Long-term results of conversion of Roux-en-Y to biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the most efficient bariatric procedures, postoperative weight regain still can be seen. OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively assess the early outcomes and up to 10-year weight results of the conversion of RYGB to biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS). SETTING: French private hospital, 2-surgeon practice in a bariatric surgery center with an experience of >20 RYGB procedures. METHODS: Analysis was conducted on patients who had a conversion of RYGB to BPD-DS performed since 2010 for a percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) <50% with a small gastric pouch. RESULTS: A total of 65 females and 9 males aged 46.8 ± 8.8 years had an RYGB procedure done 110.6 ± 38.8 months earlier for a body mass index of 47.4 ± 7.8 kg/m2. Conversion was always performed in 1 stage and laparoscopically for 93% of the patients. The 30-day complication rate was 25.7%, with 14.8% of patients undergoing reoperation. Maximum results were seen 2 years after conversion, outranging RYGB: %EWL of 78.3% ± 24% with percent total weight loss (%TWL) of 35.9% ± 11.9% and %EWL of 72% ± 24.1% with %TWL of 32.6% ± 11%, respectively. The 5-year weight of all the patients (85.7% follow-up) remained lower than the pre-conversion weight. Over time, 1 reversal and 4 revisions were required, and frequent stools and gastroesophageal reflux were the most frequent complaints. CONCLUSION: Despite its complexity, conversion of RYGB to BPD-DS can be performed in 1 stage, although the use of an unconventional technique could not reduce the high complication rate. BPD-DS remains an efficient procedure after RYGB in selected patients, comparable to distalization of RYGB, which can be less risky.

Comparison of 2-Year Results of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Transit Bipartition with Sleeve Gastrectomy for Superobesity.

PURPOSE: Although Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a powerful procedure, achieving and maintaining significant weight loss remains challenging in superobese populations. Transit bipartition with sleeve gastrectomy is derived from biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch and might improve weight loss control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two series of 71 primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and transit bipartition (TB) with a body mass index ≥ 50 kg/m2 were retrospectively compared after 2 years. Postoperative course, side effects, nutritional status, and weight outcomes were reviewed. Weight was expressed as BMI, percentage of excess BMI lost (%EBMIL), and percentage of total weight lost (%TWL). RESULTS: The 2 groups were comparable for age and BMI of 51.9 ± 1.8 for RYGB and 51.6 ± 5 for TB. TB was longer to perform (92 vs 74 min, p ≤ 0.001) with a 30-day complication rate of 4.2% and 5.6%, but there was 1 death after RYGB. Weight loss was greater after TB compared with RYGB with %EBMIL of 85.3 ± 15.8% vs 73.9 ± 17.2% (p = 0.0002). One TB patient suffered from protein malnutrition but none after RYGB. After TB, 7% of the patients experienced > 3 stools a day and 1 patient required revision, while 3 patients had diarrhea after RYGB. Late reoperations were required for 7 and 1 patients after RYGB and TB. Comorbidity improvement was similar. CONCLUSION: In a superobese population, TB appeared relatively safer compared with RYGB. It achieved a better weight loss at 2 years with a trend for more digestive side effects.

Weight Loss Trajectories After Bariatric Surgery for Obesity: Mathematical Model and Proof-of-Concept Study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity surgery has proven its effectiveness in weight loss. However, after a loss phase of about 12 to 18 months, between 20% and 40% of patients regain weight. Prediction of weight evolution is therefore useful for early detection of weight regain. OBJECTIVE: This proof-of-concept study aimed to analyze the postoperative weight trajectories and to identify "curve families" for early prediction of weight regain. METHODS: This was a monocentric retrospective study with calculation of the weight trajectory of patients having undergone gastric bypass surgery. Data on 795 patients after a 2-year follow-up allowed modeling of weight trajectories according to a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) tending to minimize the intragroup distance according to Ward. Clinical judgement was used to finalize the identification of clinically relevant representative trajectories. This modeling was validated on a group of 381 patients for whom the observed weight at 18 months was compared to the predicted weight. RESULTS: Two successive HCA produced 14 representative trajectories, distributed among 4 clinically relevant families: Of the 14 weight trajectories, 6 decreased systematically over time or decreased and then stagnated; 4 decreased, increased, and then decreased again; 2 decreased and then increased; and 2 stagnated at first and then began to decrease. A comparison of observed weight and that estimated by modeling made it possible to correctly classify 98% of persons with excess weight loss (EWL) >50% and more than 58% of persons with EWL between 25% and 50%. In the category of persons with EWL >50%, weight data over the first 6 months were adequate to correctly predict the observed result. CONCLUSIONS: This modeling allowed correct classification of persons with EWL >50% and could identify early after surgery the patients with potentially less that optimal weight loss. Further studies are needed to validate this model in other populations, with other types of surgery, and with other medical-surgical teams.

Is transit bipartition a better alternative to biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch for superobesity? Comparison of the early results of both procedures.

BACKGROUND: During the past years, 2 alternatives to the powerful but side-effect-prone biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) were developed: one-anastomosis duodenal switch (OADS) and sleeve gastrectomy with transit bipartition (TB). OBJECTIVES: To compare the 1-year results of TB and BPD-DS aiming at reducing the risk of protein malnutrition while keeping a similar weight loss for body mass index (BMI) ≥50 kg/m2. SETTING: Private hospital, single-surgeon practice in a bariatric surgery center. METHODS: After a change in practice in 2017, the last 71 primary BPD-DS and the first 71 TB in patients with a BMI ≥50 kg/m2 were retrospectively compared. Postoperative course, side effects, nutritional status, and need for revision and weight outcomes were reviewed. Weight was expressed as BMI, percentage of excess BMI lost, and percentage of total weight lost. RESULTS: TB was faster to perform (92 versus 149 min, P < .0001) with a comparable 30-day complication rate of 4.3% and 5.7%. TB patients had a shorter hospital stay (2.3 ± 1 versus 4.5 ± 3.4 d, P < .0001). At 1 year, weight loss was significantly lower after TB compared with BPD-DS with percentage of excess BMI loss of 83.7 ± 12.2% versus 78.6 ± 14.7% (P = .0023). Two patients were lost to follow-up after BPD-DS and 6 after TB. Seven BPD-DS patients were treated for protein malnutrition, whereas only 2 patients had severe side effects after TB. Only 7% of the TB patients experienced >3 stools a day compared with 33% after BPD-DS (P = .016). There was no significant difference in terms of co-morbidity improvement at 1 year: 81.8% and 61.9% of patients had remission of blood hypertension, 9% and 14.3% had improvement, type 2 diabetes was in remission in 90% and 88%, and obstructive sleep apnea in 84% and 78% of the TB and BPD-DS patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although 1-year weight loss was significantly lower when BMI was ≥50, the real benefit of TB is the reduction of the side effects and protein malnutrition compared with BPD-DS. TB represents a much simpler alternative to BPD-DS for treating superobesity with less risk of major complications, but prospective studies and longer follow-up are required to confirm the maintenance of the weight loss in the long term.

The single anastomosis duodenal switch modifications: a review of the current literature on outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) was designed in 2007 to reduce the side effects of biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) by replacing the Roux-en-Y construction with a single duodeno-ileal anastomosis and combining the common channel with the alimentary limb. Several variants using different channel lengths were published. The objective of this study was to identify the published cases of SADI-S and variants and assess the results regarding potential benefits on side effects and revisions. METHODS: PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the databases of 3 relevant surgical journals were searched for any publication from 2007 to date. RESULTS: In all, 19 studies were analyzed. After identifying overlaps, 1,041 patients among 9 institutions were identified: 304 with SADI-S, 667 with stomach intestinal pylorus sparing surgery, and 70 with single anastomosis duodenojejunal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy. There were no postoperative deaths and the early complication rate was 7.3% (range 1.6-14%). The mean operative time was 100.8 minutes (range 69.9-181.7 min). The mean 1-year percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was 78.7% (range 61.6-87%) and percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) was 36.8% (range 32.7-41.1%). Two studies reported a 2-year %TWL of 38.7% and a single study reported a 5-year %TWL of 37%. A total of 50% of patients had biological data at 1 year. One retrospective study found no difference between BPD-DS and SIPS for vitamin deficiency at 2 years, but there was less severe diarrhea and malnutrition after SIPS. The revision rate increased from 2% to 7% after SADI-S between 2- and 5-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: There are still limited long-term data available for single anastomosis duodenal switch. In the absence of published prospective randomized trials, no evidence exists in favor of this variant of the BPD-DS despite a possible trend in less malabsorption side effects.

Risk of low birth weight and micronutrient deficiencies in neonates from mothers after gastric bypass: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: An increased risk of small-for-gestational-age infants after maternal bariatric surgery has been shown. The risk of micronutrients deficiencies in these neonates is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To screen for micronutrients deficiencies in newborns of mothers with gastric bypass. SETTINGS: University hospital in Angers, France. METHODS: This study compared the clinical and cord blood biological characteristics of 56 newborns of mothers with prior Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and 56 newborns of nonobese healthy mothers after normal pregnancy (controls), followed between January 3, 2008 and October 31, 2012. Cord blood micronutrients concentrations from controls were used for establishing normative data. After RYGB, the women took daily micronutrients supplements. RESULTS: RYGB mothers lost 18.1±6.3 kg/m2 of body mass index (BMI) in the 11-69 months between surgery and pregnancy onset (percentage of excess weight loss 79±20%), reaching BMI of 30.1±6.0 kg/m2 compared with 22.3±4.0 kg/m2 in the controls (P<.05). Neonates born to RYGB mothers were small-for-gestational-age in 23% of cases versus 3.6% in the control group (P<.01). A higher percentage of RYGB neonates had cord blood concentrations below the 2.5 percentile for calcium (19% versus 2%), zinc (13% versus 3%,), iron (19% versus 2%), and vitamin A (13% versus 3%), and over the 97.5 percentile for magnesium (13% versus 3%), vitamin E (16% versus 3%), 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (13% versus 2%), and vitamin B12 (14% versus 2%) (P<.05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION: Neonates from RYGB mothers showed cord blood micronutrient differences compared with neonates from healthy mothers. The comparison with neonates from morbidly obese women is still to be done.

Weight Loss and Nutritional Outcomes 10 Years after Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch.

BACKGROUND: Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) is the most effective bariatric surgical procedure, but major concerns exist about the nutritional consequences. OBJECTIVES: The study reported weight loss and nutritional outcomes of 80 patients with a follow-up of at least 10 years. SETTING: The follow-up was conducted at a university hospital as well as in a private practice institution in France. METHODS: Eighty patients operated on between February 2002 and May 2006 were reviewed. Weight outcomes were analyzed as well as complete biological status. Revisions were reported as well as the number of patients taking vitamin supplementation. RESULTS: A follow-up of 141 ± 16 months was available for 87.7% of the patients at least 10 years from surgery. Preoperative BMI decreased from 48.9 ± 7.3 to 31.2 ± 6.2 kg/m2 with an EWL of 73.4 ± 26.7% and a TWL of 35.9% ± 17.7%. Despite weight regain ≥10% of the weight loss in 61% of the cases, 78% of the patients maintained a BMI <35. Fourteen percent of the patients had a revision. Normal vitamin D levels were found in 35.4%. The overall PTH level was 91.9 ± 79.5 ng/mL, and 62% of the patients had hyperparathyroidism. Other deficiencies were less frequent but fat-soluble deficiencies as well as a PTH >100 ng/mL were significantly associated with the absence of vitamin supplementation. CONCLUSION: BPD/DS maintains a significant weight loss, but remains associated with side effects leading to revision and multiple vitamin deficiencies. The most severe deficiencies are related to the lack of supplementation compliance.

One-stage conversion of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to a modified biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch using a hybrid sleeve concept.

BACKGROUND: Insufficient weight loss (percentage of excess weight loss [%EWL]<50%) is observed in approximately 20% of patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Surgical revision can be performed by various procedures including malabsorptive techniques. Conversion to a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) remains a complex technique which cannot always be performed as a one-stage procedure. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the conversion of RYGB to BPD/DS using a novel gastric reconstruction technique based on a "hybrid sleeve" using the existing gastrojejunal anastomosis of the RYGB. SETTING: All the procedures were performed at a private hospital. METHODS: The consecutive patients who were eligible for conversion since 2010 were reviewed; eligibility included %EWL≤50% and normal gastric pouch. The gastrojejunal anastomosis of the RYGB was untouched and the gastric fundus was resected. The gastric continuity was restored by an anastomosis between a short segment of the alimentary limb and the gastric antrum. A standard BPD/DS was then performed without restoration of the jejunal continuity. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were converted to BPD/DS for a mean body mass index (BMI) of 44.3±6.0 kg/m2, a mean %EWL of 33.4%, and a percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) of 15.3±11.7%. The BMI before RYGB was 54.4±13.1 kg/m2, with half of the patients being super-obese. All but 3 conversions were completed as a single stage and laparoscopically in a mean of 177 minutes. The 30-day complication rate was 28.5%. No patient was lost to follow-up over a mean 25.8 months and the BMI of the 12 patients with a follow-up≥3 months is 33.2±7.2 kg/m2. With reference to the initial weight of the patients, the mean %EWL is 73.5% and %TWL is 37.6±16.0%. On average, patients benefited from a 21.1% TWL through the conversion of their RYGB. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure allows for an easier conversion of RYGB to BPD/DS and appears to be the most effective procedure for resuming weight loss. Nutritional consequences and weight loss are similar to the primary BPD/DS results. However, the benefits and risks must be carefully assessed according to the definition of weight loss failure.

Gastric Bypass in Older Patients: Complications, Weight Loss, and Resolution of Comorbidities at 2 Years in a Matched Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has recently been authorized for use in older patients. The objective of this single-center study was to evaluate 2-year weight loss in patients ≥60 years compared with younger matched patients undergoing RYGB. Secondary aims were to record complications and the resolution of comorbidities in a 2-year follow-up. METHODS: Of 722 patients with at least 2 years follow-up data, 48 elderly patients were matched with 92 young (<40 years) and 96 middle-aged (40-59 year) patients, according to sex, baseline body mass index, and date of surgery. Weight loss, remission of comorbidities, death, and early (30-day) and 2-year complication rates were compared. RESULTS: There were three deaths in the elderly group and none in the other groups. The early complication rate was not significantly different in the elderly group (17.8 %) compared with the young (11.5 %, p = 0.637) and middle-aged (13.7 %, p = 1.000) groups. The 2-year complication rates were not significantly different in the elderly group (9.3 %) compared with the young (23.5 %, p = 0.107) and middle-aged (13.2 %, p = 1.000) groups. The 2-year weight loss was lower in the elderly group (31.8 ± 7.2 %; p < 0.001) than in the young group (38.3 ± 6.9 %) but was not significantly different from that in the middle-aged group (34.4 ± 8.0 %; p = 0.145). Remission rates for diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea were lower in the elderly than in the two younger groups. CONCLUSION: After bariatric surgery, major weight loss was observed in patients older than 60, but remission of metabolic comorbidities was less marked than in younger subjects.

Revision and reversal after biliopancreatic diversion for excessive side effects or ineffective weight loss: a review of the current literature on indications and procedures.

BACKGROUND: Biliopancreatic diversion is a powerful bariatric procedure that relies on gastric restriction combined with a large malabsorptive component. This can lead to excessive side effects and/or weight loss. Despite this, long-term weight regain can also occur. OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of and options for revision in patients who experience excessive side effects and weight loss. To explore the revisional procedures available to overcome weight regain. METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted of all reports published between 1979 and August 31, 2014. Series and case reports on revision or reversal after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) or without (BPD) were included. RESULTS: Revision rates for excessive malabsorption ranges from .5%-4.9% and 3%-18.5% after BPD/DS and BPD respectively. Revisions increase common channel by up to 150 cm. Reversal is necessary in .2%-7% of cases, with an increased risk when the common channel is ≤ 50 cm. In most instances, reversal (of the malabsorptive component only) is indicated after the revision failure. A proximal, side-to-side anastomosis between the biliopancreatic and alimentary limbs is the preferred option. Most reoperations are performed within 2 years of the initial procedure and for protein malnutrition in about half of the cases. Revision for insufficient weight loss is reported in .5%-2.78% of cases. Except inadequate channel lengths, little is to be gained by common channel shortening. Additional gastric restriction, which results in an average 9-14 kg weight loss, is another option. CONCLUSIONS: Biliopancreatic diversion can be relatively easily revised to control excessive side effects and protein malnutrition. Early diagnosis is essential and warrants a close nutritional monitoring. In case of weight regain, limited results can be obtained by reducing the gastric volume provided the lengths of the small bowel channels are adequate.

Biliopancreatic diversion requires multiple vitamin and micronutrient adjustments within 2 years of surgery.

BACKGROUND: Malabsorptive bariatric procedures require multiple vitamin supplements, especially regarding fat-soluble vitamins. The exact amount required to maintain normal serum concentrations is still largely unknown. Based on the initial postoperative prescription, we assessed the number of adjustments and the amount of vitamins/micronutrients to normalize the biological markers 2 years after the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS). METHODS: A total of 112 consecutive patients had a laparoscopic BPD/DS between February 2007 and November 2010 for a body mass index of 53.1±5.9 kg/m² at a private hospital. Complete blood checks with vitamin status were obtained at each of the 3-month interval visits during the 1(st) postoperative year as well as twice during the 2(nd) year. RESULTS: Initially, all of the patients were prescribed daily 25,000 International units (IU) of vitamin A, 1000 mg of calcium, multivitamins, and 1900 IU of vitamin D3. Significant adjustments were necessary 3.6±1.1 times during this period. A total of 80% of the patients required added vitamin A, vitamin D, as well as calcium, zinc, and iron. After 2 years,≥20% of patients exhibited vitamin A and iron deficiency with low prealbumin or micropenic anemia. Seventy percent had vitamin D deficiency and 50% secondary hyperparathyroidism. CONCLUSION: The initial prescription was insufficient to cover the requirements after BPD/DS. At least 3000 mg of calcium with 7000 IU of vitamin D, 50,000 IU of vitamin A, 40 mg of zinc, and 200 mg of iron must be prescribed to start with. The trend toward a decrease in 25 OH vitamin D and hyperparathyroidism remains difficult to control although it can result from increased bone turnover during the early postoperative period.

Benefits and risks of bariatric surgery in patients aged more than 60 years.

BACKGROUND: The benefits and risks of bariatric surgery are debated in older patients. The objective of this study was to compare the weight changes and adverse outcomes in patients>60 years and in younger ones. METHODS: The French SOFFCO registry was screened for gastric bypass (RYGB), gastric banding (LAGB), or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) performed between 2007 and 2010. Adverse outcomes and weight changes (%) over 12 months were compared between patients<40 years (N = 1379), between 40-59 years (N = 1065), and>60 years (N = 164). RESULTS: After a RYGB surgical (12.3 versus 3.8%; P = .03) and nonsurgical (7.0% versus .8%; P = .01) complications were more prevalent in patients above 60 years than in those below 40. No increased prevalence of surgical and nonsurgical complications was seen after a LAGB or a SG. Weight loss (% of initial weight) was lower after a LAGB than after a RYGB or a SG. After LAGB weight loss (%) did not differ between patients above 60 years and those aged<40 (difference 1.7±1.5%, P = .26). After a RYGB weight loss (%) was lower in patients aged>60 years (-5.6±1.7%, P = .001) than in those aged<40 years. After a SG, weight loss (%) was lower in patients aged>60 years (-7.0±2.6%, P = .01) than in those aged<40 years. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery can be a short-term effective and safe therapeutic option in elderly patients. LAGB or SG appears to be an alternative strategy to RYGB, with lower adverse outcome rate.

Early prediction of failure to lose weight after obesity surgery.

BACKGROUND: After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), failing to lose enough weight or regaining weight is a concern for both patients and healthcare professionals. Our objective was to report the criteria for an early prediction of the failure to lose enough weight in the setting of a private practice and an academic center of obesity surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the 2-year weight loss profiles of patients after RYGB was performed using nonlinear mixed models. A total of 375 morbidly obese adult patients, with a body mass index of 49.3 ± 7.7 kg/m(2), were included. Weight loss success was determined 2 years after surgery using the percentage of excess weight loss criteria. The surgical treatment and the main outcome measurement was standardized RYGB and the percentage of excess weight loss time profiles. RESULTS: The patients who failed, succeeded, or had intermediate results at 2 years after surgery had different percentage of excess weight loss profiles during this period. At 6 months, 71% of those who had lost <30% of their initial excess weight had not lost ≥50% at 24 months. In contrast, those who had lost >45% were unlikely to have lost <50% of their excess weight. CONCLUSION: An early (month 6) prediction of failure to lose significant weight after RYGB can be made, with the threshold at 30% of the initial excess weight loss. Patients who have lost <30% of their initial excess weight are unlikely to have lost ≥50% at 24 months.

Weight loss is more sustained after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in superobese patients.

BACKGROUND: Although biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) is not the most performed procedure, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is challenged by weight regain and insufficient weight loss, especially in patients with a body mass index >50 kg/m(2). The aim of our retrospective study was to compare the weight loss after 2 types of primary bariatric surgery. A total of 83 BPD-DS and 97 RYGB procedures were performed from March 2002 to October 2009 for an initial mean body mass index of 55 kg/m(2). METHODS: All RYGB patients underwent surgery at a private practice hospital and BPD-DS patients underwent surgery at a university hospital before February 2007 and at the same private hospital thereafter. The patients were seen in follow-up every 4 months the first year, every 6 months the second, and yearly thereafter. The maximum weight loss was assessed, as well as the weight regain beyond the first postoperative year. Weight loss success was defined as a percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) of ≥50%. RESULTS: The patients did not differ by age, gender, or length of follow-up (mean 46 mo, range .5-102 for RYGB and 44.3 mo, range 9-111 for BPD-DS). Of the patients, 17 RYGB and 7 BPD-DS patients were lost to follow-up within 3 years postoperatively. At 3 years of follow-up, the mean %EWL was 63.7% ± 17.0% after RYGB and 84.0% ± 14.5% after BPD-DS (P < .0001). Weight loss success was achieved by 83.5% of the RYGB and 98.7% of the BPD-DS patients (P = .0005). CONCLUSION: After 12 months postoperatively, the number of patients regaining 10% of the weight lost during the first postoperative year was significantly greater after RYGB than after BPD-DS.

Comparative early outcomes of three laparoscopic bariatric procedures: sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.

BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of the isolated sleeve gastrectomy in 1997, this procedure has gained immense popularity in the hopes of reducing the operative risks with a less complex operation. We reviewed our recent 2-year experience with bariatric surgery to compare the early outcomes of the 3 complex procedures routinely performed by our private practice at a single institution: sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS). METHODS: The 30-day morbidity and 90-day mortality rates were retrospectively reviewed among a total of 507 primary bariatric procedures. The early postoperative outcomes of 360 RYGB, 88 SG, and 59 BPD-DS procedures performed during this period were compared. RESULTS: The patients weighed more in the BPD-DS and SG groups. The SG patients were significantly older than the RYGB and BPD-DS patients. Co-morbidities were significantly more frequent in the SG and BPD-DS patients. One patient died after RYGB but none did so after BPD-DS or SG. The global complication rate was significantly increased after BPD-DS (P = .0017) compared with RYGB; however, no difference was found between RYGB and SG, although bleeding was likely to appear more frequent, not only after BPD-DS, but also after SG compared with RYGB. CONCLUSION: Although no fatal outcomes occurred after SG, this procedure did not demonstrate a reduced risk of postoperative complications compared with RYGB with a significantly greater rate of bleeding. RYGB appears to be a relatively safe bariatric procedure, although the groups were not comparable in terms of the preoperative body mass index or co-morbidities, the exact role of which on postoperative morbidity remains controversial. Although the increased risk of RYGB to BPD-DS was confirmed, SG failed to live up to its "more benign" reputation.

Pouch size after gastric bypass does not correlate with weight loss outcome.

A large gastric pouch is a classic explanation for weight loss problems after gastric bypass. However, several reports have emphasized the role of others, essentially behavorial, factors. We reviewed the outcomes of 151 patients who were operated on over a period of nearly 2 years. 132 patients who had not been reoperated on were assessed between June and September 2009. A barium swallow was available to assess the gastric pouch volume which was determined by the radiologist. %EWL was compared to the pouch volume using ANOVA test. Pouch volumes were compared using t test. The gastric pouch was dilated when >50 ml and failure to lose enough weight was defined by a %EWL<50%. 107 patients (81%) had a complete follow up of 35.7 ± 5.8 months. Mean pouch volume was 68 ± 4.5 ml with a %EWL of 68 ± 26.1%. 59 patients had a large pouch with a weight loss similar to those with a normally sized pouch (68 ± 3.6 vs 66 ± 3.6%EWL). 25 patients (23.3%) had weight loss failure with a similar pouch volume. No correlation was found between the %EWL and the pouch volume. Pouch size probably plays a role in the weight loss process of RYGB. However, 3 years later, pouch volume does not appear to be the most important factor. Behavorial factors such as recurrent eating disorders and failure to adapt to the changes induced by the surgery may explain at least in part weight loss failure.

Five-year follow-up after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.

BACKGROUND: Only limited data are available for assessing the medium and long-term outcomes after bariatric surgery. We report our own long-term results after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS). METHODS: The data from 51 patients with a theoretical ≥5-year follow-up were reviewed after BPD-DS performed from February 2002 to October 2004. The patients were assessed every 3 months during their first postoperative year, every 6 months during the second year, and annually thereafter. RESULTS: The preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 47 ± 6.1 kg/m(2). The first 23 patients had undergone open BPD-DS. The same procedure was used (150-mL sleeve, 150-cm alimentary limb, and 100-cm common channel) for the 28 laparoscopic BPD-DS procedures, although 15 patients underwent conversion to laparotomy at the beginning of our experience. No patients died postoperatively. Of the 51 patients, 7 were not available for follow-up: 2 patients had died 9 months after BPD-DS (1 of myocardial infarction and 1 after ventral hernia repair), 1 underwent reversal, 1 refused follow-up after a complicated postoperative course, and contact was lost with 3 patients (7.8% lost to follow-up). The 5-year BMI was 31 ± 4.5 kg/m(2), with a mean excess weight loss of 71.9% ± 20.6%. Of the 44 patients, 7 (15.9%) had an excess weight loss of <50%; 4 of these unsatisfactory results occurred after revision BPD-DS. After primary BPD-DS, excess weight loss of 75.8% ± 18.0% was observed. Biologic data were obtained for 85% of the patients at 5 years. The main vitamin and micronutrients parameters remained stable over time. However, a trend was seen toward an increase in the parathormone levels and difficulties in maintaining a normal vitamin D level despite updated vitamin supplementation. CONCLUSION: The results of our study have shown that BPD-DS achieves sustainable significant weight loss with >5 years of follow-up, with unsatisfactory results in <20% of cases. Although not statistically significant, revision surgery more often resulted in lesser weight loss, although this difference had almost vanished when the initial BMI was taken as a reference compared with the BMI before BPD-DS.

Zinc deficiency: a frequent and underestimated complication after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Although zinc deficiency is common after bariatric surgery, its incidence is underestimated. The objective was to monitor zinc and nutritional status before and 6, 12 and 24 months (M6, M12 and M24) after gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass), sleeve gastrectomy and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (DS) in patients receiving systematised nutritional care. METHODS: Data for 324 morbidly obese patients (mean body mass index 46.2 ± 7.3 kg/m(2)) were reviewed retrospectively. The follow-up period was 6 months for 272 patients, 12 months for 175, and 24 months for 70. Anthropometric, dietary and serum albumin, prealbumin, zinc, iron and transferrin saturation measures were determined at each timepoint. RESULTS: Nine percent of patients had zinc deficiency pre-operatively. Zinc deficiency was present in 42.5% of the population at M12 and then remained stable. Zinc deficiency was significantly more frequent after DS, with a prevalence of 91.7% at M12. Between M0 and M6, variation in plasma prealbumin, surgery type and zinc supplementation explained 27.2% of the variance in plasma zinc concentration. Surgery type explained 22.1% of this variance between M0 and M24. Mean supplemental zinc intake was low (22 mg/day). The percentage of patients taking zinc supplementation at M6, M12 and M24 was 8.9%, 20.6% and 29%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced protein intake, impaired zinc absorption and worsening compensatory mechanisms contribute to zinc deficiency. The mechanisms involved differ according to the type of surgery and time since surgery. Zinc supplementation is necessary early after bariatric surgery, but this requirement is often underestimated or is inadequate.

Weight loss prior to bariatric surgery is not a pre-requisite of excess weight loss outcomes in obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Although weight loss before bariatric surgery may carry advantages during the surgical procedure (decreased liver volume, operation duration, and blood loss), it is still debated whether it induces a greater long-term weight loss. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis over 539 patients operated by the same surgeon until September 2008. Five hundred seven primary bariatric surgical procedures were performed: gastric bypass in 381, gastric banding in 97, and sleeve gastrectomy in 29. Preoperative multidisciplinary care was similar for all the patients over a period of 12 months. Relationship between weight changes during this period and the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) over the 48 month after surgery was analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: No relationship could be evidenced between pre- and postoperative weight loss, regardless of the surgical technique performed. Whether patients were male or female, and whether they had an initial BMI greater or lower than 50 kg/m(2), did not make a difference in the relationship between EWL at any point and weight loss prior to surgery. Despite a large range of weight changes before surgery, there was no trend for a relationship. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that weight loss before surgery should not be considered a pre-requisite. Although it can reduce the difficulties of the surgical procedure, advantages for long-term weight loss are not validated.