Trends in Early Morbidity and Mortality after Sleeve Gastrectomy in Patients over 60 Years : Retrospective Review and Data Analysis of the German Bariatric Surgery Registry.

BACKGROUND: The population are getting older and obesity is growing. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is increasingly used worldwide but is still used with skepticism in the elderly. The purpose of our analysis is to judge the security of LSG in patients older than 60 years compared to patients younger than 60 years. METHODS: This retrospective review included data of all patients in Germany who underwent LSG between January 2005 and December 2016.The data were published online in the German Bariatric Surgery Registry. A total of 21,571 operations were gathered and divided into two groups: group I, patients < 60 years old; and group II, patients ≥ 60 years old. RESULTS: The total number of patients and the mean body mass index of group I and group II was 19,786, 51.7 ± 9.5 kg/m2 and 1771, 49.2 ± 8.1 kg/m2, respectively. Regarding comorbidities, group II suffered statistically significantly more comorbidities than group I (p < 0.001). The general postoperative complications were 4.9% in group I and 7.8% in group II (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in special postoperative complications (p = 0.048) and a slightly higher intraoperative complication rate in group II (2.2% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.048). Thirty-day mortality rate for group I versus II was 0.22% and 0.23% (p = 0.977), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LSG is a low-risk operation and safe surgical method with acceptable, not elevated perioperative morbidity and mortality rates in patients ≥ 60 years of age.

Does Certification as Bariatric Surgery Center and Volume Influence the Outcome in RYGB-Data Analysis of German Bariatric Surgery Registry.

AIM: To examine the association between the certification as bariatric surgery center and volume and patient outcome, data collected in the German Bariatric Surgery Registry were evaluated. All data were registered prospectively in cooperation with the Institute of Quality Assurance in Surgery at Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg. METHODS: Data collection began in 2005 for all bariatric procedures in an online database. Participation in the quality assurance study is required for all certified bariatric surgery centers in Germany. Descriptive evaluation and matched pairs analysis were performed. Patients were matched via propensity score taking into account BMI, age, and incidence of comorbidities. RESULTS: During the period from 2005 to 2013, 3083 male and 10,639 female patients were operated on with the RYGB primary approach. In Centers of Competence (77.2 %) and non-accredited hospitals (76.3 %), the proportion of female patients was significantly lower than in Centers of Reference/Excellence (78.7 %; p = 0.002). The mean age in Centers of Reference/Excellence (41.2 years) was significantly lower than in Centers of Competence (43.2 years; p < 0.05). Propensity score analysis was performed to compare matched patients with regard to BMI, age, and incidence of comorbidities. The rate of general and surgical postoperative complications and mortality rate was significantly lower in certified Centers of Reference/Excellence compared to Centers of Competence with 29 and non-certified hospitals. CONCLUSION: There is evidence of improved patient outcome in certified bariatric surgery centers with higher volume. The study supports the concept of certification. There are different factors which can and cannot be preoperatively modified and influence the perioperative outcome.

One versus two-step Roux-en-Y gastric bypass after gastric banding­data analysis of the German Bariatric Surgery Registry.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery outcomes have been examined in Germany since January 1, 2005. All data were registered prospectively in cooperation with the Institute of Quality Assurance in Surgery at the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg. METHODS: The data were collected from an online data bank. Data collection began in 2005 for gastric banding (GB) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) results. In addition to primary bariatric operations, data regarding the complications of revision procedures and redo operations were analyzed. Participation in the quality assurance study was required for all certified centers in Germany. RESULTS: RYGBs are a popular redo operation after failed gastric banding. In the German Bariatric Surgery Registry (GBSR), we analyzed data from 263 RYGB operations that used a one-step approach after GB and 116 operations that used a two-step approach. The leakage rates for primary RYGB decreased to 1.8%. The incidence of leakage after a one-step RYGB after GB was lower (1.9%) than after the two-step procedure (2.6%). CONCLUSION: RYGBs are popular procedures after failed GB in Germany. The multivariable analysis for overall intraoperative complications revealed a significant difference between the two-step and the one-step procedure. In an unadjusted and multivariate assessment, the one-step procedure had statistically lower general postoperative complications than the two-step approach. Therefore, we suggest performing band removal and RYGB as a one-step procedure. Further analysis is necessary to evaluate the risk factors for the one-step procedure. Follow-up investigations must be performed to determine whether RYGB is an effective and safe option after GB.

Influences of gender on complication rate and outcome after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: data analysis of more than 10,000 operations from the German Bariatric Surgery Registry.

BACKGROUND: Since 1 January 2005, bariatric surgery has been monitored in Germany. All related data are registered prospectively in cooperation with the Institute of Quality Assurance in Surgery at the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg. METHODS: Data collection regarding obesity and metabolic surgery was started in an online database in 2005. Follow-up data are collected once a year. Participation in the quality assurance study is voluntary. RESULTS: Since 2005, 10,330 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedures have been performed in Germany. In total, 8,013 patients were female and 2,317 were male. Male patients suffered significantly more comorbidities than female patients. The men also had higher body mass indexes (BMIs) and ages than the women at the time of operation. Data on the gender-specific aspects of RYGB from the Nationwide Survey of Bariatric Surgery in Germany (GBSR) showed a significant difference in anastomotic insufficiency at the gastro-entero-anastomosis. The leakage rate was 2.37 % (55/2,317) in men and 1.68 % (135/8,013) in women. Additionally, specific complication and mortality rates were significantly higher in male than in female patients. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic and obesity surgery is becoming increasingly popular in Germany. Data from the GBSR show significant differences in preoperative comorbidities and postoperative complication and mortality rates between male and female patients. There is a need for further evaluation of gender-specific aspects to optimize patient selection and reduce specific postoperative complications.

Are there gender-specific aspects of sleeve gastrectomy-data analysis from the quality assurance study of surgical treatment of obesity in Germany.

Since 1 January 2005, the situation of bariatric surgery has been examined in Germany. All data are registered prospectively in cooperation with the Institute of Quality Assurance in Surgery at the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg. Data are registered in an internet online database. Data collection on the results of sleeve gastrectomy was started in 2006. Follow-up data were collected once a year. Participation in the quality assurance study is voluntary. Since 2005, 3,125 sleeve gastrectomies have been performed in 80 hospitals. The number of procedures has increased from 1 in 2005 to 1,564 in 2010. Initially, the leakage rate was 7 % in 2007. The leakage rate dropped to 1.7 in 2010. The mean age of patients was 43.5 years and mean body mass index (BMI) was 52.03 kg/m(2). BMI and comorbidities are significantly higher in male than in female patients. The leakage rate in female patients was, at 1.60 %, significantly lower than in male patients, at 3.28 %. Sleeve gastrectomy is becoming more and more popular in Germany. But the postoperative complication rate is still high. Data from the nationwide survey of bariatric surgery in Germany show significant differences in preoperative comorbidities and complication rates between male and female patients. There is a need for further evaluation of gender-specific aspects to optimize patient selection and reduce specific postoperative complications.

Evidence of thromboembolism prophylaxis in bariatric surgery-results of a quality assurance trial in bariatric surgery in Germany from 2005 to 2007 and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Since January 1st, 2005, the current situation for bariatric surgery has been examined by means of a voluntary quality assurance study in Germany with a multicenter design in which 38 hospitals and surgical departments participated. The data are registered in cooperation with the Institute of Quality Assurance in Surgery at the Otto-von-Guericke University of Magdeburg (Germany). METHODS: Data describing peri-interventional characteristics were prospectively documented in an internet online data registry. All primary bariatric procedures performed since January 1st, 2005, were registered. In addition, reoperations in patients who had previously undergone primary surgical intervention were included. As a representative excerpt from the overall prospective multicenter observational study on obesity surgery, data on the type, regimen, and time course of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis were documented. From the number and spectrum of complications, the incidences of clinically manifest DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE) were derived during the in-hospital course and follow-up in conjunction with the type of surgical procedure and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Overall, 3,122 bariatric procedures were performed at 38 German hospitals between January 2005 and December 2007. These procedures were subdivided into 2,869 primary operations and 253 revisions (sex ratio, male to female = 25.6:74.4%). The average BMI of all patients was 48.5 kg/m(2) in 2005, 48.4 kg/m(2) in 2006, and 48.0 kg/m(2) in 2007. In 2005 and 2006, gastric banding (GB) was the most commonly performed operation, followed by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). In 2007, RYGBP was carried out in 42.1% of all bariatric procedures. Interestingly, the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was only 0.06%, whereas PE occurred in 0.06% of patients only after hospital discharge. The DVT prophylaxis protocol used has been changed for the last 2 years: the majority of patients with a BMI above 50 kg/m(2) received low-molecular-weight heparin twice a day. CONCLUSION: In Germany, a trend from GB to sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and malabsorptive approach has been evaluated. This trend is associated with differences of the DVT prophylaxis regimen in the profile of bariatric surgical patients depending on BMI and the type of bariatric procedure. Despite the low incidence of DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE) detected, there is a lack of evidence on a reasonable regimen for sufficient DVT prophylaxis in bariatric surgery; instead, there are only recommendations from the guidelines and statements of a specific medical society. Therefore, prospective studies are necessary to determine the optimal DVT prophylaxis for bariatric surgical patients as well as obese patients undergoing surgery.

Results of sleeve gastrectomy-data from a nationwide survey on bariatric surgery in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Beginning January 1, 2005, the status and outcomes of bariatric surgery were examined in Germany. Data are registered in cooperation with the An-Institute of quality assurance in surgery at the Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg. The objective of this study was to examine the morbidity and mortality rates secondary to sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in Germany since 2006. METHODS: Data collection occurred prospectively in an online data bank. All primary bariatric procedures performed were recorded as were all re-operations in patients that had already undergone a primary operation. Specific data compiled on the sleeve gastrectomy procedure were evaluated with a focus on operative details and complication rates. RESULTS: The total study cohort contains 3,122 patients. From January 2006 to December 2007, 144 sleeve gastrectomy procedures were performed in the 17 hospitals participating in the study. The mean body mass index (BMI) of all patients was 48.8 kg/m(2). The BMI of patients undergoing SG was 54.5 kg/m(2). In total, 73.8% of the patients were female and 26.2% of the patients were male. There were no significant differences between patients undergoing SG. The general complication rate after SG was 14.1%, and the surgical complication rate was 9.4%. The postoperative mortality rate was 1.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The complication rate during the first 2 years after SG in Germany is similar to that published in the literature. In order to improve the quality of bariatric surgery, an evaluation of data from a German multicenter trial is necessary to evaluate the position of SG in the bariatric algorithm.

Experiences of two centers of bariatric surgery in the treatment of intragastrale band migration after gastric banding-the importance of the German multicenter observational study for quality assurance in obesity surgery 2005 and 2006.

BACKGROUND: Adjustable silicone gastric banding (ASGB) is an effective treatment in morbid obesity. Band migration is a long-term complication. Causes, clinical symptoms, timing and incidence are investigated in single centres only. In Germany, since January 1st, 2005, practice in bariatric surgery has been investigated in German prospective multicenter trial for quality assurance in obesity surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients underwent ASGB in two centres of bariatric surgery in Germany were prospectively registered using a computer-based data form. Patients with band migration were retrospectively evaluated, in particular, causes and characteristics of its management. The results were correlated with data obtained from the German prospective multicentre trial. RESULTS: In total, 493 patients were enrolled in the study from February 1995 to February 2007. The follow-up rate was 79.9% (mean follow-up time period, 78.7 months; range, 2-148 months). Fifteen patients (3.0%) developed migration. In 14 cases, migration occurred within the range of 30-86 months after implantation. In one case, migration occurred 10 months after repositioning of the band. In the German multicentre trial, 629 patients underwent surgery during 2005 and 827 patients in 2006. In both periods, 74.4% of the patients were female and 25.6% male. The most frequently performed operation was ASGB (46.8%) followed by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (38.5%). CONCLUSION: Band migration requires band removal. Different symptoms and complications influence the kind of band removal. Multicentre data were evident in the case of high long-term complication rate after ASGB. Data of the German multicentre trial show the trend from restrictive bariatric procedures to malabsorptive approach.

Gastric cancer after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

A 63-year-old woman with BMI 46 underwent laparoscopic gastric banding. In the standardized follow-up after 14 and 24 months, the GI series and gastroscopy showed no pathological signs. The patient had hematemesis 32 months after gastric banding, followed by symptoms of obstruction, for which a laparotomy was performed. At operation, peritoneal carcinomatosis due to gastric cancer was found. Symptoms after bariatric procedures can be similar to symptoms of gastric or esophageal cancer. We believe that yearly postoperative gastroscopy is indicated to exclude pathological changes.

Rhabdomyolysis after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.

Rhabdomyolysis is an uncommon event in bariatric surgery. It can be caused by ischemia, crush injury, alcohol ingestion and drug intake, and as a consequence renal failure can develop. A few reports indicate that patients undergoing bariatric surgical intervention are at risk for rhabdomyolysis. A super-obese male (BMI 52 kg/m2) is reported, who underwent laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS). Operative time was 265 minutes, and the BPD/DS operation was uneventful. Post-operatively, the patient complained of pain in both hips and the left shoulder, and suffered oliguria. He was treated with fluids (isotonic saline), bicarbonate, and mannitol. Despite this, he developed renal failure, which subsequently required hemodialysis. The patient died from arrhythmia and cardiac arrest on the 8th postoperative day. Obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery are at risk of rhabdomyolysis. Prolonged compression of the muscles during the surgical intervention, in long laparoscopic procedures, predisposes to this complication.

[The iatrogenic small bowel perforation as a complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy]. / Die iatrogene Dünndarmperforation als Komplikation der laparoskopischen Cholezystektomie.

Having done 1 125 laparoscopic cholecystectomies we want to report an exceptional case of perioperative bowel lesion. The symptoms began with abdominal pain on the third postoperative day, followed by an evacuation of intestinal contents out of the Robinson-Drainage. The laparotomy showed a 4 mm lesion of the terminal ileum, which could be excised and closed. Any other complications were not recognized. The reason that caused the perforation could not be clarified. Possible mechanisms will be discussed.