Short-term safety and effectiveness of conversion from sleeve gastrectomy to Ring augmented Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Weight recurrence, suboptimal clinical response and functional disorder (such as reflux) after a Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) are problems that may require conversional surgery. For reflux, conversion to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) is considered effective. Regarding treatment for suboptimal clinical response, the technique of choice remains a subject of debate. This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of conversion from SG to Ring-augmented RYGB ( RaRYGB). METHODS: All laparoscopic SG to RaRYGB conversions performed between January 2016 and January 2022 were included. Primary outcome was percentage total weight loss (%TWL) after 1-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes consisted of cumulative %TWL, complications (with a focus on ring-related complications), and resolution of medical-associated problems. RESULTS: We included 50 patients of whom 44 were female. Mean pre-conversion BMI was 37.6 kg/m2. All patients have reached the 1-year follow-up point, however 10 were lost to follow-up. After 1-year mean TWL was 17.8% while mean cumulative TWL, calculated from primary SG, was 32%. A total of 10 complications occurred in 8 patients within 30 days, 6 of which were ≤ CD3a and 4 ≥ CD3b. One MiniMizer was removed for complaints of severe dysphagia. Of the 35 medical-associated problems present at screening 5 remained unchanged(14.2%), 15 improved(42.9%) and 15 achieved remission(42.9%). CONCLUSION: Our series of 50 patients undergoing conversion from SG to RaRYGB is adequate and successful regarding additional weight loss 1 year after conversion, cumulative weight loss, complication rate and achievement of improvement or remission of medical-associated problems.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a bridge to colorectal cancer surgery for obese patients: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Severe obesity greatly influences the difficulty of colorectal cancer surgery and has been reported to prolong operative time, increase the rate of laparotomy, and elevate increase postoperative complications. We investigated the efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for preoperative weight loss to ensure safe colorectal cancer surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51 year-old female with a body mass index of 43.5 kg/m2 was referred to our hospital due to a positive fecal occult blood test. She was diagnosed as having a laterally spreading tumor of the cecum by colonoscopy. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was attempted but proved difficult due to the size of the lesion and its proximity to the appendiceal orifice. We planned bariatric surgery prior to colorectal surgery, and she underwent LSG without any complications. Seven months after the LSG, she had lost 30.7 kg, and her final preoperative body mass index was 27.8 kg/m2. Single-incision laparoscopic ileocecal resection was then performed safely. The pathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma in adenoma of the cecum, TisN0M0. CONCLUSION: LSG was effective in reducing visceral fat and making it possible to perform safe surgery for colorectal cancer in a severely obese patient.

Laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery for gastric subepithelial lesion during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for severe obesity.

BACKGROUND: The frequency of pathologies detected incidentally before, during, and after a bariatric surgery, such as subepithelial lesion (SEL) of the stomach, is likely to rise as bariatric surgery becomes more common. CASE PRESENTATION: A 49-year-old female patient presented with severe obesity, for which laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was planned. During a preoperative examination, endoscopy revealed a 10 mm SEL in the posterior wall of the upper body of the stomach. Excision of the SEL was performed simultaneously with the LSG. Endoscopy demonstrated that the SEL was situated on the remnant side of the stomach. Endoscopic resection using laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery was performed for the SEL, and the thinned gastric wall was closed by hand-sewing. Thereafter, LSG was performed. Pathological analysis of the SEL led to a diagnosis of leiomyoma. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6. CONCLUSION: Surgeons should be prepared to manage incidentally detected pathologies before, during, and after bariatric surgery and to choose the surgical method most suitable to the individual patient.

Comparative Effects of GLP-1 Agonists, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Diabetes Mellitus Outcomes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to assess the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission. This review explores the efficacy, safety, and durability of these surgical and medical modalities of diabetes management. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies have shown that GLP-1 agonists achieve higher rates of T2DM remission compared to standard glucose-lowering medications and lifestyle changes. In addition to weight loss, bariatric surgery has been found to be highly effective in treating and inducing remission of T2DM. Studies suggest that post-surgical patients see enhanced glycemic control. Both surgical interventions and GLP1 agonists are effective in achieving T2DM remission. Long-term follow-up and randomized controlled trials comparing bariatric surgery and GLP-1 agonists are necessary to evaluate their relative effectiveness in T2DM control. Further research is also needed to assess the combined effects of these treatment modalities.

Combined robotic surgery for concomitant treatment of endometrial cancer and obesity.

BACKGROUND: Endometrial Cancer (EC) is strongly linked to obesity. Bariatric surgery is recognized as a long-term solution for weight loss in severely obese patients. This pilot study investigates the feasibility, intraoperative and 30-day morbidity outcomes of integrating gynecological surgical staging and bariatric robotic surgery in class II and III obese patients affected by early EC or Endometrial Intraepithelial Neoplasia (EIN). METHODS: Patients aged over 18 years old with early EC or EIN and class II and III obesity (Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2) who are surgical and anesthesiologic candidates. Standard robotic surgery for early EC staging performed alone (THBSO group) or in conjunction with sleeve gastrectomy (THBSO + SG group) for obesity management was proposed. RESULTS: Of the 13 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 5 (38.46%) opted for combined surgery. The groups showed a significant difference in preoperative BMI (49.68 kg/m2 vs. 40.24 kg/m2 p = 0.017 with and without SG), preoperative weight (143.92 kg vs. 105.62 kg p = 0.004 with and without SG), preoperative (p = 0.01) and postoperative (p = 0.005) aspartate transaminase (AST). The THBSO + SG group had higher anesthesia induction end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) (p = 0.05), final Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) (p = 0.044), anesthesia induction lactate (p = 0.001) and final lactate (p = 0.011) without a significant difference in final pH (p = 0.31). Operative time was longer in the THBSO + SG group (p < 0.001), but this did not result in longer ICU (p = 0.351), total hospital stays (p = 0.208), nor increased blood loss and transfusion. The simultaneous combined approach had an 80% success rate. At 6 months, the THBSO + SG group achieved significantly greater weight loss than the THBSO group (ΔBMI - 11.81 kg/m2 vs - 1.72 kg/m2, p = 0.003, with and without SG). CONCLUSION: Integrating robotic EC staging with SG in obese women with early EC increased the operative time without increasing intraoperative risks, early and 30 days post-surgery complication and offering a promising approach to simultaneously treating both conditions.

Concurrent minimally invasive bariatric surgery and ventral hernia repair with mesh; Is it safe? Propensity score matching analysis using the 2015-2022 MBSAQIP database.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a risk factor for the development of ventral hernias. Approximately eight percent of patients undergoing bariatric surgery have a concomitant ventral hernia. However, the optimal timing of hernia repair in these patients is debated. Concerns regarding mesh insertion in a potentially contaminated field are often cited by opponents of a combined approach. Our study compares 30-day outcomes of bariatric surgery with concurrent ventral hernia repair with mesh versus bariatric surgery alone. METHODS: Using the 2015-2022 MBSAQIP database, patients aged 18-65 years who underwent minimally invasive sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) with or without concurrent ventral hernia repair with mesh (VHR-M) were identified. 30-day postoperative outcomes were compared between patients who underwent SG or RYGB with VHR-M versus SG or RYGB alone. 1:1 propensity score matching was performed using 26 preoperative characteristics to adjust confounders. RESULTS: Among 1,236,644 patients who underwent SG (n = 871,326) or RYGB (n = 365,318), 3,121 underwent SG + VHR-M and 2,321 RYGB + VHR-M. The concurrent approach had longer operative times, in SG + VHR-M (86.06 ± 42.78 vs. 73.80 ± 38.45 min, p < 0.001), and in RYGB + VHR-M (141.91 ± 58.68 vs. 128.47 ± 62.37 min, p < 0.001). The RYGB + VHR-M cohort had higher rates of reoperations (3.2% vs. 2.1%, p = 0.024). Overall, 30-day outcomes, and bariatric-specific complications such as mortality, unplanned ICU admissions, surgical site complications, cardiac, pulmonary, renal complications, anastomotic leaks, postoperative bleeding, and intestinal obstruction were similar between SG + VHR-M or RYGB + VHR-M groups versus SG or RYGB alone. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery performed concurrently with VHR-M is safe and feasible and does not excessively prolong operative times. However, patients undergoing RYGB with VHR-M do have a higher rate of reoperations, therefore a staged VHR is recommended. On the other hand, concurrent SG and VHR-M may benefit after an appropriate individualized risk stratification assessment.

Bariatric Surgery in Obesity: Metabolic Quality Analysis and Comparison of Surgical Options.

Obesity is a constantly growing health problem which reduces quality of life and life expectancy. Bariatric surgery (BS) for obesity is considered when all other conservative treatment modalities have failed. Comparison of the multidisciplinary programs with BS regarding to the weight loss showed that substantial and durable weight reduction have been achieved only with bariatric surgical treatments. Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is the most popular BS, it has high long-term failure rates, and it is claimed that one of every three patients will undergo another bariatric procedure within a 10-year period. Although BS provides weight loss and improvement of metabolic comorbidities, in long-term follow-up, weight gain is observed in half of the patients, while decrease in bone mass and nutritional deficiencies occur in up to 90%. Moreover, despite significant weight loss, several psychological aspects of patients are worsened in comparison to preoperative levels. Nearly one-fifth of postoperative patients with "Loss-of-eating control" meet food addiction criteria. Therefore, the benefits of weight loss following bariatric procedures alone are still debated in terms of the proinflammatory and metabolic profile of obesity.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery outcomes in adolescents: a single center's seven-year update.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is gaining traction as a treatment option for adolescents with severe obesity. Since our weight center last published results in 2014, trends have shown increasingly diverse patient populations undergoing MBS and a shift from laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) to sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). We assessed outcomes including follow-up, weight loss, comorbidity resolution, and complications among our recent adolescent and young adult MBS patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort analysis of patients under 21 years of age with severe obesity who underwent MBS at a single institution between 2014 and 2020. Data on demographics, comorbidities, body mass index (BMI), percent of total body weight loss (%TBWL) at various timepoints, and subsequent complications were collected via chart review. Regression examined associations between preoperative factors, follow-up, and %TBWL. RESULTS: There were 79 patients of whom 73% were female; overall, 53% were White, 24% Hispanic, and 15% non-Hispanic Black. The majority (80%) of patients underwent LSG. Three-fourths of patients had follow-up data beyond 1 year, and half beyond 3 years. The median %TBWL of LSG patients was 23% at a median follow-up of 3.0 years, and LRYGB patients 28% at 2.4 years. No preoperative factors were associated with follow-up or final %TBWL, but 6-month %TBWL predicted final %TBWL. Preoperatively, 73% of patients had at least one weight-related comorbidity, and 57% had documented improvements in at least one after surgery. There were three 30-day readmissions and no mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: This study, which is an update to a previous series from our center, reflects recent national trends with nearly half non-White patients and predominance of LSG over LRYGB. It adds to a growing body of evidence indicating that MBS is a safe and effective method of achieving weight loss and comorbidity resolution in adolescents with severe obesity.

Predictors of Alcohol Use, Alcohol-Related Problems, and Substance Use Following Adolescent Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Objective: To identify factors associated with incident alcohol consumption, hazardous drinking, alcohol-related problems, and substance use up to 8 years following metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) during adolescence. Background: In this cohort, nearly half of those who underwent MBS as adolescents screened positive for alcohol use disorder, symptoms of alcohol-related harm, or alcohol-related problems within 8 years post-surgery. Moreover, persistent or heavy marijuana use following MBS during adolescence is higher than national data. Methods: This study includes 217 adolescents (aged 13-19 years) enrolled in a 5-center prospective cohort study who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or vertical sleeve gastrectomy between 2007 and 2011 and were followed for up to 8 years. Participants self-reported alcohol use via the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and substance use for up to 8 years. Results: Female sex, pre-surgery lower body mass index, and pre-surgery substance use were independently associated with increased risk of incident post-surgery hazardous drinking. Pre-surgery psychiatric counseling was significantly associated with increased risk for new-onset substance use post-surgery. Starting substance use post-surgery or continuing pre- to post-surgery was independently associated with a higher risk of post-surgery hazardous drinking. Greater percent weight loss, starting post-surgery or continuing pre- to post-surgery psychiatric counseling, using alcohol, and hazardous drinking were independently associated with a higher risk of post-surgery substance use. Conclusions: Future research with a nonsurgical control group should be examined to further elucidate the relationships between MBS and alcohol and substance use following surgery during adolescence.

Preoperative nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and resolution of metabolic comorbidities after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Most patients undergoing bariatric surgery demonstrate elements of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and can therefore be diagnosed with metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) as hepatic manifestations of the MetS occur in many patients with obesity, but their leverage on postoperative improvement to Metabolic Health (MH), defined as absence of any metabolic comorbidity, remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of liver health status, operative procedure, and sex on postoperative switch from a MUO to an MH phenotype. Secondary objective was weight loss to MH. SETTING: University Hospital, Germany. METHODS: Patients who underwent either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) at our obesity surgery center were included in this retrospective study. Liver biopsy was taken and evaluated for presence of NAFLD/NASH. For diagnosis of MH, blood pressure and laboratory values referring to the MetS were assessed preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months' postoperatively. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-three patients (73% female) with a mean body mass index of 52.0 kg/m2 and mean age of 43 years were included in this study. A total of 55.6% underwent RYGB and 44.4% underwent SG. NAFLD was found in 51.1% of patients and NASH in 33.8%. All patients were diagnosed MUO at baseline. Postoperatively, 38.3% patients (n = 51) switched to a MH condition. Mean time to MH was 321 days and mean excess body mass index loss to MH was 63.8%. There were no differences regarding liver health status, operative procedure, or sex. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery can resolve MUO independent of liver health status, operative procedure, and sex. However, patients should be closely monitored to ensure sustainable long-term outcomes following the switch to the MH condition.

Impact of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on weight loss after vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Mental health disorders, such as depression, are prominent within the bariatric population, with antidepressants ranking among the most frequently prescribed medications. OBJECTIVES: Our surgery aimed to investigate selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) effects on weight loss in patients undergoing vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). SETTING: University affiliated Community Hospital, United States. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review at a single bariatric center, involving multiple bariatric surgeons, on adults (>18 years of age) who underwent VSG between 2011 and 2018. The patients were followed for a total of 2 years. Exclusion criteria included revisional surgery during the 2-year follow-up period, SSRI prescription initiated after the index surgery or within 2 years following surgery, and individuals who missed 3 or more postoperative visits. A total of 267 patients met the criteria and were categorized into 2 groups: those prescribed an SSRI prior to surgery and those not on an SSRI. Statistical analysis was performed using T-tests and chi-square tests, with significance set at P < .05. RESULTS: The preoperative weight in the SSRI group averaged 118.57 kg (±20.59), whereas in the non-SSRI group, it averaged 129.60 kg (±24.39) (P < .0001). Similarly, the preoperative body mass index (BMI) in the SSRI group averaged 43.34 (±6.14), while in the non-SSRI group, it averaged 46.13 (±6.82) (P = .001). At the 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups, the average BMI and weight were lower in the SSRI group compared to the non-SSRI group. However, at the 1-year and 2-year follow-ups, the weight and BMI were no longer statistically different. There was no significant difference in the percentage total weight change (%TWC) between the groups; the %TWC was 22.17 in the SSRI group and 23.35 in the non-SSRI group (P = .324). Follow-up attendance significantly decreased at each subsequent interval, with 65.41% in the SSRI group and 29.27% in the non-SSRI group at the 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our analysis, we suggest that VSG can be an effective option for weight loss in patients taking SSRIs. However, due to the limitations, particularly with follow-up of this study, further research is needed to support this conclusion.

Comparable improvement and resolution of obesity-related comorbidities in endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty vs laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Despite excellent surgical outcomes, a minority of qualified patients undergo weight loss surgery. Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), an incisionless procedure, has proven to be effective in achieving weight loss and comorbidity improvement. We aim to compare outcomes of ESG to those of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). METHOD: A retrospective review of a prospective database of patients who underwent ESG and LSG at NorthShore University HealthSystem from 2016 to 2023 was completed. Demographic and outcome data were analyzed. Pre- and post-surgical data were compared using chi-square and two-sample t tests. Improvement or resolution of obesity-related comorbidities were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 212 LSG and 68 ESG patients were reviewed. ESG patients were older (47 ± 10 vs. 43 ± 12, p = 0.006) and less obese (BMI 37.0 ± 5.5 vs. 45.8 ± 0.4, p < 0.001) than LSG patients. Median length of stay after ESG was 0 days and after LSG 1 day (p < 0.001). Severe adverse events were seen less frequent after ESG (1.47%, vs 3.77%). LSG achieved more significant %TBWL at 6 months (25.2 ± 8.9 vs 14.9 ± 7.4), 1 year (27.5 ± 10.8 vs 14.1 ± 9.8), and 2 years (25.7 ± 10.8 vs 10.5 ± 8.8, all p < 0.001) after surgery when compared to ESG. LSG achieved significantly greater %EWL compared to ESG at 6 months (57.0 ± 20.7 vs 50.4 ± 29.2, p = 0.137), 1 year (61.4 ± 24.6 vs 46.5 ± 34.0, p = 0.026), and 2 years postoperatively (59.7 ± 25.5 vs 32.6 ± 28.2, p = 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in rates of improvement or resolution of diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, or hypertension. CONCLUSION: ESG is an effective procedure for weight loss and comorbidity resolution. Obesity-related comorbidities are comparably improved and resolved following ESG vs LSG. Although the weight loss in LSG is significantly higher, patients can expect a shorter hospital length of stay and a lower rate of complications after ESG. ESG continues to show promise for long-term weight loss and improvement in health.

Effectiveness of conversional metabolic and bariatric surgery on dyslipidemia and the cost of lipid-lowering medications over 4 years: a French nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: The need for conversional metabolic and bariatric surgery (CMBS) is still growing. No large-scale prospective cohort studies have assessed changes in lipid-lowering treatment (LLT) after CMBS. OBJECTIVES: This study assesses and compares the effectiveness of the 4 main CMBS sequences after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and adjustable gastric banding (AGB) on reimbursement and cost of LLT. SETTING: France. METHODS: This nationwide observational population-based cohort study analyzed data from the French National Health Insurance database. It included all patients who had undergone primary SG and AGB in France between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2014, and followed until December 31, 2020. The study assessed LLT reimbursement evolution and costs across 4 different CMBS sequences. RESULTS: During follow-up, 6396 patients underwent the 4 CMBS sequences: SG-RYGB (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) (n = 2400), AGB-SG (n = 2277), AGB-RYGB (n = 1173), and SG-SG (n = 546), with a rate of LLT reimbursement of 9.8%, 3.6%, 6.6%, and 7.9%, respectively, in the year before CMBS. The rates of discontinuation of treatment at 2 and 4 years were 41.9%, 35.4%, 45.6%, 20.5% and 45.6%, 31.3%, 64.3%, 31.6%, respectively. At 4 years, the median [interquartile range] annual costs (euros) per patient were significantly lower (P < .01) than the costs in the year before CMBS for each sequence: 86.8 [57.3; 136.1] versus 38.0 [.0; 64.6], 79.1 [50.5; 120.1] versus 50.4 [15.6; 64.1], 89.0 [66.5; 139.6] versus .0 [.0; 58.8], and 89.8 [66.1; 121.4] versus 63.1 [.0; 93.4]. CONCLUSIONS: Our study underlines the effectiveness of CMBS in significantly reducing the need and associated costs of LLT for patients with dyslipidemia over a 4-year period.

Menstrual Changes in Women Who Undergo Sleeve Gastrectomy in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Obesity affects over 650 million globally, with rising rates posing significant public health challenges, especially among Saudi Arabian women. Obesity correlates with menstrual irregularities and reproductive health issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Bariatric surgery (BS), particularly laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), is increasingly used due to its safety and effectiveness in treating obesity-related conditions. This study explores LSG's impact on menstrual cycles and fertility in Saudi women, aiming to optimize patient care and understand surgical effects on hormonal dynamics and reproductive health. Methodology It is a cross-sectional design among Saudi women post-sleeve gastrectomy from December 2023 to May 2024. Variables included age, marital status, and region, with primary outcomes focusing on menstrual cycle changes post surgery. Results Our study includes 387 participants, and demographic characteristics showed a significant proportion aged 26-35 years (n=147, 38.0%) and 36-45 years (n=119, 30.7%), with the majority being married (n=230, 59.4%). Regional distribution highlighted the south as the most represented (n=139, 35.9%), followed by the central (n=74, 19.1%). About 30.2% (n=117) reported chronic conditions. Post surgery, 70.5% (n=273) experienced menstrual changes, with regular cycles being the most common (n=102, 26.3%). Logistic regression indicated younger age as a protective factor against menstrual changes (p=0.028), while pre-surgery menstrual irregularities significantly predicted post-surgery changes (p=0.002). Regional analysis showed no significant association between geographic location and post-surgery menstrual changes (p=0.140). Overall, quality of life post-surgery was rated highly by participants, with 70.8% (n=274) giving ratings of 4 or 5. Conclusion Our study highlights a high prevalence of post-sleeve gastrectomy menstrual changes, predominantly regular cycles. Younger age appears protective, while pre-existing menstrual irregularities strongly predict postoperative changes. Regional differences did not significantly influence outcomes. Overall, participants reported high satisfaction with their quality of life post surgery.

Association between the presence of Helicobacter pylori and the development of de novo anemia in adults undergoing sleeve gastrectomy.

Background: Sleeve gastrectomy has gained prominence in obesity treatment, yet it is not without complications, such as the development of anemia in the medium term. Given the high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Peru, it is imperative to explore its potential association with this postoperative complication. Objective: To evaluate the association between the presence of Helicobacter pylori and the development of anemia 12 months after sleeve gastrectomy. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out based on an analysis of secondary data from a private clinic in Lima, Peru, which included two groups of people over 18 years of age who had undergone sleeve gastrectomy between 2010 and 2020. We considered the subjects who had the previous diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori as well as those who did not have the infection, according to the detection of the bacteria by endoscopy before surgery. Results: A total 313 individuals were analyzed, and it was found that the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori was 46.0% and the incidence of anemia 12 months after sleeve gastrectomy was 18.2%. The presence of Helicobacter pylori increased the risk of de novo anemia (Relative Risk = 1.56; 95% confidence intervals: 1.02-2.41; p = 0.043). When stratifying by sex, the association was maintained only for the male group (Relative Risk = 2.84; 95% confidence intervals: 1.02-7.02; p = 0.047). Conclusions: It was identified that the presence of Helicobacter pylori had a significant association with the development of de novo anemia, mainly in male subjects, 1 year after undergoing sleeve gastrectomy.

Predicting serious postoperative complications and evaluating racial fairness in machine learning algorithms for metabolic and bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Predicting the risk of complications is critical in metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). OBJECTIVES: To develop machine learning (ML) models to predict serious postoperative complications of MBS and evaluate racial fairness of the models. SETTING: Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) national database, United States. METHODS: We developed logistic regression, random forest (RF), gradient-boosted tree (GBT), and XGBoost model using the MBSAQIP Participant Use Data File from 2016 to 2020. To address the class imbalance, we randomly undersampled the complication-negative class to match the complication-positive class. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), precision, recall, and F1 score. Fairness across White and non-White patient groups was assessed using equal opportunity difference and disparate impact metrics. RESULTS: A total of 40,858 patients were included after undersampling the complication-negative class. The XGBoost model was the best-performing model in terms of AUROC; however, the difference was not statistically significant. While the F1 score and precision did not vary significantly across models, the RF exhibited better recall compared to the logistic regression. Surgery type was the most important feature to predict complications, followed by operative time. The logistic regression model had the best fairness metrics for race. CONCLUSIONS: The XGBoost model achieved the highest AUROC, albeit without a statistically significant difference. The RF may be useful when recall is the primary concern. Undersampling of the privileged group may improve the fairness of boosted tree models.

Six-year analysis of 30-day post-operative leaks for primary sleeve gastrectomy: a MBSAQIP database study.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy is the most performed bariatric surgery. Post-operative gastric sleeve leaks, although rare, are dreaded complications. This study aims to perform an updated investigation of the factors associated with sleeve leaks. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 692,554 cases from the MBSAQIP database (2016-2021) with CPT code 43,775 for primary sleeve gastrectomy. We excluded emergency operations, conversions/revisions, endoscopic interventions, patient with prior foregut surgery, and open operations. Multivariate logistic regression analysis (STATA version 15) was performed to identify factors associated with sleeve gastrectomy leaks. RESULTS: Out of 692,554 patients, 600,910 (86.77%) patients underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and 91,644 (13.23%) patients underwent robotic sleeve gastrectomy. 1179 (0.17%) developed leaks within 30 days; 177(0.19%) were in the robotic group and 1002 (0.17%) in the laparoscopic group with no significant difference in leak rates between two groups on multivariate analysis. Black patients had lower odds of having leaks as compared to white patients (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.68 (0.56-0.82); p < 0.01). Hispanic patients had lower odds of having leak as compared to non-Hispanics. Factors associated with higher leak odds (p < 0.05) included hypertension, GERD, smoking, immunosuppression, increased operating time, and albumin < 3.5 g/dl. Higher odds of leaks were observed in years 2016-2019 vs 2020-2021 (OR: 1.44 (1.25-1.65), p < 0.01). Higher odds of leak in operations with general surgeons compared to bariatric surgeons was found (OR: 1.46 (1.04-2.02), p = 0.02); observed only on robotic group on subgroup analysis (OR: 2.2 (1.2-4.2), p = 0.02). Staple line reinforcement, oversewing, and performance of leak test showed no differences in leak rate. Bougie size and distance from pylorus were not associated with changes in leak rate. CONCLUSION: This study provides updated insights into the factors associated with sleeve leaks, reinforcing information gained from prior studies. A higher association of leak among general surgeons could represent a learning curve for new robotic general surgeons. The overall decreasing trend for gastric sleeve leak is encouraging and may be a sign of improved techniques.

Bariatric Surgery: Current Trends and Newer Surgeries.

Bariatric surgery has evolved and gained in popularity as it has been recognized as the most sustainable and effective treatment for obesity and related diseases. These related diseases are significant causes of obesity related morbidity and mortality. Most bariatric procedures incorporate some component of gastric restriction with or without intestinal bypass, but the full mechanism of these procedures has yet to be elucidated. The most popular surgical procedure remains the sleeve gastrectomy over the last 10 years, while gastric bypass is also still commonly performed. We have also seen growth in revisional bariatric surgery and novel surgical procedures.

Endoscopic Management of Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery.

Weight regain, also known as recurrent weight gain, is common following bariatric surgeries. While anti-obesity medications and surgical revisions offer effective treatment options, they are not without their challenges and limitations. Over the last few decades, there have been significant advancements in endoscopic interventions to address weight regain following bariatric surgery. These procedures have demonstrated feasibility, safety, efficacy, and durability, offering minimally invasive treatment options for this patient population.