Are In-Person Post-operative Clinic Visits Necessary to Detect Complications Among Bariatric Surgery Patients?

Patients undergoing bariatric surgery are expected to have frequent post-surgical follow-up. With the increased utilization of telemedicine across different surgical specialties, we are considering replacing the in-person post-surgery visits with telemedicine video visits in our bariatric practice. However, the safety and efficacy of conducting these visits through telemedicine is still unknown. Due to the concern of missing complications by eliminating in-person assessments, we reviewed 30-day complications, their severity, and the context of their detection experienced by bariatric surgical patients at our institution. Our results suggest that the majority of complications are detected when patients seek medical care rather than during clinic visits. Therefore, telemedicine is likely safe for 30-day follow-up in bariatric patients. Further studies are needed to assess its effect on patient compliance and outcomes.

Outcomes of Duodenal Switch with a Moderate Common Channel Length and Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass: Does One Pose More Risk?

BACKGROUND: Traditional duodenal switch (DS) typically leaves a short common channel and is infrequently performed in part due to increased risk of malnutrition. We compared nutritional deficiencies between DS with a moderate channel length and standard proximal Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 61 matched pairs who underwent DS or RYGB using our institutional database; patients were matched on sex, age, race, and BMI. DS was performed with a common channel length between 120 and 150 cm. Thirty-day complications, total body weight loss (TBWL) %, and nutritional labs up to 24 months were compared using paired t test and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. RESULTS: Weight loss was similar at each time point (all p > 0.1). DS patients had lower vitamin D levels at 6 months, lower calcium levels at 6 and 12 months, and lower hemoglobin at 12 months and otherwise equivalent (all p < 0.05). Revision was rare (1 DS; 0 RYGB). There were no differences in short-term complications (p = 0.28). CONCLUSION: DS with a moderate common channel length is safe with a low revision rate. Weight loss and nutritional outcomes appear to be comparable to RYGB, and it may be considered an effective RYGB alternative.