A randomized controlled trial comparing oral and intravenous iron supplementation after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency (ID) is one of the most common postoperative deficiencies that may develop after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The optimal mode of treatment is uncertain. AIM: To compare the efficacy of oral ferrous fumarate (FF), oral ferrous gluconate (FG), and a single intravenous infusion of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in women with ID after RYGB. METHODS: Multicenter randomized controlled trial including 120 women with a serum ferritin <20 µg/l during follow-up after RYGB. They were randomized into three groups: 41 patients were treated with FF 200 mg three times a day (total daily dose: 195 mg elemental iron), 39 received FG 695 mg twice a day (total daily dose: 160 mg elemental iron) for three months, and 39 patients were treated with a single intravenous dose of FCM (1000 mg elemental iron). Serum ferritin levels were measured at six weeks, and three, six and twelve months after the start of supplementation. RESULTS: At three months, persistence of ID was observed in 29.4% and 42.4% of the patients treated with FF and FG, respectively, but in none of those treated with FCM (p < 0.001). Over the next nine months, recurrence of ID was observed in 56.5% of patients treated with FF, in 52.9% treated with FG, and in 27.8% of those treated with FCM. Adverse effects were most common during oral treatment. CONCLUSION: In women developing ID after RYGB, a single dose of intravenous FCM is more effective and better tolerated than the standard treatment with either FF or FG. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER AND WEBSITE: The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov under number NCT02271997.

RBP4 increases lipolysis in human adipocytes and is associated with increased lipolysis and hepatic insulin resistance in obese women.

Retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4) is elevated in serum and adipose tissue (AT) in obesity-induced insulin resistance and correlates inversely with insulin-stimulated glucose disposal. But its role in insulin-mediated suppression of lipolysis, free fatty acids (FFA), and endogenous glucose production (EGP) in humans is unknown. RBP4 mRNA or protein levels were higher in liver, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in morbidly obese subjects undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery compared to lean controls undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. RBP4 mRNA expression in SAT correlated with the expression of several macrophage and other inflammation markers. Serum RBP4 levels correlated inversely with glucose disposal and insulin-mediated suppression of lipolysis, FFA, and EGP. Mechanistically, RBP4 treatment of human adipocytes in vitro directly stimulated basal lipolysis. Treatment of adipocytes with conditioned media from RBP4-activated macrophages markedly increased basal lipolysis and impaired insulin-mediated lipolysis suppression. RBP4 treatment of macrophages increased TNFα production. These data suggest that elevated serum or adipose tissue RBP4 levels in morbidly obese subjects may cause hepatic and systemic insulin resistance by stimulating basal lipolysis and by activating macrophages in adipose tissue, resulting in release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that impair lipolysis suppression. While we have demonstrated this mechanism in human adipocytes in vitro, and correlations from our flux studies in humans strongly support this, further studies are needed to determine whether this mechanism explains RBP4-induced insulin resistance in humans.

Weight loss and malnutrition after conversion of the primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to distal gastric bypass in patients with morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND: After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), 15% to 35% of patients fail to lose sufficient weight. Distalization of the limbs of the RYGB (D-RYGB) with shortening of the common channel (CC), has been used to induce additional weight loss. However, this may increase the risk of malnutrition. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess postoperative outcomes after D-RYGB with an alimentary limb of 250 to 300 cm and CC of 100 cm. SETTING: General hospital, specialized in bariatric surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively studied all patients who underwent revision of RYGB to D-RYGB between January 2014 and April 2018. Data were collected from medical records, including weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and co-morbidities. Questionnaires on defecation pattern, quality of life, and patient satisfaction were obtained. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were included. Total weight loss (%TWL) increased significantly from 12% to 30% after D-RYGB. In 62% of patients %TWL >25% was achieved. Patients with %TWL <25% after primary RYGB, lost significantly more weight than initially reached after RYGB. Diabetes and hypertension remission occurred in 67% and 50%, respectively. Five patients (11%) needed subsequent lengthening of the CC to 250 cm due to protein malnutrition or debilitating defecation patterns. Nutritional deficiencies were present in 89% of patients after D-RYGB despite the prescription of specialized multivitamins. CONCLUSION: Conversion of the primary RYGB to D-RYGB improves weight loss and co-morbidities in patients with insufficient weight loss after primary RYGB. After D-RYGB, nutritional complications and diarrhea are a risk. Based on this study, a modified D-RYGB with a longer CC of >200 cm will be considered.

Banding the Pouch with a Non-adjustable Ring as Revisional Procedure in Patients with Insufficient Results After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Short-term Outcomes of a Multicenter Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: After laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), approximately 10-35% of patients with morbid obesity regain weight after an initial good result or fail to achieve a sufficient amount of weight loss. Patients in which conservative measures are not successful may potentially benefit from revisional surgery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a non-adjustable ring placed around the gastric pouch in patients with insufficient weight loss or weight regain after RYGB. SETTING: Four specialized bariatric hospitals in The Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland. METHODS: From 2011 to 2017, 79 patients underwent revisional surgery using a non-adjustable silicone ring because of insufficient results after RYGB. Data on weight loss and complications up to 2 years after revisional surgery was collected and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: A follow-up percentage of 86% after 1 year and 61% after 2 years was achieved. In 75% of patients, further weight regain was prevented. Percentage total body weight loss improved by 7 to 26% 1 year after revisional surgery and remained stable during 2 years of follow-up. The additional weight loss effect of placing a non-adjustable ring was more pronounced in patients with an initial good result after primary RYGB. Eighteen (23%) rings were removed, most often due to dysphagia. CONCLUSION: Especially for patients who experience weight regain after initial good weight loss, placing a non-adjustable silicone ring around the gastric pouch results in modest improvements in weight loss. To prevent the risk of ring removal due to dysphagia, surgeons should take notice not to place the ring too tight around the gastric pouch during revisional surgery.

An Extended Pouch in a Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Reduces Weight Regain: 3-Year Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered a standard procedure, many variations exist in the basic design. In order to achieve more pronounced and sustainable results after RYGB, factors such as diameter of the gastroenterostomy, limb length, and pouch size are gripping points for improvement of design. Extending the pouch could improve results by altering food passage through the pouch. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of an extended pouch RYGB (EP-GB) and standard pouch RYGB (S-GB). METHODS: In total, 132 patients were randomized in two groups: 68 patients received an EP-GB (pouch length 10 cm) and 64 a S-GB (pouch length 5 cm). Subsequently, weight loss, remission of comorbidities, nutritional status, complications, quality of life, and GERD-symptoms were assessed during a follow-up of 3 years. RESULTS: During the first 2 years of follow-up, no significant differences in terms of weight loss were observed. In the third year of follow-up, the S-GB group regained 3 kg, while in the EP-GB group no weight regain was observed. The mean TBWL after 36 months in the EP-GB group was 31% versus 27% in the S-GB group (p = 0.023). Additionally, besides a better remission rate of hypertension in the EP-GB group, no differences in complications, quality of life, and GERD-symptoms were found. CONCLUSION: Creation of an extended gastric pouch is a safe and effective modification in RYGB design. An EP-GB improves mid-term weight loss, potentially driven by a lower occurrence of weight regain.

The True Story on Deficiencies After Sleeve Gastrectomy: Results of a Double-Blind RCT.

BACKGROUND: Since a few years, the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become the most performed bariatric operation worldwide. However, as with all bariatric procedures, SG also leads to vitamin and mineral deficiencies post-operatively and standard multivitamin supplements are probably not sufficient. OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluates the effectiveness of a specialized multivitamin supplement for SG patients (WLS Optimum 1.0, FitForMe, Rotterdam, the Netherlands), compared to a standard multivitamin supplement (sMVS). DESIGN: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was performed. For 12 months, patients in the intervention group received WLS Optimum, containing elevated doses of multiple vitamins and minerals. Patients in the control group were provided with sMVS, containing 100% of the recommended dietary allowance. RESULTS: In total, 139 patients were available for analysis (WLS Optimum, n = 69; sMVS, n = 70). Intention-to-treat analyses revealed more folic acid deficiencies and higher serum vitamin B1 levels in the WLS Optimum group. Per protocol analyses showed that in patients using WLS Optimum, serum folic acid and vitamin B1 levels were higher, serum PTH levels were lower, and only one patient (2.6%) was anemic compared to 11 patients (17.5%) using a sMVS (p < 0.05 for all). No differences were found in prevalence of deficiencies for iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and other vitamins and minerals. CONCLUSIONS: This optimized multivitamin supplement only affected serum levels of folic acid, PTH and vitamin B1, and anemia rates compared to a sMVS. There is a clear need to further optimize multivitamin supplementation for SG patients. Besides, non-compliance with multivitamin supplements remains an important issue that should be dealt with. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: The study protocol was registered at the clinical trials registry of the National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov; identifier NCT01609387).

A novel abdominal wall entry suction device to increase Veress needle safety: A prospective cohort pilot study.

BACKGROUND: In laparoscopic surgery, the Veress needle technique is most often used to initiate a pneumoperitoneum. Although low, entry-related injuries of the intestines and major vascular structures occur in 0.04-0.1% of cases. Up to 50% of these injuries remain undiagnosed at the time of surgery, resulting in mortality rates between 2.5 and 30%. In an effort to minimize such injuries we objectively assessed a novel abdominal wall entry suction device (AWESD) that was hypothesized to lift the abdominal wall and create an additional post-peritoneum safe margin for safer Veress needle introduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective pilot study was conducted in which CT-scans with and without AWESD application (centered above the umbilicus) were assessed to determine its effect on the distance from the linea alba to the intestines, vena cava and abdominal aorta. Paired measurements were subjected to the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Twelve participants were included. The AWESD significantly increased the median distance towards the intestines in the axial and sagittal plane (P = 0.01 and P = 0.006) from 0.93 (Inter Quartile Range (IQR): 0.33-1.51) and 0.85 (IQR: 0.32-1.47) to 1.35 (IQR: 0.39-2.27) and 1.25 (IQR: 0.42-2.10) centimeters, respectively. Similarly, for the median axial distances towards the vena cava and abdominal aorta (both P = 0.002) that were increased from 10.00 (IQR: 7.18-11.12) and 9.33 (IQR: 6.55-10.28) to 13.23 (IQR: 11.76-14.31) and 12.49 (IQR: 10.98-13.32) centimeters, respectively. CONCLUSION: The AWESD significantly increased the distances between the peritoneum and main intra-abdominal structures. However, conclusions on subsequent increased safety cannot be drawn as high-volume studies are required to determine its clinical relevance.

Genetic analysis in the bariatric clinic; impact of a PTEN gene mutation.

BACKGROUND: Pathogenic PTEN gene mutations are known to cause PTEN tumor hamartoma syndrome. Recent studies also suggest a role for PTEN mutations in the pathogenesis of obesity. No PTEN mutations have been reported among bariatric surgery patients and obesity treatment results are unknown. Since preventive screening for associated tumors is offered to patients with molecular proven PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome, recognition of this condition in the bariatric surgery clinic is important. METHOD: We present a patient with morbid obesity who carries a known pathogenic PTEN mutation, identified at the bariatric surgery clinic using an obesity gene panel consisting of 52 obesity-associated genes. We analyzed the weight loss response during the first 3 years after Sleeve Gastrectomy. RESULTS: At 1, 2 and 3 years after surgery, the patient achieved a Total Body Weight Loss of 39.4%, 48.8% and 44.9%, respectively. This corresponds to the results of a control group of 18 female patients with normal genetic test results. CONCLUSION: Our patient illustrates the importance of recognizing this serious genetic condition for which preventive cancer screening options are available. The positive weight loss results after Sleeve Gastrectomy suggest that this could be a successful treatment option for obesity patients with PTEN mutations.

Correction to: Adequate Multivitamin Supplementation after Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Results in a Decrease of National Health Care Costs: a Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

In the original article, there are some incorrect data in the "Results" section of the Abstract.

Adequate Multivitamin Supplementation after Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Results in a Decrease of National Health Care Costs: a Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with morbid obesity undergoing metabolic surgery are prone to develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which may worsen in time. In order to prevent these deficiencies after metabolic surgery, all patients are advised to take daily multivitamin supplementation. The aim of the study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of specially developed multivitamins (WLS Forte®) for metabolic surgery and over-the-counter (standard) multivitamin supplementation (sMVS). METHODS: This cost-effectiveness analysis was preformed alongside an RCT for the Netherlands. Between June 2011 and March 2012, a total of 148 patients were randomized to one tablet daily of either WLS Forte® or sMVS. The patients were followed for 12 months. Data on costs within the health sector and outside the health sector were collected. The primary outcome is financial and logistic advantages, in terms of less patient visits to the outpatient department and the relevant costs to the employer due to absenteeism. RESULTS: In total, 10 (14%) patients in the WLS Forte® group versus 23 (30%) patients in the sMVS group developed a deficiency. The costs for the WLS forte® supplement were €38 versus €23 for sMVS. Additional return visits and associated costs for medical staff were the largest costs, up to 43% in the sMVS group. Total costs for supplementation with sMVS were €243 versus €134 for WLS Forte®. CONCLUSION: Preventing deficiencies with WLS Forte® seem initially more expensive than sMVS. However, treatment with WLS Forte® resulted in less vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which eventually resulted in less overall costs.

A long biliopancreatic and short alimentary limb results in more weight loss in revisional RYGB surgery. Outcomes of the randomized controlled ELEGANCE REDO trial.

BACKGROUND: For a number of years the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band has been one of the leading bariatric procedures with good short-term outcomes. However, inadequate weight loss, weight regain, and other band-related complications in the long term led to an increase in revisional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedures. Lengthening the biliopancreatic limb, a relatively simple and safe adjustment of the standard technique, could improve the results of the revisional procedure. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of a long biliopancreatic limb RYGB (LBP-GB) and standard RYGB (S-GB) as revisional procedure after laparoscopic adjustable gastric band. SETTING: General hospital specialized in bariatric surgery METHODS: One hundred forty-six patients were randomized in 2 groups; 73 patients underwent an S-GB (alimentary/biliopancreatic limb 150/75 cm), and 73 patients underwent LBP-GB (alimentary/biliopancreatic limb 75/150). Weight loss, remission of co-morbidities, quality of life, and complications were assessed during a period of 4 years. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics between the groups were comparable. At 48 months the follow-up rate was 95%. Mean total weight loss after 24 months was 27% for LBP-GB versus 22% S-GB (P = .015); mean total weight loss after 48 months was 23% and 18%, respectively (P = .036). No significant differences in other parameters were found between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: A LBP-GB as revisional procedure after a failing laparoscopic adjustable gastric band improves short- and long-term total weight loss compared with an S-GB. Together with future modifications this technically simple adjustment of the RYGB could significantly improve disappointing results after revisional surgery.

A Longer Biliopancreatic Limb in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Improves Weight Loss in the First Years After Surgery: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that the RYGB is performed on a broad scale worldwide as a reliable treatment for morbid obesity, there is no uniform technique for this operation. A number of studies have tried to demonstrate an additional weight loss effect by lengthening the alimentary limb, but to no avail. At this moment in time, the role of the biliopancreatic limb on weight loss is for the greater part unknown. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the effect on weight loss of a long biliopancreatic limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LBP-GB) with a standard RYGB (S-GB). METHODS: A LBP-GB (BPL 150 cm, alimentary limb 75 cm) was compared with a S-GB (BPL 75 cm, alimentary limb 150 cm). One hundred forty-six patients were randomized in two groups. Weight loss, morbidity, reduction of comorbidities, nutritional status, and quality of life were measured during a period of 4 years. RESULTS: Patient characteristics were comparable in both groups. Mean EWL in the LBP-GB group after 12, 24, 36, and 48 months was 81, 85, 78, and 72% respectively versus 71, 73, 68, and 64% in the S-GB group. The %EWL difference between groups was significant as soon as 9 months postoperatively and continued throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: While LBP-GB achieved a significant increase in %EWL in the first years after surgery, no difference in long-term %TWL was observed after 4 years. In this study, the advantage of LBP-GB with respect to weight loss is modest, but shows promising gripping points for future improvements in RYGB design.

Failed Sleeve Gastrectomy: Single Anastomosis Duodenoileal Bypass or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass? A Multicenter Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become the most performed bariatric procedure to induce weight loss worldwide. Unfortunately, a significant portion of patients show insufficient weight loss or weight regain after a few years. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of the single anastomosis duodenoileal (SADI) bypass versus the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on health outcomes in morbid obese patients who had undergone SG previously, with up to 2 years of follow-up. METHODS: From 2007 to 2017, 140 patients received revisional laparoscopic surgery after SG in four specialized Dutch bariatric hospitals. Data was analyzed retrospectively and included comparisons for indication of surgery, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, and complications; divided into short-, medium-term. To compare weight loss, linear regression and linear mixed models were used. RESULTS: Conversion of a SG to SADI was performed in 66 patients and to RYGB in 74 patients. For patients in which additional weight loss was the main indication for surgery, SADI achieved 8.7%, 12.4%, and 19.4% more total body weight loss at 6, 12, and 24 months compared to RYGB (all p < .001). When a RYGB was indicated in case of gastroesophageal reflux or dysphagia, it greatly reduced complaints almost directly after surgery. Furthermore, a similar amount of complications and nutritional deficiencies was observed for both groups. There was no intra- or post-operative mortality. CONCLUSION: Conversion into a SADI resulted in significantly more weight loss while complications rates and nutritional deficiencies were similar and may therefore be considered the recommended operation for patients in which only additional weight loss is required.

Efficacy of oral compared with intramuscular vitamin B-12 supplementation after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), patients often develop a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Objective: Our objective was to investigate whether oral supplementation increases and normalizes low vitamin B-12 concentrations (vitamin B-12 > 200 pmol/L) in RYGB patients as compared to intramuscular injections. Design: A randomized controlled trial in RYGB patients with subnormal serum B-12 concentrations was performed. One group (IM B-12) received bimonthly intramuscular hydroxocobalamin injections (2000 µg as loading dose and 1000 µg at follow-up) for 6 mo. The second group (oral B-12) received daily doses of oral methylcobalamin (1000 µg). Serum vitamin B-12 was determined at baseline (T0) and at 2 (T1), 4 (T2), and 6 mo (T3) after start of treatment. Concentrations of the secondary markers methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine (Hcy) were measured at T0 and T3. Results: Fifty patients were included and randomized, 27 in IM B-12 and 23 in oral B-12. The median vitamin B-12 concentration at T0 was 175 pmol/L (range: 114-196 pmol/L) for IM B-12 and 167 pmol/L (range: 129-199 pmol/L) for oral B-12. Vitamin B-12 normalized in all individuals, and there was no significant difference in vitamin B-12 between the two groups. MMA and Hcy concentrations decreased significantly after 6 mo within each group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001 for MMA and P = 0.03 and P = 0.045 for Hcy, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups at 6 mo for both MMA and Hcy (P = 0.53 and P = 0.79). Conclusion: The efficacy of oral vitamin B-12 supplementation was similar to that of hydroxocobalamin injections in the present study. Oral supplementation can be used as an alternative to hydroxocobalamin injections to treat RYGB patients with low values of serum vitamin B-12. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02270749.

Do specialized bariatric multivitamins lower deficiencies after RYGB?

BACKGROUND: One of the side effects of bariatric surgery is the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate, and iron deficiencies are especially common among Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of a specialized multivitamin supplement for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients on deficiencies the first 3 years postoperatively, retrospectively in a large, prospectively collected cohort. SETTING: Large specialized bariatric hospital. RESULTS: One thousand one hundred sixty patients were included, 883 users and 258 who were nonusers of the specialized multivitamin. Patient characteristics and total weight were comparable. Higher serum concentrations of ferritin (124.7 ± 96.2 µg/L versus 106.0 ± 83.0 µg/L, P = .016), vitamin B12 (347.3 ± 145.1 pmol/L versus 276.8 ± 131.4 pmol/L, P<.001), folic acid (34.9 ± 9.6 nmol/L versus 25.4 ± 10.7 nmol/L, P<.001), and vitamin D (98.4 ± 28.7 nmol/L versus 90.0 ± 34.5 nmol/L, P = .002) were observed in users compared with nonusers after 1 year. Less new deficiencies were found for ferritin (1% versus 4%, P = .029), vitamin B12 (9% versus 23%, P<.001), and vitamin D (0% versus 4%, P<.001) in users compared with nonusers. Two and 3 years after the surgery these findings remained almost identical. CONCLUSIONS: The use of specialized multivitamin supplements resulted in less deficiencies of vitamin B12, vitamin D, folic acid, and ferritin. The study showed that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients benefited from the specialized multivitamin supplements and it should be advised to this patient group.

Diagnosing Internal Herniation After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery: Literature Overview, Cadaver Study and the Added Value of 3D CT Angiography.

PURPOSE: The purposes of the study are to outline the complexity of diagnosing internal herniation after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery and to investigate the added value of computed tomography angiography (CTA) for diagnosing internal herniation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cadaver study was performed to investigate the manifestations of internal hernias and mesenteric vascularization. Furthermore, a prospective, ethics approved study with retrospective interpretation was conducted. Ten patients, clinically suspected for internal herniation, were prospectively included. After informed consent was obtained, these subjects underwent abdominal CT examination, including additional arterial phase CTA. All subjects underwent diagnostic laparoscopy for suspected internal herniation. The CTA was used to create a 3D reconstruction of the mesenteric arteries and surgical staples (3D CTA). The 3D CTA was interpreted, taking into account the presence and type of internal hernia that was found upon laparoscopy. RESULTS: Cadaveric analysis demonstrated the complexity of internal herniation. It also confirmed the expected changes in vascular structure and surgical staple arrangement in the presence of internal herniation. 3D CTA studies of the subjects with active internal hernias demonstrated remarkable differences when compared to control 3D CTA studies. The blood supply of herniated intestinal limbs in particular showed abnormal trajectories. Additionally, enteroenterostomy staple lines had migrated or altered orientation. CONCLUSION: 3D CTA is a promising technique for diagnosing active internal hernias. Our findings suggest that for diagnosing internal hernias, focus should probably shift from routine abdominal CT examination towards the 3D assessment of the mesenteric vasculature and surgical staples.

Changes in Iron Absorption After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Iron deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies that may occur after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Little is known about the optimal treatment of post-RYGB iron deficiency. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in iron absorption characteristics after RYGB for two oral iron formulations, one presented in tablet form and one as in the form of a solution. METHOD: Iron absorption in 24 obese women was studied before and 1 month after RYGB. Twelve patients were tested with a single dose of 600 mg ferrous fumarate in tablet form (195 mg of elementary iron, group 1), and 12 patients received a single dose of 1390 mg ferrous gluconate as a solution (160 mg of elementary iron, group 2). Serum iron levels were measured before (T0) and every hour after ingestion of the supplement (T1-T9). RESULTS: Before surgery, iron absorption was similar for the two supplements (P = 0.71). However, RYGB was associated with a decrease in fumarate iron absorption (P < 0.001) but did not affect gluconate iron absorption (P = 0.13). Postoperative absorption of fumarate iron was significantly lower than gluconate iron at T1 (P < 0.05), but the overall difference over 9 h did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.53). CONCLUSION: RYGB adversely affects the absorption of ferrous fumarate tablets but not that of solubilized ferrous gluconate. A solubilized supplement is therefore preferred as the supplement of first choice after RYGB.

The Effect of 6 and 12 months Duodenal-Jejunal Bypass Liner Treatment on Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: a Crossover Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to study the duodenal-jejunal bypass liner (DJBL) treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in patients after dietary treatment in a cross-over design. BACKGROUND: DJBL treatment has been proven effective for treatment of obesity and T2DM. However, data on safety and efficacy of a 12-month DJBL treatment is limited. METHODS: In 2014, our research group reported on a multicenter randomized clinical trial. Patients were randomized to DJBL or dietary treatment (control group). Twenty-eight patients crossed over after their dietary treatment and received up to 12 months of DJBL treatment. Patient visits were conducted at baseline, during DJBL treatment (1 week, 1-6, 9, 12 months) and 6 months after removal of the liner. Patients underwent a standard physical examination, blood sampling, assessment of adverse events, nutritional and diabetes counseling, and a standardized meal tolerance test. RESULTS: Of the 28 patients included in this study, 24 patients completed 6 months of treatment. Eighteen patients were extended to 12 months of DJBL treatment; 13 patients completed this treatment period. After 6 months of DJBL treatment, a significant increase in excess weight loss (EWL) and decrease in weight, BMI, HbA1c, fasting glucose, cholesterol, HDL and LDL improved significantly. After 12 months of DJBL treatment, these parameters stabilized. CONCLUSIONS: The DJBL is an effective, minimally invasive treatment option. Even after successful treatment with dietary restrictions, the DJBL is still capable of significantly reducing weight and improving cardiovascular and type 2 diabetes mellitus parameters in obese patients.