Impact of Probiotics on Gastrointestinal Function and Metabolic Status After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Double-Blind, Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: Postoperative changes in gut microbiota may occur in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. In this study, we evaluate the impact of administering probiotic tablets on the gastrointestinal function and metabolic status of these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted from 2021 to 2022 on 135 Roux-en-Y surgery candidates. The intervention group underwent the surgical procedure and started receiving probiotic supplements (Familact Co.) 1 week after surgery; the control group received a placebo. The laboratory and anthropometric data were measured and analyzed before and 3 and 6 months after the intervention. GIQLI questionnaire was also used at the beginning and 6 months after the intervention to evaluate GI symptoms. RESULTS: We observed significantly reduced BMI in both groups after surgeries (P < 0.001). The levels of FBS and HbA1C were significantly lower in the probiotic group compared to the placebo in 3 months (P = 0.02 and P = 0.001, respectively) and 6 months (P < 0.001 for both) after the intervention. The levels of vitamin B12 increased significantly in the probiotic group (P < 0.001), and the values were substantially higher than the placebo group in 3 and 6 months (P < 0.001), respectively. Analysis of the GIQLI questionnaire before and 6 months after interventions also revealed significant improvement in the GIQLI score in both groups (P < 0.001 for probiotics and P = 0.03 for placebo). CONCLUSION: Probiotic supplement administration following RYGB improves patients' vitamin and metabolic profile, as well as GI function, although it cannot significantly affect weight loss.

Using Anthropometric and Demographic Factors to Predict Small Bowel Length to Prevent Malnutrition in Bariatric Surgery.

Background: Small bowel length measurements and estimation have high clinical importance, especially in bariatric surgeries to prevent postoperation malnutrition. This study aimed to investigate the possible correlation between demographic and anthropometric factors with small bowel length. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 150 patients that were candidates of abdominal surgeries. Anthropometric factors including age, gender, weight, height, body mass index, right wrist and waist circumstance, length of the right hand 2nd and 4th fingers and 2nd to 4th finger ratio, and length of the right hemithorax were obtained. Whole length of the small bowel was measured during surgery from the ligament of Treitz to the ileocecal junction between the mesenteric and antimesenteric border of the intestine. Results: The mean small bowel length was 5.45 ± 1.62 meters and significantly lower in women compared to men (P = 0.003) and had a significant direct relationship with height (r = 0.3, P < 0.001), an inverse relationship to 2nd to 4th finger ratio (= -0.34, P < 0.001). There were the same correlations between small intestine length with height and the 2nd to 4th finger ratio in open surgeries (P < 0.05). There was a correlation between age (r = 0.33, P = 0.032), weight (r= -0.60, P, 0.001), waist circumstance (r = -0.43, P = 0.004), and length of the right hemithorax (r = -0.47, P = 0.001). Conclusions: Using demographic and anthropometric factors, we could predict the small bowel length. These results could be further used in bariatric surgeries to avoid possible malnutrition.

Evaluation of the Incidence of the Esophagogastric Pre-Cancerous Mucosal Lesions after Bariatric Surgery.

Background: Bariatric surgery is associated with significant risk reduction for obesity-related and hormone-mediated cancers; however, few studies report gastric or esophageal cancer development after bariatric surgery. This study evaluates the incidence of pre-cancerous mucosal lesions one year after bariatric surgery. Materials and Methods: Eligible patients for omega-loop gastric bypass and classic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) underwent upper endoscopy before bariatric surgery and one year after the procedure. Several biopsies were obtained from esophagogastric mucosa, all of which were evaluated by pathologists regarding the development of any pre-cancerous lesion. Results: A total of 108 patients were included in the study. Seventy-one underwent omega bypass and 37 classic RYGB. Follow-up endoscopy indicated no dysplastic changes in esophagogastric mucosa one year after the surgery. The number of patients with gastric intestinal metaplasia was 22 and 25 before and after the surgery, respectively, which was not a statistically significant increase. Conclusion: Bariatric surgeries might not increase the risk of developing pre-cancerous lesions in the esophagogastric mucosa. Further epidemiological studies may help to establish this finding.

Bone Health after Bariatric Surgery: Consequences, Prevention, and Treatment.

One of the most critical complications of bariatric surgery (BS), which has been widely discussed recently, is its adverse effects on the health of the bones and skeletal system. Studies show that bone mineral density (BMD) decreases significantly in the early years after BS Nutritional deficiencies are a common complication of BS that can last for months to years after surgery. For example, calcium absorption will significantly reduce after BS The role of gut hormones, endocrine factors, and adipokines in altering bone metabolism should never be overlooked. The available information and guidelines emphasize the periodic evaluation of BMD in patients undergoing BS The method of measuring BMD after BS is essential. DXA and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) are two convenient methods for measuring BMD. Many studies indicate a more detailed study of microarchitecture and cortical and trabecular bone mass with the help of QCT. The overall risk of fractures increases years after BS There are some recommendations for overcoming the adverse effects of BS on bone health. Endurance and resistance exercise after BS can help to mitigate BMD reduction and bone changes. In this review, we will explain each of these points in detail.

Comparative Study of the Incidence of Port Site Infection in Disposable Ports and Reprocessed Disposable Ports in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Port site infection (PSI) is a rare complication of laparoscopic surgery that can reduce the benefits of this minimally invasive surgery and increase postoperative complications. As a variety of disposable ports (single-use ports) and reprocessed ports are used in laparoscopic surgeries, this study was conducted to compare the incidence of PSI in disposable ports and reprocessed disposable ports in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 473 patients were studied. Two hundred fifteen and two hundred fifty eight were in the disposable port group and reprocessed disposable port group, respectively. The demographic characteristics and incidence of superficial and deep infection were evaluated using the researcher-made checklist of infection assessment standards at intervals of 3 to 5 and 5 to 14 days following LC using call and physical examination on day 14. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and statistical tests in SPSS software. RESULTS: The incidence of PSI, 3 to 5 and 5 to 14 days after surgery in the reprocessed disposable port group was significantly higher than that in the disposable ports group. In both groups, all PSI accrued in the epigastric port area (where the gallbladder was removed) ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: On the basis of the results, our study suggests using disposable ports instead, and in the case of using reprocessed disposable ports in LC, upgrading of disinfection and sterilization techniques is necessary.

The Effect of Internal Mesh Fixation and External Fixation (Inguinal Hernia Truss) on Postoperative Complications in Patients with Inguinal Hernia Undergoing Totally Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Hernioplasty.

Background: The present study evaluated the effect of internal mesh fixation and external fixation (inguinal hernia truss) on postoperative complications in patients with inguinal hernia. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 64 patients that were candidates for inguinal hernia repair by laparoscopic method following the totally extraperitoneal procedure. These patients were randomly divided into two groups. In the first group, the mesh was fixed with a maximum of three absorbable tacks. In the second group, the inguinal hernia truss was used as the external fixation for 6 weeks immediately after the surgery. Results: The results revealed that seroma, neuralgia, and recurrence were observed with the values of 6.4%, 19.4%, and 3.2% in Group A and 3.3%, 13.3%, and 3.3% in Group B (P > 0.05). Moreover, patients' pain scores 1 week and 1 month after the surgery in Group B were significantly lower than those of Group A (P < 0.05). However, the mean pain score of patients was not different between the two groups 3 and 6 months after the surgery (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the duration of return to work in Group B with an average of 8.07 ± 3.09 days was less than that of Group A with the average of 9.65 ± 5.34 days (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The mentioned findings can trigger the use of external fixation and an inguinal hernia truss as a support for the abdominal wall to make the dream of not using a foreign body in the human body come true.

Bariatric Surgery in Migraine patients: CGRP Level and Weight Loss.

BACKGROUND: Obesity makes migraine more prevalent and severe. Serum level of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is associated with the severity of migraine attacks. Although the effect of weight and bariatric surgery has been studied on migraine, the role of CGRP in migraine remission after weight loss surgery needs more investigation. METHODS: Patients with severe obesity who were bariatric surgery candidates and had been diagnosed with chronic migraine were included in this study. Weight, BMI, number of days with headache in the past 3 months, and severity of headaches in 10-point Likert VAS, Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) and Migraine Specific Quality of life (MSQ) questionnaire scores, and serum CGRP levels were evaluated before and within 6-10 months after surgery. RESULT: Sixty patients with chronic migraine with severe obesity were included. Ninety-five percent of patients reported a significantly lower number of attacks (21 to 8, p < 0.001) and severity of headaches within 90-day (7.7 to 4.8, p < 0.001); MIDAS (64.4 to 25.5, p < 0.001) and MSQ scores (44.6 to 26.8, p < 0.001) and CGRP level (252.7 to 130.1, p < 0.001) were significantly reduced after surgery with a mean follow-up of 7.5 months. Changes in MIDAS, MSQ, and CGRP were significantly associated with weight-related variables. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery decreases the frequency of migraine attacks, lessens the severity of headaches, and improves the quality of life and disability as well as CGRP plasma levels, suggesting CGRP as a possible etiology in the migraine-obesity link.

A Comparative Study of the Effect of Two Procedures of Classic Roux-en-Y and Omega Bariatric Surgery on the Control and Management of Diabetes.

Background: Patient management after bariatric surgery is important in controlling patients' diabetes and recurrence prevention. This study aimed to meet the medical managements of patients with diabetes 6 months after the bariatric surgery. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 77 type 2 diabetes patients' candidates for bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y [RYGP] and Omega). Postoperative implementation protocol was one-third of insulin for patients taking long-term insulin and the discontinuation of medications for patients of oral antidiabetic agents. Blood glucose (BG) level was checked regularly by the patients at home and the necessary medical management was applied. The weight, BG and HbA1C levels, and use of oral antidiabetic agents and insulin were assessed and recorded before 1, 3, and 6 months after the surgery. Results: BG levels and HbA1C percentage in the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months after the intervention in Omega group were significantly lower than RYGB group (P value < 0.05). At 1 and 3 months after surgery, the mean insulin dose received by the Omega and RYGB groups was reduced to <30 units/day and 10 units/day, respectively, following the management protocol in this study. Moreover, 23.1% and 7.7% of patients in RYGB group and 12.1% and 3% of patients in Omega group took oral antidiabetic agents 1and 3 months after surgery, respectively. Insulin and oral antidiabetic agents were completely discontinued 6 months after the surgery. Conclusion: The long-term management and support of the patients by the implementation of a standard protocol after surgery are of great significance in obtaining the optimal outcome after bariatric surgery.

Assessment of Endothelial Function in Iranian Healthy Obese Patients after Bariatric Surgery.

Background: Endothelial function plays a critical role in cardiovascular homeostasis. Morbid obesity is associated with an enhanced risk of atherosclerosis and chronic inflammation. Bariatric surgery (BS) is a promising method used recently for weight loss; however, the number of studies that have examined the effect of BS on endothelial function is limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between endothelial function evaluated by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and weight loss after BS. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Isfahan, Iran, and included 40 healthy obese individuals who underwent BS as an intervention group and 40 healthy obese patients who did not undergo BS as a control group in a 6-month follow-up duration period. FMD as an indicator of endothelial function was evaluated in these participants. FMD <7.1% is considered abnormal. Results: There was no significant difference between control and BS groups in terms of age and body mass index (BMI) at baseline. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of FMD in the BS group pre- and post-intervention were 12.95 ± 6.90 and 37.65 ± 13.52 respectively and the mean ± SD of FMD in the control group were 15.88 ± 6.85 and 15.85 ± 5.83. The association between significant weight loss after BS and FMD was strongly significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that BS has been effective in terms of improving the FMD as an indicator of endothelial function.

Risk Factors for In-Hospital Mortality among Patients with Coronavirus-19 in Isfahan City, Iran.

Background: The aim of the study is to explore the risk factors of mortality for hospitalized patients in three designated hospitals in Isfahan province. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on all positive coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 patients admitted to Khorshid, Isabn Maryam, and Amin hospitals in Isfahan province. The demographic, clinical, laboratory, and outcome data of patients who were died or discharged from February 24, 2020, to April 18, 2020, were extracted from patient's medical records. Results: Overall 1044 COVID-19 patients were included in this analysis. Based on the findings of this study, older age (≥65 years) (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-3.76), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) history (aHR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.09-5.83), white blood cell (WBC) counts more than 10 × 10^3/L (aHR: 3.05; 95% CI: 1.42-6.55), Hb level <13 gr/L (aHR: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.34-5.93), bilateral pulmonary infiltrates (aHR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.12-3.64) at admission, development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (aHR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.01-3.47), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission (aHR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.04-4.18) during hospitalization were risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19. Conclusions: Multiple factors were found related to the severity and death among COVID-19 patients. We were found that older age (≥65 years) with COPD history, high level of WBC, low level of Hb (<13 g/L), bilateral pulmonary infiltrates at admission, development of ARDS, and ICU admission during hospitalization were identified as risk factors of death among COVID-19 patients. More related studies are needed in the future.

30-Day Morbidity and Mortality of Bariatric Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Multinational Cohort Study of 7704 Patients from 42 Countries.

BACKGROUND: There are data on the safety of cancer surgery and the efficacy of preventive strategies on the prevention of postoperative symptomatic COVID-19 in these patients. But there is little such data for any elective surgery. The main objectives of this study were to examine the safety of bariatric surgery (BS) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to determine the efficacy of perioperative COVID-19 protective strategies on postoperative symptomatic COVID-19 rates. METHODS: We conducted an international cohort study to determine all-cause and COVID-19-specific 30-day morbidity and mortality of BS performed between 01/05/2020 and 31/10/2020. RESULTS: Four hundred ninety-nine surgeons from 185 centres in 42 countries provided data on 7704 patients. Elective primary BS (n = 7084) was associated with a 30-day morbidity of 6.76% (n = 479) and a 30-day mortality of 0.14% (n = 10). Emergency BS, revisional BS, insulin-treated type 2 diabetes, and untreated obstructive sleep apnoea were associated with increased complications on multivariable analysis. Forty-three patients developed symptomatic COVID-19 postoperatively, with a higher risk in non-whites. Preoperative self-isolation, preoperative testing for SARS-CoV-2, and surgery in institutions not concurrently treating COVID-19 patients did not reduce the incidence of postoperative COVID-19. Postoperative symptomatic COVID-19 was more likely if the surgery was performed during a COVID-19 peak in that country. CONCLUSIONS: BS can be performed safely during the COVID-19 pandemic with appropriate perioperative protocols. There was no relationship between preoperative testing for COVID-19 and self-isolation with symptomatic postoperative COVID-19. The risk of postoperative COVID-19 risk was greater in non-whites or if BS was performed during a local peak.

Pregnancy Less Than 1 Year After the Bariatric Surgery: Is It Really Safe?

PURPOSE: The time interval between bariatric surgery and pregnancy is controversial. In this study, we report and compare the outcomes of pregnancy from two groups of bariatric surgery (BS) patients who became pregnant less than 12 months (early) and above 12 months (late) after surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this retrospective study, women of reproductive age who became pregnant after BS between 2010 and 2019 were reviewed, allocated into two groups, and compared. Perinatal care was provided as standards and continued at monthly intervals by a gynecologist. Demographic data, pregnancy-related events, results of any screening tests in each trimester, the reports of all ultrasonographies, and lab data were extracted from their medical documents. Chi-square and t-test were used for analysis. RESULTS: Four hundred seventy-seven out of 1046 participants were of reproductive age. 12 and 37 women were put in early and late pregnancy groups, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the rate of maternal complications, outcomes of pregnancies, and the rate of fetal and neonatal problems in pregnancies conceived during the first vs. second year postbariatric surgery. 91.6% of the patients with early pregnancy had at least one perinatal/neonatal finding. Mean neonatal birth weight was 2610 ± 152 and 2881 ± 315 g in early and late pregnancy groups, respectively. Patients with early pregnancy were not at significantly higher odds for any pregnancy-related or neonatal complications. CONCLUSION: The rate of maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications in pregnancies conceived during the first vs. second postbariatric year were indifferent.

The effect of home care on readmission and mortality rate in patients with diabetes who underwent general surgeries.

BACKGROUND: More than one-half of people with diabetes need at least one surgery in their lifespan. Few studies have addressed how to manage the needs of these patients after discharge from the hospital. The present study is designed to determine the effect of home care on readmission of Type 2 diabetic patients who underwent surgical procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a randomized clinical trial. Sixty-nine patients with Type 2 diabetes undergoing surgery were assigned to the intervention and control groups via blocking order in the selected educational hospitals of Isfahan 2019. Home care was performed for 3 months with interprofessional team approach. Data collection tools were re-admission checklist. Data were entered in SPSS software version 23 and were analyzed by nonparametric tests. RESULTS: The background characteristics in the intervention and control groups were not different. The frequency of readmission in the control and intervention groups from the time of discharge until 3 months later was 25.7% and 18.9%, respectively. Frequency of readmission in the intervention and control groups was not significant in 3 months from discharge, P > 0.05. The mortality rate was 11.4% and 0% in control and intervention groups, respectively, P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: It can be argued that continued home care can decrease the rate of readmission and mortality rate in patients with Type 2 diabetes who will discharge from surgical wards.

Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in a Patient with COVID-19: A Case Report.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) presents clinical manifestations similar to the influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV), and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV). However, in the course of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), various pathological complications of high clinical significance have remained unknown. Impaired blood supply to the visceral vascular system can cause serious life-threatening acute damage. We report a case of extensive acute mesenteric ischemia associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed in a patient hospitalized in Amin Hospital - a COVID-19 referral center in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. This case highlights the importance of paying attention to serious and less common or less known clinical manifestations other than fever, dry cough, dyspnea, and myalgia.

The Early Results of the Laparoscopic Mini-Gastric Bypass/One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass on Patients with Different Body Mass Index.

Introduction. Obesity is among the newest health matters that human beings are struggling with. Length of bypassed intestine is important in achievement of most weight loss and least nutritional and absorptive disorders. This study has aimed to assess short-term metabolic and nutritional effects of laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass/one anastomosis gastric bypass (MGB/OAGB) with a loop bypass length of 180 centimeters (cm) and compare these factors among patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40-45 and 45-50 kilograms per square meter (kg/m2). Methods: 25 patients were put in group 1 (BMI = 40-45 kg/m2) and 25 patients in group 2 (BMI = 45-50 kg/m2). Patients' BMI, postoperative weight, excess weight loss, and laboratory tests including fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profile, serum iron (Fe), ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), 25-OH vitamin D, vitamin B12, liver function tests, and albumin were recorded preoperatively and within 3- and 6-month follow-up. Results: Weight loss and BMI reduction was significantly more in patients with higher BMI level (P=0.007), and excess weight loss was higher in patients with lower preoperative BMI level (P=0.007), and excess weight loss was higher in patients with lower preoperative BMI level (P=0.007), and excess weight loss was higher in patients with lower preoperative BMI level (. Conclusion: Based on this study, 180-cm intestinal bypassed length works for patients with a BMI level of 40-45 and 45-50 kg/m2, according to their significant decrease in weight, BMI, and improving glycolipid profile.

The effect of Punica granatum L. flower extract on post-surgical peritoneal adhesions in a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: Peritoneal adhesions may develop after every abdominopelvic surgery. Many agents and technical modifications have been investigated to minimize adhesions. Punica granatum (pomegranate) flower has some anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects that would reduce the formation of peritoneal adhesions. In the present study, the effects of different doses of oral Punica granatum flower extract on postoperative peritoneal adhesions were evaluated in a rat model. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-two female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: one control group (CG) and three experimental groups, treated with 100 (EG100), 200 (EG200), and 400 (EG400) mg/kg/day Punica granatum extract orally for eight days. Induction of peritoneal adhesions was done in all groups using the same method. Two weeks after the first surgery, all rats re-operated and adhesions were evaluated via both macroscopic and microscopic changes. RESULTS: We observed that rats in the control group had statistically higher adhesion area and more severe adhesions when compared to all experimental groups. Besides, those in the EG-400 group had a significantly lower rate of foreign body reaction in serosal layer when compared to the other three study groups. Other microscopic findings were comparable between the four groups. CONCLUSION: Administration of the oral Punica granatum flower extract was associated with a decreased quantity and quality of the adhesions in the animal model of rat in this study. This therapy might be an effective and safe strategy to reduce intraperitoneal adhesion after abdominal surgeries in animal models.

Reversing One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Surgery due to Severe and Refractory Hypoalbuminemia.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic one-anastomosis gastric bypass (LOAGB) has to be reverse under some circumstances. This study is aimed to introduce and review a series of LOAGB cases that had to be reversed to normal anatomy due to severe hypoalbuminemia and its related symptoms after a few months. METHODS: Patients who had LOAGB from 2014 to 2018 and then reversed after some months were included in this study. Their first and second surgical data were collected and reviewed for important and relevant information. RESULTS: From 846 cases of LOAGB, 12 patients reversed after a mean of 12.1 months. All of them were women with mean age of 46 years. All of the gastrojejunostomy anastomosis had been made 200 cm after the Treitz ligament, and all of the patients had at least 250 cm common channel. The mean excess body mass index loss before the reversal surgery was 107.7%. None patients lost or died during the study. CONCLUSION: Regarding anastomosis, 200 cm from Treitz ligament is not suitable for all of the patients and common channel more than 250 cm cannot prevent hypoalbuminemia. The surgeon should decide as quickly as possible whether his/her patients need reversal surgery or not. Appropriate patients should be selected for LOAGB.

Comparison of the Bile Reflux Frequency in One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most acceptable procedures in bariatric surgery is laparoscopic gastric bypass. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a common technique used in bariatric surgery. Recently, one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) has been suggested as a simple, fast, and effective technique for obesity treatment. This study aims to compare the frequency of histologically proven bile reflux in OAGB and RYGB among patients with morbid obesity. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was performed from 2015 to 2017 in the Department of Bariatric Surgery of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Patients who had undergone RYGB or OAGB surgery were enrolled. Patients who had undergone revisional surgery were excluded. Data on demographics, symptoms, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, endoscopic, and histologic findings (based on the Sydney bile reflux index) of bile reflux and postoperative complications were collected and compared for the two techniques. RESULTS: A total of 122 obese patients (22 males) who had undergone RYGB or OAGB surgery were included. The Sydney bile reflux index showed no statistically significant difference between RYGB and OAGB groups. Similarly, no statistically significant difference was found in the self-reported history of bile reflux-related symptoms, bile reflux markers in esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and postoperative complications between groups. CONCLUSIONS: OAGB and RYGB appear to be equal with respect to postoperative complications, bile reflux frequency, bile reflux index, and the Sydney system score.

Bronchial stump closure with amniotic membrane in animal model.

BACKGROUND: Coverage of the bronchial stumps (BSs) with adjacent tissues can improve healing and reduce bronchial complications in complex thoracic surgery. There is no evidence for the application of human amnion allograft for prevention of air leak from the BS. The comparison of the amniotic membrane (AM) and pleural patch for BS healing after lobectomy in dogs was our aim in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of eight males and females 12-24-month-old dogs between 17 and 22 kg body-weight were used in this study in 2010, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Animals were separated into two groups: group A (n = 4; amniotic membrane) and group P (n = 4; pleural patch) according to the BS closure technique performed. After lobectomy of the right middle lobe, the BS was closed, while a small bronchopleural fistula (BPF) was created by inserting a catheter via edges of closed stump. Then, it was covered with a piece of AM3 × 3 cm in group A and with a pedicle graft of pleura in group P. Rethoracotomy was performed after 15 days of observation, and the BS was removed for histological examination. Histological healing was classified as complete or incomplete healing. Neoangiogenesis was measured by Von Willebrand expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Data were analyzed by SPSS version 15 using Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney test, and T tests. RESULTS: BPF complications were not seen during observation period. There was no significant difference in histological healing between two groups. Similarly, no significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of neoangiogenesis based on IHC examination (P value = 0.69). CONCLUSION: Human amnion allograft could be as effective as pleural patch for BS wrapping following pulmonary resections.

How effective are alprostadil and hydrocortisone on reperfusion injury in kidney after distant organ ischemia?

BACKGROUND: After reestablishment of blood flow to ischemic limb recirculation of free radicals may cause ischemia-reperfusion injury in many organs. This study designed to investigate effects of hydrocortisone and alprostadil distant injury to kidneys by both measuring biochemical markers of oxidative stress and histopathologic examination in an experimental rat model of hind limb ischemia-reperfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study conducted in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences during 2011-2012. Ischemia was established by infra renal aortic clamping for 60 min in 32 male Wistar rats. Animals were divided into those receiving alprostadil (group ischemia-reperfusion plus alprostadil (IR/A), n = 8), those receiving hydrocortisone (group ischemia-reperfusion plus hydrocortisone (IR/H), n = 8), control group (group ischemia-reperfusion (IR), n = 8), and sham group (n = 8). After 120 min of reperfusion both kidneys were removed. Levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) as indirect markers of oxidative injury was measured. Finally all data in different groups were compared using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. RESULTS: Administration of alprostadil or hydrocortisone does not improve the biochemical parameters of oxidative injury including MDA and SOD. However, statistically significant difference was seen in GSH level among sham and IR groups. Mean (± standard deviation (SD)) concentration of GSH in IR, IR/A, IR/H, and sham groups were 1028.77 (72.65), 924.82 (70.66), 1000.28 (108.77), and 846.69 (163.52), respectively (P = 0.015). Histopathological study of specimens did not show any significant changes between groups. CONCLUSION: Alprostadil and hydrocortisone do not improve the kidney GSH, SOD, and MDA level and kidney releases its GSH reserve during ischemia-reperfusion event, and another point is that, 3 h of ischemia-reperfusion does not develop injury in kidney.