Swallowable Intragastric Balloon: First Consecutive Experience in Argentina.

Background: Swallowable balloons are innovative devices for the treatment of obesity. Endoscopy or anesthesia for implantation is not required. They are generally well tolerated and experience reports satisfactory results in relation to weight loss. The objective of this study was to analyze the first experience with the implementation of a swallowable balloon in Argentina. Methods: It is a descriptive retrospective observational study on the treatment of obesity in patients who underwent swallowable balloons in Argentina, admitted to one center, in a period time of 12 months with a follow-up of 6 months. Results: A total of n = 153 patients were recruited between June 2021 and May 2022, 78% were women and 22% men. The average age was 39 years. Average body mass index was 29.5 kg/m2. Balloon implantation was performed with complete swallowing by the patients in 19.4% of the cases, swallowing with operator assistance in 55.5%, and swallowing with stylet assistance in 25%. The adverse effects reported were abdominal pain (80%), nausea (60%), vomiting (38%), headache (36%), gastroesophageal reflux (29%), constipation (11%), and diarrhea (7%). No deaths were reported. A mean 4-month weight loss of 12% was reported. Conclusion: Swallowable balloon for the treatment of obesity is effective, safe, and well tolerated. Adverse effects are not severe.

Toward a Change in Our Work in Surgery: Collaborative Work, Coaching, and Teamwork.

Background: Until now, working with others has been shaped by a style where 1 person made the main decisions at the top of the hierarchical pyramid. These days this one-directional model no longer makes sense. That is why we need to change to a collaborative style. Methods: An overview on the change in our surgical work and definitions on the collaborative work, coaching, and teamwork will be discussed and analyzed. Results and Discussion: The system is defined by the boundaries that we set; they can often be the type of activity to be carried out or the way it is achieved. Collaboration means accompanying processes with a clear idea of what needs to be achieved and what values need to be followed. In work contexts that are globalized, diverse, virtual, and made up of highly educated specialists, isolation and a lack of collaboration are common. We would like to highlight four of them: (1) Signature relationship practices: The importance of building relationships on the basis of "who I am," not "what I am." (2) Ambidextrous leadership: Collaborative work needs to concentrate first on the task and on performing it effectively. (3) Mentoring versus "tit-for-tat culture": Collaborative work helps the design of individual and team identities. (4) Training in relationship skills: for communication and conflict resolution. Conclusions: Working on relationship building conversations generates a systemic view that allows the creation of a communication context that facilitates collaborative work. They are all key skills to achieve a collaborative culture on work.

Simulador de fosa ilíaca derecha para la adquisición de habilidades básicas en apendicectomía convencional / RIGHT ILIAC FOSSA SIMULATOR FOR THE ACQUISITION OF BASIC SKILLS IN CONVENTIONAL APPENDICECTOMY

Introducción: La simulación quirúrgica es un método de enseñanza que cada día va abarcando más terreno, dejando de lado al modelo tradicional de aprendizaje en los servicios de cirugía. El proceso inflamatorio del apéndice cecal es todavía una de las patologías más prevalentes en el área del cirujano general, quien debe tener varias estrategias para poder resolver la misma. Aquí presentamos un simulador de fosa iliaca derecha para la adquisición de habilidades básicas en apendicetomía convencional. Material y Métodos: se desarrolló un simulador de fosa iliaca derecha de la siguiente manera: se recorta el centro la tapa de una caja de aglomerado, y tanto los foamy como el papel crepé en rectángulos del tamaño de la tapa de la caja; se crea un preparado cadavérico utilizando el intestino vacuno; se coloca el preparado y por encima una compresa teñida en la bolsa de polietileno, dentro de la caja; se cierra la caja y se colocan las láminas de foamy y el papel crepé encima de la tapa, fijadas con los tornillos y tuercas, representando la pared abdominal. Resultado: Simulador reproducible, económico y de fácil elaboración. Tiempo total de armado: 1 hora. Conclusiones: Se puede utilizar para simular la técnica quirúrgica de apendicectomía convencional y sus variantes

Introduction: Surgical simulation is a teaching method that covers more ground every day, leaving aside the traditional apprenticeship model in surgery services. The inflammatory process of the cecal appendix is still one of the most prevalent pathologies in the area of the general surgeon, who must have several strategies to solve it. Here we present a right iliac fossa simulator for the acquisition of basic skills in conventional appendectomy. Material and Methods: We cut the center of the lid of the chipboard box, then cut the foamy and the crepe paper into rectangles the size of the lid of the box. We create a cadaveric preparation using the bovine intestine. Then put the preparation with a dyed compress above it in the polyethylene bag, inside the box. We close the box and place on the lid the foamy and crepe paper, fixed with bolts and nuts. Result: Cheap and easy-made simulator. We can armed de simulator in one hour. Conclusions: It can be used to simulate the conventional appendectomy surgical technique and its different variants.

Complicaciones nutricionales de la cirugía bariátrica / 9 NUTRITIONAL COMPLICATIONS OF BARIATRIC SURGERY

La cirugía bariátrica es reconocida como una terapia altamente efectiva para la obesidad, ya que logra una pérdida de peso sostenida, una reducción de las comorbilidades y la mortalidad relacionadas con la obesidad; además mejora de la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Sin embargo, las deficiencias nutricionales son un problema inherente en el período postoperatorio y, a menudo, requieren una suplementación de por vida. Los tipos de desnutrición después de la cirugía incluyen desnutrición proteico-energética y deficiencias de micronutrientes, como hierro, ácido fólico, vitamina A y vitamina B12. Lamentablemente, no existen regímenes estandarizados de cuidados posteriores, y los costos de los suplementos nutricionales los pagan los propios pacientes. Esta revisión se enfoca en el estudio de la desnutrición poscirugía bariátrica, recorriendo las principales deficiencias y sus causas

Bariatric surgery is recognized as a highly effective therapy for obesity, as it achieves sustained weight loss, a reduction in comorbidities and obesity-related mortality; It also improves the quality of life of patients. However, nutritional deficiencies are an inherent problem in the postoperative period and often require lifelong supplementation. Types of malnutrition after surgery include protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron, folic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. Currently, there are no standardized aftercare systems, and the costs of nutritional supplements are paid by the patients themselves. This review focuses on the study of malnutrition after bariatric surgery, covering the main deficiencies and their causes.

Perioperative Morbidity in Acute Appendicitis: Is Delayed Appendectomy Still an Option?

Background: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdominal pain worldwide. Although several studies have tried to investigate effects of delayed appendectomy, robust recommendations on this topic are still lacking. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the correlation between delayed surgical treatment in acute appendicitis and postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: A 5-year retrospective study was conducted including all patients aged >15 years who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. Groups were categorized according to the time of in-hospital delay (IHD) (time from hospital admission to surgical incision) as Group A: Early appendectomy (IHD <8 hours) and Group B: Delayed appendectomy (IHD ≥8 hours). Demographics and clinical characteristics, operative time, appendicitis grading score according to disease severity score, and clinical outcomes were considered for analyses. Results: A total of 290 patients were included for statistical analysis: 145 patients (50%) in Group A and 145 patients (50%) in Group B. Patients' baseline characteristics were similar between groups. There were no statistically significant differences between groups A and B in terms of operative time (72.60 minutes versus 72.47 minutes, P = .061), use of drain (53.8% versus 46.2%, P = .731), postoperative complications (47.4% versus 52.6%, P = .812), and length of hospital stay (2.39 [1-24] versus 2.79 [1-12], P = .645). There were no 30-day readmissions in both groups. Overall mortality was 0.3%. Conclusion: Our results suggest that an IHD of ≥8 hours does not significantly increase the risk of complicated appendicitis, the incidence of perioperative complications, postoperative length of stay, or mortality.

Online Education, Was It Here but We Did Not Know?

Background: Online education is not new. Their main options are talks, videos, and virtual courses. The quality and quantity of talks, together with the level of the speakers, is variable and heterogeneous. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this process. The objective of this study was to analyze the result of a questionnaire on the current state of online education. Methods: Retrospective descriptive observational study based on a questionnaire. The participants consulted were Latin American physicians with different specialties. Results: A total of n = 361 participants were recruited. 26.9% had between 6 and 15 years of work experience. 63.1% carried out teleconsultation with their patients, and 96.1% attended between 1 and 10 talks/courses/webinar during the pandemic, whereas 1.6% did not attend any. "Talks" given received a rating of "Very Good" by 51.2%, and a 59.5% considered that the "Hybrid" option would be the best modality for future medical congresses in the postpandemic era. 84.7% considered that other possibilities of online teaching and online surgical training should be explored. Conclusion: Online education has marked the way of transmitting knowledge in recent years. It has been well accepted by those attending academic meetings.

Chronic Gastric Dilation-Surgical Management.

Background: Chronic dilation of the gastric remnant is a rare complication, although it can be serious. It is due to an exaggerated distension of the gastric remnant after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Clinical suspicion and computed tomography (CT) are essential for its diagnosis. Its treatment is by means of a decompressive gastrostomy, which can be percutaneous or surgical, an option that can be carried out in certain patients. We present a clinical case of chronic dilation of the gastric remnant and its laparoscopic surgical resolution. Methods: We present a clinical case of a 67-year-old patient who underwent a RYGB. An abdominal CT scan showed chronic dilation of the gastric remnant. A laparoscopic biopsy and a laparoscopic-assisted percutaneous gastrostomy were performed. Conslusion: The combined percutaneous laparoscopic approach is a good option for cases of chronic gastric dilations of unknown origin, allowing to discover and treat its causes.

Laparoscopic-Percutaneous Combined Gastrostomy: Initial Experience and Description of a Technique.

Background: Gastrostomy is a widely used procedure that aims to obtain access to the stomach. Its purpose may be feeding or gastric decompression. Currently, the most common techniques are endoscopic and radiologic. Sometimes, these accesses are not available due to technical or patient-specific factors. In these cases, laparoscopic and percutaneous approaches combined could be an option. The aim of this study was to describe a laparoscopic-percutaneous combined gastrostomy procedure, feasibility, and complications. Materials and Methods: Retrospective descriptive observational study. All patients underwent laparoscopic-percutaneous combined gastrostomy required for feeding or decompressive gastrostomy. We analyzed variables: demographics, surgical indication, operation time, hospitalization stay, success, and morbidity/mortality associated to the procedure. Results: A total of n = 17 patients were recruited (58.8% women and 41.2% men), with mean age of 53. Regarding the indications of laparoscopic-percutaneous combined gastrostomy, 47% were due to upper gastrointestinal/head and neck tumor, 29.4% stomach location in a retrocostal position, 17.7% colonic interposition, and 5.9% acute gastric dilation of remnant after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The mean time of the procedure was 25 minutes, and mean hospitalization stay was 1.2 days. The success of the procedure was 100%. No complications and mortality associated with the procedure were reported. Conclusion: Laparoscopic-percutaneous combined gastrostomy is fast, feasible, safe, and cost effective. It is an option in patients where it is not possible to perform standard minimally invasive approaches.

Reflux After Sleeve Gastrectomy: An Update.

Background: Modifications of gastric anatomy, function, and of the esophagogastric junction secondary to sleeve gastrectomy (SG) can worsen the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Its late diagnosis and poor treatment can lead to serious complications. In recent years, attempts have been made to optimize preoperative studies and improve surgical techniques to prevent this problem. The aim of this study was to update on the presence of GERD and their symptoms post-SG. Methods: A literature review of articles based on randomized clinical trials on the presence of GERD after SG was carried out, in a period of 10 years. Results: A result of 336 articles was obtained, of which 327 were discarded and 9 were included. The variables of GERD post-SG were analyzed according to their symptoms ("improved," "worsened," and "unchanged"), "remission," or appearance "de novo." Conclusion: GERD is a frequently associated pathology in obese patients. Several authors reported that symptoms worsen after SG, and has been diagnosed de novo. The application of exhaustive preoperative studies and a correct surgical technique could reduce its incidence.

Colecistitis Aguda en el paciente crítico: ¿colecistostomía percutánea o colecistectomía quirúrgica? Revisión simple / Acute cholecystitis in the critical patient: percutaneous cholecistostint or surgical cholecistectomy? Simple review

Introducción: La colecistitis aguda es una patología quirúrgica común. Su resolución ideal es a través de la colecistectomía. En ocasiones, no es posible el abordaje quirúrgico, tomando protagonismo la colecistostomía percutánea. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar los resultados de la colecistostomía percutánea y de la colecistectomía quirúrgica en pacientes con colecistitis aguda. Material y Métodos: Se diseñó una revisión de trabajos clínicos que realizaron colecistostomías percutáneas y/o colecistectomías quirúrgicas en pacientes críticos con colecistitis aguda litiásica y/o alitiásica. Resultados: La búsqueda bibliográfica arrojó 12 artículos, de los cuáles se excluyeron 8 y se analizaron 4. De los artículos revisados, se reunieron 11374 pacientes con colecistitis (litiásica: 84,6% vs. alitiásica: 15,4%) analizando sus datos epidemiológicos. En el 21,4% de los casos se realizó colecistostomía percutánea y en el 78,6% colecistectomía quirúrgica. La morbilidad y mortalidad de los procedimientos percutáneos fue 11% y 9,8%, mientras que la de los procedimientos quirúrgicos fue 17,2% y 5,4%, respectivamente. El promedio de días de hospitalización fue 15.3 y 15.5, respectivamente. Conclusión: La colecistostomía percutánea presentó menor morbilidad, aunque reportó una mayor mortalidad. No hubo diferencias con respecto a la estadía hospitalaria. Los procedimientos percutáneos fueron menos costosos.

Introduction: Acute cholecystitis is a common surgical pathology. Its ideal resolution is through cholecystectomy. On occasions, a surgical approach is not possible, with percutaneous cholecystostomy taking center stage. The objective of this work was to analyze the results of percutaneous cholecystostomy and surgical cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis. Methods: A review of clinical studies that performed percutaneous cholecystostomies and / or surgical cholecystectomies in critically ill patients with acute lithiasic and / or alithiasic cholecystitis was designed. Results: The bibliographic search yielded 12 articles, of which 8 were excluded and 4 were analyzed. Of the articles reviewed, 11,374 patients with cholecystitis (lithiasic: 84.6% vs. alithiasic: 15.4%) were collected, analyzing their data epidemiological. Percutaneous cholecystostomy was performed in 21.4% of the cases and surgical cholecystectomy in 78.6%. The morbidity and mortality of percutaneous procedures was 11% and 9.8%, while that of surgical procedures was 17.2% and 5.4%, respectively. The average days of hospitalization were 15.3 and 15.5, respectively. Conclusion: Percutaneous cholecystostomy presented lower morbidity, although it reported higher mortality. There were no differences regarding hospital stay. Percutaneous procedures were less expensive.

Acute Gastric Dilation of the Post-Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Remnant Stomach: Image-Guided Surgery Approach.

Background: Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity and its associated morbidities. They are safe surgeries, their general complication rate is 0%-10%. However, acute gastric dilation is an unusual complication. It requires rapid diagnosis and treatment to avoid major complications. Image-guided surgery represents a group of minimally invasive procedures. Acute gastric dilation is a complication that can benefit from the application of this type of procedure. We present a report of patients with acute gastric dilation of the remnant as a complication after bariatric surgery, its resolution through image-guided surgery, and updating. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of patients who presented postoperative complications after bariatric surgery was carried out. The time period was 10 years. All patients were operated on in a single center by the same surgical team. Results: A total of 3507 bariatric procedures were analyzed (sleeve gastrectomy, 1929-55.1% ± 0.49%; Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [RYGB], 1403-40% ± 0.48%; other techniques, 175-4.9% ± 0.21%). The RYGB branch reported a total of 11 (0.78% ± 0.08%) complications, of which 2 (0.14% ± 0.03%) were reported as acute gastric dilation of the remnant. Conclusions: Acute gastric dilation of the post-RYGB remnant is a rare complication, but it can be serious. It is necessary to have a high suspicion to obtain an early diagnosis and treatment. Percutaneous gastrostomy is an image-guided procedure that can solve the problem temporarily or permanently.

Image-Guided Surgical Training in Percutaneous Hepatobiliary Procedures: Development of a Realistic and Meaningful Bile Duct Dilatation Porcine Model.

Background: Malignant or benign biliary obstructions can be successfully managed with minimally invasive percutaneous interventions. Since percutaneous approaches are challenging, extensive training using relevant models is fundamental to improve the proficiency of percutaneous physicians. The aim of this experimental study was to develop an in vivo training model in pigs to simulate bile duct dilatation to be used during percutaneous biliary interventions. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight large white pigs were involved and procedures were performed in an experimental hybrid operating room. Under general anesthesia, animals underwent a preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC). Afterward, the common bile duct was isolated and ligated laparoscopically. A postoperative MRC was performed 72 hours after the procedure to evaluate bile duct dilatation. The In vivo models presenting an effective dilatation model were included in the hands-on part of a percutaneous surgery training course. Animals were euthanized at the end of the training session. Results: Postoperative MRC confirmed the presence of bile duct dilatation in the survival pigs (n = 25). No intraoperative complications occurred and mean operative time was 15.8 ± 5.27 minutes. During the course, 27 trainees could effectively perform percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, bile duct drainage, biliary duct dilatation, and stent placement, with a > 90% success rate, thereby validating the experimental model. All animals survived during the training procedures and complications occurred in 28.3% of cases. Conclusion: The creation of an in vivo bile duct dilatation animal model is feasible with a low short-term mortality. It provides a realistic and meaningful training model in percutaneous biliary procedures.

Complications in Bariatric Surgery.

Bariatric surgery represents the most valid option to treat the chronic disease of morbid obesity and all its related comorbid conditions with the purpose to increase life expectancy. Despite multiple recommendations of the different scientific societies, bariatric surgery remains worldwide largely underused. Considering only a 16% rate of obesity disease, with the largest number of bariatric surgeries performed in Europe of 50k procedures a year, France should need more than 200 years to surgically approach all morbid obese patients. Similarly, in the United States, obesity is a chronic condition that affects more than 1 in 3 adults, with a mean number of 250k bariatric procedures a year, hence they would need 437 years to manage this population. Definitely, the bariatric surgery is very poorly used and there are several factors to explain it. Inadequate access to medical care and insufficient information provided by the general practitioner are frequently encountered in our practice. But the main limitation for the bariatric treatment remains the patients' "fear" of a surgical complication.

Image-Guided Surgery for Common Bile Duct Stones After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

Background: The relationship between obesity with common bile duct stone (CBDS) is close and increases after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Due to the anatomical modification, direct endoscopic access is not always possible. For this reason, image-guided surgery (IGS) by percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) of the common bile duct (CBD) could be a first-line approach for the treatment of post-RYGB choledocholithiasis. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility and safety of CBDS treatment after RYGB with IGS. Materials and Methods: We present a descriptive retrospective observational multicentric study on the treatment of choledocholithiasis in patients operated on for RYGB using IGS through a minimally invasive approach by PTBD. The diagnosis of CBDS was made according to the symptoms of the patients, supported by blood tests, and medical images. Treatment was planned in two stages: in the first step, a PTBD was performed, and in the second step the choledocholithiasis was removed. Results: Of a total of 1403 post-RYGB patients, 21 presented choledocholithiasis. Of these, n = 18 were included. Symptoms were reported in n = 15 (8 cholestatic jaundice, 7 cholangitis), whereas n = 3 were asymptomatic. Percutaneous treatment was performed in all these patients, treated with a balloon and stone basket. A hyperamylasemia without pancreatitis was observed in 3 patients. No complications or deaths associated with the procedure were reported. The average hospital stay was 8.6 days. Conclusion: IGS is an interesting option for the treatment CBDS after RYGB. For these patients, PTBD is feasible and safe.

What is the Role of Image-Guided Endovascular Surgery in Postbariatric Surgery Bleeding Complications?

Background: Obesity treatment requires surgical procedures included in bariatric surgery. Bleeding complications are reported in 1%-4%. Image-guided surgery (IGS) includes minimally invasive procedures that have the advantage of less aggression to the patient, fewer complications, and a quick recovery. Endovascular therapy by interventional radiology (IR) is a minimally invasive image-guided procedure widely used in central, peripheral, and splanchnic vascular pathology. Treatment of postoperative bleeding in bariatric surgery can be aided by image-guided endovascular procedures. Objectives: The aim of this study is to carry out an update on the application of IR in bariatric surgery bleeding complications. Bleeding Complications: General rate of postoperative complications in bariatric surgery is 0%-10%. Postoperative bleeding (1%-4%) can be gastrointestinal (endoscopic treatment) or intra-abdominal (surgical treatment/relaparoscopy). In the case of arterial vascular lesions that cannot be resolved either endoscopically or surgically, the option of endovascular treatment with IR should be considered. Conclusions: Endovascular approach through IR and IGS in bleeding complications after bariatric surgery is presented as a valid minimally invasive therapy option in this group of patients.

Percutaneous Image-Guided Surgery in Complications After Bariatric Surgery.

Background: Although bariatric surgery is a standardized procedure, it is not without complications. Image-guided surgery allows minimally invasive resolution of complications, making it ideal for bariatric patients. The objective of this work was to analyze the image-guided surgery approach to postoperative complications of bariatric surgery. Materials and Methods: Retrospective comparative study in patients with complications after bariatric surgery. Patients were included consecutively according to selection criteria. All the patients were treated by the same surgical team. Results: n = 58 patients were recruited. The average age was 47.3 (range 16-62) years; the distribution by sex was male 52% and female 48%. Average body mass index was 42% (±1.26). The associated comorbidities were diabetes mellitus 41% (±0.49), dyslipidemia 41% (±0.49), and high blood pressure 39% (±0.48). Of the total, 39 (67.2%) underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and 19 (32.8%) under Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) (P ≥ .05). Complications reported were leaks/fistulas (with/without abdominal collections) in 94.8% (±0.22), gallstones 3.5% (±0.18), and hemorrhage 1.7% (±0.13). There was no statistically significant difference between the type of bariatric surgery (LSG versus RYGB) and the complications found (P ≥ .005). There were no intestinal obstructions, strictures or acute gastric dilations, or deaths. The treatment of complications was approached percutaneously (56.9%), endoscopically (29.4%), reoperation laparoscopically (12%), and clinical control (1.7%). Conclusion: The image-guided surgery approach to postoperative complications of bariatric surgery is feasible and safe. Good results are obtained with a decrease in the surgical comorbidities associated with the procedure.