Ambulatory bariatric surgery: a prospective single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Ambulatory bariatric surgery has recently gained interest especially as a potential way to improve access for eligible patients with severe obesity. Building on our previously published research, this follow-up study delves deeper in the evolving landscape of ambulatory bariatric surgery over a 3-year period, focusing on predictors of success/failure. METHODS: In a prospective single-center follow-up study, we conducted a descriptive assessment of all eligible patients as per our established protocol, who underwent a planned same-day discharge (SDD) primary sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) between 03/01/2021 and 02/29/2024. Trends in SDD surgeries over time were assessed over six discrete 6 month intervals. Primary endpoint was defined as a successful discharge on the day of surgery without emergency department visit or readmission within 24 h. Secondary outcomes included 30-day postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: A total of 811 primary SG and 325 RYGB procedures were performed during the study period. Among them, 30% (n = 244) were SDD-SGs and 6% (n = 21) were SDD-RYGBs, respectively. At baseline, median age of the entire SDD cohort was 43 years old, 81% were females, and body mass index (BMI) was 44.5 kg/m2. The planned SDD approach was successful in 89% after SG (n = 218/244) and in 90% after RYGB (n = 19/21). Nausea/vomiting was the main reason for a failed SDD approach after SG (46%). The 30-day readmission rate was 1.5% (n = 4) for the entire SDD cohort including only one readmission in the first 24 h. The percentage of SDD-SGs performed as a proportion of total SGs increased over the initial five consecutive six-month intervals (14%, 25%, 24%, 38%, and 49%). CONCLUSION: Our SDD protocol for bariatric surgery demonstrates a favorable safety profile, marked by high success rate and low postoperative morbidity. These outcomes have led to a continued increase in ambulatory procedures performed over time especially SG.

Validation of the Individualized Metabolic Surgery score in predicting long-term remission of diabetes after duodenal switch-type procedures.

AIM: To validate the Individualized Metabolic Surgery (IMS) score and assess long-term remission of type 2 diabetes (T2D) after duodenal switch (DS)-type procedures in patients with obesity. In addition, to help guide metabolic procedure selection for those patients categorized as having severe T2D. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective single cohort study of all patients with T2D and severe obesity, who underwent DS-type procedures at a single institution from December 2010 to December 2018. Study endpoints included validating the IMS score in our cohort and evaluating the impact of DS-type procedures on long-term (≥ 5 years) remission of T2D, especially in patients with severe disease. A receiver operator characteristic curve was used to assess the accuracy of the IMS score using the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: The study cohort included 30 patients with complete baseline and long-term glycaemic data after their index DS-type surgery. Twelve patients (40%) were classified with severe T2D, and the distribution of IMS-based severity groups was similar between our cohort and the original IMS study (P = .42). IMS scores predicted long-term T2D remission with AUC = 0.77. Patients with IMS-based severe diabetes achieved significantly higher long-term remission after DS-type procedures compared with gastric bypass and/or sleeve gastrectomy from the original IMS study (42% vs. 12%; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The IMS score properly classifies the severity of T2D in our study cohort and adequately predicts its long-term remission after DS-type procedures. While T2D remission decreases with more severe IMS scores, long-term remission remains high after DS-type procedures among patients with severe disease.

Single Anastomosis Duodenal Switch versus Classic Duodenal Switch: Long-term Outcomes from a Prospective Comparative Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: The literature on long-term outcomes of duodenal switch (DS) compared to single anastomosis duodenal switch (SADI-S) procedures is lacking. We evaluated the long-term outcomes of SADI-S compared to those after the classic DS procedure. METHODS: This is a follow-up report from a single-institution prospective cohort study comparing long-term outcomes of SADI-S versus DS both as one- and two-stage procedures (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02792166). Data is depicted as count (percentage) or median (interquartile range). RESULTS: Forty-two patients underwent SADI-S, of whom 11 had it as a second-stage procedure (26%). Of 20 patients who underwent DS, twelve had it as a second-stage procedure (60%). Both groups were similar at baseline. Median follow-up times for one-stage SADI-S and DS were 57 (24) and 57 (9) months, respectively (p = 0.93). Similar BMI reductions were observed after one-stage SADI-S (16.5 kg/m2 [8.5]) and DS (18.9 kg/m2 [7.2]; p = 0.42). At median follow-up of 51 (21) and 60 (15) months after second-stage SADI-S and DS, respectively (p = 0.60), surgical procedures yielded reductions in BMI of 20.5 kg/m2 (14.0) and 24.0 kg/m2 (13.9), respectively (p = 0.52). Follow-up rates were similar for one-stage (≥ 88%; p = 0.29) and second-stage procedures (≥ 83%; p = 0.16). Similar diabetes and hypertension remissions were found (p = 0.77; P = 0.54, respectively). Despite fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies at baseline, after supplementation, they were either eliminated or less prevalent long-term after SADI-S. Daily bowel movements were also less frequent. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term weight and comorbidity outcomes after SADI-S are similar to those of DS both as one- and two-stage surgeries. SADI-S procedure may allow for similar beneficial outcomes with less burden from gastrointestinal symptoms and fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies.

Ambulatory sleeve gastrectomy: a prospective feasibility and comparative study of early postoperative morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Given its short procedure time and low morbidity, there is enthusiasm to perform sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in an outpatient setting. However, most relevant studies include an overnight stay at a medical facility (≤ 24-h). Hence, we investigated the feasibility and safety of a same-day discharge (SDD) protocol for laparoscopic SG. METHODS: In a prospective pilot study (02/01/2021-02/28/2022), all patients planned for SG were screened for eligibility. Patients met the inclusion criteria if they were ≤ 65 years old, without major comorbidity, and lived close to the hospital. Postoperatively, patients who met discharge criteria were sent home directly from the recovery room. Patients were called the same night and the next morning. Feasibility was defined as discharge on the day of surgery without emergency department (ED) visit or readmission within 24-h. Secondary outcomes, including 90-day morbidity, were compared to patients who met inclusion criteria but chose a same-day admission (SDA) approach during the same study period. Descriptive statistics are displayed as count (percentage) and median (interquartile range). RESULTS: A total of 320 patients were planned for SG during the study period, 229 of whom met eligibility criteria and underwent SG with 56 agreeing to SDD-SG while 173 opted for SDA-SG. Baseline characteristics were all similar between both groups except for obstructive sleep apnea being more prevalent in SDA-SG group (38.2% vs. 16.1%; P < 0.001). Operative characteristics including procedure time were similar between both groups. Successful SDD-SG was achieved in 54(96%) of patients with a median of 6.0(1.0) hours of stay in the recovery room. Ninety-day morbidity was similar between SDD-SG and SDA-SG groups (1.8% vs. 6.9%, respectively; P = 0.196). CONCLUSION: A SDD protocol for laparoscopic SG was feasible and safe in selected patients. Larger studies that evaluate patient reported outcomes and include bypass-type procedures may be needed to guide safe use of ambulatory bariatric surgery.

Outcomes of kidney transplant recipients who underwent pre-transplant bariatric surgery for severe obesity: a long-term follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation (KT) is the preferred therapy for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). While a major cause for ESRD, obesity is also a key obstacle to candidacy for KT. Bariatric surgery, particularly sleeve gastrectomy (SG), is increasingly used to improve access to KT in patients with obesity, but the literature especially on outcomes post-KT remains lacking. We aimed to provide a long-term follow-up analysis of efficacy and outcomes of a previously described cohort of patients with obesity, who had SG as a means for access to KT. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective follow-up study of 32 patients with advanced chronic kidney disease or ESRD, who were referred and underwent SG between 2013 and 2018 as an access strategy to KT. The primary outcome was successful KT. Ninety-day outcomes, long-term graft function, and changes in weight and obesity-related comorbidities after KT were assessed. Descriptive statistics are presented as count (percentage) or median (interquartile range). RESULTS: At baseline, 18 (56%) were male with a median age and BMI of 51 (11) years and 42.3 (5.2) kg/m2, respectively. Median follow-up time post-SG was 53 (58) months. At last follow-up, 23 (72%) patients received KT. Median time to KT was 16 (20) months and BMI was 34.0 (5.1) kg/m2 at time of transplant. At KT, 13 (57%) and 20 (87%) had diabetes and hypertension, respectively. Median follow-up post-KT was 16 (47) months. There was one graft loss requiring return to dialysis. At 5-year post-KT, median serum creatinine was 136 (66) µmol/l. At last follow-up post-KT, median BMI remained at 33.7 (7.6) kg/m2. Among patients with diabetes and hypertension, 7/13 (54%) and 5/20 (25%) had either improvement or remission of their comorbidities, respectively. CONCLUSION: SG is an effective strategy to improve access to KT in patients with severe obesity. Transplant recipients also continue to benefit from sustained weight loss and improved related comorbidities that may positively impact their graft function after KT.

Long-term Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Obesity, Diabetes and Hypertension: a Population-level Study.

BACKGROUND: The literature on long-term impact of bariatric/metabolic surgery on incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome is still lacking. We aimed to evaluate the long-term relationship between metabolic surgery and MACE in such patients. METHODS: In a population-based cohort study, we compared all patients with obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM) and/or hypertension (HTN), who underwent bariatric surgery in Quebec, Canada during 2007-2012, with matched controls with obesity. The incidence of a composite MACE outcome (coronary artery events, heart failure, cerebrovascular events, and all-cause mortality) after bariatric surgery was compared between both groups. Cox regression was used to evaluate the long-term impact of surgery on MACE outcomes. RESULTS: The study cohort included 3627 surgical patients, who were matched to 5420 controls with obesity. Baseline demographics were comparable between groups, but DM was more prevalent among the surgical group. Median follow-up time was 7.05 years for the study cohort (range: 5-11 years). There was a significant long-term difference in the incidence of MACE between the surgical group and controls (19.6% vs. 24.8%, respectively; p < 0.01). After accounting for confounders, bariatric surgery remained an independent protective predictor of long-term MACE (hazard ratio [HR], 0.83 [95%CI, 0.78-0.89]). The 10-year absolute risk reduction (ARR) for the surgical group was 5.14% (95%CI, 3.41-6.87). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with obesity, DM and HTN, bariatric/metabolic surgery is associated with a sustained (≥ 10 years) decrease in the incidence of MACE. The results from this population-level observational study should be validated in randomized controlled trials.

Esophageal cancer after sleeve gastrectomy: a population-based comparative cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most common bariatric surgery; however, this approach may induce gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Both obesity and GERD are independent risk factors for esophageal cancer, however the impact of SG on risk of esophageal cancer remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of esophageal cancer after reflux-prone bariatric surgery. SETTING: Population-level, provincial administrative healthcare database, Quebec, Canada. METHODS: We identified a population-based cohort of all patients with obesity who underwent reflux-prone surgery (SG and duodenal switch [DS]) or reflux-protective Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) during 01/2006-12/2012 in Quebec, Canada. For every surgical patient, 2-3 nonsurgical controls with obesity matched for age, sex, and geography were also identified. Crude incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for esophageal cancer were calculated using person-time analysis. Hazard ratios (HRs) were obtained using multivariate cox regression. RESULTS: A total of 4121 patients had reflux-prone procedures and 852 underwent RYGB. At a mean follow-up of 7.6 years, 8 cases of esophageal cancer were identified after bariatric surgery. Compared with RYGB, IRR for esophageal cancer in reflux-prone group was 1.45 (95%CI: .19-65.5) and HR = .83 (95%CI: .10-7.27). The crude incidence rate of esophageal cancer in the reflux-prone group was higher than that of nonsurgical controls (n = 12,159; IRR = 3.46, 95%CI: 1.00-12.5), but after adjustment the difference disappeared (HR = 2.47, 95%CI: .82-7.45). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term incidence of esophageal cancer after reflux-prone bariatric surgery is not greater than RYGB. While crude incidence of esophageal cancer after reflux-prone surgery is higher than in nonsurgical patients with obesity, such difference disappears after accounting for confounders. Given the low incidence of esophageal cancer and slow progression of dysplastic Barrett esophagus, studies with longer follow-up are needed.

Short-term outcomes of revisional surgery after sleeve gastrectomy: a comparative analysis of re-sleeve, Roux en-Y gastric bypass, duodenal switch (Roux en-Y and single-anastomosis).

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most common primary bariatric surgery. Long-term, up to 20% of patients may need revisional surgery. We aimed to evaluate the short-term outcomes of various revisional bariatric surgeries after a failed primary SG. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective study of a prospectively collected database of obese patients who underwent revisional bariatric surgery during 2010-2018 for a failed previous SG. Failure was defined as inadequate weight loss (< 50% excess weight loss), ≥ 20% weight regain of the weight lost, and presence of refractory non-reflux obesity-related comorbidities ≥ 1 year after SG. Revisions included were re-sleeve, Roux en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS), and single-anastomosis duodenal switch (SADS). The primary outcome was weight loss after revision. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications. Due to varying follow-up rates, short-term outcomes (≥ 6 and ≤ 18 months) were assessed. Descriptive statistics are expressed as count(percentage) or median(interquartile range). RESULTS: Ninety-four patients met inclusion criteria. Forty-one underwent conversion to RYGB, 33 had BPD/DS, 7 had SADS, and 13 underwent re-sleeve surgery. Median interval between SG and revision was 31(27) months. At a median of 14(18) months, follow-up rate was 76% for the study cohort. Prior to revision, median BMI was 41.9(11.7) kg/m2 and 1 year after decreased by 6.3(5.1) kg/m2. BPD/DS resulted in the largest total weight loss of 21.8(10.9) kg followed by RYGB 13.2(11.3), SADS 12.2(6.1), and re-sleeve 12.0(11.9) kg; p = 0.023. Major 90-day and long-term complications occurred only after RYGB and BPD/DS and were similar (7.3% vs. 3.0%; p = 0.769 and 9.8% vs. 24.2%; p = 0.173, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: At 1 year, revisional procedures offer further weight loss after a failed primary SG. Bypass-type revisions are preferred over re-sleeve surgery. In the absence of refractory reflux symptoms, duodenal switch-type procedures are safe and effective options especially in patients with severe obesity before SG.

Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S): short-term outcomes from a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) is a modification of the classic duodenal switch (DS). These modifications are intended to address concerns about DS, including malnutrition, longer operative times, and technical challenges, while preserving the benefits. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate safety and outcomes of SADI-S as it compares to classic DS procedure. SETTING: Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, University Hospital, Montreal, Canada. METHODS: In a single-institution prospective cohort study, we compared safety and outcomes of the SADI-S versus DS procedures (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02792166; registered: 06/2016). Data is depicted as count (percentage) or median (interquartile range). RESULTS: There were 42 patients who underwent SADI-S, of whom 11 had it as a second-stage procedure (26%). There were 20 patients who underwent DS, of whom 12 had it as second-stage procedures (60%). Both groups were similar at baseline. The median age was 45 (14) years, 39 (63%) were female, the median body mass index (BMI) was 48.2 (7.7) kg/m2, and 29 (47%) patients had diabetes. The operative time was shorter for 1-stage SADI-S versus DS surgery (211 [70] versus 250 [60] min, respectively; P = .05) but was similar for second-stage procedures (P = .06). The 90-day complication rates were 11.9% (N = 5/42) after SADI-S and 5.0% (N = 1/20) after DS surgery (P = .64). There were no mortalities. Median follow-ups for 1-stage SADI-S and DS were 17 (11) and 12 (24) months, respectively (P = .65). Similar BMI changes were observed after 1-stage SADI-S (17.9 kg/m2 [8.7]) and DS (17.5 kg/m2 [16]; P = .65). At median follow-ups of 10 (20) and 14 (16) months after second-stage SADI-S and DS, respectively (P = .53), surgical procedures yielded added 5.0 kg/m2 (5.8) and 6.5 kg/m2 (7.1) changes in BMI, respectively (P = .26). Complete remission rates for diabetes were 91% after SADI-S (n = 21/23) and 50% after DS (n = 3/6). Compared with the SADI-S procedure, DS surgery was associated with higher frequencies of deficiencies in some fat-soluble vitamins, especially vitamin D. CONCLUSIONS: The SADI-S procedure is safe, and its short-term outcomes, including weight loss and the resolution of co-morbidities, are similar to those of DS. SADI-S surgery also has promising potential as a second-stage procedure after sleeve gastrectomy.

Surgeon and hospital volume outcomes in bariatric surgery: a population-level study.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes after bariatric surgery are tied to surgical volume; however, this relationship is not clearly established for each procedure. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of surgeon/hospital volumes on morbidity after bariatric surgery and identify volume cutoffs. SETTING: Multi-centric population-level study, province of Quebec, Canada. METHODS: We studied a population-based cohort of all morbidly obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery in Quebec, Canada during 2006 to 2012. We evaluated only the most common procedures in North America, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Multilevel, cross-classified logistic regressions were used to test the effects of annual surgeon volume (SV) and hospital volume (HV) on a composite 90-day postoperative outcome. Receiver operator curve was used to identify volume thresholds. RESULTS: Overall, 821 patients had RYGB and 1802 underwent SG by 34 surgeons in 15 centers. For RYGB, 10-case increase in SV was associated with adjusted odds ratio of .82 (95% confidence interval: .71-.94). Similar increase in HV resulted in odds ratio of .86 (95% confidence interval: .77-.96). Annual SV threshold of 21 RYGBs and HV of 25 cases were identified (area under the curve = .60 and .61, respectively). For SV, being in the higher volume category translated into an absolute risk reduction of 12.5% for 90-day major morbidity. For SG, annual 10-case increase in SV and HV was not significantly associated with a decrease in 90-day postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSION: SV and HV are significant independent predictors of 90-day major morbidity after RYGB. This study further supports establishing minimum surgical volume requirements for more complex anastomotic procedures like RYGB. However, the role of volume targets in SG remains unclear.

Safety and efficacy of the sleeve gastrectomy as a strategy towards kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Obese individuals suffering from advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be precluded from accessing kidney transplantation. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity and related conditions but its use in those with severe CKD remains limited due to morbidity concerns. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in patients with severe CKD as a bridging strategy towards kidney transplant candidacy. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective study of a prospectively collected database of obese patients referred by the multi-organ transplant team for surgical weight loss, who underwent SG during 2013-2018. The primary outcome was 90-day major morbidity. Secondary outcomes included weight loss, and successful kidney transplantation. Descriptive statistics are expressed as count (percent) or median (interquartile range). RESULTS: 32 patients met inclusion criteria. 18 (56%) were male with a median age and BMI of 51 (11) years and 42.3 (5.2) kg/m2, respectively. 29 (91%) patients were on dialysis for a median duration of 28 months before SG. Diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were present in 15 (47%), 25 (78%), and 21 (66%) patients, respectively. At 90 days after SG, there were no leaks, reoperations, or mortality. The median length of stay was 2 (1.3) days. At 1 year, change in BMI and percent excess weight loss (EWL) were -9.8 (3.7) kg/m2 and 56% (27), respectively. In the year after SG, 20 (63%) patients were listed for transplant. 14 (44%) underwent successful kidney transplantation. One patient died while waiting for transplant. At time of transplant, median change in BMI and EWL were -9.0 (5.5) kg/m2 and 59% (30), respectively. After transplant, no patient required dialysis at a median follow-up of 17 (32) months. CONCLUSION: SG is safe and effective for weight loss and bridging to candidacy for kidney transplantation in patients with severe CKD. The acceptable safety and efficiency of SG in this high-risk population makes it an optimal choice as a bridging procedure.

Variability in Bariatric Surgical Care Among Various Centers: a Survey of All Bariatric Surgeons in the Province of Quebec, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Despite an increase in bariatric surgery across Quebec, Canada, access is still limited. Furthermore, there are differences in resources and multidisciplinary capabilities of providing centers that may impact quality of care and outcomes. METHODS: We performed an online survey of all bariatric surgeons in the province of Quebec, Canada, using the LimeSurvey software. RESULTS: Forty-six surgeons from 15 centers were surveyed. Response rate was 87% (n = 40). Only 13 (35%) surgeons have any formal fellowship training in bariatric surgery and 74% perform > 50 cases/year. All surgeons perform sleeve gastrectomy, 34% do duodenal switch, and 44% provide major revisions. Thirty-one surgeons (77%) identified access to operating room as the main cause for surgical delays. While most surgeons (52%) considered < 6 months as an acceptable wait-time, only 33% achieved this in their practice. Majority (70%) favored a centralized provincial referral system. Patient's geographical convenience, procedural choice, and multidisciplinary capabilities of providing centers are identified as important determinants for centralized referrals (93, 78, and 55%, respectively). Virtually, all supported accreditation/designation of centers and creation of Quebec Bariatric Network for quality control and research (85 and 98%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgical patterns vary among designated centers in Quebec, Canada. Access to multidisciplinary care and surgeon's fellowship training may be contributing factors for the observed variability. Wait-lists are long and timely access to surgery remains an issue. There is near consensus for establishing a centralized referral system, designation of referral vs. primary centers, and creating Quebec Bariatric Network for research and quality control.

Medium to long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery in older adults with super obesity.

BACKGROUND: Indications and outcomes of bariatric surgery in older adults suffering from morbid obesity remain controversial. We aimed to evaluate safety and medium to long-term outcomes of bariatric procedures in this patient population. SETTING: University Hospital, Canada. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective study of a prospectively collected database. We included patients aged ≥60 years who underwent sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch between January 2006 and December 2014 and had at least 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Of patients, 115 underwent bariatric surgeries (11 patients had 2 procedures). There were 66 were super-obese patients (body mass index>50 kg/m2). Of patients, 74% had sleeve gastrectomy, 16% Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and 8% underwent biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Mean age and body mass index were 63.3 ± 2.6 years and 51.7 ± 8.1 kg/m2, respectively. Average follow-up time was 42 ± 19 months. At baseline, 78% had hypertension, 60% had type 2 diabetes, and 30% had obstructive sleep apnea. There was no 30-day mortality. Complication rate was 14% (n = 16): 2 leaks post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, 1 leak post-biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, 1 obstruction post-sleeve gastrectomy, 1 bleeding requiring transfusion, 1 liver injury with bile leak, 2 port-site hernias, 1 myocardial infarction, 2 gastrojejunal strictures, 1 wound infection, 1 urinary tract infection, and 3 gastric reflux exacerbations. Mean percent excess weight loss at 2 years was 52.2 ± 23.8. Remission rates of hypertension, type-2 diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea were 26%, 44%, and 38%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery is safe and effective in improving obesity-related co-morbidities in older patients suffering from morbid obesity. Age alone should not preclude older patients from getting the best bariatric procedure for obesity and related co-morbidities.

Laparoscopic Wedge Resection of Gastrojejunostomy for Weight Recidivism after Gastric Bypass.

BACKGROUND: Weight recidivism after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a common problem. Often, this weight loss failure or regain may be due to a wide gastrojejunostomy (GJ). We evaluated the feasibility and safety of a novel approach of laparoscopic wedge resection of gastrojejunostomy (LWGJ) for a wide stoma after RYGB associated with weight recidivism. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective study of a prospectively collected database. We analyzed outcomes of patients with weight recidivism after RYGB and a documented wide GJ (>2 cm) on imaging, who underwent LWGJ between 11/2013 and 05/2016. RESULTS: Nine patients underwent LWGJ for dilated stomas. All patients were female with a mean ± SD age of 53 ± 7 years. Mean interval between RYGB and LWGJ was 9 ± 3 years. All cases were performed laparoscopically with no conversions. Mean operative time and hospital stay were 86 ± 9 min and 1.2 ± 0.4 days, respectively. The median(IQR) follow-up time was 14(12-18) months. During follow-up, there were no deaths, postoperative complications, or unplanned readmissions or reoperations. The mean and median(IQR) BMI before RYGB and LWGJ were 55.4 ± 8.1 kg/m2 and 56.1(47.9-61.7) and 43.4 ± 8.6 kg/m2 and 42.1(38.3-47.1), respectively. One year after LWGJ, mean and median(IQR) BMI significantly decreased to 34.9 ± 7.3 kg/m2 and 33.3(31.7-35.0) corresponding to a mean %EWL of 64.6 ± 19.9 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: LWGJ is safe and can lead to further weight loss in patients experiencing weight recidivism after RYGB with a wide GJ (>2 cm). Long-term follow-up is needed to determine the efficacy and durability of LWGJ and compare its outcomes with other endoscopic/surgical approaches for weight recidivism after RYGB with a documented wide GJ.

Laparoscopic Transgastric Resection of a Gastric Submucosal Tumor near Esophagogastric Junction with Concomitant Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Video Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Over the past two decades, there has been a significant rise in bariatric surgery. As a consequence, the prevalence of obese patients with a combined gastric pathology such as a submucosal tumor (SMT) requiring excision at the same time as bariatric surgery is higher but the management remains controversial. We report the safety and effectiveness of a simultaneous laparoscopic transgastric resection of a large gastric SMT near the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) with sleeve gastrectomy (SG). METHODS: We present a video report of a 52-year-old male (BMI = 49 kg/m2) referred for bariatric surgery, who was found to have a large SMT 2 cm from the EGJ on the lesser curvature on previous gastroscopy. RESULTS: Using five ports placed for laparoscopic SG, the gastric SMT was localized through an anterior gastrotomy and fully excised using a linear stapler and the gastrotomy site was closed. SG was then performed over a 54Fr bougie, including the gastrotomy suture closure. CONCLUSIONS: Several factors play important roles in deciding the best surgical approach for patients who are candidates for bariatric surgery and have concomitant gastric SMTs. This video report describes a safe and effective technique of simultaneous transgastric resection of a lesser curvature gastric SMT near the EGJ in a patient undergoing SG.

Physical activity and sedentary behavior in bariatric patients long-term post-surgery.

BACKGROUND: To measure sedentary behaviors and physical activity using accelerometry in participants who have undergone bariatric surgery 8.87 ± 3.78 years earlier and to compare these results with established guidelines. METHODS: Participants' weight and height were measured, an ActivPAL™3 accelerometer and sleeping journal were used to determine day sedentary time, transitions from sitting to standing, as well as steps/day, and participants were asked to indicate if they felt that they were currently less, the same, or more active than before surgery. RESULTS: Participants averaged 48 ± 15 transitions/day, 6375 ± 2690 steps/day, and 9.7 ± 2.3 h/day in sedentary positions. There was a negative correlation between steps/day and sedentary time (r = -.466, p ≤ .001), 11.27 % of participants achieved 10,000 steps/day. Participants who reported being more active prior to surgery averaged 6323.4 ± 2634.79 steps/day, which was not different from the other two groups of self-perceived change in level of physical activity (F (2, 68) = .941, p ≤ .05) from pre- to post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Participants were inadequately active and overly sedentary compared to established guidelines and norms. Healthcare workers should be taking physical activity and sedentary time into account when creating post-surgical guidelines for this population to ensure the best long-term weight loss maintenance and health outcomes.

Long-term incidence of symptomatic urolithiasis post-bariatric surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The risk of urolithiasis post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is higher when compared to the general population. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation is routinely prescribed to these patients, yet compliance with these supplements is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of symptomatic de novo urolithiasis post-RYGB and compliance with calcium and vitamin D supplementation. METHODS: A standardized telephone questionnaire was administered to patients who underwent RYGB between 1996 and 2011. Personal and medical histories were obtained with emphasis on episodes of symptomatic urolithiasis and calcium and vitamin D supplementation. RESULTS: The response rate was 48% with 478 patients completing the telephone questionnaire. After a mean follow-up of 7.0 years (range: 1-15), the incidence of post-RYGB symptomatic urolithiasis was 7.3%, while the rate of de novo symptomatic urolithiasis was 5%. The overall median time to present with symptomatic urolithiasis was 3.1 years, with 3.3 years for de novo stone-formers, and 2.0 years for recurrent stone-formers (p = 0.38). In de novo stone-formers, 33% presented with symptomatic urolithiasis 4 to 14 years postoperatively. Compliance with calcium and vitamin D supplementation was 56% and 51%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite recall bias and lack of confirmatory imaging studies, a high postoperative incidence of symptomatic urolithiasis was found in a large sample of post-RYGB patients. A third of patients with de novo stones, presented with symptomatic urolithiasis 4 to 14 years postoperatively. Compliance with postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation was poor and needs improvement.

Precision of the iDXA for visceral adipose tissue measurement in severely obese patients.

UNLABELLED: A new measurement tool, the automated software CoreScan, for the GE Lunar iDXA, has been validated for measuring visceral adipose tissue (VAT) against computed tomography in normal-weight populations. However, no study has evaluated the precision of CoreScan in measuring VAT among severely obese patients. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the precision of CoreScan for VAT measurements in severely obese adults (body mass index > 40 kg·m(-2)). METHODS: A total of 55 obese participants with a mean age of 46 ± 11 yr, body mass index of 49 ± 6 kg·m(-2), and body mass of 137.3 ± 21.3 kg took part in this study. Two consecutive iDXA scans with repositioning of the total body were conducted for each participant. The coefficient of variation, the root-mean-square averages of SD of repeated measurements, the corresponding 95% least significant change, and intraclass correlations were calculated. RESULTS: Precision error was 8.77% (percent coefficient of variation), with a root-mean-square SD of 0.294 kg and an intraclass correlation of 0.96. Bland-Altman plots demonstrated a mean precision bias of -0.08 ± 0.41 kg, giving a coefficient of repeatability of 0.82 kg and a bias range of -0.890 to 0.725 kg. CONCLUSIONS: When interpreting VAT results with the iDXA in severely obese populations, clinicians should be aware of the precision error for this important clinical parameter.

In vivo precision of the GE lunar iDXA for the assessment of lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and total body bone mineral density in severely obese patients.

No study has evaluated the precision of the GE Lunar iDXATM (GE Healthcare) in measuring bone mineral density (BMD) among severely obese patients. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the precision of the GE Lunar iDXATM for assessing BMD, including the lumbar spine L1-L4, L2-L4, the total hip, femoral neck, and total body in a severely obese population (body mass index [BMI]>40 kg/m(2)). Sixty-four severely obese participants with a mean age of 46 ± 11 yr, BMI of 49 ± 6 kg/m(2), and a mean body mass of 136.8 ± 20.4 kg took part in this investigation. Two consecutive iDXA scans (with repositioning) of the total body (total body BMD [TBBMD]), lumbar spine (L1-L4 and L2-L4), total hip (total hip BMD [THBMD]), and femoral neck (femoral neck BMD [FNBMD]) were conducted for each participant. The coefficient of variation (CV), the root mean square (RMS) averages of standard deviations of repeated measurements, the corresponding 95% least significant change, and intraclass correlations (ICCs) were calculated. In addition, analysis of bias and coefficients of repeatability were calculated. The results showed a high level of precision for total body (TBBMD), lumbar spine (L1-L4), and total hip (THBMD) with values of RMS: 0.013, 0.014, and 0.011 g/cm(2); CV: 0.97%, 1.05%, and 0.99%, respectively. Precision error for the femoral neck was 2.34% (RMS: 0.025 g/cm(2)) but still represented high reproducibility. ICCs in all dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements were 0.99 with FNBMD having the lowest at 0.98. Coefficients of repeatability for THBMD, FNBMD, L1-L4, L2-L4, and TBBMD were 0.0312, 0.0688, 0.0383, 0.0493, and 0.0312 g/cm(2), respectively. The Lunar iDXA demonstrated excellent precision for BMD measurements and is the first study to assess reproducibility of the GE Lunar iDXA with severely obese adults.