Bariatric surgery and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

With the rapidly increasing prevalence of obesity globally, the practice of bariatric surgery is being adopted routinely to prevent the development of chronic conditions as well as some forms of cancers associated with obesity. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of those chronic conditions. Furthermore, there is accumulating data that obesity is associated with complications related to longstanding GERD such as erosive esophagitis (EE), Barrett's esophagus (BE), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Central obesity, rather than body mass index (BMI), appears to be more closely associated with these complications. It should be expected, therefore, that weight loss procedures should result in improvement in GERD symptoms and its associated complications. However, in reality the different bariatric surgical procedures have unpredictable effects on an established GERD and may even produce GERD symptoms for the very first time (de novo). In this review, we explore the literature studying the effects of bariatric surgical operations on GERD. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass appears to have the most beneficial effect on GERD. On the other hand, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) are linked with long-term increased prevalence of GERD. We argue that GERD is an extremely important preoperative consideration for any patient undergoing bariatric surgery and therefore should be thoroughly investigated objectively (with 24-hour pH study and high-resolution manometry) to select the most suitable bariatric procedure for patients for their long-term success.

Reduction of invasive interventions in severely obese with osteoarthritis after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) affects 56,000,000 Americans, 30% with obesity. Their risk of developing OA is 5 times higher. With each extra kilogram above ideal weight, the risk of OA increases to 13%. The study aim is to describe changes in OA treatment after undergoing bariatric surgery (BS). METHODS: After IRB approval, we conducted a retrospective analysis of all severely obese patients and OA that underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass from 2004 to 2018. Changes of OA severity were assessed based on the requirement of invasive intervention (INI) at 12 and 24 months after BS. INI was defined as the need for surgical drainage; articular injection; and surgical interventions such as meniscectomy, total hip replacement, and total knee replacement. RESULTS: A total of 11.52% (N = 486) had OA diagnosed prior to BS, the most common location being unilateral hip 31.1% (N = 151). A total of 35.2% (N = 159) of patients required pain management (PM) for OA at 12 months. Of these, 90% (N = 144) required only INI and 5.6% (N = 9) required PM only. Baseline and postoperative BMI were associated to need for INI. At 12 months, the 66.7% (N = 301) who did not require INI had a baseline BMI of 44.70 ± 8.22 and total weight loss percent (TWL%) of 14.29 ± 13 (P = 0.05; 95% CI 0.96-1.00). LSG patients were the majority compared to other procedures (44.5%; N = 134). On the other hand, 64.3% (N = 175) did not require INI at 24 months and had a baseline BMI of 17.82±17.4 and TWL% of 2.43 ± 6 (P = 0.003; 95% CI 1.04-1.25). The risk to require INI was reduced by 69.9% at 12 months and 80% at 24 months. Need for pain medications at 12 months was reduced by 96.9%. CONCLUSION: According to this study data, bariatric surgery reduces the need for INI in patients with OA. The effect seems to be related to the amount of weight loss. Additional studies conducted on a larger scale are necessary to validate findings.

The Association Between Kidney Disease and Diabetes Remission in Bariatric Surgery Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: The association between bariatric surgery, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is poorly understood. We studied whether remission of type 2 diabetes induced by bariatric surgery influences markers of kidney disease, if CKD is associated with remission of diabetes after bariatric surgery, and if baseline levels of gut hormones and peptides modify these associations. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. STUDY PARTICIPANTS: 737 bariatric surgery patients with type 2 diabetes who participated in a multicenter cohort study for up to 5 years. PREDICTORS: Demographics, blood pressure, medications, type of bariatric surgery, anthropometrics, markers of kidney disease, and circulating levels of gut hormones and peptides. OUTCOMES: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin excretion, prognostic risk for CKD, and remission of diabetes. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Linear mixed models for eGFR; generalized linear mixed models with logit link for albuminuria, prognostic risk for CKD, and diabetes remission. RESULTS: Remission of diabetes at 5 years post-bariatric surgery was not independently associated with eGFR but was associated with lower risk for moderate/severe increase in albuminuria (risk ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.48-0.90) and stabilization in prognostic risk for CKD. These findings were modified by baseline ghrelin level. Lower preoperative eGFR and greater prognostic risk for CKD were independently associated with reduced likelihood of diabetes remission. The association with preoperative GFR was modified by C-peptide level. Higher baseline circulating ghrelin level was independently associated with a lower prognostic risk for CKD. LIMITATIONS: A minority of participants had baseline CKD; lack of comparison group; no information on duration of diabetes, other clinical end points, or kidney biopsy results. CONCLUSIONS: Remission of type 2 diabetes 5 years after bariatric surgery was associated with improvements in albuminuria and stabilized prognostic risk for CKD, but not with eGFR. Lower kidney function and greater prognostic risk at the time of bariatric surgery was linked to a lower likelihood of diabetes remission. These results highlight the need to identify the mechanisms through which bariatric surgery may delay the long-term progression of CKD in type 2 diabetes.

Outcomes After Laparoscopic Conversion of Failed Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) to Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) or Single Anastomosis Duodenal Switch (SADS).

BACKGROUND: Inadequate weight loss following LAGB (laparoscopic adjusted gastric banding) requiring band removal and conversion to another bariatric procedure is common. There is a paucity of objective data to guide procedure selection. Single anastomosis modifications (SIPS, SADI, SADS) of the duodenal switch biliopancreatic division (DS-BPD) are being investigated. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become the most prevalent primary bariatric procedure and has been used for revision following LAGB. PURPOSE: The purpose is to investigate single-stage LAGB removal to LSG SADS (single anastomosis duodenal switch). A matched cohort analysis compared each revision to a similar patient having a primary procedure. This was performed to understand the impact of prior banding on outcomes with each procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study to investigate the outcomes of revision of LAGB for inadequate weight loss to LSG or SADS. To determine whether prior banding impairs results, a matched cohort was done comparing each revision to a patient that had a primary procedure. RESULTS: As expected, patients who had SADS had greater weight loss than LSG. There was no difference in peri-operative and early complications. Both procedures resulted in weight loss. Importantly, with matched cohort, prior LAGB decreased weight loss outcomes in LSG, but not SADS. CONCLUSION: Conversion of LAGB to LSG or SADS results in weight loss. The presence of LAGB decreases weight loss in LSG, but not in SADS. This can have important implications for long-term outcomes.

Alcohol use disorders before and after bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There have been increasing reports of increased risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the post bariatric surgery patient. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to observe the rate of AUD in the postoperative period following bariatric surgery for weight management. METHODS: Electronic searches were performed using six databases from their dates of inception to January 2017. Studies observing the trend in AUD post bariatric surgery were identified. Data for relevant endpoint was extracted and analysed. RESULTS: Ten studies were identified for inclusion of analyses. One year post operatively pooled odds were 1.004 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.921-1.094; P=0.935], with no significant difference found in the proportion of patients with AUD at 1 year vs. pre-surgery. Two years post operatively pooled odds were 0.981 (95% CI, 0.843-1.142; P=0.806), with no significant difference found in the proportion of patients with AUD at 2 years vs. pre-surgery. Three years post operatively pooled odds were 1.825 (95% CI, 1.53-2.178; P<0.001) with a significant increase in AUD particularly with gastric bypass surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, prevalence of AUD increases in patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery but not gastric banding. The risk of AUD was found to not be significantly increased in the first 2 years postoperatively but increasing after this period.

Long-Term (over 10 Years) Retrospective Follow-up of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) placements have progressively decreased in recent years. This is related to poor long-term weight loss outcomes and necessity for revision or removal of these bands. Long-term outcome results following LAGB are limited. The aim of our study was to determine the long-term outcome after LAGB at our institution. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to determine the long-term outcome after LAGB at our institution. SETTING: The setting of this is Academic Center, Israel. METHODS: Patients who underwent LAGB between 1999 and 2004 were reviewed. Patient comorbidities and weight loss parameters were collected preoperatively and at defined postoperative periods. Improvement in weight loss was defined as percent excess weight lost, and improvement in comorbidities was defined based on standardized reporting definitions. RESULTS: In total, 74 (80%) patients who underwent LAGB met inclusion criteria. The mean age at LAGB placement was 50.5 ± 9.6 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 45.5 ± 4.8 kg/m2. Preoperative comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (13.5%), hypertension (32%), hyperlipidemia (12.1%), obstructive sleep apnea (5.4%), joints disease (10.8%), mood disorders (5.4%), and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms (8.1%). The mean follow-up was 162.96 ± 13.9 months; 44 patients (59.4%) had their band removed, and 22 (30%) had another bariatric surgery. The follow-up BMI was 35.7 ± 6.9 (p < 0.001), and the % total weight loss was 21.0 ± 0.13. There was no improvement in any of the comorbidities. GERD symptoms worsened at long-term follow-up (p < 0.001). Undergoing another bariatric procedure was associated with a higher weight loss (OR 12.8; CI 95% 1.62-23.9; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: LAGB required removal in the majority of our patients and showed poor resolution of comorbidities with worsening of GERD-related symptoms. Patients who go on to have another bariatric procedure have more durable weight loss outcomes.

A 12-Month Review of Revisional Single Anastomosis Gastric Bypass for Complicated Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding for Body Mass Index over 35.

BACKGROUND: In many countries, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) was previously the most commonly performed bariatric procedure due to its operative safety and early efficacy. This procedure is now superseded because of doubtful long-term results and late complications. Many people eventually required revisional bariatric surgery such as conversion to single anastomosis gastric bypass (SAGB). This study aims to assess the safety and durability of single-stage conversion from LAGB to SAGB in patients who are intolerant to LAGB and who also fail to lose weight, or re-gain weight. METHODS: Seventy-four patients with BMI > 35 kg m-2 were selected from a prospective bariatric database between July 2012 and December 2015 for revisional laparoscopic SAGB surgery and were followed up at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months after their operation. RESULTS: The mean BMI at 6 weeks, then 3, 6 and 12 months were 41.6 ± 7.66, 38.8 ± 7.54, 35.4 ± 7.10 and 33.2 ± 7.34 kg m-2, respectively. The mean percentage EWL at 6 weeks then 3, 6 and 12 months were 21.0 ± 9.12, 37.8 ± 12.5, 55.1 ± 15.8 and 67.0 ± 19.6%, respectively. Postoperative follow-up at these times were 97, 85, 69 and 46%, respectively. Early (< 30 day) morbidity was 20.3% with major complications of CD grade 3a or more of 13.5%. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that single-stage revisional SAGB after a failed LAGB achieved good short-term weight loss and low 30-day morbidity.

Single-incision or conventional laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) in gastric banding (SI-LAGB) has been reported to be a safe and technically feasible procedure among various operating methods. However, there is little evidence with regard to the question whether SI-LAGB has more advantages and should be recommended compared with conventional LAGB (CLAGB). Thus, this study was performed to assess the safety and efficacy of SI-LAGB. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A computerized search of the electronic databases PubMed and EMBASE was performed. Data regarding operative parameters, postoperative recovery parameters, follow-up time, percentage of excess weight loss, and postoperative complication were pooled and analyzed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations. RESULTS: Ten comparative studies including 2,073 patients (1,038 patients who received SI-LAGB and 1,035 patients who received CLAGB) were included and analyzed. Compared with CLAGB, a similar weight loss could be obtained using SI-LAGB. The postoperative complications of SI-LAGB were within the acceptable range, but one study reported one perioperative death. SI-LAGB required a longer operative time. Other outcome variables, such as blood loss, days of hospitalization, pain score, and hospitalization costs, were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: SI-LAGB might be a safe and effective alternative to C-LAGB when performed by experienced surgeons, but available data do not allow to give a definitive answer and randomized controlled trials are needed.

Bariatric surgery is not contraindicated in obese patients suffering from glycogen storage disease type IXa. A case report with follow-up at three years.

INTRODUCTION: Glucose storage disease type IXa (GSD IXa) is an uncommon condition presenting with childhood onset hepatomegaly, growth retardation, and often, fasting ketosis and hypoglycemia. Despite its benign course, the lack of dietary counseling may favor uncontrolled weight gain. We investigated the efficacy of bariatric surgery in one 17 years old female suffering from GSD IXa and morbid obesity. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The diagnosis was GSD type IXa in a patient with a body mass index (BMI) of 45.5kg/m(2). Onset of hypoglycemia was reported twice each month. She was treated her implanting an adjustable gastric banding through laparoscopy. Three years after surgery the patient presents a BMI of 30.1kg/m(2) and an excess of weight loss (EWL) of 71.1%. Only once, following surgery, she had to deflate her band to allow a faster transit of food through her stomach, thus reaching a prompt euglycemic condition, due to an incoming hypoglycemic crisis. DISCUSSION: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is one of the most used approaches to treat morbid obesity. It is a restrictive procedure unable to affect the absorption of any nutrient, presenting a very low intra and perioperative complication rate. In our GSD IXa patient, it offered a prompt modification of food intake restriction whenever requested, thus avoiding hypoglycemia. CONCLUSION: LAGB is effective in determining weight loss without inducing significant side effects or worsening hypoglycemia, in this morbid obese patient, suffering from GSD type IXa.

The Impact of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery on Morbidly Obese Patients with Type 2 DM

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) are the most effective intervention and cure in achieving sustained weight loss in the morbidly obese with co-morbities, especially in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Currently, there are few data in the literature presenting early diabetic outcomes between the 2 major bariatric surgeries in Korea. The aim of this study is to observe weight loss, improvement of type 2 DM after LRYGB and LAGB. METHODS: 33 retrospective data were obtained from diabetic subjects undergoing LRYGB (n=53) and LAGB (n=77). These measurements included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), pre-operative diabetic duration, post-operative diabetic at follow-up visit after surgery. Paired t-test, and SPSS12.0 were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 33 morbidly obese patients with type 2 DM who had both procedures complain of general weakness. Most patients were taking oral medications or insulin and tired of them. Pre and post-op 12 months of percent of excess weight loss (%EWL), fetal bovine serum (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) presented at 0%, 185.6 mg/dl, 8.7% and 70.6%, 123.4 mg/dl, 6.6% in patients who had LRYGB (P<0.05). Pre and post-op 12 months of %EWL, FBS, HbA1C presented at 0%, 180.6 mg/dl, 8.4% and 32.8%, 136.5 mg/dl, 6.8% in patients who had LAGB (P<0.05). Rate of discontinuance or decreasing for treatment of type 2 DM after surgery showed 94% for LRYGB versus 80% for LAGB, and unchanged rates were 6% versus 20%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study showed LRYGB and LAGB are quite satisfactory and promising bariatric procedures with significant weight loss and improvement of type 2 DM in Koreans. LRYGB is significantly associated with more weight loss, more diabetic outcome than LAGB. Clinical experiences in Korea with both procedures are limited and a larger number of cases are need, but the recent data shows promising results that are comparable to the international experience.

Band Slippage after Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB)

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has proved to be safe and effective, worldwide. The perigastric technique was once the most frequent method of band placement, but posterior prolapse was a problem. The introduction of the pars flaccida technique has considerably reduced the incidence of this complication, and, currently, this technique is the most utilized method and recommended by most bariatric surgeons. However, LAGB with pars flaccida technique has rare complications such as band slippage and gastric pouch dilatation in 2~5% of patients. We have experienced 2 band replacement cases for band slippage and pouch dilatation each happening about 1 and 2 years after LAGB.

Initial Experience with Bariatric Surgery in Korea: 120 Cases (LRYGB and LAGB) / 대한내시경복강경외과학회지

PURPOSE: Obesity has become a global epidemic disease, and bariatric surgery is now being increasingly performed in Korea as well as in western countries. Bariatric surgery has been performed in Korea since 2003. However, there is no data on cases of Korean bariatric surgery regarding the weight loss as well as the factors associated with the surgical outcome. METHODS: 120 total cases of bariatric surgery [LRYGB=48, LAGB=72] were done at St. Mary's Hospital. We retrospectively reviewed the series of bariatric cases and we analyzed the surgical outcome, the complications and the clinical factors associated with the surgical outcomes. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, BMI and pre-existing comorbidities for both procedures. The percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) of the LRYGB at 6, 12 and 24 months was 63.8%, 73.7% and 87.5%, respectively, and the %EWL of the LAGB was 33.4%, 44.7% and 43.8%, respectively. Factors such age and gender were not associated with the surgical outcome. Yet the initial BMI tended to affect the surgical outcome. CONCLUSION: The results of our study indicate that LRYGB and LAGB are technically feasible and safe procedures. Both are quite satisfactory and promising procedures for loosing a significant amount of weight.