Laparoscopic Roux-Y-gastric bypass versus laparoscopic one-anastomosis gastric bypass for obesity: clinical & metabolic results of a prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) has been proposed as an effective alternative to the current standard procedure in Switzerland, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Prospective data comparing both procedures are scarce. Therefore, we performed a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness and safety of these 2 operative techniques. METHOD: Eighty patients were randomized 1:1. OAGB consisted of a very long gastric pouch with a 200 cm biliopancreatic limb, RYGB of a 150 cm ante-colic alimentary and a 60 cm biliopancreatic limb, respectively. Primary endpoint was the percent excess weight loss (%EWL) at 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Mean %EWL at 12 months was 87.9% (SD24.4) in the RYGB group and 104.1% (SD24.6) in the OAGB group (p = 0.006). There was no mortality. The rate of marginal ulcers was higher in patients with OAGB compared to those with RYGB (p = 0.011), while the total number of late complications did not statistically differ between the two groups. Except for the remission of GERD, which was higher in the RYGB group compared to OAGB, there was no difference between the groups regarding the remission of comorbidities. OAGB showed improved glucose control compared to the RYGB after 1 year (p = 0.001). Furthermore, glucagon-like peptide-1 increase was significantly higher in OAGB at 6 weeks (p = 0.041) and 1 year after surgery (p = 0.029). Quality of life improved after both surgeries, without differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: %EWL 1 year after surgery was higher in OAGB than in RYGB. A better glycemic control with a higher increase in GLP-1 was observed after OAGB compared to RYGB. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT02601092.

Metabolic outcomes in obese mice undergoing one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) with a long or a short biliopancreatic limb.

One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) has gained importance as a simple, safe, and effective operation to treat morbid obesity. We previously found that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery with a long compared with a short biliopancreatic limb (BPL) leads to improved weight loss and glucose tolerance in obese mice. However, it is not known whether a long BPL in OAGB surgery also results in beneficial metabolic outcomes. Five-week-old male C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks underwent OAGB surgery with defined BPL lengths (5.5 cm distally of the duodenojejunal junction for short and 9.5 cm for long BPL), or sham surgery combined with caloric restriction. Weight loss, glucose tolerance, obesity-related comorbidities, endocrine effects, gut microbiota, and bile acids were assessed. Total weight loss was independent of the length of the BPL after OAGB surgery. However, a long BPL was associated with lower glucose-stimulated insulin on day 14, and an improved glucose tolerance on day 35 after surgery. Moreover, a long BPL resulted in reduced total cholesterol, while there were no differences in the resolution of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and adipose tissue inflammation. Tendencies of an attenuated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and aldosterone were present in the long BPL group. With both the short and long BPL, we found an increase in primary conjugated bile acids (pronounced in long BPL) along with a loss in bacterial Desulfovibrionaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae and simultaneous increase in Akkermansiaceae, Sutterellaceae, and Enterobacteriaceae. In summary, OAGB surgery with a long compared with a short BPL led to similar weight loss, but improved glucose metabolism, lipid, and endocrine outcomes in obese mice, potentially mediated through changes in gut microbiota and related bile acids. Tailoring the BPL length in humans might help to optimize metabolic outcomes after bariatric surgery.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Weight loss following OAGB surgery in obese mice was not influenced by BPL length, but a longer BPL was associated with improved metabolic outcomes, including glucose and lipid homeostasis. These changes could be mediated by bile acids upon altered gut microbiota. Further validation of these findings is required through a randomized human study.

High density of CXCL12-positive immune cell infiltration predicts chemosensitivity and recurrence-free survival in ovarian carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian carcinoma is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy because of its late diagnosis, extremely high recurrence rate, and limited curative treatment options. In clinical practice, high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) predominates due to its frequency, high aggressiveness, and rapid development of drug resistance. Recent evidence suggests that CXCL12 is an important immunological factor in ovarian cancer progression. Therefore, we investigated the predictive and prognostic significance of the expression of this chemokine in tumor and immune cells in patients with HGSC. METHODS: We studied a cohort of 47 primary high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas and their associated recurrences. A tissue microarray was constructed to evaluate the CXCL12 immunostained tumor tissue. CXCL12 expression was evaluated and statistically analyzed to correlate clinicopathologic data, overall survival, and recurrence-free survival. RESULTS: A high proportion of CXCL12 + positive immune cells in primary ovarian serous carcinoma correlated significantly with chemosensitivity (p = 0.005), overall survival (p = 0.021), and longer recurrence-free survival (p = 0.038). In recurrent disease, high expression of CXCL12 was also correlated with better overall survival (p = 0.040). Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that high CXCL12 + tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) (HR 0.99, p = 0.042, HR 0.99, p = 0.023, respectively) and combined CXCL12 + /CD66b + infiltration (HR 0.15, p = 0.001, HR 0.13, p = 0.001, respectively) are independent favorable predictive markers for recurrence-free survival. CONCLUSION: A high density of CXCL12 + TICs predicts a good response to chemotherapy, leading to a better overall survival and a longer recurrence-free interval. Moreover, with concomitant high CXCL12/CD66b TIC density, it is an independent favorable predictor of recurrence-free survival in patients with ovarian carcinoma.

Bariatric Surgery and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: a 2022 Update.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been recently termed metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) to address the strong association with the metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of MAFLD is significantly increased in obese individuals and treatment of obesity is currently the cornerstone of management of MAFLD. Bariatric and metabolic surgery nowadays emerges as a key therapeutic strategy for the treatment of the MAFLD. This review aims to provide an update on the novel studies reporting the outcomes of bariatric surgery on the spectrum of MAFLD, from hepatic steatosis to cirrhosis.

Incidence and risk factors of symptomatic Petersen's hernias in bariatric and upper gastrointestinal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the actual incidence of symptomatic Petersen's hernias (PH) as well as identify risk factors for their occurrence. METHODS: Search was performed in Medline (via PubMed), Web of Science, and Cochrane library, using the keywords "Petersen Or Petersen's AND hernia" and "Internal hernia." Only studies of symptomatic PH were eligible. Fifty-three studies matched our criteria and were included. Risk of bias for each study was independently assessed using the checklist modification by Hoy et al. Analysis was performed using random-effects models, with subsequent subgroup analyses. RESULTS: A total of 81,701 patients were included. Mean time interval from index operation to PH diagnosis was 17.8 months. Total small bowel obstruction (SBO) events at Petersen's site were 737 (0.7%). SBO incidence was significantly higher in patients without defect closure (1.2% vs 0.3%, p < 0.01), but was not significantly affected by anastomosis fashion (retrocolic 0.7% vs antecolic 0.8%, p = 0.99). SBO incidence was also not significantly affected by the surgical approach (laparoscopic = 0.7% vs open = 0.1%, p = 0.18). However, retrocolic anastomosis was found to be associated with marginally, but not significantly, increased SBO rate in patients with Petersen's space closure, compared with the antecolic anastomosis (p = 0.09). CONCLUSION: PH development may occur after any gastric operation with gastrojejunal anastomosis. Contrary to anastomosis fashion and surgical approach, defect closure was demonstrated to significantly reduce SBO incidence. Limitations of this study may include the high heterogeneity and the possible publication bias across the included studies.

The prognostic significance of CXCR4 and SDF-1 in differentiated thyroid cancer depends on CD8+ density.

BACKGROUND: Tumor infiltration with cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells is associated with a favorable outcome in several neoplasms, including thyroid cancer. The chemokine axis CXCR4/SDF-1 correlates with more aggressive tumors, but little is known concerning the prognostic relevance in relation to the tumor immune microenvironment of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). METHODS: A tissue microarray (TMA) of 37 tumor specimens of primary DTC was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the expression of CD8+, CXCR4, phosphorylated CXCR4 and SDF-1. A survival analysis was performed on a larger collective (n = 456) at RNA level using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) papillary thyroid cancer cohort. RESULTS: Among the 37 patients in the TMA-cohort, the density of CD8+ was higher in patients with less advanced primary tumors (median cells/TMA-punch: 12.5 (IQR: 6.5, 12.5) in T1-2 tumors vs. 5 (IQR: 3, 8) in T3-4 tumors, p = 0.05). In the TCGA-cohort, CXCR4 expression was higher in patients with cervical lymph node metastasis compared to N0 or Nx stage (CXCR4high/low 116/78 vs. 97/116 vs. 14/35, respectively, p = 0.001). Spearman's correlation analysis of the TMA-cohort demonstrated that SDF-1 was significantly correlated with CXCR4 (r = 0.4, p = 0.01) and pCXCR4 (r = 0.5, p = 0.002). In the TCGA-cohort, density of CD8+ correlated with CXCR4 and SDF-1 expression (r = 0.58, p < 0.001; r = 0.4, p < 0.001). The combined marker analysis of the TCGA cohort demonstrated that high expression of both, CXCR4 and SDF-1 was associated with reduced overall survival in the CD8 negative TCGA cohort (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the prognostic significance of CXCR4 and SDF-1 in differentiated thyroid cancer depends on the density of CD8 positive T-lymphocytes. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to support our findings and inform future investigations of new treatment and diagnostic options for a more personalized approach for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

Intraoperative Patterns of Gastric Microperfusion During Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Visible light spectroscopy (VLS) represents a sensitive, non-invasive method to quantify tissue oxygen levels and detect hypoxemia. The aim of this study was to assess the microperfusion patterns of the gastric pouch during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) using the VLS technique. METHODS: Twenty patients were enrolled. Tissue oxygenation (StO2%) measurements were performed at three different localizations of the gastric wall, prior and after the creation of the gastric pouch, and after the creation of the gastro-jejunostomy. RESULTS: Prior to the creation of the gastric pouch, the lowest StO2% levels were observed at the level of the distal esophagus with a median StO2% of 43 (IQR 40.8-49.5). After the creation of the gastric pouch and after the creation of the gastro-jejunostomy, the lowest StO2% levels were recorded at the level of the His angle with median values of 29% (IQR 20-38.5) and 34.5% (IQR 19-39), respectively. The highest mean StO2 reduction was recorded at the level of the His angle after the creation of the gastric pouch, and it was 18.3% (SD ± 18.1%, p < 0.001). A reduction of StO2% was recorded at all localizations after the formation of the gastro-jejunostomy compared to the beginning of the operation, but the mean differences of the StO2% levels were statistically significant only at the resection line of the pouch and at the His angle (p = 0.044 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Gastric pouch demonstrates reduction of StO2% during LRYGB. VLS is a useful technique to assess microperfusion patterns of the stomach during LRYGB.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with a long versus a short biliopancreatic limb improves weight loss and glycemic control in obese mice.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) results in long-term weight loss and reduced obesity related co-morbidities. However, little is known about how the lengths of the biliopancreatic limb (BPL), the alimentary limb (AL), and the common limb (CL) affect weight loss and glucose metabolism. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to establish a RYGB obese mouse model with defined proportions of the AL and BPL and a constant CL to assess the effects on weight loss,glucose metabolism, and obesity-related co-morbidities. SETTING: In vivo mouse study. METHODS: Six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) underwent bariatric surgery with defined BPL lengths: a very long, long, and short BPL (35%, 25%, and 15% of total bowel length), or sham surgery. The length of the AL was adjusted to achieve the same CL length. Mice were analyzed for weight loss, glycemic control, and obesity-related co-morbidities. RESULTS: Mice undergoing RYGB surgery with a very long BPL had excessive weight loss and mortality and were therefore not further analyzed. Mice with a long BPL showed a significantly increased total weight loss when compared with mice with a short BPL. In addition, a long BPL improved glucose tolerance, particularly early after surgery. A long BPL was also associated with lower triglyceride levels. Resolution of hepatic steatosis and adipose tissue inflammation was, however, not statistically significant. Of note, bariatric surgery dramatically changed gut microbiota, regardless of limb length. CONCLUSION: In obese mice, a long BPL results in enhanced weight loss and improved glucose tolerance. These findings could potentially be translated to humans by tailoring the BPL length according to body weight, obesity-related co-morbidities, and total bowel length of an individual patient.

Risk of Reopening of the Mesenteric Defects After Routine Closure in Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Single-Centre Experience.

PURPOSE: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) due to internal hernias (IH) is a well-recognised complication after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Routine closure of the mesenteric defects (MDs) is recommended to reduce the risk of IH and subsequent SBO. However, data about the rates of reopening of the MDs after LRYGB is scarce. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of reopening of the MDs after routine closure during LRYGB. The secondary objective was to determine any risk factors associated with the reopening of the MDs. METHODS: Data of all patients who underwent reoperations after LRYGB with closure of both MDs between January 2010 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 162 patients were included. The median time between LRYGB and reoperation was 17 months. At the time of reoperation, both MDs were closed in 83 patients (51.2%); thus, 79 patients (48.8%) presented at least one open MD. The group of patients with preoperative diagnosis of SBO or with recurrent abdominal pain showed significantly higher rates of open Petersen's space compared to the group of patients with other preoperative diagnoses. Preoperative body mass index (BMI) less than 40 kg/m2 at time of LRYGB was associated with a higher risk for an open MD. CONCLUSION: At least one MD reopened in almost half of the patients despite routine closure during LRYGB. Therefore, the status of MDs should be routinely examined during every reoperation after LRYGB and closure of open MDs should be performed.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients from a Bariatric Program: A Qualitative Analysis of Their Perceptions of Health and Well-Being.

INTRODUCTION: The study was conducted to explore the perceptions of patients from a bariatric program who have undergone or will undergo bariatric surgery during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, specifically as related to their struggles with health issues and their psychological well-being. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with nineteen pre- or post-bariatric patients to generate data on their perceptions of COVID-19. Consistent with the methods of constructivist grounded theory, we collected and analyzed data iteratively through a constant comparative process for data coding and develop themes in the transcripts. RESULTS: We identified themes to summarize the pandemic-associated experiences of our cohort as follows: their life structure before COVID-19, the turning point with changes and adaptations, and the impact of isolation on psychological well-being. We identified grief due to loss of social contacts as well as physical and psychological health impairment as consequences of pandemic-related lifestyle changes. Most participants were not aware of overweight and obesity being major risk factors for worse outcomes of COVID-19. We developed a theme-based theory on patients' perceptions and fears regarding the pandemic as they live through phases of grief. DISCUSSION: Most participants shared critical perceptions about their own somatic and psychological health. These findings may inform recommendations and strategies for both patients and healthcare professionals to manage the challenges potentially presented by this vulnerable patient group in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rare case of an 83-year-old woman with transrectal small bowel evisceration caused by spontaneous rectal perforation.

Spontaneous rectal perforation with transanal small intestinal evisceration is a rare condition. We report the case of an 83-year-old woman with a rectal perforation and transanal prolapse of small intestine through the rectal opening who was treated with transanal reposition under general anaesthesia and open Hartmann's procedure. As part of the Hartmann's procedure, segmental resection of the perforated colon was performed. This case illustrates that spontaneous rectal perforation is a severe surgical emergency, which needs immediate reposition and resection of the perforated rectum.

Revisional Adjustable Gastric Band in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass-Is It Worth It?

PURPOSE: A subset of patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) presents with either insufficient weight loss or weight regain. Data on the revisional restrictive options including laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) is scarce. This study analyzes the mid-term efficacy and safety of LAGB as a revisional procedure after RYGB. METHODS: Data of all patients with revisional LAGB after primary RYGB between January 2011 and May 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes included assessment of weight changes, resolution of comorbidities, and early and late complications during the study period. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included. The median Body Mass Index (BMI) before revisional LAGB was 34.8 (interquartile range [IQR] 31.9-38.1) kg/m2. After a median follow-up of 33.5 (IQR 19.5-76.5) months, the median BMI was 28.7 (IQR 26.1-32.2) kg/m2. The median additional Excess Weight Loss (EWL) was 37.6% (IQR 23-44.4), leading to a median total EWL of 79.5% (IQR 54.4-94.6). BMI and EWL post-LAGB improved significantly compared to BMI and EWL pre-LAGB (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome resolved 6 months after LAGB in one patient. Three band deflations occurred during the follow-up. Six patients underwent band removal after a median time of 19 (IQR 15.8-26) months. Overall, thirteen patients underwent a reoperation. There was no loss of follow-up until 5 years. After that, two patients were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: LAGB may be a salvage option after failed RYGB. However, the high rate of revisions after secondary LAGB needs to be taken into consideration.

Obesity in Humans Is Characterized by Gut Inflammation as Shown by Pro-Inflammatory Intestinal Macrophage Accumulation.

Chronic low-grade inflammation is a hallmark of obesity and associated with cardiovascular complications. However, it remains unclear where this inflammation starts. As the gut is constantly exposed to food, gut microbiota, and metabolites, we hypothesized that mucosal immunity triggers an innate inflammatory response in obesity. We characterized five distinct macrophage subpopulations (P1-P5) along the gastrointestinal tract and blood monocyte subpopulations (classical, non-classical, intermediate), which replenish intestinal macrophages, in non-obese (BMI<27kg/m2) and obese individuals (BMI>32kg/m2). To elucidate factors that potentially trigger gut inflammation, we correlated these subpopulations with cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle behaviors. In obese individuals, we found higher pro-inflammatory macrophages in the stomach, duodenum, and colon. Intermediate blood monocytes were also increased in obesity, suggesting enhanced recruitment to the gut. We identified unhealthy lifestyle habits as potential triggers of gut and systemic inflammation (i.e., low vegetable intake, high processed meat consumption, sedentary lifestyle). Cardiovascular risk factors other than body weight did not affect the innate immune response. Thus, obesity in humans is characterized by gut inflammation as shown by accumulation of pro-inflammatory intestinal macrophages, potentially via recruited blood monocytes. Understanding gut innate immunity in human obesity might open up new targets for immune-modulatory treatments in metabolic disease.

Different limb lengths in gastric bypass surgery: study protocol for a Swiss multicenter randomized controlled trial (SLIM).

BACKGROUND: Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus are reaching epidemic proportions. In morbidly obese patients, bariatric operations lead to sustained weight loss and relief of comorbidities in the majority of patients. Laparoscopic Roux-Y-gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the most frequently performed operations, but it is still unknown why some patients respond better than others. Therefore, a number of variations of this operation have been introduced. Recent evidence suggests that a longer bypassed biliopancreatic limb (BPL) has the potential to be more effective compared to the standard RYGB with a shorter BPL length. This article describes the design and protocol of a randomized controlled trial comparing the outcome of a RYGB operation with a long versus short BPL. METHODS/DESIGN: The trial is designed as a multicenter, randomized, patient- and observer-blinded trial. The relevant ethics committee has approved the trial protocol. To demonstrate that long BPL RYGB is superior compared to short BPL RYGB in terms of weight loss and resolution of T2DM, the study is conducted as a superiority trial. Postoperative percent total weight loss and nutritional deficiency rate are the primary endpoints, whereas morbidity, mortality, remission of obesity-related comorbidities and quality of life are secondary endpoints. Eight hundred patients, between 18 and 65 years and with a body mass index (BMI) from 35 to 60 kg/m2 who meet the regulatory rules for bariatric surgery in Switzerland, will be randomized. The endpoints and baseline measurements will be assessed pre-, intra-, and postoperatively. DISCUSSION: With its high number of patients and a 5-year follow-up, this study will answer questions about effectiveness and safety of long BPL RYGB and provide level I evidence for improvement of the standard RYGB. These findings might therefore potentially influence global bariatric surgery guidelines. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04219787 . Registered on 7 January 2020.

Nestin and CD34 expression in colorectal cancer predicts improved overall survival.

BACKGROUND: Nestin, a class VI intermediate filament protein of the cytoskeleton, and CD34, a transmembrane phosphoglycoprotein, are markers of progenitor cells. This study aimed to evaluate their expression and clinical significance in colorectal cancer. METHODS: A clinically annotated tissue microarray, including 599 patients with colorectal cancer, was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, nestin and CD34 correlations with HIF-1a and a panel of cytokines and chemokines were assessed using quantitative reverse transcription PCR and The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. RESULTS: Expression of nestin and CD34 was observed only in the tumor stroma. Patients displaying high expression of nestin and CD34 demonstrated higher rates of T1 and T2 tumors (p = .020), lower vascular invasion (p < .001) and improved 5-year overall survival (65%; 95% CI = 55-73 vs 45%; 95% CI = 37-53) after adjusting for clinicopathological characteristics (HR: 0.67; 95% CI = 0.46-0.96). A moderate to strong correlation (r = 0.37-0.78, p < .03) of nestin and CD34 was demonstrated for the following markers; HIF-1α, CD4, CD8, FOXP3, IRF1, GATA3, CCL2, CCL3, CXCL12 and CCL21. CONCLUSIONS: Combined expression of nestin and CD34 expression is associated with better overall survival possibly by modulating a favorable immune response.

Mechanical colon obstruction due to the alimentary limb after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Small bowel obstruction is a known and potentially lethal complication after gastric bypass surgery, in both the early and the late postoperative course. Colon or large bowel obstruction, on the other hand, seems to be rare after gastric bypass surgery and thus is not routinely considered. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 21-year old morbidly obese caucasian patient who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and developed an early severe transverse colon obstruction due to compression of the transverse colon by the antecolic alimentary limb. Emergency revisional surgery showed a short and tense alimentary limb mesentery and possibly tight closure of Petersen's space contributing to the compression. Through opening of Petersen's space and mobilization of alimentary limb mesentery, decompression was achieved, and the patient fully recovered. CONCLUSIONS: This is a rare case of colon obstruction caused by direct compression of the transverse colon by the antecolic alimentary limb. We propose that a combination of short tense alimentary limb mesentery and perhaps tight closure of Petersen's space was responsible for the obstruction in this case. Surgeons and treating physicians need to be aware of such rare causes of early postoperative bowel obstruction and take these into consideration when evaluating patients.

Long-Term Outcome of Proximal Versus Very-Very Long Limb Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: the Roux-Limb to Common Channel Ratio Determines the Long-Term Weight Loss.

BACKGROUND: The influence of the Roux limb (RL) length on weight loss in Roux-en-Y (RYGB)-type gastric bypass procedures is still unclear. This study analyzes the true impact of RL length by comparing the long-term outcomes of proximal RYGB (PRYGB) and very-very long limb RYGB (VVLL-RYGB). METHODS: RL length in PRYGB was 150 cm. In VVLL-RYGB, common channel length was 100 cm. In both groups, biliopancreatic limbs measured 50-60 cm, resulting in equal total alimentary limb lengths. To adjust for pre-operative differences between groups, and to predict the long-term outcome, a mixed model analysis was performed. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-two patients with VVLL-RYGB (73.7% female, mean age 41.1 ± 10 years, initial BMI 45.8 ± 6.3 kg/m2) and 223 with PRYGB (83.9% female, mean age 38.5 ± 11 years, initial BMI 42.9 ± 4.9 kg/m2) were included. Mean follow-up was 9.4 ± 4 years in VVLL-RYGB and 5.3 ± 1.9 years in PRYGB. After 5 years, mean BMI reduction was 15.7 ± 5.9 kg/m2 in VVLL-RYGB and 11.9 ± 4.1 kg/m2 in PRYGB (p < 0.001), and mean %EWL was 78.3 ± 23.1% and 70.2 ± 23.7% (p = 0.002) with a follow-up rate of 78% and 75.9%, respectively. The mixed model analysis showed a significantly higher weight rebound after PRYGB. Frequency of revisional surgery (i.e., limb length alteration, pouch banding) was similar between VVLL-RYGB and PRYGB (25 vs. 29 revisions, p = 0.463). CONCLUSION: The VVLL-RYGB has a significantly higher long-term BMI reduction and a significantly lower weight rebound. The length of the Roux limb significantly influences long-term outcome.

Short or Long Biliopancreatic Limb Bypass as a Secondary Procedure After Failed Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) may be associated with long-term problems such as insufficient weight loss or weight regain, persistence or relapse of comorbidities, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study analyzes the outcome of patients that underwent conversion of SG to a gastric bypass procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients that underwent conversion from SG to the following four different gastric bypass procedures were analyzed: short biliopancreatic limb (BPL) bypass types such as proximal Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (PRYGB) or type 2 distal Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (type 2 DRYGB) and long BPL types such as long BPL RYGB or one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2016, 52 patients received the following revisional procedures after primary SG: proximal RYGB (n = 12, 23.1%), type 2 DRYGB (n = 8, 15.4%), long BPL RYGB (n = 20, 38.5%), and OAGB (n = 12, 23.1%). The long BPL type procedures (long BPL RYGB, OAGB) resulted in a significant long-term additional %EWL (33.8%; 33.2%) at 3 years. In the PRYGB, the effect lasted only for 2 years. In all patients with GERD and dysphagia as the dominant post-SG symptoms, the conversion to a bypass procedure resulted in the complete resolution of these. CONCLUSION: In case of weight regain or insufficient weight loss after SG, revisional surgery with a long BPL should be considered. The OAGB provides effective additional weight loss, with low morbidity and malnutrition rates, respectively. Conversion to the malabsorptive long BPL RYGB with a total alimentary limb length below 400 cm should be avoided. Patients that suffer primarily from post-SG GERD or dysphagia should undergo conversion to PRYGB.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Bariatric Surgery: Results from a Worldwide Survey.

BACKGROUND: The ongoing "coronavirus disease 19" (COVID-19) pandemic has had a strong effect on the delivery of surgical care worldwide. Elective surgeries have been canceled or delayed in order to reallocate resources to the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Currently, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bariatric and metabolic surgical practice remains unclear. METHODS: An internet-based online survey was performed among bariatric surgeons worldwide. The survey was sent to bariatric surgeons via the International Bariatric Club Facebook group and by electronic mail via the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and metabolic disorders (IFSO) secretariat to members of the associated national IFSO societies. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-nine (n = 169) bariatric surgeons participated in the survey. The majority of the respondents postponed preoperative upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopies, appointments in the outpatient clinic and bariatric operations. Most surgeons performed video calls for follow-up appointments instead of meeting the patients in the outpatient clinics. Laparoscopy was still the preferred treatment for surgical emergencies, but a trend towards conservative treatment of acute appendicitis and acute cholecystitis was shown. Rapid preoperative COVID-19 testing availability was poor; therefore, routine screening of emergency bariatric cases was not widely provided. A wide variance occurred regarding precautions and personal protection equipment among the participants. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic showed a strong impact on bariatric surgical practice regarding surgical and outpatient planning as well as personnel management. Coordinated effort from the national bariatric societies should focus on strict implementation of the current recommendations regarding precaution measures and personal protection equipment. Further studies should evaluate how this impact will evolve in the near future.