Long-term Impact of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Drug Costs of Japanese Patients with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most common type of bariatric surgery in Japan, and it is the only such procedure covered by national health insurance. The long-term cost of bariatric surgery in Japan has not yet been analyzed. We aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of LSG on the drug treatment costs of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 230 patients who had undergone LSG at our institution for their obesity and T2DM between 2007 and 2018. The clinicopathological data included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), as well as preoperative and postoperative medications for T2DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. We then calculated the drug treatment costs for T2DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemia before and after LSG; and we evaluated the remission rates of these obesity-related diseases. RESULTS: The median preoperative body weight and BMI of the 230 patients who underwent LSG were 115 kg and 40.6 kg/m2, respectively. Preoperative drug treatment costs per month per patient for T2DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were ¥3795 (¥0-40285), ¥3269 (¥0-14577), and ¥1428 (¥0-19464). Post-operation, the median drug treatment costs for all these diseases became nil. The remission rates of T2DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemia 5 years after LSG were 82.8%, 50%, and 43.8%, respectively. In Japan, the cost of an LSG operation corresponds to 4.75 years of median drug costs to treat T2DM and hypertension. CONCLUSION: In the long term, LSG in Japan is effective both physically and cost-wise for patients with obesity and T2DM.

Bariatric surgery versus medical treatment in mildly obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Japan: Propensity score-matched analysis on real-world data.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: To compare glycemic control 1 year after treatment in patients with mildly obese (body mass index 27.5-34.9 kg/m2 ) type 2 diabetes mellitus who underwent bariatric surgery (BS) to those who received medical treatment (MT) in Japan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study using real-world data was carried out in electronic medical records from a tertiary care hospital and in the Japanese Medical Data Center Inc. claim database from 2008 to 2019. Each patient was propensity score-matched between the BS and the MT group by age, sex, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin and type 2 diabetes mellitus duration, and compared from the index date to the 1 year post-index. RESULTS: The study included 78 patients in the BS group and 238 patients in the MT group. The mean body mass index in the BS and the MT group was 32.1 and 32.0 kg/m2 , respectively. In the BS group, the patients underwent either laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with or without duodenojejunal bypass. The diabetes remission rate (glycated hemoglobin <6.5% without diabetes medication) at 1 year was 59.0% in the BS group and 0.4% in the MT group (P < 0.0001). Optimal glycemic control of glycated hemoglobin <7.0% was achieved in 75.6% in the BS group and in 29.0% in the MT group (P < 0.0001). The median monthly drug costs for metabolic syndrome decreased from $US126.5 (at baseline) to $US0.0 (at 1 year) in the BS group, whereas it increased from $US52.4 to $US58.3 in the MT group. CONCLUSIONS: BS for mildly obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is more clinically- and cost-effective than MT in Japan.

Intraoperative holography navigation using a mixed-reality wearable computer during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Mixed-reality technology, a new digital holographic image technology, is used to present 3-dimensional (3D) images in the surgical space using a wearable mixed-reality device. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a holography-guided navigation system as an intraoperative support image.In this prospective observational study, 27 patients with cholelithiasis or mild cholecystitis underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy between April 2020 and November 2020. Nine patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with 3D models generated by a wearable mixed-reality device (laparoscopic cholecystectomy with 3D models) and 18 underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with conventional two-dimensional images (laparoscopic cholecystectomy with 2D images) as surgical support images. Surgical outcomes such as operative time, blood loss, and perioperative complication rate were measured, and a four-item questionnaire was used for subjective assessment. All surgeries were performed by a mid-career and an experienced surgeon. RESULTS: Median operative times of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with 3-dimensional models and 2-dimensional images were 74.0 and 58.0 minutes, respectively. No intraoperative blood loss or perioperative complications occurred. Although the midcareer surgeon indicated that laparoscopic cholecystectomy with 3-dimensional models was "normal" or "easy" compared with 2-dimensional images in all cases, the experienced surgeon rated 3-dimensional models as more difficult in 3 (33%) of 9 cases. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that laparoscopic cholecystectomy with 3-dimensional models is feasible. However, the efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with 3-dimensional models may depend on the surgeon's experience, as indicated by the different ratings provided by the surgeons.

Impact of the Hepatic Branch of the Vagus Nerve Transection in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Patients with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: An increase in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been reported, and concomitant hiatal hernia repair (HHR) during LSG is expected to reduce the incidence of post-LSG GERD. In HHR, the hepatic branch of the vagus nerve is anatomically transected. Recent experimental animal models suggest that vagotomy may affect glycemic control and weight loss through a neuroendocrine response. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether LSG with/without hepatic branch vagotomy (HV) has a clinical impact on glycemic control in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Furthermore, the impact on weight loss and post-LSG GERD were evaluated. METHODS: A total of 204 Japanese patients with obesity and T2DM, who underwent LSG and completed 1-year follow-up, were retrospectively analyzed. Operative outcomes, weight loss, glycemic, and GERD-related parameters were compared between the LSG/HHR/HV group (n = 89) and the LSG group (n = 115). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the background factors in terms of anthropometric and T2DM-related parameters between the groups. The median operation times in the LSG/HHR/HV and LSG groups were 133 and 124 minutes, respectively (p = 0.236). At 1 year, the diabetes remission rate, HbA1c, fasting glucose, and C-peptide levels were all comparable between the groups. The weight loss effect was also comparable. The patients in the LSG/HHR/HV group achieved significant improvement and prevention of GERD and hiatus hernia (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: HV does not appear to have a clinical impact on glycemic control and weight loss. Concomitant HHR with LSG serves to reduce post-LSG GERD.

Five-Year Outcomes of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Japanese Patients with Class I Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is being recognized increasingly as an effective treatment for obesity and related comorbidities. In Japan, the cost of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is covered by the national health insurance for adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2 and specific comorbidities (type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension (HT), dyslipidemia (DL), and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)). However, only 0.6% of the adult population have a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2. In contrast, 4.3% have class I obesity (a BMI of 30-34.9 kg/m2). The BMI of Asians with central obesity-induced diabetes and other metabolic disorders is much lower than that of Westerners. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the medium-term (up to 5 years) outcomes of LSG performed in Japanese patients with class I obesity. METHODS: One hundred eighteen consecutive patients with class I obesity treated by LSG at our center between August 2007 and December 2018 were included in a retrospective study. Mean preoperative body weight (BW) and BMI were 88.6 ± 10.3 kg and 32.8 ± 1.6 kg/m2, respectively. Weight loss, comorbidity status, and adverse events were assessed. RESULTS: Mean BW/BMI at 1, 3, and 5 years after LSG decreased significantly to 66.6 ± 11.2 kg/24.6 ± 2.8 kg/m2, 68.0 ± 14.0 kg/25.4 ± 4.0 kg/m2, and 69.1 ± 12.9 kg/26.5 ± 3.0 kg/m2, respectively. Mean total weight loss at 1, 3, and 5 years was 24.7 ± 8.2%, 21.8 ± 12.1%, and 18.5 ± 9.7%, respectively. Metabolic disorders such as T2DM, HT, and DL improved significantly. There was no mortality. CONCLUSION: LSG is safe, yields excellent weight loss, and improves obesity-related comorbidities in Japanese patients with class I obesity.

Revisional Bariatric Surgery for Insufficient Weight Loss and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Our 12-Year Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Although bariatric surgery is increasing in Japan, revision surgery is uncommon. To clarify indications for the various revision surgeries available, we retrospectively assessed perioperative/postoperative outcomes of revisional weight loss surgeries performed at our medical center between July 2006 and July 2017. METHODS: The study group comprised patients treated for insufficient weight loss (IWL group, n = 15) or intractable postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD group, n = 9). Clinical characteristics and perioperative/postoperative outcomes were assessed for the total patients, per patient group, and per type of revision surgery performed. RESULTS: In the IWL group, BMI decreased from 47.3 ± 9.2 kg/m2 at the time of revision surgery to 36.9 ± 7.4 kg/m2 1 year later, and excess weight loss (%EWL) reached 62.7 ± 14.6%. Among patients whose primary surgery was laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, %EWL and total weight loss (%) were greater after laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (LBPD/DS) or duodenojejunal bypass (DJB) than after other revision surgeries. Complete or partial remission of the GERD was achieved in all GERD group patients (9/9, 100%), and six (6/9, 66.7%) were able to discontinue proton pump inhibitor therapy. Serious complications occurred in four patients (4/24, 16.7%) following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB): stump leakage in one, gastrojejunal leak in one, and gastrojejunal stricture in two. CONCLUSION: LBPD/DS or DJB as revision surgery appears to be effective for further weight loss in the medium term, and LRYGB appears to be effective for GERD remission. Bariatric surgeons should bear in mind, however, that the post-LRYGB complication rate appears to be relatively high.

Reduced-Port Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbidly Obese Japanese Patients: a Retrospective Case-Matched Study.

BACKGROUND: Reduced-port laparoscopic surgery remains controversial due to technical challenges that can lead to suboptimal outcomes, and data pertaining to operative and clinical outcomes of reduced-port sleeve gastrectomy (RPSG) vs. conventional laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (CLSG) are lacking. AIMS: This retrospective case-matched study aimed to compare midterm (2-year) outcomes of RPSG and of CLSG. METHODS: Patients included in the study had undergone laparoscopic bariatric surgery at our center between 2010 and 2017. Thirty-one consecutive female patients who underwent RPSG were compared to a sex-, age-, body mass index-matched group of 31 patients who underwent CLSG. Outcomes were evaluated and compared between groups. RESULTS: Estimated blood loss volume, incidences of intraoperative and postoperative complications, and length of postoperative hospital stay did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Operation time was significantly greater in the RPSG group than in the CLSG group (148.7 ± 22.6 vs. 120.2 ± 25.9 min, respectively; p < 0.001). Excess weight loss at 1 year was 105.9% and 109.7%, respectively (p = 0.94) and at 2 years was 101.1% and 105.3%, respectively (p = 0.64). One RPSG patient required placement of additional trocars because of bleeding from short gastric vessels, but conversion to open surgery was not required. CONCLUSIONS: RPSG is feasible in carefully selected bariatric patients and results in midterm outcomes comparable to those observed after CLSG. Good cosmesis is a potential benefit of RPSG.

Portomesenteric vein thrombosis after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in patient with liver cirrhosis.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become the dominant bariatric procedure because of its reliable weight loss and low complication rate. Portomesenteric vein thrombosis (PMVT) after LSG is an infrequent complication that can lead to serious consequences. Here, we report a patient who presented with abdominal pain 11 days after LSG for the treatment of morbid obesity. Contrast CT of the abdomen revealed PMVT. The patient had liver cirrhosis, which is a major risk factor for PMVT. When LSG is performed on an obese patient with liver cirrhosis, careful attention must be paid to the onset of PMVT.

Early gastric cancer successfully treated by endoscopic submucosal resection 1 year after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal-jejunal bypass.

This case involved a 64-year-old female patient with a BMI of 35.3 kg/m2 and poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed chronic, atrophic gastritis. Helicobacter pylori antibody was negative. The patient underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal-jejunal bypass as a metabolic surgery to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. At 1 year postoperatively, routine endoscopy detected a flat elevated lesion at the distal gastric sleeve, near the posterior wall of the antrum; biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma. Endoscopic submucosal resection was performed without complication. This case shows the advantage of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal-jejunal bypass in screening the excluded stomach as compared to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Therefore, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal-jejunal bypass can be a viable alternative to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for regions where gastric cancer is endemic.

Correction to: A Comparison of the Bariatric Procedures that Are Performed in the Treatment of Super Morbid Obesity.

On page 2539, in the section "The Perioperative Outcome (Table 3)" in line 8 "LRYGB, 165 ± 42.6" should be corrected to "LRYGB, 160 ± 42.6".

Metabolic surgery for inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes in nonseverely obese Japanese: a prospective, single-center study.

BACKGROUND: The beneficial effects of metabolic surgery on weight loss, glycemic control, and cardiovascular improvement for the morbidly obese patient has been vast and undeniable. It is also expected to be effective in diabetic patients with less severe obesity, but the evidence is yet to yield significant impact. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigate the impact of metabolic surgery on inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes in Japanese patients with mild obesity. SETTING: Private practice, Japan. METHODS: Twenty-eight consecutively selected diabetic patients with body mass index 27.5 to 34.9 kg/m2, who had inadequately controlled diabetes despite intensive medical treatments, underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenojejunal bypass, and were prospectively followed up for 12 months. The primary endpoint was a composite of proposed parameters of optimal diabetes management of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C)<7.0%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol<100 mg/dL, and systolic blood pressure<130 mm Hg. RESULTS: At enrollment, the HbA1C was 9.4 ± 1.3% and the duration of diabetes was 11.7 ± 7.4 years. After the short-term low-calorie diet intervention, the preoperative baseline body mass index and HbA1C were 31.0 ± 1.5 kg/m2 and 8.5 ± 1.3%, respectively. At 1 year, body mass index and HbA1C dropped to 24.7 ± 2.3 kg/m2 and 6.8 ± .8%, respectively. Those who achieved HbA1C<6.5% without diabetes medications, and those with HbA1C<7% were 23% and 54% compared with 0% and 3.6% at baseline (P = .007 and P<.001), respectively. Although the ratio of those who achieved the composite endpoint did not reach statistical significance, positive impacts were also observed on hypertension, dyslipidemia, medication usage, and quality of life. There were 3 major surgical morbidities and no mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: Gastrointestinal metabolic surgery in nonmorbidly obese Japanese with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes may have additional metabolic benefits.

The Effects of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy with Duodenojejunal Bypass on Japanese Patients with BMI < 35 kg/m2 on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the Prediction of Successful Glycemic Control.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenojejunal bypass (LSG-DJB) is a combination of sleeve gastrectomy and proximal intestinal bypass through duodenal exclusion. This technique has shown excellent weight loss and anti-diabetic effects in severely obese patients. In this retrospective study, we examined the clinical effects of LSG-DJB on mildly obese patients (body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m2) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and analyzed factors contributing to the successful postoperative glycemic control. METHODS: Seventy-two consecutive Japanese patients with T2DM with a BMI of < 35 kg/m2 who underwent LSG-DJB in a single institution from September 2007 to March 2015 were included for the study. Weight loss, safety, and the impact on T2DM and metabolic syndrome were examined at 1 year after surgery when weight loss reaches an expected plateau. In addition, pre- and postoperative factors between those who achieved diabetes remission (remitters) and non-remitters were compared. RESULTS: The follow-up rate at 1 year after surgery was 93%. The mean percent total weight loss (%TWL) was 31.6 ± 8.8%, and the mean glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) dropped from 8.9 ± 1.5 to 6.4 ± 1.0%. There were four early- and seven late-severe complications (grade III-A or more based on the Clavien-Dindo classification), which account for the 1-year morbidity rate of 15%. There was no mortality. The complete (HbA1c of < 6% without diabetes medication) and partial (HbA1c of < 6.5% without diabetes medication) remission of T2DM was achieved in 31 and 49% of the patients, respectively. Positive impacts were also observed on hypertension and dyslipidemia. Consequently, the ratio of those who achieved the composite endpoint (HbA1c of < 7%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol < 100 mg/dL, systolic blood pressure < 130 mmHg) significantly increased from 4.2 to 22% (p = 0.003). Duration of T2DM and preoperative use of anti-hypertensive drugs were independent predictors of diabetes remission. Patients with a higher ABCD score were also at a higher rate of success in T2DM remission. CONCLUSIONS: LSG-DJB for T2DM patients with a BMI of < 35 kg/m2 is a feasible and effective surgical method in achieving moderate weight loss and excellent improvement of glycemic control, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular risk although the T2DM remission rate was lower compared with severely obese individuals. Proper patient selection for candidates of the procedure is imperative to effectively predict poor responders.

Mid-term results of bariatric surgery in morbidly obese Japanese patients with slow progressive autoimmune diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery is recognized as an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus, but data on its efficacy for type 1 diabetes mellitus, especially slowly progressive insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, are limited. METHODS: We investigated five Japanese patients with slowly progressive insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus who underwent bariatric surgery at our center. RESULTS: Five morbidly obese glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody-positive diabetic patients underwent two different types of bariatric surgery. The mean titer of anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody was 4.6 U/mL, and the mean preoperative bodyweight and BMI were 113 kg and 39.6 kg/m2 , respectively. The mean hemoglobin A1c was 8.4%. The mean fasting serum C-peptide was 5.0 ng/mL. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was performed in two patients, while laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenojejunal bypass was performed in three patients. At one year after surgery, the mean bodyweight and BMI significantly dropped, and the mean percentage of excess weight loss was 96.4%. The mean hemoglobin A1c was 5.7%. This favorable trend was maintained at mid-term. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery for morbidly obese patients with anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody-positive type 1 diabetes mellitus, especially slow progressive autoimmune diabetes, seemed effective in achieving mid-term glycemic control. Longer follow-up with a larger number of patients, as well as validation with more advanced patients with slowly progressive insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, will be needed.

Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease in Morbidly Obese Japanese and the Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Disease Progression.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among Japanese morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery and the impact of bariatric surgery on their renal function has not previously been investigated. OBJECTIVES: The aims were to assess the prevalence of CKD patients who underwent bariatric surgery in our institution and to elucidate the impact of bariatric surgery on their kidney function as measured by the estimated glomerular filtration rate by Cystatin-C (eGFRcys). SETTING: The setting of the study was in a single private hospital. METHODS: Two hundred fifty-four consecutive Japanese patients who underwent bariatric surgery were retrospectively analyzed to elucidate the prevalence of CKD. The eGFRcys was calculated to assess the change in the kidney function for 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: The preoperative prevalence of CKD was as follows: G1, 45.3%; G2, 47.2%; G3, 6.5%; and G4, 0.9%. The eGFRcys values before and after surgery were compared; the G1 and G2 patients showed significantly improved eGFRcys values after surgery (G1 101 [94-108] vs 114 [103-127]; G2 79 [74-84] vs 97 [87-104] ml/min/1.73 m2; p < 0.01) with significant weight loss (G1 38.1 ± 6.2 vs 26.5 ± 3.4; G2 38.5 ± 6.9 vs 26.7 ± 3.6 kg/m2; p < 0.01). Although the renal function of G3 patients was not improved after surgery (44 [42-47] vs 45 [43-63] ml/min/1.73 m2; p = 0.08), successful weight loss was achieved (36.1 ± 6.3 vs 26.6 ± 3.6 kg/m2; p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, postoperative eGFRcys correlated negatively with proteinuria (p < 0.01), age (p < 0.01), and body mass index (p < 0.01) and positively with persistence of antihypertensive drugs. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery resulted in the significant improvement in the eGFRcys values of Japanese patients with morbid obesity, particularly those with pre-CKD (eGFRcys ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2), while the eGFRcys values of CKD patients (< 60 ml/min/1.73 m2) were not ameliorated by surgery.

A Comparison of the Bariatric Procedures that Are Performed in the Treatment of Super Morbid Obesity.

BACKGROUND: We have experienced numerous cases of super morbid obesity (SMO), defined by a BMI of ≥50 kg/m2, in which laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was not able to achieve a sufficient weight loss effect. However, the most appropriate procedure for the treatment of SMO has not yet been established. METHODS: The subjects included 248 successive patients who underwent surgery at our hospital from June 2006 to December 2012. We divided the subjects into an SMO group (BMI, 50 to <70 kg/m2) and a morbid obesity (MO) group (BMI, 35 to <50 kg/m2). The subjects underwent LSG, LSG with duodenojejunal bypass (LSG/DJB), or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). The weight loss effects, safety of surgery, and metabolic profile changes were compared. RESULTS: Sixty-two subjects were classified into the SMO group (25%). The percent excess weight loss (%EWL) after LSG among the patients in the SMO group was not significantly different from that of patients who underwent other procedures. LSG was associated with a significantly lower success rate in terms of weight loss (%EWL ≥ 50%), in comparison to the weight loss at 1 year after LRYGB and at 2 years after LSG/DJB and LRYGB. Among the patients in the MO group, the %EWL and the rate of successful weight loss did not differ to a statistically significant extent. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that in patients with SMO, LSG/DJB and LRYGB can achieve superior weight loss effects in comparison to LSG.

Five-Year-Results of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy with Duodenojejunal Bypass for Weight Loss and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenojejunal bypass (LSG-DJB) has been designated as a novel bariatric surgery procedure. This combination of sleeve gastrectomy and proximal intestinal bypass theoretically offers an effective and prolonged anti-diabetes effect. This is a follow-up of our institution's previous report on the short-term effects of LSG-DJB on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which a 68.7 % remission (HbA1c <6 % without diabetes medication) rate 1 year after surgery. The aforementioned result was comparable to the reported remission rates of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. However, the durability of remission remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate the medium-term (up to 5 years) effects of LSG-DJB on weight loss and T2DM. METHODS: In this analysis, consecutive 120 patients (female to male ratio = 61:59, mean age = 44.8 years) with T2DM who underwent LSG-DJB from April 2007 to November 2013 and were followed up beyond 1 year were included. The preoperative mean body weight and BMI were 105.7 kg and 38.5 kg/m2, respectively. The mean HbA1c and fasting blood glucose values were 8.9 % and 194 mg/dL, respectively. The mean duration of T2DM was 7.3 years. Fifty-five patients (46 %) were being treated with insulin prior to surgery. RESULTS: The follow-up rate was 97.5 % at 1 year, 73.3 % at 3 years, and 50.0 % at 5 years. The mean body weight was 74.9 kg at 1 year, 76.8 kg at 3 years, and 72.8 kg at 5 years (p < 0.001, compared to the baseline). The mean percent of total body weight loss (%TWL) was 28.9, 28.6, and 30.7 % at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Remission of T2DM was achieved at 63.6, 55.3, and 63.6 % at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Among those who achieved diabetes remission at 1 year, 10.8 % of them experienced recurrence during the subsequent follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Although recurrence of T2DM is observed in some patients over time, LSG-DJB is an effective procedure for achieving significant weight loss and improvement of glycemic control, and the effects seem to be durable up to 5 years.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy with Duodenojejunal Bypass for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenojejunal bypass (LSG-DJB), which has been positioned as a novel bariatric procedure, is the combination of vertical sleeve gastrectomy and proximal intestinal bypass and is theoretically expected to have strong anti-diabetic effect. Also, preserving the pylorus, a physiological valve, leads to less occurrence of dumping syndrome and anastomotic stenosis which are often problematic after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), a gold standard. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical effects of LSG-DJB on obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Consecutive 75 obese patients (female 44/male 31) associated with T2DM who underwent LSG-DJB and were followed up for at least 1 year were analyzed. The mean age was 45.5 ± 8.6 years, and the mean preoperative body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) were 108.4 ± 21.4 kg and 39.6 ± 7.3 kg/m(2), respectively. The mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at the first visit was 9.0 ± 1.9 %, and the duration of T2DM from diagnosis was 7.2 ± 6.2 years. Thirty-six out of the 75 patients (48 %) were treated with insulin preoperatively. All patients were evaluated and managed under a strict multidisciplinary team approach. The follow-up rate at 1 year was 89 %. RESULTS: At 1 year, the mean BW and BMI significantly dropped to 74.6 ± 16.9 kg and 27.5 ± 5.7 kg/m(2), respectively. The mean percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) and percent of total body weight loss (%TWL) were 99.4 ± 42.4 and 31.6 ± 8.8 %, respectively. Consequently, 68.7 % of the patients achieved HbA1c less than 6 %, and 82.1 % of them achieved HbA1c less than 6.5 % without diabetes medications. Glycemic control of HbA1c less than 7 % was achieved in 91.0 % of the patients. The percentage of patients who satisfied the American Diabetes Association (ADA)-defined composite endpoints for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor control increased from 0 % (at baseline) to 31 % (at 1 year). A meal tolerance test revealed significant reduction of glucose area under the curve (AUC) and increase of insulin AUC postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: LSG-DJB for obese patients with T2DM has strong anti-diabetic effect in the short-term; however, a larger number of patients with a longer follow-up period are needed for definitive conclusions.

Brain death in combination with warm ischemic stress during isolation procedures induces the expression of crucial inflammatory mediators in the isolated islets.

Tissue factor (TF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expressed on the islets have been identified as the main trigger of the instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR) in islet transplantation. Because the key steps that directly induce TF and MCP-1 remain to be determined, we focused on the influence of brain death (BD) on TF and MCP-1 expression in the pancreatic tissues and isolated islets using a rodent model. TF and MCP-1 mRNA levels in the pancreatic tissues were similar between the BD and the control group. However, TF and MCP-1 mRNA in the fresh islets of the BD group were significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.01). BD may thus be suggested to be of great importance as an initiator of TF and MCP-1 induction in the isolated islets. Furthermore, the upregulation of crucial inflammatory mediators induced by BD could be exacerbated by warm ischemic damage during digestion procedures. In the present study, the islet yield and purity were affected by BD. However, almost no influences were observed with respect to islet viability, indicating that the expression of inflammatory mediators rather than islet viability is more susceptible to BD. According to the change in time course of TF and MCP-1 expression in the isolated islets, the selected time point for islet infusion in current clinical islet transplantation was thus shown to be at its worst level, at least with respect to the damage caused by BD and ischemic stress. In conclusion, BD in combination with warm ischemic stress during isolation procedures induces a high expression of TF and MCP-1 in the isolated islets. In order to reduce the expression of crucial inflammatory mediators in the islet grafts, the management of the pancreas from brain-dead donors with early anti-inflammatory treatments is thus warranted.

Successful management of refractory staple line leakage at the esophagogastric junction after a sleeve gastrectomy using the HANAROSTENT.

The esophagogastric junction (EGJ) is a potential site of leakage after a sleeve gastrectomy which is usually difficult to treat conservatively. Two patients underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. A subphrenic abscess due to a staple line leakage was detected by CT at 3 weeks and 10 days after the operation, respectively. The abscess was drained laparoscopically. Intractable leakage required several endoscopic treatments, including clipping and sealing. However, a persisting fistula was found on radiographic studies. A covered self-expandable and retrievable stent (HANAROSTENT) was finally placed over the leakage site at 15 and 6 weeks after the reoperation, respectively. Oral intake was achieved from poststent day 1, and they were discharged 2 weeks after stenting. Three months later, the stent was endoscopically removed and the leakage was successfully sealed. The HANAROSTENT is therefore considered to be a safe and effective therapeutic option for the management of staple line leakage at the EGJ.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenojejunal bypass: technique and preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and metabolic disorders related to it have become a serious problem in Asia. Furthermore, gastric cancer in Asia is one of the frequent diseases on which to perform treatments. We introduced the technique of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenojejunal bypass (LSG/DJB) for patients with a risk of gastric cancer and compared the results of our initial series with those of other procedures. METHODS: Twenty-one patients underwent a LSG/DJB from April 2007 to November 2008. The mean preoperative weight and body mass index (BMI) were 108.0 kg and 41.0 kg/m(2), respectively. High risks of gastric cancer were determined as having a Helicobacter pylori positive with atrophic change of mucosa or a family history of gastric cancer. Operations were performed with five ports. Initially, SG and dissection of posterior wall of duodenum were carried out. Subsequently, DJB was added with 50-100 cm of biliopancreatic tract and 150-200 cm of alimentally tract. DJB consisted of a jejunojejunostomy created by a linear stapler and hand sewing closure and duodenojujunostomy by hand sewing with two layers. RESULTS: A LSG/DJB was performed successfully in all patients. The mean operation time was 217 +/- 38 min. The weight loss and percent excess BMI loss for LSG/DJB were similar to those for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses. There was no mortality; however, one patient had leakage from a staple line of esophagogastric junction and reqiured drainage and stenting. No dumping, stenosis, marginal ulcer, or nutritional problems were observed during postoperative follow-up. All of the main comorbidities improved after this procedure. CONCLUSION: LSG/DJB is a feasible, safe, and effective procedure for the treatment of morbidly obese patients with the risk of gastric cancer.