Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, but not sleeve gastrectomy, decreases plasma PCSK9 levels in morbidly obese patients.

AIM: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a master regulator of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) metabolism, acting as an endogenous inhibitor of the LDL receptor. While it has been shown that bariatric surgery differentially affects plasma LDL-C levels, little is known of its effects on plasma PCSK9 concentrations. Therefore, the present study aimed to: (i) investigate the effect of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on plasma PCSK9 concentrations; and (ii) correlate baseline or postoperative plasma PCSK9 concentration variations with anthropometric and metabolic parameters. METHODS: Fasting plasma PCSK9 levels were measured by ELISA in morbidly obese patients before and 6 months after bariatric surgery. Patients were recruited from three prospective cohorts (in Nantes and Colombes in France, and Antwerp in Belgium). RESULTS: A total of 156 patients (34SG, 122RYGB) were included. Plasma PCSK9, LDL-C and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels were significantly reduced after RYGB (-19.6%, -16.6% and -19.5%, respectively; P<0.0001), but not after SG. In all patients, postoperative PCSK9 change was positively correlated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG; r=0.22, P=0.007), HOMA-IR (r=0.24, P=0.005), total cholesterol (r=0.17, P=0.037) and non-HDL-C (r=0.17, P=0.038) variations, but not LDL-C. In contrast to what was observed for glucose parameters (FPG, HOMA-IR), correlation between PCSK9 and non-HDL-C changes after RYGB was independent of total weight loss. CONCLUSION: RYGB, but not SG, promotes a significant reduction in plasma PCSK9 levels, and such changes in circulating PCSK9 levels after RYGB appear to be more associated with glucose improvement than with lipid homoeostasis parameters.

Prospective, multicentric, comparative study between sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, 277 patients, 3 years follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are commonly performed, but few studies have shown superiority of one strategy over the other. OBJECTIVE: Simultaneously compare LSG and LRYGB in terms of weight loss and morbimortality over a 36-month follow-up period. SETTING: University hospital and bariatric surgery centers, France. METHODS: Prospective, comparative study between LSG and RYGBP. The primary endpoint of this study was a joint hypothesis during the 36-month follow-up: the first primary outcome pertained to the frequency of patients with an excess weight loss (EWL) greater than 50% (% EWL>50%) after LSG or RYGB; the second primary outcome was defined as a composite endpoint of at least one major complication. Secondary objectives were regression of comorbidities and improvement in quality of life. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-seven patients were included (91 RYGBP, 186 LSG). The mean age was 41.1±11.1 years, and average preoperative body mass index of 45.3±5.5kg/m2. After 36months, the %EWL>50% was not inferior in the case of LSG (82.2%) relative to LRYGB (82.1%); while major complications rates were significantly higher in LRYGB (15.4%) vs. LSG (5.4%, P=0.005). After 36months, all secondary objectives were comparable between groups while only gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) increased in LSG group and decreased in LRYGB group. CONCLUSIONS: LSG was found non-inferior to LRYGB with respect to weight loss and was associated with lower risk of major complications during a 3-year follow-up. But GERD increased in LSG group and decreased in LRYGB group.

Impact of Intragastric Balloon Before Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass on Patients with Super Obesity: a Randomized Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Super obese patients are recommended to lose weight before bariatric surgery. The effect of intragastric balloon (IGB)-induced weight loss before laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGBP) has not been reported. The aim of this prospective randomized multicenter study was to compare the impact of preoperative 6-month IGB with standard medical care (SMC) in LGBP patients. METHODS: Patients with BMI >45 kg/m2 selected for LGBP were included and randomized to receive either SMC or IGB. After 6 months (M6), the IGB was removed and LGBP was performed in both groups. Postoperative follow-up period was 6 months (M12). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients requiring ICU stay >24 h; secondary criteria were weight changes, operative time, hospitalization stay, and perioperative complications. RESULTS: Only 115 patients were included (BMI 54.3 ± 8.7 kg/m2), of which 55 underwent IGB insertion. The proportion of patients who stayed in ICU >24 h was similar in both groups (P = 0.87). At M6, weight loss was significantly greater in the IGB group than in the SMC group (P < 0.0001). Three severe complications occurred during IGB removal. Mean operative time for LGBP was similar in both groups (P = 0.49). Five patients had 1 or more surgical complications, all in the IGB group (P = 0.02). Both groups had similar hospitalization stay (P = 0.59) and weight loss at M12 (P = 0.31). CONCLUSION: IGB insertion before LGBP induced weight loss but did not improve the perioperative outcomes or affect postoperative weight loss.

French intensive training course in laparoscopic surgery (HUGOFirst) on live porcine models: Validation of a performance assessment scale and residents' satisfaction in a prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Simulation as a method for practical teaching of surgical residents requires objective evaluation in order to measure the student's acquisition of knowledge and skills. The objectives of this article are to publish our evaluation and validation grids and also the measure of student satisfaction. METHOD: A teaching platform based on practical exercises with a porcine model was created in 2009 at seven French University Hospitals. Three times a year, 31 Diplôme d'Études Spécialisées Complémentaires (DESC) surgical residents underwent timed assessment of the performance of five surgical tasks: trocar insertion (trocars) testing the convergence of instruments (convergence), intra-corporeal knot tying (knots), running of the small intestine to find a lesion (exploration), and performance of a running suture closure of the peritoneum (closure). Two experts evaluated performances prospectively on grid score sheets specifically designed and validated for these exercises. We measured time, scores on a rating scale, and the interest and satisfaction of the residents. RESULTS: Data for 31 residents between May 2011 and March 2012 were analyzed. Rating scales were statistically validated and correlated (Kappa correlation coefficient K>0.69) for each task. The performance times of the most experienced residents decreased significantly for all tasks except for small bowel exploration (P=0.2). After four sessions, times were significantly improved with better quality (fewer errors and higher average scores [>88%]), regardless of the residents' experience. Of the participants, 92% were satisfied, 86% thought that the sessions improved their technical skills and 74% thought it had a favorable impact on their clinical practice. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the performance of surgical techniques can be improved through simulation, that HUFEG grids are valid, and that this teaching program is popular with surgical residents.

Determinants of outcome following laparoscopic peritoneal lavage for perforated diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage has been proposed for generalized peritonitis from perforated diverticulitis to avoid a stoma. Reports of its feasibility and safety are promising. This study aimed to establish determinants of failure to enable improved selection of patients for this approach. METHODS: The study included all patients with perforated sigmoid diverticulitis who underwent emergency laparoscopic peritoneal lavage from January 2000 to December 2013. Factors predicting failure of laparoscopic treatment were analysed from data collected retrospectively. RESULTS: For patients undergoing emergency sigmoid resection (72 of 361), mortality and morbidity rates were 13 and 35 per cent respectively. In all, 71 patients had laparoscopic lavage, with mortality and morbidity rates of 6 and 28 per cent respectively. Reintervention was necessary in 11 patients (15 per cent) for unresolved sepsis. Age 80 years or more, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade III or above, and immunosuppression were associated with reintervention. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients and those with immunosuppression or severe systemic co-morbidity are at risk of reintervention after laparoscopic lavage.

Sacral nerve stimulation in faecal incontinence: position statement based on a collective experience.

OBJECTIVE: Since the first paper published by Matzel et al., in 1995, on the efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) in patients with faecal incontinence, the indications, the contraindications, the stimulation technique and follow up of implanted patients have changed. The aim of this article was to provide a consensus opinion on the management of patients with faecal incontinence treated with SNS. METHOD: Recommendations were based on a critical review of the literature when available and on expert opinions in areas with insufficient evidence. RESULTS: We have reviewed the indications and contraindications, proposed an algorithm for patient management showing the place of SNS. The temporary test technique, the implantation technique, the patient follow up and the approach in case of treatment failure were discussed. CONCLUSION: We hope not only to provide a guide on patient management to clinical practitioners interested in SNS but also to harmonize our practices.

Impaired air-liquid settling during swallowing in gastroesophageal reflux disease. A digital videofluoroscopic study.

We hypothesize that the surface of the zone of air-liquid mixture in the esophagus after swallowing is the result of the esophageal gastric junction (EGJ) function or dysfunction. The aim of this study was to quantify the air-liquid components of the bolus in the esophagus and across the EGJ by means of digital videofluoroscopy sequences recorded in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The patients were allocated to a Normo or a Hypo group, according to basal lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure. Two types of analysis were undertaken from the video sequences. For static analysis, maximal opening diameter of the LES and surfaces of air, air-barium mixture, and barium suspension were measured on two images extracted from each sequence. For dynamic analysis, transit times across the EGJ of the total bolus, air, mixture, and barium suspension were evaluated on a video sequence. For static analysis, the maximal opening diameter of the LES, air, and mixture surfaces were higher in the Hypo group. For dynamic analysis, transit time of total bolus, air, and mixture were longer in the Hypo group. The increase in mixture can be attributed to a defect in settling of both air and liquid phases in the esophagus in patients with low LES pressure and/or esophageal hypotonicity. Thus, these evaluations should provide information on the passage modalities of the bolus in esophagus and across the EGJ to assess differential diagnosis of GERD and hence to better select the most appropriate antireflux surgical procedure.

Laparoscopic repair of parastomal hernias: a multi-centre retrospective review and shift in technique.

PURPOSE: To describe the reasons for a shift in our technique of laparoscopic repair of parastomal hernias towards repair with a non-slit mesh. Our initial results with repair using meshes with a keyhole had high recurrence rates. METHODS: We performed a multi-centre retrospective study focusing on complications and recurrences. Data were gathered retrospectively from the medical records. The last follow-up date was the latest clinical examination by the surgeon. Recurrences were diagnosed clinically or by CT scan performed for oncological follow-up in cancer patients. RESULTS: From September 2001 till May 2007, twenty-four patients with a symptomatic parastomal hernia were treated laparoscopically. No major intra- or postoperative complications were encountered. We had no conversions, no enterotomies and the overall postoperative morbidity was 8.4% (2/24). During a mean follow-up of 21.2 months, ten recurrences or 41.7% (10/24) have been diagnosed. In patients treated with a "keyhole technique" recurrence rate was 72.7% (8/11) with a mean follow-up of 30.7 months. In patients treated with a "modified Sugarbaker technique" recurrence rate was 15.4% (2/13) with a mean follow-up of 14.0 months. CONCLUSIONS: We found laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair could be performed with few complications. We abandoned the "keyhole techniques" because of a high recurrence rate. We currently use a "modified Sugarbaker technique" with promising early results.

[Frequency and epidemiology of primary epiploic appendagitis on CT in adults with abdominal pain]. / Fréquence et épidémiologie descriptive de l'appendicite épiploïque primitive par l'exploration tomodensitométrique des douleurs abdominales de l'adulte.

PURPOSE: Advances in medical imaging have improved the presurgical diagnosis of isolated epiploic appendagitis. The authors assess its relative frequency and define its main epidemiological criteria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Study of an adult population presenting with abdominal pain and evaluated by CT over a 3 year period. Evaluation for the presence of an isolated fat density paracolic mass with hyperdense periphery. A review of the literature was performed as well. RESULTS: The frequency of epiploic appendagitis is estimated at 1.3% and its incidence at 8.8 cases/million/year. The typical patient profile is a young to middle aged male presenting with left flank and lower quadrant pain. Obesity, GI symptoms, fever, and leukocytosis are characteristically absent while elevation of the CRP is typical. CT shows the lesion along the anterolateral margin of the descending or sigmoid colon. Spontaneous resolution usually occurs within 8 days. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm epidemiological data from the literature. Knowledge of the imaging features of epiploic appendagitis will ensure conservative patients management and avoid unnecessary surgery.

[Morbidity after stapled haemorrhoidectomy: long-term results about 140 patients and review of the literature]. / Complications après anopexie circulaire pour cure d'hémorroïdes: résultats à long terme d'une série de 140 malades et analyse de la littérature.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the results and the complications of the treatment of hemorrhoids with circular stapler with a follow-up of 18 months, and to review the complications in the literature. METHODS: From April 1998 to August 1999, 140 patients (83 males and 57 females) with an average age of 43.8 years (range: 19-83 years) underwent haemorrhoidectomy using a circular stapler in three university hospital centers. The degree of hemorrhoids has been classified: three cases of degree II, 97 cases of degree III, and 40 cases of degree IV. All the patients were prospectively evaluated at two weeks, two and 18 months after surgery. RESULTS: The average length of the operation was 18 minutes (range: 8-60 minutes). Mean hospital stay was 36 hours (range: 8-72 hours). There was no intraoperative complication. There was no mortality. The postoperative complication rate was 7.8% (N = 11): there were five cases of bleeding that two complicated by a submucosal hematoma (one was infected and needed a rectotomy on day 21), two cases of urinary retention, and two cases of external hemorrhoid thrombosis. The bleeding occurred in the 12 hours after surgery except for one patient with antivitamin K whith presented a secondary bleeding on day 16. At 18 months, five patients presented a moderate asymptomatic stricture dilated on digital examination. Two patients complained of persistent skin tags. Neither functional trouble nor incontinence to gas, liquids, or solids was presented. With a mean follow-up of 40 months, 90% (N = 112) of the patients were fully satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of hemorrhoids with circular stapler appears to be effective with 96% of patients fully satisfied at 18 months. The morbidity rate was low, and no higher than the diathermy excision hemorrhoidectomy. The results are directly dependent on the practice that required a learning, and not on the technique itself.

[Male breast cancer: 19 case reports]. / Cancer du sein chez l'homme: à propos de 19 cas.

Breast cancer is rarely encountered in men. In developed countries, it accounts for less than 1% of cancers in men, whereas in women it represents about 23% of all cancers. A retrospective review was performed on 19 cases of men who underwent surgery for breast carcinoma between 1989 and 2000. The aim of this work was to analyse epidemiological and etiological aspects, circumstances of discovery, pathological characteristics, therapy modalities as well as prognostic factors. The mean age was 65.3 years. A high incidence of overweight, diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia was found. The most frequent clinical presentation was a firm subareolar lump, at a low stage (stage I 23% and stage II 41%). The most common pathological type was an infiltrating ductal carcinoma (89%). Hormone receptors where most often positive (92% for oestrogen and 100% for progesterone receptors). 84% of patients underwent simple mastectomy and axillary dissection, 74% chest wall irradiation after surgery, 26% received chemotherapy and 42% hormonal therapy. Median follow-up was 52 months. The estimated 2-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was respectively 93% and 87.5% and the 5-year OS and DFS respectively 86% and 75%. The management of male and female breast carcinoma is identical, as well as their prognosis at equal stages. However male breast carcinoma is more often diagnosed at a more advanced stage, thus a breast screening in men would permit a sooner diagnosis and a better prognosis.

Morbidity of laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux: a retrospective study about 1470 patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this retrospective study was to report and quantify the immediate and 3-year complications after laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery in order to understand the mechanism. METHODOLOGY: From 1992 to 1996, 1470 laparoscopic fundoplications were performed for symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease. Preoperative checkup included upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy in 1437 patients (97.7%), esophageal manometry in 934 patients (63.5%), and 24-hour pHmetry in 799 patients (54.3%). Three procedures were performed: Nissen (n = 655), Nissen-Rossetti (n = 423), and Toupet (n = 392). The results were estimated at 1 and 3 months; thereafter they were evaluated at 3 years. Patients unable to return to the hospital center were contacted by telephone. RESULTS: Mean length of hospital stay was 4.6 days (range: 2-48 days). The preoperative complication rate was 2.1% (n = 31). The postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 2.9% (43 patients) and 0.07% (1 patient), respectively. Conversion rate to laparotomy was 6.5% (96 patients). At 3 months, 87 patients (5.9%) had invalid dysphagia but there was no difference between the 3 procedures. Twelve patients have been reoperated (0.8%). At 3 years, 78 patients (5.6%) presented a clinical recurrence. The rate of dysphagia was 0.35%, and 38 patients were reoperated. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic fundoplication is safe and effective with a low morbidity and mortality rate if junior surgeons commenced this procedure under the direct supervision of an experienced surgeon. Despite the advantage of this technique, we believe that indications for surgical management remain unchanged in the laparoscopic era.

Treatment of hemorrhoids with circular stapler, a new alternative to conventional methods: a prospective study of 140 patients.

BACKGROUND: Surgical hemorrhoidectomy has a reputation for being a painful procedure. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of a new procedure for surgical treatment of hemorrhoid disease. STUDY DESIGN: From April 1998 to August 1998, 140 patients (83 men and 57 women) with an average age of 43.8 years (range 19 to 83 years) underwent hemorrhoidectomy using a circular stapler. Operative times, pen- and postoperative complications, mean hospital stay, assessment of the postoperative pain, period of incapacity for work, and functional results were collected. All patients were evaluated at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 18 months after operation. RESULTS: The average length of the operation was 18 minutes (range 8 to 60 minutes). There were no perioperative complications. The postoperative complication rate was 6.4% (n = 9). Mean hospital stay was 36 hours (range 8 to 72 hours). Paracetamol was the only analgesic used. Eighty-three patients (59.3%) required analgesic for less than 2 days, 45 patients (32.1%) between 2 and 7 days, and 12 patients (8.6%) more than 7 days. No patients had anal wound care. One hundred four patients had professions. The period of incapacity for work was less than 3 days for 22 patients (21.1%), between 3 and 7 days for 13 patients (12.5%), between 7 and 14 days for 62 patients (59.6%), and more than 14 days for 7 patients (6.8%). At 18 months, 95.7% of patients were fully satisfied with the results, 3.6% were somewhat satisfied (n = 4), and 0.7% were unsatisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of hemorrhoids with a circular stapler appears to be safe, effective, and rapid, causing few postoperative complications and minimal postoperative pain. At 18 months, 95.7% of the patients were fully satisfied with the results.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery: comparative study of Nissen, Nissen-Rossetti, and Toupet fundoplication. Société Française de Chirurgie Laparoscopique.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the results of Nissen, Nissen-Rossetti, and Toupet laparoscopic fundoplication in terms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: From 1992 to 1996, 1,470 laparoscopic fundoplications were performed using one of three procedures: Nissen (n = 655), Nissen-Rossetti (n = 423), and Toupet (n = 392). Preoperative checkup included esophagogastroduodenoscopy in 1,437 patients (97. 7%), esophageal manometry in 934 patients (63.5%), and 24-h pH-metry in 799 patients (54.3%). The results were estimated at 1 month, 3 months, and 2 years. Patients unable to visit the hospital center were contacted by telephone. RESULTS: The three groups were quite similar regarding demographic data such as age, gender, preoperative clinical symptoms, and duration of GERD. One death (0.07%) occurred. At 3 months, there were no differences among the three groups concerning conversion, morbidity, dysphagia, early reintervention, or postoperative length of stay. The length of surgery was more important in the Toupet procedure. In the Nissen group, there were fewer Visick grade I patients but more Visick grade III patients. At 2 years, the recurrence and reintervention rates were similar. The overall residual severe dysphagia rate was 0.35% (n = 5). In the Nissen group, there were fewer Visick grade I patients but more in Visick grade II patients. There was no difference in Visick grade III and IV among the groups. More than 90% of the patients were satisfied (Visick I + Visick II), with no significant difference among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study do not differ significantly from the data reported in the literature, suggesting such surgical techniques are effective and well tolerated, and that both can be properly used in the treatment of GERD.

[Abdominal emergencies in type IV ehlers-Danlos syndrome]. / Urgences abdominales du syndrome d'Ehlers-Danlos de type IV.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome denotes a group of inherited connective tissue diseases comprising nine types. Type IV Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is the most life-threatening form. It is characterized by a type III collagen deficiency resulting in arterial fragility and death from vascular rupture or bowel perforation. This disease involves a col 3A1 gene mutation. We report the case of a 44 year-old woman with type IV Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The medical history of our patient included bowel necrosis and two vascular ruptures. We indicate data required to establish Ehlers-Danlos syndrome diagnosis and guidelines for patient management.

Radiotherapy with high dose rate brachytherapy boost and concomitant chemotherapy for Stages IIB and III esophageal carcinoma: results of a pilot study.

PURPOSE: Radiotherapy (RT) and concomitant chemotherapy (CT) is the standard treatment for non resectable esophageal cancer. Usual total radiation dose is 50 Gy. In order to enhance local control rate a Phase II study was initiated to evaluate the feasibility of a combined treatment with an external radiation dose of 60 Gy and three cycles of concomitant CT, using the three main active drugs (CDDP, 5 FU and MMC), followed by a high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy delivering 10 Gy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Fifty-three patients, 48 men and 5 women, were entered in this study. Stages were evaluated with CT scan and with endoscopic sonography. Fifteen were Stage IIB, 38 Stage III. Treatment consisted of conventional fractionated RT to a total dose of 60 Gy delivered with 2 Gy per fraction, one fraction per day and five fractions per week. The CT regimen was a combination of Cisplatinum (CDDP) 20 mg/m2 and 5 Fluorouracil (5FU) 600 mg/m2 continuous infusion, from days 1-4 Mitomycin C (MMC) was given at 6 mg/m2 on day 1. Three cycles were administered on days 1, 22, and 43. Brachytherapy was delivered one week after the end of external radiation therapy. RESULTS: Full radiation therapy dose was delivered for 94% of the patients. CT compliance, evaluated on the mean relative dose-intensity was 85% for CDDP, 81% for 5FU and 51% for MMC. Overall grade 3 and 4 WHO toxicity rates were 23% and 7%, respectively. Haematologic toxicity was the most limiting factor. One patient died from treatment toxicity. Local control rate at one year was 74%. Three-year actuarial survival rate was 27%. Distant metastasis was the main cause of treatment failure. Swallowing score was good for 75% of the patients. Stage, performance status and weight loss were prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: This regimen with high dose RT, HDR brachytherapy and concomitant CT is feasible; however, a high level of haematologic toxicity was observed with the CDDP, 5FU and MMC regimen. Despite a poor compliance with CT, treatment results are very encouraging for patients with locally advanced disease.