Prognostic factors of weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy: Multi centre study in Spain and Portugal. / Factores predictivos de pérdida ponderal tras la gastrectomía vertical. Estudio multicéntrico hispano-portugués.

INTRODUCTION: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become a technique in its own right although a selective or global indication remains controversial. The weight loss data at 5 years are heterogeneous. The aim of the study is to identify possible prognostic factors of insufficient weight loss after SG. METHODS: A SG retrospective multicenter study of more than one year follow-up was performed. Failure is considered if EWL>50%. Univariate and multivariate study of Cox regression were performed to identify prognostic factors of failure of weight loss at 1, 2 and 3 years of follow up. RESULTS: A total of 1,565 patients treated in 29 hospitals are included. PSP per year: 70.58±24.7; 3 years 69.39±29.2; 5 years 68.46±23.1. Patients with EWL<50 (considered failure): 17.1% in the first year, 20.1% at 3 years, 20.8% at 5 years. Variables with influence on the weight loss failure in univariate analysis were: BMI>50kg/m2, age>50years, DM2, hypertension, OSA, heart disease, multiple comorbidities, distance to pylorus> 4cm, bougie>40F, treatment with antiplatelet agents. The reinforcement of the suture improved results. In multivariate study DM2 and BMI are independent factors of failure. CONCLUSION: The SG associates a satisfactory weight loss in 79% of patients in the first 5 years; however, some variables such as BMI>50, age>50, the presence of several comorbidities, more than 5cm section of the pylorus or bougie>40F can increase the risk of weight loss failure.

Intragastric laparoscopic surgery: An option for gastric lesions not resectable by endoscopy.

Gastric mucosal and submucosal lesions can be resected by endoscopy, laparoscopy or open surgery. Operative methods have varied depending on the location, endophytic growth and size of the lesion. Interest in minimally invasive surgery has increased and many surgeons are attempting laparoscopic approaches, especially in lesions of the stomach near the esophagogastric junction not amendable to endoscopic removal, because conventional surgery can produce stenosis and distort the postoperative anatomy, and increase morbimortality. We report our experience with laparoscopic intragastric surgery in 3 consecutive patients, with no complications. Laparoscopic intragastric surgery extends the surgeons' armamentarium to resect complex gastric lesions, while offering patients the benefits of minimal access surgery.

Preserved endothelial function in human obesity in the absence of insulin resistance.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) is frequently associated with endothelial dysfunction and has been proposed to play a major role in cardiovascular disease (CVD). On the other hand, obesity has long been related to IR and increased CVD. However it is not known if IR is a necessary condition for endothelial dysfunction in human obesity, allowing for preserved endothelial function in obese people when absent. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between IR and endothelial dysfunction in human obesity and the mechanisms involved. METHODS: Twenty non-insulin resistant morbid obese (NIR-MO), 32 insulin resistant morbid obese (IR-MO), and 12 healthy subjects were included. Serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), resistin and adiponectin were determined. IR was evaluated by HOMA-index. Endothelium-dependent relaxation to bradykinin (BK) in mesenteric microvessels was assessed in wire myograph. RESULTS: Serum IL-6, and TNF-α levels were elevated only in IR-MO patients while resistin was elevated and adiponectin reduced in all MO individuals. Mesenteric arteries from IR-MO, but not from NIR-MO subjects displayed blunted relaxation to BK. Vasodilatation was improved in IR-MO arteries by the superoxide scavenger, superoxide dismutase (SOD) or the mitochondrial-targeted SOD mimetic, mito-TEMPO. NADPH oxidase inhibitors (apocynin and VAS2870) and the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) cofactor, tetrahydrobiopterin failed to modify BK-induced vasodilatations. Superoxide generation was higher in vessels from IR-MO subjects and reduced by mito-TEMPO. Blockade of TNF-α with infliximab, but not inhibition of inducible NOS or cyclooxygenase, improved endothelial relaxation and decreased superoxide formation. CONCLUSIONS: Endothelial dysfunction is observed in human morbid obesity only when insulin resistance is present. Mechanisms involved include augmented mitochondrial superoxide generation, and increased systemic inflammation mediated by TNF-α. These findings may explain the different vascular risk of healthy vs unhealthy obesity.

Thrombotic and hemorrhagic risk in bariatric surgery with multimodal rehabilitation programs comparing 2 reduced guidelines for pharmacological prophylaxis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the thrombotic and hemorrhagic risk in bariatric surgery with multimodal rehabilitation programs, comparing two guidelines of pharmacological prophylaxis recommended in the Guide to the Spanish Society for Obesity Surgery and the Obesity Section of the AEC. METHODS: Cohorts retrospective study from January-2010 to December-2019. Cases of vertical gastrectomy or gastric bypass were recorded, systematically applying multimodal rehabilitation protocols. Two reduced chemoprophylaxis regimens were analyzed, starting after surgery and maintained for 10 days; one with fondaparinux (Arixtra®) at a fixed dose of 2.5mg/day and the other with enoxaparin (Clexane®) with a single daily dose adjusted to BMI: 40mg/day for BMI of 35-40 and 60mg/day for BMI 40-60. RESULTS: 675 patients were included; 354 with Fondaparinux-Arixtra® during the period 2010-2015 and 321 with Enoxaparin-Clexane® during the period 2016-2019. There were no cases of DVT or clinical PE. However, the incidence of hemorrhage requiring reoperation, transfusion, or a decrease of more than 3g/dL hemoglobin was 4.7%, with no difference between groups. Mortality was nil. The average stay was 2.8 days and the outpatient follow-up was 100% during the first 6 months and 95% at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of multimodal rehabilitation programs and mechanical and pharmacological thromboprophylaxis by experienced teams, reduces the risk of thromboembolic events and could justify reduced chemoprophylaxis regimens to decrease the risk of postoperative bleeding.

Thrombotic and hemorrhagic risk in bariatric surgery with multimodal rehabilitation programs comparing 2 reduced guidelines for pharmacological prophylaxis. / Riesgo trombótico y hemorrágico en cirugía bariátrica con programas de rehabilitación multimodal comparando 2 pautas reducidas de profilaxis farmacológica.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the thrombotic and hemorrhagic risk in bariatric surgery with multimodal rehabilitation programs, comparing 2guidelines of pharmacological prophylaxis recommended in the Guide to the Spanish Society for Obesity Surgery and the Obesity Section of the AEC. METHODS: Cohorts retrospective study from January-2010 to December-2019. Cases of vertical gastrectomy or gastric bypass were recorded, systematically applying multimodal rehabilitation protocols. Two reduced chemoprophylaxis regimens were analyzed, starting after surgery and maintained for 10 days; one with fondaparinux (Arixtra®) at a fixed dose of 2.5mg / day and the other with enoxaparin (Clexane®) with a single daily dose adjusted to BMI: 40mg / day for BMI of 35-40 and 60mg/day for BMI 40-60. RESULTS: 675 patients were included; 354 with Fondaparinux-Arixtra® during the period 2010-2015 and 321 with Enoxaparin-Clexane® during the period 2016-2019. There were no cases of DVT or clinical PE. However, the incidence of hemorrhage requiring reoperation, transfusion, or a decrease of more than 3g / dL hemoglobin was 4.7%, with no difference between groups. Mortality was nil. The average stay was 2.8 days and the outpatient follow-up was 100% during the first 6 months and 95% at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of multimodal rehabilitation programs and mechanical and pharmacological thromboprophylaxis by experienced teams, reduces the risk of thromboembolic events and could justify reduced chemoprophylaxis regimens to decrease the risk of postoperative bleeding.

Risk of gastrojejunal anastomotic stricture with multifilament and monofilament sutures after hand-sewn laparoscopic gastric bypass: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Gastrojejunal (GJ) stricture is one of the most common late complications after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) with a hand-sewn anastomosis. The object of this study was to assess the risk of stricture for two types of resorbable suture (multifilament and monofilament) in a series of LRYGBPs performed by the same surgeon. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. The study population consisted of a series of consecutive morbidly obese patients who underwent primary hand-sewn LRYGBP between March 2004 and May 2008 at the University Hospital in Getafe, Madrid, Spain. The study comprised 242 LRYGBPs with a four-layer continuous hand-sewn anastomosis using absorbable 3/0 gauge suture. The suture material was Ethicon Vicryl multifilament in the first 105 cases and Ethicon Monocryl monofilament in the following 137 cases. All patients were followed up monthly for the first 6 months and then every 6 months after that. RESULTS: The mean BMI was 46 +/- 4 for the multifilament cohort and 48 +/- 6 for the monofilament cohort with no significant difference between the two (p = 0.567). There were no anastomotic leaks, and no cases of marginal ulcer, abscess, abdominal sepsis, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism were recorded. No cases required conversion to open surgery, and perioperative mortality was zero. In all, 11 cases of stricture (4.4%) were recorded, 10 in the multifilament suture cohort (9.5%), and only one in the monofilament suture cohort (0.7%; p = 0.001). The odds ratio was 14.3 (95% CI = 1.8-113.4). The mean outpatient follow-up period was 30 months (range = 6-42). CONCLUSIONS: Anastomotic GJ stricture is a common and well-known complication of laparoscopic gastric bypass for morbid obesity. Hand sewing with monofilament suture significantly lowered the frequency of this complication, and hence, monofilament should be the suture material of choice for this suturing technique.

Enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery. / Rehabilitación multimodal en cirugía bariátrica.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are care programs based on scientific evidence and focused on postoperative recovery. They encompass all aspects of patient care and require multidisciplinary management, with the participation of diverse specialists. The implementation of these protocols is being extended to several abdominal and extra-abdominal surgeries, including bariatric approaches. Diverse specialists with wide experience in the management of morbidly obese patients have taken part in the working group that developed this protocol. A bibliographic search about ERAS in bariatric surgery in several databases was performed to evaluate the current scientific evidence, establishing evidence levels and recommendations according to the GRADE methodology. The items included in this protocol are separated into preoperative, perioperative and postoperative guidelines.

Laparoscopic hand-sewn gastrojejunal anastomoses.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the digestive tract during gastric bypass (RYGBP) or biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) involves a mechanical or a hand-sewn gastrojejunal anastomosis. The object of this paper is to assess laparoscopic hand-sewn gastrojejunal anastomoses. METHODS: A series of morbidly obese patients was treated with RYGBP or BPD with a laparoscopic hand-sewn gastrojejunal anastomosis at the Hospital Universitario de Getafe-Madrid (Spain) between March 2001 and November 2007. RESULTS: The series comprised 250 patients, with 232 RYGBPs and 18 BPDs performed. The mean BMI was 46 +/- 4. Only a single case of gastrointestinal hemorrhage (0.4%) was recorded, caused by a marginal ulcer in the early postoperative period (day 6). In the late postoperative period, there were two cases of ulcer (0.8%), one complicated by hemorrhage, the other by perforation. There was no anastomotic leak. One patient (0.4%) required reintervention after 48 h because of thermal perforation of the gastric pouch. There were 11 cases of stenosis (4.4%) requiring radiologically or endoscopically guided dilatation, none in the BPD patients. Mean anastomosis time was 40 +/- 15 min. No cases of mortality or abscess, abdominal sepsis, or thromboembolism were recorded. Mean hospital stay was 5.1 +/- 2.4 days. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic hand-sewn anastomoses are safe and reproducible by surgeons experienced in internal suturing and knot-tying. The technique lengthens operating time, but constant training develops the surgeon's skills, significantly shortening operating time.

Usefulness of laboratory data in the management of right iliac fossa pain in adults.

PURPOSE: This study examined the usefulness of inflammatory markers in the management of patients with right iliac fossa pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single site, prospective observational study was conducted from October 2001 to April 2003. Patients with right iliac fossa pain referred to the surgeon were included. Blood samples were obtained for C-reactive protein, leukocyte, and granulocyte analysis. Clinical, surgical, and histopathologic data were collected. Analysis of inflammatory parameters was performed with logistic regression and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were compared. RESULTS: C-reactive protein increased with the severity of appendicitis and predicted accurately perforation (r(2) = 0.613; P < 0.0005), showing the highest accuracy among inflammatory markers (areas under the receiver operating characteristics curve were 0.846, 0.753, and 0.685 for C-reactive protein, leukocyte and granulocytes, respectively; P < 0.001). Accuracy improved when C-reactive protein and leukocytes were combined; positive and negative predictive values were 93.2 percent and 92.3 percent, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: C-reactive protein is a helpful marker in the management of patients with right iliac fossa pain; the predictive value improves when combined with leukocyte count. A patient with normal C-reactive protein and leukocytes has a very low probability of appendicitis and should not undergo surgery.

Prognostic Factors for Morbimortality in Sleeve Gastrectomy. The Importance of the Learning Curve. A Spanish-Portuguese Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Complications in sleeve gastrectomy (SG) can cast a shadow over the technique's good results and compromise its safety. The aim of this study is to identify risk factors for complications, and especially those that can potentially be modified to improve safety. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter cohort study was carried out, involving the participation of 29 hospitals. Data was collected on demographic variables, associated comorbidities, technical modifications, the surgeon's experience, and postoperative morbimortality. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out on risk factors (RFs) for the complications of leak/fistula, hemoperitoneum, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and death. RESULTS: The following data were collected for 2882 patients: age, 43.85 ± 11.6. 32.9 % male; BMI 47.22 ± 8.79; 46.2 % hypertensive; 29.2 % diabetes2; 18.2 % smokers; bougie calibre ≥40 F 11.1 %; complications 11.7 % (2.8 % leaks, 2.7 % hemoperitoneum, 1.1 % pneumonia, 0.2 % pulmonary embolism); and death 0.6 %. RFs for complications were as follows: surgeon's experience < 20 patients, OR 1.72 (1.32-2.25); experience > 100 patients, OR 0.78 (0.69-0.87); DM2, OR1.48(1.12-1.95); probe > 40 F, OR 0.613 (0.429-0.876). Leak RFs were the following: smoking, OR1.93 (1.1-3.41); surgeon's experience < 20 patients, OR 2.4 (1.46-4.16); experience of 20-50 patients, OR 2.5 (1.3-4.86); experience >100 patients, OR 0.265 (0.11-0.63); distance to pylorus > 4 cm, OR 0.510 (0.29-0.91). RFs for death were as follows: smoking, OR 8.64 (2.63-28.34); DM2, OR 3.25 (1.1-9.99); distance to pylorus < 5 cm, OR 6.62 (1.63-27.02). CONCLUSIONS: The safety of SG may be compromised by nonmodifiable factors such as age >65, patient comorbidities (DM2, hypertension), and prior treatment with anticoagulants, as well as by modifiable factors such as smoking, bougie size <40 F, distance to the pylorus <4 cm, and the surgeon's experience (<50-100 cases).

[Gastric bypass and laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with manual anastomosis: results in 250 morbidly obese patients]. / Bypass gástrico y derivación biliopancreática laparoscópica efectuadas con anastomosis manual. Resultados en 250 pacientes obesos móbidos.

BACKGROUND: Gastrojejunostomy anastomosis after a gastric bypass or biliopancreatic diversion can be performed by staples or hand-sewn technique. The aim of this study is to analyze totally hand-sewn anastomosis by laparoscopy. METHODS: Morbid obese patients treated consecutively with a gastric bypass or biliopancreatic diversion in which the main anastomosis was performed with a totally hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy by laparoscopy at Hospital Universitario de Getafe from March-01 to November-07. RESULTS: 250 patients were included: 232 were gastric bypass and the remaining 18, biliopancreatic diversion. Mean BMI was 46 +/- 4. There was only one case of digestive bleeding for a marginal ulcer during immediate postoperative period (6th day). Later, there were 2 cases of complicated ulcers: due to bleeding and perforation. There were no anastomotic leaks from the hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy. A patient was re-operated on 48 hours after bypass due to a leak secondary to a thermal perforation at the lesser curvature. Radiological or endoscopic dilatation were required in 11 stenosis (4.4%) at gastrojejunostomy and none in the biliopancreatic diversion group. Mean surgical time for the anastomosis was 40+/-15 minutes. There were no deaths, sepsis, abdominal abscess, deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Average hospital stay was 5.1+/-2.4 days. CONCLUSIONS: Even though most surgeons believe that staples anastomosis is easier, hand-sewn technique can be reproducible by surgeons with laparoscopic sutures experience. This technique has a longer operation time but continuous training provides advanced laparoscopic skills and significantly reduces operation time.