The Effect of Bariatric Surgery upon Diabetes Mellitus: A Proof of Concept by Using the Case of the Mid-Term Effect of Lap Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) on Patients with Diabetes.

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic, with numbers on the rise in the world. Obesity is strongly correlated with increased morbidity and mortality. One of the major factors affecting this increase is comorbid diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM), which is strongly associated with and dependent on the degree of obesity. Thus, it is not surprising that when efficient surgical treatments were found to battle obesity, researchers soon found them to be relevant and effective for battling DM as well. Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) is a common surgical treatment for morbid obesity. LAGB has the potential to improve control of the comorbidities of morbid obesity, primarily diabetes mellitus (DM). Our hypothesis was that patients treated with LAGB would have a long-term improvement in the control of DM and that due to its unique mechanism of action, this can lend us a better understanding of how to battle diabetes in an efficient and effective way. This was a cohort study based on patients who underwent LAGB surgery in our institution 4 to 7 years previously and had DM type 2 at the time of surgery. Data were collected from patient's charts and a telephone interview-based questionnaire including demographics, health status, and quality-of-life assessment (Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System [BAROS]). Seventy patients participated in the current study. The average follow-up time was 5.1 ± 0.9 years post-surgery. The average weight prior to surgery was 122.0 ± 20.2 kg, and on the day of the interview it was 87.0 ± 17.6 kg (p < 0.001). The average body mass index before surgery was 43.8 ± 5.1, and on the day of the interview it was 31.2 ± 4.8 (p < 0.001). On the day of the interview, 47.1% of the participants were cured of DM (not receiving treatment, whether dietary or pharmacologic). The sum of ranks for diabetes was lower after the surgery (p < 0.001), as was HTN and its treatment (p < 0.001). We have shown in this study that LAGB is an effective treatment for morbid obesity, as well as two comorbidities that come with it­DM type 2 and Hypertension (HTN)­in a longer period than previously shown, and with a unique look at the underlying mechanism of action of this procedure. There is a need for further studies to consolidate our findings and characterize which patients are more prone to enjoy these remarkable surgical benefits.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band removal and outcome of subsequent revisional bariatric procedures: A retrospective review of 214 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) removal is required in cases of slippage, erosion, infection, intolerance, or failure in weight loss. The aim of the study was to follow up the patients who underwent band removal and analyze the outcome of subsequent revisional bariatric procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent LAGB removal during 3.5 years. All patients underwent a phone interview in early 2015. Patients were divided to three groups following band removal: without additional surgery, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or laparoscopic Roux-en Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), and Redo LAGB(Re-LAGB). Outcome of different revisional procedures was compared according to causes and symptoms before band removal, patient satisfaction, weight loss, quality of life (QOL) questionnaire, and the bariatric analysis and reporting outcome system II (BAROSII) score. RESULTS: Overall 214 patients (73.8% females) with mean age of 41.9 years were enrolled in the study. The mean time between LAGB placement and removal was 81.0 months. Mean % estimated weight loss (%EWL) was 29.6 at time of band removal. There was no difference between groups in patient age, gender, BMI before LAGB, and most co-morbidities. Patients with 1-5 outpatient visits preferred additional surgery. Patients suffering from vomiting from 1 to 10 times per week preferred revision as LSG or LRYGB. Patients with lower BAROS score underwent LSG or LRYGB. Most of the patients with band intolerance underwent conversion to another bariatric procedure, while patients with band erosion and infected band preferred Re-LAGB. Most of the patients without band gained weight. There was a significant improvement in %EWL (39.9 vs 29.6), QOL (1.08 vs 0.07), and BAROS(2.82 vs-0.11) in patients who underwent additional bariatric surgery before and after band removal irrespective of surgery type. CONCLUSIONS: Patient selection for different revisional bariatric procedures after LAGB removal is a main point for surgery success. This results in high patient satisfaction, EWL, and QOL. All options (Re-LAGB, LSG, LRYGB) are feasible and safe.

Management of gastric perforations during laparoscopic gastric banding.

BACKGROUND: Gastric perforations are one of the intraoperative complications of laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB). Delayed diagnosis can increase the mortality and morbidity rates. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of surgery outcome and long-term follow-up of the patients with gastric perforations during primary LAGB and revisional band procedures was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients with gastric perforations were identified during 15 years of LAGB surgeries. Half of these had primary LAGB and half had revisional procedures (five emergent and seven elective). Gastric tear was found at surgery in 19 patients; the band was preserved and LAGB was completed in 18 of these. Five patients had delayed diagnosis and underwent re-exploration 24-72 h after surgery. During the surgery, 23 anterior, 8 posterior, 1 esophageal, and 1 small bowel tears were found. Laparoscopic repair was successful in 19 (83%) cases. The mean surgery time and mean hospital stay were 56.3 min and 7.8 days, respectively. Morbidity and mortality rates were 25 and 4.1%, respectively. Two patients underwent later band replacement following removal. Band erosion was observed in one patient. At least 17 patients had no complications during mean follow-up of 52.2 months. CONCLUSIONS: Band preservation is recommended following primary repair of gastric tear. Early intra- and postoperative diagnosis of gastric tear in LAGB is essential for successful management of this iatrogenic injury and decreases occurrence of complications.

Major respiratory adverse events after laparascopic gastric banding surgery for morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery has become one of the most common restrictive surgical procedures for treatment of morbid obesity worldwide. Although short-term respiratory complications are well known, long-term data is scarce. We investigated the manifestations of major pulmonary complications showed at least six months after the procedure. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary university medical center in the five years period of 2006-2010. We included every patient who had had major respiratory complication who needed hospitalization, at least 6 months after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure. Demographic, pre-operative and post-operative clinical data were collected. We documented respiratory symptoms, results of physical examination, pulmonary function tests, and imaging as well as therapies given and outcome. RESULTS: Out of 2100 patients who underwent LAGB, thirty subjects, mean age of 45.7 (range 29-64) with an equal number of males and females were included. Mean interval between operation and onset of respiratory symptoms was 51.5 months (range 10-150 months). All had dyspeptic complaints which included: regurgitation, fullness after meals, dysphagia and food aspiration with esophageal dilatation. Major respiratory complications included aspiration pneumonia (19) including pulmonary abscess (4) and empyema (2), exacerbation of asthma (3) and hemoptysis (1). Additionally we documented the emergence of chronic diseases such as interstitial lung disease (5) and bronchiectasis (3). One patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome due to aspiration pneumonia and eventually died in the intensive care unit. The main mode of therapy was deflation of the gastric band. Those who refused to deflate or remove the gastric banding continued to suffer from dyspeptic and respiratory symptoms including recurrent pulmonary abscess. CONCLUSION: Although laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery has few short-term risks and is highly effective at achieving weight reduction, we found an increased risk for major respiratory complications in the long-term period. The obesity epidemic and the increased use of surgical techniques to treat obesity will most likely lead to an increase in the incidence of long-term post-operative respiratory complications. This entity is probably under-reported and needs further research into how to reduce its incidence and morbidity.

Slit versus non-slit mesh placement in total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: The goal of the present research was to study patients who underwent laparoscopic total extraperitoneal repair using slit and non-slit mesh placement. METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in our hospital between 2005 and 2009 were interviewed and examined. Surgery outcome, hernia recurrence, postoperative pain and time to return to normal physical activities, and surgery satisfaction were compared. RESULTS: During the study period 389 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic groin hernia repair: 387 by the total extraperitoneal (TEP) approach and 2 by the TAPP approach. Six of the TEP patients were converted to TAPP. Eighty-seven patients in the TEP group had slit mesh placement and 300 had non-slit mesh placement. Mean follow-up was 36 months (range: 6-66 months). At follow-up, 387 patients responded to a request for interview and 277 were examined. The overall recurrence rate was 4.7%, the incidence of constant postoperative pain was 1.3%, the presence of permanent testicular pain was 2.8%, and patient satisfaction with the surgery was 94.5%. A significantly lower recurrence rate was found in the slit mesh group than in the non-slit group (0.6% versus 5.9%; p < 0.003). There was no difference in the length of time until return to normal activities, patient satisfaction, and postoperative pain between the groups. Surgery time and the occurrence of testicular pain were significantly greater in the anatomic group. CONCLUSIONS: Total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with slit mesh placement is a safe technique with a very low recurrence rate and is superior to non-slit mesh positioning.

Bariatric emergencies for non-bariatric surgeons: complications of laparoscopic gastric banding.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has gained popularity for treatment of morbid obesity worldwide. With the widespread use of LAGB, an increasing number of medical specialists are dealing with the potentially life-threatening complications of this procedure. METHODS: More than 6,000 LABGs were performed by our surgeons during the past 11 years, during which various complications of LAGB were observed, including band slippage, erosion, gastric pouch dilatation, port infection, and disconnection. Complicated cases requiring emergency surgical intervention were collected. We present and discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities of these complications. RESULTS: Fourteen cases were identified: six with acute band slippage, two with small bowel obstruction, and one each with band slippage and fetal intrauterine growth restriction during the 36th week of pregnancy, perforated gastric ulcer, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, connecting tube penetration into a stomach ulcer, connecting tube penetration into the colon, and port disconnection. All patients had gastrointestinal symptoms at admission. Band reposition was performed in four cases; eight patients required band removal for band contamination. The band was open and still in place in one case. Open and laparoscopic gastric resections for necrotic stomach were performed in two cases. Suture of perforated gastric ulcer was combined with cesarean section. Connection of disconnected port and suture of colonic and gastric penetrations and perforation of fundus were completed laparoscopically. Small bowel resection and enterotomy required an additional minimal laparotomic incision. No mortality was observed in our series. Four patients elected to have the LAGB reinserted at a later time. CONCLUSION: The increasing number of bariatric procedures has resulted in emergency physicians' knowledge of serious complications of LAGB that require urgent surgical intervention. Treatment algorithms require early diagnosis and a surgical approach to solving these conditions.

Safety of laparoscopic appendectomy during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Use of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) remains controversial during pregnancy because data regarding procedure safety are limited. The outcome of LA in pregnant women was evaluated and compared to results of open surgery. METHODS: Between January 1997 and December 2007, 42 pregnant women (mean age 24 years [range: 19-40 years]; range of gestation: 5-25 weeks) underwent appendectomy for suspected acute appendicitis: 23 laparoscopic (LA) and 19 open appendectomies (OA). Retrospective review of medical charts included preoperative information, surgery results, and outcome of the pregnancy. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups in surgery delay following arrival at the hospital. All procedures, except one case of Meckel's diverticulitis, were completed laparoscopically without need for conversion. Acute appendicitis was found in 19 cases and Meckel's diverticulitis in one case during LA (87%) and in 18 cases (95%) during OA. Complicated appendicitis was found in 7 (30%) pregnant women in the LA group and 1 (5%) in the OA group. Five women with normal preoperative abdominal ultrasonography had acute appendicitis (2 in the OA group and 3 in the LA group). The laparoscopic procedure was performed more often by senior surgeons (70% of cases), and OA was more commonly done by residents (47% of cases). There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications recorded. The length of postoperative hospital stay was slightly prolonged after LA-2.4 days versus 1.4 day after OA. There was one fetal loss in each group, 1 and 2 months after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic appendectomy is safe and effective during pregnancy and is associated with good maternal and fetal outcome.

Presentation and management of port disconnection after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

AIM: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a common and effective minimally invasive procedure in the treatment of morbid obesity. Port and connection tube complications are rarely reported. The aim of this study was to find presenting signs and predictors of tube disconnection from the access port that allow prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on the 29 patients who underwent 31 laparoscopic reconnections of the connecting tube following LAGB during a 10-year period. RESULTS: Presenting signs were sudden lower-abdominal pain and free food passage following by weight gain and inability for band adjustment. Additional imaging was used to confirm diagnosis in the first three patients. Diagnostic laparoscopy for suspected acute appendicitis found tube disconnection from the port in one patient. Laparoscopic reconnection was successful in all patients. Access port exchange was done in 23 cases. Two patients had recurrent port disconnection. Band exchange was performed after second port reconnection. CONCLUSION: Sudden onset of flank or abdominal pain, free eating, weight gain, and inability to adjust the band are signs of port disconnection after LAGB. Education and information for medical staff and patients can help in early recognition of this complication and avoid unnecessary investigations.

Macrophage infiltration into omental versus subcutaneous fat across different populations: effect of regional adiposity and the comorbidities of obesity.

CONTEXT: Macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue has been demonstrated to accompany obesity, with a potential preferential infiltration into intraabdominal vs. sc fat. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine whether this occurs across different populations with a range of body mass indexes and to assess the relationship with regional adiposity and comorbidity of obesity. SETTING AND PATIENTS: In two independent cohorts, we used paired omental (OM) and sc fat biopsies from lean controls or predominantly sc or intraabdominally obese persons with minimal comorbidity (n = 60, cohort 1), or from severely obese women with a significant rate of comorbidity (n = 29, cohort 2). RESULTS: Elevated macrophage infiltration into OM vs. sc fat was observable in lean subjects and exaggerated by obesity, particularly if predominantly intraabdominal. This was paralleled by increased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) and colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF1) mRNA levels. Level of CSF1 and MCP1 mRNA correlated with the number of OM macrophages (r = 0.521, P < 0.0001 and r = 0.258, P < 0.051, respectively). In severely obese women (mean body mass index = 43.0 +/- 1.1 kg/m(2)), higher protein expression of both MCP1 and CSF1 was detected in OM vs. sc fat. Number of OM macrophages, but not of sc macrophages, correlated with waist circumference (r = 0.636, P = 0.001 vs. r = 0.170, P = 0.427) and with the number of metabolic syndrome parameters (r = 0.385, P = 0.065 vs. r = -0.158, P = 0.472, respectively). Preferential macrophage infiltration into OM fat was mainly observed in a subgroup in whom obesity was associated with impaired glucose homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS: Preferential macrophage infiltration into OM fat is a general phenomenon exaggerated by central obesity, potentially linking central adiposity with increased risk of diabetes and coronary heart disease.

Mitogen-activated protein kinases, inhibitory-kappaB kinase, and insulin signaling in human omental versus subcutaneous adipose tissue in obesity.

MAPKs and inhibitory-kappaB kinase (IKK) were suggested to link various conditions thought to develop in adipose tissue in obesity (oxidative, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation) with insulin resistance. Yet whether in obesity these kinases are affected in a fat-depot-differential manner is unknown. We assessed the expression and phosphorylation of these kinases in paired omental and abdominal-sc fat biopsies from 48 severely obese women (body mass index > 32 kg/m(2)). Protein and mRNAs of p38MAPK, ERK, c-Jun kinase-1, and IKKbeta were increased 1.5-2.5-fold in omental vs. sc fat. The phosphorylated (activated) forms of these kinases were also increased to similar magnitudes as the total expression. However, phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 on Ser312 (equivalent of murine Ser307) was not increased in omental, compared with sc, fat. Consistently, fat tissue fragments stimulated with insulin demonstrated that tyrosine phosphorylation and signal transduction to Akt/protein kinase B in omental fat was not inferior to that observable in sc fat. Comparison with lean women (body mass index 23.2 +/- 2.9 kg/m(2)) revealed similar ERK2 and IKKbeta expression and phosphorylation in both fat depots. However, as compared with lean controls, obese women exhibited 480 and 270% higher amount of the phosphorylated forms of p38MAPK and c-Jun kinase, respectively, in omental, but not sc, fat, and this expression level correlated with clinical parameters of glycemia and insulin sensitivity. Increased expression of stress-activated kinases and IKK and their phosphorylated forms in omental fat occurs in obesity, potentially contributing to differential roles of omental and sc fat in the pathophysiology of obesity.

Laparoscopic gastric banding in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent obesity has undesirable short- and long-term effects. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has been considered a procedure of choice for adolescent morbid obesity. We retrospectively evaluated our single-team banding experience in the adolescent population. METHODS: We reviewed the medical and clinic records and conducted telephone questionnaire interviews, to evaluate the results of banding using the Swedish adjustable gastric band (SAGB) in the 60 adolescents at our institution who had been followed > or =3 years. RESULTS: An average of 39.5 months of follow-up has been conducted in the patients who have been followed > or =3 years. Mean age at the time of the operation was 16 years (9 to 18). 60% reported a family history of obesity. Associated co-morbidities included hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea and asthma. Mean preoperative BMI was 43 (35-61) kg/m(2). Mean postoperative BMI after 39.5 months follow-up was 30 (20-39) kg/m(2). No co-morbidities have existed after the operation. 6 patients (10%) underwent band repositioning and 2 patients underwent band removal, due to slippage; 7 of the 8 slippages occurred with an earlier perigastric technique which transgressed lesser sac. There was no mortality. Average postoperative hospital stay was 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric banding in adolescents is a safe, satisfactory and reversible weight reduction procedure.

A minimally invasive solution for necrotic fundus following slipped adjustable gastric band.

The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) is widely used for treatment of morbid obesity. Band slippage is a well known long-term complication. Herein, we present a patient with band slippage who developed strangulation of the fundus with irreversible necrosis. The chosen surgical solution was minimally invasive. A diagnostic laparoscopy and consequently resection of the necrotic fundus was performed. A postoperative symptomatic left pleural effusion resolved after chest tube insertion. One week later, the patient was discharged with satisfactory results.