Laparoscopic Conversion of Gastric Plication to One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass.

Laparoscopic gastric plication (LPG) is a restrictive procedure to reduce the size of the stomach by folding and suturing the stomach to decrease its capacity. LGP has a high revision rate, mostly to sleeve gastrectomy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such report on the bariatric population that has been never described before.The purpose of this video was to show the feasibility and safety, as well as the main technical aspects, of a laparoscopic conversion of gastric plication to One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass.

Prevalence, Indications, and Complications of Conversional Surgery After Vertical Banded Gastroplasty: A MBSAQIP Analysis.

PURPOSE: Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) was once the most popular bariatric procedure in the 1980's, with many patients subsequently requiring conversional surgery. However, knowledge regarding the prevalence and outcomes of these procedures remains limited. This study aims to determine the prevalence, indications, rate of 30-day serious complications, and mortality of conversional surgery after VBG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the MBSAQIP database from 2020 to 2022 was conducted. Individuals undergoing conversional or revisional surgery after VBG were included. The primary outcomes were 30-day serious complications and mortality. RESULTS: Of 716 VBG conversions, the common procedures included 660 (92.1%) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and 56 (7.9%) sleeve gastrectomy (SG). The main indication for conversion was weight gain for RYGB (31.0%) and for SG (41.0%). RYGB had longer operative times than SG (223.7 vs 130.5 min, p < 0.001). Although not statistically significant, serious complications were higher after RYGB (14.7% vs 8.9%, p = 0.2). Leak rates were higher after SG (5.4 vs 3.5%) but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.4). Mortality was similar between RYGB and SG (1.2 vs 1.8%, p = 0.7). Multivariable regression showed higher body mass index, longer operative time, previous cardiac surgery and black race were independently associated with serious complications. Conversion to RYGB was not predictive of serious complications compared to SG (OR 0.96, 95%CI 0.34-2.67, p = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Conversional surgery after VBG is uncommon, and the rate of complications and mortality remains high. Patients should be thoroughly evaluated and informed about these risks before undergoing conversion from VBG.

From Bands to Bypasses: Navigating Safety of Band Conversions to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Single Anastomosis Duodenoileostomy Versus Sleeve Gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Revisional bariatric surgery is associated with higher perioperative complications over primary procedures. Adjustable gastric bands (AGB) continue to be the most frequently converted bariatric configuration. This study examines trends in current clinical indication and safety profile of the most frequently pursued AGB conversions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MBSAQIP data from 2020 to 2022 was retrospectively analyzed in a cohort study examining 30-day postoperative outcomes after AGB conversion to sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), or single anastomosis duodenoileostomy (SADI). Descriptive statistics were used, including multivariable and 2:1 nearest neighbor matching analysis. RESULTS: This study included 19,335 AGB conversions, of which most were to SG (n = 11,736) followed by RYGB (n = 7442) and SADI (n = 157). While a majority were completed for weight loss, there were differences in distribution of primary indication for each conversion cohort, such as higher proportion of RYGB conversion for gastroesophageal reflux disease (18.7%) compared to SG (7.92%) and SADI (5.10%). Multivariable analysis demonstrates conversion to RYGB has significantly higher odds of 30-day major complications (OR 1.75, p < 0.001), reoperation (OR 2.08; p = 0.001), readmission (OR 1.69; p = 0.001), and emergency department visits (OR 1.50; p = 0.001) over SG. These risks and odds of reintervention (OR 1.75; p < 0.001) remained significantly higher after conversion to RYGB versus SG on matched analysis. None of these risks is significantly different between conversions to SADI versus SG in either multivariable or matched analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to AGB conversion to SG, single-stage conversion to RYGB had increased odds of perioperative complications while risks of conversion to SADI were not significantly different.

EFFECT OF AN ORAL HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM ON GASTROPLASTY PATIENTS: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery can cause oral health problems in individuals, such as an increase in dental caries, periodontal diseases and dental erosion, which can be avoided if oral health promotion actions are implemented. AIMS: To assess the impact of an oral health promotion program implemented among gastroplasty patients. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial involved 208 patients undergoing gastroplasty; they were divided into two groups: Intervention Group, with participation in the Oral Health Promotion Program for Bariatric Patients, or Control Group. Assessments were carried out preoperatively, and six and 12 months postoperatively. The oral conditions assessed were: dental caries, periodontal diseases, tooth wear, dental plaque, and salivary flow. Sociodemographic information was obtained through application of structured questionnaires. For data analysis, the Chi-Square, Fisher's Exact, and Mann-Whitney tests were performed - α=5%. RESULTS: Patients in the Intervention Group, when compared to those in the Control Group, presented: fewer changes in enamel (6M: p<0.0001; 12M: p=0.001), in dentin (6M: p<0.0001; 12M: p<0.0001), moderate tooth wear (6M=0.002; 12M=0.005), gingival bleeding (6M: p<0.0001), dental calculus (6M=0.002; 12M: p=0.03), periodontal pocket 4-5 mm (6M=0.001; 12M: p=<0.0001); greater reduction in the bacterial plaque index (6M: p<0.0001; 12M: p<0.0001), and increased salivary flow (6M: p=0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The oral health promotion program had a positive impact on the prevention and control of the main problems to the oral health of the gastroplasty patients.

From Early to Mid-Term Results of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty: A Retrospective Analysis of a Bariatric Center.

PURPOSE: Global obesity rates have surged, necessitating effective interventions beyond traditional bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS). Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative, addressing limitations of eligibility criteria and patient reluctance associated with BMS. This study aims to present a 3-year experience with ESG, focusing on its mid-term efficacy in weight loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, single-center study included 143 consecutive ESG patients (BMI > 30 kg/m2 or > 25 kg/m2 with obesity associated-diseases) from February 2019 to March 2023. Data on demographics, comorbidities, operative details, and follow-up outcomes were collected. The primary outcome was %TWL ≥ 15% at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were an optimal clinical response (OCR) at 24 and 36 months defined by %TWL ≥ 10% or %EWL ≥ 25%. RESULTS: ESG demonstrated a mean %TWL of 14.37% at 12 months, aligning with previous studies. Early postoperative complications were minimal (2.1%), with no mortality. Follow-up revealed a peak in weight loss at 9 months, but mid-term OCR was achieved in 41.2% at 3 years. The learning curve showed efficiency improvements after 26 procedures. CONCLUSION: ESG proves effective at one year, with a %TWL of 14.37%. However, mid-term efficacy beyond 12 months remains challenging, raising questions about the durability of weight loss. Despite a low complication rate, strategies for maintaining a long-term OCR, including potential repeat ESG, warrant further investigation.

Early Successful Experiences of Surgical Conversion of Endoscopic Gastric Plication to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

BACKGROUND: The primary obesity surgery endoluminal (POSE) procedure is an innovative incision-less endoscopic bariatric procedure that is increasingly used. However, variable weight loss response and recurrence post-endoscopic bariatric procedures have at times necessitated laparoscopic bariatric conversion. The safety and approach of conversion to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), however, have been an active point of discussion within revisional bariatric surgery. METHODS: This retrospective review of four consecutive patients is the largest description of medium-term postoperative outcomes and technical highlights of a laparoscopic conversion of POSE to RYGB. Chart review was completed to evaluate patients' post-POSE clinical course and perioperative outcomes after surgical conversion. RESULTS: Early data suggests varied weight loss trajectory with POSE and marked improvement in weight response after surgical conversion. Qualitative review reveals successful single-staged conversions contrary to previous smaller case series describing staged conversions involving endoscopic removal of plications followed by RYGB. Review additionally reveals key perioperative considerations for successful conversions to include intraoperative endoscopy, upper gastrointestinal fluoroscopic studies, and at times computed tomography. The latter study and laparoscopic view of the post-POSE stomach challenge the prior notion that distal POSE allows for easy revision to LSG. CONCLUSIONS: Our case series underscores the complex multifactorial nature of metabolic disease and the increasing importance of a conscientious approach to conversion bariatric surgery as the adoption of POSE and the bariatric patient population continues to grow.

Safe Continuation of Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists at Endoscopy: A Case Series of 57 Adults Undergoing Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty.

PURPOSE: Glucagon-like receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) have raised peri-procedural concerns due to their potential to delay gastric emptying. The American Association of Anesthesiologists has advised pausing a single dose before elective endoscopy. However, a subsequent directive from multiple gastroenterology societies underscored the need for further assessment to substantiate this practice. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of serious adverse events and retained gastric products during endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) with uninterrupted GLP1-RA use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective evaluation of all patients undergoing ESG while on GLP1-RAs at three centers from August 2022 to February 2024. Per standard protocol, all patients had refrained from solid foods for at least 24 h and maintained nil per os for 12 h preceding their ESG. Records were reviewed for patient characteristics and medication type and doses. Primary outcomes included serious adverse events and retained gastric products based on patient records, procedure reports, and procedural videos. RESULTS: Fifty-seven consecutive adults (89.5% women, mean age of 44 ± 9 years, mean BMI of 40.1 ± 8.1 kg/m2, 35.1% with T2DM, and 26.3% with pre-T2DM) underwent ESG without stopping GLP1-RAs, which included semaglutide (45.6%), liraglutide (19.3%), dulaglutide (22.8%), and tirzepatide (12.3%). During intubation, endoscopy, and recovery, there were no instances of retained gastric solids, pulmonary aspiration, gastroesophageal regurgitation, or hypoxia. CONCLUSION: A ≥ 24-h pre-endoscopy liquid-only diet with ≥ 12-h pre-endoscopy fast may negate the need for GLP1-RA interruption for routine upper endoscopy in adults with native gastric anatomy.

Assessing ChatGPT vs. Standard Medical Resources for Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Education: A Medical Professional Evaluation Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) represents a significant advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot technology. While ChatGPT offers promising capabilities, concerns remain about its reliability and accuracy. This study aims to evaluate ChatGPT's responses to patients' frequently asked questions about Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG). METHODS: Expert Gastroenterologists and Bariatric Surgeons, with experience in ESG, were invited to evaluate ChatGPT-generated answers to eight ESG-related questions, and answers sourced from hospital websites. The evaluation criteria included ease of understanding, scientific accuracy, and overall answer satisfaction. They were also tasked with discerning whether each response was AI generated or not. RESULTS: Twelve medical professionals with expertise in ESG participated, 83.3% of whom had experience performing the procedure independently. The entire cohort possessed substantial knowledge about ESG. ChatGPT's utility among participants, rated on a scale of one to five, averaged 2.75. The raters demonstrated a 54% accuracy rate in distinguishing AI-generated responses, with a sensitivity of 39% and specificity of 60%, resulting in an average of 17.6 correct identifications out of a possible 31. Overall, there were no significant differences between AI-generated and non-AI responses in terms of scientific accuracy, understandability, and satisfaction, with one notable exception. For the question defining ESG, the AI-generated definition scored higher in scientific accuracy (4.33 vs. 3.61, p = 0.007) and satisfaction (4.33 vs. 3.58, p = 0.009) compared to the non-AI versions. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores ChatGPT's efficacy in providing medical information on ESG, demonstrating its comparability to traditional sources in scientific accuracy.

The SAGES MASTERS program bariatric surgery pathway selects 10 seminal publications on adjustable gastric banding.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is one of the clinical pathways of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Masters Program, and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is one of the three anchoring bariatric procedures. To improve surgeon lifelong learning, the Masters Program seeks to identify sentinel articles of each of the 3 bariatric anchoring procedures. In this article, we present the top 10 articles on LAGB. METHODS: A systematic literature search of papers on LAGB was completed, and publications with the most citations and citation index were selected and shared with SAGES Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Committee members for review. The individual committee members then ranked these papers, and the top 10 papers were chosen based on the composite ranking. RESULTS: The top 10 sentinel publications on LAGB contributed substantially to the body of literature related to the procedure, whether for surgical technique, novel information, or outcome analysis. A summary of each paper including expert appraisal and commentary is presented here. CONCLUSION: These seminal articles have had significant contribution to our understanding and appreciation of the LAGB procedure. Bariatric surgeons should use this resource to enhance their continual education and acquisition of specialized skills.

Septic Shock After Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty: A Post-procedural Complication?

BACKGROUND: ESG is a safe and effective technique in the obesity management, usually indicated in class I and II obesity. It is also an acceptable treatment in patients with class III obesity who have high surgical risk or refuse surgery. This procedure results in a significant weight loss and important improvement in metabolic comorbidities. Nevertheless, there are several procedure-related complications. Few cases of gastric perforation following ESG have been reported. We present a case of septic shock after ESG with preoperative diagnostic uncertainties. METHODS: We present the case of a 54-year-old male with a BMI of 43.6 kg/m2 who underwent ESG 7 days before in an external center. The patient came to the emergency department presenting abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting since the day after the procedure. Physical examination revealed hemodynamic instability, altered level of consciousness, diffuse abdominal pain, and a painful umbilical lump due to a complicated umbilical hernia. Emergent surgery was decided after preoperative assessment. RESULTS: Intraoperative gastroscopy was performed, viewing a gastric ischemic ulcer covered with fibrin and a mucosal defect and suspecting a covered gastric perforation. Firstly, we performed an open approach to the complicated umbilical hernia. Subsequently, an exploratory laparoscopy was performed through the hernial ring, where a fibrin-covered area was evidenced in the anterior face of the gastric body, adhered to the round ligament by a transmural suture of the ESG. Additionally, multiple transmural sutures were observed adhered to the greater omentum and lesser sac and an intramural hematoma in the greater gastric curvature. No intra-abdominal free fluid was evidenced. A laparoscopic barbed suture of the area covered with fibrin was performed, after its release from the round ligament. The adhesions of the sutures and metallic material from the ESG were released. Finally, two abdominal drains were placed in the anterior and posterior gastric face. The patient presented superficial incisional surgical site infection and was discharged 6 days after laparoscopic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: ESG is a novel procedure, which has proven to be an effective alternative in the treatment of obesity. However, this technique may have major complications that can require urgent surgery.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: the identification of the key procedural steps through a modified Delphi method.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is an innovative, minimally invasive bariatric procedure with an excellent safety and efficacy profile in adults with obesity. The purpose of the procedure is to shorten and tubularize the stomach along its greater curvature. Nevertheless, there are some heterogeneities in the approach to ESG, which will be important to address as the procedure sees increasingly widespread clinical adoption. Here, an expert consensus on standardized ESG techniques is presented. METHODS: The modified Delphi method was used to establish the key procedural steps of an ESG. A panel of 8 experts was selected, of which 6 participated. The panel was selected based on their experience with performing the procedure and consisted of 1 bariatric surgeon and 5 interventional gastroenterologists. A neutral facilitator was designated and produced a skeletonized initial version of the key steps that was sent to each expert. Each survey began with the experts rating the given steps on a Likert scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the most inaccurate and 5 being the most accurate. Furthermore, the final product was rated. The survey continued with open-ended questions designed to revise and polish the key steps. Areas of discrepancy were addressed using binary questions and a majority vote. The respondents were given 10 days to complete each survey. At the end of each round, the survey was redistributed with updated key steps and questions. This process was continued for a predesignated 3 rounds. RESULTS: Of the 8 experts who were queried, 6/8, 5/8, and 5/8 replied to each round. The given ratings for the accuracy of the steps in each round were 4.2, 4.6, and 4.4. The final rating was 4.8. Although expert opinion varied around smaller portions of the procedure, such as the placement of an overtube and the shape of each suture line, there was consensus on the need for full-thickness bites and appropriate swirling of the tissue with the helix device. Whether or not to include the fundus in the gastroplasty was an additional area of discrepancy. Of note, 4 of 5 experts agreed that the fundus should remain intact. The final protocol consisted of 21 steps curated from the summarized responses of the experts. CONCLUSION: Using the modified Delphi method, 21 key steps have been described for a safe and effective ESG. This rubric will be standardized across institutions and practitioners. Furthermore, these findings allow for the generation of educational assessment tools to facilitate training and increase the adoption of ESG by endoscopists.

Semaglutide vs Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty for Weight Loss.

Importance: Obesity is a disease with a large socioeconomic burden. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive endoscopic bariatric procedure with wide global adoption. More recently, new weight-loss medications, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (eg, semaglutide), have attracted increased attention due to their efficacy. However, their cost-effectiveness over an extended period compared with ESG is a critical gap that needs to be better explored for informed health care decision-making. Objective: To assess the cost-effectiveness of semaglutide compared with ESG over 5 years for individuals with class II obesity. Design, Setting, and Participants: This economic evaluation study, conducted from September 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023, used a Markov cohort model to compare ESG and semaglutide, with a no-treatment baseline strategy. The study comprised adult patients in the US health care system with class II obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 35-39.9). The base case was a 45-year-old patient with class II obesity (BMI of 37). Patients undergoing ESG were subjected to risks of perioperative mortality and adverse events with resultant costs and decrement in quality of life. Interventions: Strategies included treatment with semaglutide and ESG. Main Outcomes and Measures: Costs (2022 US dollars), quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) with a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000/QALY. A 5-year time horizon with a cycle length of 1 month with a 3% discount rate was used. Probabilities, costs, and quality-of-life estimates of the model were derived from published literature. One-way, 2-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were also performed. Results: The model found that ESG was more cost-effective than semaglutide over a 5-year time horizon, with an ICER of -$595 532/QALY. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty added 0.06 QALYs and reduced total cost by $33 583 relative to semaglutide. The results remained robust on 1-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty sustained greater weight loss over 5 years vs semaglutide (BMI of 31.7 vs 33.0). To achieve nondominance, the annual price of semaglutide, currently $13 618, would need to be $3591. Conclusions and Relevance: This study suggests that ESG is cost saving compared with semaglutide in the treatment of class II obesity. On price threshold analyses, a 3-fold decrease in the price of semaglutide is needed to achieve nondominance.

A commentary review on endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: Indications, outcomes and future implications.

Metabolic and bariatric surgeries have been shown to be the most effective strategy to induce and maintain significant weight loss for people living with severe obesity. However, ongoing concerns regarding operative risks, irreversibility and excess costs limit their broader clinical use. Endoscopic bariatric therapies are pragmatic alternatives for patients who are not suitable for metabolic and bariatric surgeries or who are concerned regarding their long-term safety. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty has emerged as a novel technique of endoscopic bariatric therapies, which have garnered significant interest and evidence in the past few years. Its safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness have been shown in various studies, while comparisons with sleeve gastrectomy have been widely made. This review brings together current evidence pertaining to the technicality of the procedure itself, current indications, safety and efficacy, cost-effectiveness, as well as its future role and development.

Medium and Long-Term Weight Loss After Revisional Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Despite the current increase in revisional bariatric surgery (RBS), data on the sustainability of weight loss remain unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to assess weight loss outcomes in adult patients undergoing RBS with follow-up > 2 years. Twenty-eight observational studies (n = 2213 patients) were included. The %TWL was 27.2 (95%CI = 23.7 to 30.6), and there was a drop in BMI of 10.2 kg/m2 (95%CI = - 11.6 to - 8.7). The %EWL was 54.8 (95%CI = 47.2 to 62.4) but with a high risk of publication bias (Egger's test = 0.003). The overall quality of evidence was very low. Our data reinforce that current evidence on RBS is mainly based on low-quality observational studies, and further higher-quality studies are needed to support evidence-based practice.

Resultados cardiometabólicos de largo plazo tras cirugía bariátrica: control de comorbilidades, pérdida y reganancia de peso a los 5 años de seguimiento / Long-term cardiometabolic results after bariatric surgery: Control of comorbidities, weight loss and regain at 5 years of follow-up

Introducción. La cirugía bariátrica y metabólica (CBM) es efectiva en lograr pérdida de peso a corto plazo. Sin embargo, existe evidencia limitada en desenlaces clínicos y metabólicos a largo plazo. Métodos. Estudio longitudinal retrospectivo con pacientes llevados a baipás gástrico en Y de Roux (BGYR) o gastrectomía en manga (MG) por laparoscopia en Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, entre 2013 y 2021. El cambio de peso, control de comorbilidades y resultados metabólicos se recopilaron al inicio del estudio, 3, 6 y 12 meses después de cirugía, y anualmente hasta el quinto año. Las tasas de control de comorbilidades se evaluaron mediante la prueba Kaplan-Meier. Se utilizó un modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox para evaluar el efecto de covariables en la reganancia de peso. Resultados. De 1092 pacientes con CBM (71,4 % MG y 28,6 % BGYR), 67 % eran mujeres, con mediana de edad 48 años e índice de masa corporal de 35,5 Kg/m2. Después de cinco años de seguimiento, la tasa de control en diabetes mellitus fue 65,5 %, en hipertensión 56,6 % y en dislipidemia 43,6 %. La tasa de reganancia de peso fue 28 %, sin diferencias entre MG vs BGYR (p=0,482). El tiempo promedio hasta peso nadir fue 14 meses. La edad al momento de CBM fue el mejor predictor independiente de reganancia (HR=1,02, IC95% 1,01-1,04), pero con efecto clínico modesto. Conclusión. La CBM es segura y muestra beneficios a largo plazo en la pérdida de peso y control de comorbilidades en población colombiana.

Introduction. Bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) has shown its efficacy in achieving short-term weight loss. However, there is limited evidence regarding long-term clinical and metabolic outcomes. Methods. Retrospective longitudinal study with patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) interventions in Bogotá, Colombia, between 2013 and 2021. Weight change, comorbidity control, and metabolic outcomes were collected at the onset, 3-, 6-, and 12-month post-surgery, and annually up to the fifth year. Comorbidity control rates were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier test. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the effect of covariates on weight regain. Results. Of 1092 patients with BMS (71.4% SG and 28.6% RYGB), 67% were women, with a median age of 48 years, BMI 35.5 kg/m2. After five years of follow-up, the control rate in diabetes mellitus was 65.5%, in hypertension 56.6%, and dyslipidemia 43.6%. The weight regain rate was 28% with no differences between SG vs RYGB (p=0.482). The mean time to nadir weight was 14 months. Age at the time of BMS was the best independent predictor of weight regain (HR=1.02, 95%CI: 1.01-1.04), but with a modest clinical effect. Conclusion. BMS is safe and shows long-term benefits in weight loss and control of comorbidities in Colombian population.

From adjustable gastric banding to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass - case report.

INTRODUCTION: Adjustable gastric banding (AGB) used to be a popular bariatric procedure. However, it fails in more than half of those operated on in the long term, becomes ineffective and must be removed. Therefore, the use of AGB has been in decline globally. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are the most used bariatric revision surgeries when AGB is removed. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a woman after AGB removal and conversion to SG who developed a stenosis of the sleeve. Therefore, a decision was made to convert to RYGB with a good effect. CONCLUSION: Revisional procedures are more technically challenging than primary procedures and have higher complication rates. The most performed revisional operations include SG and RYGB. Stenosis of the sleeve can occur after SG, with a negative impact on the patient's nutritional status and quality of life. This can be managed by endoscopic dilatation, and where this solution proves ineffective, RYGB can be indicated.

Five-year outcomes of revisional bariatric surgery: gastric band to sleeve gastrectomy or to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Revisional bariatric surgery after an index adjustable gastric band (AGB) may be indicated to remedy weight relapse or band-related complications. We examined outcomes five years following revision from AGB to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (AGB-LSG) or to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (AGB-RYGB). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review to identify patients (men and women, age 18-80) who underwent one revisional bariatric procedure with AGB as the index procedure at two medical centers in our healthcare system between January 2012 and February 2017. We only included patients with a pre-revision BMI > 30 kg/m2 for whom 5-year follow-up data were available. We compared 5-year weight loss and remission of comorbidities in patients undergoing AGB-LSG and AGB-RYGB conversion. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients met inclusion criteria (65 AGB-LSG, 49 AGB-RYGB). At 5-year post-revision, percent total weight loss (3.4% vs 19.9%; p < 0.001), percent excess weight loss (7.0% vs 50.8%; p < 0.001) and decrease in BMI (1.5 vs 8.8; p < 0.001) was greater in AGB-RYGB vs. AGB-LSG. No significant difference in remission or development of new comorbidities was observed. CONCLUSION: Conversion of AGB to RYGB is associated with superior intermediate-term weight loss compared to conversion of AGB to LSG. Future multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to further describe the intermediate-term outcomes of revisional bariatric surgery.

Success Predictors of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive procedure that proved to be safe and effective in obesity treatment. However, not all subjects respond to treatment in the same way, and, with a view to personalized care, it is essential to identify predictors of success or failure. METHODS: A retrospective 2-year followed-up cohort of ESG subjects was analyzed to investigate the presence of any baseline or early indicators of long-term optimal or suboptimal ESG outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 315 subjects (73% women) were included, with 73% of patients exhibiting an Excess weight loss percentage (%EWL) >25% at the 24 months. Neither demographic parameters (age and sex), smoking habits, and menopause in women nor the presence of comorbidities proved potential predictive value. Interestingly, the %EWL at 1 month after ESG was the strongest predictor of 24-month therapeutic success. Subsequently, we estimated an "early threshold for success" for 1 month-%EWL by employing Youden's index method. CONCLUSIONS: ESG is a safe and effective bariatric treatment that can be offered to a wide range of subjects. Early weight loss seems to impact long-term ESG results significantly and may allow proper early post-operative care optimization.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Following Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The performance of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) in patients with prior laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) has not been characterized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective propensity score-matched study of ESG after LAGB at 2 centers with expertise in bariatric endoscopy. The primary outcome was total weight loss (TWL) at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included TWL at 3 and 6 months, 12-month excess weight loss (EWL), procedural characteristics, predictors of TWL, and serious adverse events. RESULTS: Twenty-six adults (88.5% female, age 50.8 y, BMI 36.5 kg/m 2 ) with prior LAGB (median duration 8 y) underwent ESG at a median of 3 years after LAGB removal. A 2:1 age-matched, sex-matched, and BMI-matched comparator group was created, comprising ESG patients from the same organization and time frame but without prior LAGB. TWL for the LAGB-to-ESG cohort versus the ESG-only cohort was 10.1±5.5% versus 13.0±4.4% at 3 months ( P =0.0256), 12.4±7.2% versus 16.0±5.4% at 6 months ( P =0.0375), and 12.7±8.2% versus 18.4±6.5% at 12 months ( P =0.0149). At 12 months, the LAGB-to-ESG cohort had an EWL of 52.5±50.0%, and 75% achieved TWL ≥10%. There was no association between TWL at 3, 6, or 12 months and the following traits: age or BMI at the time of ESG, patient sex, and time from LAGB removal to ESG. No serious adverse events occurred in either cohort. CONCLUSION: ESG after LAGB facilitates safe and clinically meaningful weight loss but is attenuated compared to primary ESG.