The Effects of the Staple Line Reinforcement Procedures on Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Its Early Results in Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Background: The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) procedure is the most common bariatric surgical technique worldwide, but controversy continues over staple line reinforcement (SLR) techniques. This prospective randomized study aimed to compare the effects of SLR methods on early postoperative complications and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients undergoing LSG for morbid obesity. Materials and Methods: Ninety patients who underwent LSG surgery for obesity between June 2019 and February 2020 in the Department of General Surgery of Bezmialem Vakif University were included in our prospective randomized study. According to the SLR techniques, three groups were determined as Group 1: using fibrin sealant (Tisseel®), Group 2: omentopexy, Group 3: no SLR, with each group having 30 randomly assigned patients. Gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed by performing the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) for all patients following the first week and first month. On the second postoperative day, all patients underwent swallow-graphy to investigate twists and fistula. Results: The test group included 90 patients totally, of which 17 are males and 73 are females with a mean age of 35.3 ± 11.6 years and a mean body mass index of 45.3 ± 7.7 kg/m2. According to the GSRS, reflux and indigestion scores in Group 3 were significantly higher than those in the other groups in the first week (P < .001). There was no statistically significant difference in abdominal pain scores in the first week. Group 3's operation time was statistically significantly shorter than the other groups (Group 1 P = .005; Group 2 P = .001). In Group 3, 2 patients (2.2%) had bleeding. There was no mortality. There were no twists or fistulas found in swallow graphs. Symptomatic reflux was not observed in the first-year follow-up period. Conclusions: SLR methods reduce gastrointestinal system complaints in the early postoperative period. In our study, omentopexy and fibrin sealant used in LSG did not show a statistically significant difference in early postoperative complications.

Assessment of the Correlation Between Weight Status and the Frequency of Dietician Interviews in Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the weight status of sleeve gastrectomy patients during the first two postoperative years and the frequency of dietician interviews. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study, and the subjects were patients who had surgery at a special obesity clinic, Bariatriklab, in Istanbul, Turkey, between February 01, 2014, and February 01, 2018.The mean age ± standard deviation of the participants was 38.8 ± 11.9 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) ± standard deviation was 44.2 ± 6.1 kg/m2 preoperatively. The preoperative (pre-op) and 12-, 18-, and 24-month postoperative (post-op) weights and the frequency of interviews with dieticians for 2 years after the operation were collected, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS ver. 23.0. RESULTS: A total of 247 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) patients, 161 women (65.2%) and 86 men (34.8%), were evaluated in this study. As the frequency of dietician interviews increased in the first year, the amount of excess weight loss (EWL) increased in the second year (p < 0.01). In addition, as the frequency of dietician interviews increased in the second year, the amount of EWL in the second year decreased (p < 0.01). The frequency of dietician counseling among participants who did not experience weight loss between 12 and 24 months was significantly higher than that among those who experienced weight loss (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It should not be forgotten that bariatric surgery requires teamwork, and patients should be cared for with an interdisciplinary approach. Dieticians play an important role in changing nutritional habits and making them sustainable.

Effect of the "Recruitment" Maneuver on Respiratory Mechanics in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery.

PURPOSE: LSG surgery is used for surgical treatment of morbid obesity. Obesity, anesthesia, and pneumoperitoneum cause reduced pulmoner functions and a tendency for atelectasis. The alveolar "recruitment" maneuver (RM) keeps airway pressure high, opening alveoli, and increasing arterial oxygenation. The aim of our study is to research the effect on respiratory mechanics and arterial blood gases of performing the RM in LSG surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing LSG surgery were divided into two groups (n = 30) Patients in group R had the RM performed 5 min after desufflation with 100% oxygen, 40 cmH2O pressure for 40 s. Group C had standard mechanical ventilation. Assessments of respiratory mechanics and arterial blood gases were made in the 10th min after induction (T1), 10th min after insufflation (T2), 5th min after desufflation (T3), and 15th min after desufflation (T4). Arterial blood gases were assessed in the 30th min (T5) in the postoperative recovery unit. RESULTS: In group R, values at T5, PaO2 were significantly high, while PaCO2 were significantly low compared with group C. Compliance in both groups reduced with pneumoperitoneum. At T4, the compliance in the recruitment group was higher. In both groups, there was an increase in PIP with pneumoperitoneum and after desufflation this was identified to reduce to levels before pneumoperitoneum. CONCLUSION: Adding the RM to PEEP administration for morbidly obese patients undergoing LSG surgery is considered to be effective in improving respiratory mechanics and arterial blood gas values and can be used safely.

Rare Entities of Histopathological Findings in 755 Sleeve Gastrectomy Cases: a Synopsis of Preoperative Endoscopy Findings and Histological Evaluation of the Specimen.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most preferred technique in morbidly obese patients for weight loss. There is a controversy about the routine preoperative evaluation of the stomach and the routine microscopic examination of all LSG specimens. Our aim is to analyze the results of both preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and endoscopic biopsies and also the results of histopathological examination of LSG specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of patients who underwent LSG from January 2011 to November 2016 were analyzed retrospectively from a prospectively collected database. Seven hundred fifty five of 819 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Data on patients' demographic variables [age, gender, BMI (kg/m2)], preoperative upper GI endoscopy and biopsy results, postoperative histopathological results of the specimens, and the process of the patients with malignant histopathological investigation in the follow-up period were collected. RESULTS: This study involves 755 patients with a mean age of 39.6 ± 11.7 years and has 496 (65.6%) to 259 (34.4%) female to male ratio. None of the patients harbored macroscopic or microscopic malignant pathological finding in the preoperative assessment. Hiatal hernia was detected in 78 (10.2%) patients and gastric/duodenal ulcers were detected in 52 (6.8%) patients in endoscopy. Incidental malignant and/or premalignant histopathological findings-intestinal metaplasia (1.4%) and malignant lesions (0.5%)-were rarely found in the evaluation of the surgical specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Both preoperative endoscopic assessment and postoperative histopathological examination of the specimen are mandatory in LSG patients.

Association between depression and eating behaviors among bariatric surgery candidates in a Turkish sample.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore further whether depression is associated with problematic eating behaviors in a sample of Turkish bariatric surgery candidates. METHODS: This descriptive study included 168 consecutively seen bariatric surgery candidates in a university bariatric surgery outpatient. Participants were asked to complete the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and surveys assessing sociodemographic and clinical variables. Correlations and linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between clinical and demographic variables. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age 37.7 ± 11.3 years and BMI of 46.4 ± 6.7 kg/m2 (SD = 6.7). According to BDI scores, 75.5 % of the patients had mild, moderate, or severe depressive symptomatology. Lower levels of depressive symptoms were associated with higher levels of restrictive eating (r = -0.17; p = 0.04), whereas higher levels of depressive symptoms were associated with more frequent eating in response to both internal (r = 0.3; p = 0.002) and external (r = 0.2; p = 0.04) cues. The BDI scores were significantly associated with increased external eating (ß = 0.03, p < 0.02) and emotional eating (ß = 0.03, p < 0.002) scores. BMI (ß = -0.02, p = 0.02 > 0.1) was not associated with DEBQ total scores. CONCLUSIONS: This research suggests that mild, moderate or severe depressive symptoms are observed in most of the bariatric surgical candidate patients. There is a positive correlation between severity of depression and emotional/external eating behaviors, and a negative correlation between severity of depression and restrictive eating behavior. Additional research is needed to determine whether treating depression preoperatively can assist with alleviating problematic eating behaviors.

Effects and results of fibrin sealant use in 1000 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy cases.

BACKGROUND: Staple-line leakage and bleeding are worrisome and feared postoperative complications after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in morbidly obese patients. The purpose of this study was to review clinical evidence following the use of fibrin sealant in standard LSG. METHODS: Morbidly obese patients who underwent standard technique of LSG with using fibrin sealant were included in the study. Demographics variables [age, gender, body mass index (kg/m2), and comorbid conditions], the re-admission rate, and postoperative early complications, such as bleeding, staple-line leak, twist and stricture, were evaluated at the follow-up during the postoperative first month. RESULTS: In total, 1000 patients [586 female (58.6 %)] with a mean age of 42.6 ± 13.6 years underwent LSG. Fibrin sealant was used in all operations. In total, 186 patients (18.6 %) had previous abdominal surgery. The mean operative time was 72 ± 19 min, and the mean hospital stay was 3.2 ± 1.1 days. Only 3 patients (.3 %) experienced bleeding. Staple-line leakage, twist and stricture were not observed. The re-admission rate was .5 %, and no mortalities were noted. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study indicates that bariatric surgeons should consider implementing standardized surgical operative technique for reduced postoperative complications in LSG. Fibrin sealant is a reliable and useful tool to reinforce the staple line and may prevent potential twists of the sleeved stomach.

Food addiction and the outcome of bariatric surgery at 1-year: Prospective observational study.

PURPOSES: The objectives of the current study were to determine the prevalence of food addiction in bariatric surgery candidates and whether food addiction is associated with weight loss after bariatric surgery. METHODS: This prospective observational study was performed on morbidly obese patients who had been found suitable for bariatric surgery. Follow-up was conducted at the 6 and 12 month post-surgery. The Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) was used to determine food addiction. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-eight patients were included. Pre-operative food addiction was found in 57.8% of patients. Food addiction prevalence decreased at the 6 and 12 month follow ups, to 7.2% and 13.7% respectively. There were no statistically differences between those with food addiction and those without addiction with regard to weight loss measured as percent of excess BMI at the 12 month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Food addiction as measured by the YFAS decreases significantly after bariatric surgery. The presence of food addiction before surgery was not associated with weight loss as measured EBL%. However, in view of the increase in BMI, 2 years after surgery longer follow up studies are warranted.

Is concomitant cholecystectomy with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy safe?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To study the effect of selective concomitant cholecystectomy (SCC) on laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-control study of 16 morbidly obese patients treated with concomitant LSG as the primary bariatric surgery and SCC for proven gallbladder (GB) pathology (Group A) between November 2010 and February 2013 was performed. Randomly selected 32 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was the control group (Group B). RESULTS: A total of 48 patients with a mean age of 35.5±10.7 years were included. Demographic data of groups were similar except that there were more female patients in the Group A (p=0.036). Mean body mass index (kg/m2) was 51.1±5.6 and 50.9±5.4 in Groups A and B, respectively (p=0.894). The mean operative time for patients with and without cholecystectomy was 157.2±40 and 95.72±6.2 min, respectively (p=0.001). Cholecystectomy resulted in an additional mean operative time of 49.1±27.9 min without any specific complication. There was no statistical difference with regard to overall morbidity (p=0.316) and the length of hospital stay (p=0.528) between groups. CONCLUSION: Although an increase in operative time may be an important issue, SCC can be performed on all patients with proven GB pathology during LSG without an increase in morbidity or length of hospital stay.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in management of weight regain after failed laparoscopic plication.

INTRODUCTION: Weight regain after bariatric surgery remains a challenging problem with regard to its surgical management. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 30 year-old-female patient with weight regain after failed laparoscopic gastric plication and previous gastric banding was evaluated in a tertiary-care university setting. Her last body mass index was calculated as 40.4kg/m(2). Preoperative ultrasonography revealed cholelithiasis. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with cholecystectomy was planned as a redo surgery. A floopy and plicated stomach with increased wall thickness of the greater curvature was seen. After adhesiolysis between the plicated part of stomach and the surrounding omental tissues, concomitant laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and cholecystectomy were performed. She was discharged on the 4th post-operative day without any complaint. At the postoperative 3rd month, her body mass index was recorded as 24kg/m(2). DISCUSSION: Redo surgery of morbid obesity after failed bariatric surgery is a technically demanding issue. Type of the surgical treatment should be decided by the attending surgeon based on the morphology of the remnant stomach caused by previous operations. CONCLUSION: As a redo surgery after failed laparoscopic gastric plication and gastric banding procedures, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy may be regarded as a safe and feasible approach in experienced hands.

Remission of ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum after bariatric surgery.

A 32-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus suffering from morbid obesity with BMI 45,14 kg/m(2) was operated on. Not only the type 2DM but also one of its complication known as necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum remitted postoperatively. Obesity should no longer be regarded simply as a cosmetic problem affecting certain individuals but an epidemic that threatens global well-being. It causes or exacerbates many health problems, and in particular, it is associated with the type 2 diabetes. Necrobiosis lipoidica is a granulomatous skin disease of unknown etiology, associated mainly with diabetes mellitus. We presented in this paper a morbid obese case of necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum with dramatic good response to bariatric surgery.

The effects of different mechanisms on the development of post-ERCP pancreatitis in an ERCP model in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate the effects of different mechanisms on the development of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 40 male rats were randomly divided into four groups. After laparotomy, in Group 1, only duodenum was reached by a 24G cannula without performing any other procedure. In Groups 2, 3, and 4, biliopancreatic duct was cannulated transduodenally. Group 2 received no additional intervention after the cannulation. Group 3 received saline, whereas Group 4 received contrast agent into the duct. After a period of 24 hours, all rats were sacrificed. Laboratorytests for blood samples were performed and pancreatic tissue was also evaluated histopathologically. RESULTS: Leukocyte, blood sugar, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, amylase, C-reactive protein, and base excess parameters were evaluated. The values in Groups 2, 3, and 4 were found to be significantly higher than those in the control group, except for leukocyte count and base excess (p=0.551, p=0.031, p=0.0001, p=0.0001, p=0.0001, p=0.0001, p=0.683, respectively). Histopathological results demonstrated significant differences between the groups. Highest pathological damage scores were observed in Groups 3 and 4. CONCLUSION: Among different theories for the pathogenesis of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis, elevated intraductal hydrostatic pressure was observed to be the main underlying cause.

Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in situs Inversus Totalis.

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare genetic anomaly characterized by arrangement of the abdominal and thoracic organs in a perfect mirror image reversal of the normal positioning. Transposition of the organs causes difficulty in diagnosis and treatment of the diseases related to abdomen and thorax. Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a new technique and it is increasingly used with better cosmetic results. In this paper, a single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) performed in a patient with SIT is presented. SILC can be performed safely in the patients with SIT with better cosmetic results.

Endoscopic management of penetrated adjustable gastric band with its connecting tube: report of a case.

AIM: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a widely performed surgical procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. Late complications mainly originate from either the injection port or the gastric band. Complications from the tube and band together are also described. CASE REPORT: We here report a case of adjustable gastric band migrated subserosally into the stomach with its whole connecting tube, which was removed endoscopically using a band cutter. CONCLUSION: In selected patients endoscopic techniques in combination with minimally invasive procedures can safely be used in the treatment of complete gastric band migration.

Comparison of results of laparoscopic gastric banding and consecutive intragastric balloon application at 18 months: a clinical prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a serious health problem that leads to serious physical and psychological problems. The methods used in treating obesity include diet and behavioral changes, pharmacotherapy, and surgery. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and intragastric balloon (IGB) applications are two of the methods used to treat obesity. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of LAGB with those of two consecutive IGB applications in weight loss management of obese patients. METHODS: Thirty-two patients (F/M:24/8) admitted in the study were divided into two groups. In the first group of 16 patients, LAGB was performed, and in the other group two consecutive IGBs were applied. Total weight loss, body mass index (BMI), excess weight loss percent (EWL %), and excess body mass index loss percent (EBMIL %) were recorded at months 6, 12, and 18 for both groups. RESULTS: At the end of the 6th month, BMI values of LAGB and IGB groups were 36.0 and 30.6 kg/m(2), EWL % were 32.3% and 39.3%, and EBMIL % were 36.3% and 47.1%, respectively. The results were similar. At the end of 12 months, median BMI was 36.6 kg/m(2) for LAGB and 27.5 kg/m(2) for IGB (P<.05). The EWL % and EBMIL % at the end of the 12th month were 57% and 70%, which is significant in favor of IGB. The last evaluation was made at the 18th month of applications, and the three parameters for two applications were found to be similar. CONCLUSIONS: The achieved weight losses at the 6th month were similar for both groups. However, at the 12th month, two consecutive IGB applications were more effective. At the end of the 18th month, the results were again similar. Two consecutive IGB applications may be offered to obese patients who do not feel ready for surgery.

Assessment of the application of the intragastric balloon together with sibutramine: a prospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is the prospective evaluation of the results of Bioenterics intragastric balloon (BIB) with sibutramine and BIB placement alone in the treatment of obesity. METHODS: The patients evaluated between March 2006 and January 2007 and enrolled in this study were assessed in two groups as group A (BIB + sibutramine) and group B (BIB). After the follow-up of the patients for 6 months, body mass index (BMI), weight loss, excess weight loss (EWL%), and excess body mass index loss (EBMIL%) values of the patients in both groups were compared. RESULTS: According to the comparison of the weights of the patients in groups A and B at 6 months with the beginning weights of the patients in both groups, there was statistically significant weight loss (p < 0.01). The total weight loss at 6 months in group A was statistically significantly higher than that in group B (p < 0.05). The patients in group A had a mean BMI 34.53 +/- 6.63 kg/m(2), EWL% 38.77 +/- 11.88%, EBMIL% 49.93 +/- 21.52% after 6 months; the patients in group B had a mean BMI 35.29 +/- 6.36 kg/m(2), EWL% 29.06 +/- 17.82%, EBMIL% 36.51 +/- 23.69% after 6 months. There was no statistically significant difference between group A and group B according to the BMI, EWL%, and EBMIL% values (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the management of obesity, using BIB together with sibutramine before the treatment in the patient group who are planned to have surgery, compared with using only BIB, provides more effective weight loss.

A case of asymptomatic fungal and bacterial colonization of an intragastric balloon.

Intragastric balloon therapy, as a part of a multidisciplinary weight management program, is an effective short-term intervention for weight loss. Although the insertion procedure is easy and generally well tolerated by patients, a few complications can occur. We report here a heavy smoker with intragastric balloon insertion complicated by colonization with opportunistic organisms. The 27-year-old female, body mass index 35.5 kg/m(2), had a BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon inserted under conscious sedation without any perioperative complications. Six months later, when the standard removal time arrived, the balloon was seen to be covered with a necrotic white-gray material. Microbiological examination revealed Enterobacter cloacae and Candida species yeast colonies. We recommend that asymptomatic fungal and/or bacterial colonization should be considered among the complications of the intragastric balloon procedure, despite its rarity.

A rare case of adult intestinal intussusception: epithelioid type mesenchymal tumor of the small intestine.

Small bowel intussusception is a rare cause of adult acute abdomen, in which an intraluminal neoplasm is the most frequent cause. Small bowel tumors are uncommon and can have a long delay prior to diagnosis. We present a case of intestinal intussusception originating from a rare variant of small bowel mesenchymal tumor, presenting with a hematologic disorder.

BioEnterics intragastric balloon: clinical outcomes of the first 100 patients--a Turkish experience.

BACKGROUND: The BioEnterics Intragrastric Balloon (BIB) together with restricted diet has been used for the treatment of obesity and morbid obesity. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 100 patients who had undergone the BIB procedure between February 2005 and February 2007. RESULTS: Mean age, mean weight, and mean BMI of the patients were 35.35 +/- 9.25 years, 113.23 +/- 24.76 kg (range 73-200 kg), and 39.28 +/- 6.98 kg/m(2) (range 30-69.2 kg/m(2)), respectively. Six months after the BIB procedure, mean weight and mean BMI were reduced to 100.46 +/- 26.05 kg (range 58-178 kg) and 34.70 +/- 11 kg/m(2) (range 21.83-61.59 kg/m(2)), respectively. There was a statistically significant reduction in weight and BMI at 6 months after the BIB procedure (p < 0.01). Excess weight loss (EWL) at 6 months ranged between 0 and 28 kg, with a mean value of 12.68 +/- 7.70 kg. The subjects had 0 to 99.2% %EWL (mean 28.63 +/- 19.29). Reduction in BMI at 6 months ranged between 0 and 12.3 kg/m(2), with a mean value of 4.51 +/- 2.85 kg/m(2), and percent excess body mass index loss (%EBMIL) was 38.20 +/- 28.78% (range 0-158%). At 6 months, there was a significant reduction in body weight and BMI (p < 0.01) in both groups. The reduction in BMI of the morbidly obese group was significantly greater than that of the obese group (p = 0.035), and both the %EWL and %EBMIL of the morbidly obese patients were significantly lower than those of the obese patients at 6 months (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: BIB application is a reasonable weight loss method with few complications.