Circulating B Cell-Derived Small RNA Delivered by Extracellular Vesicles: A Dialogue Mechanism for Long-Range Targeted Renal Mitochondrial Injury in Obesity.

The intricate processes that govern the interactions between peripatetic immune cells and distal renal injury in obesity are not fully understood. Employing transcriptomic analysis of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs), a marked amplification of small RNA (miR-3960) is discerned within CD3-CD19+ B cells. This RNA is found to be preferentially augmented in kidney tissues, contrasting with its subdued expression in other organs. By synthesizing dual-luciferase reporter assay with co-immunoprecipitation analysis, it is pinpointed that miR-3960 specifically targets the nuclear gene TRMT5, a pivotal actor in the methylation of mitochondrial tRNA. This liaison instigates aberrations in the post-transcriptional modifications of mitochondrial tRNA, engendering deficiencies within the electron respiratory chain, primarily attributable to the diminution of the mitochondrial bioenergetic compound (NDUFA7) complex I. Such perturbations lead to a compromised mitochondrial respiratory capacity in renal tubular cells, thereby exacerbating tubular injury. In contrast, EV blockade or miR-3960 depletion markedly alleviates renal tubular injury in obesity. This investigation unveils a hitherto unexplored pathway by which obesity-induced circulating immune cells remotely manipulate mitochondrial metabolism in target organs. The strategic targeting of obese EVs or infiltrative immune cells and their specifically secreted RNAs emerges as a promising therapeutic avenue to forestall obesity-related renal afflictions.

Bariatric and metabolic surgery in patients with low body mass index: an online survey of 543 bariatric and metabolic surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) in patients with low body mass index patients is a topic of debate. This study aimed to address all aspects of controversies in these patients by using a worldwide survey. METHODS: An online 35-item questionnaire survey based on existing controversies surrounding MBS in class 1 obesity was created by 17 bariatric surgeons from 10 different countries. Responses were collected and analysed by authors. RESULTS: A total of 543 bariatric surgeons from 65 countries participated in this survey. 52.29% of participants agreed with the statement that MBS should be offered to class-1 obese patients without any obesity related comorbidities. Most of the respondents (68.43%) believed that MBS surgery should not be offered to patients under the age of 18 with class I obesity. 81.01% of respondents agreed with the statement that surgical interventions should be considered after failure of non-surgical treatments. CONCLUSION: This survey demonstrated worldwide variations in metabolic/bariatric surgery in patients with class 1 obesity. Precise analysis of these results is useful for identifying different aspects for future research and consensus building.

The ASGLOS Study: A global survey on how predatory journals affect scientific practice.

Predatory journals and conferences are an emerging problem in scientific literature as they have financial motives, without guaranteeing scientific quality and exposure. The main objective of the ASGLOS project is to investigate the predatory e-email characteristics, management, and possible consequences and to analyse the extent of the current problem at each academic level. To collect the personal experiences of physicians' mailboxes on predatory publishing, a Google Form® survey was designed and disseminated from September 2021 to April 2022. A total of 978 responses were analysed from 58 countries around the world. A total of 64.8% of participants indicated the need for 3 or fewer emails to acquire a criticality view in distinguishing a real invitation from a spam, while 11.5% still have doubt regardless of how many emails they get. The AGLOS Study clearly highlights the problem of academic e-mail spam by predatory journals and conferences. Our findings signify the importance of providing academic career-oriented advice and organising training sessions to increase awareness of predatory publishing for those conducting scientific research.

Global variations in preoperative practices concerning patients seeking primary bariatric and metabolic surgery (PACT Study): A survey of 634 bariatric healthcare professionals.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery (BMS) is a popular weight loss intervention worldwide, yet few scientific studies have examined variations in preoperative practices globally. This study aimed to capture global variations in preoperative practices concerning patients planned for BMS. METHODS: A 41-item questionnaire-based survey was designed and the survey link was freely distributed on social and scientific media platforms, email groups and circulated through personal connections of authors. The survey included eight parts: basic information; criteria for BMS; preoperative nutritional screening; preoperative weight loss; preoperative diets for liver size reduction; preoperative glycemic control; other laboratory investigations and preparations; decision making, education, and consents. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data and graphs were used for representation where applicable. RESULTS: Six hundred thirty-four bariatric healthcare professionals from 76 countries/regions completed the survey. Of these, n = 310 (48.9%) were from public hospitals, n = 466 (73.5%) were surgeons, and the rest were multidisciplinary professionals. More than half of respondents reported using local society/association guidelines in their practice (n = 310, 61.6%). The great majority of respondents routinely recommend nutritional screening preoperatively (n = 385, 77.5%), mandatory preoperative diets for liver size reduction (n = 220, 53.1%), routine screening for T2DM (n = 371, 90.7%), and mandate a glycemic control target before BMS in patients with T2DM (n = 203, 55.6%). However, less than half (n = 183, 43.9%) recommend mandatory preoperative weight loss to all patients. Most respondents (n = 296, 77.1%) recommend psychological intervention before surgery for patients diagnosed with psychological conditions. Variations were also identified in laboratory investigations and optimisation; and in the aspects of decision making, education and consent. CONCLUSIONS: This survey identified significant global variations in preoperative practices concerning patients seeking primary BMS. Our findings could facilitate future research for the determination of best practice in these areas of variations, and consensus-building to guide clinical practice while we wait for that evidence to emerge.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): a review of pathophysiology, clinical management and effects of weight loss.

Given the increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity worldwide, the deleterious effects of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are becoming a growing challenge for public health. NAFLD is the most common chronic liver disease in the Western world. NAFLD is closely associated with metabolic disorders, including central obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, hyperglycaemia and persistent abnormalities of liver function tests.In general NAFLD is a common denominer for a broad spectrum of damage to the liver, which can be due to hepatocyte injury, inflammatory processes and fibrosis. This is normally seen on liver biopsy and can range from milder forms (steatosis) to the more severe forms (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver failure). In these patients, advanced fibrosis is the major predictor of morbidity and liver-related mortality, and an accurate diagnosis of NASH and NAFLD is mandatory. Histologic evaluation with liver biopsy remains the gold standard to diagnose NAFLD. Diagnosis of NAFLD is defined as presence of hepatic steatosis, ballooning and lobular inflammation with or without fibrosis. Weight loss, dietary modification, and the treatment of underlying metabolic syndrome remain the mainstays of therapy once the diagnosis is established. Dietary recommendations and lifestyle interventions, weight loss, and the treatment of underlying metabolic syndrome remain the mainstays of therapy once the diagnosis is established with promising results but are difficult to maintain. Pioglitazone and vitamin E are recommended by guidelines in selected patients. This review gives an overview of NAFLD and its treatment options.

The many faces of diabetes. Is there a need for re-classification? A narrative review.

The alarming rise in the worldwide prevalence of obesity and associated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have reached epidemic portions. Diabetes in its many forms and T2DM have different physiological backgrounds and are difficult to classify. Bariatric surgery (BS) is considered the most effective treatment for obesity in terms of weight loss and comorbidity resolution, improves diabetes, and has been proven superior to medical management for the treatment of diabetes. The term metabolic surgery (MS) describes bariatric surgical procedures used primarily to treat T2DM and related metabolic conditions. MS is the most effective means of obtaining substantial and durable weight loss in individuals with obesity. Originally, BS was used as an alternative weight-loss therapy for patients with severe obesity, but clinical data revealed its metabolic benefits in patients with T2DM. MS is more effective than lifestyle or medical management in achieving glycaemic control, sustained weight loss, and reducing diabetes comorbidities. New guidelines for T2DM expand the use of MS to patients with a lower body mass index.Evidence has shown that endocrine changes resulting from BS translate into metabolic benefits that improve the comorbid conditions associated with obesity, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and T2DM. Other changes include bacterial flora rearrangement, bile acids secretion, and adipose tissue effect.This review aims to examine the physiological mechanisms in diabetes, risks for complications, the effects of bariatric and metabolic surgery and will shed light on whether diabetes should be reclassified.

Solve study: a study to capture global variations in practices concerning laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of published data on variations in practices concerning laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The purpose of this study was to capture variations in practices on a range of preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative aspects of this procedure. METHODS: A 45-item electronic survey was designed to capture global variations in practices concerning laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and disseminated through professional surgical and training organisations and social media. RESULTS: 638 surgeons from 70 countries completed the survey. Pre-operatively only 5.6% routinely perform an endoscopy to rule out peptic ulcer disease. In the presence of preoperatively diagnosed common bile duct (CBD) stones, 85.4% (n = 545) of the surgeons would recommend an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) before surgery, while only 10.8% (n = 69) of the surgeons would perform a CBD exploration with cholecystectomy. In patients presenting with gallstone pancreatitis, 61.2% (n = 389) of the surgeons perform cholecystectomy during the same admission once pancreatitis has settled down. Approximately, 57% (n = 363) would always administer prophylactic antibiotics and 70% (n = 444) do not routinely use pharmacological DVT prophylaxis preoperatively. Open juxta umbilical is the preferred method of pneumoperitoneum for most patients used by 64.6% of surgeons (n = 410) but in patients with advanced obesity (BMI > 35 kg/m2, only 42% (n = 268) would use this technique and only 32% (n = 203) would use this technique if the patient has had a previous laparotomy. Most surgeons (57.7%; n = 369) prefer blunt ports. Liga clips and Hem-o-loks® were used by 66% (n = 419) and 30% (n = 186) surgeons respectively for controlling cystic duct and (n = 477) 75% and (n = 125) 20% respectively for controlling cystic artery. Almost all (97.4%) surgeons felt it was important or very important to remove stones from Hartmann's pouch if the surgeon is unable to perform a total cholecystectomy. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights significant variations in practices concerning various aspects of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

The first survey addressing patients with BMI over 50: a survey of 789 bariatric surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery in patients with BMI over 50 kg/m2 is a challenging task. The aim of this study was to address main issues regarding perioperative management of these patients by using a worldwide survey. METHODS: An online 48-item questionnaire-based survey on perioperative management of patients with a BMI superior to 50 kg/m2 was ideated by 15 bariatric surgeons from 9 different countries. The questionnaire was emailed to all members of the International Federation of Surgery for Obesity (IFSO). Responses were collected and analyzed by the authors. RESULTS: 789 bariatric surgeons from 73 countries participated in the survey. Most surgeons (89.9%) believed that metabolic/bariatric surgery (MBS) on patients with BMI over 50 kg/m2 should only be performed by expert bariatric surgeons. Half of the participants (55.3%) believed that weight loss must be encouraged before surgery and 42.6% of surgeons recommended an excess weight loss of at least 10%. However, only 3.6% of surgeons recommended the insertion of an Intragastric Balloon as bridge therapy before surgery. Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) was considered the best choice for patients younger than 18 or older than 65 years old. SG and One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass were the most common procedures for individuals between 18 and 65 years. Half of the surgeons believed that a 2-stage approach should be offered to patients with BMI > 50 kg/m2, with SG being the first step. Postoperative thromboprophylaxis was recommended for 2 and 4 weeks by 37.8% and 37.7% of participants, respectively. CONCLUSION: This survey demonstrated worldwide variations in bariatric surgery practice regarding patients with a BMI superior to 50 kg/m2. Careful analysis of these results is useful for identifying several areas for future research and consensus building.

Reoperative thyroid surgery: can endoscopic areola approach be used?

BACKGROUND: Reoperative thyroid surgery is associated with a higher morbidity and has traditionally been done in conventional open approach. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic areola approach for reoperative thyroid surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 46 patients undergoing reoperative thyroid surgery with endoscopic areola approach (endoscopic group) and 70 patients with conventional open approach (open group). Perioperative and follow-up outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Except for two cases of the endoscopic group intraoperatively converted to open surgery, all the other surgery was successfully completed. No significant difference was found between two groups concerning operation time, drainage volume, drainage time and postoperative hospital stay (all P > 0.05). Estimated blood loss was more in the open group than the endoscopic group (P = 0.000). Although not statistically significant, the overall complication rate was less in the endoscopic group than in the open group (21.7 vs. 37.1 %, P = 0.079). Of these complications, transient hypocalcemia was the most common (endoscopic group, 17.4 %; open group, 21.4 %; P = 0.594). One patient of the endoscopic group and 7 patients of the open group suffered from transient recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis (P = 0.210). Moreover, 2 patients of open group experienced permanent RLN paralysis. During the follow-up period (range 1-6 years), no recurrent case was encountered, but the endoscopic group had a higher cosmetic score (9.0 ± 0.9 vs. 5.9 ± 0.9, P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: In high-volume centers, with strict operation indication, sufficient preoperative evaluation and careful surgical maneuvers, endoscopic areola approach is a safe and effective method for reoperative thyroid surgery, allowing to provide a better cosmetic result and reduce intraoperative blood loss compared with open approach.

Strategies of laparoscopic thyroidectomy for treatment of substernal goiter via areola approach.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed at exploring the feasibility and strategies of laparoscopic thyroidectomy for treatment of substernal goiter via areola approach. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted to investigate 15 cases of laparoscopic resection of substernal goiter via the areola approach (laparoscopic group) and 12 cases of open resection of substernal goiter via low-neck collar cervical approach (open group) that was completed between December 2012 and December 2014. Operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative hospitalization and postoperative complication were compared. Follow-up data were assessed, and the mean duration of follow-up was 24.5 ± 7.5 months. RESULTS: The surgery was successfully completed in 14 cases, and 1 case was intraoperatively converted to open surgery. All the procedures were successfully completed in the open group. There was no difference in the mean distance from the inferior border of the excised substernal mass to the sternal notch, operation time, intraoperative estimated blood loss, postoperative hospital stay or the drainage tubes removed. Five cases had transient hypocalcemia after surgery in the laparoscopic group, while 1 case in the open group. There were no cases of hoarseness, dysphagia, lymphatic leakage, dyspnea and death in the two groups. And there were no recurrent cases in the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic thyroidectomy for the treatment of selected substernal goiter via the areola approach is feasible. Preoperative B-ultrasound and 3D-CT scan reconstruction help to select cases and formulate surgical strategies, and the way that the thyroid is suspended using silk threads intraoperatively can reduce surgical difficulties and risks of intraoperative conversion to open surgery.

Endoscopic thyroidectomy via areola approach: summary of 1,250 cases in a single institution.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect and cosmetic results of endoscopic thyroidectomy (ETE) via the areola approach for patients with thyroid diseases. METHODS: A total of 1,250 patients with thyroid diseases underwent ETE via the areola approach between April 2005 and January 2011. Of these, 898 were benign goiters, 260 were Graves' disease, 28 were secondary hyperthyroidism, and 64 were papillary carcinomas. RESULTS: The surgery was successfully completed in 1,249 cases, and 1 case was converted to open surgery. The mean operation time, estimated blood loss, and hospital stay after surgery for patients with a goiter, hyperthyroidism, and papillary carcinoma were 94.4 min, 15.2 ml, 5.0 days, 97.9 min, 16.1 ml, 5.5 days, and 134.3 min, 18.6 ml, 6.4 days, respectively. Complications included 4 cases of postoperative bleeding, 1 case of transection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) on one side, 7 cases of temporary RLN injury, 34 cases of transient hypocalcemia, 5 cases of skin bruising on the chest wall, and 1 case of subcutaneous infection in the neck. At 4.6-year (2.5-8 years) follow-up of 1,185 (94.8 %) patients, 3 patients with Graves' disease had recurrence of hyperthyroidism, and 4 patients with nodular goiter had recurrence of small nodules. Four patients had discomfort on swallowing, 4 patients had an abnormal sensation of skin traction on the neck and the chest, and 1 patient with scar diathesis had mild scar hyperplasia. A total of 876 patients were satisfied, 4 equivocal, and 0 unsatisfied with the cosmetic results. CONCLUSION: ETE via the areola approach for patients with benign goiters, Graves' disease, secondary hyperthyroidism, and papillary carcinomas without metastasis to lateral cervical lymph nodes is an effective and safe procedure with excellent cosmetic results.

Long-term effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy versus roux-en-Y gastric bypass for the treatment of Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with body mass index 28-35 kg/m(2).

BACKGROUND: To compare long term effects of two bariatric procedures for Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 28-35 kg/m(2). METHODS: Sixty four T2DM patients with Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≧ 7.0 % were randomly assigned to receive laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure. Weight, percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), BMI, waist circumference, HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and C-peptide were measured. Serum lipid levels were also measured during three-year postoperative follow-up visits. RESULTS: Fifty five patients completed the 36-month follow-up. Both groups had similar baseline anthropometric and biochemical measures. At the end point, 22 patients (78.6 %) in SG group and 23 patients (85.2 %) in RYGB group achieved complete remission of diabetes mellitus with HbA1c < 6.0 % (P = 0.525) and without taking diabetic medications, and 25 patients in each group (89.3 % vs. 92.6 %) gained successful treatment of diabetes with HbA1c≦6.5 % (P = 0.100). Change in HbA1c, FBG and C peptide were comparable in the two groups. The RYGB group had significantly greater weight loss than the SG group [percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) of 31.0 % vs. 27.1 % (P = 0.049), %EWL of 92.3 % vs. 81.9 % (P = 0.003), and change in BMI of 11.0 vs. 9.1 kg/m(2)(P = 0.017), respectively]. Serum lipids in each group were also greatly improved. CONCLUSION: In this three-year study, SG had similar positive effects on diabetes and dyslipidemia compared to RYGB in Chinese T2DM patients with BMI of 28-35 kg/m(2). Longer term follow-ups and larger sample studies are needed to confirm these outcomes, however.

ChatGPT/GPT-4 (large language models): Opportunities and challenges of perspective in bariatric healthcare professionals.

ChatGPT/GPT-4 is a conversational large language model (LLM) based on artificial intelligence (AI). The potential application of LLM as a virtual assistant for bariatric healthcare professionals in education and practice may be promising if relevant and valid issues are actively examined and addressed. In general medical terms, it is possible that AI models like ChatGPT/GPT-4 will be deeply integrated into medical scenarios, improving medical efficiency and quality, and allowing doctors more time to communicate with patients and implement personalized health management. Chatbots based on AI have great potential in bariatric healthcare and may play an important role in predicting and intervening in weight loss and obesity-related complications. However, given its potential limitations, we should carefully consider the medical, legal, ethical, data security, privacy, and liability issues arising from medical errors caused by ChatGPT/GPT-4. This concern also extends to ChatGPT/GPT -4's ability to justify wrong decisions, and there is an urgent need for appropriate guidelines and regulations to ensure the safe and responsible use of ChatGPT/GPT-4.

Effects of bariatric surgery on sexual function and fertility: A narrative review.

Obesity has emerged as a prevalent global health concern, with its detrimental effects on the reproductive system and sexual function garnering increasing attention. Both men and women affected by obesity face a heightened risk of fertility challenges and sexual dysfunction. Although fertility and sexual function are distinct topics, they are intricately linked and mutually influential in both medical and societal contexts. Bariatric surgery (BS) has generated promising results in alleviating sexual dysfunction and enhancing fertility, results which are often gender specific. In men, improvements in sexual function can often be attributed to weight loss and subsequent optimizations in sex hormone levels. However, improving female sexual function may be related to a range of factors beyond weight loss. Bariatric procedures have shown limited benefits for male fertility; in fact, in some situations it can even be detrimental, leading to a decrease in sperm count and quality. Conversely, BS may positively impact female fertility, improving pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Nevertheless, it is essential to consider the potential risks related to the adverse effects of malnutrition and rapid weight loss following BS, making it advisable to wait for 12-18 months before attempting pregnancy.

Long Narrow Pouch Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LN-RYGB) for Recurrent Weight Gain After Sleeve Gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most performed metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). However, with the increase of SG in different regions, recurrent weight gain after SG is challenging for bariatric surgeons. We introduce a modified operation with a long, narrow pouch in RYGB (LN-RYGB) for weight regain after SG which enhanced the restrictive function in RYGB. METHODS AND RESULTS: The LN-RYGB has a longer and narrow gastric pouch for 10 cm. The length of small Roux and biliopancreatic are the same as RYGB. As a revisional surgery, the post-1 year excess weight loss percentage (%EWL) was 63.1% and total weight loss percentage (%TWL) was 29.1% in 5 cases. CONCLUSION: LN-RYGB is an optional treatment for recurrent weight gain after SG; a randomized control trial is needed to verify the long-term effect of LN-RYGB.

Evaluating drug withdrawal syndrome risks through food and drug administration adverse event reporting system: a comprehensive disproportionality analysis.

Objective: The study aims to identify the drugs associated with drug withdrawal syndrome in the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and estimate their risks of causing withdrawal syndrome. Methods: All the data were collected from FAERS from the first quarter of 2004 to the third quarter of 2023. Disproportionality analyses of odds ratio (ROR) and proportional reported ratio were conducted to identify potential adverse effects signal of drug withdrawal syndrome. Results: A total of 94,370 reports related to withdrawal syndrome from the data. The top 50 drugs with most frequency reported were analyzed, and 29 exhibited a positive signal based on the number of reports. The top three categories of drugs with positive signals included opioids, antidepressant drugs and antianxiety drugs. Other classifications included opioid antagonist, muscle relaxant, antiepileptic drugs, analgesics, hypnotic sedative drugs and antipsychotic drugs. Conclusion: Our analysis of FAERS data yielded a comprehensive list of drugs associated with withdrawal syndrome. This information is vital for healthcare professionals, including doctors and pharmacists, as it aids in better recognition and management of withdrawal symptoms in patients undergoing treatment with these medications.

Safety and Efficacy of Barbed Sutures Compared to Non-barbed Sutures in Bariatric Surgery: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Mastering intracorporeal suturing is challenging in the evolution from conventional to laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Among various techniques competing for superiority in overcoming this hurdle, we focus on exploring the potential of barbed sutures through a meta-analysis that compares outcomes to those of conventional non-barbed sutures in bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase to identify studies comparing barbed sutures with non-barbed sutures in bariatric surgeries, focusing on outcomes such as operative time, suturing time, postoperative complications, and hospital stay. The statistical analysis was carried out using RStudio version 4.3.2. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q test and I2 statistics. RESULTS: Incorporating data from 11 studies involving a total of 27,442 patients, including 3,516 in the barbed suture group across various bariatric surgeries, our analysis demonstrates a significant reduction in suturing time (mean difference -4.87; 95% CI -8.43 to -1.30; p < 0.01; I2 = 99%) associated with the use of barbed sutures. Specifically, in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, we observed a significant decrease in operative time (mean difference -12.11; 95% CI -19.27 to -4.95; p < 0.01; I2 = 93%). Subgroup analyses and leave-one-out analyses consistently supported these findings. Furthermore, we found that the mean body mass index did not significantly predict the mean difference in operative time outcome. No significant differences emerged in hospital stay or postoperative complications, including leak, bleeding, stenosis, and bowel obstruction (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study findings address barbed sutures as a potential alternative for laparoscopic intracorporeal suturing in bariatric surgery.

Novice Chinese Bariatric Nurses' Perceptions of Their Role as Bariatric Case Managers: A Qualitative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric case managers (BCM) are integral healthcare team members for patients undergoing bariatric surgery in China. As the demand for bariatric surgery increases in China, the number of BCMs has also risen. However, more is needed to know about the perceptions of novice bariatric nurses toward their role as case managers. This study aims to investigate the perceptions of novice Chinese bariatric nurses toward their roles during the early stages of their careers. METHODS: This qualitative study employed semi-structured individual interviews with 15 novice bariatric nurses who received training as BCMs. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed line-by-line, and analyzed thematically. The study was conducted in a bariatric surgery center of a public tertiary hospital in Southern China. RESULTS: Three themes emerged from the data related to the perceptions of being a BCM: "negotiating the ambiguity of the BCM role," "establishing a core set of behaviors for the BCM role," and "identifying areas of competence to develop a BCM role framework." The novice bariatric nurses expressed both positive and negative feelings toward their role. They highlighted the need for further training to improve their qualifications and the importance of support from colleagues, and hospital management. CONCLUSIONS: The findings illuminate the role of the BCM in China. Future research should investigate effective and acceptable job descriptions and cooperation modes between BCMs, colleagues and hospital management. We recommend using these findings to develop training programs for novice BCMs and improve their capacity to provide quality care to patients undergoing bariatric surgery.