Long-term efficacy of total versus posterior partial fundoplication in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic fundoplication remains the standard treatment for patients with severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Multiple randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have compared the two most commonly performed surgical techniques, total and posterior partial fundoplication (Nissen [NF] and Toupet [TF]), in terms of symptom control and treatment failure in patients without subsequent dysmotility disorders. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of these two techniques with regard to the long-term effect on reflux control and associated dysphagia. METHODS: The MEDLINE®, Embase®, PubMed® and Cochrane Library databases were searched, and all the relevant published RCTs were shortlisted according to the inclusion criteria. The summated outcomes of long-term results relating to the recurrence of GORD and dysphagia were evaluated in a meta-analysis using RevMan software. RESULTS: Eight studies (all RCTs) on 1,545 patients undergoing NF or TF were eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis. There were 799 patients in the NF group and 746 in the TF group. In the random effects model analysis, the incidence of long-term recurrence of GORD was not statistically different between the NF and TF cohorts (odds ratio [OR]: 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34-1.41, z=1.01, p=0.31). However, the incidence of long-term dysphagia was statistically lower in the TF group (OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.49-5.72, z=3.13, p=0.002) with low between-study heterogeneity (I2=0%). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis on symptomatic GORD appear to be in favour of partial posterior fundoplication (TF) as the optimal treatment. It provides equivalent outcomes in reflux symptom control with a lower risk of postoperative dysphagia compared with total fundoplication (NF).

Sleeve gastrectomy for gastric band failures - a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: We prospectively evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a strategy of performing concomitant laparoscopic band removal and sleeve gastrectomy on all-comers who had a failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LABG) and analysed the impact of the reason for revision surgery on outcomes. METHODS: Over a two-year period, 23 patients who previously had LAGB insertion were referred for revision surgery. Of this cohort, three patients elected to undergo band removal alone. Of the remaining 20 patients, 10 presented with weight regain and 10 presented with pathological symptoms secondary to band migration (band complication group). All patients were listed for simultaneous LABG removal and sleeve gastrectomy and the outcomes of the two groups analysed. RESULTS: Simultaneous band removal and sleeve gastrectomy was achieved in all cases of weight regain and in 7 cases of band complications. There were no complications in the weight regain group and three major morbidities in the band complication group. At the time of revision, the mean body mass index was 40.3 ± 1.5; however at a mean follow-up period of 2.2 ± 0.28 years the mean BMI of the cohort had fallen to 35.9 ± 1.4. The mean BMI was significantly lower in the band complication group (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Gastric band removal and revision sleeve gastrectomy following failed LABG is feasible as a single-stage procedure with good outcomes. The optimum peri-operative results of this approach are seen in patients with weight regain whilst the longer term outcomes are superior in those with band complications.

Does closure of the mesenteric defects during antecolic laparoscopic gastric bypass for morbid obesity reduce the incidence of symptomatic internal herniation?

A best evidence topic in surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question asked was whether the closure of the mesenteric defects during laparoscopic gastric bypass via antecolic approach for morbid obesity reduces the incidence of symptomatic internal herniation. 251 papers were found using the reported search strategy of which three papers best represented the answer to the question. All three studies showed that by closuring the mesenteric defects, resulted in a reduction in the incidence of symptomatic internal hernias. One study showed there to be new complications arising from primary closure, but this was undetermined statistically. The evidence still however remains limited regarding the need for closure of mesenteric defects in gastric bypass operations. We recommend there is a need for large scale randomized control trials with suitable follow up for patients.

Video. Laparoscopic transgastric access to the common bile duct after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Rapid weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) often is associated with gallstones formation, which can lead to cholecystitis and/or choledocholithiasis. Difficult access to the biliary tract is one of the disadvantages after RYGBP. We report a useful technique of laparoscopic transgastric access to the gastric remnant for an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old woman with a BMI of 48 kg/m(2), was submitted to a laparoscopic RYGBP in December 2003. At that time the abdominal ultrasound was negative for gallbladder lithiasis. In April 2007, she was admitted for upper right side abdominal pain, vomiting episodes, fever, and jaundice; the BMI at the time was 24 kg/m(2). Hepatic ultrasound showed lithiasis of the common bile duct with intra- and extrahepatic bile duct dilation, as well as gallbladder lithiasis. The patient was taken to the operating room for laparoscopic evaluation. A pursestring suture was performed on the greater curvature of the gastric remnant. After the opening of the stomach, an 18-mm trocar was inserted into the lumen and the endoscope was directly passed through the port into the duodenum. An ERCP was performed under fluoroscopic guidance, and as a result of sphincterotomy the stone was retrieved. After removing the endoscope, the gastrotomy was closed by tying the pursestring. Cholecystectomy was performed as well. RESULTS: The procedure lasted 98 min. Liver function tests returned normal on postoperative day 2, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 4. After 9 months, the patient was well and asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Patients previously submitted to RYGBP and presenting choledocholithiasis can benefit from an ERCP through the gastric remnant.