The role of total alimentary limb length in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is an established surgical treatment for obesity. Variations in limb length during RYGB procedures have been investigated for optimizing weight loss while minimizing nutritional deficiencies. The role of the total alimentary limb length (TALL; Roux limb plus common channel [CC]), however, is poorly defined. OBJECTIVE: Compare TALL in RYGB procedures for weight loss outcomes and malnutrition. SETTING: Systematic review. METHODS: Ovid Medline and PubMed databases were searched for entries between 1993 and 2020. Search terms included "gastric bypass" and "TALL." Two independent reviewers screened the results. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies measured TALL in RYGB. Of these, 4 of 6 reported a relationship between TALL and weight loss. Additionally, 11 studies reported that when TALL was ≤400 cm and CC <200 cm, 3.4% to 63.6% of patients required limb lengthening for protein malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of studies on RYGB do not report TALL length. There is some evidence that weight loss is affected by shortening TALL, while a TALL ≤400 cm with CC<200 should be avoided due to severe protein malnutrition. More studies on the effect of TALL are needed.

Safety of Primary Versus Revisional Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch in Patients with Super Obesity Using the MBSAQIP database.

INTRODUCTION: For patients with super obesity (BMI > 50 kg/m2), biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch (BPD/DS) can be an effective bariatric operation. Technical challenges and patient safety concerns, however, have limited its use as a primary procedure. This study sought to assess the safety of primary versus revisional BPD/DS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MBSAQIP database was queried for primary and revisional BPD/DS (2015-2018). Inclusion criteria were patients ≥ 18 years of age, BMI > 50 kg/m2, and with no concurrent procedures. Preoperative variables were compared using a chi-square test or Wilcoxon two-sample tests. Multivariate logistic or robust linear regression models were used to compare outcomes. RESULTS: There were 3,378 primary BPD/DS and 487 revisional BPD/DS patients. Primary BPD/DS patients had higher BMI (56.5 [IQR4.4] versus 54.8 [IQR4] kg/m2, p < 0.0001) and had more diabetes mellitus type II (29.1% versus 17.2%, p < 0.0001). Intraoperatively, revisional BPD/DS had longer operative time (165 [IQR47] min versus 139 [IQR100] min, p < 0.0001). After adjusting for preoperative characteristics, there was no difference in 30-day readmission or ED visits (primary 12.9% versus revisional 14.6%), reoperation or reintervention (primary 5.7% versus revisional 7.8%), or mortality (primary 0.4% versus revisional 0.6%). In contrast, the revisional BPD/DS patients had higher odds of major morbidity (primary 3.4% versus revisional 5.3%, OR 1.9, CI 1.1-3.2, p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Revisional BPD/DS is associated with higher morbidity than primary BPD/DS in patients with super obesity. These patients should thus be counselled appropriately when choosing a primary or revisional bariatric procedure.

Why Size Matters: an Evaluation of Gastric Pouch Size in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Using CT Volumetric Analysis and its Effect on Marginal Ulceration.

PURPOSE: Marginal ulceration (MU) is a common long-term complication following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The causes of MU after RYGB are multifactorial and include surgical technique of constructing the gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between gastric pouch size in RYGB and MU using CT volumetrics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were retrospectively identified who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) following RYGB at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Measurement of gastric pouch size was performed using 3-D CT software. Standard statistical methods were used, a univariate comparison was performed between MU and non-MU patients followed by a propensity-matched comparison to control for factors known to affect MU, and a propensity-matched subgroup analysis was also performed. RESULTS: In total, 122 patients met criteria, 57 of which had MU on EGD and 65 who did not. The MU group had more smokers and patients with PPI use than the non-MU group, and the mean time from operation to CT scan was 26.6 months (range: 0-108 months). The MU group had a larger gastric pouch size than the non-MU group (34.1 ± 11.8 versus 20.1 ± 6.8 cm3). When analyzed for matched patient cohorts, this difference remained for the MU group that included smokers and PPI use. When stratified for pouch size, for each 5 cm3 increase in pouch size, patients had 2.4 times odds increase of MU formation. CONCLUSIONS: CT volumetric analysis demonstrated that a larger gastric pouch size was associated with MU following RYGB.

Gastrojejunal Anastomotic Stricture Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: an Analysis of Anastomotic Technique at a Single Institution.

PURPOSE: Patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are at risk of developing strictures of the gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA). Several variables can affect this, one of which may be the method of anastomosis. Between 2010 and 2014, our institution utilized three different anastomotic techniques for creating the GJA (25 mm end-to-end circular-stapled (CS), linear-stapled (LS), and robotic hand sewn (HS)). Our objectives were to compare the method of GJA relative to the subsequent development of anastomotic stricture. METHODS: We queried our electronic health record for all patients who underwent an upper endoscopy (EGD) after RYGB (2010-2014). Patient charts were retrospectively reviewed for type of GJA, weight loss, complications, interventions, and revisions of the GJA. RESULTS: In total, 1112 RYGB were performed at our institute, and 17.4% of patients (194/1112) had an upper endoscopy (EGD). Overall, 3.1% (34/1112) were found to have a stricture of the GJA. Patients undergoing a CS, LS, and HS anastomosis had GJA stricture rates of 4.9%, 0.5%, and 1.2% respectively (CS to LS (p < 0.05), p = NS among CS vs. HS, and LS vs. HS). The rate of GJA revision was 1.5%, 0.5%, and 0.1% (p = NS). In patients who had an EGD, excess BMI loss was 57.4%, 64.6%, and 59.2% (p = NS). In patients symptomatic from strictures, excess BMI loss was 69.4%, 83%, and 63.5% respectively (p = NS). CONCLUSION: The anastomotic technique for creating of the GJA may impact the formation of strictures. Based on our experience, gastrojejunostomies created with a 2-mm EEA-stapling technique are at higher risk of strictures.

Impacts of Gastrojejunal Anastomotic Technique on Rates of Marginal Ulcer Formation and Anastomotic Bleeding Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

BACKGROUND: Marginal ulceration (MU) and bleeding are possible complications following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Our institution utilizes three techniques for performing the gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA), providing a means to compare postoperative MU and bleeding as it relates to GJA technique. OBJECTIVES: We sought to analyze the incidence of MU and bleeding between the 25-mm end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) stapler, linear stapler (LS), and robotic hand-sewn (RHS) GJA techniques. METHODS: Electronic health records for all patients who had an upper endoscopy (EGD) after RYGB were queried (2010-2014). Charts were retrospectively reviewed for type of GJA, complications, endoscopic interventions, and smoking and NSAID use. RESULTS: Out of 1112 RYGBs, the GJA was created using an EEA, LS, or RHS approach in 58.6%, 33.6%, and 7.7% of patients, respectively. 17.4% had an EGD (19.9% EEA, 13.9% LS, and 14.0% RHS). Incidence of MU was 7.3% (9.3% EEA, 4.8% LS, and 5.8% RHS). Rates of EGD and MU were significantly higher after EEA vs. LS GJA (p<0.05). The bleeding rate was 1.5%, [1.1% EEA, 2.1% LS, and 2.3% RHS (p=NS)]. MU within 90 days of RYGB occurred in 4.1%, 0.8%, and 4.7%, respectively (p<0.05 for EEA vs LS only). NSAID and cigarette use were identified in 29.3%, 38.9%, and 60% and 17.2%, 22.2%, and 20%, respectively, for the EEA, LS, and RHS GJA (p=NS). CONCLUSION: The method of GJA has an impact on rate of MU formation. A GJA fashioned with a 25-mm EEA stapler tends to have higher rates of EGD and MU.

Postoperative sepsis after primary bariatric surgery: an analysis of MBSAQIP.

BACKGROUND: Identifying patients at higher risk of postoperative sepsis (PS) may help to prevent this life-threatening complication. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the rate and predictors of PS after primary bariatric surgery. SETTING: An analysis of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) 2015-2017. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) were included. Exclusion criteria were revisional, endoscopic, and uncommon, or investigational procedures. Patients were stratified by the presence or absence of organ/space surgical site infection (OS-SSI), and patients who developed sepsis were compared with patients who did not develop sepsis in each cohort. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of PS. RESULTS: In total, 438,752 patients were included (79.4% female, mean age 44.6±12 years). Of those, 661 patients (.2%) developed PS of which 245 (37.1%) developed septic shock. Out of 892 patients with organ/space surgical site infections (OS-SSI), 298 (45.1%) developed sepsis (P <.001). Patients who developed PS had higher mortality (8.8% versus .1%, P < .001), and this was highest in patients without OS-SSI (11.8% versus 5%, P = .002). The main infectious complications associated with PS in patients without OS-SSI were pneumonia and urinary tract infection. Independent predictors of PS in OS-SSI included RYGB versus SG (OR, 1.8), and age ≥50 years (OR, 1.4). Independent predictors of PS in patients without OS-SSI were conversion to other approaches (OR, 6), operation length >2 hours (OR, 5.7), preoperative dialysis (OR, 4.1), preoperative therapeutic anticoagulation (OR, 2.8), limited ambulation most or all of the time (OR, 2.4), preoperative venous stasis (OR, 2.4), previous nonbariatric foregut surgery (OR, 2), RYGB versus SG (OR, 2), hypertension on medication (OR, 1.5), body mass index ≥50 kg/m2(OR, 1.4), age ≥50 years (OR, 1.3), obstructive sleep apnea (OR, 1.3). CONCLUSION: Development of OS-SSI after primary bariatric surgery is associated with sepsis and increased 30-day mortality. Patients without OS-SSI who develop PS have a significantly higher mortality rate compared with patients with OS-SSI who develop PS. Early identification and intervention in patients with PS, including those without OS-SSI, may improve survival in this high-risk group.

Ambulatory bariatric surgery: does it really lead to higher rates of adverse events?

BACKGROUND: Correlating patient outcomes with length of stay (LoS) is an important consideration in metabolic and bariatric surgery. At present, conflicting data exists regarding patient safety for ambulatory (AMB) metabolic and bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVE: Outcomes for AMB-metabolic and bariatric surgery patients (LoS <1 d) undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) were compared with matched patients with LoS ≥1 day (non-AMB) using the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) registry. SETTING: MBSAQIP national database. METHODS: The MBSAQIP registry was queried for patients undergoing SG or RYGB (2015-2017) and patients grouped as AMB/non-AMB. Exclusion criteria included LoS >4 days, age <18 or >75 years, revision surgery, gastric banding, body mass index <35 kg/m2, and day of surgery mortality. Variables were combined into major/minor complications and 30-day mortality. Analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression and propensity matching. RESULTS: After exclusions were applied 408,895 patients remained (9973 AMB). Overall, 111,279 patients underwent RYGB (1032 AMB) and 297,616 underwent SG (8941 AMB), with similar demographic characteristics and co-morbidities between groups. For AMB patients, there was no increase in 30-day mortality, reoperation, or readmission, and fewer drains were placed versus matched non-AMB patients. In AMB-SG patients more surgical site infections were reported versus non-AMB-SG, although AMB-SG patients had fewer intensive care unit admissions. For AMB-RYGB, no differences in complications were detected versus non-AMB-RYGB. CONCLUSION: Based on our analysis of the MBSAQIP database, patients undergoing laparoscopic RYGB or SG procedures can be safely discharged on the day of their procedure without increased incidence of mortality, reoperation, or readmission.

Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery in African Americans: an Analysis of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) Data Registry.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of obesity is disproportionally high in African Americans (AA) in the United States. This study compared outcomes for AA patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) with non-AA patients. METHODS: The MBSAQIP database was reviewed for RYGB and SG patients (2015-2017). Patients were identified as AA or non-AA and grouped to RYGB or SG. Combined and univariate analyses were performed on unmatched/propensity matched populations to assess outcomes. RESULTS: After applying exclusion criteria, 75,409 AA and 354,305 non-AA patients remained. Univariate analysis identified AA-RYGB and AA-SG patients were heavier and younger than non-AA patients. Overall, AA patients tended to have fewer preoperative comorbidities than non-AA patients with the majority of AA comorbidities related to hypertension and renal disease. Analysis of propensity matched data confirmed AA bariatric surgery patients had increased cardiovascular-related disease incidence compared with non-AA patients. Perioperatively, AA-RYGB patients had longer operative times, increased rates of major complications/ICU admission, and increased incidence of 30-day readmission, re-intervention, and reoperation, concomitant with lower rates of minor complications/superficial surgical site infection (SSI) compared with non-AA patients. For SG, AA patients had longer operative times and higher rates of major complications and 30-day readmission, re-intervention, and mortality, coupled with fewer minor complications, superficial/organ space SSI, and leak. CONCLUSION: African American patients undergoing bariatric surgery are younger and heavier than non-AA patients and present with different comorbidity profiles. Overall, AAs exhibit worse outcomes following RYGB or SG than non-AA patients, including increased mortality rates in AA-SG patients.

Male gender is an independent risk factor for patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: an MBSAQIP® database analysis.

BACKGROUND: Male patients undergoing bariatric surgery have (historically) been considered higher risk than females. The aim of this study was to examine the disparity between genders undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedures and assess gender as an independent risk factor. METHODS: The MBSAQIP® Data Registry Participant User Files for 2015-2017 was reviewed for patients having primary SG and RYGB. Patients were divided into groups based on gender and procedure. Variables for major complications were grouped together, including but not limited to PE, stroke, and MI. Univariate and propensity matching analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 429,664 cases, 20.58% were male. Univariate analysis demonstrated males were older (46.48 ± 11.96 vs. 43.71 ± 11.89 years, p < 0.0001), had higher BMI (46.58 ± 8.46 vs. 45.05 ± 7.75 kg/m2, p < 0.0001), and had higher incidence of comorbidities. Males had higher rates of major complications (1.72 vs. 1.05%; p < 0.0001) and 30-day mortality (0.18 vs. 0.07%, p < 0.0001). Significance was maintained after subgroup analysis of SG and RYGB. Propensity matched analysis demonstrated male gender was an independent risk factor for RYGB and SG, major complications [2.21 vs. 1.7%, p < 0.0001 (RYGB), 1.12 vs. 0.89%, p < 0.0001 (SG)], and mortality [0.23 vs. 0.12%, p < 0.0001 (RYGB), 0.10 vs. 0.05%; p < 0.0001 (SG)]. CONCLUSION: Males continue to represent a disproportionately small percentage of bariatric surgery patients despite having no difference in obesity rates compared to females. Male gender is an independent risk factor for major post-operative complications and 30-day mortality, even after controlling for comorbidities.

Bladder Fill after Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair Reduces Time to Discharge.

Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy (LIH) has a relatively high risk of urinary retention. Bladder dysfunction may delay discharge after LIH. We hypothesized that filling the bladder before Foley catheter removal decreases time to discharge (TTD) after LIH. A secondary aim was to determine incidence of postoperative urinary retention (POUR) after bladder fill (BF). We reviewed a consecutive series of total extraperitoneal and transabdominal preperitoneal LIH procedures performed by a single surgeon at our institution from 2010 to 2013. All patients were catheterized during LIH, and selected patients received a 200-mL saline BF before Foley catheter removal. Patients were required to void >250 mL before discharge. TTD and incidence of POUR were compared between the BF and no-BF groups. A total of 161 LIH cases were reviewed. BF was performed in 89/161 (55%) of cases. TTD was significantly shorter in the BF versus the no-BF group (222 vs 286 minutes, respectively; P < 0.01). Patient and operative characteristics were similar between the BF and no-BF groups (P > 0.05). Incidence of POUR in the BF and the no-BF group was 10.1 and 16.7 per cent, respectively; however, this difference was not significant (P = 0.22). No postoperative urinary tract infection occurred in either group. In conclusions, postoperative BF significantly reduces TTD after LIH. Further studies may help to determine whether shorter postanesthesia care unit time and lower POUR rates associated with BF can lower LIH procedural costs and increase patient satisfaction.

How frequently and when do patients undergo cholecystectomy after bariatric surgery?

BACKGROUND: Rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with gallstone formation, and cholecystectomy is required in up to 15% of patients. Prophylactic cholecystectomy or prophylactic ursodiol administration in the postoperative period have been suggested to address this problem. The objectives of this study were to investigate the frequency and timing of cholecystectomies after bariatric surgery and to determine the associated risk factors in patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB), or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). METHODS: Data prospectively collected in an institutional database were analyzed. Differences among the 3 procedures and the effects of ursodiol administration, patient demographic characteristics, postoperative weight loss, and individual surgeon practices on cholecystectomy rates were examined. Survival analysis and proportional hazard models were used. RESULTS: Of 1398 patients, 109 (7.8%) underwent cholecystectomy with a median follow-up of 49 (range 12-103) months. Cholecystectomy frequency was 10.6% after LRYGB, significantly higher than 2.9% after LAGB (P < .001), and 3.5% after LSG (P = .004). The frequency was highest within the first 6 months (3.7%), but declined over time to < 1% per year after 3 years. Ursodiol administration did not affect cholecystectomy rates (P = .97), and significant intersurgeon variability was noted. Excess weight loss (EWL)>25% within the first 3 months was the strongest predictor of postoperative cholecystectomy (P<.001). Cox hazards model revealed 1.25 odds ratio per 10% EWL within 3 months, and odds ratio .77 per decade of life. In addition, white patients had 1.45 times higher cholecystectomy rates than did black patients. Preoperative body mass index, gender, and surgeon did not affect cholecystectomy rates. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery is associated with a low frequency of postoperative cholecystectomy, which is highest early after surgery and mainly determined by the amount of EWL within the first 3 months. The results of the present study do not support routine prophylactic cholecystectomy at the time of bariatric surgery in asymptomatic patients.

Does a calculated "NAFLD fibrosis score" reliably negate the need for liver biopsy in patients undergoing bariatric surgery?

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the USA. Biopsy has been the standard for determining fibrosis but is invasive, costly, and associated with risk. Previous studies report a calculated "NAFLD fibrosis scores" (cNFS) as a means to overcome the need for biopsy. We compared cNFS versus biopsy-pathological scoring for patients undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with available preoperative labs and patient information undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) surgery at a single institution over a 5.5-year period. Biopsy samples were blind scored by a single hepatopathologist and compared with scores calculated using a previously reported cNFS. RESULTS: Of the 225 patients that met the inclusion criteria, the mean body mass index was 44.6 ± 5.4 kg/m(2) and 85 % were female. Using the cNFS, 39.6 % of patients were categorized into low fibrosis, 52 % indeterminate, and 8.4 % high fibrosis groups. Analysis of fibrosis by pathology scoring demonstrated 2 of 89 (2.2 %) and 7 of 110 (3.4 %) had significant fibrosis in the low and intermediate groups, respectively. Conversely, in the high fibrosis group calculated by cNFS, only 6 of 19 (31.6 %) exhibited significant fibrosis by pathology scoring. CONCLUSIONS: No definitive model for accurately predicting presence of NAFLD and fibrosis currently exits. Furthermore, under no circumstances should a clinical "NAFLD fibrosis score" replace liver biopsy at this time for RYGBP patients.

Does patient compliance with preoperative bariatric office visits affect postoperative excess weight loss?

BACKGROUND: The amount of excess weight loss (EWL) achieved after bariatric surgery has varied considerably. Reliable preoperative predictors of the postoperative %EWL do not exist. Patient compliance with the physician recommendations has generally been believed to be important for long-term success after bariatric surgery, especially after gastric banding. We hypothesized that poor preoperative patient compliance with office visits, a likely indicator of overall compliance, would be associated with lower %EWL after bariatric surgery at a teaching hospital in the United States. METHODS: We performed an institutional review board-approved review of prospectively collected data from all patients undergoing bariatric surgery from 2007 to 2009. The patients were categorized into 2 groups: those who had missed <25% of all preoperative appointments at our bariatric center and those who had missed >25%. The average %EWL at 12 months between the 2 groups was compared using the unpaired t test separately for the gastric bypass and gastric banding patients. RESULTS: The gastric band patients with >25% missed appointments had lost 23% EWL at 12 months compared with 32% EWL for the gastric band patients who had missed <25% of their appointments (P = .01). No difference was found in the %EWL for the gastric bypass patients according to the missed preoperative appointments. The postoperative compliance was significantly poorer than preoperatively. CONCLUSION: The patients with a greater percentage of missed preoperative appointments had a lower postoperative %EWL at 1 year after gastric banding but not after gastric bypass. This information could prove useful during patient selection or when counseling patients about the type of bariatric surgery to pursue.

Insurance-mandated medical programs before bariatric surgery: do good things come to those who wait?

BACKGROUND: Insurance companies often require a mandated medical program (MMP) before bariatric surgery. It is unknown whether MMPs improve weight loss before and after surgery. The purpose of our study was to determine whether MMPs improve pre- and postoperative weight loss at a tertiary care, U.S. academic teaching hospital. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, data were collected prospectively from consecutive patients undergoing nonrevisional laparoscopic gastric bypass or adjustable gastric banding from August 2006 to 2010 by a single surgeon (T.S.K.). The patients were divided into 2 groups: those undergoing a MMP and those who did not. The MMP patients underwent a standardized program of ≥6 months' duration under the direction of our medical bariatricians and nutritionists. The data from the laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding patients were analyzed separately. The primary outcome data included the interval to surgery and the percentage of excess weight loss before surgery and at 6 and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 440 patients (327 laparoscopic gastric bypass and 113 laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding) were included in the present study. No significant difference was found in the preoperative percentage of excess weight loss or the percentage of excess weight loss at 6 and 12 months after surgery between the MMP and non-MMP patients. The MMP patients had a significantly longer wait time to surgery. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent a standardized MMP had a significant delay in their time to surgery and did not experience significant benefit in their preoperative or postoperative weight loss. Insurance companies should abandon the policy of mandating preoperative medical weight loss programs.

The importance of the length of the limbs for gastric bypass patients--an evidence-based review.

The ideal length of the gastric bypass limbs is debated. Recent evidence suggests that standard limb lengths used today have a limited impact on patient weight loss. Our objective was to appraise critically the available evidence on the influence of the length of gastric bypass limbs on weight loss outcomes. We systematically reviewed MEDLINE, the Cochrane database of evidence-based reviews, and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects for articles reporting the effect of gastric bypass length on outcomes published between 1987 and 2009. Four randomized controlled trials and several retrospective studies were identified and reviewed. Longer Roux limb lengths (at least 150 cm) were associated with a very modest weight loss advantage in the short term in superobese patients. No significant impact of alimentary limb length on weight loss for patients with body mass index (BMI) <50 was seen. When the length of the common channel approaches 100 cm, a significant impact on weight loss is observed. The currently available literature supports the notion that a longer Roux limb (at least 150 cm) may be associated with a very modest weight loss advantage in the short term in superobese patients but has no significant impact on patients with BMI ≤50. To achieve weight loss benefit due to malabsorption, bariatric surgeons should focus on the length of the common channel rather than the alimentary or biliopancreatic limbs when constructing a gastric bypass especially in the superobese population where failure rates after conventional gastric bypass are higher.

Failure of mesenteric defect closure after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Bowel obstructions following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are a significant issue often caused by internal herniation. Controversy continues as to whether mesenteric defect closure is necessary to decrease the incidence of internal hernias after RYGB. Our purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of closing the mesenteric defect at the jejunojejunostomy in patients who underwent RYGB by examining this potential space at reoperation for any reason. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients undergoing surgery after RYGB from August 1999 to October 2008 to determine the status of the mesentery at the jejunojejunostomy. RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent surgery 2 to 19 months after open (n=8) or laparoscopic (n=10) RYGB. All patients had documented suture closure of their jejunojejunostomy at the time of RYGB. Permanent (n=12) or absorbable (n=6) sutures were used for closures. Patients lost 23.6 kg to 62.1 kg before a reoperation was required for a ventral hernia (n=8), cholecystectomy (n=4), abdominal pain (n=4), or small bowel obstruction (n=2). Fifteen of the 18 patients had open mesenteric defects at the jejunojejunostomy despite previous closure; none were the cause for reoperation. CONCLUSION: Routine suture closure of mesenteric defects after RYGB may not be an effective permanent closure likely due to the extensive fat loss and weight loss within the mesentery.

Open-label, sham-controlled trial of an endoscopic duodenojejunal bypass liner for preoperative weight loss in bariatric surgery candidates.

BACKGROUND: The duodenojejunal bypass liner (DJBL) (EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner) is an endoscopically placed and removable intestinal liner that creates a duodenojejunal bypass resulting in weight loss and improvement in type 2 diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVE: Weight loss before bariatric surgery to decrease perioperative complications. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, sham-controlled trial. SETTING: Multicenter, tertiary care, teaching hospitals. PATIENTS: Twenty-one obese subjects in the DJBL arm and 26 obese subjects in the sham arm composed the intent-to-treat population. INTERVENTIONS: The subjects in the sham arm underwent an EGD and mock implantation. Both groups received identical nutritional counseling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The primary endpoint was the difference in the percentage of excess weight loss (EWL) at week 12 between the 2 groups. Secondary endpoints were the percentage of subjects achieving 10% EWL, total weight change, and device safety. RESULTS: Thirteen DJBL arm subjects and 24 sham arm subjects completed the 12-week study. EWL was 11.9% +/- 1.4% and 2.7% +/- 2.0% for the DJBL and sham arms, respectively (P < .05). In the DJBL arm, 62% achieved 10% or more EWL compared with 17% of the subjects in the sham arm (P < .05). Total weight change in the DJBL arm was -8.2 +/- 1.3 kg compared with -2.1 +/- 1.1 kg in the sham arm (P < .05). Eight DJBL subjects terminated early because of GI bleeding (n = 3), abdominal pain (n = 2), nausea and vomiting (n = 2), and an unrelated preexisting illness (n = 1). None had further clinical symptoms after DJBL explantation. LIMITATIONS: Study personnel were not blinded. There was a lack of data on caloric intake. CONCLUSIONS: The DJBL achieved endoscopic duodenal exclusion and promoted significant weight loss beyond a minimal sham effect in candidates for bariatric surgery. ( CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NPT00469391.).

Does liver appearance predict histopathologic findings: prospective analysis of routine liver biopsies during bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with morbid obesity. Liver biopsy is the reference standard for the diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It is unclear whether the macroscopic liver appearance correlates with the histopathologic findings. Our objective was to determine the relationship between the intraoperative liver appearance and the histopathologic findings during laparoscopic bariatric surgery at a tertiary medical center. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected from 108 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery with routine intraoperative liver biopsy. An intraoperative liver visual score was recorded according to the size, tan-speckling, and contour. The liver histologic findings were categorized into 3 groups: (1) normal; (2) bland steatosis; and (3) nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The liver visual score was compared with the liver histologic findings. A recorded video of the liver was regraded at a later date to determine observer agreement. RESULTS: The prevalence of NASH was 23% (n = 25). Of the 108 patients, 48% with NASH had normal-appearing livers and accounted for 24% (n = 12) of the 50 normal-appearing livers. A similar proportion of NASH cases was found in all 3 visual categories. Furthermore, no relationship was found between the number of abnormal visual cues and the liver histologic findings (P = .23). No complications were directly attributable to liver biopsy. The kappa values for intraobserver and interobserver agreement ranged from fair to almost perfect. CONCLUSION: NASH is common in the morbidly obese population. There does not appear to be a relationship between liver appearance and the histopathologic findings. Intraoperative liver biopsy is a safe and accurate method of diagnosing liver disease and should be considered in all morbidly obese patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

Bleeding duodenal ulcer after roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

Postoperative upper gastrointestinal bleeding, though rare, is a potentially fatal complication of gastric bypass surgery that usually occurs a few months postoperation. The current report describes a 57-year-old man with a bleeding duodenal ulcer who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery 12 years earlier. With an increasing number of gastric bypass surgeries performed each year, physicians must be aware of their patients' altered gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology-as well as the potential for pathophysiology.