Emergency endoscopy for gastrointestinal bleeding after bariatric surgery. Therapeutic algorithm.

OBJECTIVE: Gastrointestinal bleeding (GB) is a potential complication after bariatric surgery and its frequency is around 2-4% according to the literature. The aim of this study is to present our experience with GB after bariatric surgery, its presentation and possible treatment options by means of an algorithm. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From January 2004 to December 2012, we performed 300 consecutive laparoscopic bariatric surgeries. A total of 280 patients underwent a laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass with creation of a gastrojejunal anastomosis using a circular stapler type CEAA No 21 in 265 patients and with a linear stapler in 15 patients. Demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation and treatment were reviewed. A total of 20 patients underwent a sleeve gastrectomy. RESULTS: Twenty-seven cases (9%) developed GB. Diagnosis and therapeutic endoscopy was required in 13 patients. The onset of bleeding occurred between the 1(st)-6(th) postop days in 10 patients, and the origin was at the gastrojejunostomy staple-lines, and 3 patients had bleeding from an anastomotic ulcer 15-20 days after surgery. All other patients were managed non-operatively. CONCLUSION: Conservative management of gastrointestinal bleeding is effective in most cases, but endoscopy with therapeutic intent should be considered in patients with severe or recurrent bleeding. Multidisciplinary postoperative follow- up is very important for early detention and treatment of this complication.

[Effects of gastric bypass on estimated cardiovascular risk in morbidly obese patients with metabolic syndrome]. / Efectos del bypass gástrico sobre el riesgo cardiovascular estimado.

INTRODUCTION: The major goal of surgical treatment in morbid obesity is to decrease morbidity and mortality associated with excess weight. In this sense, the main factors of death are cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of gastric bypass on cardiovascular risk estimation in patients after bariatric surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated pre and postoperative cardiovascular risk estimation of 402 morbidly obese patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass. The major variable studied is the cardiovascular risk estimation that is calculated preoperatively and after 12 months. Cardiovascular risk estimation analysis has been performed with the REGICOR Equation. REGICOR formulation allows calculating a 10 year risk of cardiovascular events adapted to the Spanish population and is expressed in percentages. RESULTS: We reported an overall 4.1±3.0 mean basal REGICOR score. One year after the operation, cardiovascular risk estimation significantly decreased to 2,2±1,6 (P<.001). In patients with metabolic syndrome according to ATP-III criteria, basal REGICOR score was 4.8±3.1 whereas in no metabolic syndrome patients 2.2±1.8. Evaluation 12 months after surgery, determined a significant reduction in both groups (metabolic syndrome and non metabolic syndrome) with a mean REGICOR score of 2.3±1.6 and 1.6±1.0 respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of our study demonstrate favorable effects of gastric bypass on the cardiovascular risk factors included in the REGICOR equation.

Gastrojejunal anastomotic stenosis after laparoscopic gastric bypass. Experience in 280 cases in 8 years.

OBJECTIVE: Gastrojejunal stricture (GYS), not only is a common complication after laparoscopic gastric bypass, but its frequency is about 15% according to bibliography. Our aim is to present our experience after 280 laparoscopic gastric bypass. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From January 2004 to December 2012, 280 patients underwent a laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass with creation of the gastrojejunal anastomosis is performed with circular stapler type CEAA No 21 in 265 patients and with a linear stapler in 15 patients. In all patients with persistent feeding intolerance were performed barium transit and/or gastroscopy. When gastrojejunal stricture showed proceeded to endoscopic pneumatic dilation. RESULTS: Twenty cases (7.1%) developed a gastrojejunal stricture, in 4 of these cases the initial diagnosis was made by barium transit and all case were confirmed by endoscopy. Five patients had a history of digestive bleeding that required endoscopic sclerosis of the bleeding lesion. All cases were resolved by endoscopic dilatation. One patient suffered a perforation and a re-intervention. At follow-up has not been detected re-stricture. CONCLUSION: Structure at the gastrojejunal anastomosis after gastric bypass is the commonest complication early after surgery. Endoscopic balloon dilatation is a safe and effective therapy.

[Laparoscopic gastric bypass: computed tomography appearance of common postoperative changes and complications]. / Bypass gástrico laparoscópico: cambios postoperatorios habituales y aspecto radiológico de sus complicaciones en la tomografía computarizada.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y bypass is being increasingly used for weight reduction in patients with morbid obesity. Unfortunately, some complications can occur after this procedure, the most frequent being intestinal obstruction (due to stenosis of the anastomosis at the distal end of the loop, internal hernias, bands, and adhesions), anastomotic leaks, and bleeding. This article provides basic knowledge about the surgical technique and its correlation with the common postoperative changes with the aim of facilitating the interpretation of CT findings and the identification of postoperative complications in these patients.

Intestinal intussusception as a postoperative complication of gastric bypass.

The gold standard for bariatric surgery is the laparoscopic gastric bypass, which consists in forming a small gastric pouch and a Roux-en-Y anastomosis. We present the case of a 41-year-old female who underwent a laparoscopic gastric bypass 8 years prior to her admission to the emergency room, where she arrived complaining of severe and colicky epigastric abdominal pain. The abdominal computed tomography showed a jejuno-jejunal intussusception, for which the patient underwent urgent exploratory laparotomy with intussusception reduction. Intestinal intussusception is a possible postoperative complication of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

El Método de referencia en la cirugía bariátrica es el bypass gástrico laparoscópico, que consiste en la creación de una bolsa gástrica pequeña, anastomosada al tracto digestivo mediante una Y de Roux. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 41 años con el antecedente de un bypass gástrico laparoscópico realizado 8 años antes, quien ingresó al servicio de urgencias refiriendo dolor abdominal grave. La tomografía computarizada abdominal evidenció una intususcepción a nivel de la anastomosis yeyuno-yeyuno, por lo que se realizó una laparotomía exploradora con reducción de la intususcepción. Se debe considerar la intususcepción intestinal como complicación posoperatoria de bypass gástrico.

Abdominal cocoon syndrome (sclerosing encapsulated peritonitis) causing small bowel occlusion in a patient with gastric bypass.

A rare condition, sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, is characterized by a fibrotic membrane forming over the bowels, leading to intestinal obstruction. In this case of a 56-year-old male patient with a history of laparoscopic gastric bypass, a computed tomography scan showed findings indicative of the condition. Extensive adhesiolysis was performed, and biopsies confirmed the presence of fusiform cells (D2-40 positive on immunochemistry) resembling fibroblasts, within dense collagenous peritoneal tissue sheets, typical of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis. The prevalence of this condition is uncertain, and diagnosis typically requires a peritoneal biopsy due to the nonspecific clinical presentation.

La peritonitis esclerosante encapsulada es una condición rara caracterizada por una membrana fibrótica que se genera sobre las asas intestinales causando cuadros de oclusión intestinal. Se presenta el caso de un paciente varón de 56 años con antecedente de derivación gastroyeyunal por laparoscopia que presenta oclusión intestinal. Se realizó tomografía computada que evidenció sitio de transición previo al sitio de anastomosis. Se realizó de anastomosis extensa y toma de biopsias. Histológicamente se observó engrosamiento de la membrana peritoneal, células fusiformes (D2-40 positivo en inmunohistoquímica) similares a fibroblastos con láminas de colágeno peritoneal denso. La peritonitis esclerosante encapsulada es una patología de prevalencia desconocida. El cuadro clínico es inespecífico y el diagnóstico definitivo es por patología con biopsia peritoneal.

Magnetic liver retraction in bariatric surgery: Is it possible?

One of the recent advances in bariatric surgery is the use of magnetic devices. This research paper describes magnetic liver retraction in morbidly obese patients during bariatric surgery. A descriptive, prospective and observational study was carried out, analyzing 100 patients in whom magnetic retraction was used. Mean and SD body mass index was 46.1 ± 5.09 kg/m2. The magnetic system was successfully used for liver retraction in 95% of cases; in only 5% of cases was its use not possible due to hepatomegaly and severe hepatic steatosis. According to the results, magnetic liver retraction can be safe and used in bariatric surgery, regardless of body mass index and with a low percentage of complications.

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.

Gastroesophageal reflux after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: Is it just related to technical details?

Although it is uncommon, gastroesophageal reflux disease can present after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and it is usually related to technical errors. Hiatal hernia, a narrow calibrated gastrojejunostomy and a long gastric pouch are all factors associated with the development of pathologic gastroesophageal reflux. Techniques are available to treat this condition, such as fundoplications with the gastric remnant, gastropexy to the arcuate ligament, teres ligament repair, or sphincter augmentation with the LINX device. Despite the growing number of reports of gastroesophageal reflux after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, it should be still considered the best surgical option for patients with obesity and a large hiatal hernia or complications secondary to gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Anti-reflux surgery vs. bariatric surgery as anti-GERD and hiatal hernia treatment in obese patient. New surgical proposals.

The persistence of obesity favors the failure of the Fundoplication (FP) in the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER). However, the weight loss obtained with the performance of a Gastric Bypass (GBP) allows a good resolution of symptoms, without increasing the incidence of postoperative complications. All of this leads us to consider that while FP is the indication in patients with BMI < 30, in those patients with BMI > 35, GBP appears to be the procedure of choice. But there is still no position in the case of patients with a BMI between 30 and 35, although we must take into account that an increase in GER recurrence has been described after FP in patients with a BMI > 30. Although Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) is one of the most frequently used bariatric procedures in recent years, its association with a high rate of postoperative GER has led several authors to propose its performance associated with an anti-reflux procedure in patients with GER symptoms. Likewise, if the existence of an Hiatal Hernia is verified, it must be treated by hiatoplasty, both during the performance of a GBP and a SG. This simultaneous treatment is not associated with an increase in complications.

Bile reflux after bariatric surgery.

The growing epidemic of obesity and the increase in weight loss surgery has led to a resurgence of interest in biliary reflux because anatomical alterations may be refluxogenic. HIDA scan is the least invasive scan with good patient tolerability, sensitivity and reproducibility for the diagnosis of biliary reflux. Patients with more advanced oesophageal lesions have a higher degree of duodenal reflux. It has been shown in animal models and in vitro that there is more Barrett's and dysplasia with duodenal reflux. There are two cases of post-OAGB malignancy reported in 20 years, both without correlation with a biliary aetiology, so the carcinogenic risk probably remains theoretical. Prospective trials on OAGB should include endoscopy preoperatively and at 5-year intervals, to have data on the real effects of bile exposure on the gastric reservoir and oesophagus.

Causes of revisional surgery, reoperations, and readmissions after bariatric surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for weight loss, with comorbidity control. With low complication rates, the reasons for reoperation are major complications or weight loss failure/weight regain. Nonsurgical problems can also present, such as anemia, dehydration, chronic pain, and malnutrition, among others. Our aim was to analyze the main causes of revisional surgery, reoperation, and hospital readmission, at a specialized bariatric center. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients that underwent bariatric surgery within the time frame of 2012 and 2019. The baseline analysis included demographic, anthropometric, and perioperative data, as well as a sub-analysis of the main readmission causes and complications. RESULTS: A total of 776 primary surgeries were performed (649 RYGBP, 127 SG, and 10 revisional surgeries), and 99 patients were identified for the study: 10 revisional surgeries, 44 reoperations, and 45 readmissions. The incidence of revisional surgery was 1.2%, reoperation was 5.6%, and readmission 5.8%. Fifty percent of the revisional surgeries were performed due to insufficient weight loss or weight regain; the most frequent causes of reoperation were cholecystitis (38.6%) and internal hernias (9.1%); and the most common causes of readmission were nonspecific abdominal pain (35.5%) and dehydration (24.4%). CONCLUSION: The most frequent causes of postoperative readmission were nonsurgical events, followed by non-bariatric reoperations, and finally revisional surgeries. There was a low incidence of early reoperations. Knowledge of the abovementioned data is important for identifying higher-risk patients, to prevent major complications.

One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) in patients with BMI < 30 kg/m2 and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2).

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a major health problem, as it leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Metabolic surgery has shown good results in glycemic control; however, its use has not become popular. Objectives: to evaluate DM2 remission, as well as changes in body mass index (BMI), in overweight diabetic patients after undergoing metabolic surgery. Methods: a retrospective review was carried out of all patients with DM2 and BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2 who underwent laparoscopic one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) as metabolic procedure between 2016 and 2019. Results: a total of 15 patients were included with a mean age of 46.6 ± 11.25 years. Mean BMI was 28.41 ± 0.94 kg/m2. Average duration was 5.4 ± 2.79 years, and presurgical fasting glucose was 288.53 ± 65.22 mg/dL. Preoperative glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 9.58 ± 1.66 %. Two years after surgery HbA1c was 5.21 ± 0.26 %. The remission rate of DM2 was 100 %. All patients maintained a normal BMI range. Conclusions: OAGB is a valid alternative for complete DM2 remission no matter if it is not accompanied by some degree of obesity, since in this case the length of the biliopancreatic limb and common channel is modified to make a less malabsorptive procedure.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la diabetes mellitus de tipo 2 (DM2) es un gran problema de salud ya que conlleva un aumento de la morbimortalidad. La cirugía metábolica ha demostrado tener buenos resultados en el control glucémico; sin embargo, su uso no se ha popularizado. Objetivos: evaluar la remisión de la DM2, así como los cambios en el índice de masa corporal (IMC), en pacientes diabéticos con sobrepeso despúes de realizarse una cirugía metabólica. Métodos: se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de todos los pacientes con DM2 e IMC entre 25 y 29,9 kg/m2 que fueron sometidos a bypass gástrico de una sola anastomosis (BAGUA) laparoscópico como procedimiento metabólico entre 2016 y 2019. Resultados: se incluyó un total de 15 pacientes con una edad media de 46,6 ± 11,25 años. El IMC medio fue de 28,41 ± 0,94 kg/m2. La media de evolución fue de 5,4 ± 2,79 años y la glucosa en ayunas prequirúgica de 288,53 ± 65,22 mg/dL. La hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c) preoperatoria fue del 9,58 ± 1,66 %. A los 2 años después de la cirugía, la HbA1c fue del 5,21 ± 0,26 %. La tasa de remisión de la DM2 fue del 100 %. Todos los pacientes se mantuvienron en un rango normal de IMC. Conclusiones: el BAGUA es una alternativa eficaz para la remisión completa de la DM2 sin importar que no se acompañe de algun grado obesidad, ya que en este caso se modifica la longitud del asa biliopancreática y el canal común para hacer un procedimiento menos malabsortivo.

Surgical resident training program to perform laparoscopic bariatric procedures: Are safety and postoperative outcomes compromised? / Realización de procedimientos bariátricos por residentes de cirugía general. ¿Compromete la efectividad de la intervención y los resultados postoperatorios?

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic bariatric procedures such as laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are technically demanding and require a long learning curve. Little is known about whether surgical resident (SR) training programs to perform these procedures are safe and feasible. This study aims to evaluate the results of our SR training program to perform LRYGB. METHODS: We designed a retrospective study including patients with LRYGB between January 2014 and December 2018, comparing SR results to experienced bariatric surgeons (EBS). In our country, SR have a five-year surgical formative period, and in the fourth year they are trained for 6 months in our bariatric surgery unit, from January to June. In the beginning, they perform different steps of this procedure, to finally complete an LRYGB. We collected demographic data, comorbidities, intraoperative outcomes, and postoperative complications and outcomes after a one-year follow-up. RESULTS: Two hundred and eight patients were eligible for inclusion: 67 in group I (SR), and 141 in group II (EBS). Both groups were comparable. There was no statistically significant difference in operating time (166.45min in group I vs. 156.69min in group II; P=0.156). Conversion to open surgery, hospital stay, postoperative complications, and short-term outcomes had no significant differences between the two groups. There was no mortality registered during this period. CONCLUSION: Implementation of LRYGB stepwise learning as part of an SR training program is safe, and results are comparable to EBS, without loss of efficiency. Therefore, it is feasible to train SR in bariatric surgery under EBS supervision.

[Effects of gastric bypass on cardiovascular risk and resolution of comorbidities: results at 5 years]. / Efectos del baypass gástrico sobre el riesgo cardiovascular y resolución de comorbilidades: resultados a 5 años.

INTRODUCTION: Background: bariatric surgery is an effective therapeutic alternative for morbid obesity as it achieves significant weight loss, maintained over time, as well as the resolution of comorbidities and a decreased cardiovascular risk. Material and methods: a retrospective study that included all patients consecutively undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass in our center for 10 years, in which weight loss, comorbidities, and cardiovascular risk factors were studied prior to surgery and at the end of follow-up. Results: 303 patients, 221 women and 82 men, with a mean age of 42.3 ± 10.0 years and BMI of 48.2 ± 6.0 kg/m2 were included. Of these, 96.7 % were followed for 5.7 ± 2.6 years on average. The resolution of comorbidities at the end of follow-up included: 53.4 % for high blood pressure, 70.2 % for diabetes mellitus type 2, 83.9 % for dyslipemia, and 71.4 % for apnea-hypopnea sleep syndrome. The cardiovascular risk estimated by the REGICOR algorithm before and at the end of follow-up was 3.2 ± 2.6 and 2.2 ± 1.7, respectively, with a decrease by 32.2 %, like all the parameters included in its calculation except for HDL-cholesterol levels, which did not experience significant variations. The body mass index and percentage of overweight lost at 2 years and at the end of the follow-up was 30.7 ± 5.2 kg/m2 vs. 33.0 ± 6.1 kg/m2 and 66.4 ± 17.1 % vs. 57.9 ± 19.5 %, respectively. Conclusion: gastric bypass is an effective method for the resolution of comorbidities and reduction of cardiovascular risk, but it is very important to monitor as many patients as possible, and to report on the long-term results, to determine the real effectiveness of these procedures.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: la cirugía bariátrica es una alternativa terapéutica eficaz en la obesidad mórbida para conseguir pérdidas de peso importantes y mantenidas en el tiempo, la resolución de la comorbilidad y una disminución del riesgo cardiovascular. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo que incluyó a todos los pacientes intervenidos consecutivamente mediante baypass gástrico laparoscópico en nuestro centro durante 10 años, en los que se estudiaron la pérdida ponderal, la comorbilidad y los factores de riesgo cardiovascular previos a la cirugía y al final del seguimiento. Resultados: se incluyeron 303 pacientes, 221 mujeres y 82 hombres, con una edad media de 42,3 ± 10,0 años y un IMC de 48,2 ± 6,0 kg/m2. Se siguió al 96,7 % durante 5,7 ± 2,6 años de media. La resolución de la comorbilidad al final del seguimiento fue: 53,4 % para la hipertensión arterial, 70,2 % para la diabetes mellitus de tipo 2, 83,9 % para la dislipemia y 71,4 % para el síndrome de apnea-hipopnea del sueño. El riesgo cardiovascular estimado por el algoritmo REGICOR antes y al final del seguimiento fue de 3,2 ± 2,6 y 2,2 ± 1,7, respectivamente, disminuyendo un 32.2 %, al igual que todos los parámetros incluidos en su cálculo salvo los niveles de HDL-colesterol, que no experimentaron variaciones significativas. El índice de masa corporal y el porcentaje de sobrepeso perdido a los 2 años y al final del seguimiento fueron de 30,7 ± 5,2 kg/m2 vs. 33.0 ± 6.1 kg/m2 y 66.4 ± 17.1 % vs. 57.9 ± 19.5 %, respectivamente. Conclusiones: el bypass gástrico es un método eficaz para resolver la comorbilidad y disminuir el riesgo cardiovascular, pero es muy importante el seguimiento del mayor número de pacientes posible y la comunicación de los resultados a largo plazo para determinar la efectividad real de estos procedimientos.

Intususcepción como complicación de bypass en Y de Roux en pacientes embarazadas, una complicación infrecuente. Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura.

La obesidad es actualmente un problema de salud pública de ámbito internacional. Es considerada como la segunda causa de muerte prevenible en México, después del tabaquismo, según la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Actualmente, las opciones quirúrgicas son la gastrectomía en manga, el bypass gástrico o derivación gástrica, la banda gástrica y el bypass gástrico en omega, cada una con sus indicaciones. Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente con intususcepción yeyuno-yeyunal secundaria a bypass gástrico en el embarazo.Obesity is currently an international public health problem. It is considered the second preventable cause of death in Mexico, after smoking, according to the World Health Organization. Currently, surgical options are sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass or gastric derivation, gastric banding, and omega gastric bypass, each with specific indications. The objective of the article is to present the clinical case of a patient with jejuno-jejunal intussusception secondary to gastric bypass in pregnancy.

Úlcera marginal perforada tras bypass gástrico. ¿Cuál es el manejo ideal? A propósito de un caso.

En la última década, las úlceras marginales en pacientes tras un bypass gástrico se han convertido en un problema mucho más frecuente, y hoy en día aún no está clara su etiología. Se han descrito numerosos factores de riesgo, tales como un alto consumo de tabaco o de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINE), entre otros. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con úlcera gástrica perforada en el remanente gástrico, con antecedente de bypass gástrico hace 4 años, tabaquismo y uso de AINE, por lo que se lleva a manejo laparoscópico con parche de Graham, adecuada evolución clínica y resolución de la sintomatología.In the last decade, marginal ulcers in post-gastric bypass patients have become a much more frequent problem. Multiple risk factors have been described, such as high consumption of tobacco or high consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), among others. We present a case report of a patient with perforated gastric ulcer in the gastric pouch, with a history of gastric bypass 4 years ago associated with smoking and NSAIDs, so it is taken to laparoscopic management with Graham's patch management, adequate clinical evolution and resolution of symptoms.

Obesity, adipose tissue, and bariatric surgery.

Obesity prevalence has increased in the last decades worldwide leading to metabolic complications, such as type 2 diabetes, steatosis, cardiovascular disease, among others; its development is influenced by genetic factors and environmental factors, such as intestinal microbiome. In Mexico, 33.3% of the adults present this disease. Obesity is defined as an excessive adipose tissue accumulation, provoking its dysfunction. Adipose tissue remodeling, which involves angiogenesis, hypoxia and inflammation, is implicated in the developing of obesity and metabolic modifications. Bariatric surgery is the most used and successful intervention to control morbid obesity, leading a maintained loss of weight and remission of some of its comorbidities as type 2 diabetes. Here, we review some of the molecular aspects of the metabolic changes provoked by bariatric surgery and its impact in weight loss and comorbidities remission. In summary, this article reviews the genetic aspects, microbiome and molecular facts (adipose tissue remodeling) that are involved in obesity development. In addition, some of the molecular aspects about bariatric surgery are described and the mechanisms that are regulated to control obesity and its comorbidities.

En las últimas décadas, la prevalencia de la obesidad ha aumentado a escala mundial y ha provocado complicaciones metabólicas tales como diabetes de tipo 2, esteatosis, problemas cardiovasculares, entre otras. Su desarrollo puede estar influenciado por factores genéticos y ambientales, incluyendo la microbiota intestinal. En México, el 33.3% de la población adulta padece de este problema. La obesidad involucra un incremento excesivo del tejido adiposo que produce su disfunción. Se ha demostrado que la remodelación del tejido adiposo, dada por angiogénesis, hipoxia e inflamación, otorga susceptibilidad a desarrollar obesidad y conlleva a modificaciones metabólicas. La cirugía bariátrica ha sido el procedimiento más utilizado y más exitoso para tratar la obesidad mórbida en cuanto a la pérdida de peso corporal a largo plazo y a la remisión de comorbilidades como la diabetes tipo 2. En este artículo se revisan los aspectos moleculares por medio de los cuales la cirugía bariátrica provoca cambios metabólicos que se reflejan en la pérdida de peso y las mejoras metabólicas. Por lo tanto, se resumen aspectos genéticos, de microbioma y moleculares (remodelación del tejido adiposo) que influyen en el desarrollo de la obesidad. También se explican los aspectos moleculares a través de los cuales se puede modular la pérdida de peso y la mejoría de comorbilidades metabólicas.

Fasting ghrelin levels after gastric bypass and vertical sleeve gastrectomy: An analytic cohort study. / Comportamiento de ghrelina en ayunas después de bypass gástrico y gastrectomía vertical: estudio de cohortes analítico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Neuronal populations involved in the regulation of food intake, particularly the orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) hormone ghrelin, are found in the hypothalamus. Changes in plasma ghrelin levels have been observed following different bariatric surgery procedures, but the results from different studies are contradictory. Much remains unknown regarding the role of ghrelin in the weight loss process following bariatric surgery. Our objective was to describe the behaviour of fasting ghrelin levels, comparing the changes occurring between 2 different surgical techniques (gastric bypass versus vertical sleeve gastrectomy) and their correlation with weight loss. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A prospective, observational, analytic cohort study of 54 patients (27 for each surgical technique) with a 12-month follow-up period. We analysed demographic data, anthropometric data, comorbidities, weight loss and evolution of fasting ghrelin. RESULTS: The behaviour of acylated ghrelin was similar with the 2 surgical techniques, with no significant differences between gastric bypass and vertical sleeve gastrectomy. With both procedures, there was an increase in acylated ghrelin on day 5 and a subsequent decrease, and levels then gradually increased to reach values at 12 months that were higher than those reported preoperatively. This increase in ghrelin levels did not affect weight loss, since one year post-surgery, 30% weight loss was achieved with both types of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We observed an increase in fasting acylated ghrelin levels at one year of follow-up with both surgical techniques, with 30% weight loss.

Economic evaluation of surgical treatment of obesity. / Evaluación económica del tratamiento quirúrgico de la obesidad.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity surgery is the best treatment for extreme obesity, with demonstrated long-term positive outcomes. The potential cost-savings generated by the improvement of comorbidities after surgery can justify the allocation of more resources in the surgical treatment of obesity. METHODS: This was an observational, descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study. Eligible patients underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery at the Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias between 2003 and 2012. The established minimum follow-up period was two years. We calculated the individualized cost per patient treated (bottom-up) as well as per Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) codes (top-down). RESULTS: Our study included 307 patients. The average cost per hospitalization calculated by DRG codes was €6,545.90, and the average cost per patient was €10,572.20. DRG 288 represented 91% of the series, with a value of €4,631. The number of medications also decreased during this period, from 2.86 to 0.78 per medically treated patient, representing a cost reduction of €4,433 per patient with all the obesity-related comorbidities analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Two years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass conducted at Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, the savings in drug costs for patients with multiple pathologies would compensate the inherent costs of the surgical treatment itself. Our results showed that DRG-related costs was insufficient to make a correct economic evaluation, so we recommend an individualized cost calculating method.