 0.0001), hypertension (55.1% vs 49.6%, p < 0.0001) and hyperlipidemia (47.6% vs 45.2%, p < 0.0001). Top quartile programs also had higher complication rates (8.4% vs 6.6%, p < 0.0001), extended length of stay (5.6% vs 4.0%, p < 0.0001), Emergency Department visits (8.1% vs 6.5%, p < 0.0001) and readmissions (4.7% vs 3.9%, p < 0.0001). Median time from initial evaluation to surgery date was also significantly longer among top quartile programs (200 vs 122 days, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery programs that perform a higher proportion of Medicaid cases tend to care for patients with greater disease severity who experience delays in care and also require more resource utilization. Improving bariatric surgery utilization among patients with lower socioeconomic status may benefit from insurance standardization and program-centered incentives to improve access and equitable distribution of care.

Depression as a risk factor for adverse outcomes and increased healthcare utilization in bariatric surgery patients.

INTRODUCTION: Depression is strongly associated with obesity and is common among patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Little is known about the impact of depression on early postoperative outcomes or its association with substance use. METHODS: The Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative is a statewide quality improvement program that maintains a large clinical registry. We evaluated patients undergoing primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy between 2017 and 2022. Patients self-reported symptoms of depression (PHQ-8) and use of alcohol (AUDIT-C), smoking, prescription opiates, and marijuana at baseline. Preoperative PHQ-8 scores stratified patients based on severity: no depression (0-4), mild (5-9), moderate (10-14), or severe (15-24). We compared 30-day outcomes and substance use between patients with and without depression. RESULTS: Among 44,301 patients, 30.8% had some level of depression, with 19.8% mild, 7.5% moderate, and 3.5% severe. Patients with depression were more likely to have an extended length of stay (LOS) (> 3 days) than those without depression (no depression 2.1% vs. severe depression 3.0%, p = 0.0452). There were no significant differences between no depression and severe depression groups in rates of complications (5.7% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.1564), reoperations (0.9%, vs. 0.8%, p = 0.7394), ED visits (7.7% vs. 7.8%, p = 0.5353), or readmissions (3.2% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.3034). Patients with severe depression had significantly higher rates of smoking (9.7% vs. 12.5%, p < 0.0001), alcohol use disorder (8.6% vs. 14.0%, p < 0.0001), opiate use (14.5% vs. 22.4%, p < 0.0001) and marijuana use (8.4%, vs. 15.5%, p = 0.0008). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that nearly one-third of patients undergoing bariatric surgery have depression, with over 10% in the moderate to severe range. There was a significant association between preoperative depressive symptoms and extended LOS after bariatric surgery, as well as higher rates of smoking and use of marijuana, prescription opiates and alcohol. There was no significant effect on adverse events or other measures of healthcare utilization.

Evaluating outcomes among surgeons who changed their technique for gastric bypass: a state-wide analysis from 2011 to 2021.

INTRODUCTION: Technical variation exists when performing the gastrojejunostomy during Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). However, it is unclear whether changing technique results in improved outcomes or patient harm. METHODS: Surgeons participating in a state-wide bariatric surgery quality collaborative who completed a survey on how they perform a typical RYGB in 2011 and again in 2021 were included in the analysis (n = 31). Risk-adjusted 30-day complication rates and case characteristics for cases in 2011 were compared to those in 2021 among surgeons who changed their gastrojejunostomy technique from end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) to either a linear staple or handsewn anastomosis (LSA/HSA). In addition, case characteristics and outcomes among surgeons who maintained an EEA technique throughout the study period were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 15 surgeons (48.3%) changed their technique from EEA to LSA/HSA while 7 surgeons (22.3%) did not. Nine surgeons did LSA or HSA the entire period and therefore were not included. Surgeons who changed their technique had significantly lower rates of surgical complications in 2021 when compared to 2011 (1.9% vs 5.1%, p = 0.0015), including lower rates of wound complications (0.5% vs 2.1%, p = 0.0030) and stricture (0.1% vs 0.5%, p = 0.0533). Likewise, surgeons who did not change their EEA technique, also experienced a decrease in surgical complications (1.8% vs 5.8%, p < 0.0001), wound complications (0.7% vs 2.1%, p < 0.0001) and strictures (0.2% vs 1.2%, p = 0.0006). Surgeons who changed their technique had a significantly higher mean annual robotic bariatric volume in 2021 (30.0 cases vs 4.9 cases, p < 0.0001) when compared to those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons who changed their gastrojejunostomy technique from circular stapled to handsewn demonstrated greater utilization of the robotic platform than those who did not and experienced a similar decrease in adverse events during the study period, despite altering their technique. Surgeons who chose to modify their operative technique may be more likely to adopt newer technologies.

The effect of marijuana use on short-term outcomes with bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Despite increasing marijuana use nationwide, there are limited data on implications of marijuana use on bariatric surgery outcomes. OBJECTIVE: We investigated associations between marijuana use and bariatric surgery outcomes. SETTING: Multicenter statewide study utilizing data from the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative, a payor-funded consortium including over 40 hospitals and 80 surgeons performing bariatric surgery statewide. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative clinical registry on patients who underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass between June 2019 and June 2020. Patients were surveyed at baseline and annually on medication use, depression symptoms, and substance use. Regression analysis was performed to compare 30-day and 1-year outcomes between marijuana users and nonusers. RESULTS: Of 6879 patients, 574 reported baseline marijuana use and 139 reported use at baseline and 1 year. Marijuana users were more likely to be current smokers (14% versus 8%, P < .0001), screen positive for alcohol use disorder (20.0% versus 8.4%, P < .0001), and score higher on the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (6.1 versus 3.0, P < .0001). There were no statistically significant differences in 30-day outcomes or co-morbidity remission at 1 year. Marijuana users had higher adjusted total mean weight loss (47.6 versus 38.1 kg, P < .0001) and body mass index reduction (17 versus 14 kg/m2, P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Marijuana use is not associated with worse 30-day outcomes or 1-year weight loss outcomes and should not be a barrier to bariatric surgery. However, marijuana use is associated with higher rates of smoking, substance use, and depression. These patients may benefit from additional mental health and substance abuse counseling.

Financial Impact of Metabolic Surgery on Prescription Diabetes Medications in Michigan.

This study compares expenditures for diabetes medications before and after metabolic surgery among patients with diabetes in Michigan.

Evaluating the impact of metabolic surgery on patients with prior opioid use.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity and may improve obesity-related pain syndromes. However, the effect of surgery on the persistent use of opioids in patients with a history of prior opioid use remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of metabolic surgery on opioid use behaviors in patients with prior opioid use. SETTING: A consortium of public and private hospitals in Michigan. METHODS: Using a statewide metabolic-specific data registry, we identified 16,820 patients who self-reported opioid use before undergoing metabolic surgery between 2006 and 2020 and analyzed the 8506 (50.6%) patients who responded to 1-year follow-up. We compared patient characteristics, risk-adjusted 30-day postoperative outcomes, and weight loss between patients who self-reported discontinuing opioid use 1 year after surgery and those who did not. RESULTS: Among patients who self-reported using opioids before metabolic surgery, 3864 (45.4%) discontinued use 1 year after surgery. Predictors of persistent opioid use included an annual income of <$10,000 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.44; P = .006), Medicare insurance (OR = 1.48; 95% CI, 1.32-1.66; P < .0001), and preoperative tobacco use (OR = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.16-1.59; P = .0001). Patients with persistent use were more likely to have a surgical complication (9.6% versus 7.5%, P = .0328) and less percent excess weight loss (61.6% versus 64.4%, P < .0001) than patients who discontinued opioids after surgery. There were no differences in the morphine milligram equivalents prescribed within the first 30 days following surgery between groups (122.3 versus 126.5, P = .3181). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of patients who reported taking opioids before metabolic surgery discontinued use at 1 year. Targeted interventions aimed at high-risk patients may increase the number of patients who discontinue opioid use after metabolic surgery.

Racial variation in baseline characteristics and wait times among patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Although bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity and weight-related comorbid diseases, utilization rates are disproportionately low among non-white patients. We sought to understand if variation in baseline characteristics or access to care exists between white and non-white patients. METHODS: Using a statewide bariatric-specific data registry, we evaluated all patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2006 and 2020 and completed a preoperative baseline questionnaire, which included a question about self-identification of race. Patient characteristics, co-morbidities, and time from initial preoperative clinic evaluation to date of surgery were compared among racial groups. RESULTS: A total of 73,141 patients met inclusion criteria with 18,741 (25.5%) self-identified as non-white. These included Black/African American (n = 11,904), Hispanic (n = 3448), Asian (n = 121), Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (n = 41), Middle Eastern (n = 164), Multiple (n = 2047) and other (n = 608). Non-white males were the least represented group, accounting for only 4% of all bariatric cases performed. Non-white patients were more likely to be younger (43.0 years vs. 46.6 years, p < 0.0001), disabled (16% vs. 11.4%, p < 0.0001) and have Medicaid (8.4% vs. 3.8%, p < 0.0001) when compared to white patients, despite having higher rates of college education (78.0% vs. 76.6, p < 0.0001). In addition, median time from initial evaluation to surgery was also longer among non-white patients (157 days vs. 127 days, p < 0.0001), despite having higher rates of patients with a body mass index above 50 kg/m2 (39.0% vs. 33.2%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Non-white patients undergoing bariatric surgery represent an extremely diverse group of patients with more socioeconomic disadvantages and longer wait times when compared to white patients despite presenting with higher rates of severe obesity. Current guidelines and referral patterns for bariatric surgery may not be equitable and need further examination when considering the management of obesity within diverse populations to reduce disparities in care-of which non-white males are particularly at risk.

Impact of concurrent hiatal hernia repair during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on patient-reported gastroesophageal reflux symptoms: a state-wide analysis.

BACKGROUND: Concurrent hiatal hernia repair (HHR) during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) may improve gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. However, patient-reported outcomes are limited, and the influence of surgeon technique remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To assess patient-reported GERD severity before and after LSG with and without concomitant HHR. SETTING: Teaching and non-teaching hospitals participating in a state-wide quality improvement collaborative. METHODS: Using a state-wide bariatric-specific data registry, all patients who underwent a primary LSG between 2015 and 2019 who completed a baseline and 1 year validated GERD health related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) survey were identified (n = 11,742). GERD severity at 1 year as well as 30-day risk-adjusted adverse events was compared between patients who underwent LSG with or without HHR. Results were also stratified by anterior versus posterior HHR. RESULTS: A total of 4015 patients underwent a LSG-HHR (34%). Compared to patients who underwent LSG without HHR, LSG-HHR patients were older (47.8 yr versus 44.6 yr; P < .0001), had a lower preoperative body mass index (BMI) (45.8 kg/m2 versus 48 kg/m2; P < .0001) and more likely to be female (85.2% versus 77.6%, P < .0001). Patients who underwent a posterior HHR (n = 3205) experienced higher rates of symptom improvement (69.5% versus 64.0%, P = .0014) and lower rates of new onset symptoms at 1 year (28.2% versus 30.2%, P = .0500). Patients who underwent an anterior HHR (n = 496) experienced higher rates of hemorrhage and readmissions with no significant difference in symptom improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent posterior hiatal HHR at the time of sleeve gastrectomy can improve reflux symptoms. Patients undergoing anterior repair derive no benefit and should be avoided.

Predicting Early Weight Loss Failure Using a Bariatric Surgery Outcomes Calculator and Weight Loss Curves.

CONTEXT: Weight loss after bariatric surgery can be accurately predicted using an outcomes calculator; however, outliers exist that do not meet the 1 year post-surgery weight projections. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to determine how soon after surgery these outliers can be identified. DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study. SETTING, PATIENTS, AND INTERVENTION: Using a bariatric surgery outcomes calculator formulated by the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative (MBSC), predicted weight loss at 1 year post-surgery was calculated on all patients who underwent primary bariatric surgery at a single-center academic institution between 2006 and 2015 who also had a documented 1-year follow-up weight (n = 1050). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Weight loss curves were compared between high, low, and non-outliers as defined by their observed-to-expected (O:E) weight loss ratio based on total body weight loss (TBWL) %. RESULTS: Mean predicted weight loss for the study group was 39.1 ± 9.9 kg, while mean actual weight loss was 39.7 ± 17.1 kg resulting in a mean O:E 1.01 (± 0.35). Based on analysis of the O:E ratios at 1 year post-surgery, the study group was sub-classified. Low outliers (n = 188, O:E 0.51) had significantly lower weight loss at 2 months (13.1% vs 15.6% and 16.5% TBWL, p < 0. 001) and at 6 months (19% vs 26% and 30% TBWL, p < 0.001) when compared to non-outliers (n = 638, O:E 1.00) and high outliers (n = 224, O:E 1.46), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss curves based on individually calculated outcomes can help identify low outliers for additional interventions as early as 2 months after bariatric surgery.

Independent predictors and timing of portomesenteric vein thrombosis after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Portomesenteric vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare complication following bariatric surgery but can result in severe morbidity as well as death. OBJECTIVE: Identification of risk factors for PVT to facilitate targeted management strategies to reduce incidence. SETTING: Prospective, statewide bariatric-specific clinical registry. METHODS: We identified all patients who underwent primary bariatric surgery between June 2006 and November 2021 (n = 102,869). Patient characteristics, procedure type, operative details, and 30-day postoperative complications were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression to evaluate for independent predictors of PVT. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients (.11%) developed a postoperative PVT, with 6 (5.1%) associated deaths. The majority of PVTs occurred in patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy (109 patients; 93.2%), and the PVT occurred most commonly during the second (37%), third (31%), and fourth weeks (23%) after surgery. Independent risk factors for PVT included a prior history of venous thromboembolism (odds ratio [OR] = 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.64-5.98; P = .0005), liver disorder (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.36-4.00; P = .0021), undergoing sleeve gastrectomy (OR = 12.4; 95% CI: 4.98-30.69; P < .0001), and postoperative complications including obstruction (OR = 12.5; 95% CI: 4.65-33.77; P < .0001), leak (OR = 7.9; 95% CI: 2.76-22.64; P = .0001), and hemorrhage (OR = 7.6; 95% CI: 3.57-16.06; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Independent predictors of PVT include a prior history of venous thromboembolism, liver disease, undergoing sleeve gastrectomy, and experiencing a serious postoperative complication. Given that the incidence of PVT is most common within the first month after surgery, extending postdischarge chemoprophylaxis during this time frame is advised for patients with increased risk.

Impact of hiatal hernia repair technique on patient-reported gastroesophageal reflux symptoms following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Repairing a hiatal hernia at the time of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) can reduce or even prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in the post-operative period. Several different hiatal hernia repair techniques have been described but their impact on GERD symptoms after SG is unclear. METHODS: Surgeons (n = 74) participating in a statewide quality collaborative were surveyed on their typical technique for repair of hiatal hernias during SG. Options included posterior repair with mesh (PRM), posterior repair (PR), and anterior repair (AR). Patients who underwent SG with concurrent hiatal hernia repair (n = 7883) were compared according to their surgeon's reported technique. Patient characteristics, baseline and 1-year GERD health-related quality of life surveys, weight loss and 30-day risk-adjusted complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The most common technique reported by surgeons for hiatal hernia repair was PR (n = 64, 85.3%), followed by PRM (n = 7, 9.3%) and AR (n = 4, 5.3%). Patients who underwent SG by surgeons who perform AR had lower rates of baseline GERD diagnosis (AR 55.3%, PR 59.5%, PRM 64.8%, p < 0.01), but were more likely to experience worsening GERD symptoms at 1 year (AR 29.8%, PR 28.7%, PRM 28.2%, p < 0.0001), despite similar weight loss (AR 29.8%, PR 28.7%, PRM 28.2%, p = 0.08). Satisfaction with GERD symptoms at 1 year was high (AR 73.2%, PR 76.3%, PRM 75.7%, p = 0.43), and risk-adjusted 30-day outcomes were similar among all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing SG with concurrent hiatal hernia repair by surgeons who typically perform an AR were more likely to report worsening GERD at 1 year despite excellent weight loss. Surgeons who typically performed an AR had nearly one-half of their patients report increased GERD severity after surgery despite similar weight loss. While GERD symptom control may be multifactorial, technical approach to hiatal hernia repair at the time of SG may play a role and a posterior repair is recommended.

Independent Predictors of Discontinuation of Diabetic Medication after Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass.

BACKGROUND: Both gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy can induce diabetes remission. However, deciding which procedure to perform is challenging, because remission rates and morbidity can vary, depending on patient factors as well as disease severity. STUDY DESIGN: Using a statewide bariatric-specific data registry, we evaluated all patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass between 2006 and 2019 who reported taking either oral diabetic medication alone or who were on insulin before surgery and who also had 1-year follow-up (n=11,664). Multivariate regression was used to identify independent predictors for discontinuation of oral diabetic medication or insulin, respectively, and risk-adjusted complication rates were compared between procedure types among each group. RESULTS: At 1-year after surgery, 85.7% of patients reported discontinuation of oral diabetic medication and 66.6% reported discontinuation of insulin. Gastric bypass was an independent predictor for insulin discontinuation (odds ratio 1.17; CI 1.01 to 1.35; p = 0.0329); however, procedure type was not associated with discontinuation of oral medication alone. Risk-adjusted complication rates were significantly higher after gastric bypass than after sleeve gastrectomy, regardless of whether the patient was taking oral diabetic medications alone or was on insulin (11.2% vs 4.8%, p < 0.0001 and 12.0% vs 7.4%, p < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients requiring insulin experience higher rates of insulin discontinuation after gastric bypass, but also have significantly higher complication rates when compared to sleeve gastrectomy. However, if patients are on oral diabetic medication alone, rates of medication discontinuation at 1 year are greater than 85% and procedure type is not predictive. Disease severity is an important factor when deciding on the optimal procedure for diabetes.

Patient characteristics and outcomes among bariatric surgery patients with high narcotic overdose scores.

BACKGROUND: Obesity-related chronic pain can increase the risk of narcotic abuse in bariatric surgery patients. However, assessment of overdose risk has not been evaluated to date. METHODS: A NARxCHECK® overdose score ("Narx score") was obtained preoperatively on all patients undergoing bariatric surgery (n = 306) between 2018 and 2020 at a single-center academic bariatric surgery program. The 3-digit score ranges from 000 to 999 and is based on patient risk factors found within the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. A Narx score ≥ 200 indicates tenfold increased risk of narcotic overdose. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, and emergency room (ER) visits were compared between patients in the upper (≥ 200) and lower (000) terciles of Narx scores. Morphine milligram equivalent (MME) prescribed at discharge and refills was also evaluated. RESULTS: Patients in the upper tercile represented 32% (n = 99) of the study population, and compared to the lower tercile (n = 101, 33%), were more likely to have depression (63.6% vs 38.6%, p = 0.0004), anxiety (47.5% vs 30.7%, p = 0.0150), and bipolar disorder (6.1% vs 0.0%, p = 0.0120). Median MME prescribed at discharge was the same between both groups (75); however, high-risk patients were more likely to be prescribed more than 10 tablets of a secondary opioid (83.3% vs 0.0%, p = 0.0111), which was prescribed by another provider in 67% of cases. ER visits among patients who did not have a complication or require a readmission was also higher among high-risk patients (7.8% vs 0.0%, p = 0.0043). There were no deaths or incidents of mental health-related ER visits in either group. CONCLUSION: Patients with a Narx score ≥ 200 were more likely to have mental health disorders and have potentially avoidable ER visits in the setting of standardized opioid prescribing practices. Narx scores can help reduce ER visits by identifying at-risk patients who may benefit from additional clinic or telehealth follow-up.

Adopt or Abandon? Surgeon-Specific Trends in Robotic Bariatric Surgery Utilization Between 2010 and 2019.

Background: It is unknown if surgeons are more likely to adopt or abandon robotic techniques given that bariatric procedures are already performed by surgeons with advanced laparoscopic skills. Methods: We used a statewide bariatric-specific data registry to evaluate surgeon-specific volumes of robotic bariatric cases between 2010 and 2019. Operative volume, procedure type, and patient characteristics were compared between the highest utilizers of robotic bariatric procedures (adopters) and surgeons who stopped performing robotic cases, despite demonstrating prior use (abandoners). Results: A total of 44 surgeons performed 3149 robotic bariatric procedures in Michigan between 2010 and 2019. Robotic utilization peaked in 2019, representing 7.24% of all bariatric cases. We identified 7 surgeons (16%) who performed 95% of the total number of robotic cases (adopters) and 12 surgeons (27%) who stopped performing bariatric cases during the study period (abandoners). Adopters performed a higher proportion of gastric bypass both robotically (22.9% versus 3.1%, P < .001) and laparoscopically (27.5% versus 15.1%, P < .001), when compared with abandoners. Surgeon experience (no. of years in practice), type of practice (teaching versus nonteaching hospital), and patient populations were similar between groups. Conclusions: Robotic bariatric utilization increased during the study period. The majority of robotic cases were performed by a small number of surgeons who were more likely to perform more complex cases such as gastric bypass in their own practice. Robotic adoption may be influenced by surgeon-specific preferences based upon procedure-specific volumes and may play a greater role in performing more complex surgical procedures in the future.

Evaluating the Impact of Surgeon Self-awareness by Comparing Self Versus Peer Ratings of Surgical Skill and Outcomes for Bariatric Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate variation in self versus peer-assessments of surgical skill using surgical videos and compare surgeon-specific outcomes with bariatric surgery. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Prior studies have demonstrated that surgeons with lower peer-reviewed ratings of surgical skill had higher complication rates after bariatric surgery. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of 25 surgeons who voluntarily submitted a video of a typical laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) between 2015 and 2016. Videos were self and peer-rated using a validated instrument based on a 5-point Likert scale (5= "master surgeon" and 1= "surgeon-in-training"). Risk adjusted 30-day complication rates were compared between surgeons who over-rated and under-rated their skill based on data from 24,186 SG cases and 12,888 gastric bypass (GBP) cases. RESULTS: individual overall self-rating of surgical skill varied between 2.5 and 5. Surgeons in the top quartile for self:peer ratings (n = 6, ratio 1.58) had lower overall mean peer-scores (2.98 vs 3.79, P = 0.0150) than surgeons in the lowest quartile (n = 6, ratio 0.94). Complication rates between top and bottom quartiles were similar after SG, however leak rates were higher with gastric bypass among surgeons who over-rated their skill with SG (0.65 vs 0.27, P = 0.0181). Surgeon experience was similar between comparison groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Self-perceptions of surgical skill varied widely. Surgeons who over-rated their skill had higher leak rates for more complex procedures. Video assessments can help identify surgeons with poor self-awareness who may benefit from a surgical coaching program.

Evaluation of Patient Reported Gastroesophageal Reflux Severity at Baseline and at 1-year After Bariatric Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess patient-reported gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) severity before and after SG and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Development of new-onset or worsening GERD symptoms after bariatric surgery varies by procedure, but there is a lack of patient-reported data to help guide decision-making. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing bariatric surgery in a statewide quality collaborative between 2013 and 2017. We used a validated GERD survey with symptom scores ranging from 0 (no symptoms) to 5 (severe daily symptoms) and included patients who completed surveys both at baseline and 1-year after surgery (n = 10,451). We compared the rates of improved and worsened GERD symptoms after SG and RYGB. RESULTS: Within our study cohort, 8680 (83%) underwent SG and 1771 (17%) underwent RYGB. Mean baseline score for all patients was 0.94. Patients undergoing SG experienced similar improvement in GERD symptoms when compared to RYGB (30.4% vs 30.8%, P = 0.7015). However, SG patients also reported higher rates of worsening symptoms (17.8% vs 7.5%, P < 0.0001) even though they were more likely to undergo concurrent hiatal hernia repair (35.1% vs 20.0%, P<0.0001). More than half of patients (53.5%) did not report a change in their score. CONCLUSIONS: Although SG patients reported higher rates of worsening GERD symptoms when compared to RYGB, the majority of patients (>80%) in this study experienced improvement or no change in GERD regardless of procedure. Using clinically relevant patient-reported outcomes can help guide decisions about procedure choice in bariatric surgery for patients with GERD.