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.

A longer pelvis is associated with longer operative time in transanal total mesorectal excision (TME) but not in laparoscopic TME. Results from a retrospective cohort study.

Introduction: A narrow pelvis, obesity, and bulky low rectal tumor are perceived as risk factors for intraoperative difficulties during total mesorectal excision (TME), particularly in the laparoscopic approach. A transanal approach has been developed to overcome the difficulties encountered during laparoscopic TME. There is no clear definition of a narrow pelvis that would guide preoperative surgical planning. Aim: To evaluate different MRI-based pelvic measurements in patients undergoing TME to identify factors predictive of intraoperative difficulties in transabdominal compared to the transanal approach. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of 48 patients treated with laparoscopic TME and 62 with transanal TME for rectal tumors was performed. Multiple logistic regressions analyzed demographic, tumor, and pelvimetry factors that correlate with intraoperative difficulties measured as intraoperative blood loss, operation time, and perioperative complications in both surgical approaches. Results: Multivariate analysis showed that age was associated with higher blood loss (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.00-1.18, p = 0.038), male gender (OR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02-0.86, p = 0.029) and body mass index with longer operating time (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.06-1.64, p = 0.010) in the LAR group. Multivariate analysis showed that age increased the odds of intraoperative blood loss > 100 ml (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.15, p = 0.013), and pelvic length > 119 mm increased operating time (OR = 5.76, 95% CI: 1.33-25.01, p = 0.016) in the TaTME group. Conclusions: Pelvic measurements are not associated with intraoperative difficulties in LAR. Longer pelvis was associated with longer operative time in TaTME.

Differences in Technical Aspects of Primary Sleeve Gastrectomy Prior to Redo Bariatric Surgery-A Multicenter Cohort Study (PROSS Study).

Background and Objectives: Although the technical simplicity of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is relatively well understood, many parts of the procedure differ according to bariatric surgeons. These technical variations may impact postoperative weight loss or the treatment of comorbidities and lead to qualification for redo procedures. Materials and Methods: A multicenter, observational, retrospective study was conducted among patients undergoing revision procedures. Patients were divided into three groups based on the indications for revisional surgery (insufficient weight loss or obesity-related comorbidities treatment, weight regain and development of complications). Results: The median bougie size was 36 (32-40) with significant difference (p = 0.04). In 246 (51.57%) patients, the resection part of sleeve gastrectomy was started 4 cm from the pylorus without significant difference (p = 0.065). The number of stapler cartridges used during the SG procedure was six staplers in group C (p = 0.529). The number of procedures in which the staple line was reinforced was the highest in group A (29.63%) with a significant difference (0.002). Cruroplasty was performed in 13 patients (p = 0.549). Conclusions: There were no differences between indications to redo surgery in terms of primary surgery parameters such as the number of staplers used or the length from the pylorus to begin resection. The bougie size was smaller in the group of patients with weight regain. Patients who had revision for insufficient weight loss were significantly more likely to have had their staple line oversewn. A potential cause could be a difference in the size of the removed portion of the stomach, but it is difficult to draw unequivocal conclusions within the limitations of our study.

Recommendations for modern perioperative care for elective surgery: consensus of panel of exerts.

INTRODUCTION: Correct surgical technique and perioperative care are two factors that can reduce the number of complications, improve treatment outcomes and shorten the length of hospital stay. The introduction of enhanced recovery protocols has changed the approach to patient care in some centers. However, there are significant differences among centers, and in some the standard of care has remained unchanged. AIM: the goal of the panel was to develop recommendations for modern perioperative care in accordance with current medical knowledge in order to reduce the number of complications associated with surgical treatment. An additional goal was to optimize and standardize perioperative care among Polish centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: the development of these recommendations was based on a review of the available literature from the PubMed, Medline and Cochrane Library databases from January 1, 1985 to March 31, 2022, with particular emphasis on systematic reviews and clinical recommendations of recognized scientific societies. Recommendations were formulated in a directive form and were assessed using the Delphi method. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: 34 recommendations for perioperative care were presented. They cover aspects of pre-, intra- and post-operative care. Implementation of the presented rules allows to improve the results of surgical treatment.

Analysis of the risk factors for perioperative morbidity after laparoscopic revisional bariatric procedures: results from the multicenter Polish Revision Obesity Surgery Study.

BACKGROUND: The growing number of primary bariatric operations has led to an increase in demand for revision surgeries. Higher numbers of revisional operations are also observed in Poland, yet their safety and efficacy remain controversial because of a lack of current recommendations and guidelines. OBJECTIVE: To review risk factors influencing perioperative morbidity. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the results of surgical treatment among 12 Polish bariatric centers. Inclusion criteria were laparoscopic revisional bariatric surgeries and patients ≥18 years of age. The study included 795 patients, of whom 621 were female; the mean age was 47 years (range: 40-55 years). RESULTS: Perioperative morbidity occurred in 92 patients (11.6%) enrolled in the study, including 76 women (82.6%). The median age was 45 years (range: 39-54 years). Statistically significant risk factors in univariate logistic regression models for perioperative complications were the duration of obesity, revisional surgery after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or adjustable gastric band (AGB), difference in body mass index before revisional surgery and the lowest achieved after primary surgery, and postoperative morbidity of the primary surgery as the cause for revisional bariatric surgery. These factors were included in the multivariate regression model. Revisional surgery after AGB (odds ratio [OR] = 2.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28-3.69; P = .004), revisional surgery performed after RYGB (OR = 6.52; 95% CI: 1.98-21.49; P = .002), and revisions due to complication of the primary surgery (OR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.06-3.34; P = .030) remained independent risk factors for perioperative morbidity. CONCLUSION: Revisional operations after RYGB or AGB and those performed because of postoperative morbidity after primary surgery as the main cause for revisional surgery were associated with a significantly increased risk of postoperative morbidity.

Revisional bariatric procedures in the group of patients over 60 years of age: a multicenter cohort study (PROSS Study).

Introduction: The constantly increasing prevalence of obesity in the population and the lengthening of life expectancy affect the appearance of the problem of pathological obesity also in the elderly. At the same time, an increase in the number of bariatric procedures (also revisional) performed in elderly patients is observed. Aim: To assess the indications for revisional bariatric procedures along with the safety and postoperative results in the group of patients over 60 years of age. Material and methods: The study was conducted in 2019-2020 among patients undergoing revisional bariatric procedures in Polish bariatric centers. The data were obtained through a multicenter, observational retrospective study. Results: Our data consist of 55 (8.1%) patients older than 60 years of age who underwent revisional bariatric procedures. Revisional procedures in the group of patients over 60 years of age had fewer postoperative complications (16.4% vs. 23.1%, p < 0.05). Remission of type II diabetes or arterial hypertension was achieved to a lesser extent in patients operated on over the age of 60 (13% and 15%, respectively) compared to patients operated on under the age of 60 (47% and 34%, respectively; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Revisional bariatric procedures in the group of patients over 60 years of age do not cause an increased risk of postoperative complications or prolonged hospital stay. The possibility of achieving remission or improvement in the treatment of comorbidities in patients operated on over 60 years of age is relatively lower compared to a younger group.

Revisional operations among patients after surgical treatment of obesity: a multicenter Polish Revision Obesity Surgery Study (PROSS).

Introduction: Revisional surgery is more technically challenging and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, the frequency of revisional bariatric surgery (RBS) is increasing. Therefore, investigating this group of patients appears to be currently valid. Aim: The objective of this multicenter study was to collect, systematize and present the available data on RBS after surgical treatment of morbid obesity among Polish patients. Material and methods: This multicenter study included a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database. Outcomes included an analysis of the indications for RBS, the type of surgery most frequently chosen as RBS and the course of the perioperative period of treatment among patients undergoing RBS. Results: The group consisted of 799 patients (624 (78.1%) women, 175 (21.9%) men). The mean age was 38.96 ±9.72 years. Recurrence of obesity was the most common indication for RBS. The most frequently performed RBS procedures were one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) - 294 (36.8%) patients, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) - 289 (36.17%) patients and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) - 172 (21.52%) patients. After primary surgery 63.58% of patients achieved sufficient weight loss, but after RBS only 38.87%. Complications were noted in 222 (27.78%) cases after RBS with GERD being the most common - 117 (14.64%) patients. Conclusions: RBS most often concerns patients after SG. The main indication for RBS is weight regain. OAGB and RYGB were the two most frequently chosen types of RBS. Secondary operations lead to further weight reduction. However, RBS are associated with a significant risk of complications.

The prevalence of, and risk factors for, Barrett's oesophagus after sleeve gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Sleeve gastrectomy has become one of the most performed bariatric procedures. There is increasing evidence that sleeve gastrectomy patients suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease and its sequelae such as erosive oesophagitis (EO) or Barret's oesophagus (BO). AIM: To evaluate the incidence of EO and BO among patients with normal preoperative oesophagogastroduodenoscopy findings, who underwent sleeve gastrectomy, and investigate factors that may contribute to the development of EO and BO after the surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a single-centre longitudinal study that included patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy and completed 5 years of follow-up. Gastroscopies were performed in all patients at the end of the follow-up period. Patient- and treatment-related factors were used to search for risk factors of BO. RESULTS: From a total of 30 patients, symptomatic reflux was reported by 17 (56.7%) during the follow-up period. At EGD EO was found in 9 of those patients (30%), whereas BE was diagnosed in 8 (27%) patients. The median BMI at the end of the follow-up period was significantly higher among patients with BE than in the groups with EO and with no endoscopic changes: 40.91 ±6.32, 32.42 ±5.53, and 33.25 ±4.41, respectively (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of BO in SG patients is considerable. The risk of BE increases in patients with poor bariatric outcome. Endoscopic surveillance should be considered as part of the follow-up, especially in patients with higher overall risk of BE.

How we prepared our operating theatre for patients with SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The COVID-19 disease continues to cause a global pandemic. The University Hospital in Krakow has been designated as one of the COVID-19 hospitals. To prepare for the pandemic we needed to implement strategies that would protect the health care workers, reduce in-hospital transmission, and provide optimal care for the patients. In the operating department, these preparations involve the cooperation of multiple teams and can pose significant difficulties. Here, we describe measures taken in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. These include, adjustments made in OR set-ups, modification of workflow and processes, and the introduction of adequate personal protective equipment. We believe that these containment measures are required in order to provide an adequate quality of care to COVID-19 patient and to minimise the risk of cross-infection to staff members and other patients.

Surgical Interventions in Patients Hospitalised with COVID-19. A Review of Seven Months of Experience Working in a COVID-19 Dedicated Centre.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has made changes to the traditional way of performing surgical consultations. The aim of the present study was to assess the need for surgical care performed by various surgical specialties among patients infected with COVID-19 hospitalized in a COVID-19 dedicated hospital. All surgical consultations performed for patients infected with COVID-19 in a COVID dedicated hospital in a seven month period were evaluated. Data on demographics, surgical specialty, consult reason, procedure performed, and whether it was a standard face to face or teleconsultation were gathered. Out of 2359 COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital in the seven month period, 229 (9.7%) required surgical care. Out of those 108 consultations that did not lead to surgery, 71% were managed by telemedicine. A total of 36 patients were operated on while suffering from COVID-19. Out of them, only three patients admitted primarily for COVID-19 pneumonia underwent emergency surgery. The overall mortality among those operated on was 16.7%. Conclusions: Patients hospitalised with COVID-19 may require surgical care from various surgical specialties, especially during peaks of the pandemic. However, they rarely require a surgical procedure and only occasionally require major surgery. A significant portion of potentially surgical problems could be managed by teleconsultations.

General surgeons' attitudes towards COVID-19: A national survey during the SARS-CoV-2 virus outbreak.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 global pandemic left the unprepared health care systems struggling to mount a measured response. This gave rise to important questions about surgeons' attitude towards surgical practice and the level of preparation at work. METHODS: Cross-sectional web-based national survey distributed to general surgeons by e­mail over a period of 7 days. RESULTS: Among 304 responders, 42.6% were working in the hospital with COVID-19 patients. Three quarters of all surgeons (74.5%) were afraid of contracting the disease. While 42% expressed a fear for their own life while caring for COVID-19 patients, 90.1% were afraid of transmitting the disease to family members. The average reported level of PPE provided at the workplace was significantly higher among the group which was not afraid of contracting COVID-19 than among the group afraid of contracting COVID-19 (4.0 vs. 3.12, p = 0.02). Nearly all surgeons (93.8%) agreed that cancer surgeries should be continued during the pandemic and 49% perceived laparoscopy as a safe approach when operating on COVID-19 positive patients. CONCLUSION: A high proportion of surgeons admitted being afraid of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, which had various implications for their attitude towards surgical practice. Protecting health care workers is an important component of public health measures for addressing the epidemic.

Return to play after brain tumor surgery in children.

PURPOSE: Children with a history of brain tumors do not appear to be at a significantly higher risk of sports-related injuries. Nevertheless, according to the systematic review and survey conducted by Perreault et al., 75% of healthcare professionals restrict their patients' participation in physical activities after brain tumor surgery. The aim of our study was to verify whether children after brain tumor surgery return to physical education (PE) classes. It was also an attempt to explore factors limiting return to physical activity. METHODS: Patients after brain tumor surgery, ≤ 18 years old on admission with ≥ 1 year follow-up were included in the analysis. Data concerning the disease were collected and summarized in search of factors limiting return to physical activity. Meticulous information about return to sports and physical education at school was gathered during follow-up visits. RESULTS: 71.43% of patients returned to school sports activities. Children who did not return to PE had markedly higher neoplasm WHO grade. Significant differences were also found between the groups in terms of hydrocephalus occurrence and need for additional oncological treatment. In univariate analysis, we identified neoplasm WHO grade, tumor location, presence of neurological deficit after the procedure, additional oncological treatment, and occurrence of hydrocephalus needing shunting as the risk factors for not returning to school physical education. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of pediatric brain tumor survivors return safely to physical education. Higher neoplasm WHO grade, presence of neurological deficit after the procedure, additional oncological treatment, and occurrence of hydrocephalus are risk factors for not returning to physical education.

Surgical care in Poland after COVID-19 outbreak: a national survey.

B a c k g r o u n d: During COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to collect and analyze data concerning management of hospitals and wards to work out solutions for potential future crisis. The objective of the study was to investigate how surgical wards in Poland are managing during rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic. M e t h o d s: An anonymous, online survey was designed and distributed to surgeons and surgery residents working in surgical departments during pandemic. Responders were divided into two groups: Group 1 (responders working in a "COVID-19-dedicated" hospital) and Group 2 (responders working in other hospitals). Results: Overall, 323 responders were included in the study group, 30.03% of which were female. Medical staff deficits were reported by 21.15% responders from Group 1 and 29.52% responders from Group 2 (p = 0.003). The mean number of elective surgeries performed weekly prior to the pandemic in Group 1 was 40.37 ± 46.31 and during the pandemic was 13.98 ± 37.49 (p < 0.001). In Group 2, the mean number of elective surgeries performed weekly before the start of the pandemic was 26.85 ± 23.52 and after the start of the pandemic, it was 7.65 ± 13.49 (p <0.001). There were significantly higher reported levels of preparedness in Group 1 in terms of: theoretical training of the staff, equipping the staff and adapting the operating theater to safely perform procedures on patients with COVID-19. Overall, 62.23% of responders presume being infected with SARS-CoV-2. C o n c l u s i o n s: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a significantly negative impact on surgical wards. Despite the preparations, the number of responders who presume being infected with SARS-CoV-2 during present crisis is high.