Tailoring the wrap: intraoperative functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) during hiatal hernia repair.

INTRODUCTION: The introduction of the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) has provided objective, real-time feedback on the geometric variations with each component of a hiatal hernia repair (HHR). The utility of this technology in altering intraoperative decision-making has been scarcely reported. Herein, we report a single-center series of intraoperative FLIP during HHR. METHODS: A retrospective review of electronic medical records between 2020 and 2022 was conducted and all patients undergoing non-recurrent HHR with FLIP were queried. Patient and hernia characteristics, intraoperative FLIP values and changes in decision-making, as well as early post-operative outcomes were reported. Both diameter and distensibility index (DI) were measured at 40 ml and 50 ml balloon inflation after hiatal dissection, after hiatal closure, and after fundoplication when indicated. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 62 ± 14 years and mean BMI was 28 ± 6 kg/m2. The majority (53%) were type I hiatal hernias. The largest drop in DI occurred after hiatal closure, with minimal change seen after fundoplication (mean DI of 4.3 ± 2. after completion of HH dissection, vs 2.7 ± 1.2 after hiatal closure and 2.3 ± 1 after fundoplication when performed). In 13 (39%) of cases, FLIP values directly impacted intraoperative decision-making. Fundoplication was deferred in 4/13 (31%) patients, the wrap was loosened in 2/13 (15%); the type of fundoplication was altered to achieve adequate anti-reflux values in 2/13 (15%) patients, and in 1/13 (3%) the wrap was tightened. CONCLUSION: FLIP measurements can be used intraoperatively to guide decision-making and alter management plan based on objective values. Long-term outcomes and further prospective studies are required to better delineate the value of this technology.

Esophageal impedance planimetry during per-oral endoscopic myotomy guides myotomy extent.

INTRODUCTION: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is the standard treatment for achalasia. Functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) technology enables objective measurement of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) geometry, with literature linking specific values to improved post-POEM outcomes. Our study assesses FLIP's intraoperative use in evaluating myotomy extent in real-time. METHODS: Retrospective data from all patients undergoing POEM with intraoperative FLIP measurements were extracted from June 2020 to January 2023. The primary endpoint was intraoperative FLIP measurements, management changes, and symptom improvement (Eckardt score). RESULTS: Fourteen patients (age 56 ± 14 years, BMI 28 ± 7 kg/m2) were identified. Most patients were female (64%). Predominantly, patients presented with type II achalasia (50%). FLIP measurements were taken before and after myotomy, demonstrating increases in mean distensibility index (DI) 1.6 ± 1. 4 to 5.4 ± 2.1 mm2/mmHg (p < 0.05) and mean diameter (Dmin) 6 ± 1.8 to 10.9 ± 2.3 mm (p < 0.05) at 50 ml balloon fill. Additional myotomy was performed in one patient when an inadequate increase in FLIP values were noted. Mean operative time was 98 ± 28 min, and there were no intraoperative complications. At the 30-day follow-up, median Eckardt score decreased from mean a preoperative score of 7 ± 2 to a post-operative mean of 2 ± 3, with 10 patients (78%) having a score ≤ 2. In total, four patients experienced symptom recurrence, with repeat FLIP values revealing a significant decrease in DI from 7 ± 2.2 post-POEM to 2.5 ± 1.5 at recurrence. FLIP technology identified LES pathology in 3 out of 4 (75%) patients, facilitating referral to LES-directed therapy. CONCLUSION: Our study adds to the literature supporting the use of FLIP technology during the POEM procedure, with most patients achieving ideal values after a standard-length myotomy. This suggests the potential benefits of shorter myotomies guided by FLIP to achieve comparable outcomes and reduce postoperative GERD risk. Collaborative standardization of study designs and outcome measures is crucial for facilitating prospective trials and cross-setting outcome comparisons.

Gastroparesis: an evidence-based review for the bariatric and foregut surgeon.

Gastroparesis is a gastric motility disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying. It is a rare disease and difficult to treat effectively; management is a dilemma for gastroenterologists and surgeons alike. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to evaluate current diagnostic tools as well as treatment options. We describe key elements in the pathophysiology of the disease, in addition to current evidence on treatment alternatives, including nutritional considerations, medical and surgical options, and related outcomes.

Assessment and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease following bariatric surgery.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease in patients with obesity. The incidence of de novo GERD and the effect of bariatric surgery on patients with pre-existing GERD remain controversial. Management of GERD following bariatric surgery is complicated and can range from medical therapy to non-invasive endoscopic options to invasive surgical options. To address these issues, we performed a systematic review of the literature on the incidence of GERD and the various modalities of managing GERD in patients following bariatric surgery. Given the increased number of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) procedures being performed and the high incidence of GERD following LSG, bariatric surgeons should be familiar with the options available to manage GERD following LSG as well as other bariatric procedures.

Micronutrient deficiencies after laparoscopic gastric bypass: recommendations.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of micronutrients in patients with morbid obesity after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (LRYGBP). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 121 patients diagnosed with morbid obesity who undertook LRYGBP and evaluated the serum iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), vitamin A (VitA), 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (VitD), vitamin B(12) (VitB(12)), and parathormone (PTH) measured at 6, 12, and 24 months after LRYGBP. RESULTS: During a follow-up period of 69 months (June 1999 to February 2005), a cohort of 121 patients, 40 men and 81 women, underwent LRYGBP, a mean age of 46 years (range 22-67). The mean body mass index (BMI) before LRYGBP was 47.00 +/- 7.15 kg/m(2) (range 30.65-76.60 kg/m(2)). After 6 months of the surgery, the mean BMI was 33.79 +/- 6.06 kg/m(2) (range 21.70-52.76 kg/m(2)). The mean BMI decreased (P < 0.001) 6 months after the surgery. Within the following 2 years, the serum Fe, Ca, Zn, Se, VitA, VitD, and VitB(12) had normalized. The serum Zn, Se, and VitA of some patients decreased but were nearly normal. In contrast, serum PTH remained continuously at a higher level than normal. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that LRYGBP is a reliable and safe weight loss method for the patients suffering from morbid obesity. After surgery, serum Ca, Zn, and Se metabolisms and PTH levels are altered in these patients. Therefore, multi-vitamin and mineral supplementation are strongly recommended in all patients after LRYGBP.

Endoscopic perineal approach to the presacral space: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Currently, pathologies from the presacral space are explored primarily by using transabdominal approaches. Major complications may occur, including bowel and rectal perforation, or bleeding. To avoid and reduce these potentially severe risks, a new surgical approach to the presacral space, which permits exploration through the perineum with minimal invasive techniques, had already been developed and is now further elaborated in a cadaver and clinical study. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was performed using four cadavers with no history of pelvic or perineal disease. A minimally invasive exploration of the presacral retroperitoneum was performed to examine a potential new anatomical surgical space. After positioning the patients in the prone or supine position, a 1-cm vertical median incision was made in the ano-coccygeal ligament. Entry to the presacral space was first established through blunt-finger and balloon dissection. A 30 degrees 10-mm laparoscope was inserted through a 12-mm trocar, and two additional 5-mm trocars were inserted to avoid injury to the sciatic nerve. A clinical pilot study was performed on three patients using this technique. RESULTS: Under direct vision, a wide dissected cavity was observed, with the rectum and mesorectum retracted ventrally. Access and manipulation of posterior pelvic organs were simplified. Placing cadavers in the jack-knife position provided superior accessibility to the presacral space when compared with a supine position. Clear exposure of the sacrum, mesorectum, ureters and bladder, prostate region, iliac vessels (with its branches), and lymph nodes was achieved. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic perineal approach to the presacral space was considered.

Perioperative outcome of laparoscopic left lateral liver resection is improved by using a bioabsorbable staple line reinforcement material in a porcine model.

HYPOTHESIS: Laparoscopic liver surgery is significantly limited by the technical difficulty encountered during transection of substantial liver parenchyma, with intraoperative bleeding and bile leaks. This study tested whether the use of a bioabsorble staple line reinforcement material would improve outcome during stapled laparoscopic left lateral liver resection in a porcine model. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 20 female pigs underwent stapled laparoscopic left lateral liver resection. In group A (n = 10), the stapling devices were buttressed with a bioabsorbable staple line reinforcement material. In group B (n = 10), standard laparoscopic staplers were used. Operative data and perioperative complications were recorded. Necropsy studies and histopathological analysis were performed at 6 weeks. Data were compared between groups with the Student's t-test or the chi-square test. RESULTS: Operating time was similar in the two groups (64 +/- 11 min in group A versus 68 +/- 9 min in group B, p = ns). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly higher in group B (185 +/- 9 mL versus 25 +/- 5 mL, p < 0.05). There was no mortality. There was no morbidity in the 6-week follow-up period; however, two animals in group B had subphrenic bilomas (20%) at necropsy. At necropsy, methylene blue injection via the main bile duct revealed leakage from the biliary tree in four animals in group B and none in group A (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination of the resection site revealed minor abnormalities in group A while animals in group B demonstrated marked fibrotic changes and damaged vascular and biliary endothelium. CONCLUSION: Use of a bioabsorbable staple line reinforcement material reduces intraoperative bleeding and perioperative bile leaks during stapled laparoscopic left lateral liver resection in a porcine model.

Sleeve gastrectomy with wrapping using polytetrafluoroethylene to prevent gastric enlargement in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy followed by biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch for morbid obesity has been well established. We previously recommended 2-stage laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch for super-super obese patients. In the 2-stage version, these patients undergo laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a first-stage procedure, followed by laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch as the second stage for more definitive treatment of their obesity. However, short-term weight regain may occur owing to gastric dilation after initial laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The aim of this study was to prevent gastric dilation after sleeve gastrectomy. We designed a sleeve gastrectomy with wrapping using polytetrafluoroethylene dual mesh. METHODS: Eleven Yorkshire pigs weighing 20-25 kg underwent sleeve gastrectomy with wrapping using polytetrafluoroethylene dual mesh (wrapping group) or sleeve gastrectomy only (control group) to compare the weight loss. The animals were weighed weekly postoperatively. Necropsy was performed 8 weeks postoperatively to confirm the wrapping by pathologic report. RESULTS: Four pigs died because of staple line failure or strangulation; no perioperative complications occurred in the other pigs. The operative time for the control group was 198 +/- 60 minutes and for the wrapping group was 181 +/- 86 minutes (P = NS). The average weight of the removed stomach was 123.3 +/- 5.8 g in the control group and 140.3 +/- 69.9 g in the wrapping group (P = NS). The postoperative weight gain at 8 weeks was significantly slower in the wrapping group than in the control group (P <.0001). The pathologic necropsy report noted that the mesh was well attached to the stomach wall at 9 days postoperatively, with no unexpected deaths. CONCLUSION: Sleeve gastrectomy with wrapping using polytetrafluoroethylene dual mesh is feasible, and weight gain was reduced in the porcine model.

Qualifying for bariatric surgery: is preoperative weight loss a reliable predictor of postoperative weight loss?

BACKGROUND: Over the last 20 years, bariatric surgery has emerged as a highly effective weight loss intervention that can also improve co-morbid medical conditions. However, some payors have required preoperative supervised diets and weight loss. OBJECTIVE: To determine if preoperative weight loss is the best predictor of postoperative weight loss. SETTING: Academic county hospital, United States. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 218 patients. Patients who received psychological evaluation and bariatric surgery were followed up at 1 year. All preoperative patients were encouraged to lose weight; however, no specified amount of weight loss was required. Preoperative weight loss and postoperative weight loss in body mass index (BMI), percent excess weight loss, and percent total weight loss were measured. Bariatric outcome predictor variables evaluated included age, race, and sex; BMI change; measures of depression and anxiety; number of unhealthy eating types; and co-morbid medical conditions. A linear regression model and stepwise regression analyses were used to estimate contributions of independent variables to the 1-year weight loss. RESULTS: All patients had a mean 28% reduction in BMI (63.3% excess weight loss and 29.1% total weight loss) at 1 year postoperatively. As a single independent variable, preoperative weight loss was a significant predictor of 1-year change in postoperative BMI (P = .006). However, when age, race, and sex were added to the regression equation, the predictive value of preoperative weight loss became nonsignificant (P = .543). CONCLUSION: The present findings indicate that preoperative weight loss should not be considered in isolation when clearance for bariatric surgery is being evaluated.

The procedure of mesh wrapping the gastric pouch in cadaver study.

Dietary and behavioral modifications have resulted in limited long-term success in curing morbidly obese patients, and surgery remains the only effective treatment. Of the surgical procedures that are the most commonly offered, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) appears to offer the best long-term results. However 5-15% of patients will not achieve successful weight loss after RYGB. There are many reports showing that the patients who underwent gastric bypass surgeries regain weight over time. The cause for this remains unclear. Several factors may contribute, including dilation of the gastric pouch and the gastrojejunal anastomosis. However, the data to support the link is sparse. The objective of this paper is to describe the surgical technique of wrapping the gastric pouch with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) mesh to prevent gastric pouch dilatation. In specific, we created a 20-30 ml gastric pouch and subsequently, the gastrojejunostomy was performed with a circular stapler. Afterwards, the mesentery was dissected and the gastric pouch was wrapped with the PTFE mesh. We have performed this procedure on three cadavers with an average operative time of 75 minutes. We found that the procedure of wrapping the gastric pouch was not particularly difficult. As a result, the gastric pouch, gastrojejunal anastomosis and the stump of the jejunum are all totally wrapped within the mesh. It may be effective in the prevention of dilatation.

Comparative study between laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and laparoscopic gastric bypass: single-institution, 5-year experience in bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) are common surgical procedures for morbid obesity. Few single-institution studies have compared LRYGB and LAGB. METHODS: All patients underwent LRYGB or LAGB at Legacy Health System. The data for the study were obtained from a prospectively maintained database. Preoperatively, most patients were allowed to choose between LRYGB and LAGB. Age, gender, body mass index, complications, mortality, and weight loss were examined. RESULTS: From October 2000 to October 2005, 492 patients underwent LRYGB and 406 patients underwent LAGB. The mean age was 44 +/- 10 and 47 +/- 11 years, respectively (P <.001). The mean preoperative body mass index was 49 +/- 8 and 51 +/- 9 kg/m(2) (P <.05). Patients undergoing LRYGB had longer operative times (134 +/- 41 min versus 68 +/- 26 min, P <.001) and longer hospital stays (2.5 +/- 3.5 d versus 1.1 +/- 1.1 d, P <.001). Blood loss was minimal in both groups. The percentage of excess weight loss was significantly better for patients who underwent LRYGB at all points of follow-up, except at 5 years. Total complications occurred in 32% of patients who underwent LRYGB and 24% of patients who underwent LAGB (P = .002). The 90-day mortality rate was .2% in both groups. The reoperation rate was the same (17%) in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing LAGB had shorter operative times and shorter hospital stays compared with patients undergoing LRYGB. LAGB was associated with a lower complication rate. Early weight loss was significantly greater after LRYGB, but the data comparing long-term weight loss after LRYGB and LAGB have been inconclusive.

Routine cholecystectomy during laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch is not necessary.

BACKGROUND: Similar to gastric bypass patients, a regimen of ursodeoxycholic acid in the immediate postoperative period might obviate the need for routine cholecystectomy. Routine cholecystectomy has been recommended for patients who undergo biliopancreatic diversion (BPD), because of the high prevalence of gallstones in the obese patient and presumed development of gallstones postoperatively. We have considered elective cholecystectomy only if gallbladder disease were present. The aim of this study was to assess the need for cholecystectomy in the postoperative period in such patients. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the data from 219 patients who had undergone BPD with duodenal switch (BPD/DS), from January 1999 to January 2003, were analyzed. We performed a 150-cm alimentary limb and 100-cm common channel BPD/DS. The patients received 600 mg ursodeoxycholic acid orally daily for 6 months. The following data were recorded: demographics, medical history, medication, weight loss, diagnostic evaluation, and operative and pathologic data. RESULTS: Of the 219 patients who underwent surgery, 59 were men (26.9%) and 160 women were (73.1%) (mean age 41.7 years, mean body mass index 55.7 kg/m(2)). The mean follow-up was 30 months (range 12-48). Of the 219 patients, 57 (19.6%) underwent cholecystectomy: 28 (12.7%) preoperatively, 10 (4.5%) simultaneously, and 19 (8.7%) postoperatively. Simultaneous cholecystectomy was performed when the patient had a history of colic episodes with gallbladder disease (disclosed by preoperative ultrasonography). The postoperative cholecystectomy pathology reports showed cholecystitis in only 7 patients. CONCLUSION: The results of our study have shown that the incidence of postoperative cholecystectomy in BPD/DS patients is low, and cholecystitis is rare. Routine cholecystectomy in BPD/DS patients is no longer recommended.

Laparoscopic left adrenalectomy during Roux-en-Y gastric bypass using a supragastric approach.

A 54-year-old female had a BMI of 44 kg/m(2), biliary colic, gastro-eophageal reflux disease, joint pain, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes type 2. Her medical history included complete remission of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and prolactinoma since 1999. An abdominal CT scan demonstrated an incidental left adrenal tumor, which had increased in diameter from 2 cm to 3 cm in 6 months. A laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with ultrasonography and supragastric left adrenalectomy were performed successfully. Combined surgical procedures appear to be suitable for treatment of coexisting abdominal pathologic findings with minimally invasive surgery. A supragastric approach should be considered when planning a simultaneous gastric bypass and left adrenalectomy.

Effect of a polyethylene endoluminal duodeno-jejunal tube (EDJT) on weight gain: a feasibility study in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND: Decreased absorption of nutrients results in weight loss. Apart from a surgical bypass or restriction, or pharmacological manipulations, novel approaches include endoluminal devices placed inside the stomach or intestine which could be used to achieve weight loss. Our goal is to verify the technical feasibility of an Endoluminal Duodeno-Jejunal Tube (EDJT) in reducing weight gain in a living porcine model and its safety in a short to medium survival. METHODS: 8 45-kg Yorkshire pigs were used for this study. 4 pigs were used as controls, whereas 3 pigs had a 180-cm and 1 had a 360-cm EDJT implanted and fixed to the first part of the duodenum proximal to the ampulla of Vater with a solenoid circumferential suture by way of a duodenotomy. The EDJT is a 25-mm diameter and 0.05-mm thickness polyethylene tube. The intent was to avoid the mixing of food and biliopancreatic juice for its entire length. RESULTS: Each pig was evaluated daily for symptoms of distress and weighed weekly for 7 weeks. No major complications were observed. The percentage weight changes 7 weeks after surgery in the control group, 180-cm group, and 360-cm group were 22.5%, 6%, and -2.8%, respectively. The EDJT groups (180-cm, 360-cm) had significantly slower weight gains than the control group (P=0.005). CONCLUSION: Use of an EDJT is safe; no major complications, such as obstruction, intussusception, or pancreatitis occurred. The EDJT slowed weight gain dramatically in a porcine model when compared to the controls. A trend of reduced weight gain was obtained with a longer tube.

Development of advanced endoscopes for Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES).

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a hybrid procedure which uses flexible endoscopic technology to perform laparoscopic surgical procedures within the abdominal cavity. Initial reports of animal studies describe the use of standard endoluminal endoscopes to accomplish intra-abdominal surgeries. Current flexible scopes suffer from several deficiencies which make them unlikely to be able to be used for large scale human NOTES experiences. This review analyzes the deficiencies of current endoscopes, discusses the requirements of the ideal NOTES endoscope and reviews some of the possible "endoscopes of the future" that are being developed for the next generation of surgery. Discussion focuses on the "R" scope (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) and the Transport and Cobra scopes (USGI Medical, San Capistrano, CA).