General surgery in Canada: current scope of practice and future needs.

BACKGROUND: The scope of practice of general surgeons in Canada is highly variable. The objective of this study was to examine the demographic characteristics of general surgeons in Canada and compare surgical procedures performed across community sizes and specialties. METHODS: Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information's National Physician Database were used to analyze fee-for-service (FFS) care provided by general surgeons and other providers across Canada in 2015/16. RESULTS: Across 8 Canadian provinces, 1669 general surgeons provided FFS care. The majority of the surgeons worked in communities with more than 100 000 residents (71%), were male (78%), were aged 35-54 years (56%) and were Canadian medical graduates (76%). Only 7% of general surgeons practised in rural areas and 14% in communities with between 10 000 and 50 000 residents. Rural communities were significantly more likely to have surgeons who were international medical graduates or who were older than 65 years. The surgical procedures most commonly performed by general surgeons were hernia repairs, gallbladder and biliary tree surgery, excision of skin tumours, colon and intestine resections and breast surgery. Many general surgeons performed procedures not listed in their Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada training objectives. CONCLUSION: Canadian general surgeons provide a wide array of surgical services, and practice patterns vary by community size. Surgeons practising in rural and small communities require proficiency in skills not routinely taught in general surgery residency. Opportunities to acquire these skills should be available in training to prepare surgeons to meet the care needs of Canadians.

CONTEXTE: La pratique des chirurgiens généralistes au Canada varie grandement. Cette étude visait à examiner les caractéristiques démographiques des chirurgiens généralistes au Canada et à comparer les interventions réalisées selon la spécialité et la taille des collectivités. MÉTHODES: Des données de la Base de données nationale sur les médecins de l'Institut canadien d'information sur la santé ont été utilisées pour analyser les soins rémunérés à l'acte dispensés par des chirurgiens généralistes et d'autres fournisseurs de soins au Canada en 2015­2016. RÉSULTATS: Dans 8 provinces canadiennes, 1669 chirurgiens généralistes ont fourni des soins rémunérés à l'acte. La majorité d'entre eux travaillaient dans des collectivités de plus de 100 000 résidents (71 %), étaient des hommes (78 %), avaient entre 35 et 54 ans (56 %) et avaient obtenu leur diplôme de médecine au Canada (76 %). Seuls 7 % des chirurgiens généralistes travaillaient en région rurale et 14 %, dans des collectivités comptant entre 10 000 et 50 000 résidents. En région rurale, la probabilité que les chirurgiens soient des diplômés internationaux en médecine ou aient plus de 65 ans était significativement plus élevée. Les interventions les plus fréquentes étaient la réparation d'une hernie, la chirurgie de la vésicule biliaire et des voies biliaires, le retrait de tumeurs de la peau, la résection du côlon ou de l'intestin et la chirurgie mammaire. De nombreux chirurgiens généralistes ont réalisé des procédures ne faisant pas partie des objectifs de formation du Collège royal des médecins et chirurgiens du Canada. CONCLUSION: Les chirurgiens généralistes canadiens réalisent une large gamme d'interventions chirurgicales et leur pratique varie selon la taille de la collectivité dans laquelle ils travaillent. Les chirurgiens exerçant en milieu rural et dans les petites collectivités doivent avoir des compétences qui ne sont habituellement pas enseignées durant la résidence en chirurgie générale. La formation devrait intégrer des occasions d'acquérir ces compétences pour préparer les chirurgiens à répondre aux besoins en matière de soins des Canadiens.

Predictive factors for diabetes remission after bariatric surgery

Background: Bariatric surgery has been shown to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission in severely obese patients. After laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), diabetes remission occurs early and independently of weight loss. Previous research has identified preoperative factors for remission, such as duration of diabetes and HbA1c. Understanding factors that predict diabetes remission can help to select patients who will benefit most from bariatric surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all T2DM patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or LRYGB between January 2008 and July 2014. The primary outcome was diabetes remission, defined as the absence of hypoglycemic medications, fasting blood glucose < 7.0 mmol/L and HbA1c < 6.5%. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify predictive factors of diabetes remission. Results: We included 207 patients in this analysis; 84 (40.6%) had LSG and 123 (59.4%) had LRYGB. Half of the patients (49.8%) achieved diabetes remission at 1 year. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that LRYGB had higher odds of diabetes remission than LSG (odds ratio [OR] 6.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.79­15.50, p < 0.001). Shorter duration of diabetes (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83­0.99, p = 0.032) and the absence of long-acting insulin (OR 0.0011, 95% CI < 0.000­0.236, p = 0.013) predicted remission. Conclusion: Type of bariatric procedure (LRYGB v. LSG), shorter duration of diabetes and the absence of long-acting insulin were independent predictors of diabetes remission after bariatric surgery.

Contexte: Il a été démontré que la chirurgie bariatrique provoque une rémission du diabète de type 2 chez les patients gravement obèses. Après la dérivation gastrique Roux-en-Y (DGRY) par laparoscopie, la rémission du diabète se produit tôt et indépendamment de la perte de poids. Des recherches antérieures ont identifié des facteurs préopératoires de rémission, notamment la durée du diabète et l'HbA1c. Comprendre les facteurs prédictifs de la rémission du diabète peut aider à sélectionner les patients qui bénéficieront le plus de la chirurgie bariatrique. Méthodes: Nous avons examiné rétrospectivement les dossiers de tous les patients atteints de diabète de type 2 qui ont subi par laparoscopie une gastrectomie en manchon (GM) ou une DGRY entre janvier 2008 et juillet 2014. Le principal résultat a été la rémission du diabète, définie comme l'absence de médicaments hypoglycémiques, la glycémie à jeun < 7,0 mmol/L et l'HbA1c < 6,5 %. Les données ont été soumises à une analyse de régression logistique multiple pour déterminer les facteurs prédictifs de la rémission du diabète. Résultats: Nous avons inclus 207 patients dans cette analyse; 84 (40,6 %) ont subi une GM et 123 (59,4 %), une DGRY. La moitié des patients (49,8 %) ont obtenu une rémission du diabète à 1 an. L'analyse logistique multiple a montré que la DGRY s'accompagnait de probabilités plus élevées de rémission du diabète que la GM (rapport de cotes [RC] 6,58; intervalle de confiance [IC] de 95 %, 2,79­15,50, p < 0,001). La durée plus courte du diabète (RC 0,91; IC de 95 %, 0,83­0,99, p = 0,032) et absence d'insuline à action prolongée (RC 0,0011; IC de 95 % < 0,000­0,236, p = 0,013) étaient prédicteurs de rémission. Conclusion: Le type d'intervention bariatrique (DGRY c. MG), la durée plus courte du diabète et l'absence d'insuline à action prolongée étaient des prédicteurs indépendants de la rémission du diabète après une chirurgie bariatrique.

The fate of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band removal

Background: Long-term complications and lack of weight loss have caused a surge in laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) removal. This study reviews the trend of LAGB removal and examines outcomes of patients undergoing subsequent revision bariatric surgery at a single tertiary care centre in Canada. Methods: All LAGB removals performed between January 2008 and December 2016 were reviewed. A subset of patients who underwent revision surgery was then analyzed for patient demographics, weight, body mass index and postoperative complications. Results: During the study period, 211 patients underwent LAGB removal (87.7% female). Most bands were inserted out of province. Reasons for band removal included dysphagia, band slip and weight recidivism. Fifty-nine patients (28%) underwent revision surgery at a mean of 12.8 ± 9.3 (range 0­55) months after LAGB removal. Mean age was 47 ± 9.7 (range 26­63) years, and mean pre-LAGB weight was 131.0 ± 30.0 kg. Following LAGB, the mean weight decreased to 120.5 ± 26.4 kg, but most regained weight after removal to a mean prerevision weight of 125.1 ± 27.0 kg. The lowest mean weight was achieved 12 months after revision surgery (98.7 ± 30.2 kg). The mean percent total weight loss was not significantly different after revision laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass compared with revision laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (22.8 ± 9.6% v.17.5 ± 6.5%, p = 0.179). The overall revision surgery 30-day complication rate was 18.6% and increased to 23.7% long-term. No deaths occurred. Conclusion: The number of LAGB removals is increasing. Revision bariatric surgery leads to improved weight loss; however, revision surgery is associated with complications.

Contexte: Les complications à long terme et l'absence de perte de poids sont à l'origine de l'augmentation du nombre de retraits d'anneaux gastriques ajustables (AGA) installés par voie laparoscopique. Cette étude se penche sur la tendance aux retraits des AGA et sur les résultats chez les patients qui subissent une chirurgie bari atrique de révision par la suite dans un centre de soins tertiaire au Canada. Méthodes: Tous les retraits d'AGA effectués entre janvier 2008 et décembre 2016 ont été passés en revue. Un sous-groupe de patients ayant subi une chirurgie de révision a ensuite été analysé aux plans des caractéristiques démographiques, de la masse corporelle et des complications postopératoires. Résultats: Pendant la période de l'étude, 211 patients se sont fait retirer leur AGA (87,7 % de femmes). La plupart des anneaux avaient été insérés à l'extérieur de la province. Parmi les raisons invoquées pour les retraits, mentionnons dysphagie, glissement de l'anneau et reprise de poids. Cinquante-neuf patients (28 %) ont subi une chirurgie de révision en moyenne 12,8 ± 9,3 (éventail 0­55) mois après le retrait de l'AGA. L'âge moyen était de 47 ± 9,7 (éventail 26­63) ans et le poids moyen avant l'AGA était de 131,0 ± 30,0 kg. Après l'AGA, le poids moyen a diminué à 120,5 ± 26,4 kg, mais la plupart ont repris du poids après le retrait pour atteindre un poids moyen pré-révision de 125,1 ± 27,0 kg. Le plus bas poids moyen a été atteint 12 mois après la chirurgie de révision (98,7 ± 30,2 kg). La perte de poids totale moyenne en pourcentage n'était pas significativement différente après la dérivation de Roux-en-Y laparoscopique de révision, comparativement à la gastrectomie laparoscopique en manchon de révision (22,8 ± 9,6 % c. 17,5 ± 6,5 %, p = 0,179). Le taux global de complications des révisions chirurgicales à 30 jours a été de 18,6 % et est passé à 23,7 % à plus long terme. Aucun décès n'est survenu. Conclusion: Le nombre de retraits d'AGA est en hausse. La révision de la chirurgie bariatrique a amélioré la perte de poids, mais elle s'accompagne de complications.

Canadian French and English newspapers' portrayals of physicians' role and medical assistance in dying (MAiD) from 1972 to 2016: a qualitative textual analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine how Canadian newspapers portrayed physicians' role and medical assistance in dying (MAiD). DESIGN: Qualitative textual analysis. SETTING: Online and print articles from Canadian French and English newspapers. PARTICIPANTS: 813 newspaper articles published from 1972 to 2016. RESULTS: Key Canadian events defined five eras. From 1972 to 1990, newspapers portrayed physician's MAiD role as a social issue by reporting supportive public opinion polls and revealing it was already occurring in secret. From 1991 to 1995, newspapers discussed legal aspects of physicians' MAiD role including Rodriguez' Supreme Court of Canada appeal and Federal government Bills. From 1996 to 2004, journalists discussed professional aspects of physicians' MAiD role and the growing split between palliative care and physicians who supported MAiD. They also reported on court cases against Canadian physicians, Dr Kevorkian and suffering patients who could not receive MAiD. From 2005 to 2013, newspapers described political aspects including the tabling of MAiD legislation to change physicians' role. Lastly, from 2014 to 2016, newspapers again portrayed legal aspects of physicians' role as the Supreme Court of Canada was anticipated to legalise MAiD and the Québec government passed its own legislation. Remarkably, newspapers kept attention to MAiD over 44 years before it became legal. Articles generally reflected Canadians' acceptance of MAiD and physicians were typically portrayed as opposing it, but not all did. CONCLUSIONS: Newspaper portrayals of physicians' MAiD role discussed public opinion, politicians' activities and professional and legal aspects. Portrayals followed the issue-attention cycle through three of five stages: 1) preproblem, 2) alarmed discovery and euphoric enthusiasm and 3) realising the cost of significant progress.

Implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program Can Change Nutrition Care Practice: A Multicenter Experience in Elective Colorectal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs are multimodal evidenced-based care pathways for optimal recovery. Central to ERAS is integration of perioperative nutrition care into the overall management of the patient. This study describes changes to perioperative nutrition care after implementation of an ERAS program, and identifies factors that affect compliance to ERAS care elements and short-term postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected from patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery at 6 hospitals in Alberta, Canada, from 2013-2017. Compliance to nutrition care elements (nutrition risk screening, preoperative carbohydrate loading, early postoperative oral feeding, and mobilization) was recorded before ERAS implementation (pre-ERAS group, n = 487) and with ERAS implementation (ERAS group, n = 3536). Logistic regression identified factors that affect compliance to care elements, length of hospital stay (LOS), and postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 4023 patients were included. The rate of nutrition risk screening improved from 9% (pre-ERAS group) to 74% (ERAS group); 12% were at nutrition risk. Compliance increased for preoperative carbohydrate loading (4%-61%), early postoperative oral feeding (P < .001), and mobilization (P < .001). In multivariable logistic regression, nutrition risk independently predicted low overall compliance (<70%) to ERAS care elements (odds ratio [OR] 2.77; 95% CI, 2.11-3.64; P < .001) and a trend for LOS >5 days (OR 1.40; 95% CI, 1.00-1.96; P = .052). Low compliance to ERAS (<70%) predicted postoperative complications (OR 2.69; 95% CI, 2.23-3.24; P < .001). CONCLUSION: ERAS implementation positively impacted the adoption of standardized perioperative nutrition care practices. Nutrition risk screening identified patients less able to comply with postoperative nutrition care elements and who had longer LOS.

A comparison of revisional and primary bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Revisional surgery is an important component of addressing weight regain and complications following primary bariatric surgery. Owing to provincial need and the complexity of this patient population, a specialized multidisciplinary revision clinic was developed. We sought to characterize patients who undergo revision surgery and compare their outcomes with primary bariatric surgery clinic data. METHODS: We completed a retrospective chart review of bariatric revision clinic patients compared with primary bariatric surgery patients from December 2009 to June 2014. RESULTS: We reviewed the charts of 2769 primary bariatric clinic patients, 886 of whom had bariatric surgery, and 534 revision bariatric clinic patients, 83 of whom had revision surgery. Fewer revision clinic patients underwent surgery than primary clinic patients (22% v. 32%). The mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 44.7 ± 9.5 in revision patients compared with 45.7 ± 7.6 in primary bariatric surgery patients. Most revision patients had a prior vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG; 48%) or a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB; 24%). Bands were removed in 36% of all LAGB patients presenting to clinic. Of the 134 procedures performed in the revision clinic, 83 were bariatric weight loss surgeries, and 51 were band removals. Revision clinic patients experienced a significant decrease in BMI (from 44.7 ± 9.5 to 33.8 ± 7.5, p < 0.001); their BMI at 12-month follow-up was similar to that of primary clinic patients (34.5 ± 7.0, p = 0.7). Complications were significantly more frequent in revision patients than primary patients (41% v. 15%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A bariatric revision clinic manages a wide variety of complex patients distinct from those seen in a primary clinic. Operative candidates at the revision clinic are chosen based on favourable medical, anatomic and psychosocial factors, keeping in mind the resource constraints of a public health care system.

CONTEXTE: La chirurgie de révision est une intervention importante lors d'une reprise de poids ou lors de complications à la suite d'une chirurgie bariatrique primaire. Compte tenu des besoins provinciaux et de la complexité de cette population de patients, une clinique de révision multidisciplinaire spécialisée a été créée. Nous avons voulu caractériser les patients qui subissent une chirurgie de révision et comparer leurs résultats aux données de la clinique de chirurgie bariatrique primaire. MÉTHODES: Nous avons procédé à un examen rétrospectif des dossiers des patients de la clinique de révision bariatrique par rapport aux patients ayant subi une chirurgie bariatrique primaire entre décembre 2009 et juin 2014. RÉSULTATS: Nous avons examiné les dossiers de 2769 patients de la clinique bariatrique primaire, dont 886 avaient subi une chirurgie bariatrique, et 534 patients de la clinique de révision, dont 83 avaient subi une chirurgie de révision. Un moins grand nombre de patients de la clinique de révision ont subi une chirurgie comparativement aux patients de la clinique primaire (22 % c. 32 %). L'indice de masse corporelle (IMC) préopératoire moyen était de 44,7 ± 9,5 chez les patients de la clinique de révision, contre 45,7 ± 7,6 chez les patients ayant subi la chirurgie bariatrique primaire. La plupart des patients de la clinique de révision avaient déjà subi une gastroplastie verticale (48 %) ou une pose d'anneau gastrique ajustable par voie laparoscopique (24 %). Les anneaux gastriques ont été retirés chez 36 % de tous les patients de ce dernier groupe s'étant présentés à la clinique. Parmi les 134 interventions effectuées à la clinique de révision, 83 étaient des chirurgies bariatriques (pour perte de poids) et 51 concernaient des retraits d'anneaux. Les patients de la clinique de révision ont obtenu une diminution significative de leur IMC (de 44,7 ± 9,5 à 33,8 ± 7,5, p < 0,001), qui, au moment du suivi après 12 mois, était semblable à celui des patients de la clinique primaire (34,5 ± 7,0, p = 0,7). Les complications ont été considérablement plus fréquentes chez les patients soumis à une chirurgie de révision que chez les patients soumis à une chirurgie primaire (41 % c. 15 %, p < 0,001). CONCLUSION: Une clinique de révision bariatrique gère une grande diversité de patients complexes, qui sont différents de la population suivie dans une clinique d'intervention primaire. À la clinique de révision, les candidats à l'opération sont choisis en fonction de facteurs médicaux, anatomiques et psychosociaux favorables, en gardant à l'esprit les ressources limitées du système de santé public.

Implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery: a strategy to transform surgical care across a health system.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs have been shown to have a positive impact on outcome. The ERAS care system includes an evidence-based guideline, an implementation program, and an interactive audit system to support practice change. The purpose of this study is to describe the use of the Theoretic Domains Framework (TDF) in changing surgical care and application of the Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) model to analyze end-to-end implementation of ERAS in colorectal surgery across multiple sites within a single health system. The ultimate intent of this work is to allow for the development of a model for spread, scale, and sustainability of ERAS in Alberta Health Services (AHS). METHODS: ERAS for colorectal surgery was implemented at two sites and then spread to four additional sites. The ERAS Interactive Audit System (EIAS) was used to assess compliance with the guidelines, length of stay, readmissions, and complications. Data sources informing knowledge translation included surveys, focus groups, interviews, and other qualitative data sources such as minutes and status updates. The QUERI model and TDF were used to thematically analyze 189 documents with 2188 quotes meeting the inclusion criteria. Data sources were analyzed for barriers or enablers, organized into a framework that included individual to organization impact, and areas of focus for guideline implementation. RESULTS: Compliance with the evidence-based guidelines for ERAS in colorectal surgery at baseline was 40%. Post implementation compliance, consistent with adoption of best practice, improved to 65%. Barriers and enablers were categorized as clinical practice (22%), individual provider (26%), organization (19%), external environment (7%), and patients (25%). In the Alberta context, 26% of barriers and enablers to ERAS implementation occurred at the site and unit levels, with a provider focus 26% of the time, a patient focus 26% of the time, and a system focus 22% of the time. CONCLUSIONS: Using the ERAS care system and applying the QUERI model and TDF allow for identification of strategies that can support diffusion and sustainment of innovation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery across multiple sites within a health care system.

Revision of sleeve gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Canadian experience.

INTRODUCTION: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) can be associated with inadequate weight loss, insufficient resolution of co-morbidities and severe reflux. Conversion to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) is a potential solution. The aim of this study was to determine the common indications for conversion from SG to RYGB at our centre, and evaluate patient outcomes with respect to weight loss and co-morbidity resolution. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent conversion from SG to RYGB between 2008 and 2015. RESULTS: 273 SGs were performed of which 6.6% (n = 18) were converted to RYGB most commonly due to inadequate weight loss (65.3%) and severe reflux (26.1%). Two patients were converted as a planned two-stage approach to RYGB. Patients went from a mean preoperative BMI of 50.5 to a mean BMI of 40.5 post-SG on average by 20.9 months. The mean time to conversion was 41.8 months. There was a positive correlation between pre-SG BMI and time to conversion (p = 0.040). The mean BMI after conversion was 36.4, but this additional weight loss was not significant (p = 0.057). After conversion, four of the five diabetic patients are now medication free and 75% of patients no longer have reflux symptoms. All patients had complete resolution of their hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea. Revision perioperative complication rates were comparable to primary RYGB. Two patients developed new onset iron deficiency anemia. CONCLUSION: Revision to RYGB is a safe option for SG failure and resulted in significant benefits from co-morbidity resolution.

A Case Study of Severe Esophageal Dysmotility following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Following bariatric surgery, a proportion of patients have been observed to experience reflux, dysphagia, and/or odynophagia. The etiology of this constellation of symptoms has not been systematically studied to date. This case describes a 36-year-old female with severe esophageal dysmotility following LSG. Many treatments had been used over a course of 3 years, and while calcium channel blockers reversed the esophageal dysmotility seen on manometry, significant symptoms of dysphagia persisted. Subsequently, the patient underwent a gastric bypass, which seemed to partially relieve her symptoms. Her dysphagia was no longer considered to be associated with a structural cause but attributed to a "sleeve dysmotility syndrome." Considering the difficulties with managing sleeve dysmotility syndrome, it is reasonable to consider the need for preoperative testing. The question is whether motility studies should be required for all patients planning to undergo a LSG to rule out preexisting esophageal dysmotility and whether conversion to gastric bypass is the preferred method for managing esophageal dysmotility after LSG.

Financial costs and patients' perceptions of medical tourism in bariatric surgery.

SUMMARY: Many Canadians pursue surgical treatment for severe obesity outside of their province or country - so-called "medical tourism." We have managed many complications related to this evolving phenomenon. The costs associated with this care seem substantial but have not been previously quantified. We surveyed Alberta general surgeons and postoperative medical tourists to estimate costs of treating complications related to medical tourism in bariatric surgery and to understand patients' motivations for pursuing medical tourism. Our analysis suggests more than $560 000 was spent treating 59 bariatric medical tourists by 25 surgeons between 2012 and 2013. Responses from medical tourists suggest that they believe their surgeries were successful despite some having postoperative complications and lacking support from medical or surgical teams. We believe that the financial cost of treating complications related to medical tourism in Alberta is substantial and impacts existing limited resources.

Rates of reflux before and after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for severe obesity.

BACKGROUND: A current management dilemma in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) patients is the development of significant gastroesophageal reflux symptoms after surgery. Treatment is typically directed towards reducing acid reflux despite the surgical removal of parietal cell mass. In contrast, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) has been known to reduce or resolve preoperative reflux symptoms. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of preoperative and postoperative reflux of LSG and LRYGB patients, and review reflux treatment type and response. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients undergoing either LSG or LRYGB between January 2010 and December 2012 as part of the Weight Wise program, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Canada. RESULTS: A total of 387 cases were included in our review. We observed a significant reduction in BMI postoperatively for both LSG and LRYGB groups (p < 0.001). Between surgical groups, preoperative proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use was not significantly different; however, at 1 month (p < 0.05) to 1-2 years (p < 0.001), there was significantly increased PPI use in patients after LSG in comparison to LRYGB. Of the LSG patients that continued their PPI treatment after surgery, 58% increased, 42% continued the same, and 0% decreased their dose 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Reflux symptoms are significantly increased after LSG in comparison to LRYGB patients. In addition, LSG patients more frequently require initiation of reflux treatment after surgery than that of LRYGB patients. Patients reported postoperative reflux symptom relief with acid-suppressant therapies.

Medical tourism and bariatric surgery: who pays?

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to determine the short-term cost impact that medical tourism for bariatric surgery has on a public healthcare system. Due to long wait times for bariatric surgery services, Canadians are venturing to private clinics in other provinces/countries. Postoperative care in this population not only burdens the provincial health system with intervention costs required for complicated patients, but may also impact resources allotted to patients in the public clinic. METHODS: A chart review was performed from January 2009 to June 2013, which identified 62 medical tourists requiring costly interventions related to bariatric surgery. Secondarily, a survey was conducted to estimate the frequency of bariatric medical tourists presenting to general surgeons in Alberta, necessary interventions, and associated costs. A threshold analysis was used to compare costs of medical tourism to those from our institution. RESULTS: A conservative cost estimate of $1.8 million CAD was calculated for all interventions in 62 medical tourists. The survey established that 25 Albertan general surgeons consulted 59 medical tourists per year: a cost of approximately $1 million CAD. Medical tourism was calculated to require a complication rate ≤ 28% (average intervention cost of $37,000 per patient) to equate the cost of locally conducted surgery: a rate less than the current supported evidence. Conducting 250 primary bariatric surgeries in Alberta is approximately $1.9 million less than the modeled cost of treating 250 medical tourists returning to Alberta. CONCLUSIONS: Medical tourism has a substantial impact on healthcare costs in Alberta. When compared to bariatric medical tourists, the complication rate for locally conducted surgery is less, and the cost of managing the complications is also much less. Therefore, we conclude that it is a better use of resources to conduct bariatric surgery for Albertan residents in Alberta than to fund patients to seek surgery out of province/country.

The cost of bariatric medical tourism on the Canadian healthcare system.

BACKGROUND: Medical tourists are defined as individuals who intentionally travel from their home province/country to receive medical care. Minimal literature exists on the cost of postoperative care and complications for medical tourists. The costs associated with these patients were reviewed. METHODS: Between February 2009 and June 2013, 62 patients were determined to be medical tourists. Patients were included if their initial surgery was performed between January 2003 and June 2013. A chart review was performed to identify intervention costs sustained upon their return. RESULTS: Conservatively, the costs of length of stay (n = 657, $1,433,673.00), operative procedures (n = 110, $148,924.30), investigations (n = 700, $214,499.06), blood work (n = 357, $19,656.90), and health professionals' time (n = 76, $17,414.87) were summated to the total cost of $1.8 million CAD. CONCLUSIONS: The absolute denominator of patients who go abroad for bariatric surgery is unknown. Despite this, a substantial cost is incurred because of medical tourism. Future investigations will analyze the cost effectiveness of bariatric surgery conducted abroad compared with local treatment.

The economic impact of weight regain.

Background. Obesity is well known for being associated with significant economic repercussions. Bariatric surgery is the only evidence-based solution to this problem as well as a cost-effective method of addressing the concern. Numerous authors have calculated the cost effectiveness and cost savings of bariatric surgery; however, to date the economic impact of weight regain as a component of overall cost has not been addressed. Methods. The literature search was conducted to elucidate the direct costs of obesity and primary bariatric surgery, the rate of weight recidivism and surgical revision, and any costs therein. Results. The quoted cost of obesity in Canada was $2.0 billion-$6.7 billion in 2013 CAD. The median percentage of bariatric procedures that fail due to weight gain or insufficient weight loss is 20% (average: 21.1% ± 10.1%, range: 5.2-39, n = 10). Revision of primary surgeries on average ranges from 2.5% to 18.4%, and depending on the procedure accounts for an additional cost between $14,000 and $50,000 USD per patient. Discussion. There was a significant deficit of the literature pertaining to the cost of revision surgery as compared with primary bariatric surgery. As such, the cycle of weight recidivism and bariatric revisions has not as of yet been introduced into any previous cost analysis of bariatric surgery.