Best practice approach for redo-surgeries after sleeve gastrectomy, an expert's modified Delphi consensus.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most common metabolic and bariatric surgical (MBS) procedure worldwide. Despite the desired effect of SG on weight loss and remission of obesity-associated medical problems, there are some concerns regarding the need to do revisional/conversional surgeries after SG. This study aims to make an algorithmic clinical approach based on an expert-modified Delphi consensus regarding redo-surgeries after SG, to give bariatric and metabolic surgeons a guideline that might help for the best clinical decision. METHODS: Forty-six recognized bariatric and metabolic surgeons from 25 different countries participated in this Delphi consensus study in two rounds to develop a consensus on redo-surgeries after SG. An agreement/disagreement ≥ 70.0% on statements was considered to indicate a consensus. RESULTS: Consensus was reached for 62 of 72 statements and experts did not achieve consensus on 10 statements after two rounds of online voting. Most of the experts believed that multi-disciplinary team evaluation should be done in all redo-procedures after SG and there should be at least 12 months of medical and supportive management before performing redo-surgeries after SG for insufficient weight loss, weight regain, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Also, experts agreed that in case of symptomatic GERD in the presence of adequate weight loss, medical treatment for at least 1 to 2 years is an acceptable option and agreed that Roux-en Y gastric bypass is an appropriate option in this situation. There was disagreement consensus on efficacy of omentopexy in rotation and efficacy of fundoplication in the presence of a dilated fundus and GERD. CONCLUSION: Redo-surgeries after SG is still an important issue among bariatric and metabolic surgeons. The proper time and procedure selection for redo-surgery need careful considerations. Although multi-disciplinary team evaluation plays a key role to evaluate best options in these situations, an algorithmic clinical approach based on the expert's consensus as a guideline can help for the best clinical decision-making.

Long-term outcomes of metabolic surgery in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes in Asia.

AIM: To assess the outcomes of metabolic surgery in overweight and obese patients in Asia with type 2 diabetes (T2D). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The treatment outcomes of 1999 patients from the Asian Diabetes Surgery Summit database were analysed. The changes in treatment effects across time were assessed with respect to the surgical procedures performed by using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: The most commonly performed procedure was the single-anastomosis gastric bypass (32.6%). Weight (from 106.2 ± 25.1 to 77.9 ± 18.8 kg), body mass index (BMI; from 38.7 ± 7.9 to 28.5 ± 5.9 kg/m2 ), blood sugar (from 9.3 ± 4.1 to 5.7 ± 1.8 mmol/L) and HbA1c (from 8.4% ± 1.8% to 6.0% ± 1.1%) significantly improved from baseline to 1 year (P < .001) and remained stable at 5 years (weight, 86.3 ± 23.3 kg; BMI, 31.7 ± 7.9 kg/m2 ; blood sugar, 5.8 ± 1.8 mmol/L, and HbA1c, 6.4% ± 1.2%; all P < .001 vs. baseline). Blood pressure and most lipid disorders also improved significantly. Of the treatment procedures, single-anastomosis gastric bypass had the most satisfactory outcomes with statistical significance for most disorders, whereas adjustable gastric banding displayed the least satisfactory outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic surgery remarkably improved body weight, T2D and other metabolic disorders in Asian patients. However, the efficacy of individual procedures varied substantially.

Technical Variations and Considerations around OAGB in IFSO-APC and IFSO-MENAC Chapters, an Expert Survey.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the technical variations of one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) among IFSO-APC and MENAC experts. BACKGROUND: The multitude of technical variations and patient selection challenges among metabolic and bariatric surgeons worldwide necessitates a heightened awareness of these issues. Understanding different perspectives and viewpoints can empower surgeons performing OAGB to adapt their techniques, leading to improved outcomes and reduced complications. METHODS: The scientific team of IFSO-APC, consisting of skilled bariatric and metabolic surgeons specializing in OAGB, conducted a confidential online survey. The survey aimed to assess technical variations and considerations related to OAGB within the IFSO-APC and IFSO-MENAC chapters. A total of 85 OAGB experts participated in the survey, providing their responses through a 35-question online format. The survey took place from January 1, 2024, to February 15, 2024. RESULTS: Most experts do not perform OAGB for children and adolescents younger than 18 years. Most experts create the gastric pouch over a 36-40-F bougie and prefer to create a gastrojejunostomy, at the posterior wall of the gastric pouch. An anti-reflux suture during OAGB is performed in all patients by 51.8% of experts. Most experts set a common limb length of > 4 m in revisional and conversional OAGBs to prevent nutritional complications. CONCLUSION: The ongoing debate among metabolic and bariatric surgeons regarding the technical variations and patient selection in OAGB remains a significant point of discussion. This survey demonstrated the variations in technical aspects and patient selection for OAGB among MBS surgeons in the IFSO-APC and IFSO-MENAC chapters. Standardizing the OAGB technique is crucial to ensure optimal safety and efficacy in this procedure.

Revision/Conversion Surgeries After One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass-An Experts' Modified Delphi Consensus.

PURPOSE: There is a lack of evidence for treatment of some conditions including complication management, suboptimal initial weight loss, recurrent weight gain, or worsening of a significant obesity complication after one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). This study was designed to respond to the existing lack of agreement and to provide a valuable resource for clinicians by employing an expert-modified Delphi consensus method. METHODS: Forty-eight recognized bariatric surgeons from 28 countries participated in the modified Delphi consensus to vote on 64 statements in two rounds. An agreement/disagreement among ≥ 70.0% of the experts was regarded to indicate a consensus. RESULTS: A consensus was achieved for 46 statements. For recurrent weight gain or worsening of a significant obesity complication after OAGB, more than 85% of experts reached a consensus that elongation of the biliopancreatic limb (BPL) is an acceptable option and the total bowel length measurement is mandatory during BPL elongation to preserve at least 300-400 cm of common channel limb length to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Also, more than 85% of experts reached a consensus on conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) with or without pouch downsizing as an acceptable option for the treatment of persistent bile reflux after OAGB and recommend detecting and repairing any size of hiatal hernia during conversion to RYGB. CONCLUSION: While the experts reached a consensus on several aspects regarding revision/conversion surgeries after OAGB, there are still lingering areas of disagreement. This highlights the importance of conducting further studies in the future to address these unresolved issues.

First Global Report of Catastrophic Results Due to Internal Herniation of Roux Limb in the Space Between the Gastric Pouch and Band: a Series of 3 Cases of Banded Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (BRYGB).

BACKGROUND: Banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (BRYGB) is associated with complications known with the bypass along with specific complications related to the band. Roux-limb gangrene, due to herniation between the gastric pouch and band, however, has no mention in literature. METHODS: We report this potentially fatal complication of BRYGB and its management in a series of 3 patients. RESULTS: All 3 patients were women, 35-45 years, with a BRYGB (roux limb-150 cm, biliopancreatic limb-100 cm) using a MiniMizer or a Fobi ring with 2-point fixation to the gastric pouch 2 cm above the gastrojejunostomy. All patients presented 3-4 years post-BRYGB, with an average total body weight loss (TWL%) of 41.28%. To discuss video of a single case, a 35-year-old female presented with abdominal pain, hematemesis and signs of abdominal tenderness and guarding. X-Ray abdomen showed distended small bowel loops and CT-scan revealed ischemic small bowel loops with free fluid. Diagnostic laparoscopy showed alimentary/roux limb (AL) gangrene, from the gastrojejunostomy to the jejunojejunostomy. The entire AL had herniated between the gastric pouch and band which had formed an obstructive ring around the herniated bowel loop and led to compromise of blood supply and gangrene. Resection of gangrenous bowel with reversal of BRYGB was done. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and timely management may save a patient from gangrene. It also raises questions: Is a 2-point fixation of the band to the gastric pouch insufficient? Does a longer roux limb make it prone to herniating in the space between the gastric pouch and band?

Co-administration of AYUSH 64 as an adjunct to standard of care in mild and moderate COVID-19: A randomized, controlled, multicentric clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the efficacy of AYUSH 64, a standard polyherbal Ayurvedic drug in COVID-19. METHODS: During the first pandemic wave, 140 consenting and eligible hospitalized adult participants with mild-moderate symptomatic disease (specific standard RT-PCR assay positive) were selected as per a convenience sample, and randomized (1:1 ratio) to an open-label (assessor blind) two-arm multicentric drug trial; standard of care (SOC as per Indian guidelines) versus AYUSH 64 combined with SOC (AYUSH plus). Participants were assessed daily and discharged once clinical recovery (CR, primary efficacy) was achieved which was based on a predetermined set of criteria (resolution of symptoms, normal peripheral oximetry, and negative specific RT-PCR assay). Each participant was followed using an indigenous software program(mobile phone) and completed a 12-week study period. The dose of AYUSH 64 was 2 tablets oral, 500 mg each, bid for 12 weeks (AYUSH plus only). Significant P was <0.05 (two-sided). On randomization, the groups were found well matched. RESULTS: The mean interval time from randomization to CR was significantly superior in the AYUSH plus group [mean 6.45 days versus 8.26 days, 95% Confidence Interval of the difference -3.02 to -0.59 (P = 0.003, Student's 't test] as per-protocol analysis (134 participants); significant (P = 0.002) on an intention to treat analysis. 70% of the participants in AYUSH plus recovered during the first week (P = 0.046, Chi-square) and showed a significantly better change in physical health, fatigue, and quality of life measures. 48 adverse events, mostly mild and gut related, were reported by each group. There were 20 patient withdrawals (8 in AYUSH plus) but none due to an AE. There were no deaths. Daily assessment (hospitalization) and supervised drug intake ensured robust efficacy data. The open-label design was a concern (study outcome). CONCLUSIONS: AYUSH 64 in combination with SOC hastened recovery, reduced hospitalization, and improved health in COVID-19. It was considered safe and well-tolerated. Further clinical validation (Phase III) is required. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2020/06/025557.

Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Mental Health Status Prevailing among COVID-19 Patients in Mumbai, India.

Introduction: The aim was to determine the prevalence and predictors of depression among less symptomatic COVID-19 patients. Methods: A questionnaire-based assessment was conducted among asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients when admitted in a COVID-19 facility (T1) and after 6 months (T2). Interviews were conducted using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 instrument. Socio-demographic details and length of facility stay were recorded. Changes in scores between the two-time points T1 and T2 were compared. Factors predicting depression were determined using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U test during facility stay, and those predicting worsening over time were obtained using multivariate regression models. Results: Among the 91.4% (n = 450) participants, prevalence of depression was 38.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 34.0-43.0) with a significant increase of 7.8-fold (95% CI = 4.8-12.8) in depression as the duration of stay increased beyond a median of 5 days. A significant association was observed between higher income and lower depression (odds ratios = 0.6, P = 0.03). 84% (n = 378) responded at the second timepoint assessment after a median of 6.62 months (T2). There was a significant difference observed between the 2.6% (n = 6) that worsened into depression at T2 and the 73.8% (n = 107) that improved out of depression at T2 (P ≤ 0.001). Age >45 years (P = 0.007), males (P = 0.011) and reinfection (P = 0.039) significantly led to worsening of depression. Conclusion: There is a need for actively detecting and managing depression in institutionally quarantined survivors, considering limiting such quarantine to no more than a week, and providing routine screening and care for depression beyond this period.

Patient Selection in One Anastomosis/Mini Gastric Bypass-an Expert Modified Delphi Consensus.

PURPOSE: One anastomosis/mini gastric bypass (OAGB/MGB) is up to date the third most performed obesity and metabolic procedure worldwide, which recently has been endorsed by ASMBS. The main criticisms are the risk of bile reflux, esophageal cancer, and malnutrition. Although IFSO has recognized this procedure, guidance is needed regarding selection criteria. To give clinicians a daily support in performing the right patient selection in OAGB/MGB, the aim of this paper is to generate clinical guidelines based on an expert modified Delphi consensus. METHODS: A committee of 57 recognized bariatric surgeons from 24 countries created 69 statements. Modified Delphi consensus voting was performed in two rounds. An agreement/disagreement among ≥ 70.0% of the experts was considered to indicate a consensus. RESULTS: Consensus was achieved for 56 statements. Remarkably, ≥ 90.0% of the experts felt that OAGB/MGB is an acceptable and suitable option "in patients with Body mass index (BMI) > 70, BMI > 60, BMI > 50 kg/m2 as a one-stage procedure," "as the second stage of a two-stage bariatric surgery after Sleeve Gastrectomy for BMI > 50 kg/m2 (instead of BPD/DS)," and "in patients with weight regain after restrictive procedures. No consensus was reached on the statement that OAGB/MGB is a suitable option in case of resistant Helicobacter pylori. This is likely as there is a concern that this procedure is associated with reflux and its related long-term complications including risk of cancer in the esophagus or stomach. Also no consensus reached on OAGB/MGB as conversional surgery in patients with GERD after restrictive procedures. Consensus for disagreement was predominantly achieved "in case of intestinal metaplasia of the stomach" (74.55%), "in patients with severe Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)(C,D)" (75.44%), "in patients with Barrett's metaplasia" (89.29%), and "in documented insulinoma" (89.47%). CONCLUSION: Patient selection in OAGB/MGB is still a point of discussion among experts. There was consensus that OAGB/MGB is a suitable option in elderly patients, patients with low BMI (30-35 kg/m2) with associated metabolic problems, and patients with BMIs more than 50 kg/m2 as one-stage procedure. OAGB/MGB can also be a safe procedure in vegetarian and vegan patients. Although OAGB/MGB can be a suitable procedure in patients with large hiatal hernia with concurrent hiatal hernia, it should not be offered to patients with grade C or D esophagitis or Barrett's metaplasia.

A Global Survey by the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) on Perceptions of Bariatric Medical Tourism (BMT) by Health Professionals: Guidelines from IFSO for BMT.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric medical tourism (BMT) is a rapidly expanding industry, with over 650 million people with obesity worldwide and total number rising by over 300% between 2003 and 2014. The overall health tourism industry is worth over $400 billion/year. METHODS: International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) conducted a global survey to analyze the details of BMT and the perceptions of bariatric health care professionals (HCP) regarding BMT. RESULTS: A total of 383 bariatric HCP's with experience of 272,548 procedures responded from 65 countries. Seventy-three percent of respondents had managed BMT patients, whilst low cost of surgery was felt to be the driving factor in 77% of cases. The USA contributed the most patients travelling for BMT with 11.6%. Twenty-four percent of respondents stated that they had no access to adequate notes regarding the patient's operation, whilst 12% felt BMT is associated with a higher mortality. Only 49% of respondents felt that IFSO guidelines were followed by the operating surgeon. Sleeve gastrectomy was the commonly offered surgery and an overall mean operation cost was $8716. Nearly 64% of respondents felt BMT needed better coordination between practitioners, whilst almost 85% of respondents supported the idea of a forum to facilitate safe BMT worldwide. CONCLUSION: This IFSO survey has outlined the current BMT trends worldwide and highlighted areas of concern in the care of such patients. It has expanded our knowledge and should be used as a starting point to establish international forums to aid collaboration.

IFSO Endoscopy Committee Position Statement on the Practice of Bariatric Endoscopy During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) caused by SARS-CoV-2 has become a global pandemic. Obesity is a risk factor for severe disease, and the practice of endoscopy poses special challenges and risks of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to patients and providers given the evolving role of the gastrointestinal tract in viral transmission and aerosol generation during endoscopic procedures. It is therefore necessary to distinguish between urgent interventions that cannot be postponed despite the risks during the pandemic and, in contrast, purely elective interventions that could be deferred in order to minimize transmission risks during a time of infection surge and limited access. Semi-urgent bariatric procedures have an intermediate position. Since the chronological course of the pandemic is still unpredictable, these interventions were defined according to whether or not they should be performed within a nominal 8-week period. In this position statement, the IFSO Endoscopy Committee offers guidance on navigating bariatric endoscopic procedures in patients with obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the hope of mitigating the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to vulnerable patients and healthcare workers. These recommendations may evolve as the pandemic progresses.

Gastro-Colic Fistula After Sleeve Gastrectomy Leak: Our Experience with this Rare Complication.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is one of the commonest bariatric procedure performed worldwide (Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery 7:314-6, 2014). Leaks reported in 1 to 7% of cases are difficult to manage after SG. Leaks can be graded into acute (within 7 days), early (within 1-6 weeks), late (after 6 weeks) and chronic (after 12 weeks) (Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery 7:314-6, 2014). Oesophageal stents can be used for acute leaks. Gastro-colic fistula (GCF) is a rare complication following a chronic leak after SG (Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery 7:314-6, 2014). We would like to share our experience of a rare and challenging case of GCF after SG leak. METHOD: Prospectively collected data in our tertiary bariatric centre was retrieved. RESULTS: A 31-year-old female with body mass index (BMI) of 46.2 kg/m2 with history of bipolar disorder had an uneventful SG. On sixth day post-operatively, she presented to other unit with lower chest pain and had a computed tomography (CT) scan which was normal. At 6-week follow-up (FU), she had lost 44% excess weight loss (EWL) and complained of epigastric pain and reflux. CT scan showed collection with active leak in SG. This was successfully treated with partially covered stent placement. Imaging confirmed control of leak. Ten days later, endoscopic removal of the stent was successfully done. At 6-month FU, she had 86% EWL. At 1-year FU, she had 102% EWL with complain of reflux despite being on proton pump inhibitor (PPI). There were no nutritional parameter concerns. There was no history of diarrhoea. CT scan showed GCF (Image 1). OGD confirmed the findings and the site was tattooed. Colonoscopy was equivocal, and no clear fistula visualised which would explain the lack of diarrhoea. Operation was planned with colorectal team after multidisciplinary team discussion. At laparoscopy (Video 1), GCF was identified between SG and splenic flexure at the site of the previous leak. Adhesinolysis was done with a combination of blunt, sharp and energy device and the gastric sleeve and the splenic flexure were mobilised. The fistulous tract was isolated, divided and excised with Endo GIA tristapler taking partial lumen of colon. Intra-operative oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) showed no leak and colonoscopy showed no leak or narrowing of the lumen and showed healthy tissue. Post-operative recovery was uneventful. She was closely monitored by the bariatric dietician throughout the journey. At 6-month FU, she regained weight under close supervision, had EWL of 88% and is doing well. CONCLUSION: SG leaks can add long-term morbidity. Stent can be used successfully to treat SG leak if used judiciously. There should be low threshold for investigating patients with EWL of > 100% for anatomical complications like stricture, fistula or kink in the gastric sleeve. We wanted to make the bariatric fraternity aware of a rare late (> 12 weeks) complication of gastro-colic fistula after successfully treated SG leak. Limited literature is published about this rare complication and its management which ranges from conservative management to stent placement to surgical intervention (Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery 7:314-6, 2014; Clinical Case Reports 6:1342-1346, 2008; Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases 6:308-12, 2010). It can be dealt with successfully with minimally invasive technique by a multidisciplinary team in an experienced tertiary bariatric unit.

The HAALT Non-invasive Scoring System for NAFLD in Obesity.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of NAFLD increases in obese diabetics. Accurate diagnosis of NAFLD requires invasive liver biopsies, which is costly, and time consuming and labor intensive. Currently, there is a lack of non-invasive diagnostic methods to identify those with NASH, in obese Indians. OBJECTIVES: To develop an accurate non-invasive scoring system using clinical and biochemical parameters to predict the risk of developing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). METHODS: Clinical and biochemical parameters were recorded pre-operatively from 290 patients who were posted for bariatric/metabolic surgery, between September 2017 and October 2018 and compared with the result of intra-operative liver biopsy NAFLD activity scores (NAS). RESULTS: The mean weight and BMI of the patients were 120.3 ± 24.6 and 45.5 ± 7.8 respectively. In the final histopathological examination, 196/290 (67.6%) had simple steatosis, 92/290 (31.7%) had NASH, and 2/290 (0.007%) had cirrhosis. Binary logistic regression analysis of multiple independent predictors yielded five independent factors that were statistically significant (HbA1c, AST, ALT, liver span on USG, and serum triglycerides). These were used to create a scoring system, with a range of scores from 0 to 6, with maximum predictability at a score of 6. Patients with scores of ≧ 3 were at high risk of NASH diagnosis. The sensitivity of this scoring system was 85.87% and diagnostic accuracy was 75.35%. CONCLUSIONS: Our study not only confirms the significant association of NAFLD with obesity but also outlines a simple non-invasive scoring system to identify obese individuals at high risk for NASH.

Metabolic Syndrome Rather than Obesity Alone Is More Significant for Kidney Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is associated with metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and kidney disease. BMI may not be the ideal measure of obesity when used to assess its effect on kidney disease as it does not discriminate for age, sex, ethnicity, muscle, bone, or fat mass. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence microalbuminuria and identify independent risk factors for development of kidney disease in the obese Indian population. METHODS: Age, weight, BMI, total body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, hypertension, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), and HbA1c were collected from 568 obese patients, presenting for bariatric surgery. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for kidney disease. RESULTS: A total of 114 out of 568 (20.07%) obese patients had microalbuminuria (UACR range 30-283 µg/mg). HbA1C levels ≥ 6 (p = 0.01) and hypertension (p = 0.03) were the strongest independent variables for microalbuminuria. 14.67% with a BMI < 35 kg/m2, 21.30% with a BMI 35-50 kg/m2, and 19.44% with a BMI > 50 kg/m2 had microalbuminuria. Increasing BMI however was not statistically significant (p = 0.75). Total body fat percentage (p = 0.51), waist-to-hip ratio (p = 0.96), age (p = 0.30), sex (p = 0.38), and BMI (p = 0.75) were found to be statistically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney disease afflicts 1/5th of the obese Indian patients studied. Diabetes and hypertension remained as the most significant risk factors, while age, weight, increasing BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, or increasing body fat were found to be statistically insignificant for development and progression of kidney disease.

Influence of Asian Ethnicities on Short- and Mid-term Outcomes Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: Prevalence of obesity in Asia has been on the increasing trend, with corresponding increase in utilisation of bariatric surgery. The objective of this study was to examine differences in weight loss outcomes following bariatric surgery between Asian ethnicities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective database review was conducted of patients undergoing primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between 2009 and 2013 in 14 centres from Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Switzerland, and the USA. All patients with available follow-up data at 12 months and 36 months post-surgery were included in this study. Outcome measures used were percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) and percentage total weight loss (%TWL). Differences in outcomes between ethnicities were analysed after adjusting for age, gender, baseline body mass index (BMI), and presence of diabetes. RESULTS: The study population (n = 2150) consisted of 1122 Chinese, 187 Malays, 309 Indians, 67 Japanese, 259 Koreans, and 206 Caucasians. 67.1% were female and 32.9% were male. Mean age was 37.1 ± 11.2 years. Mean pre-operative BMI was 40.7 ± 8.1 kg/m2. With the Caucasian population as reference, Japanese had the best %TWL (3.90, 95% CI 1.16-6.63, p < 0.05) and %EWL (18.55, 95% CI 10.33-26.77, p < 0.05) while the Malays had the worst outcomes. Both Chinese and Koreans had better %EWL but worse %TWL as compared to Caucasians and there were no significant differences with the Indian study group. CONCLUSION: There are differences in weight loss outcomes following bariatric surgery between Asian ethnicities.

Selection of Bypass vs Sleeve for the Management of Type-2 Diabetes in Severely Obese: Could Ethnicity Play a Role?

PURPOSE: Prospective data was evaluated to see whether bariatric procedure type made any difference to diabetes remission. METHODS: One hundred eighty-six consecutive patients of Indian ethnicity (M:F 89:97) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and HbA1c > 6.5 were assessed before and at 1 year following surgery. Age, BMI, C-peptide and duration of diabetes (ABCD - described by WJ Lee), insulin use, baseline HbA1c, and % weight loss were tested as modifiers. We present remission rates (HbA1c ≤ 6.0%) and between group remission odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR after controlling for key modifiers. RESULTS: Patients selecting RYGB (n = 113) vs SG (n = 73) were older (50.7 vs 44.2 years), had a lower BMI (44.1 vs 46.7), lower C-peptide (3.5 vs 4.7 ng/ml), greater duration of diabetes (8 vs 3 years), and higher HbA1c (8.90 and 7.9%) respectively p < 0.05 for all (combined R2 = 0.38). Weight loss at 1 year was 27 and 30% for RYGB and SG respectively (p = 0.01). Remission at 1 year was achieved by 37% of patient selecting RYGB and 74% for the SG (OR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.11-0.41, p < 0.001). After adjusting for ABCD, the adjusted OR (AOR) still favored the SG (AOR = 0.32, 0.14-0.74, p = 0.01), and adjustment for HbA1c and weight loss (AOR 0.4, 0.17-0.95, p = 0.038) attenuated the effect. CONCLUSION: The analysis suggests SG may be superior to RYGB in this Indian population. Ethnicity may play a role in predicting the response to bariatric surgery and hence the choice of procedure. A randomized controlled trial is needed to clarify the relative benefit.

High-Percentage Pathological Findings in Obese Patients Suggest that Esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy Should Be Made Mandatory Prior to Bariatric Surgery.

ᅟ: Obesity is a global epidemic and will soon become the number one priority in healthcare management. Bariatric surgery causes a significant improvement in obesity and its related complications. Pre-operative esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD) is done by several bariatric surgical teams across the world but is still not mandatory. AIM: To study the percentage of symptomatic and asymptomatic pathological EGD findings in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery and to analyze whether these findings influence the eventual choice of bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients posted for bariatric surgery at our institute from January 2015 to March 2017 had a pre-operative EGD done by the same team of endoscopists. RESULTS: In this study, totally, 675 patients were assessed prior to routine bariatric surgery. 78.52% of all pre-operative patients had an abnormal EGD. The most common endoscopic abnormalities found were hiatus hernia (52.44%), gastritis (46.22%), presence of Helicobacter (H.) pylori (46.67%), reflux esophagitis (16.89%), Barrett's esophagus (1.78%), gastric erosions (13.19%), and polyps (7.41%). Fifty patients had upper gastrointestinal polyps: 41 in the stomach, 3 in the esophagus, and 6 in the duodenum, mostly benign hyperplastic or inflammatory polyps. Two patients had gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), 6 leiomyoma, and 6 neuroendocrine tumors (NET). Of those with endoscopic evidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), 70 (60.03%) of patients were asymptomatic. The pre-operative EGD findings resulted in a change of the planned surgical procedure in 67 (9.93%) patients. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that a large percentage of patients undergoing bariatric surgery have pathologically significant endoscopic findings of which a significant number are asymptomatic; this can lead to a change in the planned bariatric procedure in a section of patients; hence, we believe that EGD should be made mandatory as a pre-operative investigation in all bariatric surgery patients.

Zinc Deficiency after Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity: a Systematic Review.

Up to 50% of patients have zinc deficiency before bariatric surgery. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the commonest bariatric procedure worldwide. It can further exacerbate zinc deficiency by reducing intake as well as absorption. The British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society, therefore, recommends that zinc level should be monitored routinely following gastric bypass. However, the American guidance does not recommend such monitoring for all RYGB patients and reserves it for patients with 'specific findings'. This review concludes that clinically relevant Zn deficiency is rare after RYGB. Routine monitoring of zinc levels is hence unnecessary for asymptomatic patients after RYGB and should be reserved for patients with skin lesions, hair loss, pica, dysgeusia, hypogonadism or erectile dysfunction in male patients, and unexplained iron deficiency anaemia.

Bariatric Nutrition Guidelines for the Indian Population.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery numbers have seen a sharp rise in India in the last decade. A country known for its undernourished population has seen economic growth and with it, greater influence of western culture and foods. The obesity epidemic is on the rise here and India is one of the 10 most obese nations of the world being second only to China in the number of type 2 diabetes. Nutritionists in India often rely on recommendations and guidelines meant for the Caucasian population. Religious and cultural practices influence the dietary habits and patterns of the Indian population to a great extent; because of which the nutritional requirements are very different. This document was put together with an aim to provide nutritionists with recommendations on how to manage the Indian bariatric patient. METHODS: A bariatric nutrition round table meeting was initiated by the Centre for Obesity and Digestive Surgery (CODS) to bring together experts in the field of bariatric nutrition to review current data on nutritional deficiencies in the morbid obese and existing post-operative deficiencies and to formulate nutritional recommendations for bariatric/metabolic surgery specific to patients from India. RESULTS: Percentage of nutritional deficiencies and reasons for the same were identified among the Indian population and recommendations were made to suit this particular population. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that all patients undergo compulsory pre-operative nutritional counseling and nutritional investigations and that nutritional follow-up be continued lifelong. In addition, long-term implications like hypoglycemia, dumping syndrome, sugar cravings, and weight regain, need to be picked up and managed efficiently. Most importantly, post-operative supplementation is a must irrespective of type of surgery.

Leg to leg bioelectrical impedance analysis of percentage fat mass in obese patients-Can it tell us more than we already know?

BACKGROUND: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is well tolerated, inexpensive, and readily available, but can it be used to detect with clinical precision aberrant changes in the proportion of fat mass to fat-free mass during weight loss? OBJECTIVES: To assess the variance in percentage body fat mass explained by the readily available inputs and assess residual variance provided by leg-to-leg BIA scales. METHODS: Using cross-sectional data from a cohort of 665 patients of Indian ethnicity presenting for bariatric surgery, we examine the determinants of percentage body fat as provided by leg-to-leg output from Tanita SC-330 BIA scales. RESULTS: Four input factors-sex, weight, height, and age-contributed to provide 92% and 95% explanation in output variance for percentage fat mass (%FM) and actual fat mass, respectively, in 665 patients. Body mass index alone explained 89% and 81% of variance in %FM output for women and men, respectively. Neither weight distribution, as indicated by waist and hip circumference or waist to hip ratio, nor plasma lipids or markers of glucose metabolism contributed additional variance in %FM when controlled for the 4 key inputs. CONCLUSIONS: Simple, known input variables dominate the leg-to-leg BIA output of %FM, and this may compromise the detection of aberrant changes in %FM and fat-free mass with substantial weight loss. For clinical research, validated methods not largely dependent on known inputs should be used for evaluating changes in body composition after substantial weight loss.

Laparoscopic revision of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to sleeve gastrectomy: A ray of hope for failed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the most commonly performed bariatric operation across the world, but sometimes revision is necessary. Inadequate weight loss, weight regain, and complications such as dumping syndrome are common reasons for revision. We report the 1-year outcomes of five patients who underwent laparoscopic conversion of RYGB to sleeve gastrectomy during surgical revision. METHODS: Mean age was 38.8 ± 9.1 years. Mean BMI at primary surgery was 57.9 ± 8.1 kg/m(2) . Two patients were diabetic and sleep apneic. One was hypertensive. All patients underwent a RYGB as the primary weight loss procedure. Mean weight loss was 36.8 ± 8.6 kg (excess weight loss = 39.8 ± 14.9%) at 2 years. At the end of 5 years, these patients regained 10.9 ± 4.1 kg (31.5 ± 13.6% of excess weight loss). Primary indications for revision surgery were failure to lose weight, weight regain, and intractable dumping syndrome. Mean duration between primary and revision surgery was 6.2 ± 1.1 years. RYGB was converted to sleeve gastrectomy as a first stage in all cases. RESULTS: Mean duration of revision surgery was 120.0 ± 15.5 min. Mean blood loss was 70 ± 50 mL. One year after revision surgery, a mean weight loss of 21.5 ± 10.5 kg was achieved (mean excess weight loss = 35.8 ± 8.8%). Two patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the one with hypertension achieved remission. Dumping was resolved. There were no complications. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic conversion of RYGB to sleeve gastrectomy as a first stage may be considered as an additional option in the armamentarium of revision procedures after RYGB.