Evolution of Bariatric Surgery in Italy in the Last 11 Years: Data from the SICOB Yearly National Survey.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery (BS) is a relatively novel surgical field and is in continuous expansion and evolution. PURPOSE: Aim of this study was to report changes in Italian surgical practice in the last decade. METHODS: The Società Italiana di Chirurgia dell'Obesità (SICOB) conducted annual surveys to cense activity of SICOB centers between 2011 and 2021. Primary outcome was to detect differences in frequency of performance of adjustable gastric banding (AGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), bilio-pancreatic diversion (BPD), and gastric plication (GP). Secondary outcome was to detect differences in performance of main non-malabsorptive procedures (AGB + SG) and overall bypass procedures (RYGB + OAGB). Geographical differences were also investigated. RESULTS: Median response rate was 92%. AGB declined from 36% of procedures in 2011 to 5% in 2021 (p < 0.0001). SG increased from 30% in 2011 to 55% in 2021 (p < 0.0001). RYGB declined from 25 to 12% of procedures (p < 0.0001). OAGB rose from 0% of procedures in 2011 to 15% in 2021 (p < 0.0001). BPD underwent decrease from 6.2 to 0.2% in 2011 and 2021, respectively (p < 0.0001). Main non-malabsorptive procedures significantly decreased while overall bypass procedures remained stable. There were significant differences among regions in performance of SG, RYGB, and OAGB. CONCLUSIONS: BS in Italy evolved significantly during the past 10 years. AGB underwent a decline, as did BPD and GP which are disappearing and RYGB which is giving way to OAGB. The latter is rising and is the second most-performed procedure after SG which has been confirmed as the preferred procedure by Italian bariatric surgeons.

Gastric cancer after gastric bypass with fundectomy: The possibility for early diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION: Roux-an-Y gastric bypass (RYGP) is one of the most important bariatric procedures and its results are well known in terms of weight loss and comorbid improvement. The major limitation of this technique is the difficult exploration of the excluded stomach and duodenum. Some Authors are performing the gastric bypass with fundectomy and, according to Literature, it is feasible and effective, with major advantage of explorable gastric pouch. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report the case of a 54-year-old woman affected by obesity (BMI 49 kg/m2). After a pre-operative multidisciplinary evaluation and gastroscopy, she underwent a laparoscopic RYGB with fundectomy in October 2016. One year after surgery she contacted the department for vomiting, pyrosis and weakness. Thanks to the characteristics of the surgical technique it was possible to easily perform an OGD that detected an antral ulcer. The byopsy revealed a gastric adenocarcinoma. A degastroresection was performed and the istological finding was a gastric adenocarcinoma pT1b N0 G3. DISCUSSION: Early diagnosis is essential in gastric tumors to ensure a good prognosis and the gold standard is performing gastroscopy with biopsies. With the standard technique is very challenging to perform an OGD and the cancer stage is likely to be advanced at diagnosis, with a bad prognosis for the patient. CONCLUSION: From the clinical case described and the analysis of the Literature, the advantages of this technique are clear, allowing for an easy endoscopic evaluation of gastric walls with the possibility of diagnosing early stage tumors with a better outcome for patients.

Vertical Gastric Bypass with Fundectomy: Feasibility and 2-Year Follow-Up in a Series of Morbidly Obese Patients.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the gold standard procedure for morbid obesity and its results are well known and largely discussed. The major limitation of the procedure is the difficult exploration of the excluded gastric pouch and duodenum. The vertical gastric bypass with fundectomy was recently introduced in attempt to overcome these limitations. To date, its effectiveness is debated and outcomes still unclear. The purposes of this study were to describe the vertical gastric bypass with fundectomy and to analyse its outcomes in term of weight loss, complications, and comorbid resolutions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since January 2012 to July 2014, 30 consecutive patients were enrolled and prospectively followed for a 24-month period. All patients underwent the vertical gastric bypass with fundectomy. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 7 days, 1, 6, 12, and 24 months, or whenever necessary. RESULTS: Overall, 24 women and six men were enrolled in the study. Mean preoperative BMI was 38.2 ± 8.5 kg/m2. No intraoperative complications were reported. Postoperative overall complication rate was 10%. Compliance to the 24-month follow-up was 100%. Mean BMI and excess weight loss (EWL%) were significantly lower compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Comorbid improvement or resolution was recorded in the 80% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Vertical gastric bypass with fundectomy is feasible and effective with similar results in terms of weight loss, complications, and comorbid improving compared to the classic RYGB. Complete evaluation of the gastric anatomy and easy access to the main duodenal papilla are unquestionable advantages.