Revisional bariatric surgery using robotic-assisted surgery in a national medical center in Mexico.

Long-term postoperative complications of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) are more frequent than those of primary surgery. Robotic-assisted procedures offer several advantages over traditional laparoscopy, but there are limited data. A retrospective study of 29 patients who underwent a revisional robotic-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RRYGB) in a Tertiary Level Hospital. Variables included were demographics, causes for revision, operative details, complications, and weight loss outcomes up to 54 month post-RRYGB. Causes for conversion were weight loss failure (WLF), weight regain (WR), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or Joint Pain (JP). We assessed 29 patients. Causes for conversion included WLF (34%), WR (15%), WR with GERD (20%), GERD (24%), and JP (3%). Initial BMI was 53.43 kg/m2 ± 8.75. Mean length of hospital stay (LOS) was 2 days. Total operative time was 126 min. ± 43.45. Excess weight loss at 1 year post-surgery was 82.66% (p < 0.0001), with mean BMI of 30.93 kg/m2 (p < 0.001). At 3 years, mean %EWL was 71.26% and a mean BMI 33.81 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001). At 4.5 years, mean %EWL was 59.29% and mean BMI 37.27 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001). One complication (8%) was found (jejunojejunal stenosis). There was no mortality. The initial experience with RRYGB shows acceptable outcomes, including low morbidity, no mortality, excellent weight loss after the revisional surgery, and promising reduction in operative times, with important implications on reduction of the total cost of the procedure.

The role of metabolic and bariatric surgery on the obesity pandemic in Latin America: A review of current practices and future directions.

Latin America faces a significant public health challenge due to the high prevalence of obesity and its associated diseases. Metabolic and bariatric surgery is effective and safe to treat obesity when other treatments fail; however, its implementation in Latin America remains unsatisfactory. This review explores the current status, challenges, and innovations of metabolic and bariatric surgery in Latin America. We searched peer-reviewed journals in English and Spanish for relevant articles published between 1998 and 2023. We found that more than 20% of the Latin American population is affected by obesity. Unfortunately, only a limited number of patients have access to metabolic and bariatric surgery due to high cost, limited availability, and shortage of specialists. The review found that ongoing clinical trials are being conducted in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Venezuela, indicating some regional progress. However, published studies remain low in number compared with other regions. Furthermore, we summarized the clinical outcomes, risks, and perioperative assessments associated with metabolic and bariatric surgery. We discussed potential strategies to enhance the availability and affordability of this intervention. This review emphasizes the significance of metabolic and bariatric surgery in addressing the obesity pandemic, specifically for Latin America, and proposes directions for future research and innovation.

Feasibility of robotic cholecystectomy at an academic center with a young robotic surgery program: a retrospective cohort study with umbrella review.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been standard of care for surgical treatment of benign gallbladder pathology for decades. With the advent of robotic surgical technology, robotic cholecystectomy (RC) has gained attention as an alternative to conventional laparoscopy. This study introduces a single-surgeon experience with laparoscopic versus robotic cholecystectomy and an umbrella systematic review of the outcomes of both approaches. A retrospective chart review was performed at a single institution on a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder pathology. An umbrella systematic review was conducted using PRISMA methodology. A total of 103 patients were identified; 61 patients underwent LC and 42 underwent RC. In the RC cohort, 17 cases were completed using a four-port technique while 25 were completed using a three-port technique. Patients undergoing RC were older compared to the LC group (44.78 vs 57.02 years old; p < 0.001) and exhibited lower body mass index (29.37 vs 32.37 kg/m2, p = 0.040). No statistically significant difference in operative time or need for postoperative ERCP was noted. Neither this series nor the umbrella systematic review revealed significant differences in conversion to open surgery or readmissions between the LC and RC cohorts. Three-port RC was associated with reduced operative time compared to four-port RC (101.28 vs 150.76 min; p < 0.001). Robotic cholecystectomy is feasible and safe at a young robotic surgery program in an academic center setting and comparable to laparoscopic cholecystectomy clinical outcomes.