Personalized Medicine of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Depression Treatment in Obese and Metabolically Dysregulated Patients.

The co-occurrence of depression and obesity has become a significant public health concern worldwide. Recent studies have shown that metabolic dysfunction, which is commonly observed in obese individuals and is characterized by inflammation, insulin resistance, leptin resistance, and hypertension, is a critical risk factor for depression. This dysfunction may induce structural and functional changes in the brain, ultimately contributing to depression's development. Given that obesity and depression mutually increase each other's risk of development by 50-60%, there is a need for effective interventions that address both conditions. The comorbidity of depression with obesity and metabolic dysregulation is thought to be related to chronic low-grade inflammation, characterized by increased circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP). As pharmacotherapy fails in at least 30-40% of cases to adequately treat major depressive disorder, a nutritional approach is emerging as a promising alternative. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are a promising dietary intervention that can reduce inflammatory biomarkers, particularly in patients with high levels of inflammation, including pregnant women with gestational diabetes, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and overweight individuals with major depressive disorder. Further efforts directed at implementing these strategies in clinical practice could contribute to improved outcomes in patients with depression, comorbid obesity, and/or metabolic dysregulation.

Intra-Arterial Urokinase for Acute Superior Mesenteric Artery Occlusion: A Retrospective 12-Year Report of 13 Cases.

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of 13 patients with acute superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion who underwent intra-arterial urokinase thrombolysis between 2008 and 2020. On angiography, seven presented with complete SMA occlusion versus six with incomplete occlusion. The median time from abdominal pain to attempting urokinase thrombolysis was 15.0 h (interquartile range, 6.0 h). After urokinase therapy, bowel perfusion was restored with bowel preservation in six patients; however, treatment failed in the other seven patients. The degree of SMA occlusion (complete vs. incomplete, p = 0.002), degree of recanalisation (p = 0.012), and length of stay (p = 0.032) differed significantly between groups. Of the seven patients with complete SMA occlusion, six underwent bowel resection, of whom three died, and the remaining patient died of shock due to delayed surgery. Among the six patients with incomplete SMA occlusion, no bowel resection was performed. In our experience, intra-arterial urokinase thrombolysis may serve as an adjunctive treatment modality, being a potential replacement for open thrombectomy that is able to preserve the bowel and obviate surgery in cases of incomplete SMA occlusion; however, its use is unsuitable in cases of complete SMA occlusion, for which surgery is warranted.

Bariatric surgery trends and progress in Taiwan: 2010-2021.

INTRODUCTION: Taiwan is a leading country regarding bariatric surgery in Asia-Pacific. Since 2010, the Taiwan Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (TSMBS) has been accountable for the national evolution of bariatric surgery and inaugurated a national database accordingly. This study aimed to analyze the bariatric surgery trends and progress in Taiwan from 2010 to 2021. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The TSMBS database was collected on the basis of structured inquiries filled out by bariatric surgeons in Taiwan. All patients involving bariatric surgery were included. The data were stratified with the following objectives, including the types of bariatric procedures, demographic characteristics, and perioperative variables. A nationwide database was comprehensively analyzed and evaluated to determine the trends in the applications of the procedure. RESULTS: Data of 30,026 patients were enrolled. A 2.5-fold increase was observed in bariatric procedures, from 1218 in 2010 to 3005 in 2021. Within 12 years, female accounts for 61.8 %. The revisional rate was 3.40 % during the exploration stage (2010-2013), 2.77 % during the maturity stage (2013-2018), and 5.10 % during the expansion stage (2019-2021). The top five of primary bariatric surgery is sleeve gastrectomy (SG, 63.05 %), gastric clipping surgery (GC, 11.17 %), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB, 9.34 %), one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB, 8.80 %), and sleeve plus surgery (SG plus, 4.43 %). CONCLUSION: The trends and progress of Taiwan's bariatric surgery within recent decades are presented in this article. Taiwan's bariatric surgery case number has increased steadily from 2010 to 2021. Amongst all, SG has become the most dominant procedure since 2011 while OAGB takes up second place in 2020.

Conversion of One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) is Effective in Dealing with Late Complications of OAGB: Experience from a Tertiary Bariatric Center and Literature Review.

Purpose: Both primary and revisional bariatric surgery are on the rise due to global obesity pandemic. This study aimed to assess the indications for revision after one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and the outcomes after laparoscopic conversion of OAGB to roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB). Materials and Methods: Retrospective review on patients that had undergone conversion of OAGB to RYGB between June 2007-June 2019 in a tertiary bariatric center, followed by literature review. Results: Out of 386 revisional bariatric surgery, a total of 14 patients underwent laparoscopic conversion of OAGB to RYGB. The mean age was 44.7 with 71% female. The mean pre-revision BMI was 29.2 kg/m2. The primary indications for revision were bile reflux (n=7), marginal ulcer (n=3), inadequate weight loss or weight regain (IWL/WR) (n=3) and protein-calorie malnutrition (n=1). Conversion of OAGB to RYGB was completed laparoscopically in all cases. The mean length of stay was 4.1 days. There was no intraoperative or early post-operative complication. The mean total weight loss (rTWL%) after revision at year one, year three and year five post-revision were 11.5%, 18.1% and 29.1%, respectively. All patients achieved resolution of bile reflux and marginal ulcer. There was no mortality in this cohort. Conclusion: Bile reflux, marginal ulcer, IWL/WR and malnutrition were the main indications for revision after OAGB in this study. In concordance with the available evidence, laparoscopic conversion of OAGB to RYGB was safe and effective in dealing with late complications of OAGB.

Bougie-Induced Esophageal Perforation During Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery with Hiatus Hernia Repair.

INTRODUCTION: Use of bougie often helps in the calibration of gastric pouch and assess proper closure of the hiatus. Bougie induced esophageal perforation during surgery is uncommon. We encountered a case of bougie induced lower esophageal perforation while introducing it across a gastroesophageal junction.Here we discussed the cause, mechanism of perforation, and its management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A patient with BMI of 46.7 kg/m 2 was schedule for Laparoscopic Roux- en- Y Gastric Bypass with Hiatus Hernia Repair. A cruroplasty was performed using interrupted non-absorbable suture. Bougie intubation across gastroesophageal junction was unsuccessful after closure of hiatus. Possibilities of incorporation of a esophageal wall during cruroplasty or too tight hiatus was suspected. Crural approximation suture was removed and esophagus was inspected, which showed posterior perforation at the distal esophagus. Primary closure done with fullthickness interrupted 3'0 absorbable suture to create full-thickness interrupted stitches.A Jackson-Pratt drain was placed close to hiatus. RESULT: We kept the patient nil per orally for two days.On the fourth postoperative day,the patient recovered uneventfully and was discharge after drain removal. CONCLUSION: Bougie induced perforation is uncommon and occurs after improper manipulation of bougie across the gastroesophageal junction. Acute esophageal angulation and over thrusting of the bougie against closed hiatus can contribute to posterior esophageal perforation. Inspection of the esophagus above the hiatus is essential to avoid missed perforation.

Laparoscopic loop duodenaljejunal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy in type 2 diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic loop duodenojejunal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (LDJB-SG) is a new metabolic procedure. Our initial data on type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission after LDJB-SG were promising. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to look at our intermediate outcomes after LDJB-SG. SETTING: An academic medical center. METHODS: A prospective analysis of T2D patients who underwent LDJB-SG between October 2011 and October 2014 was performed. Data collected included baseline demographic, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, C-peptide, resolution of co-morbidities, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 163 patients with minimum of follow-up >1 year were enrolled in this study (57 men and 106 women). The mean age and body mass index were 47.7 (±10.7) years and a 30.2 (±5.1) kg/m2, respectively. There were 119 patients on oral hypoglycemic agents only, 29 patients were on oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin, 3 patients were on insulin only, and the other 12 patients were not on diabetic medication. Mean operation time and length of hospital stay were 144.7 (± 45.1) minutes and 2.4 (± 1.0) days, respectively. Seven patients (3.6%) needed reoperation due to bleeding (n = 1), anastomotic leak (n = 2), sleeve strictures (n = 2), and incisional hernia (n = 2). At 2 years of follow-up, there were 56 patients. None of the patients were on insulin and only 20% of patients were on oral hypoglycemic agents. Mean body mass index significantly dropped to 22.9 (±5.6) kg/m2 at 2 years. The mean preoperative fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and C-peptide levels were 174.7 mg/dL (± 61.0), 8.8% (±1.8), and 2.6 (±1.7) ng/mL, respectively. The mean fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and C-peptide at 2 years were 112.5 (±60.7) mg/dL, 6.4% (±2.0), and 1.5 (±0.6) ng/mL, respectively. No patient needed revisional surgery because of dumping syndrome, marginal ulcer, or gastroesophageal reflux disease at the last follow up period. CONCLUSION: At 2 years, LDJB-SG is a relatively safe and effective metabolic surgery with significant weight loss and resolution of co-morbidities.

Changes of gut microbiota between different weight reduction programs.

BACKGROUND: Gut microbiota may induce obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Different weight reduction programs may induce different changes in gut microbiota. OBJECTIVES: To assess the changes in gut microbiota between obese adults who participated in 2 different weight reduction programs, the dietary counseling (DC) group and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) group, for 3 months. SETTING: A University Hospital. METHODS: Ten obese participants from each group were matched according to sex, age, and body mass index. Gut microbiota compositions were determined by metagenomics using next-generation sequencing before and after treatment. Anthropometric indices, metabolic factors, and gut microbiota were compared between and within groups. RESULTS: After 3 months of treatment, compared with subjects in DC group, subjects in SG group experienced a greater reduction in body weight, body mass index, body fat, waist and hip circumference, diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, insulin, insulin resistance, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, blood urine nitrogen, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C). A total of 8, 17, and 46 species experienced significant abundance changes in DC, in SG, and between the 2 groups, respectively. Diversity of the gut flora increased in SG and between the 2 groups after treatment. The weight change over the course of the weight loss program was further adjusted and only 4 species, including Peptoniphilus lacrimalis 315 B, Selenomonas 4 sp., Prevotella 2 sp., and Pseudobutyrivibrio sp., were found to be significantly different between the 2 weight loss programs. These 4 species may be the different gut microbiota change between internal and surgical weight reduction programs. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant differences not only in anthropometric indices and metabolic factors but also in gut microbiota change between the 2 programs.

Revision using totally hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy and truncal vagotomy for refractory marginal ulcer after laparoscopic Roux-en-y gastric bypass: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Marginal ulcer (MU) is not infrequent after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Medication plus lifestyle modification remains the mainstay solution. Patients with refractory MU may be candidates for revisional surgery. OBJECTIVE: To summarize our experience of revisional surgery for treating refractory MU after LRYGB. SETTING: University hospital, Taiwan. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for 11 patients with refractory MU undergoing totally hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy and truncal vagotomy at our institution between August 2005 and May 2015. The mean follow-up after surgery was 28.0±16.2 months (range, 10-48 mo); 9 patients (81.8%) were followed up more than 1 year after. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort (7 males; 4 females) was 39.5±16.0 years (range, 19-66 yr), with a mean initial body mass index of 37.5±9.3 kg/m2 (range, 32.1-57 kg/m2). Intractability was the dominant manifestation (100%); 8 patients (72%) had stricture at the gastrojejunostomy. The mean interval from initial LRYGB to refractory MU and revisional surgery was 10.2±7.7 months (range, 4-28 mo) and 38.7±21.6 months (range, 10-67 mo), respectively. The average operation time was 150.4±59.8 minutes (range, 80-300 min), and the average length of hospital stay was 4.2±1.4 days (range, 2-7 d). The 9 patients with more than 1 year follow-up all achieved endoscopic resolution of the refractory MU. CONCLUSIONS: Although longer follow-up is warranted, revisional surgery with totally hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy and truncal vagotomy can be an effective solution for refractory MU.

Surgical standardization to prevent gastric stenosis after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is accepted as a stand-alone bariatric procedure. A specific and potentially severe complication of LSG is gastric stenosis (GS). OBJECTIVE: Reviewing the treatment and prevention of GS after LSG. SETTING: University hospital, Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted involving all of the LSG cases (n = 927) at our institution between February 2007 and December 2015. RESULTS: Eight patients (0.8%) with GS were identified in our unit and 1 patient was transferred from another institution with symptomatic GS. The median intervals from initial LSG to the presence of symptoms, endoscopic dilation, and surgical revision were 14±30 days (range, 7-103 days), 21±35.6 days (range, 9-110 days), and 36±473.9 days (range, 11-1185 days), respectively. The majority of stenoses were located at the incisura angularis (8/9 [88.9%]). Among the 9 patients, only 1 responded satisfactorily to repetitive endoscopic dilation and the remaining 8 patients required revisional laparoscopic surgery, including conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 6), stricturoplasty (n = 1), and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass after failed seromyotomy (n = 1). No patients experienced recurrent symptoms of GS after revisional surgery. In September 2013, we modified our surgical techniques for the subsequent 489 patients and GS did not occur after the change in surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: A combined treatment modality, endoscopic intervention with and without surgical revision is essential for managing GSs. Based on our own experience, we emphasize the clinical significance of surgical standardization to prevent the occurrence of GS.

Management of gastric fold herniation after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banded plication: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banded plication (LAGBP) is a novel bariatric procedure, and little is known about its potential complications. OBJECTIVES: Herein, we report on complications of LAGBP and discuss the clinical features and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in such situations, with emphasis on gastric fold herniation (GFH). SETTING: University Hospital. METHODS: Prospectively collected data of 223 patients who underwent LAGBP for morbid obesity between August 2009 and December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Follow-up at 1 year was 75%. RESULTS: Eight patients (3.5%) required readmission due to major complications, including 1 trocar site hernia, 1 band leak, 1 gastric stenosis, and 5 GFHs. GFHs occurred mostly in the first postoperative month (4/5, 80%) and at the fundus (5/5, 100%); 4 GFHs occurred in the initial 70 patients. Seven laparoscopic reoperations were required for managing GFH. The gastric band was removed in 3 patients (of 5; 60%). Two patients developed residual intra-abdominal abscess and were treated successfully by image-guided drainage. In March 2012, we reversed the order of our surgical techniques for the subsequent 153 patients and performed greater curvature plication first, followed by band placement. Only one GFH occurred after this change in surgical order (1/153 versus 4/70; P< .05). CONCLUSIONS: High clinical suspicion assisted by radiological investigations and early surgical intervention is the key for managing GFH after LAGBP. Though GFH complications were rare, we significantly reduced its occurrence by altering the surgical order in LAGBP to plication followed by banding.

Revision with Totally Hand-Sewn Gastrojejunostomy and Vagotomy for Refractory Marginal Ulcer after Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

BACKGROUND: Marginal ulcer is not infrequent after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and could result in undesirable complications, such as intractability, bleeding, or perforation. Those patients who failed medical therapy, regarded as refractory marginal ulcers, may be considered as candidates for revisional surgery. Herein, we make a video presentation of a laparoscopic revisional procedure for refractory marginal ulcer. METHODS: A 29-year-old morbidly obese woman (initial body mass index 37.1 kg/m(2)), a non-smoker, presented with persistent epigastric pain 3 months after initial laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at another institution. After an exhaustive work-up there, only the gastroendoscopy revealed a marginal ulcer and she underwent medical treatment (proton pump inhibitor and sucralfate) for 3 months, but the patient's symptom aggravated and the serial gastroendoscopies still confirmed the marginal ulcer without obvious resolution after a total of 4 months proton pump inhibitor therapy, suggesting failure of medical treatment and intractability. Laparoscopic revisional procedure with totally hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy and vagotomy was performed to relieve her intractable condition. RESULTS: The procedure took 130 min, without any intra-operative complications. Blood loss was 80 mL. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course, and the postoperative hospital stay was 3 days. She was relieved of her symptoms after this revisional surgery, and a subsequent gastroendoscopy 15 months later showed no marginal ulcers. CONCLUSIONS: Though long-term follow-up is needed to draw a definite conclusion, totally hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy and vagotomy remains a practicable revisional procedure to relieve refractory marginal ulcers.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banded Plication (Lagbp): Standardization of Surgical Technique and Analysis of Surgical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banded plication (LAGBP) is a novel bariatric procedure which is restrictive and reversible. The aim of this study were to compare two LAGBP techniques and analyze its postoperative outcomes, in order to standardize the procedure. METHODS: Eighty patients who underwent LAGBP were enrolled in this study. Forty patients who underwent LAGBP (group 1) from December 2011 to June 2012 were compared with 40 patients (group 2) who underwent a modified LAGBP technique, which included preserving the right gastroepiploic vessels and uniform plication volume between July 2012 and January 2013. Relevant patient's data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in age, gender, preoperative body mass index (BMI), and hospital stay. The median total operative time was shorter in group 2 (100.5 min; range 41-189) compared to group 1 (124 min; range 63-192), p = 0.048. There were two major complications involving gastric fold herniation (GFH) in group 1, while none was seen in group 2, p = 0.07. The minor complications encountered in both groups were similar, p = 0.37. At 6-month follow-up, there was no difference in mean frequency of band adjustments, weight, and BMI reduction in both groups. No mortality was seen in our series. CONCLUSIONS: A standardized LAGBP procedure which includes uniform plication volume and preservation of right gastroepiploic vessels could potentially avoid early GFH. However, larger comparative studies with longer follow-up would be needed to evaluate the late outcomes of this procedure and its efficacy in weight loss.

Increased Risk of Pyogenic Liver Abscess Among Patients With Colonic Diverticular Diseases: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Whether patients with diverticular diseases exhibit a higher risk of developing pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) remains inconclusive.From the inpatient claims in Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 54,147 patients diagnosed with diverticulosis in the 1998 to 2010 period and 216,588 controls without the disorder. The 2 cohorts were matched by age, sex, and admission year, and were followed up until the end of 2010 to estimate the risk of PLA.Overall, the incidence of PLA was 2.44-fold higher in the diverticular-disease group than in the controls (11.5 vs 4.65 per 10,000 person-year). The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of PLA was 2.11 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.81-2.44) for the diverticular-disease group, according to a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model. The age-specific data showed that the aHR for the diverticular-disease group, compared with the controls, was the highest inpatients younger than 50 years old (aHR, 4.03; 95% CI, 2.77-5.85). Further analysis showed that the diverticular-disease group exhibited an elevated risk of PLA regardless of whether patients had diverticulitis.The patients with diverticular diseases exhibited a higher risk of PLA.

Bariatric surgery in old age: a comparative study of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in an Asia centre of excellence.

Bariatric surgery has been proved to be the safest and efficient procedure in treating morbid obese patients, but data is still lacking in the elderly population. The aim of our study was to compare the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in patients aged more than 55 years. We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database. All patients with body mass index (BMI) ≧32 kg/m(2) and aged more than 55 years undergoing LRYGB or LSG in BMI Surgery Centre, E-Da Hospital between January 2008 and December 2011 with at least one year of follow up were included for the analysis. Demography, peri-operative data, weight loss and surgical complications were all recorded and analyzed. Mean age and BMI of these 68 patients (22 males and 46 female) were 58.8 years (55-79 years) and 39.5 kg/m(2) (32.00-60.40 kg/m(2)). LRYGB was performed in 44 patients and LSG in 24 patients. The two groups were comparable in their preoperative BMI, American Society of Anaesthesia (ASA) score and gender distribution. LSG patients were significantly older than patients receiving LRYGB. The proportion of type 2 diabetes preoperatively was significantly higher in LRYGB patients as compared to LSG patients (88.63% vs. 50%; P < 0.01). The prevalence of other co-morbidities was similar and comparable between the groups. Mean BMI in the LRYGB and LSG groups at the end of 1 year were 28.8 kg/m(2) and 28.2 kg/m(2), respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference in mean percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 1 year. The percentage of resolution of diabetes was significantly higher in LRYGB (69.2%) as compared to LSG (33.3%). On the other hand, there was no statistical difference in the percentage of resolution of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and fatty liver hepatitis. The overall morbidity and re-operation rate was higher in LRYGB patients. In morbidly elderly patients, both surgeries achieved good weight loss and resolution of comorbidities. LRYGB is superior to LSG in terms of diabetes remission but carries higher complication rates even at high volume centres.

Conversion to modified duodenal switch for relieving intractable dumping syndrome and constipation after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Dumping syndrome is not infrequent after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and could result in dreaded complications, such as hypoglycemia or syncope. Those patients who failed medical therapy and diet modification, regarded as intractable dumping syndrome, may be considered as candidates for revisional surgery. Herein, we make a video presentation of laparoscopic revisional procedure for intractable dumping syndrome with unsatisfactory weight loss. METHODS: A 32-year-old, morbidly obese woman (initial body mass index, 53.3 kg/m(2)) presented with dumping syndrome 17 months after initial laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. She underwent nutritional counseling, strict diet modification, and medication treatment but failed. In addition, the patient complained of worsening constipation and insufficient weight loss (body mass index, 36 kg/m(2)). Laparoscopic revisional procedure with modified duodenal switch was conducted to relieve her intractable condition. RESULTS: The procedure took 260 min without any intraoperative complication. Blood loss was 100 mL The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and the postoperative hospital stay was 5 days. The uncomfortable symptoms relieved successfully after the revisional surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Though long-term follow-up is warranted to draw a definite conclusion, modified duodenal switch with pyloric restoration and shortening bowel length remains an acceptable revisional procedure to relive intractable dumping syndrome and constipation in our patient successfully.

A case-matched study of the differences in bone mineral density 1 year after 3 different bariatric procedures.

BACKGROUND: Studies have reported decreased bone mineral density (BMD) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banded plication (LAGBP) is a novel procedure resulting in a dual restrictive mechanism of weight loss without altering gastrointestinal anatomy. The objectives of this study were to compare the BMD changes at 1 year after LAGBP, LSG, and LRYGB. METHODS: The sample included 120 patients (40 patients [13 men/27 premenopausal women] each in LAGBP, LSG, and LRYGB groups). The mean preoperative age and body mass index were 30.0±6.5 years and 39.5±3.8 kg/m2, respectively. BMD was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar anteroposterior spine and total hip preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean percentage of excess weight loss was 61.9%±16.8%, 77.1%±12.3%, and 72.7%±17.4% at 1 year after LAGBP, LSG, and LRYGB, respectively. The mean BMD at the lumbar anteroposterior spine remained unchanged in the LSG and LRYGB groups, but significantly increased in the LAGBP group. The mean BMD at the total hip significantly decreased in all groups compared to the preoperative values. However, the mean BMD was significantly higher in the LRYGB than in the LAGBP group. CONCLUSION: Bone loss at the hips was observed in all patients, including those with adequate micronutrient supplementation. LRYGB caused significantly greater bone loss than the other procedures.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity: 5 years experience from an Asian center of excellence.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is emerging as a popular "stand-alone" bariatric procedure. We report our 5 years experience with LSG as a single-stage bariatric procedure with which to study the technical progress, learning curve, complications, and follow-up results. METHODS: Prospectively collected data of 228 patients (145 females and 83 males), who underwent LSG for morbid obesity, from February 2007 to March 2012, was retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age was 34.68 years (range, 18-62 years) and the mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 37.42 ± 4.75 kg/m(2) (range, 32.08-65.69 kg/m(2)). Mean operative time was 60.63 ± 27.37 min. The mean BMI decreased to 26.15 ± 3.71 kg/m(2) at 3 years (p < 0.001) and to 27.94 ± 4.08 kg/m(2) at 5 years (p < 0.001). Mean percentage excess weight loss was 71.96 ± 21.30 % at 3 years and 63.71 ± 20.08 % at 5 years. The 30-day readmission rate was 3.07 %.Overall complication rate was 4.3 %, including strictures, leaks, peritonitis, gastrocutaneous fistula, and one (0.43 %) mortality. One patient with weight regain and another with stricture underwent conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Complication rates significantly decreased after the first 50 cases (p = 0.022), suggesting an initial learning curve. Resolution of diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia was 66.67, 100, and 50 %, respectively, at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: LSG as a single-stage bariatric procedure is safe and durable, achieving weight loss and resolution of comorbidities up to 5 years. Adherence to technical details is pivotal in reducing complications associated with the initial learning phase.

Blunt diaphragmatic rupture--a rare but challenging entity in thoracoabdominal trauma.

PURPOSE: Delayed diagnosis of blunt traumatic diaphragmatic rupture (BDR) is not uncommon in the emergency department (ED) despite improvement in investigative techniques. We reviewed a large case series of patients diagnosed with blunt traumatic diaphragmatic rupture in order to report demographics, clinical features, and mechanisms of injury of this important but challenging entity. METHODS: From January 2001 through December 2009, 43 patients were diagnosed with BDR at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Demographic data, including sex, age, initial hemodynamic parameters, laboratory data, diagnostic imaging, trauma mechanism, injury location, associated injuries, injury severity score (ISS), time to diagnosis, intensive care unit length of stay (ICU LOS), hospital length of stay (hospital LOS), and mortality, were extracted from hospital records. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients (34 men; 9 women) with BDR were analyzed. Their median age was 37 years (15-82 yrs). Most of these injuries were related to traffic collision (76.8%). The anatomic location of injury to the diaphragm consisted of 24 left-sided (55.8%), 14 right-sided (32.6%),and 5 bilateral diaphragmatic injuries. (11.6%) Hemopneumothorax was the most common associated injury (37.2%). The median diagnostic time was 8 hours (range 2 to 366 hrs). The median ISS score was 18 (range 9 to 41). The median ICU LOS was 4 days (range 0 to 99 ds) and the median HLOS was 19 days (range 1 to 106ds). The total mortality rate was 9.3%. Initial high ISS, initial shock and bilateral diaphragmatic injury significantly increased mortality. CONCLUSION: BDR constitutes a rare entity in thoracoabdominal trauma and most of these injuries were related to traffic collision. High index of suspicion was still the main factor to early diagnosis of this case. The mortality was related to initial shock , bilateral BDR and high ISS. Proper initial resuscitation and correction of other serious injuries may be more life-saving in patients with BDR.