Five-year Comorbidity Outcomes in Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (LVSG) and Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LVSG) is now the most commonly performed bariatric procedure; however, it remains to be elucidated if it delivers equivalent long-term comorbid disease resolution outcomes similar to the longer established laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate the comparative 5-year outcomes of both procedures. METHODS: Electronic databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, CINAHL) were searched for RCTs conducted in adults (>18y) that compared the 5-year- outcomes of LVSG to LRYGB and described comorbidity outcomes were included. Where data allowed, effect sizes were calculated using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman estimation method for random effects model. Presence of bias was assessed with Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 and funnel plots, and certainty of evidence evaluated by GRADE. The study prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018112054). RESULTS: Three RCTs (LVSG=254, LRYGB=255) met inclusion criteria and reported on chronic disease outcomes. Improvement and/or resolution of hypertension favoured LRYGB (odds ratio 0.49, 95% CI 0.29, 0.84; P =0.03). Trends favoring LRYGB were seen for type 2 diabetes and dysplidemia, and LVSG for sleep apnea and back/joint conditions ( P >0.05). The certainty of evidence associated with each assessed outcome ranged from low to very low, in the setting of 'some' to 'high' bias assessed as being present. CONCLUSION: Both LRYGB and LVSG are effective in providing long-term improvements in commonly experienced obesity-related comorbidities; however, the limited certainty of the evidence does not allow for strong clinical conclusions to be made at this time regarding benefit of one procedure over the other.

Prophylactic Onlay Mesh Repair (POMR) Versus Primary Suture Repair (PSR) for Prevention of Incisional Hernia (IH) After Abdominal Wall Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: With many different operative techniques in use to reduce the incidence of incisional hernias (IH) following a midline laparotomy, there is no consensus among the clinicians on the efficacy and safety of any particular repair technique. This meta-analysis compares the prophylactic onlay mesh repair (POMR) and primary suture repair (PSR) for the incidence of IH. METHODS: A meta-analysis and systematic review of MEDLINE, PubMed Central (via PubMed), Embase (via Ovid), SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, SCI and Cochrane Library databases were undertaken. Seven randomized controlled trials assessing the outcomes of PSR and POMR were analyzed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. The risk of bias was assessed using the Rob2 tool. RESULTS: According to the pooled analysis, POMR significantly reduced the incidence of IH compared to the PSR (OR 5.82 [95% CI 2.69, 12.58] P < 0.01) with a significantly higher seroma formation rate post-surgery (OR 0.35 [95% CI 0.18, 0.67] P < 0.01). Furthermore, the length of hospital stay (WMD -0.78 [95% CI -1.58, 0.02] P = 0.05) was significantly shorter for PSR compared to POMR group. Comparable effects were noted for reintervention, postoperative ileus, postoperative hematoma, postoperative mortality, long-term intervention and long-term deaths between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: POMR significantly reduces the risk of IH when compared to the PSR, with an increased risk of postoperative seroma formation and longer hospital stay. However, more RCTs with standardized protocols are needed for meaningful comparisons of the two interventions, along with longer duration of follow-up to assess the impact on the occurrence of IH.

Micronutrient management following bariatric surgery: the role of the dietitian in the postoperative period.

Bariatric surgery is increasingly being utilized to manage obesity and obesity related comorbidities, but may lead to the development of micronutrient deficiencies postoperatively. The anatomical, physiological, nutritional and behavioral reasons for micronutrient vulnerabilities are reviewed, along with recommendations for routine monitoring and replacement following surgery. The role the dietitian and their contribution in the postoperative identification, prevention and management of micronutrient vulnerabilities in bariatric patients is described. Specific considerations such as the nutritional and dietetic management of pregnant and lactating women post-bariatric surgery is also discussed.

Bariatric surgery and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

With the rapidly increasing prevalence of obesity globally, the practice of bariatric surgery is being adopted routinely to prevent the development of chronic conditions as well as some forms of cancers associated with obesity. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of those chronic conditions. Furthermore, there is accumulating data that obesity is associated with complications related to longstanding GERD such as erosive esophagitis (EE), Barrett's esophagus (BE), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Central obesity, rather than body mass index (BMI), appears to be more closely associated with these complications. It should be expected, therefore, that weight loss procedures should result in improvement in GERD symptoms and its associated complications. However, in reality the different bariatric surgical procedures have unpredictable effects on an established GERD and may even produce GERD symptoms for the very first time (de novo). In this review, we explore the literature studying the effects of bariatric surgical operations on GERD. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass appears to have the most beneficial effect on GERD. On the other hand, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) are linked with long-term increased prevalence of GERD. We argue that GERD is an extremely important preoperative consideration for any patient undergoing bariatric surgery and therefore should be thoroughly investigated objectively (with 24-hour pH study and high-resolution manometry) to select the most suitable bariatric procedure for patients for their long-term success.

Anterior Dor or Posterior Toupet with Heller Myotomy for Achalasia Cardia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Partial fundoplication is commonly performed in conjunction with Heller Myotomy. It is, however, controversial whether anterior Dor or posterior Toupet partial fundoplication is the antireflux procedure of choice. The aim was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing these two procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search of PubMed, Cochrane database, Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, Google scholar and current contents for English language articles comparing Dor and Toupet fundoplication following HM between 1991 and 2018 was performed. The outcome variables analyzed included operating time, length of hospital stay (LOHS), overall complication rate, quality of life (QOL), postoperative reflux, residual postoperative dysphagia, treatment failure and reoperations. The meta-analysis was prepared in accordance with the PRISMA-P statement. RESULTS: Seven studies totaling 486 patients (Dor = 245, Toupet = 241) were analyzed. LOHS was significantly shorter for Toupet repair compared to Dor procedure (WMD 0.73, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.99; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, patients after Toupet experienced significantly better QOL than those after Dor (WMD 1.68, 95% CI 0.68 to 2.73, P < 0.001). All other variables showed comparable effects for these two procedures. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that Toupet fundoplication is superior to Dor in terms of LOHS and QOL following HM. For other variables such as postoperative reflux, postoperative dysphagia, complication rates and treatment failure, both Dor and Toupet fundoplication produced effective and equivalent results.

Correction to: Causes of recurrence in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

In the original publication, affiliation 3 was incorrectly published for the author 'Darius Ashrafi'. The correct affiliation should read as 'Department of Surgery, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, QLD, Australia.

Pharmaconutrition administration on outcomes of elective oncological surgery for gastrointestinal malignancies: is timing everything?-a review of published meta-analyses until the end of 2016.

The last 25 years have seen an increasing number of publications attesting the benefits of pharmaconutrition in the management of patients undergoing elective oncological gastrointestinal surgery. A number of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggest the use of pharmaconutrition in this group of patients produces superior outcomes to standard nutritional formulations in terms of postoperative infective complications, anastomotic breakdown and length of hospital stay. The use of pharmaconutrition products, therefore, has gained increasing acceptance for use in elective gastrointestinal oncological surgical populations and been incorporated into practice guidelines. However, there remains doubts as to the robustness of such data supporting these recommendation. This is because studies reporting improved outcomes with pharmaconutrition (I) frequently compare this intervention with non-equivalent control groups; (II) do not report on the actual nutritional provision received by study participants; (III) overlook the potential impact of industry funding on research conducted and (IV) do not adopt a multi-disciplinary approach to the research undertaken. For these reasons, a critical re-appraisal of the use and recommendations of pharmaconutrition in this group of patients is urgently warranted to resolve some of the above mentioned issues. The aim of this review was to analyse meta-analyses published until the end of 2016 in this area to highlight the strengths and weakness of the present research and prioritize certain areas which will benefit from future research.

Management of oesophageal intramucosal carcinoma.

We present an interesting case of an intramucosal carcinoma (IMC) in the setting of Barrett's oesophagus in a 66-year-old woman. Her clinical course highlights the shifting paradigm in the approach to management of Barrett's oesophagus and IMC. With innovation in imaging and endoscopic treatment modalities, patients are detected earlier and managed prior to development of malignancy. The patient was treated with endoscopic modalities, and after 3 years' follow-up, she remains recurrence free.

Causes of recurrence in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

PURPOSE: Recurrence after laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy is poorly understood. Reports suggest that up to 13% of all inguinal herniorrhaphies worldwide, irrespective of the approach, are repaired for recurrence. We aim to review the risk factors responsible for these recurrences in laparoscopic mesh techniques. METHODS: A search of the Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, Current Contents and PubMed databases identified English language, peer reviewed articles on the causes of recurrence following laparoscopic mesh inguinal herniorrhaphy published between 1990 and 2018. The search terms included 'Laparoscopic methods', 'Inguinal hernia; Mesh repair', 'Recurrence', 'Causes', 'Humans'. RESULTS: The literature revealed several contributing risk factors that were responsible for recurrence following laparoscopic mesh inguinal herniorrhaphy. These included modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors related to patient and surgical techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence can occur at any stage following inguinal hernia surgery. Patients' risk factors such as higher BMI, smoking, diabetes and postoperative surgical site infections increase the risk of recurrence and can be modified. Amongst the surgical factors, surgeon's experience, larger mesh with better tissue overlap and careful surgical techniques to reduce the incidence of seroma or hematoma help reduce the recurrence rate. Other factors including type of mesh and fixation of mesh have not shown any difference in the incidence of recurrence. It is hoped that future randomized controlled trials will address some of these issues and initiate preoperative management strategies to modify some of these risk factors to lower the risk of recurrence following laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Meta-analysis of histopathological outcomes of laparoscopic assisted rectal resection (LARR) vs open rectal resection (ORR) for carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a meta-analysis of the randomized evidence to determine the relative merits of histopathological outcomes of laparoscopic assisted (LARR) versus open rectal resection (ORR) for rectal cancer. DATA SOURCES: A search of PubMed and other electronic databases comparing LARR and ORR between Jan 2000 and June 2016 was performed. Histopathological variables analyzed included; location of rectal tumors; complete and incomplete TME; positive and negative circumferential resection margins (+/-CRM); positive distal resected margins (+DRM); distance of tumor from DRM; number of lymph nodes harvested; resected specimen length; tumor size and perforated rectum. RESULTS: Fourteen RCTs totaling 3843 patients (LARR = 2096, ORR = 1747) were analyzed. Comparable effects were noted for all these histopathological variables except for the variable perforated rectum which favored ORR. CONCLUSIONS: LARR compares favorably to ORR for rectal cancer treatment. However, there is significantly higher risk of rectal perforation during LARR compared to ORR.

Changes in Non-Diabetic Comorbid Disease Status Following Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (LVSG) Versus Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) Procedures: a Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LVSG) have been proposed as cost-effective strategies to manage obesity-related chronic disease. The aim of this systematic review was to study the peer review literature regarding postoperative nondiabetic comorbid disease resolution or improvement reported from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing LVSG and LRYGB procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: RCTs comparing postoperative comorbid disease resolution such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, joint and musculoskeletal conditions, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and menstrual irregularities following LVSG and LRYGB were included for analysis. The studies were selected from PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, Current Contents, and the Cochrane database and reported on at least one comorbidity resolution or improvement. The present work was undertaken according to the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The Jadad method for assessment of methodological quality was applied to the included studies. RESULTS: Six RCTs performed between 2005 and 2015 involving a total of 695 patients (LVSG n = 347, LRYGB n = 348) reported on the resolution or improvement of comorbid disease following LVSG and LRYGB procedures. Both bariatric procedures provide effective and almost comparable results in improving or resolving these comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review of RCTs suggests that both LVSG and LRYGB are effective in resolving or improving preoperative nondiabetic comorbid diseases in obese patients. While results are not conclusive at this time, LRYGB may provide superior results compared to LVSG in mediating the remission and/or improvement in some conditions such as dyslipidemia and arthritis.

Diabetes improvement and resolution following laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LVSG) versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) procedures: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is growing in both developed and developing countries and is strongly linked with the prevalence of obesity. Bariatric surgical procedures such as laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LVSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are increasingly being utilized to manage related comorbid chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was undertaken using the PRISMA guidelines to investigate the postoperative impact on diabetes resolution following LVSG versus LRYGB. RESULTS: Seven RCTs involving a total of 732 patients (LVSG n = 365, LRYGB n = 367) met inclusion criteria. Significant diabetes resolution or improvement was reported with both procedures across all time points. Similarly, measures of glycemic control (HbA1C and fasting blood glucose levels) improved with both procedures, with earlier improvements noted in LRYGB that stabilized and did not differ from LVSG at 12 months postoperatively. Early improvements in measures of insulin resistance in both procedures were also noted in the studies that investigated this. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review of RCTs suggests that both LVSG and LRYGB are effective in resolving or improving preoperative type 2 diabetes in obese patients during the reported 3- to 5-year follow-up periods. However, further studies are required before longer-term outcomes can be elucidated. Areas identified that need to be addressed for future studies on this topic include longer follow-up periods, standardized definitions and time point for reporting, and financial analysis of outcomes obtained between surgical procedures to better inform procedure selection.

Mycobacterium Chelonae associated with rapid erosion of non-sutured laparoscopic gastric band.

INTRODUCTION: To describe a case of rapidly eroded laparoscopic placed non-sutured gastric band secondary to Mycobacterium chelonae. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 65 year old male, who had undergone laparoscopic gastric banding two months prior for morbid obesity, presented to the clinic complaining of abdominal pain and night time fever of 4days duration. Urgent gastroscopy revealed eroded gastric band which was removed laparoscopically. DISCUSSION: M. chelonae are not uncommon in Queensland. Although the mode of acquisition of infection remains unclear, it is suspected that human disease results from environmental exposure to dirty soil and water. The patient lives in rural Queensland and uses tank water which may be contaminated with M. chelonae. CONCLUSION: It is imperative to consider environmentally acquired infection in patients with rapid erosion of non-sutured gastric band.

Commercial Very Low Energy Meal Replacements for Preoperative Weight Loss in Obese Patients: a Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review assessed feasibility and effectiveness of preoperative meal replacements to improve surgical outcomes for obese patients. METHODS: PRISMA guidelines were followed and electronic databases searched for articles between January 1990 and March 2015. RESULTS: Fifteen studies (942 participants including 351 controls) were included, 13 studies (n = 750) in bariatric patients. Adverse effects and dropout rates were minimal. Ten out of 14 studies achieved 5-10 % total weight loss. Six of six studies reporting liver volume achieved 10 % reduction. Endpoints for perioperative risks and outcomes were too varied to support definitive risk benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Commercial meal replacements are feasible, have minimal side effects and facilitate weight loss and liver shrinkage in free-living obese patients awaiting elective surgery. A reduction in surgical risk is unclear.

Postoperative Early Major and Minor Complications in Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (LVSG) Versus Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) Procedures: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LVSG) have been proposed as cost-effective strategies to manage obesity-related chronic disease. The aim of this meta-analysis and systematic review was to compare the "early postoperative complication rate i.e. within 30-days" reported from randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing these two procedures. METHODS: RCTs comparing the early complication rates following LVSG and LRYGB between 2000 and 2015 were selected from PubMed, Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, Current Contents, and the Cochrane database. The outcome variables analyzed included 30-day mortality, major and minor complications and interventions required for their management, length of hospital stay, readmission rates, operating time, and conversions from laparoscopic to open procedures. RESULTS: Six RCTs involving a total of 695 patients (LVSG n = 347, LRYGB n = 348) reported on early major complications. A statistically significant reduction in relative odds of early major complications favoring the LVSG procedure was noted (p = 0.05). Five RCTs representing 633 patients (LVSG n = 317, LRYGB n = 316) reported early minor complications. A non-statically significant reduction in relative odds of 29 % favoring the LVSG procedure was observed for early minor complications (p = 0.4). However, other outcomes directly related to complications which included reoperation rates, readmission rate, and 30-day mortality rate showed comparable effect size for both surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis and systematic review of RCTs suggests that fewer early major and minor complications are associated with LVSG compared with LRYGB procedure. However, this does not translate into higher readmission rate, reoperation rate, or 30-day mortality for either procedure.

Suture Cruroplasty Versus Prosthetic Hiatal Herniorrhaphy for Large Hiatal Hernia: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing 2 methods of hiatal closure for large hiatal hernia and to evaluate their strengths and flaws. METHODS: Prospective RCTs comparing suture cruroplasty versus prosthetic hiatal herniorrhaphy for large hiatal hernia were selected by searching PubMed, Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, Current Contents, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials published between January 1991 and October 2014. The outcome variables analyzed included operating time, complications, recurrence of hiatal hernia or wrap migration, and reoperation. These outcomes were unanimously decided to be important because they influence the practical approach toward patient management. Random effects model was used to calculate the effect size of both dichotomous and continuous data. Heterogeneity among the outcome variables of these trials was determined by the Cochran's Q statistic and I index. The meta-analysis was prepared in accordance with Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. RESULTS: Four RCTs were analyzed totaling 406 patients (Suture = 186, Prosthesis = 220). For only 1 of the 4 outcomes, ie, reoperation rate (OR 3.73, 95% CI 1.18, 11.82, P = 0.03), the pooled effect size favored prosthetic hiatal herniorrhaphy over suture cruroplasty. For other outcomes, comparable effect sizes were noted for both groups which included recurrence of hiatal hernia or wrap migration (OR 2.01, 95% CI 0.92, 4.39, P = 0.07), operating time (SMD -0.46, 95% CI -1.16, -0.24, P = 0.19) and complication rates (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.45, 2.50, P = 0.90). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our meta-analysis and its limitations, we believe that the prosthetic hiatal herniorrhaphy and suture cruroplasty produces comparable results for repair of large hiatal hernias. In the future, a number of issues need to be addressed to determine the clinical outcomes, safety, and effectiveness of these 2 methods for elective surgical treatment of large hiatal hernias. Presently, the use of prosthetic hiatal herniorrhaphy for large hiatal hernia cannot be endorsed routinely and the decision for the placement of mesh needs to be individualized based on the operative findings and the surgeon's recommendation.