Comparing the direct assessment of steatosis in liver explants with mid- and near-infrared vibrational spectroscopy, prior to organ transplantation.

A fast and accurate assessment of liver steatosis is crucial during liver transplantation surgery as it can negatively impact its success. Recent research has shown that near-infrared (NIR) and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform mid-infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy could be used as real-time quantitative tools to assess steatosis during abdominal surgery. Here, in the frame of a clinical study, we explore the performance of NIR and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy for the direct assessment of steatosis in liver tissues. Results show that both NIR and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy are able to quantify the % of steatosis with cross-validation errors of 1.4 and 1.6%, respectively. Furthermore, the two portable instruments used both provided results within seconds and can be placed inside an operating room evidencing the potential of IR spectroscopy for initial characterization of grafts in liver transplantation surgery. We also evaluated the complementarity of the spectral ranges through correlation spectroscopy.

Gut Microbiota and Plasma Bile Acids Associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Resolution in Bariatric Surgery Patients.

Bariatric surgery (BS) has several benefits, including resolution of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in many patients. However, a significant percentage of patients do not experience improvement in fatty liver after BS, and more than 10% develop new or worsening NAFLD features. Therefore, a question that remains unanswered is why some patients experience resolved NAFLD after BS and others do not. In this study, we investigated the fecal microbiota and plasma bile acids associated with NAFLD resolution in twelve morbidly obese patients undergoing BS, of whom six resolved their steatosis one year after surgery and another six did not. Results indicate that the hallmark of the gut microbiota in responder patients is a greater abundance of Bacteroides, Akkermansia, and several species of the Clostridia class (genera: Blautia, Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Butyricicoccusa, and Clostridium), along with a decreased abundance of Actinomycetes/Bifidobacterium and Faecalicatena. NAFLD resolution was also associated with a sustained increase in primary bile acids (particularly non-conjugated), which likely results from a reduction in bacterial gut species capable of generating secondary bile acids. We conclude that there are specific changes in gut microbiota and plasma bile acids that could contribute to resolving NAFLD in BS patients. The knowledge acquired can help to design interventions with prebiotics and/or probiotics to promote a gut microbiome that favors NAFLD resolution.

Higher Adherence to ERAS Society® Recommendations is Associated with Shorter Hospital Stay Without an Increase in Postoperative Complications or Readmissions in Bariatric Surgery: the Association Between Use of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols and Postoperative Complications after Bariatric Surgery (POWER 3) Multicenter Observational Study.

PURPOSE: The effectiveness of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways in patients undergoing bariatric surgery remains unclear. Our objective was to determine the effect of the ERAS elements on patient outcomes following elective bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study in adult patients undergoing elective bariatric surgery. Each participating center selected a single 3-month data collection period between October 2019 and September 2020. We assessed the 24 individual components of the ERAS pathways in all patients. We used a multivariable and multilevel logistic regression model to adjust for baseline risk factors, ERAS elements, and center differences RESULTS: We included 1419 patients. One hundred and fourteen patients (8%) developed postoperative complications. There were no differences in the incidence of overall postoperative complications between the self-designated ERAS and non-ERAS groups (54 (8.7%) vs. 60 (7.6%); OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.73-1.79; P = .56), neither for moderate-to-severe complications, readmissions, re-interventions, mortality, or hospital stay (2 [IQR 2-3] vs. 3 [IQR 2-4] days, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.62-1.17; P = .33) Adherence to the ERAS elements in the highest adherence quartile (Q1) was greater than 72.2%, while in the lowest adherence quartile (Q4) it was less than 55%. Patients with the highest adherence rates had shorter hospital stay (2 [IQR 2-3] vs. 3 [IQR 2-4] days, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.09-2.17; P = .015), while there were no differences in the other outcomes CONCLUSIONS: Higher adherence to ERAS Society® recommendations was associated with a shorter hospital stay without an increase in postoperative complications or readmissions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03864861.

Enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery (ERABS) protocol implementation in a laparoscopic center.

INTRODUCTION: Enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery (ERABS) protocols consist of a combination of several preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative methods for the management of the surgical patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the ERABS protocol on length of hospital stay (LOS) and postoperative complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients who underwent elective Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) between 2015 and 2018. From 2015 to 2017, patients received traditional management (pre-ERABS group). Those who underwent surgery during 2018 were managed with our ERABS protocol (ERABS group). The primary outcome was LOS. Secondary outcomes were readmission rate and 30-day postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients who received RYGB and SG between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed; we included 120 patients in the pre-ERABS group and 80 in the ERABS group. The median LOS was four days [2-49] in the pre-ERABS group, as compared with two days [1-26] in the ERABS group (p < .0001). No significant differences were found in postoperative complication rates, readmissions, and mortality. CONCLUSION: Implementation of the ERABS protocol is related to a better postoperative recovery and allows an early discharge without increasing postoperative complications, readmissions or mortality.

Realización de procedimientos bariátricos por residentes de cirugía general. ¿Compromete la efectividad de la intervención y los resultados postoperatorios? / Surgical resident training program to perform laparoscopic bariatric procedures: Are safety and postoperative outcomes compromised?

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar los resultados de nuestro programa de formación de residentes para la realización de bypass gástrico laparoscópico en Y de Roux (BGLYR). Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en el que se incluyeron pacientes a los que se les realizó un BGLYR en nuestro centro durante el período comprendido entre enero de 2014 y diciembre de 2018. Los residentes de cuarto año de nuestro centro realizaron progresivamente distintos pasos de la intervención siempre tutorizados por cirujanos bariátricos expertos (CBE). Se compararon los resultados obtenidos en las intervenciones en las que el residente ha realizado algún paso o la totalidad del BGLYR (grupo I), con aquellas realizadas en su totalidad por CBE (grupo II). Se analizaron datos demográficos de los pacientes, comorbilidades, resultados intraoperatorios, morbimortalidad postoperatoria y resultados al año de la intervención. Resultados: Se incluyeron 208 pacientes en el estudio, 67 en el grupo I y 141 en el grupo II. Ambos grupos fueron comparables. No se objetivaron diferencias significativas en el tiempo operatorio (166,45min en el grupo I vs. 156,69min en el grupo II; p=0,156). La conversión a cirugía abierta, la estancia hospitalaria y la morbilidad postoperatoria tampoco presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. No hubo mortalidad durante este período. Los resultados tras el primer año fueron similares en ambos grupos. Conclusiones: La realización de distintos procedimientos del BGLYR por residentes es segura y no compromete la efectividad ni los resultados postoperatorios, siempre que se realice bajo la supervisión de un CBE. (AU)

Introduction: Laparoscopic bariatric procedures such as laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are technically demanding and require a long learning curve. Little is known about whether surgical resident (SR) training programs to perform these procedures are safe and feasible. This study aims to evaluate the results of our SR training program to perform LRYGB. Methods: We designed a retrospective study including patients with LRYGB between January 2014 and December 2018, comparing SR results to experienced bariatric surgeons (EBS). In our country, SR have a five-year surgical formative period, and in the fourth year they are trained for 6 months in our bariatric surgery unit, from January to June. In the beginning, they perform different steps of this procedure, to finally complete an LRYGB. We collected demographic data, comorbidities, intraoperative outcomes, and postoperative complications and outcomes after a one-year follow-up. Results: Two hundred and eight patients were eligible for inclusion: 67 in group I (SR), and 141 in group II (EBS). Both groups were comparable. There was no statistically significant difference in operating time (166.45min in group I vs. 156.69min in group II; P=0.156). Conversion to open surgery, hospital stay, postoperative complications, and short-term outcomes had no significant differences between the two groups. There was no mortality registered during this period. Conclusion: Implementation of LRYGB stepwise learning as part of an SR training program is safe, and results are comparable to EBS, without loss of efficiency. Therefore, it is feasible to train SR in bariatric surgery under EBS supervision. (AU)

Feasibility of at-home continuous overnight pulse oximetry for obstructive sleep apnea screening in bariatric surgery candidates.

PURPOSE: Screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is recommended in patients scheduled for bariatric surgery because continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in patients with moderate-to-severe OSA reduces postoperative complications. However, cardiorespiratory polygraphy (CRP) and polysomnography (PSG) are expensive and time-consuming. The present study aimed to assess whether at-home continuous overnight pulse oximetry can be used to diagnose moderate-to-severe OSA in patients scheduled for bariatric surgery. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, we enrolled consecutive patients scheduled for bariatric surgery. Patients with no prior OSA diagnosis were evaluated using the ESS, SBQ, and preoperative at-home CRP. Correlations were calculated between AHI and oximetry parameters. For each oximetry parameter, a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to identify optimal cut-off values for diagnosing moderate-to-severe OSA. RESULTS: In total, 117 patients were included. The oxygen desaturation index was the most correlated oximetry parameter; the optimal cut-off value for diagnosing moderate-to-severe OSA was 23.9. The sensitivity and specificity were 80 and 92%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0.935. CONCLUSIONS: At-home continuous overnight pulse oximetry could be used to screen moderate-to-severe OSA in patients scheduled for bariatric surgery because it would allow clinicians to implement early CPAP therapy and avoid preoperative PSG or CRP.

Simultaneous Complex Incisional Hernia Repair and Bariatric Surgery for Obese Patients: a Case Series of a Single-Center Early Experience.

Purpose: Obesity is associated with recurrence of complex incisional hernia repair (CIHR). Bariatric procedure during CIHR can improve recurrence rates without increasing morbidity. This study aimed to describe our results after CIHR in patients with obesity, in which a simultaneous bariatric procedure was performed. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study including patients who underwent surgery between January 2014 and December 2018, with a complex incisional hernia (CIH) according to the Slater classification and body mass index (BMI) ≥35. CIHR was the main indication for surgery. We collected demographic data, comorbidities, CIH classification according to the European Hernia Society, type of bariatric procedure, postoperative morbidity using the Dindo-Clavien classification, and short-term results. Computed tomography (CT) is performed preoperatively. Results: Ten patients were included in the study (7 women). The mean BMI was 43.63±4.91 kg/m2. The size of the abdominal wall defect on CT was 8.86±3.93 cm. According to the European Hernia Society classification, all CIHs were W2 or higher. Prosthetic repair of the CIH was selected. Onlay, sublay, preperitoneal, and inlay mesh placement were performed twice each, as well as one modified component separation technique and one transversus abdominis release. Gastric leak after sleeve gastrectomy was the only major complication. Short-term outcomes included one recurrence, and % total weight loss was 24.04±8.03 after 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: The association of bariatric procedures during CIHR seems to be feasible, safe, and could be an option for surgical treatment in selected patients.

Surgical resident training program to perform laparoscopic bariatric procedures: Are safety and postoperative outcomes compromised? / Realización de procedimientos bariátricos por residentes de cirugía general. ¿Compromete la efectividad de la intervención y los resultados postoperatorios?

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic bariatric procedures such as laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are technically demanding and require a long learning curve. Little is known about whether surgical resident (SR) training programs to perform these procedures are safe and feasible. This study aims to evaluate the results of our SR training program to perform LRYGB. METHODS: We designed a retrospective study including patients with LRYGB between January 2014 and December 2018, comparing SR results to experienced bariatric surgeons (EBS). In our country, SR have a five-year surgical formative period, and in the fourth year they are trained for 6 months in our bariatric surgery unit, from January to June. In the beginning, they perform different steps of this procedure, to finally complete an LRYGB. We collected demographic data, comorbidities, intraoperative outcomes, and postoperative complications and outcomes after a one-year follow-up. RESULTS: Two hundred and eight patients were eligible for inclusion: 67 in group I (SR), and 141 in group II (EBS). Both groups were comparable. There was no statistically significant difference in operating time (166.45min in group I vs. 156.69min in group II; P=0.156). Conversion to open surgery, hospital stay, postoperative complications, and short-term outcomes had no significant differences between the two groups. There was no mortality registered during this period. CONCLUSION: Implementation of LRYGB stepwise learning as part of an SR training program is safe, and results are comparable to EBS, without loss of efficiency. Therefore, it is feasible to train SR in bariatric surgery under EBS supervision.

Massive gastrointestinal pneumatosis in a patient with celiac disease and superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a radiological finding representing the presence of gas in the bowell, independently of the cause or location. We present the case of a 55-year-old man who was admitted presenting two-week history of intense vomiting. The patient was previously diagnosed with superior mesenteric artery syndrome and celiac disease. Plain x-ray and TC showed gastric and intestinal pneumatosis with important retropneumoperitoneum. Due to clinical stability the patient was managed conservatively, with a favorable outcome.

Neumatosis gastrointestinal masiva en paciente celiaco diagnosticado de síndrome de la arteria mesentérica superior / Massive gastrointestinal pneumatosis in a patient with celiac disease and superior mesenteric artery syndrome

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Divertículo de Meckel gigante torsionado. Una presentación inusual / Giant Meckel’s diverticulum torsioned. An unnusual presentation

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Tratamiento del vólvulo gástrico agudo mediante abordaje laparoscópico / Laparoscopic treatment of acute gastric volvulus

Introducción El vólvulo gástrico es una entidad clínica poco frecuente y se asocia a hernias hiatales tipo ii-iii. Su presentación aguda constituye una urgencia quirúrgica. Pese a su baja frecuencia, ya se han publicado resultados sobre el tratamiento laparoscópico. Material y métodos Estudio retrospectivo de todos los casos diagnosticados de vólvulo gástrico agudo intervenidos por vía laparoscópica desde 1998 a 2010. Se describe la técnica quirúrgica, la evolución postoperatoria y el seguimiento clínico. Resultados Se identificaron 10 casos, uno era un vólvulo primario y el resto secundarios. A 7 pacientes se les realizó una gastropexia anterior como único procedimiento. En los 3 restantes se llevó a cabo fundoplicatura de Nissen y cierre de los pilares con refuerzo protésico. La evolución postoperatoria fue favorable en 9 pacientes, con inicio precoz de la dieta y alta en 48-72h. Con un seguimiento medio de 18 meses, solo hemos constatado una recidiva herniaria radiológica y ninguna recidiva del vólvulo. Conclusión La gastropexia anterior por laparoscopia es, en nuestra experiencia, un procedimiento efectivo y con baja morbilidad para el tratamiento del vólvulo gástrico agudo en pacientes con elevado riesgo quirúrgico (AU)

Introduction Gastric volvulus is an uncommon clinical condition and is associated with type ii-iii hiatal hernias. Its acute presentation constitutes a surgical emergency. Despite its low frequency, results of laparoscopic treatment have already been published. Material and methods A retrospective study was performed on all cases diagnosed with gastric volvulus undergoing laparoscopic surgery between 1998 and 2010. The surgical technique, the post-operative outcome, and the clinical follow-up are described. Results A total of 10 cases were identified, one was a primary gastric volvulus, and the remainder were secondary. A laparoscopic anterior gastropexy as the sole procedure was performed on 7 patients. A Nissen fundoplication with mesh reinforcement of the crural closure was performed on the 3 remaining cases. Postoperative outcome was uneventful in 9 patients, with an early start of the diet, and hospital discharge between 48-72h. After a mean follow-up period of 18 months, radiological hernia recurrence occurred in one case but recurrence of the volvulus was not observed. Conclusion Laparoscopic anterior gastropexy is, in our experience, an effective and safe procedure with a low morbidity, for the treatment of acute gastric volvulus in patients with high surgical risk (AU)

Formación del residente en cirugíalaparoscópica: resultados de nuestraexperiencia / Resident training in laparoscopic surgery: results of our experience

Objetivo. La aparición de la laparoscopia ha revolucionado la cirugía de la última década. Es fundamental, por tanto, la formación adecuada de nuestros residentes que permita su progresiva incorporación a la realización de intervenciones por vía laparoscópica. Material y método. Analizamos las intervenciones laparoscópicas realizadas por los cinco últimos residentes formados en nuestro servicio. Describimos el tipo y número de intervenciones laparoscópicas en las que ha participado cada residente, como cirujano o como ayudante. Distinguimos entre cirugía urgente y programada. Analizamos detalladamente las dos intervenciones más frecuentes: apendicectomía y colecistectomía laparoscópicas. Resultados. El total de intervenciones laparoscópicas en las que participaron los residentes fue de 985.En 373 lo hicieron como cirujano principal, siendo urgentes 235 (63 por ciento) y programadas 138 (37 por ciento). Las intervenciones laparoscópicas realizadas fueron: laparoscopia diagnóstica, apendicectomía, colecistectomía, sutura de ulcus perforado, confección de colostomía en asa, funduplicatura 360o, coledocotomía y sigmoidectomía. Hemos constatado una progresión en la incorporación de los residentes a la realización de intervenciones laparoscópicas como cirujano. Este hecho se ve reflejado claramente al analizar las apendicectomías y colecistectomías laparoscópicas. Dicha progresión se cumple tanto en intervenciones urgentes como programadas. Con respecto a la participación como ayudantes, existe una completa incorporación desde el inicio de su formación, no existiendo diferencias entre residentes. Conclusión. Presentamos la demostración práctica de cómo podemos formar a nuestros residentes en laparoscopia. Su incorporación a la cirugía laparoscópica es prioritaria. El residente debe concluir su formación dominando, como poco, la práctica de la apendicectomía y de la colecistectomía laparoscópicas (AU)