Quality criteria in bariatric surgery: Consensus review and recommendations of the Spanish Association of Surgeons and the Spanish Society of Bariatric Surgery. / Criterios de calidad en cirugía bariátrica: revisión de conjunto y recomendaciones de la Asociación Española de Cirujanos y de la Sociedad Española de Cirugía de la Obesidad.

Bariatric surgery has proven to be highly effective in controlling obesity and metabolic syndrome; the results of this surgery are not only expressed in terms of weight loss, but also in terms of resolution of comorbidities, improved quality of life and complications. The different parameters used to measure these outcomes require uniformity and reference patterns. Therefore, it is essential to identify those indicators and quality criteria that are helpful in defining the «best practice¼ principles in bariatric surgery. In this regard, the Section of Obesity of the Spanish Association of Surgeons, in collaboration with the Spanish Society for Bariatric Surgery (SECO), present as an objective to identify the key points that define «quality¼ in this type of surgery. We describe the main indicators based on the published literature as well as the criteria for referral of the main comorbidities according to the evidence found and grades of recommendation.

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.

Results of the national registry of patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease candidates for bariatric surgery (ReNacEIBar).

BACKGROUND: Our aim is to carry out a national registry of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who underwent bariatric surgery, as well as evaluate the results and management of this type of patients in the usual clinical practice. METHODS: National multicentric observational retrospective study, including patients, previously diagnosed with IBD who underwent bariatric surgery from January 2000 to December 2022. RESULTS: Forty-one patients have been included: 43,9% previously diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, 57,3% Crohn's disease, and an indeterminate colitis (2,4%). The preoperative BMI was 45.8 ± 6,1 kg/m2. Among the bariatric surgeries, 31 (75,6%) sleeve gastrectomy, 1 (2,4%) gastric bypass and 9 (22%) one anastomosis gastric have been carried out. During the postoperative period, 9.8% complications have been recorded. BMI was 29,5 ± 4,7 kg/m2 and percent total weight lost was 33,9 ± 9,1% at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery in patients with inflammatory bowel disease can be considered safe and effective.

[Evaluation of surgical skills in medical students using a virtual simulator]. / Evaluación de las habilidades quirúrgicas durante el pregrado mediante la introducción de un simulador virtual.

INTRODUCTION: The use of virtual simulators together with hospital practicals during undergraduate training can improve basic surgical skills, and may even be an important motivating focal point. The aim of this work is to determine the endoscopy skill level and its learning curve in three stages within the Medical degree (second, fourth, and sixth year) using a virtual simulator. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Lapsim simulator with 7 basic modular exercises was used. Twenty four students (8 second, 8 fourth, and 8 sixth year) were subjected to a training program (basic test plus 3 sessions), and an examination at 30 days. A control group (n=24) from each year were subjected to 2 examinations with an interval of 30 days. RESULTS: All the groups improved significantly after training, and this was maintained in all the exercises after a "wash out" period of 30 days. All the groups achieved lower baseline scores in the "Cutting" and "Lifting and grasping" exercises, considered of intermediate level than any of the others. However, after the training process, they were the only exercises that the sixth year students demonstrated that they were clearly superior to the rest of the years: "Cutting" (94.5%±11 vs 81%±7) (P<.05), "Lifting and grasping" (88.1%±13 vs 68%±11) (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The virtual simulator appears to be of greater use for those students in higher years with more clinical experience, there already being a discrimination process during this period. Surgical skills during this phase should be reinforced by means of new teaching challenges, such as simulation programs in the framework of skills laboratories.

[Is the morbid obesity surgery profitable in times of crisis? A cost-benefit analysis of bariatric surgery]. / ¿Es rentable operar a los obesos mórbidos en tiempos de crisis? Análisis coste-beneficio de la cirugía bariátrica.

Morbid obesity is a serious health problem whose prevalence is increasing. Expensive co-morbidities are associated to these patients, as well as a reduction in the survival. Bariatric surgery resolves the co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes mellitus, 86.6%; cardiovascular risk, 79.0%; obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, 83.6%; hypertension, 61.7%), reduces the mortality rate (among 31-40%), and increases the morbid obese patients survival over a 10-years period. It provides significant savings for the National Health System. The obese patients consume a 20% plus of health resources and 68% plus of drugs than general population. Bariatric surgery requires an initial investment (diagnosis-related group cost: 7,468 €), but it is recovered in a cost-effectiveness ratio of 2.5 years. Significant savings are obtained from the third year. To the direct economic benefits associated with reduced health expenditures it should be added an increase in tax collection (sick leave and unemployment reduction is estimated in 18%, with a productivity increase of 57% for self-employed people). Bariatric surgery is one of the most cost-effective procedures in the healthcare system.

Seeking an Initial-Weight-Independent Metric in a Mediterranean Cohort of Gastric Bypass Patients: the %AWL Revisited.

BACKGROUND: Most relative weight-loss metrics follow the formula "Weight loss(%) = 100 · (Initial BMI - Final BMI) / (Initial BMI-a)," where a is the reference point that defines the metric. The percentage of total weight loss (%TWL, a = 0) and percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL, a = 25) are influenced by a patient's initial weight. Recently, the percentage of alterable weight loss metric (%AWL, a = 13) has been reported to produce initial-weight-independent outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to replicate the methodology used for %AWL determination in a Mediterranean cohort of bariatric patients. SETTINGS: Multicenter study in 10 large hospitals in Spain. METHODS: Two large prospective databases were retrospectively searched for all primary laparoscopic gastric bypass patients with 2 years of follow-up. Outcomes at nadir were expressed and analyzed with 26 different metrics (a from 0 to 25), looking for the metric whose outcomes produced (1) the lowest coefficient of variation, (2) no differences between initially lighter and heavier patients, and (3) no correlation with patients' initial BMI. RESULTS: A cohort of 1793 patients was stratified into 4 gender-age groups: younger women (YW, n = 733), older women (OW, n = 674), younger men (YM, n = 197), and older men (OM, n = 189). The calculations suggested an optimal reference point of 18 kg/m2, defining a new metric (percentage of Mediterranean alterable weight loss, %MAWL). When %TWL, %EWL, %AWL, and %MAWL were tested on the whole sample, only %MAWL produced initial-weight-independent results. CONCLUSIONS: In our Mediterranean cohort of patients, a reference point of 18 (and not 13) yielded initial-weight-independent outcomes.

Obesity and SARS-CoV-2: Considerations on bariatric surgery and recommendations for the start of surgical activity. / Obesidad y SARS-CoV-2: consideraciones sobre la cirugía bariátrica y recomendaciones para el inicio de la actividad quirúrgica.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has a great impact worldwide, being Spain one of the most affected countries. The delay in bariatric surgery can have fatal consequences since up to 50% of the patients who are on the waiting list develop a new comorbidity during the time they remain on it and 1.5% of patients die while waiting for the intervention. That is why bariatric surgery should not be delayed, if the occupation of the hospital by COVID-19+ patients decreases significantly, and sufficient resources and safety are available to restart surgery in patients with benign pathology. This document contains the main recommendations for the bariatric surgery programs in our country from the point of view of safety, bariatric patient preparation and follow up during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemia.

Analysis of mid-term weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy: Proposed percentile charts for total weight loss percentages to be used in daily clinical practice. / Análisis de la pérdida ponderal a medio plazo después del bypass gastroyeyunal en Y de Roux y de la gastrectomía vertical: propuesta de gráficos de percentiles del porcentaje de peso total perdido para su uso en la práctica clínica diaria.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to analyze weight evolution after the main bariatric surgical techniques (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [RYGB] and sleeve gastrectomy [SG]) performed at a representative sample of Spanish hospitals in order to develop percentile charts for the percentage of total weight loss during the first 3 years after surgery. METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted based on the data provided by 9 Spanish hospitals. Weight data were analyzed both in % total weight loss and % excess weight lost corresponding to the RYGB (n=1,887) and SG (n=1,210). RESULTS: RYGB continues to be the most frequently performed technique in our sample. In both surgical techniques, maximum weight loss occurred 18 months after surgery. Both techniques followed the same weight evolution, although the % total weight loss values were lower in the case of the SG after 36 months (29.3±10 vs. 33.6±10). Age and gender are decisive in the weight results (better in younger patients for both techniques and better in women for RYGB). CONCLUSIONS: Percentile charts of % total weight loss after bariatric surgery represent a very useful tool and an important advance in the quality of patient management.

Subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery (SEPS) modified technique: subaponeurotic approach without balloon.

Subfascial Endoscopic Perforator Vein Surgery (SEPS) is one of the best procedures and a minimally invasive option for treating chronic venous insufficiency. We explain our experience with SEPS, which has been turned into a subaponeurotic approach without balloon, and assess the possible advantages of this technique. The subaponeurotic space was entered using the Visiport Plus (Autusuture, Tyco Healthcare) video-assisted technique, which shows how the trocar enters through the subcutaneous tissue and superficial aponeurosis of the leg. A blunt retractor was inserted which, together with CO2 insufflation (20 mm Hg), enabled the veins to be dissected. Ligation was performed using tripolar sealing. In no case was a balloon used. There were no incidents such as haemorrhage or subcutaneous emphysema during the procedure. The patients (n = 206) remained in the hospital for less than 24 hours and suffered no post-surgical complications. Active ulcers were cured, with no relapses, in 100% of cases. This is a very effective method for treating advanced chronic insufficiency because it prevents local damage and the rate of post-surgical complications is low. Technically it has more advantages because the fact that it does not use a balloon means that it exerts less pressure on the tissues.

Weight Loss Analysis According to Different Formulas after Sleeve Gastrectomy With or Without Antral Preservation: a Randomised Study.

BACKGROUND: The measurement of weight loss after bariatric surgery is under constant review in order to obtain the ideal standard for reporting weight loss. Several formulas have been proposed for this purpose. Our goal is to analyse weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy, with or without antrum preservation through different measurement formulas. METHODS: A prospective randomised study of 60 patients (30 patients with initial section at 3 cm from pylorus and 30 patients at 8 cm from the pylorus). We calculate the following variables at 3, 6 and 12 months from surgery: BMI, excess weight loss (%EWL), percentage of excess of BMI loss (%PEBMIL), expected BMI, % PEBMIL corrected by EBMI and percentage of total weight loss (%TWL). RESULTS: Weight evolution is similar in both groups, reaching a mean BMI of 33.62 ± 4.35 and 34.48 ± 4.23 kg/m2 respectively 12 months after surgery, closer to expected BMI. TWL follows the same trend, with losses exceeding 30%, although 3 cm group is above the tables of percentiles made with our series. Regarding PEBMIL, the 3 cm group reaches 67.8% classified as excellent, while 8 cm group reaches 62.8% classified as a good result. EWL situates the best results for 3 cm group. CONCLUSIONS: Group 3 cm obtained a lower percentage of suboptimal results using EWL. %TWL places the 3 cm group in higher percentile than 8 cm group. Through EBMI, both groups are equally effective. It is necessary to have standardised dynamic tables for each surgical technique, becoming essential elements to measure weight loss after surgery.

Usefulness of Baltasar's expected body mass index as an indicator of bariatric weight loss surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Determining the best indicator to report weight loss takes on special relevance following bariatric surgery. Our objective is to apply a method proposed by Baltasar et al. to express weight loss results following bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anthropometric data were collected from 265 patients who had undergone Sleeve gastrectomy (SG, n = 172) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP, n = 93) with a 2-year follow-up period. Initial BMI was calculated as well as BMI 2 years after, percentage of excess BMI loss (PEBMIL), expected BMI (EBMI), and corrected PEBMIL. RESULTS: In SG group, average BMI 2 years after surgery fell within a 95 % CI of expected BMI, with an average BMI of 31.58 ± 4.05 kg/m2 in 35-45 BMI group, an average BMI of 33.62 ± 4.96 kg/m2 in 45-55 BMI group, and an average BMI of 37.40 ± 5.93 kg/m2 in 55-65 BMI group. In RYGBP group, average BMI 2 years after the surgery was below than average expected BMI (28.76 ± 3.20 kg/m2 in 35-45 BMI group and 29.71 ± 3.30 kg/m2 in 45-55 BMI group). Results are considered excellent for the group with an initial BMI of above 45 kg/m2. CONCLUSIONS: EBMI is a good weight loss indicator, mainly when 95 % CI is taken into account. EBMI is consistent with the results obtained 2 years after surgery in our patients who underwent SG and RYGBP. Corrected PEBMIL is a good indicator for expressing the percentage of BMI loss and offers more realistic values than conventional formula with a cut-off point of 25 points.

Duodeno-jejunal tube placement in an experimental model of obesity: effects on food behaviour and basal energy expenditure.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic surgery can modulate weight as well as food intake and basal energy expenditure. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of duodenal exclusion by analysing anthropometric results, intake variations, food behaviour and calorimetric parameters. METHODS: This is an experimental study with 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats. The sequences used are as follows: Cafeteria diet for 3 weeks, followed by surgery and sacrifice at 4 weeks. Four experimental groups are as follows: two non-obese groups (n = 15; surgery = 10, sham = 5) and two obese groups by cafeteria diet (n = 15; surgery = 10, sham = 5). Surgery performed was duodenal exclusion with physical barrier. Weight, intake, glycaemia and basal energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry were monitored before and after surgery. RESULTS: Weight changes in groups that underwent intervention were significant. The reduction in calorie consumption after surgery was significant in the obese intervention group despite an increased standard feed consumption (161 ± 11 vs 139 ± 13 Kcal/day, p < 0.05; due to a lower consumption of cafeteria diet). In non-obese animals, changes were transient. Basal energy expenditure decreased in both intervention groups: 6.2 ± 0.5 vs 5.5 ± 0.4 Kcal/kg/h in non-obese animals and 5.6 ± 0.3 vs 4.7 ± 0.3 Kcal/kg/h in obese animals (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Duodeno-jejunal tube placement stops weight gain in obese and non-obese animals. In obese animals, there is an important qualitative change in appetite towards standard feed with a significant decrease in caloric intake. In non-obese animals, changes in quantitative intake are transient. This surgery decreases basal energy expenditure in obese animals. This may be attributed to an enhanced thermogenic effect of food and a slowing in the animal's weight gain.

The evolution of experimental surgery in the field of morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND: We reviewed the experimental surgery, related to bariatric surgery in laboratory animals, to consider new lines of research. METHODS: The literature on experimental surgery for morbid obesity since the mid-20th century was reviewed, focusing on existing techniques (malabsorptive, restrictive, mixed and experimental) and their associated metabolic component. RESULTS: In the field of laparoscopy, there is a clear tendency for large laboratory animals such as pigs to be used. These are useful for developing and perfecting techniques. A second area of animal experimentation concentrates on the relationship between metabolism and surgery in order to find improvements in the co-morbidities associated with morbid obesity. A third area of research focuses on manipulating intake via central and vagal control. CONCLUSION: Further studies are needed to combine traditional and recently developed techniques of experimental surgery with the mechanisms that determine the physiopathology, metabolism and regulation of intake of morbidly obese patients. To accurately determine metabolic behavior and avoid drawing conclusions that are not very significant, these studies should be carried out on obese animals and focus on the co-morbidities associated with morbid obesity.

Gastric volvulus after sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in morbid obesity has proved to be a safe and reproducible technique. Sleeve gastrectomy, however, is not free of complications. On the other hand, gastric volvulus is reported in those subjects where, either because of laxity of the gastric anatomical fixations or incorrect position of the stomach, rotation or turning is facilitated. CASE: We report the case of a patient with morbid obesity (Bone mass index / BMI 63 Kg/m2), who in the post-operative period immediately following a sleeve gastrectomy, presented early symptoms of upper gastrointestinal occlusion indicative of gastric volvulus of the gastric sleeve. RESULTS: The patient developed a partial obstruction secondary to a mixed volvulus mechanism (organo-axial and partially mesenteric-axial) after sleeve gastrectomy. We performed a laparoscopic antrectomy of the gastric sleeve and then a gastroileal anastomosis, a form of biliopancreatic diversion, with a common channel of 80 cm and alimentary limb of 160 cm). 18 months after, the patient has a BMI of 28 kg/m2 and enjoys a good quality of life. CONCLUSION: Sleeve gastrectomy leaves the stomach with no fixations along the entire greater curvature, which may predispose to volvulus. This complication is a rare finding and not reported to date following this intervention, but still needs to be considered in this type of patient.

Experimental metabolic surgery: justification and technical aspects.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic surgery is a surgical strategy which has shown great potential in the treatment of diseases which may be associated with morbid obesity. It must be developed on the basis of both animal and clinical research. The objective of this study is to set out the various options in experimentation animals and the technical characteristics in operations, and the specific animal care undertaken by our group. METHODS: We identified and reviewed the key points to be considered in animal handling during interventions such as sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, ileal transposition and duodenal exclusion. RESULTS: The technical variations found at experimental level are due to the pouch capacity for the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Intestinal anastomosis is the variable with the greatest differences found between the various working groups. Ileal transposition is a technique that is undergoing constant review, and the results differ substantially depending on the animal model chosen, and are also metabolically effective in animals with a normal weight. Duodenal exclusion by means of a physical barrier has not been studied sufficiently but could be a pre-operative support for weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: There are experimental technical discrepancies and further studies are necessary to ascertain their efficiency. Metabolic surgery currently complements bariatric surgery and justifies the appearance of new experimental studies. The animal models chosen are very important as only very specific study models will be used in cases in which the technique is sufficiently validated by the research team, as the results to be assessed depend on this.

[Low cost simulator for acquiring basic laparoscopic skills]. / Simulador de bajo coste para el entrenamiento de habilidades laparoscópicas básicas.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic surgery requires a different set of skills than conventional surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a low-cost simulator and camera for the acquisition of basic laparoscopic skills. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This randomised trial involved 48 subjects (32 students and 16 surgeons). Two exercises were used, object transfer and cutting. Students were divided into two groups (n=8). One group performed the exercises in the operating theatre with the conventional laparoscopic camera. The second group performed the exercises in a classroom with a low cost micro-camera. Both groups were evaluated before and after five training sessions. Two groups of students were used as controls (n=8), and were evaluated two times without training. The surgeons were divided in two groups (n=8), one was evaluated in the theatre and the other one in the classroom. RESULTS: The trained groups showed significant improvements in the first exercise (P <0.001) compared with non-trained groups. There were no differences in scores between the groups with different cameras. The surgeons had better scores than students (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The improvements in laparoscopic skills on this simulator with a low-cost camera were not significantly different from those gained using the simulator with the conventional laparoscopic camera. This simulator was able to differentiate between experienced and inexperienced subjects.