Side-to-side magnetic duodeno-ileostomy in adults with severe obesity with or without type 2 diabetes: early outcomes with prior or concurrent sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Conventional metabolic/bariatric surgical anastomoses with sutures/staples may cause severe adverse events (AEs). OBJECTIVES: The study aim was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of primary and revisional side-to-side duodeno-ileostomy (DI) bipartition using a novel magnetic compression anastomosis device (Magnet Anastomosis System [MS]). SETTING: Multicenter: private practices and university hospitals. METHODS: In patients with body mass index ([BMI, kg/m2] ≥35.0 to ≤50.0 with/without type 2 diabetes [T2D] glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1C > 6.5 %]), two linear MS magnets were delivered endoscopically to the duodenum and ileum with laparoscopic assistance and aligned, initiating magnet fusion and gradual DI (MagDI). The MagDI-after-SG group had undergone prior sleeve gastrectomy (SG); the MagDI + SG group underwent concurrent SG. AEs were graded by Clavien-Dindo Classification (CDC). RESULTS: Between November 22, 2021 and May 30, 2023, 43 patients (88.0% female, mean age 43.7 ± 1.3 years) underwent the study procedures. The MS met feasibility criteria of magnet device placement, creation of patent anastomoses confirmed radiologically, and magnet passage in 100.0% of patients. There were 64 AEs, most were CDC grade I and II, significantly fewer in the MagDI-after-SG group (P < .001). No device-related AEs including anastomotic leakage, bleeding, obstruction, infection, or death. The MagDI-after-SG group experienced 6-month mean weight loss of 8.0 ± 2.5 kg (P < .01), 17.4 ± 5.0% excess weight loss (EWL). The MagDI + SG group had significantly greater weight loss (34.2 ± 1.6 kg, P < .001), 66.2 ± 3.4% EWL. All patients with T2D improved. CONCLUSIONS: In early results of a multicenter study, the incisionless, sutureless Magnet System formed patent, complication-free anastomoses in side-to-side DI with prior or concurrent SG.

Comparative analysis of 5-year efficacy and outcomes of single anastomosis procedures as revisional surgery for weight regain following sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: It is imperative to assess the results of revisional procedures following Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG), given the substantially growing population of patients who experience weight regain within a few years after undergoing this procedure. OBJECTIVE: Examine the comparative effectiveness of the Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass (SADI-S) and the One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB-MGB) as revisional procedures, with respect to their impact on weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, incidence of complications, and rates of reoperation in patients who had weight regain after SG with up to or more than 5 years of follow-up. SETTING: Hamad General Hospital, Academic tertiary referral center, Qatar. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed a database of patients who underwent the Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Switch (SADI-S) or the One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass - Mini Gastric Bypass- (OAGB-MGB) as revisional procedures for weight recidivism after a primary Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). The follow-up period was at least 5 years, during which the impact of both procedures on weight loss, comorbidities, nutritional deficiencies, complications, and outcomes were compared. RESULTS: The study comprised 91 patients, with 42 and 49 in the SADI-S and OAGB-MGB groups, respectively. Significant weight loss (measured by total weight loss percentage, TWL%) was observed at the 5-year follow-up for the SADI-S group compared to the OAGB-MGB group (30.0 ± 18.4 vs. 19.4 ± 16.3, p = 0.008). Remission of comorbidities, specifically diabetes mellitus and hypertension, was more prevalent in the SADI-S group. Notably, the OAGB-MGB group had a higher incidence of complications (28.6% vs. 21.42%) and reoperations (5 patients vs. 1 in the SADI-S group). No mortality events were reported in either group. CONCLUSION: While both the OAGB-MGB and SADI-S have demonstrated efficacy as revisional procedures for weight regain following SG, the SADI-S exhibits superior outcomes compared to the OAGB-MGB with regard to weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, complication rates, and reoperation rates.

Combined Effect of Genetic Variants on Long-Term Weight Response after Bariatric Surgery.

The pathophysiology of body weight control involves complex interactions between hormonal, environmental, behavioral and genetic factors. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 13 genes encoding gastrointestinal peptides, their receptors or the proteins involved in their expression, with long-term weight response in a cohort of 375 patients undergoing bariatric surgery (BS). To evaluate weight response, we combined several variables to define specific response phenotypes six years after surgery. The study protocol was registered in ISRCTN (ID80961259). The analysis of the selected SNPs was performed via allelic discrimination using Taqman® probes (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA). The genotype association study was performed using the SNPstat program, with comparisons adjusted for sex, age, initial body mass index, type 2 diabetes, hypertension diagnosis and the type of surgery. We identified eight genetic variants associated with the weight response to BS, independently of the presurgery patient profile and the type of surgical technique, from which we calculated the unweighted risk score (RS) for each phenotype. The highest scoring category in each RS was significantly associated with lower weight loss (p = 0.0001) and greater weight regain (p = 0.0012) at the end of the follow-up.

Side-to-side magnet anastomosis system duodeno-ileostomy with sleeve gastrectomy: early multi-center results.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal anastomoses with classical sutures and/or metal staples have resulted in significant bleeding and leak rates. This multi-site study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and preliminary effectiveness of a novel linear magnetic compression anastomosis device, the Magnet System (MS), to form a side-to-side duodeno-ileostomy (DI) diversion for weight loss and type 2 diabetes (T2D) resolution. METHODS: In patients with class II and III obesity (body mass index [BMI, kg/m2] ≥ 35.0- ≤ 50.0 with/without T2D [HbA1C > 6.5%]), two linear MS magnets were delivered endoscopically to the duodenum and ileum with laparoscopic assistance and aligned, initiating DI; sleeve gastrectomy (SG) was added. There were no bowel incisions or retained sutures/staples. Fused magnets were expelled naturally. Adverse events (AEs) were graded by Clavien-Dindo Classification (CDC). RESULTS: Between November 22, 2021 and July 18, 2022, 24 patients (83.3% female, mean ± SEM weight 121.9 ± 3.3 kg, BMI 44.4 ± 0.8) in three centers underwent magnetic DI. Magnets were expelled at a median 48.5 days. Respective mean BMI, total weight loss, and excess weight loss at 6 months (n = 24): 32.0 ± 0.8, 28.1 ± 1.0%, and 66.2 ± 3.4%; at 12 months (n = 5), 29.3 ± 1.5, 34.0 ± 1.4%, and 80.2 ± 6.6%. Group mean respective mean HbA1C and glucose levels dropped to 1.1 ± 0.4% and 24.8 ± 6.6 mg/dL (6 months); 2.0 ± 1.1% and 53.8 ± 6.3 mg/dL (12 months). There were 0 device-related AEs, 3 procedure-related serious AEs. No anastomotic bleeding, leakage, stricture, or mortality. CONCLUSION: In a multi-center study, side-to-side Magnet System duodeno-ileostomy with SG in adults with class III obesity appeared feasible, safe, and effective for weight loss and T2D resolution in the short term.

Influence of CLOCK Gene Variants on Weight Response after Bariatric Surgery.

The Circadian Locomotor Output Cycles Kaput (CLOCK) gene has been linked to metabolic dysfunction and obesity. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CLOCK gene with obesity and with long-term weight response after different bariatric surgery (BS) techniques. The cohort includes 375 patients with morbid obesity (MO) and 230 controls. In the association study of SNPs with weight response we combined several variables as phenotype at 6 years after surgery. The study protocol was registered in ISRCTN (ID80961259). The analysis of the selected SNPs was performed by allelic discrimination using Taqman® probes. The genotype association study was performed using the SNPStats program, with comparisons adjusted for sex, age, initial Body Mass Index, type 2 diabetes and hypertension diagnosis, and type of surgery. In the case-control study two of three SNPs were significantly associated with MO. The variant rs1801260 had a protective effect for MO whereas the TT genotype of rs3749474 variant had the strongest association with MO (OR = 2.25 (1.39-3.66); p = 0.0006). In the linear regression analysis both variants showed significant association with long-term weight loss and weight regain after BS, independently of the pre-surgery patient profile.

Information concealment in palliative patients: Development and pilot study of a new scale for caregivers.

Previous studies on palliative care have assessed the phenomenon of Information Concealment (IC), confirmed its relevance and emphasised the need to have a scale for its assessment. The aim of this study was to design and validate such an instrument. The sample comprised 150 palliative caregivers (23 men and 127 women). The dimensionality of the items of the Information Concealment Scale for Caregivers (ECOI) was assessed using Exploratory Factor Analysis and an optimal implementation of parallel analysis. Reliability and criterion validity were analysed using sample data. The ECOI comprises three factors: Concealment or dissimulation about the disease, misrepresentation of the real situation and control of the information. The scale has excellent reliability and shows criterion validity. Therefore, the ECOI is a reliable and valid instrument to objectively measure IC among Spanish caregivers in palliative care settings.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy vs. radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of primary aldosteronism. A single center retrospective cohort analysis adjusted with propensity score.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is the gold standard treatment for unilateral primary aldosteronism. However, satisfactory results have also been published with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The aim of this study was to compare LA and RFA for the treatment of primary aldosteronism. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of the patients who underwent LA or RFA in a single center was performed. Morbidity and long-term effectiveness (cure rate and blood pressure control) were analyzed. A multivariate analysis with a propensity score was also performed. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were included in the study, 24 in the LA group and 10 in the RFA group. Hypertension had been diagnosed a median of 12 years before the intervention. Hypertension was properly controlled before the intervention in 55.9% of the patients. Hypertensive crisis was more common during RFA (4.2% vs. 70.0%, p < 0.001), although no patient suffered any complication because of these crises. LA was longer (174.6 vs. 105.5 min, p = 0.001) and had a longer length of stay (median 2 vs 1 days, p < 0.001). No severe complications were observed in any of the patients. After a median follow-up of 46.2 months, more patients had hypertension cured and blood pressure controlled in the LA group (29.2% vs. 0%, p = 0.078 and 95.5% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.006, respectively). Also, patients in the LA group were taking less antihypertensive drugs (1.8 vs. 3.0, p = 0.054) or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (41.7% vs. 90.0%, p = 0.020). Multivariate analysis adjusted by propensity score showed that LA had an OR = 11.3 (p = 0.138) for hypertension cure and an OR = 55.1 (p = 0.040) for blood pressure control. CONCLUSIONS: Although RFA was a less invasive procedure than LA, hypertension was cured and blood pressure was properly controlled in more patients from the LA group. Patients who underwent LA were taking less antihypertensive drugs than patients who had undergone RFA.

Is prophylactic mesh closure effective to decrease the incidence of incisional hernia after laparotomy in colorectal surgery?

BACKGROUND: few studies have studied prophylactic mesh closure after laparotomy for colorectal surgery. METHODS: a retrospective cohort study was performed to compare patients with and without prophylactic mesh closure after open colorectal surgery. RESULTS: 309 patients were included from January 2014 to December 2016. Prophylactic mesh closure was performed in 98 patients (31.7%). After a mean follow-up of 21.7 months, incisional hernia was developed in 9 and 54 patients in the group with and without mesh respectively (9.2% vs. 25.7%, OR = 0.3, p = 0.001). In the multivariate Cox model prophylactic mesh closure was associated with a protective effect on incisional hernia development with a Hazard Ratio of 0.46 (p = 0.033). Surgical site infection was more frequent in the mesh group (19.4% vs. 9.5%, OR = 2.3, p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: prophylactic mesh closure is effective to decrease the incidence of incisional hernia after colorectal surgery.

How should we define cure after parathyroidectomy for normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism? A retrospective cohort study.

Cure after surgery for normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NHPT) is defined as parathyroid hormone (PTH) normalization. However, an increase of PTH is frequently observed in cured patients with hypercalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (HHPT). Therefore, this criterion must be redefined. A single-center retrospective study was performed including all patients who underwent surgery for Primary Hyperparathyroidism from 2013 to 2019. Cure rates of different types of hyperparathyroidism were analyzed. PTH reduction was studied as a possible criterion to define cure in patients with NHPT. One-hundred and eighty-six patients were included: 173 with HHPT and 13 with NHPT. After a mean follow-up of 33.4 months, 174 (93.6%) patients were considered cured. Cure was more frequent in the group of patients with HHPT (97.1% vs. 46.2%, p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, surgical failure was associated with NHPT and multiglandular disease. Forty-nine (30.1%) cured patients with HHPT had an increased PTH during the follow-up. When decline of PTH levels was studied in patients with HHPT to define cure, the area under curve was 0.92. A cut-off value of 40% in PTH reduction achieved a sensitivity and specificity of 83.4% and 80.0%. If cure was defined as a 40% reduction of PTH, cure rate in the group of patients with NHPT would increase to 69.2%. Patients with NHPT had a lower cure rate than patients with HHPT. A significant number of cured patients with HHPT had an increased PTH during follow-up. A 40% reduction in PTH levels is proposed as an alternative definition for cure in patients with NHPT.

The IFSO Worldwide One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Survey: Techniques and Outcomes?

INTRODUCTION: One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) has become one of the most commonly performed gastric bypass procedures in some countries. OBJECTIVES: To assess how surgeons viewed the OAGB, perceptions, indications, techniques, and outcomes, as well as the incidence of short- and long-term complications and how they were managed worldwide. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all IFSO members in all 5 chapters to study the pattern of practice and outcomes of OAGB. RESULTS: Seven hundred and forty-two surgeons responded. The most commonly performed procedures were sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and OAGB. Preoperatively, 70% of the surgeons performed endoscopy routinely. In regards to weight loss, 83% (570 surgeons) responded that OAGB produces better weight loss than SG, and 49% (342 surgeons) responded that OAGB produces better weight loss than RYGB. The most common length of the biliopancreatic limb (BPL) utilized was 200 cm. Sixty-seven percent of surgeons did not measure the total length of the small bowel. In patients with reflux disease and history of smoking, 53% and 22% of surgeons respectively still offered OAGB as a treatment option. Postoperatively, leak was documented in 963 patients, and it was the leading cause for mortality. Leak management was conservative in 35%. Conversion to RYGB was performed in 31%. In 16% the anastomosis was reinforced, 6% of the patients were reversed, and other procedures were performed in 12%. Revision of OAGB for malnutrition/steatorrhea or severe bile reflux was reported at least once by 37% and 45% of surgeons, respectively (200 cm was the most commonly encountered biliopancreatic limb BPL in those revised for malnutrition). Most common strategy for revision was conversion to RYGB (43%), reversal to normal anatomy (32%), shortening of the BPL (20%), and conversion to SG (5%). Nevertheless, 5 out of 98 mortalities (5%) were due to liver failure/malnutrition. CONCLUSION: There are infrequent but potentially severe specific complications including malnutrition, liver failure, and bile reflux that may require surgical correction after OAGB.

The First Modified Delphi Consensus Statement for Resuming Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in the COVID-19 Times.

The purpose of this study was to achieve consensus amongst a global panel of expert bariatric surgeons on various aspects of resuming Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery (BMS) during the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A modified Delphi consensus-building protocol was used to build consensus amongst 44 globally recognised bariatric surgeons. The experts were asked to either agree or disagree with 111 statements they collectively proposed over two separate rounds. An agreement amongst ≥ 70.0% of experts was construed as consensus as per the predetermined methodology. We present here 38 of our key recommendations. This first global consensus statement on the resumption of BMS can provide a framework for multidisciplinary BMS teams planning to resume local services as well as guide future research in this area.

Trocar-site incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a significant problem? Incidence and risk factors from a single-center cohort.

BACKGROUND: Trocar-site incisional hernia (TSIH) after laparoscopic surgery has been scarcely studied. TSIH incidence and risk factors have never been properly studied for laparoscopic colorectal surgery. METHODS: A retrospective analytic study in a tertiary hospital was performed including patients who underwent elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery between 2014 and 2016. Clinical and radiological TSIH were analyzed. RESULTS: 272 patients with a mean age of 70.7 years were included. 205 (75.4%) underwent surgery for a malignant disease. The most common procedure was right colectomy (108 patients, 39.7%). After a mean follow-up of 30.8 months 64 (23.5%) patients developed a TSIH. However, only 7 out of 64 (10.9%) patients with a TSIH underwent incisional hernia repair. That means that 2.6% of all the patients underwent TSIH repair. 44 (68.8%) patients had TSIH in the umbilical Hasson trocar. In the multivariate analysis, the existence of an umbilical Hasson trocar orifice was the only statistically significant risk factor for TSIH development. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of TSIH was high, although few patients underwent incisional hernia repair. Most TSIH were observed in the umbilical Hasson trocar, which was the only risk factor for TSIH development in the multivariate analysis. Efforts should be addressed to avoid TSIH in the umbilical Hasson trocar.

Acute Care Surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain: Changes in volume, causes and complications. A multicentre retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Acute Care Surgery procedures performed in Spanish hospitals decreased significantly. The aim of this study was to compare Acute Care Surgery activity during the COVID-19 pandemic and during a control period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed including patients who underwent Acute Care Surgery in three tertiary care hospitals in Spain during a control (11th March 2019 to 21st April 2019) and a pandemic (16th March 2020 to 26th April 2020) period. Type of surgical procedures, patients' features and postoperative complications were compared. RESULTS: two hundred and eighty-five and 117 patients were included in each group. Mean number of patients who underwent Acute Care Surgery during the control and pandemic periods was 2.3 and 0.9 patients per day and hospital (p < 0.001), representing a 58.9% decrease in Acute Care Surgery activity. Time from symptoms onset to patient arrival at the Emergency Department was longer during the pandemic (44.6 vs. 71.0 h, p < 0.001). Surgeries due to acute cholecystitis and complications from previous elective procedures decreased (26.7% vs. 9.4%) during the pandemic, while bowel obstructions and abdominal wall hernia surgeries increased (12.3% vs. 22.2%) (p = 0.001). Morbidity was higher during pandemic period (34.7% vs. 47.1%, p = 0.022), although this difference was not statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Reoperation rate (17.9% vs. 12.8%, p = 0.212) and mortality (6.7% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.358) were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: during the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant reduction in the performance of Acute Care Surgery procedures was observed. Moreso, a longer time from symptoms onset to patient arrival at the Emergency Department was noted. Higher morbidity was observed in patients undergoing Acute Care Surgery during the pandemic period, although there was not any difference in mortality or reoperation rate.

Joint international consensus statement for ending stigma of obesity.

People with obesity commonly face a pervasive, resilient form of social stigma. They are often subject to discrimination in the workplace as well as in educational and healthcare settings. Research indicates that weight stigma can cause physical and psychological harm, and that affected individuals are less likely to receive adequate care. For these reasons, weight stigma damages health, undermines human and social rights, and is unacceptable in modern societies. To inform healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public about this issue, a multidisciplinary group of international experts, including representatives of scientific organizations, reviewed available evidence on the causes and harms of weight stigma and, using a modified Delphi process, developed a joint consensus statement with recommendations to eliminate weight bias. Academic institutions, professional organizations, media, public-health authorities, and governments should encourage education about weight stigma to facilitate a new public narrative about obesity, coherent with modern scientific knowledge.

Extraction-site incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery: should we carry out a study about prophylactic mesh closure?

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic mesh closure has only scarcely been studied to avoid extraction-site incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. The aim was to analyze extraction-site incisional hernia incidence after laparoscopic colorectal surgery to assess if prophylactic mesh closure should be studied. METHODS: A retrospective analytic cohort study was conducted in patients who had undergone laparoscopic colorectal surgery with an extraction-site incision. Extraction-site incisional hernia was diagnosed during clinical examination or imaging. Risk factors for extraction-site incisional hernia were analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-five patients were included. More than 80% of the patients had a malignant disease. Ninety-two patients (40.9%) underwent right colectomy. Midline extraction-site incision was used in 86 (38.2%) patients. After a mean follow-up of 2.4 years, 39 (17.3%) patients developed an extraction-site incisional hernia. Midline extraction-site incision was associated with incisional hernia when compared to transverse and Pfannenstiel incision (39.5% vs. 3.6%, OR 17.5, p < 0.001). Surgery to repair an extraction-site incisional hernia was also more frequent in the group of patients with a midline incision (10.5% vs. 1.4%, OR 8.0, p = 0.002). In the multivariate analysis, incisional hernia was associated with body mass index, high blood pressure, and midline incision. CONCLUSIONS: Extraction-site incisional hernia was mainly related to midline incisions; therefore, midline incision should be avoided whenever possible. Studying prophylactic mesh closure for Pfannesnstiel or transverse incisions is needless, as these incisions have a low incisional hernia risk.

Duodenal switch in revisional bariatric surgery: conclusions from an expert consensus panel.

BACKGROUND: Duodenal switch (BPD/DS) is gaining popularity as a secondary procedure for inadequate weight loss after an initial operation. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to generate expert consensus points on the appropriate use of BPD/DS in the revisional bariatric surgical setting. SETTING: Data were gathered at an international conference with attendees from a variety of different institutions and settings. METHODS: Sixteen lines of questioning regarding revisional BPD/DS were presented to an expert panel of 29 bariatric surgeons. Current available literature was reviewed extensively for each topic and proposed to the panel before polling. Responses were collected and topics defined as achieving consensus (≥70% agreement) or no consensus (<70% agreement). RESULTS: Consensus was present in 10 of 16 lines of questioning, with several key points most prominent. CONCLUSIONS: As a second-stage procedure, BPD/DS is most appropriate after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) for the treatment of super morbid obesity (96.7% agree) or as a subsequent operation for a reliable patient with insufficient weight loss after SG (88.5%). In a patient with weight regain and reflux and/or enlarged fundus after SG, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is preferable and BPD/DS should be avoided (90%). BPD/DS should not be used prophylactically in patients with a history of jejunoileal bypass who are otherwise doing well (80.8%). Applicability of BPD/DS is limited by technical difficulty; 86.2% of experts would routinely recommend or consider the procedure if it were more technically feasible after failed bypass. No consensus was found on approaches to revision of BPD/DS for protein malnutrition.