From Bands to Bypasses: Navigating Safety of Band Conversions to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Single Anastomosis Duodenoileostomy Versus Sleeve Gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Revisional bariatric surgery is associated with higher perioperative complications over primary procedures. Adjustable gastric bands (AGB) continue to be the most frequently converted bariatric configuration. This study examines trends in current clinical indication and safety profile of the most frequently pursued AGB conversions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MBSAQIP data from 2020 to 2022 was retrospectively analyzed in a cohort study examining 30-day postoperative outcomes after AGB conversion to sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), or single anastomosis duodenoileostomy (SADI). Descriptive statistics were used, including multivariable and 2:1 nearest neighbor matching analysis. RESULTS: This study included 19,335 AGB conversions, of which most were to SG (n = 11,736) followed by RYGB (n = 7442) and SADI (n = 157). While a majority were completed for weight loss, there were differences in distribution of primary indication for each conversion cohort, such as higher proportion of RYGB conversion for gastroesophageal reflux disease (18.7%) compared to SG (7.92%) and SADI (5.10%). Multivariable analysis demonstrates conversion to RYGB has significantly higher odds of 30-day major complications (OR 1.75, p < 0.001), reoperation (OR 2.08; p = 0.001), readmission (OR 1.69; p = 0.001), and emergency department visits (OR 1.50; p = 0.001) over SG. These risks and odds of reintervention (OR 1.75; p < 0.001) remained significantly higher after conversion to RYGB versus SG on matched analysis. None of these risks is significantly different between conversions to SADI versus SG in either multivariable or matched analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to AGB conversion to SG, single-stage conversion to RYGB had increased odds of perioperative complications while risks of conversion to SADI were not significantly different.

Prevalence, Indications, and Complications of Conversional Surgery After Vertical Banded Gastroplasty: A MBSAQIP Analysis.

PURPOSE: Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) was once the most popular bariatric procedure in the 1980's, with many patients subsequently requiring conversional surgery. However, knowledge regarding the prevalence and outcomes of these procedures remains limited. This study aims to determine the prevalence, indications, rate of 30-day serious complications, and mortality of conversional surgery after VBG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the MBSAQIP database from 2020 to 2022 was conducted. Individuals undergoing conversional or revisional surgery after VBG were included. The primary outcomes were 30-day serious complications and mortality. RESULTS: Of 716 VBG conversions, the common procedures included 660 (92.1%) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and 56 (7.9%) sleeve gastrectomy (SG). The main indication for conversion was weight gain for RYGB (31.0%) and for SG (41.0%). RYGB had longer operative times than SG (223.7 vs 130.5 min, p < 0.001). Although not statistically significant, serious complications were higher after RYGB (14.7% vs 8.9%, p = 0.2). Leak rates were higher after SG (5.4 vs 3.5%) but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.4). Mortality was similar between RYGB and SG (1.2 vs 1.8%, p = 0.7). Multivariable regression showed higher body mass index, longer operative time, previous cardiac surgery and black race were independently associated with serious complications. Conversion to RYGB was not predictive of serious complications compared to SG (OR 0.96, 95%CI 0.34-2.67, p = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Conversional surgery after VBG is uncommon, and the rate of complications and mortality remains high. Patients should be thoroughly evaluated and informed about these risks before undergoing conversion from VBG.

Long-term Comparative Evaluation of Weight Loss and Complications of Banded and Non-banded Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

PURPOSE: The use of a nonadjustable silicone band around the gastric pouch of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) to reduce the recurrence of obesity is still being debated in the literature. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate banded and non-banded RYGB regarding % total weight loss (%TWL) and complications up to 10 years postoperatively and regarding the removal rate of the silicone band. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of the medical records of all patients submitted to banded and non-banded RYGB between 2000 and 2020 was conducted. Clinical data (age, gender, weight, body mass index-BMI, comorbidities, %TWL, and the prevalence of vomiting) and laboratory data (hemoglobin, serum iron, albumin, and vitamin B12) were obtained preoperatively and at 6 months, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years for both groups and at 12, 15, and 20 years after banded RYGB. RESULTS: In total, 858 patients underwent RYGB: 409 underwent banded RYGB and 449 underwent non-banded RYGB. In the preoperative period, banded RYGB patients were heavier and had higher rates of hypertension and dyslipidemia. The %TWL was higher in the banded RYGB group up to 7 years. The prevalence of vomiting is much higher in this group, which also had lower laboratory test values. Of the banded RYGB patients, 9.53% had to have the silicone ring removed after presenting complications. CONCLUSION: Banded RYGB promotes significantly higher rates of TWL at the expense of a higher frequency of food intolerance and vomiting.

Septic Shock After Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty: A Post-procedural Complication?

BACKGROUND: ESG is a safe and effective technique in the obesity management, usually indicated in class I and II obesity. It is also an acceptable treatment in patients with class III obesity who have high surgical risk or refuse surgery. This procedure results in a significant weight loss and important improvement in metabolic comorbidities. Nevertheless, there are several procedure-related complications. Few cases of gastric perforation following ESG have been reported. We present a case of septic shock after ESG with preoperative diagnostic uncertainties. METHODS: We present the case of a 54-year-old male with a BMI of 43.6 kg/m2 who underwent ESG 7 days before in an external center. The patient came to the emergency department presenting abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting since the day after the procedure. Physical examination revealed hemodynamic instability, altered level of consciousness, diffuse abdominal pain, and a painful umbilical lump due to a complicated umbilical hernia. Emergent surgery was decided after preoperative assessment. RESULTS: Intraoperative gastroscopy was performed, viewing a gastric ischemic ulcer covered with fibrin and a mucosal defect and suspecting a covered gastric perforation. Firstly, we performed an open approach to the complicated umbilical hernia. Subsequently, an exploratory laparoscopy was performed through the hernial ring, where a fibrin-covered area was evidenced in the anterior face of the gastric body, adhered to the round ligament by a transmural suture of the ESG. Additionally, multiple transmural sutures were observed adhered to the greater omentum and lesser sac and an intramural hematoma in the greater gastric curvature. No intra-abdominal free fluid was evidenced. A laparoscopic barbed suture of the area covered with fibrin was performed, after its release from the round ligament. The adhesions of the sutures and metallic material from the ESG were released. Finally, two abdominal drains were placed in the anterior and posterior gastric face. The patient presented superficial incisional surgical site infection and was discharged 6 days after laparoscopic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: ESG is a novel procedure, which has proven to be an effective alternative in the treatment of obesity. However, this technique may have major complications that can require urgent surgery.

Short-term effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or gastric sleeve on bone mineral density and calciotropic hormones: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and gastric sleeve (GS) have been associated with significant reductions in bone mineral density (BMD) and fluctuations in serum levels of calciotropic hormones. These changes pose a risk to bone health. The study assessed the short-term (12 and 24 months) effects of RYGB and GS on BMD and calciotropic hormones. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Analyses considered follow-up (12 and 24 months) with BMD as main outcome at three sites (femoral neck, total hip, and lumbar spine) and one for each calciotropic hormone (25 OH vitamin D and parathyroid hormone [PTH]). Estimated effect sizes were calculated as standardized mean differences (SMD), confidence interval of 95%, and P value. Nine studies totaling 473 participants (RYGB = 261 and GS = 212) were included. RYGB resulted in lower BMD than GS at 12 months for femoral neck (SMD = -0.485, 95% CI [-0.768, -0.202], P = .001), lumbar spine (SMD = -0.471, 95% CI [-0.851, -0.092], P = .015), and total hip (SMD = -0.616, 95% CI [-0.972, -0.259], P = .001), and at 24 months for total hip (SMD = -0.572, 95% CI [-0.907, -0.238], P = .001). At 24 months, 25 OH vitamin D was lower in RYGB than GS (SMD = -0.958 [-1.670, -0.245], P = .008) and PTH levels were higher in RYGB than in GS (SMD = 0.968 [0.132, 1.804, P = .023]). RYGB demonstrated significant reduction in regional BMD. It also induces lower serum 25 OH vitamin D and higher PTH levels than GS. The results support the need for preventive bone health measures in the short-term postoperative period, especially in the case of RYGB.

Vitamin C and Thiamin Deficiencies in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic and Robotic Gastric Band Removal.

Outcomes after adjustable gastric banding (AGB) were unsatisfactory and many devices need to be removed for dysphagia. Vitamin C and thiamin deficiency are rare conditions in industrialized countries. Patients undergoing AGB removal (90% for dysphagia) from 2021 to 2023 (laparoscopic 15 and robotic 5) were tested for vitamin C and thiamin levels. Twenty patients (8 m/12 f median aged 56 (range 33.6-79.4) were included. BMI at AGB removal was 39.7 (range 24.4-50.1) kg/m2. Only 20% of patients had normal thiamin levels, 30% had low levels, 20% were deficient, and 30% were critically low. Only 25% of patients had normal vitamin C levels, 40% had low levels, 25% were deficient, and 10% were critically low. One third of patients had HbA1c levels between 5.8 and 6.4 and 22% had levels >6.5; 60% of patients had hyperlipidemia. Adjustable gastric banding patients develop concerning rates of vitamin C and thiamin deficiency, and routine testing for levels is recommended.

From adjustable gastric banding to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass - case report.

INTRODUCTION: Adjustable gastric banding (AGB) used to be a popular bariatric procedure. However, it fails in more than half of those operated on in the long term, becomes ineffective and must be removed. Therefore, the use of AGB has been in decline globally. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are the most used bariatric revision surgeries when AGB is removed. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a woman after AGB removal and conversion to SG who developed a stenosis of the sleeve. Therefore, a decision was made to convert to RYGB with a good effect. CONCLUSION: Revisional procedures are more technically challenging than primary procedures and have higher complication rates. The most performed revisional operations include SG and RYGB. Stenosis of the sleeve can occur after SG, with a negative impact on the patient's nutritional status and quality of life. This can be managed by endoscopic dilatation, and where this solution proves ineffective, RYGB can be indicated.

A case of laparoscopic revision surgery 30 years after vertical banded gastroplasty for morbid obesity.

As the number of bariatric and metabolic surgeries being performed is increasing, the importance of revision surgeries is escalating. In this report, we describe a case of revision surgery performed 30 years after vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), including a review of the surgical techniques. The patient was a male in his 50s who had previously undergone VBG for morbid obesity (body mass index of 72.6 kg/m2 ), resulting in gradual weight loss. Twenty-eight years later, reflux symptoms due to stenosis of the mesh area developed. Despite conservative treatment, the symptoms recurred, and aspiration pneumonia developed. Gastrojejunal and Y-anastomoses were performed laparoscopically. Postoperatively, the patient progressed well with no weight regain. In revision surgery, it is essential to accurately assess the patient's pathophysiology, as the surgical technique must consider improvement in symptoms, risk of weight regain, and the need for observation of the residual stomach.

Revisional One-Step Bariatric Surgical Techniques After Unsuccessful Laparoscopic Gastric Band: A Retrospective Cohort Study with 2-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has high reported rates of revision due to poor weight loss (WL) and high complication rates. Yet, there is yet to be a consensus on the best revisional procedure after unsuccessful LAGB, and studies comparing different revisional procedures after LAGB are still needed. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study that compared the outcomes of one-step revisional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (rRYGB), one-anastomosis gastric bypass (rOAGB), or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (rLSG) after LAGB. WL, complications, resolution of associated medical conditions, and food tolerance were assessed with a post hoc pairwise comparison one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) throughout a 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: The final analysis included 102 (rRYGB), 80 (rOAGB), and 70 (rLSG) patients. After 2 years, an equal percentage of excess weight loss was observed in rOAGB and rRYGB (both >90%; p=0.998), significantly higher than that in rLSG (83.6%; p<0.001). In our study, no leaks were observed. rRYGB had higher complication rates according to the Clavien-Dindo classification (10.8% vs. 3.75% and 5.7% in rOAGB and rLSG, respectively, p=0.754), and re-operations were not statistically significant. Food tolerance was comparable between rOAGB and rRYGB (p = 0.987), and both had significantly better food tolerance than rLSG (p<0.001). The study cohorts had comparable resolution rates for associated medical problems (p>0.60). CONCLUSION: rOAGB and rRYGB had better outcomes after LAGB than rLSG regarding WL, feasibility, food tolerance, and safety. rOAGB had significantly higher rates of nutritional deficiencies.

Endoscopic Management of Gastric Band Erosion: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gastric band erosion may be seen in up to 3% of patients. Endoscopic intervention has become increasingly utilized due to its minimally invasive nature. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the role of endoscopic removal for eroded gastric bands. METHODS: Individualized search strategies were developed for PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases in accordance with PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. Outcomes included technical success, clinical success, procedure duration, adverse events, and surgical conversion. Pooled proportions were analyzed using random effects models. Heterogeneity and publication bias was assessed with I2 statistics and funnel plot asymmetry using Egger and Begg tests. Meta-regression was also performed comparing outcomes by endoscopic tools. RESULTS: Ten studies (n=282 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. Mean age was 40.68±7.25 years with average duration of band placement of 38.49±19.88 months. Pre-operative BMI was 42.76±1.06 kg/m2 with BMI of 33.06±3.81 kg/m2 at time of band erosion treatment. Endoscopic removal was attempted in 240/282 (85.11%) of cases. Pooled technical and clinical success of the endoscopic therapy was 86.08% (95% CI: 79.42-90.83; I2=28.62%) and 85.34% (95% CI: 88.70-90.62; I2=38.56%), respectively. Mean procedure time for endoscopic removal was 46.47±11.52 min with an intra-operative adverse event rate of 4.15% (95% CI: 1.98-8.51; I2=0.00%). Post-procedure-associated adverse events occurred in 7.24% (CI: 4.46-11.55; I2=0.00%) of patients. Conversion to laparotomy/laparoscopy occurred in 10.54% (95% CI: 6.12-17.54) of cases. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic intervention is a highly effective and safe modality for the treatment of gastric band erosion.

Endoscopic Revisional Gastroplasty After Bariatric Surgery with a Single-Channel Endoscope.

BACKGROUND: Less invasive endoscopic bariatric procedures are under development for the management of recurrence of obesity. The purpose of the current manuscript was to evaluate the safety of the endoscopic revisional gastroplasty (ERG) for patients with recurrence of weight gain following different bariatric procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective single-center study over 22 patients using the ERG between January 2020 to July 2022 at Bouchard Private Hospital (Marseille, France). The demographic data, past surgical history, obesity complications, time interval between the surgical and endoscopic procedures, and intra and postoperative parameters and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients underwent ERG: 19 female (86.4%) with a mean age of 34.2 years and a mean BMI of 32.9 kg/m2 (± 3.4). Average time between the revisional bariatric surgery and ERG was 14.4 months (range 5-36). There were 14 cases of LSG (77.8%), 9 cases of RYGBP (19.4%), and 3 cases with previous gastric band. All procedures were completed by endoscopy with no complication and a mean length of hospital stay of 1.1 days (± 0.9). The weight loss results at 1-year follow-up were available for 17 of the 22 patients: two patients were lost to follow-up (4%) and 3 patients had less than a 1-year follow-up from the ERG. The mean BMI, 1 year after ERG, was 28.7 kg/m2 (± 7.4); the mean BMI loss and %EWL were, respectively, 4.2 kg/m2 (± 4.7) and 53.1% (± 17). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic revisional gastroplasty represents a safe minimal invasive approach that can be considered an effective and well-tolerated procedure for patients with previous bariatric surgery.

Asymptomatic gastric band migration.

Gastric band migration, for which abscess of the subcutaneous port is an alarm signal, can in some cases be asymptomatic. Therapeutic options for withdrawal of the migrated band include colonoscopy (if the band is located at the level of the ileo-caecal valve), laparoscopy and mini-laparotomy.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the analgesic effect of intraoperative esmolol for laparoscopic gastroplasty

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the analgesic effect of esmolol in patients submitted to laparoscopic gastroplasty. Methods Forty patients aged between 18 and 50 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status scores of II and III who underwent gastric bypass were allocated to two groups. Group 1 patients received a 0.5-mg/kg bolus of esmolol in 30 mL of saline before induction of anesthesia, followed by an infusion at 15 µg/kg/min until the end of surgery. Group 2 patients received 30 mL of saline as a bolus and then an infusion of saline. Anesthesia included fentanyl (3 µg/kg), propofol (2-4 mg/kg), rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg), and 2% sevoflurane, with remifentanil if necessary. The following parameters were evaluated: pain intensity over 24h, remifentanil consumption, the first analgesic request, morphine consumption, and side effects. Results Pain intensity was lower in the esmolol group except at T0 (after extubation) and 12h postoperatively. Remifentanil supplementation, recovery time, and postoperative morphine supplementation were lower in the esmolol group. No differences in the time to the first analgesic request or side effects were found between the groups. Conclusion Intraoperative esmolol promotes reductions in pain intensity and the need for analgesic supplementation without adverse effects, thus representing an effective drug for multimodal analgesia in gastroplasty.

Acerca de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico en un paciente con un IMC 30 kg/m2 y gastroplastia vertical endoscópica previa: indicación para un bypass gástrico de una anastomosis / Gastroesophageal reflux disease in a patient with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 and previous endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: Indication for a one-anastomosis gastric bypass

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Hernia gástrica secundaria a gastroplastia tubular aplicada / Gastric hernia after tubular gastroplasty

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Short-Term Analysis of Food Tolerance and Quality of Life after Laparoscopic Greater Curvature Plication

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare short-term outcomes [food tolerance scores (FTS) and quality of life] after three types of restrictive bariatric surgery: laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), laparoscopic greater curvature plication (LGCP), and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2012 to December 2013, all patients that underwent primary surgery were included in one of the LAGB, LGCP, or LSG groups. These three groups were then compared with respect to FTS, gastrointestinal quality of life indices (GIQLI), and the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Questionnaires were sent to all patients both pre- and post-operatively. RESULTS: A total of 85 patients (LAGB=45, LGCP=22, and LSG=18) returned the questionnaires in full, and these patients constituted the study cohort. The cohort was predominately female (n=73, 85.9%). Mean percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) values after LAGB, LGCP, and LSG were 65.4+/-27.0%, 65.6+/-25.2%, and 82.7+/-21.7%, respectively (p=0.044). Mean postoperative FTSs and improvements in total GIQLIs after LAGB, LGCP, and LSG were 15.96, 20.95, and 21.33 and -3.40, 6.68, and 18.78, respectively (p<0.05). All procedures produced improvements in the three SF-36 domain scores. Subgroup analysis revealed significant differences between the three procedures in terms of improvements in general health and emotional well-being. CONCLUSION: LGCP is safe and effective at achieving significant weight loss. In terms of food tolerance and GI quality of life, LGCP was found to be comparable to gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy.

Esophagectomy with gastroplasty in advanced megaesophagus: late results of omeprazole use / Esofagectomia com gastroplastia no megaesôfago avançado: análise tardia da importância do uso do omeprazol

Objective: To analyze the late results of advanced Chagasic megaesophagus treatment by esophagectomy associated with the use of proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole) as for the incidence of esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus in the remaining stump. Methods : We studied patients with advanced megaesophagus undergoing esophagectomy and transmediastinal esophagogastroplasty. Patients were divided into three groups: A (20) with esophageal replacement by full stomach, without the use of omeprazole; B (20) with esophageal replacement by full stomach, with omeprazole 40 mg/day introduced after the first postoperative endoscopy and maintained for six years; and C (30) with esophageal replacement by gastric tube with use of omeprazole. Dysphagia, weight loss and BMI were clinical parameters we analyzed. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed in all patients, and determined the height of the anastomosis, the aspect of the mucosa, with special attention to possible injuries arising from gastroesophageal reflux, and the patency of the esophagogastric anastomosis. Results : We studied 50 patients, 28 males (56%) and 22 (44%) females. All underwent endoscopy every year. In the first endoscopy, erosive esophagitis was present in nine patients (18%) and Barrett's esophagus, in four (8%); in the last endoscopy, erosive esophagitis was present in five patients (8%) and Barrett's esophagus in one (2%). When comparing groups B and C, there was no evidence that the manufacturing of a gastric tube reduced esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus. However, when comparing groups A and C, omeprazole use was correlated with reduction of reflux complications such as esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus (p <0.005). Conclusion : The use of omeprazole (40 mg/day) reduced the onset of erosive esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus during the late postoperative period.

Objetivo : analisar os resultados tardios do tratamento do megaesôfago chagásico avançado através da esofagectomia associada ao IBP (omeprazol), com vistas à incidência de esofagite e esôfago de Barrett do coto esofagiano remanescente. Métodos : foram estudados pacientes com megaesôfago avançado submetidos à esofagectomia e à esofagogastroplastia transmediastinal posterior. Os pacientes foram distribuídos em três grupos: A (20) com substituição esofagiana por meio do estômago total, sem o uso do omeprazol; B (20) com substituição esofagiana por meio do estômago total, sem o uso do omeprazol durante este período; após a primeira endoscopia, realizada no pós-operatório, foi introduzido IBP (omeprazol 40mg/dia) e mantido por seis anos; e C (30) com substituição esofagiana por meio do tubo gástrico com uso do omeprazol. A disfagia, a perda ponderal e o IMC foram os parâmetros clínicos analisados. A endoscopia digestiva alta foi realizada em todos os pacientes. Foi determinada a altura da anastomose, a aparência do aspecto da mucosa, com especial atenção para possíveis lesões oriundas de refluxo gastresofágico, a patência da anastomose esofagogástrica. Resultados : na primeira endoscopia, a esofagite erosiva esteve presente em nove pacientes (18%) e o esôfago Barrett, em quatro (8%); na última endoscopia, a esofagite erosiva esteve presente em quatro pacientes (8%) e o esôfago de Barrett em um (2%). Comparando-se os grupos B e C, não houve redução da esofagite e do esôfago de Barrett. Porém, comparando-se os grupos A e C, houve redução de complicações do refluxo, como esofagite e o esôfago de Barrett (p<0,005). Conclusão : os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que o uso de omeprazol (40mg/dia) reduziu o aparecimento de esofagite erosiva e esôfago de Barrett no decorrer do pós-operatório tardio.

Abordagem do segmento superior do corpo em pacientes ex-obesos com cirurgia única: toracobraquio-mamoplastia / Unique surgery for the upper body segment in patients with massive weight loss: thoracobrachio-mammoplasty

INTRODUÇÃO Os pacientes ex-obesos necessitam de uma abordagem complexa, diante do grande excesso de pele decorrente da perda ponderal. Em alguns casos, muitas cirurgias plásticas são necessárias, não havendo uma padronização na associação destas cirurgias. No segmento superior do corpo, a região dos braços, a lateral do tórax e as mamas normalmente são acometidas, principalmente nas mulheres. Diversas técnicas foram desenvolvidas com o objetivo de alcançar resultados melhores e com cicatrizes mais escondidas. Algumas técnicas podem ser associadas, sendo realizadas em um único tempo cirúrgico. Quando a equipe é bem estruturada, o tempo cirúrgico é reduzido, significando mais segurança para o paciente. MÉTODO: Os autores apresentam uma técnica que oferece padronização no tratamento do ex-obeso, que é realizada em tempo único: a Mamoplastia (pela técnica de Pitanguy ou com aposição de prótese mamária), a Toracoplastia (com a retirada do excesso de pele na lateral do tórax) e a Braquioplastia (realizada com um desenho retilíneo na parte mais inferior dos braços). RESULTADOS: Os sete casos foram avaliados quanto ao tempo cirúrgico, à localização das cicatrizes, à forma final e à simetria. Entre as complicações, houve deiscências parciais (14%) e cicatrizes hipertróficas (14%). O resultado estético foi satisfatório para os pacientes em 84% dos casos, sendo que a qualidade da cicatrização do paciente, queloide ou cicatrizes hipercrômicas, foi a maior causa de insatisfação. CONCLUSÃO: A utilização da técnica de Toracobraquio-mamoplastia em um único tempo se mostrou efetiva no tratamento do ex-obeso, oferecendo mais uma opção, diante das outras cirurgias que estes pacientes normalmente necessitam.

INTRODUCTION Ex-obese patients require a complex surgical approach because of the large amount of excess skin due to their massive weight loss. In some cases, several plastic surgeries are needed, and there is no existing standard in the coordination of these surgeries. In the upper segment of the body, the arms, side of the thorax, and breasts are usually affected, mainly in women. Several techniques have been developed with the aim of achieving better results with better hidden scars. Some techniques may be associated, being carried out in a single surgical procedure. A well-structured surgical team leads to a reduced surgical time, which means higher safety for the patient. METHOD: We present a technique for standardization in the treatment of ex-obese patients that is performed in a single step, comprising mammoplasty (according to Pitanguy's technique or with placement of breast prosthesis), thoracoplasty (with the removal of excess skin on the side of the chest), and brachioplasty (performed with a rectilinear drawing at the lowest part of the arms). RESULTS: Seven cases were evaluated in terms of surgical time, location of the scars, and final shape and symmetry. The complications included partial dehiscence (14%) and hypertrophic scars (14%). The aesthetic result was satisfactory for 84% of the patients; on the other hand, the quality of cicatrization, keloid, and hypertrophic scars were the major causes of dissatisfaction. CONCLUSION: The use of the thoracobrachio-mammoplasty technique in a single surgical time was effective in the treatment of ex-obese patients, offering yet another option among other surgeries that these patients usually need.