GORD and Barrett's oesophagus after bariatric procedures: multicentre prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) after bariatric surgery is a debated topic. This study investigated the prevalence of GORD and associated oesophageal complications following bariatric procedures-namely, adjustable gastric banding (AGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). METHODS: This was a prospective multicentre study designed to evaluate the long-term effects of bariatric surgery on GORD. Patients were studied at baseline, at >10 years following AGB, SG, and RYGB, and at >3 years following OAGB (due to the more recent recognition of OAGB as a standard bariatric procedure). Patients were assessed by endoscopy and GORD symptom evaluation. RESULTS: A total of 241 patients were enrolled. A minimum follow-up of 10 years was completed by 193 patients following AGB (57 patients), SG (95 patients), and RYGB (41 patients), and of >3 years by 48 subjects following OAGB. GORD symptoms increased following AGB and SG (from 14 to 31.6 per cent and from 26.3 to 58.9 per cent, respectively; P < 0.0001), improved following RYGB (from 36.6 to 14.6 per cent; P < 0.0001), and were unchanged following OAGB. The overall prevalence of erosive oesophagitis was greater in the SG group (74.7 per cent) than in the AGB (42.1 per cent), RYGB (22 per cent), and OAGB (22.9 per cent) groups (P < 0.0001). Barrett's oesophagus was found only in patients who had SG (16.8 per cent). Biliary-like gastric stagnation was found in a greater proportion of SG and OAGB patients (79.7 and 69.4 per cent, respectively) than in other treatment groups (P < 0.0001). The prevalence of biliary-type reflux into the oesophagus was higher in patients who underwent SG (74.7 per cent), compared with other treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery leads to gastro-oesophageal complications of variable severity, particularly SG, which can result in a large proportion of patients developing Barrett's oesophagus.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)-related oesophageal sequelae following bariatric surgery confirm the importance of postoperative endoscopic surveillance in early detection of such conditions. Sleeve gastrectomy was shown to be correlated with the highest prevalence of GORD, biliary-type gastric and oesophageal reflux, and erosive oesophagitis. This, in turn, appeared to be responsible for the high number of cases of Barrett's oesophagus found in this group of patients. Adjustable gastric banding displayed minimal effectiveness in terms of weight loss, along with a high number of reoperations, also due to band-related complications. The study showed one-anastomosis gastric bypass to be associated with a high percentage of subjects who developed often severe inflammation of the gastrojejunal anastomosis or of the gastric pouch, as a consequence of chronic biliary-type duodenogastric reflux. Finally, our results suggest that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass could represent the most 'reliable' bariatric procedure in terms of GORD resolution, and the only operation not requiring any reintervention in our cohort of patients. Each surgical procedure leads to gastro-oesophageal modifications of variable extent, which need to be taken into consideration when selecting the designated bariatric operation.

Small Bowel Obstruction After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Caused by Hemobezoar: A Case Series and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: The development of an intraluminal blood clot (hemobezoar), represents a rare cause (0.05% to 1.9%) of small bowel obstruction (SBO) after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). We present a case series of 6 cases of SBO caused by hemobezoar. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospective database including patients who underwent LRYGB from January 2010 to December 2019 has been performed. All the patients who underwent reoperation because of an SBO caused by an intraluminal blood clot were included in the present study. RESULTS: Six of 843 LRYGB patients developed an hemobezoar (0.71%). Primary LRYGB was uneventful in all cases. SBO symptoms developed after a mean interval of 26.6 hours from the primary procedure. All reoperations were performed with the laparoscopic approach. In all cases, the hemobezoar was located at the level of the jejunojejunal anastomosis (JJA) and was removed through an enterotomy performed at the distal end of the biliopancreatic stump. Three postoperative complications occurred: 1 ab-ingestis pneumonia, 1 leak of the JJA requiring further reoperation, and 1 pelvic abscess treated with radiologic drainage. The mean hospital stay was 11 days. DISCUSSION: SBO due to hemobezoar is a rare but worrisome early complication after LRYGB. It almost always affects the JJA and requires a prompt diagnosis to avoid dreadful sequelae. In the absence of anastomotic leak or stenosis, surgical management may consist of the removal of the blood clot without refashioning the anastomosis and it may be accomplished with the laparoscopic approach.

Intussusception After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Laparoscopic Management.

INTRODUCTION: Intussusception represents an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction after Rouxen-Y gastric bypass. Symptoms are not specific and clinical presentation may vary from acute intestinal obstruction with or without bowel necrosis to intermittent or chronic pain. CT scan is the diagnostic test of choice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 38-year-old woman who had undergone RYGBP 5 months prior was admitted to our Emergency Department with acute abdominal pain, alimentary and bilious vomiting, and fever. A CT scan revealed an intussusception after the anastomosis and dilatation of the biliopancreatic limb and the gastric remnant. An emergency laparoscopic exploration was performed. RESULTS: The patient undergoes an explorative laparoscopy. A bowel intussusception starting distally at the jejunojejunostomy and involving the latter is discovered. The common channel is divided first, and after that, the alimentary limb is resected. The biliary limb is identified, marked, and finally divided. A side-to-side jejunojejunal anastomosis is created between the alimentary limb and the common limb. Finally, the anastomosis between the common limb and the biliopancreatic limb is fashioned about 30 cm distally from the latter anastomosis. The total operative time was 130 min. Postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day. CONCLUSION: Although rare, intussusception after RYGBP must be considered as a possible cause of intestinal obstruction. In case of a small bowel intussusception, a surgical resection is recommended. A laparoscopic approach to treat bowel intussusception after RYGBP is safe and feasible.

Large Hemobezoar Causing Acute Small Bowel Obstruction After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Laparoscopic Management.

The present video shows the laparoscopic management of an acute small bowel obstruction (ASBO) after a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGBP), due to the development of an intraluminal hemobezoar involving the jejuno-jejunostomy (j-j). On the first postoperative day (POD), the patient presented persistent abdominal pain, sense of fullness, nausea, and vomiting with traces of blood. The abdominal tube drained a small amount of serous fluid, while blood tests revealed a mild leukocytosis and a slight decrease of the hemoglobin. A CT scan showed the dilation of the excluded stomach, duodenum, and both the alimentary and biliopancreatic limbs. The transition point was located in the common limb, just beyond the j-j, which was dilated by a fluid collection with the radiological aspect of a blood clot. The patient underwent an emergency laparoscopy which confirmed the preoperative radiological findings. An enterotomy was performed at the biliopancreatic stump, and the blood clot was pulled out by suction. The enterotomy was then closed by means of a linear stapler. Postoperative course was uneventful, except for the development of low-grade pneumonia. The patient was discharged on POD 8. ASBO is a worrisome postoperative complication of RYGBP. Although rare, the development of intraluminal hemobezoar should always be considered as a possible cause of ASBO. Laparoscopic management is feasible and effective and does not necessarily entail the complete revision of the j-j.

Laparoscopic Management of Internal Hernia After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Internal hernia (IH) represents the most common cause of small-bowel obstruction after laparoscopic RYGBP. The anatomic changes resulting from RYGBP, the use of laparoscopy, and the postoperative weight loss all account for the high incidence of IH after this procedure. As the symptoms may be very vague, the interpretation of the clinical picture may result difficult. Moreover, laparoscopic treatment of IH could be very challenging for surgeons not familiar with the modified intestinal anatomy of the RYGBP. METHODS: The video shows the management of an IH at the Petersen's defect. A 51-year-old female was assessed for recurrent abdominal pain 3 years after a RYGBP. A CT scan showed the mesenteric swirl sign, so a diagnostic laparoscopy was performed. The video first shows the identification of the herniated bowel through the mesenteric defect. Then, complete reduction of the IH and the closure of the Petersen's defect are shown. RESULTS: The total operative time was 35 min. The postoperative stay was uneventful and the patient was discharged in postoperative day one. CONCLUSION: In case of clinical suspicion of IH, even in case of normal laboratory and radiological findings, a surgical exploration is indicated.

Laparoscopic Conversion of One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Chronic Bile Reflux.

BACKGROUND: One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) demonstrated similar results to traditional Roux-en-Y procedures. A possible concern is how to manage a chronic bile reflux when medical therapy results ineffective. Revision of the gastro-jejunal anastomosis, obtaining a Roux-en-Y reconstruction, has already been proposed, but technical details have not been elucidated yet. This video shows how to revise a 200-cm OAGB to treat chronic bile reflux, by converting the procedure to Roux-en-Y, having a short gastric pouch and a long efferent limb. METHODS: A 51-year-old patient complained of recurrent heartburns 2 months after OAGB. A gastroscopy witnessed the presence of a 6-cm long gastric pouch with pouchitis and bile reflux in esophagus. Specific medications were ineffective. He underwent a revisional laparoscopic procedure. The efferent limb was measured and consisted of 650 cm. The afferent limb was then divided next to the previous gastro-jejunal anastomosis and a jejuno-jejunal anastomosis was performed distally at 70 cm on the alimentary limb. RESULTS: Total operative time was 50 min. The postoperative stay was uneventful and the patient was discharged in postoperative day four. At 6 months follow-up he is still free of medications without symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The ideal scenario for the presented technique is the finding of a long efferent limb, in order to fashion a Roux-en-Y limb without the risk of postoperative malabsorption. To reach this goal, we suggest the measurement of the whole small bowel intra-operatively, in order to assess the length of the common channel left in place.

Visceral fat and body composition changes in a female population after RYGBP: a two-year follow-up by DXA.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to monitor the impact of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) on body composition over a 24-month period by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). METHODS: Forty-one women (40.6 ± 10.0 years old; 42.6 ± 6.6 kg/m(2)) entering a bariatric surgery programme were submitted to whole-body DXA (Lunar iDXA) before treatment and after 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Fat mass (FM), non-bone lean mass (LM), bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) were measured at whole body and regionally. Android visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was estimated by a recently validated software. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (44.3 ± 11.8 years old; BMI, 45.4 ± 8.9 kg/m(2)) concluded the study. Following surgery, the progressive decrease of BMI was associated with reduced whole-body and regional FM. LM showed a moderate decrease at 3 months and stabilized thereafter. A progressive decrease of total FM/LM and android FM/LM ratios were observed in the 3- to 6-month (-19.1 ± 8.4 % and -26.5 ± 10.9 %, respectively; p < 0.0001) and 6- to 12-month periods (-23.5 ± 16.8 % and -29.4 ± 23.9 %, respectively; p < 0.0001). VAT was the parameter showing the largest decrease (-65.6 ± 17.5 % at 12 months; p < 0.0001). Two years after the surgery, a slight but significant decrease of total and regional LM was observed, without any significant change in BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Body composition significantly changes after RYGBP with a metabolically healthier redistribution of total and regional FM and a positive balance of FM/LM variation. DXA should be considered as a valid supplementary tool for the clinical assessment and follow-up in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography for choledocholithiasis after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Gallstones are a common condition in bariatric patients after a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). The management of ductal stones is challenging due to the altered gastrointestinal anatomy. Various techniques have been reported to manage bile duct stones. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present the successful percutaneous trans hepatic management of common bile duct stones after LRYGB. One year after a LRYGB for morbid obesity, a 59-year-old female presented with acute cholecystitis. One month after laparoscopic cholecystectomy a 1cm calculus was found within the distal CBD and patient underwent a percutaneous trans hepatic cholangiography under local anesthetic. This involved a right sided anterior segmental duct puncture. With the sphincter dilated to 10mm, a balloon catheter was used to push the stone into the duodenum leaving an internal- external drain. Patient recovered completely at follow up. DISCUSSION: Patients with morbid obesity have a higher incidence of gallstones. After LRYGB, the altered anatomy does not allow the conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for choledocholithiasis. Various techniques have been reported as means of managing bile duct stones in LRYGB patients. These include a double balloon enteroscope-assisted ERCP, laparoscopic transgastric ERCP, laparoscopic or open biliary surgery and interventional radiology. We report a non-surgical approach using percutaneous transhepatic technique under local anesthetic that resulted effective and could be applied more extensively. CONCLUSION: Due to the increase of global obesity, bariatric centers need to strategically plan resources such as interventional radiology in order to manage post LRYGB choledocholithiasis safely, efficiently and in a cost effective manner.

Unexpected changes in the gastric remnant in asymptomatic patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on vertical banded gastroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study are to evaluate the macroscopic and microscopic changes in the remnant stomach at mid-term follow-up of patients who underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on vertical banded gastroplasty (RYGB-on-VBG). The stomach could be reached through a 1.1-cm gastro-gastrostomy with an endoscope of standard size. METHODS: From January 2009 to July 2010, 51 asymptomatic patients at 4 and 5 years follow-up after RYGB-on-VBG submitted to upper endoscopy. All of them were examined with standard endoscopy with collection of biopsies in gastric fundus, body, and antrum. The macroscopic and microscopic findings were analyzed according to Sydney Classification. RESULTS: The endoscopy of the remnant stomach was technically easy and already showed on macroscopic examination 90 % cases of gastritis (41.2 % mild, 49 % severe) with tendency of severity in the distal stomach part. Histological analysis detected 39.2 % of active gastritis, 50.6 % of quiescent gastritis, 7.8 % of intestinal metaplasia, and 3.9 % of lymphoma-like gastritis. CONCLUSIONS: The results surprised us. We found a very high rate of mucosa abnormalities after RYGB-on-VBG. All of the patients have to be regularly controlled in follow-up and treatment has to be introduced when needed. Again, we would like to ask the question: what is happening with the remnant stomach after standard RYGB, banded gastric bapass, or minigastric bypass? Did we reach the time to answer the question?

Clinical and instrumental evaluation of pelvic floor disorders before and after bariatric surgery in obese women.

BACKGROUND: Obesity, well known as a risk factor for several diseases, can also lead to pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). However, scant data are available regarding PFD in obese individuals. Our study was designed to assess the prevalence, severity, and the quality of life (QOL) effect of PFD in obese women before and after bariatric surgery at a university hospital in Italy. METHODS: A total of 100 obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m(2)) women completed 6 validated specific and QOL questionnaires about PFD. The patients were evaluated by physical examination, endoanal ultrasonography, rectal balloon distension test, and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging. Of the 100 patients, 87 were reassessed 12 months after bariatric surgery. RESULTS: The prevalence of PFD was 81%, and 49% of patients reported that their symptoms adversely affected their QOL. Urinary incontinence (UI) was the most common disorder (61%) and was associated with the BMI (P = .04). Fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse symptoms were reported by 24 and 56 patients, respectively. Urogenital prolapse and rectocele was documented in 15% and 74% of patients, respectively. After a mean BMI reduction of 10 kg/m(2), the prevalence of PFD decreased to 48% (P = .02), with a significant improvement in QOL. The prevalence of UI decreased to 9.2% (P = .0001) and was associated with the decrease in postoperative BMI (P = .04). The rate of resolution of the symptoms was 84%, 85%, and 74% for UI, fecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse, respectively. CONCLUSION: In the present sample of obese women, PFD was common and adversely affected their QOL. A clear association was found between the BMI and UI. Weight loss resulted in improved UI, fecal incontinence, and symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse.

Bariatric Revisionary Surgery for Failed or Complicated Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG): Comparison of VBG Reoperation (re-VBG) versus Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass-on-VBG (RYGB-on-VBG).

Background. Revision of failed bariatric procedures is a significant challenge for bariatric surgeons, because of the increasing number of recurring morbid obesity or complications, especially in patients with a previous Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG). Methods. Since November 1998, 109 patients with failed or complicated VBG were followed in a retrospective study. 49 patients underwent re-VBG and, since 2004, 60 underwent Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass-on-Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (RYGB-on-VBG). Results. At 3 years follow-up, mean BMI decreased from 37.4 to 31.2 Kg/m(2) in the first group, and from 35.0 to 28.4 Kg/m(2) in the second. Early complications were 7 (14.3%) in the first group and 4 (6.5%) in the second; late complications were 33 (59.1%) and 11 (18.3%), respectively. Conclusion. Although both operations seem to be effective as bariatric revision procedures in terms of BMI, the mid-term outcomes of RYGB-on-VBG demonstrate the lowest rate of complications and better quality of life.