ADAM17 cleaves the insulin receptor ectodomain on endothelial cells and causes vascular insulin resistance.

Inflammation and vascular insulin resistance are hallmarks of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, several potential mechanisms causing abnormal endothelial insulin signaling in T2D need further investigation. Evidence indicates that the activity of ADAM17 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-17) and the presence of insulin receptor (IR) in plasma are increased in subjects with T2D. Accordingly, we hypothesized that in T2D, increased ADAM17 activity sheds the IR ectodomain from endothelial cells and impairs insulin-induced vasodilation. We used small visceral arteries isolated from a cross-sectional study of subjects with and without T2D undergoing bariatric surgery, human cultured endothelial cells, and recombinant proteins to test our hypothesis. Here, we demonstrate that arteries from subjects with T2D had increased ADAM17 expression, reduced presence of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3), decreased extracellular IRα, and impaired insulin-induced vasodilation versus those from subjects without T2D. In vitro, active ADAM17 cleaved the ectodomain of the IRß subunit. Endothelial cells with ADAM17 overexpression or exposed to the protein kinase-C activator, PMA, had increased ADAM17 activity, decreased IRα presence on the cell surface, and increased IR shedding. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of ADAM17 with TAPI-0 rescued PMA-induced IR shedding and insulin-signaling impairments in endothelial cells and insulin-stimulated vasodilation in human arteries. In aggregate, our findings suggest that ADAM17-mediated shedding of IR from the endothelial surface impairs insulin-mediated vasodilation. Thus, we propose that inhibition of ADAM17 sheddase activity should be considered a strategy to restore vascular insulin sensitivity in T2D.NEW & NOTEWORTHY To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the involvement of ADAM17 in causing impaired insulin-induced vasodilation in T2D. We provide evidence that ADAM17 activity is increased in the vasculature of patients with T2D and support the notion that ADAM17-mediated shedding of endothelial IRα ectodomains is a novel mechanism causing vascular insulin resistance. Our results highlight that targeting ADAM17 activity may be a potential therapeutic strategy to correct vascular insulin resistance in T2D.

Mechanisms of Connexin-Related Lymphedema.

RATIONALE: Mutations in GJC2 and GJA1, encoding Cxs (connexins) 47 and 43, respectively, are linked to lymphedema, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Because efficient lymph transport relies on the coordinated contractions of lymphatic muscle cells (LMCs) and their electrical coupling through Cxs, Cx-related lymphedema is proposed to result from dyssynchronous contractions of lymphatic vessels. OBJECTIVE: To determine which Cx isoforms in LMCs and lymphatic endothelial cells are required for the entrainment of lymphatic contraction waves and efficient lymph transport. METHODS AND RESULTS: We developed novel methods to quantify the spatiotemporal entrainment of lymphatic contraction waves and used optogenetic techniques to analyze calcium signaling within and between the LMC and the lymphatic endothelial cell layers. Genetic deletion of the major lymphatic endothelial cell Cxs (Cx43, Cx47, or Cx37) revealed that none were necessary for the synchronization of the global calcium events that triggered propagating contraction waves. We identified Cx45 in human and mouse LMCs as the critical Cx mediating the conduction of pacemaking signals and entrained contractions. Smooth muscle-specific Cx45 deficiency resulted in 10- to 18-fold reduction in conduction speed, partial-to-severe loss of contractile coordination, and impaired lymph pump function ex vivo and in vivo. Cx45 deficiency resulted in profound inhibition of lymph transport in vivo, but only under an imposed gravitational load. CONCLUSIONS: Our results (1) identify Cx45 as the Cx isoform mediating the entrainment of the contraction waves in LMCs; (2) show that major endothelial Cxs are dispensable for the entrainment of contractions; (3) reveal a lack of coupling between lymphatic endothelial cells and LMCs, in contrast to arterioles; (4) point to lymphatic valve defects, rather than contraction dyssynchrony, as the mechanism underlying GJC2- or GJA1-related lymphedema; and (5) show that a gravitational load exacerbates lymphatic contractile defects in the intact mouse hindlimb, which is likely critical for the development of lymphedema in the adult mouse.

Partially covered esophageal stents cause bowel injury when used to treat complications of bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that an esophageal nitinol stent that is mainly silicone-covered but partially uncovered may allow tissue ingrowth and decrease the migration rate seen with fully covered stents and still allow safe stent removal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the first human results of using partially covered stents for anastomotic complications of bariatric surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective evaluation of all patients with staple-line complications after bariatric surgery who received a partly covered stent at a single tertiary-care bariatric center. The stents varied in length from 10 to 15 cm and in diameter from 18 to 23 mm. RESULTS: From April 2009 to April 2010, eight patients received partially covered stents on 14 separate occasions. The indications were gastrojejunal stricture in four, acute leak in two, acute leak followed by a later stricture in one, and a perforated anastomotic ulcer in one patient. Single stents were placed in 12 sessions and two overlapping stents in two sessions. At the time of stent deployment, one patient had the uncovered proximal end of the stent in the stomach, with all others in the distal esophagus. Immediate symptom improvement occurred in 12/14 stent placements. Oral nutrition was initiated for 10/14 stent treatments within 48 h. Stents were removed after 25 ± 10 days. Minor stent displacement occurred with 9/13 stents, with the proximal end of the stent moving into the stomach, though the site of pathology remained covered. The stents were difficult to remove when tissue ingrowth was present. One patient required laparoscopic removal and one required two endoscopy sessions for removal. At the time of removal of ten stents, where the proximal end was found in the stomach, four had gastric ulceration, three had gastric mucosa replaced by granulation tissue, and three had normal gastric mucosa. In four cases where the proximal portion of the stent stayed in the esophagus, the esophageal deployment zone had abnormalities: three with granulation tissue and one with denuding of the esophageal mucosa. The distal uncovered portion of the stent in the Roux limb never became embedded in the mucosa and caused minimal injury. CONCLUSIONS: A partially covered stent was successful in keeping the site of the pathology covered and provided rapid symptom improvement and oral nutrition in most patients. The proximal end of the stent generally moved from the esophagus to the stomach, probably due to esophageal peristalsis. The proximal uncovered portion of the stent causes significant bowel mucosal injury and sometimes becomes embedded in the esophagus or the stomach, making removal difficult. We no longer use partially covered stents.

Management of anastomotic leaks after Roux-en-Y bypass using self-expanding polyester stents.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the outcomes of a series of endoscopically placed polyester self-expanding polyflex stents (SEPSs) for the management of anastomotic leaks after Roux-en-Y bypass. Anastomotic leaks after gastric bypass cause significant morbidity and mortality. Covered polyester SEPSs might have a role in the treatment of these leaks. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed from January 2006 to November 2006 that included all acute and chronic leaks treated with SEPSs. RESULTS: A total of 6 patients were treated with stents, with a mean procedure time of 22 minutes. Of these 6 patients, 5 had acute postoperative leaks and 1 had a chronic fistula. Five patients started oral intake 1-6 days after their procedure. All acute leaks had complete healing at a median of 44 days. The patient with a chronic gastrocutaneous fistula required revisional surgery for fistula closure. In addition, 5 patients had stent migration, and 3 required stent replacement. CONCLUSION: An endoscopically placed SEPS provides a less-invasive alternative to treat acute anastomotic leaks after Roux-en-Y bypass while simultaneously allowing oral intake. The results of this case series have demonstrated this treatment to be safe and effective.

Hemostasis and hemostatic agents in minimally invasive surgery.

As minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has grown in scope and complexity, new challenges have been introduced along the way, including the need for endoscopic hemostatic techniques. Traditional electrical and mechanical means are still the mainstay, but new technologies for hemostasis continue to emerge. Restricted access to the operative site can limit the use of some tools, and yet multiple chemical hemostats and tamponading agents are used in MIS today. Systemic agents also have been developed and have a role in certain MIS circumstances. These products allow surgeons to continue to approach more difficult procedures using minimally invasive techniques. On the horizon are the newer, even less-invasive approaches of natural orifice endoluminal and transluminal surgery, which will increase the difficulties with reliable hemostat agents and delivery mechanisms.

Comportamiento clínico epidemiológico del cáncer gástrico en el Hospital Calixto García / Clinical-Epidemiological Characteristics of Gastric Cancer in Calixto Garcia Hospital

Introducción: El cáncer de estómago representa la segunda causa de muerte relacionada con neoplasias en el mundo, es responsable del 8 al 10 por ciento de todas las muertes por cáncer. A pesar de un marcado descenso en su incidencia, constituye una de las principales causas de muerte por cáncer en Cuba y el mundo. Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento clínico epidemiológico en los pacientes con cáncer gástrico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal de los pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer gástrico que acudieron a consulta en el Hospital Universitario General Calixto García, en el período comprendido entre enero de 2014 y diciembre de 2018. El universo estuvo constituido por 146 pacientes. Los datos fueron obtenidos de las historias clínicas y procesados mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados: De los pacientes estudiados, 67,6 por ciento pertenecían al sexo masculino y tenían entre 60 y 79 años; 51,7 por ciento presentó como factor de riesgo el hábito de fumar. Un total de 124 pacientes padecieron de dolor abdominal. El 100 por ciento de los exámenes complementarios realizados fueron endoscopia y biopsia. Se observó el adenocarcinoma moderadamente diferenciado en un total de 80 pacientes. Al 100 por ciento se le realizó tratamiento quirúrgico. La técnica quirúrgica más empleada fue la gastrectomía subtotal. Conclusiones: Las edades avanzadas de la vida, los antecedentes de úlcera gástrica, el tabaquismo y el alcoholismo son factores epidemiológicos característicos de la población de enfermos aquejados de cáncer gástrico. Los elementos clínicos identificados fueron los habitualmente descritos en la literatura médica. La cirugía en la actualidad es la única modalidad con potencial curativo(AU)

Introduction: Stomach cancer accounts for the second cause of death related to neoplasms worldwide; it is responsible for 8 percent to 10 percent of all cancer deaths. In spite of a marked decrease in its incidence, it constitutes one of the main causes of cancer death in Cuba and worldwide. Objective: To describe the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients with gastric cancer. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out with patients with a diagnosis of gastric cancer who attended consultation at Calixto García General University Hospital in the period from January 2014 to December 2018. The universe consisted of 146 patients. The data were obtained from medical records and processed by descriptive statistics. Results: Of the patients studied, 67.6 percent were male and aged 60-79 years. 51.7 percent presented smoking as a risk factor. A total of 124 patients suffered from abdominal pain. 100 percent of the complementary examinations performed were endoscopy and biopsy. Moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma was observed in a total of 80 patients. The surgical treatment was performed in 100 percent. The most commonly used surgical technique was subtotal gastrectomy. Conclusions: The research suggests that, currently, early diagnosis and surgery is the only modality with curative potential, being able to raise the quality of life, as well as to improve morbidity and mortality rates in the population(AU)

Enfoque interdisciplinario en el manejo del cáncer de colon / The Interdisciplinary Approach in Colon Cancer Management

Introducción: El modelo interdisciplinario en el ámbito oncológico ha permitido la vinculación entre diferentes disciplinas lo que permite aportar soluciones para elevar la calidad de vida de los enfermos y proporcionan una atención de excelencia. Objetivo: Explorar la evidencia científica sobre la colaboración interdisciplinar en el tratamiento del cáncer de colon. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación de tipo sistemática. Se ejecutó una búsqueda digital en las bases de datos de Web of Science, Lilacs, SciELO, Latindex, Elsevier, PubMed, Medline y Google de publicaciones actualizadas en inglés y español. Desarrollo: El enfoque interdisciplinario en el tratamiento de las enfermedades oncológicas, entre ellas el cáncer de colon, se ha descrito desde hace algún tiempo. El diseño permite vincular diferentes especialidades en las interconsultas y en el propio acto quirúrgico, lo que redunda en la formulación de problemas de investigación que requieren para su solución el intercambio de conocimientos y tecnologías de una especialidad a otra, permite aportar soluciones para elevar la calidad de vida de los enfermos y proporciona una atención de excelencia. Conclusiones: El cáncer es una enfermedad que requiere una atención para el paciente, no solo dentro de la esfera biológica; también psicológica, social y espiritual. Los equipos interdisciplinares, formados por profesionales de distintas disciplinas, son una herramienta que puede ayudar, en gran medida, a conseguir una mejor atención(AU)

Introduction: The interdisciplinary model in the oncological field has permitted connection between different disciplines, allowing to offer solutions for raising the quality of life of patients and provide excellent care. Objective: To explore the scientific evidence on interdisciplinary collaboration in the treatment of colon cancer. Methods: A systematic research was carried out. A digital search was carried out in the Web of Science, Lilacs, SciELO, Latindex, Elsevier, PubMed, Medline and Google databases, in view of identifying updated publications in English and Spanish. Development: The interdisciplinary approach in the treatment of oncologic diseases, including colon cancer, has been described for some time. The design allows connecting different specialties during interconsultation or the surgical act itself, which results in the formulation of research problems that require, for their solution, the exchange of knowledge and technologies from one specialty to another, allowing to offer solutions for raising the quality of life of patients and provide excellent care. Conclusions: Cancer is a disease that requires care for the patient, not only within the biological sphere, but also in the psychological, social and spiritual aspect. Interdisciplinary teams, made up of professionals from different disciplines, are a tool that can help, to a great extent, achieve better care(AU)

Incidental splenic artery aneurysm during laparoscopic gastric banding.

Splenic artery aneurysm occurs in approximately 1% of the population, and is four times more common in females. Women with a history of multiple pregnancies carry the highest risk. These aneurysms are usually incidental findings. Rupture carries a substantial mortality. Management choices include open, laparoscopic, and endovascular procedures. We report a 44-year-old female with a BMI of 56 who underwent laparoscopic gastric banding. Upon exploring the abdomen, a 4-cm splenic artery aneurysm was discovered. The aneurysm was excluded by proximal and distal surgical clips. The patient's postoperative course was unremarkable. This surgical technique is simple, safe, minimally invasive, and provides adequate therapy without incurring the morbidity associated with aneurysmectomy and splenectomy. It is likely that this problem will be encountered again by bariatric surgeons, because this area is commonly exposed. Therefore, this is something that bariatric surgeons should be aware of, be able to recognize, and understand the various therapeutic options.

Papel de la ecografía en la sala de emergencia en el diagnóstico del trauma de tórax / The Role of Sonography in the Emergency Room for the Diagnosis of Thoracic Trauma

Introducción: Dentro de la atención al lesionado con trauma torácico se cuenta con varios medios diagnósticos, entre ellos la evaluación por ecografía focalizada en trauma extendido a tórax, el cual ha mostrado una alta sensibilidad, aun realizado por médicos no radiólogos como cirujanos generales, emergencistas e intensivistas. Objetivo: Determinar la utilidad de la ecografía torácica extendida realizada por cirujanos en lesionados con traumatismo torácico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo de evaluación de pruebas diagnósticas con un diseño transversal, en 1052 pacientes ingresados en la sala de emergencia. Se les realizó la evaluación por ecografía torácica extendida en el Hospital Universitario "General Calixto García", durante el período comprendido entre enero de 2020 y febrero de 2021. Resultados: Fueron realizados en un periodo de 1 año un total de 1052 ultrasonidos torácicos, 221 casos fueron positivos, de ellos 81 neumotórax (7,7 por ciento) y 62 hemoneumotórax (5,9 por ciento) todos confirmados por tomografía de tórax. La edad promedio fue de 45,27 (18-97), el sexo masculino prevaleció con 772 casos (73,4 por ciento). Los mecanismos productores de trauma más frecuentes fueron: caída de altura 273 casos (26 por ciento) y trauma contuso 181 casos (17,2 por ciento). La ecografía torácica extendida obtuvo una sensibilidad de un 95,24 por ciento y una especificidad de 99,88 por ciento en el diagnóstico lesiones torácicas. Conclusiones: La ecografía torácica extendida demostró que en manos de los cirujanos generales es una herramienta confiable, segura, no invasiva, poco costosa, repetible, que permite diagnosticar rápidamente lesiones torácicas y tratarlas(AU)

Introduction: Within care for the injured patient with thoracic trauma there are several diagnostic means. For example, extended focused assessment with sonography for thoracic trauma has shown high sensitivity, even when performed by non-radiologists such as general surgeons, emergency specialists and intensivists. Objective: To determine the usefulness of extended thoracic sonography performed by surgeons on injured patients with thoracic trauma. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study of diagnostic tests assessment was carried out in 1052 patients admitted to the emergency room. They were assessed by extended thoracic sonography at General Calixto García University Hospital, during the period between January 2020 and February 2021. Results: A total of 1052 thoracic ultrasounds were performed in a period of one year, of which 221 cases were positive. Of them, 81 were pneumothorax (7.7 percent) and 62 were hemopneumothorax (5.9 percent), all confirmed by chest tomography. The average age was 45.27 (18-97). The male sex prevailed, with 772 cases (73.4 percent). The most frequent trauma-producing mechanisms were altitude fall, accounting for 273 cases (26 percent), and blunt trauma, accounting for 181 cases (17.2 percent). Extended thoracic ultrasound showed a sensitivity of 95.24 percent and a specificity of 99.88 percent in the diagnosis of thoracic injuries. Conclusions: Extended thoracic ultrasound showed that, in the hands of general surgeons, it is a reliable, safe, noninvasive, inexpensive and repeatable tool that allows rapid diagnosis and treatment of thoracic injuries(AU)

A suture-based liver retraction method for laparoscopic bariatric procedures: results from a large case series.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic bariatric surgery requires retraction of the left lobe of the liver to provide adequate operative view and working space. Conventional approaches utilize a mechanical retractor and require additional incision(s), and at times an assistant. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a suture-based method of liver retraction in a large series of patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. This method eliminates the need for a subxiphoid incision for mechanical retraction of the liver. SETTING: Two hospitals in the Midwest with a high volume of laparoscopic bariatric cases. METHODS: Retrospective chart review identified all patients undergoing bariatric surgery for whom suture-based liver retraction was selected. The left lobe of the liver is lifted, and sutures are placed across the right crus of the diaphragm and were either anchored on the abdominal wall or intraperitoneally to provide static retraction of the left lobe of the liver. RESULTS: In all, 487 cases were identified. Patients had a high rate of morbid obesity (83% with body mass index >40 kg/m(2)) and diabetes (34.3%). The most common bariatric procedures were Roux-en-Y gastric banding (39%) and sleeve gastrectomy (24.6%). Overall, 6 injuries to the liver were noted, only 2 of which were related to the suture-based retraction technique. Both injuries involved minor bleeding and were successfully managed during the procedure. The mean number of incisions required was 4.6. CONCLUSIONS: Suture-based liver retraction was found to be safe and effective in this large case series of morbidly obese patients. The rate of complications involving the technique was extremely low (.4%).

Morbimortalidad por cáncer gástrico en un servicio de cirugía general / Morbidity and mortality from gastric cancer in a general surgery service

RESUMEN Introducción: El cáncer de estómago representa la segunda causa más frecuente de muerte relacionada con neoplasias en el mundo, es responsable del 8 al 10 por ciento de todas las muertes por cáncer. Objetivo: Determinar la morbilidad y la mortalidad por cáncer gástrico en el servicio de cirugía del Hospital Universitario "General Calixto García". Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo, transversal. El universo estuvo conformado por 145 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Se utilizaron métodos estadísticos descriptivos y cálculos con valores porcentuales. Resultados: El 67,6 por ciento de los pacientes pertenecían al sexo masculino, mientras que 87 se ubicaron en los grupos de edades entre 60 y 79 años. El 37,2 por ciento de los pacientes presentaron lesión ulcerada infiltrante de acuerdo a la clasificación endoscópica de Borrmann. El adenocarcinoma gástrico fue el tipo histológico más encontrado. La técnica quirúrgica más empleada fue la gastrectomía subtotal, y la gastroyeyunostomía. La complicación postoperatoria más frecuente la constituyó la bronconeumonía con 35 pacientes. La mayoría de los pacientes egresaron vivos. Conclusiones: La investigación sugiere que el diagnóstico precoz y la cirugía en la actualidad es la única modalidad con potencial curativo y puede elevar la calidad de vida y mejorar los índices de morbimortalidad en la población(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Stomach cancer is the second leading cause of death related to neoplasms worldwide. It is responsible for 8-10 percent of all cancer-related deaths. Objective: To determine the morbidity and mortality for gastric cancer in the surgery service of General Calixto García University Hospital. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional and observational study was carried out. The universe consisted of 145 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Descriptive statistical methods and calculations with percentage values were used. Results: 67.6 percent of the patients belonged to the male sex, while 87 were located in the age groups between 60 and 79 years. 37.2 percent of the patients presented an infiltrating ulcerated lesion according to Borrmann endoscopic classification. Gastric adenocarcinoma was the most common histological type. The most used surgical technique was subtotal gastrectomy, followed by gastrojejunostomy. The most frequent postoperative complication was bronchopneumonia, accounting for 35 patients. Most of the patients were discharged alive. Conclusions: Research suggests that early diagnosis and surgery are currently the only modality with curative potential and can raise the quality of life as well as improve morbidity and mortality rates among the population(AU)

Laparoscopic repair of perforated marginal ulcer following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Marginal ulcer perforation is a known complication of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and laparoscopic repair may be a feasible option minimizing the morbidity associated with a large laparotomy incision. We present our experience with laparoscopic repair of perforated marginal ulcers in patients who have previously undergone RYGB. METHODS: A retrospective chart review from August 2005 to April 2007 was performed identifying all patients who underwent laparoscopic repair of perforated marginal ulcer after RYGB at one hospital. The perforation was repaired either by laparoscopic primary suture closure followed by application of an omental patch or by laparoscopic Graham patch without primary suture repair. Operative time, duration of hospitalization, postoperative follow-up, and postoperative complications were recorded. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: Six patients underwent laparoscopic repair of a perforated marginal ulcer. Operative time was 101.8 ± 50 minutes with a mean hospitalization of 5.3 ± 2.7 days. Follow-up was 6.2 ± 7.5 months. Postoperative complications included 2 patients with nausea and vomiting related to an exposed suture at the gastrojejunostomy, 1 patient with chronic gastritis, and 1 patient developed a stricture at the gastrojejunostomy. CONCLUSIONS: We present the largest series to date of laparoscopic repair of perforated marginal ulcers utilizing an omental patch for repair. We demonstrate that a laparoscopic repair can be completed in a reasonable operative time, with minimal postoperative hospitalization, and low associated morbidity. Patients who develop a perforated marginal ulcer after RYGB can be safely and effectively treated with laparoscopic repair with an omental patch.

Management of postsurgical leaks in the bariatric patient.

Postsurgical leaks after bariatric procedures are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. They usually arise from anastomotic and staple line failures that are attributed to surgical technique, ischemia, and patient comorbid conditions. Timely diagnosis from subtle clinical clues is the key to appropriate management. Traditional treatment consists of adequate control of the intra-abdominal infection via surgical or percutaneous drainage maneuvers, antibiotics, and nutrition support via parenteral or feeding tube routes. Recently, endoscopically placed covered esophageal stents have been used to exclude the leak site, allowing oral nutrition and speeding healing.

Laparoscopic revisional surgery after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Failure of primary bariatric surgery is frequently due to weight recidivism, intractable gastric reflux, gastrojejunal strictures, fistulas, and malnutrition. Of these patients, 10-60% will undergo reoperative bariatric surgery, depending on the primary procedure performed. Open reoperative approaches for revision to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) have traditionally been advocated secondary to the perceived difficulty and safety with laparoscopic techniques. Few studies have addressed revisions after RYGB. The aim of the present study was to provide our experience regarding the safety, efficacy, and weight loss results of laparoscopic revisional surgery after previous RYGB and sleeve gastrectomy procedures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent laparoscopic revisional bariatric surgery for complications after previous RYGB and sleeve gastrectomy from November 2005 to May 2007 was performed. Technical revisions included isolation and transection of gastrogastric fistulas with partial gastrectomy, sleeve gastrectomy conversion to RYGB, and revision of RYGB. The data collected included the pre- and postoperative body mass index, operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients underwent laparoscopic revisional surgery. The primary operations had consisted of RYGB and sleeve gastrectomy. The complications from primary operations included gastrogastric fistulas, refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease, weight recidivism, and gastric outlet obstruction. The mean prerevision body mass index was 42 ± 10 kg/m(2). The average follow-up was 240 days (range 11-476). The average body mass index during follow-up was 37 ± 8 kg/m(2). Laparoscopic revision was successful in all but 1 patient, who required conversion to laparotomy for staple line leak. The average operating room time and estimated blood loss was 131 ± 66 minutes and 70 mL, respectively. The average hospital stay was 6 days. Three patients required surgical exploration for hemorrhage, staple line leak, and an incarcerated hernia. The overall complication rate was 23%, with a major complication rate of 11.5%. No patients died. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic revisional bariatric surgery after previous RYGB and sleeve gastrectomy is technically challenging but compared well in safety and efficacy with the results from open revisional procedures. Intraoperative endoscopy is a key component in performing these procedures.

Transumbilical single-port laparoscopic adjustable gastric band placement with liver suture retractor.

BACKGROUND: The evolution of single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has no doubt been impacted by the decrease or elimination of incisions seen with natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). SILS upholds the principal advantages of minimal access surgery including shortened hospital stays, the potential for decreased postoperative pain, and cosmetically acceptable scars by reducing large or multiple incisions to a relatively small, single one. METHODS: As opposed to NOTES, SILS does not violate a natural orifice and so the potential for contamination is identical to that of laparoscopy. SILS also utilizes familiar technology regarding ports and instruments which make technical adaptation easier and costs remain essentially unchanged. Standard laparoscopic techniques for gastric band placement use up to six ports in various configurations to safely accomplish this procedure. We describe a 40-year-old female with a body mass index of 41 who underwent placement of a gastric band for weight reduction via a single incision. A novel liver retractor technique eliminated one of the typical incisions utilized in other described "single-incision" techniques. RESULTS: The total number of trocars used at the sole, transumbilical incision was three. The operative time was 58 min. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 1. CONCLUSIONS: Single-incision transumbilical placement of gastric band is safe and technically feasible. Evolution of this technique with improved instrumentation will facilitate its adoption.

Biomarkers associated with breast cancer are associated with obesity.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is linked to the development of postmenopausal breast cancer, and some studies indicate obesity predicts a worse prognosis for premenopausal women who develop the disease. It was our hypothesis that proteins associated with breast cancer would be associated with body mass index (BMI). METHODS: We searched our database of women enrolled in breast health translational research trials for information on BMI and markers predictive of breast cancer (basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), human kallikrein (hK)2, and urinary plasminogen activator (uPA). Information on BMI and one or more nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) or serum biomarkers was available from 382 women. RESULTS: In this data set, NAF and serum levels of PSA (nPSA and sPSA), and NAF levels hK2, bFGF and uPA were each associated with pre- and/or postmenopausal breast cancer. sPSA was inversely associated with BMI in both pre- (r=-.56, p=.001) and postmenopausal women (r=-.62, p=.0035) without breast cancer. This association was lost when controlling for plasma volume. In women without breast cancer, NAF bFGF (p=.07, premenopausal subjects) and NAF hK2 (p=.09, postmenopausal subjects) were borderline associated with BMI. In women with breast cancer, nPSA was inversely (r=-.53, p=.049) associated with BMI in premenopausal women and directly associated with BMI in postmenopausal women (r=.37, p=.017). nPSA trended higher in hormone sensitive cancers, especially those that expressed progesterone receptor (p=.059). CONCLUSIONS: sPSA was inversely associated with BMI in all pre- and postmenopausal women and specifically in pre- and postmenopausal women without breast cancer. NAF PSA was associated with BMI in pre- and postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Evaluating the change in PSA with changes in weight may provide clues regarding a subject's breast cancer risk.

Use of endoscopic stents to treat anastomotic complications after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Complications after bariatric surgery often require longterm parenteral nutrition to achieve healing. Recently, endoscopic treatments have become available that provide healing while allowing for oral nutrition. The purpose of this study was to present outcomes of the largest series to date treating staple line complications after bariatric surgery with endoscopic covered stents. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective evaluation was performed of all patients treated for staple line complications after bariatric surgery at a single tertiary care bariatric center. Acute postoperative leaks, chronic gastrocutaneous fistulas, and anastomotic strictures refractory to endoscopic dilation after both gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy were included. RESULTS: From January 2006 to June 2007, 19 patients (11 with acute leaks, 2 with chronic fistulas, and 6 with strictures) were treated with a total of 34 endoscopic silicone covered stents (23 polyester, 11 metal). Mean followup was 3.6 months. Immediate symptomatic improvement occurred in 90% (91% of acute leaks, 100% of fistulas, and 84% of strictures). Oral feeding was started in 79% of patients immediately after stenting. Resolution of leak or stricture after stent treatment occurred in 16 of 19 patients (84%). Healing of leak, fistula, and stricture occurred at means of 33 days, 46 days, and 7 days, respectively. Three patients (1 with leak, 1 with fistula, and 1 with stricture) had unsuccessful stent treatment. Migration of the stent occurred in 58% of 34 stents placed. Most migration was minimal, but three stents were removed surgically after distal small bowel migration. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of anastomotic complications after bariatric surgery with endoscopic covered stents allows rapid healing while simultaneously allowing for oral nutrition. The primary morbidity is stent migration.