Prevalence, Indications, and Complications of Conversional Surgery After Vertical Banded Gastroplasty: A MBSAQIP Analysis.

PURPOSE: Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) was once the most popular bariatric procedure in the 1980's, with many patients subsequently requiring conversional surgery. However, knowledge regarding the prevalence and outcomes of these procedures remains limited. This study aims to determine the prevalence, indications, rate of 30-day serious complications, and mortality of conversional surgery after VBG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the MBSAQIP database from 2020 to 2022 was conducted. Individuals undergoing conversional or revisional surgery after VBG were included. The primary outcomes were 30-day serious complications and mortality. RESULTS: Of 716 VBG conversions, the common procedures included 660 (92.1%) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and 56 (7.9%) sleeve gastrectomy (SG). The main indication for conversion was weight gain for RYGB (31.0%) and for SG (41.0%). RYGB had longer operative times than SG (223.7 vs 130.5 min, p < 0.001). Although not statistically significant, serious complications were higher after RYGB (14.7% vs 8.9%, p = 0.2). Leak rates were higher after SG (5.4 vs 3.5%) but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.4). Mortality was similar between RYGB and SG (1.2 vs 1.8%, p = 0.7). Multivariable regression showed higher body mass index, longer operative time, previous cardiac surgery and black race were independently associated with serious complications. Conversion to RYGB was not predictive of serious complications compared to SG (OR 0.96, 95%CI 0.34-2.67, p = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Conversional surgery after VBG is uncommon, and the rate of complications and mortality remains high. Patients should be thoroughly evaluated and informed about these risks before undergoing conversion from VBG.

Persistent hyperbilirubinemia following preoperative biliary stenting in patients undergoing anatomic hepatectomy predicts serious complications.

BACKGROUND: Biliary obstruction before liver resection is a known risk factor for post-operative complications. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of persistent hyperbilirubinemia following preoperative biliary drainage before liver resection. METHODS: The ACS-NSQIP (2016-2021) database was used to extract patients with cholangiocarcinoma who underwent anatomic liver resection with preoperative biliary drainage comparing those with persistent hyperbilirubinemia (> 1.2 mg/dL) to those with resolution. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared with bivariate analysis. Multivariable modeling evaluated factors including persistent hyperbilirubinemia to evaluate their independent effect on serious complications, liver failure, and mortality. RESULTS: We evaluated 463 patients with 217 (46.9%) having hyperbilirubinemia (HB) despite biliary stenting. Bivariate analysis demonstrated that patients with HB had a higher rate of serious complications than those with non-HB (80.7% vs 70.3%; P = 0.010) including bile leak (40.9% vs 31.8%; P = 0.045), liver failure (26.7% vs 17.9%; P = 0.022), and bleeding (48.4% vs 36.6%; P = 0.010). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that persistent HB was independently associated with serious complications (OR 1.88, P = 0.020) and mortality (OR 2.39, P = 0.049) but not post-operative liver failure (OR 1.65, P = 0.082). CONCLUSIONS: Failed preoperative biliary decompression is a predictive factor for post-operative complications and mortality in patients undergoing hepatectomy and may be useful for preoperative risk stratification.

Histological reappraisal of IgA nephropathy: the role of glomerular pattern of injury and mesangial complement deposition.

BACKGROUND: There is a clear need to refine the histological assessment in IgA Nephropathy (IgAN). We sought to investigate the clinical significance of the light microscopy (LM) pattern of glomerular injury and of the intensity of mesangial C3 staining in IgAN. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational study that included all patients with biopsy-proven primary IgAN that had at least 12 months of follow-up. The LM pattern of glomerular injury was reevaluated based on a modified HAAS classification. Mesangial C3 deposition by immunofluorescence (IF) staining was scored semi-quantitatively. The study primary composite endpoint was defined as doubling of serum creatinine or ESRD (dialysis, renal transplant or eGFR < 15 ml/min). The secondary study endpoint was eGFR decline per year. RESULTS: This cohort included 214 patients with IgAN (mean age, 41.4 ± 12.6 years), with a mean eGFR and median 24-h proteinuria of 55.2 ± 31.5 ml/min/1.73m2 and 1.5 g/day (IQR:0.8-3.25), respectively. The most frequent LM pattern was the mesangioproliferative (37.4%), followed by the sclerotic (22.5%) and proliferative/necrotizing patterns (21.4%). Regarding the IF findings, mild-moderate and intense mesangial C3 staining was present in 30.6% and 61.1% of patients, respectively. Those with sclerosing and crescentic patterns had the worst renal survival (5-year renal survival of 48.8% and 42.9%) and the highest rate of eGFR change/year (-2.32 ml/min/y and - 2.16 ml/min/y, respectively) compared to those with other glomerular patterns of injury. In addition, those with intense C3 staining reached the composite endpoint more frequently compared to those without intense C3 staining (35.5% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.04). After multivariate adjustment, patients with crescentic and sclerosing patterns had a 3.6-fold and 2.1-fold higher risk for the composite endpoint compared to those with mesangioproliferative pattern, while an intense mesangial C3 deposition being also associated with a worse renal outcome (HR, 3.33; 95%CI, 1.21-9.2). CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that the LM pattern of glomerular injury and the intensity of mesangial C3 deposition might stratify more accurately the renal outcome in patients with IgAN.

Recipient microbiome-related features predicting metabolic improvement following fecal microbiota transplantation in adults with severe obesity and metabolic syndrome: a secondary analysis of a phase 2 clinical trial.

Microbial-based therapeutics in clinical practice are of considerable interest, and a recent study demonstrated fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) followed by dietary fiber supplements improved glucose homeostasis. Previous evidence suggests that donor and recipient compatibility and FMT protocol are key determinants, but little is known about the involvement of specific recipient factors. Using data from our recent randomized placebo-control phase 2 clinical trial in adults with obesity and metabolic syndrome, we grouped participants that received FMT from one of 4 donors with either fiber supplement into HOMA-IR responders (n = 21) and HOMA-IR non-responders (n = 8). We further assessed plasma bile acids using targeted metabolomics and performed subgroup analyzes to evaluate the effects of recipient parameters and gastrointestinal factors on microbiota engraftment and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) response. The baseline fecal microbiota composition at genus level of recipients could predict the improvements in HOMA2-IR at week 6 (ROC-AUC = 0.70). Prevotella was identified as an important predictor, with responders having significantly lower relative abundance than non-responders (p = .02). In addition, recipients displayed a highly individualized degree of microbial engraftment from donors. Compared to the non-responders, the responders had significantly increased bacterial richness (Chao1) after FMT and a more consistent engraftment of donor-specific bacteria ASVs (amplicon sequence variants) such as Faecalibacillus intestinalis (ASV44), Roseburia spp. (ASV103), and Christensenellaceae spp. (ASV140) (p < .05). Microbiota engraftment was strongly associated with recipients' factors at baseline including initial gut microbial diversity, fiber and nutrient intakes, inflammatory markers, and bile acid derivative levels. This study identified that responders to FMT therapy had a higher engraftment rate in the transplantation of specific donor-specific microbes, which were strongly correlated with insulin sensitivity improvements. Further, the recipient baseline gut microbiota and related factors were identified as the determinants for responsiveness to FMT and fiber supplementation. The findings provide a basis for the development of precision microbial therapeutics for the treatment of metabolic syndrome.

Nephrotic Syndrome: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapeutic Approaches.

Nephrotic edema stands out as one of the most common complications of nephrotic syndrome. The effective management of hypervolemia is paramount in addressing this condition. Initially, "the underfill hypothesis" suggested that proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia led to fluid extravasation into the interstitial space, causing the intravascular hypovolemia and activation of neurohormonal compensatory mechanisms, which increased the retention of salt and water. Consequently, the recommended management involved diuretics and human-albumin infusion. However, recent findings from human and animal studies have unveiled a kidney-limited sodium-reabsorption mechanism, attributed to the presence of various serine proteases in the tubular lumen-activating ENaC channels, thereby causing sodium reabsorption. There is currently no standardized guideline for diuretic therapy. In clinical practice, loop diuretics continue to be the preferred initial choice. It is noteworthy that patients often exhibit diuretic resistance due to various factors such as high-sodium diets, poor drug compliance, changes in pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics, kidney dysfunction, decreased renal flow, nephron remodeling and proteasuria. Considering these challenges, combining diuretics may be a rational approach to overcoming diuretic resistance. Despite the limited data available on diuretic treatment in nephrotic syndrome complicated by hypervolemia, ENaC blockers emerge as a potential add-on treatment for nephrotic edema.

Effects of dietary fibre on metabolic health and obesity.

Obesity and metabolic syndrome represent a growing epidemic worldwide. Body weight is regulated through complex interactions between hormonal, neural and metabolic pathways and is influenced by numerous environmental factors. Imbalances between energy intake and expenditure can occur due to several factors, including alterations in eating behaviours, abnormal satiation and satiety, and low energy expenditure. The gut microbiota profoundly affects all aspects of energy homeostasis through diverse mechanisms involving effects on mucosal and systemic immune, hormonal and neural systems. The benefits of dietary fibre on metabolism and obesity have been demonstrated through mechanistic studies and clinical trials, but many questions remain as to how different fibres are best utilized in managing obesity. In this Review, we discuss the physiochemical properties of different fibres, current findings on how fibre and the gut microbiota interact to regulate body weight homeostasis, and knowledge gaps related to using dietary fibres as a complementary strategy. Precision medicine approaches that utilize baseline microbiota and clinical characteristics to predict individual responses to fibre supplementation represent a new paradigm with great potential to enhance weight management efficacy, but many challenges remain before these approaches can be fully implemented.

Safety of limb lengthening after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: an analysis of the MBSAQIP database.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) effectively treats severe obesity, but some patients may require revisional surgery like limb lengthening (LL) for postoperative weight gain. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare 30-day serious complications and mortality rates between LL and primary RYGB, given limited safety data on LL. METHODS: Patients who underwent LL and RYGB were identified from the 2020 and 2021 MBSAQIP databases, the only years in which LL data were available. Baseline characteristics and 30-day rates of serious complications and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 86,990 patients underwent RYGB and 455 underwent LL. Patients undergoing RYGB were younger (44.4 versus 49.8 yr, P < .001), had a higher body mass index (BMI) (45.5 versus 41.8 kg/m2, P < .001) and higher rates of comorbidities including diabetes (30.0 versus 13.6%, P < .001). RYGB and LL had similar operative duration (125.3 versus 123.2 min, P = .5). There were no statistical differences between cohorts for length of stay (LOS) (1.6 RYGB versus 1.6 LL d, P = .6). After LL, there were higher 30-day rates of reoperation (3.3 versus 1.9%, P = .03) and deep surgical site infections (1.3 versus .5%, P = .03) compared to RYGB. There were no differences in overall serious complications (5.1 LL versus 5.0% RYGB, P = 1.0) and mortality (.2 LL versus .1% RYGB, P = .5). Multivariable logistic regression adjustment found that previous venous thromboembolism was associated with serious complications after LL. CONCLUSIONS: When compared to primary RYGB, LL has a favorable safety profile with similar 30-day rates of serious complications and mortality.

Characterization of Early Small Bowel Obstructions Following Elective Bariatric Surgery.

PURPOSE: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) after bariatric surgery is an uncommon but important complication. We sought to characterize bariatric surgery patients who developed SBO, to compare 30-day complications, and to determine the influence of patient and procedure factors on the development of SBO. METHODS AND MATERIALS: All data was extracted from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database using the 2020 operative year. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to determine the influence of patient and operative factors on the development of SBO. RESULTS: Of a total of 142 111 patients, 408 (0.3%) were identified as having developed an SBO. SBO patients were older (45.7 ± 11.5 vs. 43.5 ± 11.9 years; p = 0.0002), of reduced BMI (43.6 ± 6.8 vs. 45.1 ± 7.7; p = 0.0001), and more likely to be of female sex (92.2% vs. 81.1%; p < 0.0001). At 30 days post-operation, serious complications were increased in SBO patients. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) was the largest independent predicator of the development of SBO (OR 11.91; 95% CI 8.92-15.90; p < 0.0001). With regard to patient factors, COPD (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.54-4.38; p < 0.0001) and prior DVT (OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.49-3.77; p < 0.0001) were found to be independently predictive of the development of SBO. Additionally having a lower BMI and being of female sex were found to be independently predictive. CONCLUSION: SBO occurred in approximately 0.3% of MBSAQIP cases. SBO is associated with serious outcome measures and patients of female sex and reduced index BMI, and those undergoing RYGB may be at an increased risk.

Revisional bariatric surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease: characterizing patient and procedural factors and 30-day outcomes for a retrospective cohort of 4412 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a well-established potential consequence of bariatric surgery and can require revisional surgery. Our understanding of the population requiring revision is limited. In this study, we aim to characterize patients requiring revisional surgery for GERD to understand their perioperative risks and identify strategies to improve their outcomes. METHODS: Using the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) registry, a retrospective cohort of patients who required revisional surgery for GERD in 2020 was identified. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to assess correlations between baseline characteristics and morbidity. RESULTS: 4412 patients required revisional surgery for GERD, encompassing 24% of all conversion procedures. In most cases, patients underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG) as their original surgery (n = 3535, 80.1%). The revisional surgery for most patients was a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (n = 3722, 84.4%). Major complications occurred in 527 patients (11.9%) and 10 patients (0.23%) died within 30 days of revisional surgery. Major complications included anastomotic leak in 31 patients (0.70%) and gastrointestinal bleeding in 38 patients (0.86%). Multivariable analyses revealed that operative length, pre-operative antacid use, and RYGB were predictors of major complications. CONCLUSION: GERD is the second most common indication for revisional surgery in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. Patients who underwent SG as their initial procedure were the primary group who required revisional surgery for GERD; most underwent revision via RYGB. Further inquiry is needed to tailor operative approaches and pre-operative optimization for revisional surgery patients.

The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on renal function in patients with biopsy-proven kidney diseases.

BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate the long-term effects of COVID-19 on renal function in patients with biopsy-proven kidney diseases. METHODS: A total of 451 patients with biopsy-proven kidney disease and at least 12 months of follow-up subsequent to COVID-19 pandemic onset were included in the study. The primary study endpoint was a composite of a persistent decline of more than 30% in eGFR or ESRD. RESULTS: 23.1% of patients had COVID-19 during a follow-up period of 2.5 y (0.8-2.6), while 17.6% of patients reached the composite endpoint. Those with COVID-19 were more likely to reach the composite endpoint [26.7% vs. 14.8%; OR, 2.1 (95%CI, 1.23-3.58), p = 0.006). There was a significant eGFR change in the first year of follow-up between the two study groups [-2.24 (95%CI,-4.86; 0.37) vs. +2.31 (95%CI, 0.78; 3.85) ml/min, p = 0.004], with an adjusted mean difference of -4.68 ml/min (95%CI,-7.7; -1.59)(p = 0.03). The trend for worse renal outcomes remained consistent in patients with IgAN, MN and FSGS, but not in those with LN. After multivariate adjustment, the independent predictors of the composite endpoint were baseline eGFR (HR, 0.94; 95%CI, 0.92-0.95), COVID-19 (HR, 1.91; 1.16-3.12) and male gender (HR, 1.64; 95%CI, 1.01-2.66). In multivariate linear regression analysis, COVID-19 independently determined a reduction of eGFR at 12 months by 4.62 ml/min/1.73m2 (ß coefficient, -4.62; 95%CI, -7.74 to -1.5, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant impact of COVID-19 on long-term renal function in patients with biopsy-proven kidney diseases, leading to a greater decline of eGFR and a worse renal survival.

An open-label study evaluating the safety and efficacy of budesonide in patients with IgA nephropathy at high risk of progression.

We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of budesonide (Budenofalk) in the treatment of patients with IgA Nephropathy. We conducted a prospective, interventional, open-label, single-arm, non-randomized study that enrolled 32 patients with IgAN at high risk of progression (BUDIGAN study, ISRCTN47722295, date of registration 14/02/2020). Patients were treated with Budesonide at a dose of 9 mg/day for 12 months, subsequently tapered to 3 mg/day for another 12 months. The primary endpoints were change of eGFR and proteinuria at 12, 24 and 36 months. The study cohort had a mean eGFR and 24-h proteinuria of 59 ± 24 ml/min/1.73m2 and 1.89 ± 1.5 g/day, respectively. Treatment with budesonide determined a reduction in proteinuria at 12-, 24- and 36-months by -32.9% (95% CI - 53.6 to - 12.2), - 49.7% (95% CI - 70.1 to - 29.4) and - 68.1% (95% CI - 80.6 to - 55.7). Budesonide determined an eGFR preservation corresponding to a 12-, 24- and 36-months change of + 7.68% (95% CI - 4.7 to 20.1), + 7.42% (95% CI - 7.23 to 22.1) and + 4.74% (95%CI - 13.5 to 23), respectively. The overall eGFR change/year was + 0.83 ml/min/y (95% CI - 0.54 to 4.46). Budesonide was well-tolerated, and treatment emergent adverse events were mostly mild in severity and reversible. Budesonide was effective in the treatment of patients with IgAN at high-risk of progression in terms of reducing proteinuria and preserving renal function over 36 months of therapy.

Oral Furosemide and Hydrochlorothiazide/Amiloride versus Intravenous Furosemide for the Treatment of Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Data on diuretic treatment in nephrotic syndrome (NS) are scarce. Our goal was to assess the non-inferiority of the combined oral diuretics (furosemide/hydrochlorothiazide/amiloride) compared to intravenous (i.v.) furosemide in patients with NS and resistant edema. METHODS: We conducted a prospective randomized trial on 22 patients with resistant nephrotic edema (RNE), defined as hypervolemia and a FENa < 0.2%. Based on a computer-generated 1:1 randomization, we assigned patients to receive either intravenous furosemide (40 mg bolus and then continuous administration of 5 mg/h) or oral furosemide (40 mg/day) and hydrochlorothiazide/amiloride (50/5 mg/day) for a period of 5 days. Clinical and laboratory measurements were performed daily. Hydration status was assessed by bioimpedance on day 1 and at the end of day 5 after treatment initiation. The primary endpoint was weight change from baseline to day 5. Secondary endpoints were hydration status change measured by bioimpedance and safety outcomes (low blood pressure, severe electrolyte disturbances, acute kidney injury and worsening hypervolemia). RESULTS: Primary endpoint analysis showed that after 5 days of treatment, there was a significant difference in weight change from baseline between groups [adjusted mean difference: -3.33 kg (95% CI: -6.34 to -0.31), p = 0.03], with a higher mean weight change in the oral diuretic treatment group [-7.10 kg (95% CI: -18.30 to -4.30) vs. -4.55 kg (95%CI: -6.73 to -2.36)]. Secondary endpoint analysis showed that there was no significant difference between groups regarding hydration status change [adjusted mean difference: -0.05 L (95% CI: -2.6 to 2.6), p = 0.96], with a mean hydration status change in the oral diuretic treatment group of -4.71 L (95% CI: -6.87 to -2.54) and -3.91 L (95% CI: -5.69 to -2.13) in the i.v. diuretic treatment group. We observed a significant decrease in adjusted mean serum sodium of -2.15 mmol/L [(95% CI: -4.25 to -0.05), p = 0.04]), favored by the combined oral diuretic treatment [-2.70 mmol/L (95% CI: -4.89 to -0.50) vs. -0.10 mmol/L (95%CI: -1.30 to 1.10)]. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of oral diuretics based on furosemide, amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide is non-inferior to i.v. furosemide in weight control of patients with RNE and a similar safety profile.

Endoscopic plication compared to laparoscopic fundoplication in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic plication offers an alternative to surgical fundoplication for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate outcomes following endoscopic plication compared to laparoscopic fundoplication. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted in September 2022. Study followed PRISMA guidelines. Studies comparing endoscopic plication to laparoscopic fundoplication with n > 5 were included. Primary outcome was PPI cessation, with secondary outcomes including complications, procedure duration, length of stay, change in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone, and DeMeester score. RESULTS: We reviewed 1544 studies, with five included comparing 105 (46.1%) patients receiving endoscopic plication (ENDO) to 123 (53.9%) undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication (LAP). Average patient age was 47.6 years, with those undergoing plication being younger (46.4 ENDO vs 48.5 LAP). BMI (26.6 kg/m2 ENDO vs 26.2 kg/m2 LAP), and proportion of females (42.9% ENDO vs 37.4% LAP) were similar. Patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures had worse baseline LES pressure (12.8 mmHg ENDO vs 9.0 mmHg LAP) and lower preoperative DeMeester scores (34.6 ENDO vs. 34.1 LAP). The primary outcome demonstrated that 89.2% of patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication discontinued PPI compared to 69.4% for those receiving plication. Meta-analysis revealed that plication had significantly reduced odds of PPI discontinuation (OR 0.27, studies = 3, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.64, P = 0.003, I2 = 0%). Secondary outcomes demonstrated that odds of complications (OR 1.46, studies = 4, 95% CI 0.34 to 6.32, P = 0.62, I2 = 0%), length of stay (MD - 1.37, studies = 3, 95% CI - 3.48 to 0.73, P = 0.20, I2 = 94%), and procedure durations were similar (MD 0.78, studies = 3, 95% CI - 39.70 to 41.26, P = 0.97, I2 = 98%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first meta-analysis comparing endoscopic plication to laparoscopic fundoplication. Results demonstrate greater likelihood of PPI discontinuation with laparoscopic fundoplication with similar post-procedural risk.

MBSAQIP risk calculator use in bariatric surgery is associated with a reduction in serious complications: a retrospective analysis of 210,710 patients.

BACKGROUND: The Metabolic and Bariatric Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) Bariatric Surgical Risk/Benefit Calculator was developed to provide patient-specific information to assist surgical decision-making. To date, no study has characterized which patients are being evaluated with this tool. OBJECTIVE: We sought to characterize the use and impact of the MBSAQIP calculator. SETTING: MBSAQIP collects data from 955 centers in North America. METHODS: The 2021 MBSAQIP database was evaluated for the use of the calculator on preoperative counseling for patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Patient characteristics, operative techniques, and outcomes were compared with bivariate analysis. Multivariable modeling evaluated factors including use of the calculator independently associated with serious complications and mortality. RESULTS: Our study included 210,710 patients, 35,158 (16.7%) of whom were evaluated using the calculator. Patients with whom the calculator was used preoperatively were older (43.8 ± 11.6 yr versus 43.6 ± 11.7 yr; P < .001) and were more likely to have insulin-dependent diabetes, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, renal insufficiency, and sleep apnea. More patients underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the calculator cohort compared with the cohort that did not use the calculator (29.6% versus 28.6%; P < .003). The rate of serious complication was significantly less in the calculator cohort (3.1% versus 3.4%; P < .030). Multivariable modeling evaluating serious complications showed that use of the calculator was independently associated with reduced risk of serious complications (odds ratio .87, CI .82-.93, P < .001) but was not associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: The use of the risk calculator may help to reduce the incidence of complications by opening a dialogue between healthcare professionals and patients, setting realistic expectations, and identifying modifiable risk factors.

Complications After Renal Mass Biopsy: Frequency, Nature, Timing, and Associated Characteristics.

BACKGROUND. Observation periods after renal mass biopsy (RMB) range from 1 hour to overnight hospitalization. Short observation may improve efficiency by allowing use of the same recovery bed and other resources for RMBs in additional patients. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency, timing, and nature of complications after RMB, as well as to identify characteristics associated with such complications. METHODS. This retrospective study included 576 patients (mean age, 64.9 years; 345 men, 231 women) who underwent percutaneous ultrasound- or CT-guided RMB at one of three hospitals, performed by 22 radiologists, between January 1, 2008, and June 1, 2020. The EHR was reviewed to identify postbiopsy complications, which were classified as bleeding-related or non-bleeding-related and as acute (< 24 hours), subacute (24 hours to 30 days), or delayed (> 30 days). Deviations from normal clinical management (analgesia, unplanned laboratory testing, or additional imaging) were identified. RESULTS. Acute and subacute complications occurred after 3.6% (21/576) and 0.7% (4/576) of RMBs, respectively. No delayed complication or patient death occurred. A total of 76.2% (16/21) of acute complications were bleeding-related. A deviation from normal clinical management occurred after 1.6% (9/551) of RMBs that had no associated postbiopsy complication. Among the 16 patients with bleeding-related acute complications, all experienced a deviation, with mean time to deviation of 56 ± 47 (SD) minutes (range, 10-162 minutes; ≤ 120 minutes in 13/16 patients). The five non-bleeding-related acute complications all presented at the time of RMB completion. The four subacute complications occurred from 28 hours to 18 days after RMB. Patients with, versus those without, a bleeding-related complication had a lower platelet count (mean, 197.7 vs 250.4 × 109/L, p = .01) and greater frequency of entirely endophytic renal masses (47.4% vs 19.6%, p = .01). CONCLUSION. Complications after RMB were uncommon and presented either within 3 hours after biopsy or more than 24 hours after biopsy. CLINICAL IMPACT. A 3-hour monitoring window after RMB before patient discharge (in the absence of deviation from normal clinical management and complemented by informing patients of the low risk of a subacute complication) may provide both safe patient management and appropriate resource utilization.

Duodenal-jejunal bypass liners are superior to optimal medical management in ameliorating metabolic dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates metabolic and anthropometric outcomes of duodenal-jejunal bypass liners (DJBLs) compared to optimal medical management for the treatment of obesity and its associated metabolic complications. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted. Studies were reviewed and data were extracted following the PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcome was glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) change at device explant with secondary outcomes including body mass index (BMI), weight, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and adverse events. Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria evaluating a total of 1229 patients undergoing DJBL treatment. When compared to medical management, DJBLs provided superior reductions in HbA1c (mean difference, MD -0.96%; 95% CI -1.43, -0.49; p < 0.0001), FPG (MD -1.76 mmol/L; 95% CI -2.80, -0.72; p = 0.0009), BMI (MD -2.80 kg/m2 ; 95% CI -4.18, -1.41; p < 0.0001), and weight (MD -5.45 kg; 95% CI -9.80, -1.09, p = 0.01). Post-explant data reveals a gradual return to baseline status. Incidence of early device explant was 20.2%. Complications were resolved conservatively or with device explant without long-term morbidity or mortality. We conclude that DJBLs provide significant metabolic and anthropometric improvements for patients with obesity. Uncertainty about the extent to which improvements are maintained after device removal may limit the use of DJBLs as a standalone treatment for obesity and associated metabolic complications.

A 5-year characterization of trends and outcomes in elderly patients undergoing elective bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: The North American population with severe obesity is aging and with that so will the number of elderly patients (≥ 65 years) meeting indications for metabolic surgery. Trends in bariatric delivery in this population are poorly characterized and outcomes remain conflicting, limiting potential uptake and delivery. METHODS: The MBSAQIP database was used to identify elderly patients (≥ 65 years) undergoing elective bariatric surgery from 2015 to 2019. Our objectives were to analyze their unique characteristics, surgical operative trends, and outcomes by comparing to a non-elderly cohort. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of serious complications and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: There was a total of 751,607 patients, 5.3% (n = 39,854) were elderly. Mean ages were 43 ± 11 years (non-elderly) versus 68 ± 3 years (elderly). Elderly patients were less likely to be female (70.7% elderly; 80.1% non-elderly) and had lower BMI (43.17 ± 6.64 kg/m2 elderly; 45.42 ± 7.87 kg/m2 non-elderly). They had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, lower functional status, more insulin dependent diabetes, and hypertension, among other comorbidities. There were no clinically significant differences between the most frequently performed bariatric surgery. Sleeve gastrectomy remained the most common (73.7% non-elderly; 72.3% elderly); however, operative time was longer among the elderly. Functional status was most predictive for both serious complications (OR 1.72; CI 1.53-1.94) and mortality (OR 2.92; CI 1.98-4.31). Surgery among elderly patients was associated with poorer 30-day postoperative outcomes across all categories and was independently associated with serious complications (OR 1.23; CI 1.17-1.30, p < 0.001; AR 4.64%) and 30-day mortality (OR 2.49; CI 2.00-3.11, p < 0.001; AR 0.27%), after adjusting for comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: After adjusting for comorbidities, functional status remains the most predictive factor for poor outcomes; however, elderly patients have increased 30-day odds of serious complications and 30-day mortality, suggesting a need to tailor our approach to these individuals that carry a unique operative risk.

Characteristics and outcomes for patients undergoing revisional bariatric surgery due to persistent obesity: a retrospective cohort study of 10,589 patients.

BACKGROUND: Revisional bariatric surgery in an option for patients who experience weight regain or inadequate weight loss after primary elective bariatric procedures. However, there is conflicting data on safety outcomes of revisional procedures. We aim to characterize patient demographics, procedure type, and safety outcomes for those undergoing revisional compared to initial bariatric interventions to guide management of these patients. METHODS: The 2020 Metabolic and Bariatric Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) registry was analyzed, comparing primary elective to revisional bariatric procedures for inadequate weight loss. Bivariate analysis was performed to determine between group differences. Multivariable logistic regression determined factors associated with serious complications or mortality. RESULTS: We evaluated 158,424 patients, including 10,589 (6.7%) revisional procedures. Patients undergoing revisional procedures were more like to be female (85.5% revisional vs. 81.0% initial; p < 0.001), had lower body mass index (43.6 ± 7.8 kg/m2 revisional vs. 45.2 ± 7.8 kg/m2 initial; p < 0.001), and less metabolic comorbidities than patients undergoing primary bariatric surgery. The most common revisional procedures were Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (48.4%) and sleeve gastrectomy (32.5%). Revisional procedures had longer operative duration compared to primary procedures. Patients undergoing revisional procedures were more likely to experience readmission to hospital (4.8% revisional vs. 2.9% initial; p < 0.001) and require reoperation (2.4% revisional vs. 1.0% initial; p < 0.001) within 30 days of the procedure. Revisional procedures were independently associated with increased serious complications (OR 1.49, CI 1.36-1.64, p < 0.001) but were not a significant predictor of 30-day mortality (OR 0.74, CI 0.36-1.50, p = 0.409). CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to primary bariatric surgery, patients undergoing revisional procedures have less metabolic comorbidities. Revisional procedures have worse perioperative outcomes and are independently associated with serious complications. These data help to contextualize outcomes for patients undergoing revisional bariatric procedures and to inform decision making in these patients.

Substance abuse screening prior to bariatric surgery: an MBSAQIP cohort study evaluating frequency and factors associated with screening.

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing bariatric surgery experience substantial risk of pre- and postoperative substance use. Identifying patients at risk for substance use using validated screening tools remains crucial to risk mitigation and operative planning. We aimed to evaluate proportion of bariatric surgery patients undergoing specific substance abuse screening, factors associated with screening and the relationship between screening and postoperative complications. METHODS: The 2021 MBSAQIP database was analyzed. Bivariate analysis was performed to compare factors between groups who were screened for substance abuse versus non-screened, and to compare frequency of outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the independent effect of substance screening on serious complications and mortality, and to assess factors associated with substance abuse screening. RESULTS: A total of 210, 804 patients were included, with 133,313 (63.2%) undergoing screening and 77,491 (36.8%) who did not. Those who underwent screening were more likely to be white, non-smoker, and have more comorbidities. The frequency of complications was not significant (e.g., reintervention, reoperation, leak) or similar (readmission rates 3.3% vs. 3.5%) between screened and not screened groups. On multivariate analysis, lower substance abuse screening was not associated with 30-day death or 30-day serious complication. Factors that significantly affected likelihood of being screened for substance abuse included being black (aOR 0.87, p < 0.001) or other race (aOR 0.82, p < 0.001) compared to white, being a smoker (aOR 0.93, p < 0.001), having a conversion or revision procedure (aOR 0.78, p < 0.001; aOR 0.64, p < 0.001, respectively), having more comorbidities and undergoing Roux-en-y gastric bypass (aOR 1.13, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There remains significant inequities in substance abuse screening in bariatric surgery patients regarding demographic, clinical, and operative factors. These factors include race, smoking status, presence of preoperative comorbidities, and procedure type. Further awareness and initiatives highlighting the importance of identifying at risk patients is critical for ongoing outcome improvement.

Conversion of Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Indications, Prevalence, and Safety.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) frequently requires conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or weight recurrence. Current evidence evaluating the safety of conversion from SG to RYGB and its indications is limited to single centers. METHODS: The objective was to determine the rate of serious complications and mortality of conversion of SG to RYGB (SG-RYGB) compared to primary RYGB (P-RYGB). This was a retrospective analysis of the MBSAQIP database which includes 30-day outcomes. Individuals undergoing P-RYGB or SG-RYGB were included. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine if revisional surgery was an independent predictor of serious complications or mortality. RESULTS: In 2020 and 2021, 84,543 (86.3%) patients underwent P-RYGB and 13,432 (13.7%) underwent SG-RYGB. SG-RYGB cohort had lower body mass index, lower rates of diabetes and hypertension, and higher rates of GERD. GERD was the most common indication for revision (55.3%) followed by weight regain (24.4%) and inadequate weight loss (12.7%). SG-RYGB had longer operative times (145 vs. 125 min, p < 0.001) and a higher rate of serious complications (7.2 vs. 5.0%, p < 0.001). This included higher rates of anastomotic leak (0.5 vs. 0.4%, p = 0.002), bleeding (2.0 vs. 1.6%, p < 0.001), and reoperation (3.0 vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001) but not death (0.1 vs. 0.1%, p = 0.385). On multivariable analysis, SG-RYGB was independently predictive of serious complications (OR 1.21, 95%CI 1.12 to 1.32, p < 0.001) but not mortality (p = 0.316). CONCLUSIONS: While SG-RYGB is safe with a low complication rate, SG-RYGB was associated with a higher rate of serious complications compared to P-RYGB.