Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Weight Loss After Fundoplication Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Fundoplication sleeve gastrectomy (FSG) is a novel bariatric procedure that combines anti-reflux fundoplication with sleeve gastrectomy (SG) to simultaneously address gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obesity. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the prevalence of postoperative GERD and amount of weight loss after FSG. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection in May 2023 for full-text reports of case series, registries, cohort studies, and randomized clinical trials that reported postoperative GERD and percent excess weight loss (%EWL) after FSG for patients with preoperative GERD and obesity, excluding reports including patients with previous history of bariatric procedures. We used random effects models to estimate postoperative GERD prevalence and %EWL. Risk of bias and evidence quality were assessed with the ROBINS-I and GRADE frameworks (PROSPERO CRD42023420067). RESULTS: Of the 935 records initially identified, 13 studies from 8 countries met our inclusion criteria. The prevalence of postoperative GERD pooled from 418 patients was 4.8% (95% CI: 2.8 to 8.4%). Pooled %EWL, available for 225 patients from 7 studies, was 67.8% (95% CI: 55.2 to 80.5). The overall quality of evidence was low, largely due to observational study design, lack of blinded outcome assessment, and evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSION: Fundoplication sleeve gastrectomy is an emerging surgical approach for patients with obesity and GERD with promising initial outcomes. Additional studies of efficacy and safety are needed to compare FSG and its technical variations with other weight loss procedures.

Indocyanine Green in Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review.

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a fluorescent dye that can be used intraoperatively to assess tissue perfusion, as well as perform leak testing. This study aims to summarize published manuscripts on outcomes of ICG use and reduction of complications compared to traditional leak test and tissue perfusion evaluation. A PubMed search using "ICG and bariatric surgery," "ICG and gastric sleeve," "ICG and gastric bypass," and "ICG and revisional bariatric surgery" was performed. The proportion of patients who underwent an intraoperative decision change due to ICG was 3.8% (95% CI: 2.0 to 7.2%). ICG fluorescent imaging in bariatric surgery is a valuable tool, and further studies are needed to confirm its utility for routine use in both standard or complex cases (PROSPERO #418126).

Customized bariatric stents for sleeve gastrectomy leak: are they superior to conventional esophageal stents? A systematic review and proportion meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, there has been a burgeoning interest in the utilization of customized bariatric stents (CBS) for management of sleeve gastrectomy leak (SGL). We aimed to conduct a proportion meta-analysis to evaluate the cumulative efficacy and safety of these new stents and to compare them with the conventional esophageal stents (CES). METHODS: A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases was conducted through May 1, 2020. Primary outcomes were technical and clinical success and post-procedure adverse events of CBS and CES. Secondary outcomes were number of stents and endoscopic sessions per patient, and time to leak closure. A proportion meta-analysis was performed on outcomes using a random-effects model, and the weighted pooled rates (WPRs) or mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: The WPR with 95% CI of technical success, clinical success, and stent migration for CBS were 99% (93-100%) I2 = 34%, 82% (69-93%) I2 = 58%, and 32% (17-49%), I2 = 69%, respectively. For CES, the WPR (95% CI) for technical success, clinical success, and stent migration were 100% (97-100%) I2 = 19%, 93% (85-98%) I2 = 30%, and 15% (7-25%), I2 = 41%, respectively. Adverse events other than migration were very low with both types of stents. On proportionate difference, CBS had lower clinical success (11%) and higher migration rate (17%) in comparison to CES. In successfully treated patients, CBS was associated with lower mean number of stents and endoscopic sessions, and shorter time to leak closure compared to CES. The overall quality of evidence was very low. CONCLUSIONS: In treatment of SGL, there is very low level evidence that CES are superior to CBS in terms of clinical success and migration rate, though may require more stent insertions and endoscopic procedures. The evidence however remains very uncertain. Perhaps relevant to some types of stents, CBS are promising; however design modification is strongly recommended to improve outcomes.

Transversus abdominis plane block versus thoracic epidural analgesia in colorectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block compared with thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) in abdominal surgery has been controversial. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess outcomes of TAP block and TEA in a procedure-specific manner in colorectal surgery. METHODS: A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases was conducted through July 10, 2020, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TAP block with TEA in colorectal surgery. Primary outcomes were pain scores at rest and movement at 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores at 0-2 and 48 h, opioid consumption, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), functional recovery, hospital stay, and adverse events. RESULTS: Six RCTs with 568 patients were included. Methodological quality of these RCTs ranged from moderate to high. TAP block provided comparable pain control, lower 24 h and total opioid consumption, shorter time to ambulation and urinary catheter time, and lower incidence of sensory disturbance and postoperative hypotension compared with TEA. Meanwhile, the 48-h opioid consumption, PONV incidence, and hospital stay were similar between groups. When laparoscopic surgery was the only surgical approach employed, TAP block provided additional benefits of shorter time to first flatus and lower incidence of PONV compared with TEA. CONCLUSIONS: Perhaps more germane to minimally invasive procedures, TAP block is equivalent to TEA in terms of postoperative pain control and provides better functional recovery with lower incidence of adverse events in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Transversus abdominis plane block using a short-acting local anesthetic reduces pain and opioid consumption after laparoscopic bariatric surgery: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a form of regional anesthesia that has been increasingly employed in minimally invasive surgery. The data regarding its use in laparoscopic bariatric surgery, however, are still limited and at times controversial. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of TAP block after laparoscopic bariatric surgery. SETTING: Soba University Hospital, Sudan. MATERIALS: A systematic search was conducted through the Embase, Cochrane Collaboration, and PubMed databases for randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of TAP block in patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model. Primary endpoints were late (24 hr) pain scores at rest and on movement. Secondary endpoints included early (0-3 hr) pain scores at rest and on movement, opioid consumption, time to ambulation, length of hospital stay, and adverse events. RESULTS: Ten randomized controlled trials met our inclusion criteria, with 404 patients in the TAP block groups and 413 patients in the control groups. TAP block was associated with significantly improved late pain scores (at rest, standardized mean difference [SMD] -.95, P < .001; on movement, SMD -1.04, P = .01) and early pain scores (at rest, SMD -1.81, P < .001; on movement, SMD -1.80, P < .001), reduced postoperative opioid consumption at 24 hours (SMD -2.23 mg intravenous morphine, P < .001), a shorter time to ambulation (SMD -1.07 hours, P < .001), and reduced incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (OR .20, P = .01). No significant difference was noted regarding length of hospital stay (P = .70). Postoperative TAP block administration resulted in greater effects on opioid consumption at 24 hours compared with preoperative block administration. Finally, none of the studies reported any adverse effect of local anesthetic. CONCLUSION: Given the significant effect on early and late postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and postoperative recovery and the low risk profile, TAP block using a short-acting anesthetic should be encouraged in routine practice in patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Laparoscopic-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Pain Management in Minimally Invasive Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Optimal postoperative pain therapy for patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery remains controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of the novel laparoscopic-guided transversus abdominis plane block (L-TAP) with other analgesic alternatives in adults undergoing minimally invasive surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic literature search of several databases was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines through March 9, 2020, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on L-TAP. Primary outcomes were pain scores at rest and movement at 24 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores at 0 to 4 and 48 hours, opioid consumption, hospital stay, functional recovery, patient satisfaction, and adverse events. RESULTS: Nineteen RCTs with 1,983 patients were included. All trials compared L-TAP with ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block (US-TAP), local infiltration analgesia (LIA), or inactive control; none controlled for epidural analgesia. Methodologic quality of these RCTs ranged from moderate to high. L-TAP provided comparable pain control compared with US-TAP, and better early pain control compared with LIA. Recovery parameters, 24-hour opioid consumption, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were comparable between L-TAP and US-TAP. Meanwhile, 24-hour opioid consumption, PONV incidence, hospital stay, and patient satisfaction favored L-TAP compared with LIA. None of the studies reported adverse events related to the L-TAP procedure. CONCLUSIONS: L-TAP is safe, and superior to LIA with respect to early pain control, opioid consumption, and patient satisfaction in adults undergoing minimally invasive surgery. Given its equivalence to US-TAP, L-TAP can be used as a safer and pragmatic alternative to epidural analgesia in this patient population.

Employing Enhanced Recovery Goals in Bariatric Surgery (ENERGY): a national quality improvement project using the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.

BACKGROUND: To date, there have been no large-scale enhanced recovery projects in bariatric surgery in the United States. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this project was to implement an enhanced recovery protocol for selected Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program centers and determine its impact on length of stay, bleeding, readmissions, and reoperation rates. SETTING: University and private practice programs, United States. METHODS: Participating sites were identified based on historical extended length of stay (ELOS, ≥4 d). A 6-month run-up period was used to allow implementation of the protocol. Primary bariatric procedures were included in the analysis, which compared ELOS from historic data (2016) with outcomes during the Employing Enhanced Recovery Goals in Bariatric Surgery (ENERGY) project. Relationships between adherence to the 26 process measures and ELOS were analyzed. Specific adverse 30-day outcomes were monitored. RESULTS: Thirty-six centers participated in the project. The final analytic sample consisted of 18,048 cases total over a 24-month period, including 8946 from the 2016 calendar year and 9102 from the ENERGY period. The overall rates of ELOS for pre- and postintervention were 8.1% and 4.5%, respectively, without increasing readmission rates, reoperation rates, or overall morbidity. Bleeding rates increased from .8% preintervention to 1.1% during ENERGY (adjusted P = .06). There was a significant association between increased adherence score and decreased odds of ELOS (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Implementation of a large-scale enhanced recovery project is feasible and results in decreased ELOS without increasing overall adverse events or readmissions. Increased adherence to the protocol was closely associated with decreased ELOS. The ENERGY protocol or similar enhanced recovery pathways should be implemented on a larger scale to further improve the care and outcomes of bariatric surgery patients.

Internal hernias in pregnant females with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a systematic review.

Improved fertility following a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) can lead to pregnancy and increase the risk of internal herniation. A developing fetus and symptoms of pregnancy can mask the diagnosis and delay intervention, leading to deleterious maternal and fetal consequences. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the literature regarding internal hernias during pregnancy, their management, and patient outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken on PubMed and Google Scholar to identify cases of internal hernias presenting during pregnancy after RYGB. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used for eligibility and inclusion of articles. Twenty-seven articles, with a total of 59 patients, regarding internal herniation during pregnancy after RYGB were identified. Epigastric pain and nausea and vomiting was the most common presentation. Regardless of orientation of the Roux limb and despite previous closure of mesenteric defects, internal herniation can still occur. A triad of epigastric pain, pregnancy, and a history of RYGB should be a red flag for clinicians to consider internal hernias as a top differential diagnosis. Prompt bariatric consultation and rapid intervention will improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

Efficacy of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in pain management after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG): A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the effectiveness of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in post-operative pain management in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). METHODS: Ninety consecutive patients undergoing LSG were randomly assigned to three groups: placebo, TAP block with 0.25% bupivacaine (40mL total), and TAP block with 0.25% bupivacaine + 1/100,000 epinephrine (40mL total). Pain and nausea/vomiting scores were evaluated at varying times until discharge. Other parameters included, additional analgesia required, time to ambulation, length of stay and time required for return to work after discharge. RESULTS: There was decrease in post-operative pain 3 hours after surgery between the placebo group and the bupivacaine group and between the placebo group and the bupivacaine with epinephrine group, however, no difference in 1, 6, 12 and every 6 hours after. There was no significant difference in post-operative analgesia requirements, nausea/vomiting scores, time to ambulation, hospital length of stay, or time to return to work after discharge. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of TAP block is not apparent likely due to the ERAS protocol set in place for bariatric surgery, which already targets early postoperative pain control and mobility.

Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery Versus Medical Management for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery improves type 2 diabetes (T2D) in obese patients. The sustainability of these effects and the long-term results have been under question. OBJECTIVE: To compare bariatric surgery versus medical management (MM) for T2D based on a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 2 years of follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven RCTs with at least 2-year follow-up were identified. The primary endpoint was remission of T2D (full or partial). Four hundred sixty-three patients with T2D and body mass index > 25 kg/m2 were evaluated. RESULTS: After 2 years, T2D remission was observed in 138 of 263 patients (52.5%) with bariatric surgery compared to seven of 200 patients (3.5%) with MM (risk ratio (RR) = 10, 95% CI 5.5-17.9, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) showed a significant effect size at 2 years in favor of RYGB over MM for a higher decrease of HbA1C (0.9 percentage points, 95% CI 0.6-1.1, p < 0.001), decrease of fasting blood glucose (35.3 mg/dl, 95% CI 13.3-57.3, p = 0.002), increase of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (12.2 mg/dl, 95% CI 7.6-16.8, p < 0.001), and decrease of triglycerides (32.4 mg/dl, 95% CI 4.5-60.3, p = 0.02). Four studies followed patients up to 5 years and showed 62 of 225 patients (27.5%) with remission after surgery, compared to six of 156 patients (3.8%) with MM (RR = 6, 95% CI 2.7-13, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis shows a superior and persistent effect of bariatric surgery versus MM for inducement of remission of T2D. This benefit of bariatric surgery was significant at 2 years and superior to MM even after 5 years. Compared with MM, patients with RYGB had better glycemic control and improved levels of HDL and triglycerides.

Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Switch (SADIS): A Systematic Review of Efficacy and Safety.

BACKGROUND: Owing to the possibility of weight regain after the long-term follow-up of gastric bypass patients and because of the high morbidity of biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal switch (SADIS) has emerged as a rescue procedure in bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature data on SADIS. SETTING: University Hospital, NY. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was performed through October 2016 to identify English studies on SADIS performed in human subjects. Outcomes of interest were technical considerations, postoperative complications, weight loss outcome, comorbidity resolution rate, and nutritional deficiency after SADIS. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies including 581 SADIS patients (217 males and 364 females) were included. SADIS was a primary procedure in 508 patients (87.4%) and a conversion procedure in 73 patients (12.6%). The length of common limb was 300 cm in 54.2%, 250 cm in 23%, and 200 cm in 13.4% of patients. Anastomosis technique was a linear stapler in 26.7% and a hand sewn suture technique in 73.3% of patients. Diarrhea was the most common complication (1.2%). The average %EWL was 30% at 3 months, 55% at 6 months, 70% at 1 year, and 85% at 2 years. Co-morbidity resolution rate was 74.1% for type 2 diabetes mellitus, 96.3% for hypertension, 68.3% for dyslipidemia, 63.3% for obstructive sleep apnea, and 87.5% for GERD. Overall, vitamin A, selenium, and iron deficiency were the most common nutritional deficiencies with the possibility of the protein malnutrition in up to 34% of the patients when measured. CONCLUSION: As a modified bariatric procedure, SADIS has promising outcomes for weight loss and comorbidity resolution in morbidly obese patients. When measured, there was a high prevalence of macro-nutrient deficiencies following SADIS. There is a high technical variability, and long-term data are required before any meaningful conclusion can be made.

Portomesentric and splenic vein thrombosis (PMSVT) after bariatric surgery: a systematic review of 110 patients.

BACKGROUND: Portomesenteric and splenic vein thrombosis (PMSVT) is a rare but potentially serious complication after bariatric surgery. No study has systematically analyzed its incidence and risk factors. OBJECTIVES: To pool the data regarding PMSVT after bariatric surgery and determine its incidence and risk factors. METHODS: A meta-analysis and systematic review was conducted to retrieve studies on PMSVT after bariatric surgery. RESULTS: A total of 41 eligible studies including 110 patients with postbariatric PMSVT were enrolled; the estimated incidence rate based on 13 studies was .4%. The use of oral contraception was reported in 35.4% of patients, previous surgery in 61.1%, smoking in 37.2%, and history of coagulopathy in 43%. PMSVT mostly occurred after sleeve gastrectomy (78.9%) and within the first postoperative month (88.9%). Pneumoperitoneum pressure was>15 mm Hg in 6% of patients. The portal vein was the most commonly affected vessel (41.5%). Prothrombin 20210 mutation and protein C/S deficiency were the most common thrombophilic conditions. Unfractionated heparin (59.1%), vitamin K antagonists (50.9%), and low molecular weight heparin (39.1%) were the most common treatments for PMSVT. The morbidity and mortality rates for postbariatric PMSVT were 8.2% and 3.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: PMSVT usually occurs within the first postoperative month and is mostly reported after sleeve gastrectomy. The portal vein is the most commonly involved vessel. A previous hypercoagulable state can be an important risk factor. Most patients can be treated with anticoagulation therapy. Further studies with comprehensive data review of patient information are required.

Cost of bariatric surgery and factors associated with increased cost: an analysis of national inpatient sample.

BACKGROUND: In the current healthcare environment, bariatric surgery centers need to be cost-effective while maintaining quality. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate national cost of bariatric surgery to identify the factors associated with a higher cost. SETTING: A retrospective analysis of 2012-2013 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project - Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS). METHOD: We included all patients with a diagnosis of morbid obesity (ICD9 278.01) and a Diagnosis Related Group code related to procedures for obesity, who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), or adjustable gastric banding (AGB) as their primary procedure. We converted "hospital charges" to "cost," using hospital specific cost-to-charge ratio. Inflation was adjusted using the annual consumer price index. Increased cost was defined as the top 20th percentile of the expenditure and its associated factors were analyzed using the logistic regression multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 45,219 patients (20,966 RYGBs, 22,380 SGs, and 1,873 AGBs) were included. The median (interquartile range) calculated costs for RYGB, SG, and AGB were $12,543 ($9,970-$15,857), $10,531 ($8,248-$13,527), and $9,219 ($7,545-$12,106), respectively (P<.001). Robotic-assisted procedures had the highest impact on the cost (odds ratio 3.6, 95% confidence interval 3.2-4). Hospital cost of RYGB and SG increased linearly with the length of hospital stay and almost doubled after 7 days. Furthermore, multivariate analysis showed that certain co-morbidities and concurrent procedures were associated with an increased cost. CONCLUSION: Factors contributing to the cost variation of bariatric procedures include co-morbidities, robotic platform, complexity of surgery, and hospital length of stay.

Comparison of two specimen retrieval techniques in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: what is the role of endobag?

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become a popular stand-alone treatment for morbid obesity. However, removal of the gastric specimen could be a challenging step due to its large size relative to the width of the trocar site. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare a simplified retrieval technique for extraction of the gastric specimen without an endobag with conventionally performed specimen retrieval using an endobag. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted recruiting patients undergoing LSG. Patient's demographics, preoperative characteristics, intra-operative, and postoperative variables were compared between the two groups according to the technique of gastric specimen removal. RESULTS: A total of 193 patients (60.6% female) were enrolled into case (n = 100) and control groups (n = 93). Mean ± SD age and BMI of patients were 35.64 ± 11.84 years and 47.28 ± 8.22 Kg/m2, respectively with no significant difference between groups. Median (25th, 75th inter-quartile), extraction time was significantly reduced in the non-endobag group compared to the endobag group (3.5 [2.5-4.5] min vs. 6.5 [3.4-8.2] min, p = 0.03).Patients of both groups had similar intra-operative and trocar site complications (hernia and wound infection) (3% for endobag group and 3.3 % for non-endobag group). The median (25-75% [IQR]) LOS was also comparable between endobag and non-endobag patients (3[2-3] vs. 3[2-4] days, p = 0.84). No difference was observed between the two groups for weight loss and comorbidity resolution. CONCLUSION: Non-endobag technique for gastric specimen retrieval is safe and feasible with substantial saving in operative time and comparable intra-operative and postoperative outcomes to the conventional retrieval technique.

Efficacy and Safety of the Over-the-Scope Clip (OTSC) System in the Management of Leak and Fistula After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic management of leaks/fistulas after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is gaining popularity in the bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to review the efficacy and safety of over-the-scope-clip (OTSC) system in endoscopic closure of post-LSG leak/fistula. METHODS: PubMed/Medline and major journals of the field were systematically reviewed for studies on endoscopic closure of post-LSG leaks/fistula by means of the OTSC system. RESULTS: A total of ten eligible studies including 195 patients with post-LSG leaks/fistula were identified. The time between LSG and leak/fistula ranged from 1 day to 803 days. Most of the leaks/fistula were located at the proximal staple line, and they sized from 3 to 20 mm. Time between leak diagnosis and OTSC clipping ranged from 0 to 271 days. Thirty-three out of 53 patients (63.5%) required one clip for closure of the lesion. Regarding the OTSC-related complications, a leak occurred in five patients (9.3%) and OTSC migration, stenosis, and tear each in one patient (1.8%). Of the 73 patients with post-LSG leak treated with OTSC, 63 patients had an overall successful closure (86.3%). CONCLUSION: OTSC system is a promising endoscopic approach for management of post-LSG leaks in appropriately selected patients. Unfortunately, most studies are series with a small sample size, short-term follow-up, and mixed data of concomitant procedures with OTSC. Further studies should distinguish the net efficacy of the OTSC system from other concomitant procedures in treatment of post-LSG leak.

Intra-thoracic Sleeve Migration (ITSM): an Underreported Phenomenon After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Despite its technical simplicity, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) complications are increasingly reported. Intra-thoracic sleeve migration (ITSM ) is a rare complication after LSG which has been inconsistently addressed in the literature. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to emphasize ITSM occurrence after LSG and evaluate the perioperative factors associated with its development. METHODS: Between January and July 2016, LSG patients diagnosed with ITSM at two bariatric surgery departments were identified. Perioperative factors were assessed for all the patients and compared between two groups, LSG alone and LSG with concomitant hiatal hernia (HH) repair (HHR). RESULTS: A total of 19 patients (6 males and 13 females) were included. Central obesity was present in 18 patients (94.7%). Nine patients (47.4%) had concomitant hiatal hernia repair during their original LSG. Post-LSG GERD (94.7%) (38.9% de novo and 61.1% recurrent) and post-LSG constipation (57.9%) were commonly associated with ITSM. Severe refractory GERD was the most common presentation for ITSM (94.7%), followed by epigastric pain (47.4%), persistent nausea/vomiting (36.8%), and dysphagia (21.1%). Time interval between primary LSG and ITSM diagnosis ranged from 1 day to 3 years. Patients with LSG and concomitant HHR presented with higher post-LSG BMI compared to the LSG patients (37 ± 6.4 kg/m2 vs. 30.1 ± 6.3 kg/m2, p = 0.03). All the patients underwent successful reduction of ITSM and subsequent HHR. CONCLUSION: Central obesity, chronic constipation, post-LSG GERD, and concomitant HHR are commonly seen in post-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy intra-thoracic sleeve migration.

Efficacy of First-Time Intragastric Balloon in Weight Loss: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: The intragastric balloon (IGB) is an adjunctive treatment for obesity. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IGB treatment by reviewing randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: A total of 20 RCTs involving 1195 patients were identified. Weight loss results before and after 3 months were analyzed separately. The weight loss results of patients with and without IGB treatment were compared. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis calculated the following significant effect sizes: 1.59 and 1.34 kg/m2 for overall and 3-month BMI loss, respectively; 14.25 and 11.16 % for overall and >3-month percentage of excess weight loss, respectively; 4.6 and 4.77 kg for overall and 3-month weight loss, respectively; and 2.81, 1.62, and 4.09 % for overall, 3-month, and >3-month percent of weight loss, respectively. A significant effect size was calculated that favored fluid-filled IGBs over air-filled IGBs. Flatulence (8.75 vs. 3.89 %, p = 0.0006), abdominal fullness (6.32 vs. 0.55 %, p = 0.001), abdominal pain (13.86 vs. 7.2 %, p = 0.0001), abdominal discomfort (4.37 vs. 0.55 %, p = 0.006), and gastric ulcer (12.5 vs. 1.2 %, p < 0.0001) were significantly more prevalent among IGB patients than among non-IGB control patients. No mortality was reported from IGB treatment. CONCLUSION: IGB treatment, in addition to lifestyle modification, is an effective short-term modality for weight loss. However, there is not sufficient evidence confirming its safety or long-term efficacy.