Bariatric surgery and the diseased kidney: a 5-year assessment of safety and postoperative renal outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and its related medical conditions are well-established contributors to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), including procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), is a potential intervention for these individuals. However, the heightened risk of postoperative complications casts doubts on the suitability of MBS in this population. Our aim is to evaluate the long-term safety, anthropometric and renal outcomes of MBS in patients with CKD. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent primary laparoscopic MBS with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 and a preoperative diagnosis of stage 2 to 5 CKD. Criteria for CKD diagnosis and staging were based on estimated glomerular filtration rate measurements in accordance with established guidelines. Anthropometric and renal outcomes were measured at 3-, 6-, 12-, 24- and 60-months postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 302 patients (177 SG, 125 RYGB) were included. RYGB was preferred for patients with stage 3 CKD, while SG was more common in stages 4 and 5. At 5-year follow-up, percentage of total weight loss was higher in the RYGB cohort compared to SG (25.1% vs. 18.6%, p = 0.036). Despite SG patients having more advanced CKD, the incidence of late complications was significantly higher following RYGB, with 11 incidents (8.8%), compared to the SG cohort with only 4 cases (2.3%) (p = 0.014). In those with preoperative CKD stage 3, 76 patients (43.2%) improved to stage 2, with another 9 patients (5.1%) improving further to stage 1. Of all patients, 63 (20.8%) eventually received a successful renal transplant. CONCLUSIONS: MBS is an effective strategy for sustained weight loss in patients with CKD with acceptable complications rates. RYGB leads to a higher percentage of overall weight loss, albeit with an elevated likelihood of late surgical complications. Future studies are needed to determine the safety of MBS in this demographic.

The analysis of factors increasing the odds for type 2 diabetes mellitus remission following re-do bariatric surgery after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy- cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic/bariatric surgery is the only proven treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) with curative intent. However, in a number of patients, the surgery is not effective or they may experience a relapse. Those patients can be offered re-do bariatric surgery (RBS). PURPOSE: The study aimed to determine factors increasing the odds for T2D remission one year after RBS following primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2010 and January 2020, which included 12 bariatric centers in Poland. The study population was divided into groups: Group 1- patients with T2D remission after RBS (n = 28) and Group 2- patients without T2D remission after RBS (n = 49). T2D remission was defined as HBA1c < 6.0% without glucose-lowering pharmacotherapy and glycemia within normal range at time of follow-up that was completed 12 months after RBS. RESULTS: Fifty seven females and 20 males were included in the study. Patients who achieved BMI < 33 kg/m2 after RBS and those with %EBMIL > 60.7% had an increased chance of T2D remission (OR = 3.39, 95%CI = 1.28-8.95, p = 0.014 and OR = 12.48, 95%CI 2.67-58.42, p = 0.001, respectively). Time interval between primary LSG and RBS was significantly shorter in Group 1 than in Group 2 [1 (1-4) vs. 3 (2-4) years, p = 0.023]. CONCLUSIONS: Shorter time interval between LSG and RBS may ease remission of T2D in case of lack of remission after primary procedure. Significant excess weight loss seems to be the most crucial factor for T2D remission.

Comprehensive outcomes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with a near-complete 15-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has a well-established safety and efficacy profile in the short and mid-term. Long-term outcomes remain limited in the literature, especially for follow-up periods of >10 years. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the long-term durability and safety of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass over a near-complete 15-year follow-up. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass between 2008 and 2009 with ≥14-year follow-up. Data collected and analyzed were weight loss, obesity-related medical condition resolution and recurrence, weight recurrence, complication rate, and mortality rate. RESULTS: A total of 264 patients were included. Patients were predominantly female (81.8%), and the mean age and preoperative body mass index were 48.5 ± 12.2 years and 44.9 ± 7.3 kg/m2, respectively. The maximum mean percentage total weight loss achieved at 1 year was 31.5% ± 5.7% and was consistently >20% throughout follow-up. Sustained resolution of obesity-related medical conditions was achieved with a remission rate of 60.8% for type 2 diabetes mellitus, 46.7% for denoted dyslipidemia, and 40% for hypertension. Obesity-related medical condition recurrence was observed with a recurrence rate of 24.1% for type 2 diabetes mellitus, 17.9% for hypertension, and 14.8% for denoted dyslipidemia. Significant factors associated with weight loss were maximum percentage total weight loss and preoperative type 2 diabetes mellitus. Over 15 years, the weight recurrence rate was 51.1%, with predictors of higher preoperative body mass index and preoperative type 2 diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass provides sustainable weight loss over a 15-year period, with consistent long-term weight-loss outcomes and resolution of obesity-related medical conditions sustained for ≥10 years after surgery.

Revisional Bariatric Surgery After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Bile Reflux: a Single-Center Long-Term Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Revisional bariatric surgery (RBS) after primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is indicated for the efficient management of specific complications such as bile reflux. Published literature on this topic remains scarce as we aim to evaluate the long-term outcomes (10 years) of RBS for bile reflux after RYGB. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective study of patients who underwent primary RYGB complicated by bile reflux and had RBS between 2008 and 2023. Our cohort was divided into two groups based on the etiology of bile reflux. Long-term surgical outcomes and nutritional status were reported and compared between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients (100% primary RYGB; 90.2% female, 97.6% white) were included. 56.1% (n = 23) of patients underwent Roux limb lengthening and the remaining 43.9% (n = 18) had a gastrogastric fistula takedown, with no significant differences in terms of intraoperative complications, estimated blood loss (p = 0.616), length of hospital stay (p = 0.099), and postoperative complications between the two groups. Long-term resolution of obesity-related medical conditions was demonstrated for all the evaluated comorbidities. Lastly, there was no reported mortality, bile reflux recurrence, or micro- and macro-nutrient deficiencies over the total follow-up period of 10 years. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, RBS after a primary RYGB for bile reflux management demonstrated safe and efficient short- and long-term surgical outcomes without any reported bile reflux recurrence or mortality. Adequate supplementation and close patient follow-up remain essential to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with RBS as further studies are required to support our findings.

Effect of Significant Postoperative Complications on Decision Regret After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Thus far, no data are available on decision regret about sleeve gastrectomy (SG), particularly in patients who experienced perioperative complications. This study aimed to assess whether patients with postoperative complications regret their decision to undergo laparoscopic SG more than patients with an uneventful postoperative course. METHODS: The study group comprised patients with complications after laparoscopic SG (cases). The control group comprised patients who did not experience any postoperative complications (controls). A telephone survey was conducted on all patients. Patients' satisfaction regarding their decision to undergo surgery was assessed using the Decision Regret Scale. RESULTS: In total, 21 patients who experienced postoperative complications and 69 controls were included. The patients in the study and control groups achieved similar percentages of total weight loss (32.9 ± 11.9 vs. 33.8 ± 15.0, p = 0.717) and excessive body mass index loss (74.9 ± 30.7 vs. 73.1 ± 36.7, p = 0.398) at 1 year postoperatively. The difference in weight change at 12 months postoperatively was not significant in both groups. The mean regret scores in the study and control groups were 13.2 ± 1.2 (range, 28-63) and 13.3 ± 1.1 (range, 12-66) (p = 0.818), respectively. Moreover, no significant difference was found among patients who expressed regret between the study and control groups (regret score > 50; 4.76% vs. 4.35%) (p = 1.000). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that patients with postoperative complications do not regret their decision to undergo SG more than patients with an uneventful postoperative course.

Analysis of the Factors Contributing to Bariatric Success After Laparoscopic Redo Bariatric Procedures: Results from Multicenter Polish Revision Obesity Surgery Study (PROSS).

INTRODUCTION: With continuously growing number of redo bariatric surgeries (RBS), it is necessary to look for factors determining success of redo-surgeries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study analyzed consecutive patients who underwent RBS in 12 referral bariatric centers in Poland from 2010 to 2020. The study included 529 patients. The efficacy endpoints were percentage of excessive weight loss (%EWL) and remission of hypertension (HT) and/or type 2 diabetes (T2D). RESULTS: Group 1: weight regain Two hundred thirty-eight of 352 patients (67.6%) exceeded 50% EWL after RBS. The difference in body mass index (BMI) pre-RBS and lowest after primary procedure < 10.6 kg/m2 (OR 2.33, 95% CI: 1.43-3.80, p = 0.001) was independent factor contributing to bariatric success after RBS, i.e., > 50% EWL. Group 2: insufficient weight loss One hundred thirty of 177 patients (73.4%) exceeded 50% EWL after RBS. The difference in BMI pre-RBS and lowest after primary procedure (OR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.64-0.89, p = 0.001) was independent factors lowering odds for bariatric success. Group 3: insufficient control of obesity-related diseases Forty-three of 87 patients (49.4%) achieved remission of hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes. One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) as RBS was independent factor contributing to bariatric success (OR 7.23, 95% CI: 1.67-31.33, p = 0.008), i.e., complete remission of HT and/or T2D. CONCLUSIONS: RBS is an effective method of treatment for obesity-related morbidity. Greater weight regain before RBS was minimizing odds for bariatric success in patients operated due to weight regain or insufficient weight loss. OAGB was associated with greater chance of complete remission of hypertension and/or diabetes.

The impact of severe postoperative complications on outcomes of bariatric surgery-multicenter case-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery has relatively low complication rates, especially severe postoperative complications (defined by Clavien-Dindo classification as types 3 and 4), but these rates cannot be ignored. In other than bariatric surgical disciplines, complications affect not only short-term but also long-term results. In the field of bariatric surgery, this topic has not been extensively studied. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the outcomes of bariatric treatment in patients with obesity and severe postoperative complications in comparison to patients with a noneventful perioperative course. SETTING: Six surgical units at Polish public hospitals. METHODS: We performed a multicenter propensity score matched analysis of 206 patients from 6 Polish surgical units and assessed the outcomes of bariatric procedures. A total of 103 patients with severe postoperative complications (70 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy [SG] and 33 with laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass [RYGB]) were compared to 103 patients with no severe complications in terms of peri- and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: The outcomes of bariatric treatment did not differ between compared groups. Median percentage of total weight loss 12 months after the surgery was 28.8% in the group with complications and 27.9% in patients with no severe complications (P = 0.993). Remission rates of both type 2 diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension showed no significant difference between SG and RYGB (36% versus 42%, P = 0.927, and 41% versus 46%, P = 0.575. respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that severe postoperative complications had no significant influence either on weight loss effects or obesity-related diseases remission.

Decision Regret after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy-5 Years' Perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Patient's satisfaction after weight loss surgery is in the research spotlight. However, there are still no quantitative data regarding whether patients regret their decision to undergo laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG). OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate whether patients regret their decision to undergo SG 5 years after surgery. The secondary objective was to identify whether weight loss and a higher quality of life (QoL) score correlate with the regret expressed by patients. SETTING: Military Hospital, Poland METHODS: A telephone survey was carried out among patients 5 years after surgery. Patient satisfaction regarding their decision to undergo SG was assessed using the Decision Regret Scale. QoL scores were determined using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). RESULTS: One hundred and four patients who answered a full telephone survey were enrolled in the study. Change in body mass index (ΔBMI) was 12.31±6.2, excess body mass index loss (%EBMIL) was 55.45%±25.52%, and percent total weight loss (%TWL) was 25.20%±11.7%. At the 5-year postoperative telephone survey, the mean general health score was 50.96±14.0 and the mean regret score was 32.33±13.24 (range, 25-85). A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between %EBMIL and regret score (r=-0.435; p<0.001). There was a significant negative association between regret score and energy/fatigue QoL (r=-0.205; p=0.040). Only eight patients (7.69%) scored >50 on the Decision Regret Scale, which was considered to represent overall regret for their decision. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that, in general, patients did not regret their decision to undergo SG. KEY POINTS: The majority of patients did not regret their decision to undergo SG. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between weight loss and patients' feelings of regret. Energy/fatigue QoL was the strongest correlate of whether patients regretted their decision to undergo SG.

Type 2 Diabetes Remission 5 Years After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Multicenter Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Bariatric surgery is no longer considered only as a weight loss surgery but also a way of treating obesity-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Short-term T2DM remissions in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) have been shown, but there are very few reports on the mid-term results. We aimed to assess the remission rate of T2DM in obese patients after LSG throughout 5-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: We performed a retrospective multicenter cohort analysis of 240 patients who underwent LSG. We assessed the remission rate of T2DM 1 year and 5 years after surgery. RESULTS: Forty-six percent of patients achieved T2DM remission 5 years after LSG. The remission group had better weight loss results (median% of total weight loss 5 years after: 30.1% (22.9-37.0) vs 23.0% (13.7-30.2), p < 0.001) and were significantly younger than the no remission group (43 (38-52) vs 52 (44-58) years, p < 0.001). Duration of T2DM was significantly shorter (2 (1-5) vs 5 (3-10) years, p < 0.001) with less insulin requirement and less diabetes-related complications (7.2% vs 19.8%, p < 0.001) and significantly lower median DiaRem score (4.0 (IQR 2.0-6.0) vs 12.0 (IQR 5.0-16.0), p < 0.001). Preoperative body mass index (BMI) had no effect on remission. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that diabetes remission after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy occurs frequently, and in the 5-year follow-up, it may remain at the level of 46%. We identified the age of patients, duration, and severity of T2DM as factors affecting mid-term diabetes remission. Nevertheless, further well-designed trials are needed to support our findings.

The Safety and Benefits of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Elderly Patients: a Case-Control Study.

INTRODUCTION: The advancement of minimal invasive techniques pushed the age limit for patients qualified for bariatric surgery. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in a cohort of patients aged 60 years or more, compared with a group of matched controls below 40 years old. METHODS: The medical records of 856 patients were analyzed. Patients aged 60 years or older were identified as cases. Those below 40 years were identified as the controls. Cases were closely matched (1:1) with the controls by body mass index (BMI) (± 1 kg/m2) and presence or absence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: A 34 matched pairs were included in the study. There was no significant difference in the median operation length. No conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery was needed. The hospital length of stay was significantly longer in the study group (4.5 ± 1.9 vs 3.9 ± 1.5 days, p = 0.047). The complication, 30-day reoperation, and 30-day reoperation rates were comparable in both groups. There were no 30-day readmissions nor 30-day mortality. ΔBMI after 12 months was significantly lower in the study group (13.56 ± 6.05 vs 10.3 ± 4.89, p = 0.008) as well as %EBMIL (50.71 ± 25.94 vs 64.20 ± 23.29, p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that LSG is a safe method of bariatric treatment in patients aged above 60 years. Even though weight loss may be lesser than in younger patients, it can still be considered satisfactory.

Challenges associated with bariatric surgery - a multi-center report.

INTRODUCTION: Due to the constantly growing demand for surgical treatment of obesity, it is necessary to create new bariatric centers and further improve presently active ones. AIM: To identify which stages of conducting peri-operative care and organizing a modern bariatric center currently pose the greatest challenge. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An anonymous survey was designed and distributed to bariatric surgeons. Our questionnaire was divided into three parts: demographic characteristics, difficulties associated with peri-operative care for bariatric patients (assessed on a scale of 1-5) and difficulties associated with organization or running of bariatric centers in which participants are currently working (assessed on a scale of 1-5). RESULTS: Overall, 70 surgeons and surgical residents from 17 surgical centers participated in our survey. The most difficult element of the pre-operative care was compliance with the recommendation to cease smoking (3.47 ±1.28). The most difficult obstacle during the postoperative care period was implementation of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol (2.27 ±1.31). Funding for the bariatric treatment was obtained exclusively from the National Health Fund by 60 (85.7%) respondents working in 15 different bariatric centers (88.2%). Among elements of bariatric infrastructure access to operating theater equipment sized for morbidly obese patients was reported to be the most difficult (3.8 ±1.68). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative recommendations including smoking, physical activity or weight loss, as well as introducing ERAS protocol based peri-operative care, are difficult to execute in bariatric departments. Future specialized bariatric centers should be included in the centralized register and equipped with specialized infrastructure for morbidly obese patients.

Unexpected pathological findings after laparoscopic cholecystectomy - analysis of 1131 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Gallbladder specimens are routinely sent for histopathological examination after cholecystectomy in order to rule out the presence of unexpected pathological findings. AIM: To establish the overall incidence of unexpected pathological findings in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallbladder disease and determine whether the macroscopic appearance of the gallbladder in ultrasound examination could be a valid method for identifying patients with gallbladder malignancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted between 2013 and 2015. All histological reports (n = 1131) after cholecystectomy were searched for unexpected pathological findings. In cases where unexpected pathological findings were identified the additional analysis of preoperative abdominal ultrasound examination (USG) was done to determine the usefulness of USG in diagnosis of gallbladder malignancy. RESULTS: Of the 1131 patients included in the study, 356 (31.47%) were male and 774 (68.43%) were female. Unexpected pathological findings were present in 21 cases. The overall incidence of unexpected pathological findings was 1.86%. Only in 5 patients were suspicious appearances of gallbladder observed in preoperative ultrasound examination. In 16 patients there was no suspicion of malignancy. The positive predictive value of USG was 0.238. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of unexpected pathological findings after laparoscopic cholecystectomy was 1.86%. Ultrasonography has low positive predictive value for identifying patients with malignant findings in a gallbladder specimen.