Evaluation of CPAP adherence in bariatric patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea: outcomes of a multicenter cohort study.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent but mostly undiagnosed in obese patients scheduled for bariatric surgery. To prevent cardiopulmonary complications, many clinics perform preoperative OSA screening. Consequently, adequate adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is essential but challenging. We aimed to evaluate CPAP adherence and its influence on postoperative outcomes. METHODS: In a prospective multicenter cohort study, we compared different perioperative strategies for handling undiagnosed OSA in bariatric patients. In this subgroup analysis, patients newly diagnosed with OSA were compared to those with pre-existing OSA. We assessed inadequate CPAP adherence, defined as < 4 h/night, between the preoperative period and 6 months postoperative. Cardiopulmonary complications and (un)scheduled ICU admissions were also evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 272 patients with newly diagnosed OSA (67.4%) and 132 patients with pre-existing OSA (32.6%) were included. Before surgery, 41 newly diagnosed patients used CPAP inadequately, compared to 5 patients with pre-existing OSA (15% vs. 4%, p = 0.049). Six months after surgery, inadequate CPAP use increased to 73% for newly diagnosed patients and 39% for patients with pre-existing OSA, respectively (p < 0.001). Incidences of cardiopulmonary complications, scheduled, and unscheduled ICU admissions were similar in the two study groups (p = 0.600, p = 0.972, and p = 0.980, respectively). CONCLUSION: Inadequate CPAP adherence is higher in bariatric patients newly diagnosed with OSA when compared to patients with pre-existing OSA. Strategies to increase CPAP adherence may be valuable when considering routine OSA screening and CPAP therapy in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Further studies are needed to improve current guidelines on perioperative OSA management of obese patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: POPCORN study, registered at Netherlands Trial Register, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6805 . ID no: 6805.

Complications and predictors associated with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea in bariatric surgery: Evaluation of routine obstructive sleep apnoea screening.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a breathing disorder resulting in blockage of airflow and hypo-oxygenation. The incidence of OSA in patients with class 2 or 3 obesity (Body Mass index, BMI >35) is 60-70%. Unfortunately, most bariatric patients are unaware they suffer from OSA. Untreated OSA can lead to perioperative cardiopulmonary complications. The aim of this study was to identify predictors associated with moderate to severe OSA and asses the incidence of OSA-related complications in a large cohort of patients who underwent OSA-screening and treatment if indicated before bariatric surgery. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent primary bariatric surgery between September 2013 and September 2019 were included. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential predictors for moderate to severe OSA using sleep studies. RESULTS: A total of 2872 patients who underwent bariatric surgery were included for analysis. Overall, OSA was identified in 62.5% of all patients and moderate to severe OSA (AHI ≥15) in 28.6%. Independent predictors for moderate to severe OSA were male gender (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), preoperative BMI (p < 0.001), preoperative waist circumference (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.001), and dyslipidaemia (p = 0.046). The incidence of OSA-related complications was low (0.8%) and not significantly different among the different OSA severity classes. CONCLUSION: This is the largest study to assess OSA presence and OSA-related complications in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The incidence of potential OSA-related complications was low (0.8%). We believe focus could be shifted towards more cost-efficient strategies where OSA screening is omitted such as perioperative continuous monitoring.

Supervised exercise after oesophageal cancer surgery: the PERFECT multicentre randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated whether a supervised exercise programme improves quality of life (QoL), fatigue and cardiorespiratory fitness in patients in the first year after oesophagectomy. METHODS: The multicentre PERFECT trial randomly assigned patients to an exercise intervention (EX) or usual care (UC) group. EX patients participated in a 12-week moderate- to high-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise programme supervised by a physiotherapist. Primary (global QoL, QoL summary score) and secondary (QoL subscales, fatigue and cardiorespiratory fitness) outcomes were assessed at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks and analysed as between-group differences using either linear mixed effects models or ANCOVA. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients (mean(s.d.) age 64(8) years) were included and randomized to EX (61 patients) or UC (59 patients). Patients in the EX group participated in 96 per cent (i.q.r. 92-100 per cent) of the exercise sessions and the relative exercise dose intensity was high (92 per cent). At 12 weeks, beneficial EX effects were found for QoL summary score (3.5, 95 per cent c.i. 0.2 to 6.8) and QoL role functioning (9.4, 95 per cent c.i. 1.3 to 17.5). Global QoL was not statistically significant different between groups (3.0, 95 per cent c.i. -2.2 to 8.2). Physical fatigue was lower in the EX group (-1.2, 95 per cent c.i. -2.6 to 0.1), albeit not significantly. There was statistically significant improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness following EX compared with UC (peak oxygen uptake (1.8 ml/min/kg, 95 per cent c.i. 0.6 to 3.0)). After 24 weeks, all EX effects were attenuated. CONCLUSIONS: A supervised exercise programme improved cardiorespiratory fitness and aspects of QoL. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Dutch Trial Register NTR 5045 (www.trialregister.nl/trial/4942).

Randomized clinical trial of 270° posterior versus 180° anterior partial laparoscopic fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: Partial fundoplications provide similar reflux control with fewer post-fundoplication symptoms compared with Nissen fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). The best choice of procedure for partial fundoplication remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of two different types of partial fundoplication for GORD. METHODS: A double-blind RCT was conducted between 2012 and 2015 in two hospitals specializing in antireflux surgery. Patients were randomized to undergo either a laparoscopic 270° posterior fundoplication (Toupet) or a laparoscopic 180° anterior fundoplication. The primary outcome was postoperative dysphagia at 12 months, measured by the Dakkak score. Subjective outcome was analysed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Objective reflux control was assessed before and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were randomized to laparoscopic Toupet or laparoscopic 180° anterior fundoplication (47 in each group). At 12 months, 85 patients (90 per cent) were available for follow-up. Objective scores were available for 76 (81 per cent). Postoperative Dakkak dysphagia score at 12 months was similar in the two groups (mean 5·9 for Toupet versus 6·4 for anterior fundoplication; P = 0·773). Subjective outcome at 12 months demonstrated no significant differences in control of reflux or post-fundoplication symptoms. Overall satisfaction and willingness to undergo surgery did not differ between the groups. Postoperative endoscopy and 24-h pH monitoring showed no significant differences in mean oesophageal acid exposure time or recurrent pathological oesophageal acid exposure. CONCLUSION: Both types of partial fundoplication provided similar control of GORD at 12 months, with no difference in post-fundoplication symptoms. Registration number: NTR5702 (www.trialregister.nl).

Simultaneous thoraco-laparoscopic repair of giant hiatal hernias: an alternative approach.

Laparoscopic repair of giant hiatal hernias with intrathoracic displacement of organs is recommended to relieve troublesome symptoms in patients. During this procedure, incomplete excision of the hernia sac from the mediastinum and omission of creating a 'non-tension-free position' of the cardio-esophageal junction into the abdominal cavity are associated with hiatal hernia recurrence. Giant hiatal hernias therefore often require a thoracotomy or thoracoscopy, to free dense adhesions higher up the chest. These procedures may increase the risk of perioperative morbidity due to lengthy operating times. We developed an operation procedure for giant hiatal hernia repair containing all the benefits of minimal invasive surgery, with overview of both thoracic and abdominal herniated structures. Three patients with a giant hiatal hernia were treated by a simultaneous thoraco-laparoscopic approach, which proved to be technically feasible and safe. Simultaneous thoraco-laparoscopic hernia repair can be considered a reasonable treatment option in selected cases such as type IV hernias, hernia recurrence or traumatic diaphragmatic herniation.

Hiatal Hernia After Open versus Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Hiatal hernia (HH) is an infrequent yet potentially life-threatening complication after esophagectomy. Several studies have reported the incidence of this complication after both open and minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). This meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled incidence of HH after both types of esophagectomy and, importantly, to provide insight in the outcome of subsequent HH repair. A systematic search was performed of the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases. Article selection was performed using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria. Articles describing the incidence of HH after different open and minimally invasive techniques were included. Only when five or more comparable studies reported on the same outcome were data pooled. The incidence of postoperative HH and the outcome of HH repair were analyzed. Twenty-six studies published between 1985 and 2015 were included, describing a total of 6058 patients who underwent esophagectomy, of whom 240 were diagnosed with a postoperative HH. The pooled incidence of symptomatic HH after MIE was 4.5 %, compared to a pooled incidence of 1.0 % after open esophagectomy. 11 studies reported on the outcome of HH repair in 125 patients. A pooled morbidity rate after HH repair of 25 % was found. During follow-up, a pooled recurrence rate of 14 % was reported in 11 of the included studies. The pooled incidence of HH after MIE is higher compared to open esophagectomy. Most importantly, surgical repair of these HHs is associated with a high morbidity rate. Both radiologists and surgeons should be aware of this rare yet potentially life-threatening complication.

Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair in the Elderly Patient.

BACKGROUND: Hiatal hernias (HH) are more common among elderly patients, with an increase in incidence with advancing age. Elderly patients frequently suffer from comorbidity, causing them to have an increased risk of perioperative mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study is to assess the safety of this procedure within elderly patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with HH operated between July 2009 and May 2015 at two hospitals in the Netherlands specialized in antireflux surgery and HH repair. Mortality rates and short- and long-term morbidity rates were compared between patients aged under 70 years and aged over 70 years. RESULTS: A total of 204 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic HH repair at our institutions, of whom 121 were aged under 70 years and 83 were aged over 70 years. There was no mortality intraoperatively, nor during 30-days follow-up. Intraoperative complications occurred in 7 patients aged 70 years and over, with no significant differences compared to the patients aged under 70. The 30-day morbidity rate did not significantly differ between the age groups, with an overall postoperative complication rate of 9.3 %. Only length of stay (LOS) was significantly longer in the elderly patients. Performing univariate analysis, only the occurrence of intraoperative complications was associated with 30-day morbidity. CONCLUSION: In the present study, age was not associated with increased 30-day morbidity or mortality following HH repair. Therefore, in carefully selected patients, age should not be used as an argument to withhold laparoscopic HH repair.

Factors Affecting Patient Adherence to Multivitamin Intake After Bariatric Surgery: Thematic Analysis of Qualitative Data From a Multicenter Study.

Introduction Adherence to daily intake of multivitamin supplementation (MVS) is a major challenge after bariatric surgery (BS). The aim of this study was to identify insights into patients' beliefs and experiences on adherence to MVS intake. Methods A thematic analysis of qualitative data from four high-volume bariatric centers in the Netherlands was conducted. A series of texts from the open-ended question of 1,246 patients were thematically analyzed for common or overarching themes, ideas, and patterns. Results Five key themes emerged regarding participants' suggestions on adherence to daily MVS intake: "gastrointestinal side effects to MVS intake" (n = 850, 68.2%), "negative features of MVS" (n = 296, 23.8%), "satisfaction with advice on MVS" (n = 272, 21.8%), "dissatisfaction with service provision" (n = 160, 12.8%), and "costs" (n = 93, 7.5%). Most problems were experienced when using specialized weight loss surgery (WLS) MVS. These supplements may cause gastrointestinal side effects, and costs are too high. After bariatric surgery, numerous patients strongly felt that information provision was poor in several aspects, and the aftercare pathway process did not provide sufficient support. Conclusion This study found five major themes involved in patient adherence to multivitamin intake after BS: gastrointestinal side effects to MVS intake, negative features of MVS, satisfaction with advice on MVS, dissatisfaction with service provision, and costs of specialized MVS. Challenges lie in stronger education for both patients and healthcare professionals. More personalized care could probably increase patient satisfaction, and MVS companies should look at further optimizing supplements for better tolerability and reducing costs.

Effects of anti-reflux surgery on weakly acidic reflux and belching.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is the most frequently performed operation for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). However, 12% of the patients have persistent reflux symptoms and 19% develop gas-related symptoms after LNF. Weakly acidic reflux and inability to belch have been alleged to cause these symptoms, respectively. The effect of LNF on weakly acidic reflux and (supra) gastric belching was evaluated. METHODS: In 31 patients upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, stationary oesophageal manometry and 24-h impedance-pH monitoring off acid secretion inhibiting drugs was performed before and 6 months after primary LNF for GORD that was refractory to proton pump inhibitors. Patients filled out validated questionnaires on GERD-HRQoL before and 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: LNF reduced reflux symptoms (18.6→1.6; p = 0.015). The procedure drastically reduced the incidence (number per 24 h) of acid (76.0→1.6; p < 0.001) and weakly acidic (13.6→5.7; p = 0.001) as well as liquid (53.4→5.4; p<0.001) and mixed reflux episodes (36.3→1.9; p < 0.001). In contrast, gas reflux was reduced to lesser extent (35.6→25.7; p = 0.022). Proximal, mid-oesophageal and distal reflux were reduced to a similar extent. Persistent GORD symptoms were neither preceded by acid nor by weakly acidic reflux. The number of air swallows did not change, but the number of gastric belches (GBs) was greatly reduced (68.5→23.9; p < 0.001). Twenty-three patients had supragastric belches (SGBs), both before and after surgery, whereas eight patients had no SGBs at all. The majority of SGBs were not reflux associated and the frequency was greatly increased after LNF (20.8→46.0; p = 0.036). Reflux-associated SGBs were abolished after surgery (14.0→0.4; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: LNF similarly controls acid and weakly acidic reflux, but gas reflux is reduced to lesser extent. Persistent reflux symptoms are neither caused by acid nor by weakly acidic reflux. LNF alters the belching pattern by reducing GBs (air venting from stomach) and increasing SGBs (no air venting from stomach). This explains the increase in belching experienced by some patients after LNF, despite the reduction in gastric belching. It can be hypothesised that the reduction in GBs after LNF incites patients to increase SGBs in a futile attempt to vent air from the stomach.

Predictors of objectively identified recurrent reflux after primary Nissen fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the most frequently performed operation for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Studies on predictors of subjective outcome of fundoplication have yielded inconsistent results. This study identified predictors of objective reflux control after Nissen fundoplication. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from patients who underwent Nissen fundoplication for proton pump inhibitor-refractory GORD with pathological acid exposure in a single centre between 1997 and 2005. The predictive value of demographics, endoscopic hiatal hernia size, oesophagitis, lower oesophageal sphincter pressure, distal oesophageal contraction amplitude, percentage of peristaltic contractions and acid exposure was determined. Endpoints were recurrent pathological acid exposure on 24-h pH monitoring at 6 months and surgical reintervention for recurrent GORD up to 6 years. RESULTS: Of 177 patients, 22 had recurrent pathological acid exposure at 6 months for which 11 had surgery within 6 years. Only low percentage of peristaltic contractions (odds ratio (OR) 0·97, 95 per cent confidence interval 0·95 to 0·99; P = 0·004) and high supine acid exposure (OR 1·03, 1·00 to 1·07; P = 0·025) were independent predictors of recurrent pathological acid exposure. The absolute risk of recurrent exposure was 45·5 per cent in patients with both predictors. High supine acid exposure was also an independent predictor of surgical reintervention (OR 1·05, 1·01 to 1·08; P = 0·006). CONCLUSION: Nissen fundoplication should not necessarily be withheld from patients with poor oesophageal peristalsis or excessive supine acid exposure. As about half of patients with both variables experience recurrent pathological acid exposure after primary Nissen fundoplication, surgery should be restricted in this group.

Laparoscopic skills training using inexpensive box trainers: which exercises to choose when constructing a validated training course.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain face and construct validity for a new training course to be used in any type of box/video trainer and to give a comprehensive overview of validated exercises for box/video training. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University Medical Centre. POPULATION: Students, residents and consultants. METHODS: Participants (n = 42) were divided into three groups according to their laparoscopic experience: 'Novices' (n = 18), 'Intermediates' (n = 14) and 'Experts' (n = 10). A laparoscopic training course consisting of six exercises was constructed. To emphasise precision, a penalty score was added. Every participant performed two repetitions of the exercises; total score per exercise was calculated. To determine face validity, participants filled in a questionnaire after completion of the exercises. An evidence-based literature search for validated box/video trainer exercises was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Face and construct validity. RESULTS: The mean score of the 'experts' was set as the training target. Total scores appeared to be positively correlated with individual's laparoscopic experience. The overall score and the score for each exercise were significantly higher in the intermediate and expert groups when compared with the novice group (P ≤ 0.001). All participants completed the questionnaire. The overall assessment of the exercises was considered to be good. The course was found to be most appropriate for training residents year 1-3. CONCLUSION: Face and construct validity for an inexpensive course for box/video training was established. A comprehensive and practical overview of all validated and published exercises for box/video trainers is provided to facilitate an inexpensive, but optimal and tailored selection for training purposes.

Factors Affecting Patient Adherence to Multivitamin Intake After Bariatric Surgery: a Multicentre Survey Study from the Patient's Perspective.

PURPOSE: Lifelong multivitamin supplementation is recommended to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Despite this advice, deficiencies are common which may be due to poor adherence to MVS intake. The aim of this study was to identify which factors affect patient adherence to Multivitamin Supplement (MVS) intake after bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 42-item questionnaire was sent to 15,424 patients from four Dutch bariatric center. In total, 4975 patients wanted to participate of which 361 patients were excluded. A total of 4614 patients were included, and MVS users (n=4274, 92.6%) were compared to non-users (n=340, 7.4%). Most patients underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (64.3%) or sleeve gastrectomy (32.3%). RESULTS: Seven hundred and ten patients (15.4%) reported inconsistent MVS use and 340 patients (7.4%) did not use any MVS at all. For inconsistent MVS users, most reported reasons included forgetting daily intake (68.3%), gastro-intestinal side effects (25.6%) and unpleasant taste or smell (22.7%), whereas for non-users gastro-intestinal side effects (58.5%), high costs (13.5%) and the absence of vitamin deficiencies (20.9%) were most frequently reported. Overall, 28.5% were dissatisfied about instructions on MVS use, attention paid to MVS use during medical consultation and the extent to which personal preferences were taken into account. CONCLUSION: The attitude of bariatric patients towards MVS use is predominantly negative. It is important to provide accurate information on different options for MVS intake and collect information about patient's personal preferences when prescribing supplements. Improving adherence to MVS intake is challenging and requires implementation of a shared decision-making process, further optimization of MVS formulas and exploring options for reimbursement.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of laparoscopic Nissen (posterior total) versus Toupet (posterior partial) fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is currently considered the surgical approach of choice for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) has been said to reduce troublesome dysphagia and gas-related symptoms. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was performed to compare LNF and LTF. METHODS: Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and ISI Web of Knowledge CPCI-S) were searched and the methodological quality of included trials was evaluated. Outcomes included recurrent pathological acid exposure, oesophagitis, dysphagia, dilatation for dysphagia and reoperation rate. Results were pooled in meta-analyses as risk ratios (RRs) and weighted mean differences. RESULTS: Seven eligible RCTs comparing LNF (n = 404) with LTF (n = 388) were identified. LNF was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of postoperative dysphagia (RR 1.61 (95 per cent confidence interval 1.06 to 2.44); P = 0.02) and dilatation for dysphagia (RR 2.45 (1.06 to 5.68); P = 0.04). There were more surgical reinterventions after LNF (RR 2.19 (1.09 to 4.40); P = 0.03), but no differences regarding recurrent pathological acid exposure (RR 1.26 (0.82 to 1.95); P = 0.29), oesophagitis (RR 1.20 (0.78 to 1.85); P = 0.40), subjective reflux recurrence, patient satisfaction, operating time or in-hospital complications. Inability to belch (RR 2.04 (1.19 to 3.49); P = 0.009) and gas bloating (RR 1.58 (1.21 to 2.05); P < 0.001) were more prevalent after LNF. CONCLUSION: LTF reduces postoperative dysphagia and dilatation for dysphagia compared with LNF. Reoperation rate and prevalence of gas-related symptoms were lower after LTF, with similar reflux control. These results provide level 1a support for the use of LTF as the posterior fundoplication of choice for GORD.

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication after failed EsophyX fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Reflux control may be ineffective in a substantial number of patients after endoluminal EsophyX fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Subsequent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) might be required to relieve symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of LNF after previous EsophyX fundoplication. METHODS: EsophyX failure was defined as recurrence or persistence of typical symptoms, with or without anatomical failure of the wrap or persisting pathological oesophageal acid exposure. Consecutive patients who underwent LNF after failed EsophyX fundoplication were identified. Symptomatic outcome was obtained by standardized questionnaire, and objective outcome by endoscopy, oesophageal manometry and pH monitoring. RESULTS: Eleven patients were included. During LNF, intraoperative gastric perforation occurred in two patients and one developed a subphrenic abscess after operation. Daily heartburn was present in one patient after LNF and three had troublesome daily dysphagia. General quality of life after LNF was not significantly better than that before EsophyX fundoplication. Oesophageal acid exposure was normalized in all patients after surgery. Oesophagitis was absent after LNF in all except one patient who had persisting grade A oesophagitis. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic and objective reflux control are satisfactory after LNF for a failed EsophyX procedure. Previous EsophyX fundoplication, however, is associated with a risk of gastric injury during LNF and a relatively high rate of postfundoplication dysphagia.

Genetic Obesity and Bariatric Surgery Outcome in 1014 Patients with Morbid Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the leptin-melanocortin pathway genes are known to cause monogenic obesity. The prevalence of these gene mutations and their effect on weight loss response after bariatric surgery are still largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of genetic obesity in a large bariatric cohort and evaluate their response to bariatric surgery. METHODS: Mutation analysis of 52 obesity-associated genes. Patient inclusion criteria were a BMI > 50 kg/m2, an indication for revisional surgery or an early onset of obesity (< 10 years of age). RESULTS: A total of 1014 patients were included, of whom 30 (3%) were diagnosed with genetic obesity, caused by pathogenic heterozygous mutations in either MC4R, POMC, PCSK1, SIM1, or PTEN. The percentage total body weight loss (%TBWL) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery was not significantly different for patients with a mutation in MC4R, POMC, and PCSK1 compared with patients lacking a molecular diagnosis. Of the confirmed genetic obesity cases, only patients with MC4R mutations receiving a sleeve gastrectomy (SG) showed significantly lower %TBWL compared with patients lacking a molecular diagnosis, during 2 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of morbid obese bariatric patients, an estimated prevalence of monogenic obesity of 3% is reported. Among these patients, the clinical effects of heterozygous mutations in POMC and PCSK1 do not interfere with the effectiveness of most commonly performed bariatric procedures within the first 2 years of follow-up. Patients with MC4R mutations achieved superior weight loss after primary RYGB compared with SG.

Critical evaluation of a novel DualMesh repair for large hiatal hernias.

BACKGROUND: The use of mesh for laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias may reduce recurrence rates in comparison to primary suture repair. However, there is a potential risk of mesh-related oesophageal complications due to prosthesis erosion. The aim of this study was to critically evaluate a novel mesh (DualMesh) repair of hiatal hernias with particular reference to intraluminal erosion. METHOD: Medical records of 19 patients who underwent laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with DualMesh reinforcement of the crural closure were reviewed from a prospectively collected database. Quality of life and symptom analysis was performed using quality of life in reflux and dyspepsia (QOLRAD) questionnaires pre- and postoperatively after 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. Barium studies were performed on patients pre-operatively and two years postoperatively to assess hernia recurrence. After 2 years, oesophagogastric endoscopy was performed to assess signs of erosion. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 70.5 years (range 49-85 years). Two years after hiatal hernia repair, there was significant improvement in quality-of-life scores (QOLRAD: p < 0.001). Follow-up barium studies performed at 31.3 months (range 29-40 months) after surgery showed moderate recurrent hernias (>4 cm) in 1/14 patients (7%). Endoscopies performed at 34.4 months (range 28-41 months) after surgery did not show any signs of prosthetic erosion. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic reinforcement of primary hiatal closure with DualMesh leads to a durable repair in patients with large hiatal hernias. Long-term endoscopic follow-up did not show any signs of mesh erosion after prosthetic reinforcement of the crural repair.

Short-term symptom and quality-of-life comparison between laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplications.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is an established method of treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study evaluates the efficacy of Nissen versus Toupet fundoplication in alleviating the symptoms of GERD and compares the two techniques for the development of post-fundoplication symptoms and quality of life (QOL) at 12 months post-surgery. In this prospective consecutive cohort study, 94 patients presenting for laparoscopic antireflux surgery underwent either laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LN) (n = 51) from February 2002 to February 2004 or a laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LT) (n = 43) from March 2004 to March 2006, performed by a single surgeon (G. S. S.). Symptom assessment, a QOL scoring instrument, and dysphagia questionnaires were applied pre- and postoperatively. At 12 months post-surgery, patient satisfaction levels in both groups were high and similar (LT: 98%, LN: 90%; P = 0.21). The proportion of patients reporting improvement in their reflux symptoms was similar in both groups (LT: 95%, LN: 92%; P = 0.68), as were post-fundoplication symptoms (LT: 30%, LN: 37%; P = 0.52). Six patients in the Nissen group required dilatation for dysphagia compared with one in the Toupet group (LT: 2%, LN: 12%; P = 0.12). One patient in the Nissen group required conversion to Toupet for persistent dysphagia (P = 0.54). In this series, overall symptom improvement, QOL, and patient satisfaction were equivalent 12 months following laparoscopic Nissen or Toupet fundoplication. There was no difference in post-fundoplication symptoms between the two groups, although there was a trend toward a higher dilatation requirement and reoperation after Nissen fundoplication.

Minimally invasive surgery compared to open procedures in esophagectomy for cancer: a systematic review of the literature.

The impact of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) on short term perioperative outcomes as opposed to open transhiatal esophagectomy (THE) and transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE) is still under debate. This systematic review attempts to answer whether minimally invasive surgery has improved short term outcomes compared to conventional open surgery in the management of esophageal cancer. A systematic literature search was performed using synonyms for esophagectomy, cancer and minimally invasive surgery. Ten case-controlled studies were retrieved and one systematic review. Data collection was grouped by surgical approach. Overall MIE data shows decreased blood loss (577 mL for conventional open surgery versus 312 mL for MIE) and reduction of hospital and ICU stay (open 19.6 days versus MIE 14.9 days, and open 7.6 days versus MIE 4.5 days respectively). Total complication rates are 60.4% for open esophagectomy and 43.8% for MIE. Pulmonary complications occur in 22.9% and 15.1% of respective procedures. Mean lymph node retrieval was higher in MIE (open 20.2 versus MIE 23.8). This review confirms the feasibility and safeness of minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer. Moreover, the retrieved studies collectively point towards improved short term outcomes after MIE. These results should be confirmed in randomized controlled trials.

Weight Loss, Remission of Comorbidities, and Quality of Life After Bariatric Surgery in Young Adult Patients.

INTRODUCTION: One of the current criteria for bariatric surgery is to be of an age between 18 and 65 years. In all the available literature, there is a lack of studies focusing on the results of bariatric surgery in younger patient. This could be of great interest because the weight loss response can be altered by differences in metabolism or compliance rate. In recent years, a high amount of patients between 18 and 25 years of age have undergone bariatric surgery in our center, and it is our aim to evaluate the weight loss results in this youngest patient group. METHODS: All preoperative and perioperative data from patients aged 18-25 and 35-55 years (control group) were collected retrospectively. Bariatric procedures took place between 2011 and 2014. Follow-up data were gathered prospectively by collecting (laboratory) measurements and questionnaires. RESULTS: In total, 103 young adults (mean age 22.5) were matched to 103 adult control patients (mean age 42.6) on BMI and date of surgery. Of the young adults' group, 75 patients underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) compared with 80 patients in the control group. Three years after RYGB, mean %total body weight loss (%TBWL) was 34 (± 9) and 30.3 (± 9) (p = 0.03), respectively. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery is effective in young adults, and results after RYGB are even better compared with age groups in which bariatric surgery is most often performed. The high remission rate of comorbidities shows the importance of effective treatment options at a young age and preventing damaging effects in the long term.

Evaluation of DualMesh for repair of large hiatus hernia in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic fascial grafts are frequently used for augmentation of cruroplasty in large hiatus hernia repair to decrease the chances of recurrence. Potential complications such as intraluminal erosion may be related to the constant movement of mesh and diaphragm over the outer surface of the esophagus. This study aimed to evaluate DualMesh for repair of large hiatal defects in a porcine model. METHODS: In this study, 18 Landrace x large white x Duroc crossbred pigs underwent either primary hiatal repair or tension-free prosthetic repair using DualMesh (80 x 50 mm or 80 x 100 mm). The animals were killed at 3 or 28 weeks for macroscopic and histologic evaluation of the hiatal region and gastroesophageal junction. RESULTS: All grafts had become encapsulated at 28 weeks, and the majority had filmy adhesions only to the visceral aspect. In all models, the esophagus moved freely over the cut edge of the prosthesis. No signs of intraluminal erosion were documented. At histologic examination, significant ingrowth was noted on the porous side of the mesh, whereas no defined mesothelial layer was identified on the capsule of the nonporous side. CONCLUSION: In this animal model of large hiatus hernia repair, DualMesh showed optimal characteristics in terms of host tissue incorporation on the porous side and absence of adhesions on the visceral side of the prosthesis. The absence of adhesions and intraluminal erosion in this study may provide reassurance to surgeons using mesh at the hiatus.