Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for High-Risk Patients in a Monocentric Series: Long-Term Outcomes and Predictors of Success.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has gained popularity as a stand-alone bariatric procedure, but only a few reports provide data of long-term outcomes on high-risk patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term efficacy of LSG as a definitive management on high-risk obese patients and to study factors that predict its success. SETTING: University hospital in Spain. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 134 high-risk patients undergoing LSG from January 2007 through December 2016. Long-term weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, morbidity, and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-four high-risk patients underwent LSG. The mean overall follow-up time was 70.9 ± 4.5 months. The mean age was 47 ± 11.0 years. The mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 55.9 ± 6.7 kg/m2 (83.5% were super-obese and 24.6% had BMI ≥ 60). The incidence of postoperative complications was 15%. Mean percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) at 5, 6, 7, and 8 years was 30.7 ± 12.8%, 28.7 ± 14.0%, 29.7 ± 12.3%, and 27.9 ± 11.1%, respectively. Differences were found in age, preoperative BMI, time to reach nadir weight and percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 1 year between patients considered a failure compared to those considered a success. Using multivariate regression analysis, only age (p = 0.009) and time to reach nadir weight after surgery (p = 0.008) correlated with %EWL at 4 years. Resolution of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) was achieved in 62.2% of patients. CONCLUSION: This study supports effectiveness and durability of LSG as a definitive bariatric procedure in high-risk patients.

Valoración del sobrecrecimiento y traslocación bacterianos en el hígado graso no alcohólico, en pacientes con obesidad mórbida / An assessment of bacterial overgrowth and translocation in the non-alcoholic fatty liver of patients with morbid obesity

Antecedentes: se ha propuesto que el sobrecrecimiento bacteriano del intestino delgado (SBID) y la traslocación bacteriana a través de la pared intestinal se relacionan con el hígado graso no alcohólico (HGNA). El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido estudiar dicha relación en obesos mórbidos. Pacientes y métodos: se incluyeron consecutivamente pacientes con obesidad mórbida previo a su intervención de cirugía bariátrica. Los criterios de exclusión fueron: biopsia hepática normal, otras causas de enfermedad hepática o atrofia de la mucosa duodenal. Se realizó una gastroscopia para cultivo del aspirado duodenal, biopsias duodenales y extracción de sangre venosa periférica para estudio de lipopolisacárido (LPS) y proteína de unión del LPS (LBP). La biopsia hepática se realizó durante la intervención quirúrgica. Resultados: se incluyeron 71 pacientes; 26 fueron excluidos por biopsia hepática normal. Cuarenta y cinco tenían HGNA. Dieciocho eran varones, con edad media de 45,8 años (22-69) e índice de masa corporal (IMC) de 47,8 kg/m2 (37-58); el 25% tuvo SBID en el cultivo del aspirado duodenal. Existió significación estadística entre niveles de LBP y SBID con el grado de esteatosis (p < 0,05 y p = 0,077, respectivamente). No existió relación estadística con el índice de esteatohepatitis no alcohólica (EHNA), aunque sí hubo una tendencia a su asociación. Los niveles de LPS no guardaron relación con el grado de esteatosis o el índice de EHNA. Conclusiones: en pacientes con obesidad mórbida e HGNA se observan mayores niveles circulantes de LBP y mayor frecuencia de SBID cuanto mayor es el grado de esteatosis hepática

Background: small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and bacterial translocation across the intestinal wall have been allegedly associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). Our goal was to study such alleged association in morbidly obese patients. Patients and methods: patients with morbid obesity were consecutively included prior to bariatric surgery. Exclusion criteria included normal liver biopsy, other causes of liver disease, and duodenal mucosal atrophy. A gastroscopy was performed for duodenal aspirate culture and duodenal biopsy, and peripheral venous blood was drawn to assess lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-binding protein (LBP) levels. A liver biopsy was carried out during surgery. Results: seventy-one patients were included; 26 were excluded because of normal liver biopsy. Forty-five had NAFL. Eighteen were male, mean age was 45.8 years (22-69), and BMI was 47.8 kg/m2 (37-58). A total of 25% had SIBO in their duodenal aspirate culture. There was statistical significance for the association of LBP levels and SIBO with steatosis grade (p < 0.05 and p = 0.077, respectively). There was no statistical association with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) index, but a trend towards association was found. LPS levels were not associated with steatosis grade or NASH index. Conclusions: the higher the grade of liver steatosis, the higher were the circulating LBP levels and SIBO rates seen in patients with morbid obesity and NAFL

An assessment of bacterial overgrowth and translocation in the non-alcoholic fatty liver of patients with morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND: small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and bacterial translocation across the intestinal wall have been allegedly associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). Our goal was to study such alleged association in morbidly obese patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: patients with morbid obesity were consecutively included prior to bariatric surgery. Exclusion criteria included normal liver biopsy, other causes of liver disease, and duodenal mucosal atrophy. A gastroscopy was performed for duodenal aspirate culture and duodenal biopsy, and peripheral venous blood was drawn to assess lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-binding protein (LBP) levels. A liver biopsy was carried out during surgery. RESULTS: seventy-one patients were included; 26 were excluded because of normal liver biopsy. Forty-five had NAFL. Eighteen were male, mean age was 45.8 years (22-69), and BMI was 47.8 kg/m2 (37-58). A total of 25% had SIBO in their duodenal aspirate culture. There was statistical significance for the association of LBP levels and SIBO with steatosis grade (p < 0.05 and p = 0.077, respectively). There was no statistical association with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) index, but a trend towards association was found. LPS levels were not associated with steatosis grade or NASH index. CONCLUSIONS: the higher the grade of liver steatosis, the higher were the circulating LBP levels and SIBO rates seen in patients with morbid obesity and NAFL.

Extended use of bemiparin as thromboprophylaxis during bariatric surgery: results of anti-factor Xa activity measurements.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in morbidly obese patients after obesity surgery is between .2% and 3.5%. Because there are a lack of prospective studies on the type of drug, the correct dosage, and the optimal duration, there are no specific recommendations found in the guidelines on thrombophylaxis. OBJECTIVES: To compare the incidence of VTE and hemorrhagic events in bariatric surgical patients receiving bemiparin thromboprophylaxis who have prophylactic and nonprophylactic Anti-factor Xa (AFXa) levels. SETTING: University General Hospital of Ciudad Real, Spain, public practice. METHODS: A cohort study of 122 morbidly obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery. The thromboprophylactic regimen consisted of bemiparin 5000 IU/24 hr for 30 days. AFXa levels were measured on the second and third day postoperation (prophylactic range: .3-.5 IU/mL). Body mass index, co-morbidities, prothrombotic risk factors, and thrombotic and hemorrhagic events were noted. RESULTS: The mean body mass index was 48.4 kg/m2. In 50 samples, the level of AFXa was within the prophylactic range; in 71, they were in the subprophylactic range. No VTEs were observed. Major hemorrhagic events were observed in 2.4%. We did not find a significant association between AFXa and thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events. There is a significant negative correlation between the level of AFXa and body mass index. CONCLUSION: A regimen of 5000 IU/24 hr of bemiparin for 30 days after obesity surgery appears to prevent VTE without increasing the risk of a major hemorrhage. The level of AFXa is not associated with postoperative thrombotic or hemorrhagic events occurring after bariatric surgery.

Determinación rápida intraoperatoria de la paratirina intacta en la cirugía del hiperparatiroidismo primario. La experiencia en nuestro centro / Rapid intraoperative determination of intact parathyroid hormone during surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism. Experience at our center

INTRODUCCIÓN: El hiperparatiroidismo primario (HPTP) se debe a un adenoma único en el 85-95% de las ocasiones, lográndose frecuentemente la curación con la extirpación del mismo. La determinación rápida intraoperatoria de la paratirina intacta (PTHio) puede constituir una herramienta para el control de la efectividad de la cirugía del HPTP. El objetivo principal de nuestro estudio fue evaluar la determinación de PTHio y objetivar si su implementación colaboraba en lograr la aplicación de una cirugía mínimamente invasiva (CMI) y en régimen de cirugía mayor ambulatoria (CMA) en el tratamiento del HPTP. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de una serie consecutiva de pacientes diagnosticados e intervenidos quirúrgicamente de HPTP en el Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real entre enero de 2005 y enero de 2012. RESULTADOS: En el periodo estudiado, se intervinieron 91 pacientes. 39 (42,9%) fueron intervenidos bajo anestesia general y 52 (57,1%) fueron candidatos a anestesia locorregional mediante bloqueo cervical. Del total, 76 (83,5%) fueron subsidiarios de CMI con abordaje unilateral. En el resto se realizó cervicotomía clásica. En 75 pacientes se realizó la determinación de PTHio, de los cuales, en 68 se demostró curación en el mismo acto quirúrgico. El 70,3% (64) de los pacientes fueron intervenidos en régimen de CMA. CONCLUSIONES: La determinación de PTHio puede permitir modificar la estrategia quirúrgica del HPTP en nuestro servicio, colaborando en la realización de una CMI en un porcentaje importante de pacientes, de forma ambulatoria, con alguna mejora estética, probablemente menor dolor, menor ingreso y con menos complicaciones potenciales que en la exploración cervical bilateral

INTRODUCTION: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is due to a single adenoma in 85%-95% of cases, and is often cured after adenoma removal. Intraoperative rapid determination of intact parathyroid hormone (PTHio) may be a tool for monitoring the effectiveness of PHPT surgery. The main objective of our study was to evaluate PTHio determination and to establish whether its successful implementation contributed to achieve minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and major ambulatory surgery (MAS) in the treatment of PHPT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of a consecutive series of patients diagnosed and operated on for PHPT at the University General Hospital of Ciudad Real between January 2005 and January 2012.RESULTS: In the study period, 91 patients underwent surgery. 39 (42.9%) under general anesthesia, while 52 (57.1%) were candidates for regional anesthesia by cervical block. Seventy-six of all patients (83.5%) were amenable to MIS using a unilateral approach. Classical cervicotomy was performed in all other patients. PTHio determination was done in 75 patients, showing cure in the same surgery in 68 of them. MAS was performed in 70.3% (64) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Determination of PTHio may allow for changing the surgical approach to PHPT at our department, allowing for performance of MIS on an outpatient basis in a significant proportion of patients with some cosmetic improvement, probably less pain, shorter hospital stay, and less potential complications than bilateral cervical exploration

Rapid intraoperative determination of intact parathyroid hormone during surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism. Experience at our center.

INTRODUCTION: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is due to a single adenoma in 85%-95% of cases, and is often cured after adenoma removal. Intraoperative rapid determination of intact parathyroid hormone (PTHio) may be a tool for monitoring the effectiveness of PHPT surgery. The main objective of our study was to evaluate PTHio determination and to establish whether its successful implementation contributed to achieve minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and major ambulatory surgery (MAS) in the treatment of PHPT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of a consecutive series of patients diagnosed and operated on for PHPT at the University General Hospital of Ciudad Real between January 2005 and January 2012. RESULTS: In the study period, 91 patients underwent surgery. 39 (42.9%) under general anesthesia, while 52 (57.1%) were candidates for regional anesthesia by cervical block. Seventy-six of all patients (83.5%) were amenable to MIS using a unilateral approach. Classical cervicotomy was performed in all other patients. PTHio determination was done in 75 patients, showing cure in the same surgery in 68 of them. MAS was performed in 70.3% (64) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Determination of PTHio may allow for changing the surgical approach to PHPT at our department, allowing for performance of MIS on an outpatient basis in a significant proportion of patients with some cosmetic improvement, probably less pain, shorter hospital stay, and less potential complications than bilateral cervical exploration.

Nesidioblastosis. A case of hyperplasia of the islets of Langerhans in the adult.

INTRODUCTION: Nesidioblastosis is a rare disease caused by hyperplasia of pancreatic islets, developing a state of hypoglycemia due to an increase in the insulin production. It is the leading cause of hyperinsulinic hypoglycemia in childhood, whereas in adults it only represents the 0.5-5% of cases. The pathogenesis is still unknown. We have studied several genetic mutations associated with dependent potassium channel of ATP present in the beta cells of the pancreas, as well as in patients underwent bariatric surgery because of the metabolic changes involved. REPORT: Woman (38 years old) attends consultation of General Surgery derived from Endocrinology before symptoms of persistent hypoglycemia. Factitious hypoglycemia and syndromes of neuroendocrine origin were ruled out. Imaging tests failed to identify space-occupying lesions. The medical treatment failed, persisting hypoglycemia symptoms. Before the given analytical and radiological findings obtained, and the persistence of symptoms affecting the quality of life of the patient, we opted for surgical treatment performing a pancreatectomy of the 80% of the gland. The final pathologic diagnosis was nesidioblastosis. DISCUSSION: Nesidioblastosis is a rare pathology, but it must be present in the differential diagnosis of hypoglycemia symptoms with endogenous hyperinsulinism in adults, once the intake of sulfonylureas and possible pancreatic neoformations have been ruled out.

Proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma in pubis. Case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The "proximal-type" epithelioid sarcoma (PES) is a rare variant of conventional epithelioid sarcoma. It has been described in older patients in the proximal portion of the extremities with a predilection for the pelvis and perineum. It is clinically more aggressive, showing a higher incidence of recurrence, metastasis, resistance to chemotherapy and a higher mortality. We report the case of a patient with a PES of the pubic region and we review the previous literature. CLINICAL CASE: We report the case of a 57-year-old female with a painless, progressively growing mass in the region of the pubis. We performed surgical resection of the lesion with clear margins and histological and immunohistochemical study allowed the definitive diagnosis of PES. After 4 disease-free years, the patient had a tumor recurrence at the same location. We performed en bloc resection of the lesion and immunohistochemical study confirmed the recurrence of PES. The patient refused adjuvant therapy. Today, after 4 years of follow-up, the patient remains asymptomatic and without evidence of recurrence or distant disease. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of PES is complex because histological findings may be confused with multiple tumors; therefore, immunohistochemical study is definitive. PES shows positivity for epithelial markers (cytokeratin and EMA), mesenchymal markers (vimentin) as well as CD34. According to what has been reported in the literature, surgical treatment with free margins is indicated, with adjuvant therapies when the risk of recurrence is high.

Pancreatectomía central en tumores benignos del cuello del páncreas / Central pancreatectomy in benign tumors of the neckof the pancreas

El tratamiento quirúrgico de los tumores benignos del cuello del páncreas ha sido clásicamente la enucleación o la pancreatectomía estándar. La pancreatectomía central se ha propuesto por su menor tasa de complicaciones y por la posibilidad de preservar la función endocrina y exocrina. Entre enero de 1999 y marzo de 2003 se realizaron en nuestro centro 3 pancreatectomías centrales por patología benigna en el cuello del páncreas. En todos los casos se realizó tomografía computarizada, ecografía intraoperatoria y estudio anatomopatológico. El examen de las piezas quirúrgicas mostró 2 cistoadenomas mucinosos y 1 cistoadenoma seroso. Ninguno de los pacientes presentó complicaciones quirúrgicas mayores, recurrencia local de la enfermedad o diabetes, con un seguimiento medio de 34 meses. Podemos decir, por tanto, que la pancreatectomía central es una técnica útil para un grupo seleccionado de pacientes con lesiones benignas en el cuello del páncreas o de bajo grado de malignidad (AU)

The surgical treatment of benign tumors of the neck of the pancreas usually consists of enucleation or formal pancreatectomy. Central pancreatectomy has been put forward because it has fewer major complications and can preserve endocrine and exocrine function. Between January 1999 and march 2003, three patients with benign tumors of the neck of the pancreas underwent central pancreatectomy. all patients underwent computed tomography scans, intraoperative ultrasound and frozen-section analysis. pathologic examination showed two mucinous cystadenomas and one serous cystadenoma. after a mean follow-up of 34 months, none of the patients has shown major complications or local recurrence, or has developed diabetes. In conclusion, central pancreatectomy is a useful technique for selected benign or low-grade malignant pancreatic tumors of the neck of the pancreas (AU)

[Central pancreatectomy in benign tumors of the neck of the pancreas]. / Pancreatectomía central en tumores benignos del cuello del páncreas.

The surgical treatment of benign tumors of the neck of the pancreas usually consists of enucleation or formal pancreatectomy. Central pancreatectomy has been put forward because it has fewer major complications and can preserve endocrine and exocrine function. Between January 1999 and march 2003, three patients with benign tumors of the neck of the pancreas underwent central pancreatectomy. all patients underwent computed tomography scans, intraoperative ultrasound and frozen-section analysis. pathologic examination showed two mucinous cystadenomas and one serous cystadenoma. after a mean follow-up of 34 months, none of the patients has shown major complications or local recurrence, or has developed diabetes. In conclusion, central pancreatectomy is a useful technique for selected benign or low-grade malignant pancreatic tumors of the neck of the pancreas.