The Effects of Nebulized Lidocaine on the Laryngeal Adductor Reflex.

The laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) is a brainstem reflex that closes the vocal fold and constitutes a new method for continuously monitoring the vagus and laryngeal nerves during different surgeries. Previous reports concluded that topical lidocaine in spray inhibited LAR responses. However, topical anesthesia in the upper airway may be necessary in awake intubation. We present six patients who underwent neck endocrine surgery due to an intrathoracic goiter that compromised the airway. Before awake intubation, a nebulization of lidocaine 5% was applied for at least 10 min. The intubation procedure was well tolerated, and bilateral LAR with suitable amplitudes for monitoring was obtained in all cases. In our series, the nebulization of lidocaine 5% did not affect the laryngeal adductor reflex. Laryngoscope, 2024.

The Management of Biliary Disease in Patients with Severe Obesity Undergoing Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery-An International Expert Survey.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to survey international experts in metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) to improve and consolidate the management of biliary disease in patients with severe obesity undergoing MBS. BACKGROUND: Obesity and rapid weight loss after MBS are risk factors for the development of gallstones. Complications, such as cholecystitis, acute cholangitis, and biliary pancreatitis, are potentially life-threatening, and no guidelines for the proper management of gallstone disease exist. METHODS: An international scientific team designed an online confidential questionnaire with 26 multiple-choice questions. The survey was answered by 86 invited experts (from 38 different countries), who participated from August 1, 2023, to September 9, 2023. RESULTS: Two-thirds of experts (67.4%) perform concomitant cholecystectomy in symptomatic gallstones during MBS. Half of experts (50%) would wait 6-12 weeks between both surgeries with an interval approach. Approximately 57% of the experts prescribe ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) prophylactically after MBS, and most recommend a 6-month course. More than the half of the experts (59.3%/53.5%) preferred laparoscopic assisted transgastric ERCP as the approach for treating CBD stones in patients who previously had RYGB/OAGB. CONCLUSION: Concomitant cholecystectomy is preferred by the experts, although evidence in the literature reports an increased complication rate. Prophylactic UDCA should be recommended to every MBS patient, even though the current survey demonstrated that not all experts are recommending it. The preferred approach for treating common bile duct stones is a laparoscopic assisted transgastric ERCP after gastric bypass. The conflicting responses will need more scientific work and clarity in the future.

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Obesity Class V (BMI > 60 kg/m2): a Modified Delphi Study.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the preferred method to achieve significant weight loss in patients with Obesity Class V (BMI > 60 kg/m2). However, there is no consensus regarding the best procedure(s) for this population. Additionally, these patients will likely have a higher risk of complications and mortality. The aim of this study was to achieve a consensus among a global panel of expert bariatric surgeons using a modified Delphi methodology. METHODS: A total of 36 recognized opinion-makers and highly experienced metabolic and bariatric surgeons participated in the present Delphi consensus. 81 statements on preoperative management, selection of the procedure, perioperative management, weight loss parameters, follow-up, and metabolic outcomes were voted on in two rounds. A consensus was considered reached when an agreement of ≥ 70% of experts' votes was achieved. RESULTS: A total of 54 out of 81 statements reached consensus. Remarkably, more than 90% of the experts agreed that patients should be notified of the greater risk of complications, the possibility of modifications to the surgical procedure, and the early start of chemical thromboprophylaxis. Regarding the choice of the procedure, SADI-S, RYGB, and OAGB were the top 3 preferred operations. However, no consensus was reached on the limb length in these operations. CONCLUSION: This study represents the first attempt to reach consensus on the choice of procedures as well as perioperative management in patients with obesity class V. Although overall consensus was reached in different areas, more research is needed to better serve this high-risk population.

Global benchmarks in primary robotic bariatric surgery redefine quality standards for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Whether the benefits of the robotic platform in bariatric surgery translate into superior surgical outcomes remains unclear. The aim of this retrospective study was to establish the 'best possible' outcomes for robotic bariatric surgery and compare them with the established laparoscopic benchmarks. METHODS: Benchmark cut-offs were established for consecutive primary robotic bariatric surgery patients of 17 centres across four continents (13 expert centres and 4 learning phase centres) using the 75th percentile of the median outcome values until 90 days after surgery. The benchmark patients had no previous laparotomy, diabetes, sleep apnoea, cardiopathy, renal insufficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, immunosuppression, history of thromboembolic events, BMI greater than 50 kg/m2, or age greater than 65 years. RESULTS: A total of 9097 patients were included, who were mainly female (75.5%) and who had a mean(s.d.) age of 44.7(11.5) years and a mean(s.d.) baseline BMI of 44.6(7.7) kg/m2. In expert centres, 13.74% of the 3020 patients who underwent primary robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 5.9% of the 4078 patients who underwent primary robotic sleeve gastrectomy presented with greater than or equal to one complication within 90 postoperative days. No patient died and 1.1% of patients had adverse events related to the robotic platform. When compared with laparoscopic benchmarks, robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass had lower benchmark cut-offs for hospital stay, postoperative bleeding, and marginal ulceration, but the duration of the operation was 42 min longer. For most surgical outcomes, robotic sleeve gastrectomy outperformed laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with a comparable duration of the operation. In robotic learning phase centres, outcomes were within the established benchmarks only for low-risk robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. CONCLUSION: The newly established benchmarks suggest that robotic bariatric surgery may enhance surgical safety compared with laparoscopic bariatric surgery; however, the duration of the operation for robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is longer.

Revisional Robotic Bariatric Surgery. Largest Single Centre Prospective Cohort Study and Review of the Literature.

Introduction: Robotic bariatric surgery (RBS) has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, yet questions persist about its utility concerning postoperative complications, costs, and technical aspects. RBS, while increasing in number, presents a greater technical challenge associated with more post-operative complications compared to primary bariatric surgery. In this study, we present our single institution experience and review the literature to assess the value of robotic revisional surgery. Material and Method: The retrospective review involved 42 patients (31 females, 11 males) who underwent various procedures, with the most frequent being the conversion of sleeve gastrectomy to gastric bypass (n=30). Encouragingly, no leaks or severe complications were identified. Furthermore, a systematic review indicated comparable outcomes, with decreased complication rates favoring robotic revisional surgery. Results: In direct comparison to standard laparoscopic revisional bariatric surgery, revisional robotic surgery demonstrated superior results in terms of efficacy, safety, and reduced hospital stay. However, rates of mortality, morbidity, and reintervention did not significantly differ between the two approaches. Conclusions: Considering these findings, we advocate for surgeons to acquire proficiency in the robotic technique, as part of the broader process of democratization and standardization of bariatric surgery. Embracing revisional robotic bariatric surgery can lead to improved patient outcomes, and its wider implementation may lead to enhanced surgical care and patient satisfaction in the field of bariatric procedures.

Bariatric and metabolic surgery in patients with low body mass index: an online survey of 543 bariatric and metabolic surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) in patients with low body mass index patients is a topic of debate. This study aimed to address all aspects of controversies in these patients by using a worldwide survey. METHODS: An online 35-item questionnaire survey based on existing controversies surrounding MBS in class 1 obesity was created by 17 bariatric surgeons from 10 different countries. Responses were collected and analysed by authors. RESULTS: A total of 543 bariatric surgeons from 65 countries participated in this survey. 52.29% of participants agreed with the statement that MBS should be offered to class-1 obese patients without any obesity related comorbidities. Most of the respondents (68.43%) believed that MBS surgery should not be offered to patients under the age of 18 with class I obesity. 81.01% of respondents agreed with the statement that surgical interventions should be considered after failure of non-surgical treatments. CONCLUSION: This survey demonstrated worldwide variations in metabolic/bariatric surgery in patients with class 1 obesity. Precise analysis of these results is useful for identifying different aspects for future research and consensus building.

Is the Surgical Drainage Mandatory for Leak after Sleeve Gastrectomy?

INTRODUCTION: Despite the unanimous acknowledgement of the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) worldwide, the leak remains its deficiency. For the last decade, the surgical treatment was practically considered mandatory for almost any collection following LSG. The aim of this study is to evaluate the need for surgical drainage for leak following LSG. METHODS: All consecutive patients having gone through LSG from January 2017 to December 2020 were enrolled in our study. Once the demographic data and the leak history were registered, we analyzed the outcome of the surgical or endoscopic drainage, the characteristics of the endoscopic treatment, and the evolution to complete healing. RESULTS: A total of 1249 patients underwent LSG and the leak occurred in 11 cases (0.9%). There were 10 women with a mean age of 47.8 years (27-63). The surgical drainage was performed for three patients and the rest of the eight patients underwent primary endoscopic treatment. The endoscopic treatment was represented with pigtails for seven cases and septotomy with balloon dilation for four cases. In two out of these four cases, the septotomy was anticipated by the use of a nasocavitary drain for 2 weeks. The average number of endoscopic procedures was 3.2 (range 2-6). The leaks achieved complete healing after an average duration of 4.8 months (range 1-9 months). No mortality was recorded for a leak. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of the gastric leak must be tailored to each patient. Although there is still no consensus for the endoscopic drainage of leaks after LSG, the surgical approach can be avoided in up to 72%. The benefits of pigtails and nasocavitary drains followed by endoscopic septotomy are undeniable, and they should be included in the armamentarium of any bariatric center.

Severity of post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass dumping syndrome and weight loss outcomes: is there any correlation?

PURPOSE: The present research was conducted to evaluate the effect of the severity of dumping syndrome (DS) on weight loss outcomes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in patients with class III obesity. METHODS: The present retrospective cohort study used the dumping symptom rating scale (DSRS) to evaluate the severity of DS and its correlation with weight loss outcomes in 207 patients 1 year after their RYGB. The patients were assigned to group A with mild-to-moderate DS or group B with severe DS. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 42.18 ± 10.46 years and their mean preoperative BMI 42.74 ± 5.59 kg/m2. The total weight loss percentage (%TWL) in group B was insignificantly higher than that in group A, but besides that was not significantly different in the two groups. CONCLUSION: The present findings suggested insignificant relationships between the presence and severity of DS after RYGB and adequate postoperative weight loss.

Endoscopic Gastric Band Removal.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) procedures have declined worldwide in recent years. A known complication is the intraluminal erosion of the prosthetic material. The endoscopic management of gastric band erosion represents the recommended approach nowadays, and it avoids any additional trauma to the gastric wall already damaged by the migration. The purpose of our study was to assess the feasibility of endoscopic management for intraluminal gastric band erosion following LAGB. METHODS: From January 2009-December 2020, a total of 29 patients were retrospectively reviewed after undergoing endoscopic gastric band removal. The study included all consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic gastric band removal in this period. No patients were excluded from the study. Data on patient demographic characteristics, case history, operative details (procedural time, adverse events), and complications were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients underwent endoscopic gastric band removal: 22 women (75.8%) with a mean age of 45 years (range: 28-63) and mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 31 ± 4.7 kg/m2 (range: 24-41). The average time to the identification of erosion after LAGB was 42 months (range: 28-137). The initial upper endoscopy found a migrated band of more than half of the diameter in 21 cases, less than a half but more than a third in seven cases and in one case, less than a third (use of a stent). Twenty-seven patients were successfully treated with endoscopic removal, and in two cases, the endoscopic approach failed, and laparoscopy was further performed. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic management of intraluminal erosion after LAGB can be safe and effective and should be considered the procedure of choice when treating this complication. The percentage of the band migration is important for the timing of the endoscopic removal.

Outcomes of Patients with Severe Obesity and Cirrhosis with Portal Hypertension Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Thus far, little attention has been paid to bariatric surgery (BS) in patients with severe obesity (SO) and cirrhosis with portal hypertension (PH). To address this knowledge gap, we systematically reviewed the available literature and evidence about BS in patients with SO and cirrhosis with PH. We inform on the perioperative and long-term outcomes of this intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Articles were identified in MEDLINE, SCOPUS, LILACS, and SCIELO, and included if they analyzed SO patients with clinically significant PH and reported the characteristics and outcomes of BS. RESULTS: Six articles, including 32 patients, were included. The most frequent type of BS was sleeve gastrectomy performed in 27 patients. Perioperative transfusions were often not required, with only one case report describing the use of 1 unit of packed red blood cells post-operatively. Neither intraoperative nor post-op deaths were reported. All patients reported significant weight loss with improvements in comorbidities during the follow-up periods. Overall, 27 out of 29 patients had T2DM resolution, and 13 out of 23 had arterial hypertension resolution. One study reported improvements in the parameters of fibroscan. CONCLUSION: This systematic review described the outcomes of BS among patients with SO with cirrhosis and PH. Performing this kind of surgery among these patients appears safe and associated with acceptable perioperative and long-term outcomes. However, further studies are required to provide evidence-based, strong recommendations.

Multi-society consensus conference and guideline on the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common diseases in North America and globally. The aim of this guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations regarding the most utilized and available endoscopic and surgical treatments for GERD. METHODS: Systematic literature reviews were conducted for 4 key questions regarding the surgical and endoscopic treatments for GERD in adults: preoperative evaluation, endoscopic vs surgical or medical treatment, complete vs partial fundoplication, and treatment for obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 35 kg/m2) and concomitant GERD. Evidence-based recommendations were formulated using the GRADE methodology by subject experts. Recommendations for future research were also proposed. RESULTS: The consensus provided 13 recommendations. Through the development of these evidence-based recommendations, an algorithm was proposed for aid in the treatment of GERD. Patients with typical symptoms should undergo upper endoscopy, manometry, and pH-testing; additional testing may be required for patients with atypical or extra-esophageal symptoms. Patients with normal or abnormal findings on manometry should consider undergoing partial fundoplication. Magnetic sphincter augmentation or fundoplication are appropriate surgical procedures for adults with GERD. For patients who wish to avoid surgery, the Stretta procedure and transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF 2.0) were found to have better outcomes than proton pump inhibitors alone. Patients with concomitant obesity were recommended to undergo either gastric bypass or fundoplication, although patients with severe comorbid disease or BMI > 50 should undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for the additional benefits that follow weight loss. CONCLUSION: Using the recommendations an algorithm was developed by this panel, so that physicians may better counsel their patients with GERD. There are certain patient factors that have been excluded from included studies/trials, and so these recommendations should not replace surgeon-patient decision making. Engaging in the identified research areas may improve future care for GERD patients.

Protein Supplementation with Short Peptides Prevents Early Muscle Mass Loss after Roux-en-Y-Gastric Bypass.

Introduction: A significant reduction in fat-free mass (FFM) following bariatric surgery (BS) has been reported, and adequate protein intake is recommended for FFM preservation. Current guidelines of nutritional management after BS recommend complex protein (CP) compounds. However, Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (RYGB) has a negative impact on CP digestion, leading to protein malabsorption. At present, there is no data regarding the impact of early supplementation with short peptide-based (SPB) or hydroxy methylbutyrate (HMB)-enriched formulas on the evolution of the FFM after the BS. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of nutritional products based on CP, HBM-enriched, or SPB formulas on the FFM of patients that undergo RYGB. Material and methods: This is a prospective interventional study, including three groups of patients (according to the type of protein product) as candidates for BS, recruited between December 2021 and April 2022, matched by age, gender, and BMI. All patients underwent evaluations at baseline and one month post-BS, including: medical history, physical and anthropometric evaluation, bioimpedance, and biochemical analysis. Results: A total of 60 patients were recruited: 63% women, mean age 43.13 ± 9.4 years, and BMI 43.57 ± 4.1 kg/m2. The % of FFM loss from total weight loss (TWL) was significantly lower in the SPB group than CP and HMB groups despite the major %TWL in this group (40.60 ± 17.27 in CP, 34.57 ± 13.15 in HMB, and 19.14 ± 9.38 in SPB, p < 0.001). TWL% was 9.98 ± 1.82 vs. 9.83 ± 2.71 vs. 13.56 ± 4.30, p < 0.001, respectively. Conclusion: In our study, the SPB supplementation prevented almost 50% FFM lost from the TWL than the CP- or HMB-enriched compounds at one month post-BS. These results are significant in the setting of muscle mass preservation after the BS, and have the potential to change the current guidelines for the management of nutritional supplementation after BS.

The Utility of Video Recording in Assessing Bariatric Surgery Complications.

INTRODUCTION: Recording every procedure could diminish the postoperative complication rates in bariatric surgery. The aim of our study was to evaluate the correlation between recording every bariatric surgery and their postoperative analysis in relation to the early or late postoperative complications. METHODS: Seven hundred fifteen patients who underwent a bariatric procedure between January 2018 and December 2019 were included in a retrospective analysis. There were: 589 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomies (LSGs); 110 Roux-en-Y bypasses (RYGBs) and 16 gastric bands (LAGBs). The video recording was systematically used, and all patients were enrolled in the IFSO registry. RESULTS: There were 15 patients (2.1%) with surgical postoperative complications: 5 leaks, 8 hemorrhages and 2 stenosis. Most complications were consequent to LSG, except for two, which occurred after RYGB. In four cases a site of active bleeding was identified. After reviewing the video, in three cases the site was correlated with an event which occurred during the initial procedure. Three out of five cases of leak following sleeve were treated purely endoscopically, and no potential correlated mechanism was identified. Two other possible benefits were observed: a better evaluation of the gastric pouch for the treatment of the ulcer post bypass and the review of one per operative incident. Two negative diagnostic laparoscopies were performed. The benefit of the systematic video recording was singled out in eight cases. All the other cases were completed by laparoscopy with no conversion. CONCLUSION: To record every bariatric procedure could help in understanding the mechanism of certain complications, especially when the analysis is performed within the team. Still, recording the procedure did not prevent the negative diagnostic laparoscopy, but it could play a significant role for the medico-legal aspect in the future.

A case of pylephlebitis complicating an acute appendicitis: Uncommon cholangitis-like situation.

INTRODUCTION: Pylephlebitis represents an uncommon but serious condition with significant mortality which can complicate intrabdominal sepsis of any etiology. One of the most common predisposing infections is appendicitis. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 21-year-old male with 4 days of epigastric and right upper quadrant pain with associated fever and chills with hyperbilirubinemia and leukocytosis in blood test was orientated as cholangitis at first diagnostic. Poor response to antibiotic treatment with persistent fever and bacteriemia with E. coli and S. constellatus isolated in blood cultures led to complete the study with a CT scan which revealed an acute appendicitis complicated with thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) up to the splenoportal confluence. Appendectomy, treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotic and anticoagulation treatment led to full recovery. Follow-up after 6 months showed almost complete SMV patency. DISCUSSION: Pylephlebitis can present as a clinical cholangitis-like picture with hyperbilirubinemia with or without liver abscess formation. CT scan seems to be the most sensitive diagnostic test as it identifies the underlying focus of infection, the extension of the thrombosis and detects liver abscesses. Surgical removal of the source of infection as appendectomy and adequate antibiotic treatment adjusted by culture should be initiated promptly. Anticoagulant treatment should be considered in the case of poor clinical outcome or thrombosis progression. CONCLUSION: Pylephlebitis should be suspected mainly in patients with appendicitis and diverticulitis with erratic behavior despite surgical removal and/or antibiotic treatment with abnormal liver tests and persistent bacteriemia. CT scan is the preferred image study.

The Impact of the Length of the Common Intestinal Loop on Metabolic and Nutritional Outcomes of Patients with Severe Obesity Who Undergo of Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy: 5-Year Follow-Up.

Introduction: Single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) is a recent bariatric surgery technique, highly effective in terms of weight loss. Nevertheless, data regarding the impact of SADI-S at mid-long term (after >5 years of follow-up) are scarce. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of lengths of common intestinal loop on the evolution of patients with morbid obesity (MO), who undergo SADI-S. Materials and Methods: Descriptive study (case series), including patients with MO who underwent SADI-S procedure between January 2012 and December 2015 with at least 5 years of follow-up. Patients were classified as "Old-SADI-S" (OS) when length of the common alimentary loop was <2.5 m and "New-SADI-S" (NS) when length was >2.5 m. Clinical parameters and nutritional parameters were included. Results: Twenty-nine cases were included (17 OS; 12 NS), 86.2% women and mean age 46.7 ± 1 years. After 12 months, OS had significantly lower body mass index (29.7 ± 4.8 kg/m2 versus 32.0 ± 5.1 kg/m2, P = .01), without significant differences in the resolution of comorbidities. Nevertheless, OS group had severe malabsorptive complications requiring surgical conversion of OS to NS in 7 patients after 8 months. At 5 years of follow-up, no significant difference was seen between the two groups and resolution of comorbidities was maintained during this period of time. Conclusions: SADI-S is effective in terms of weight loss and resolution of comorbidities at 5 years of follow-up, regardless of the length of the common intestinal loop. However, a common intestinal loop <2.5 m was associated with severe malabsorptive complications that determined the surgical re-conversion in all cases.

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.

Robotic and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass after learning curve: 30-day and 12-month outcomes.

This study compares laparoscopic RYGB (L-RYGB) and robotic RYGB (R-RYGB) performed by the same team after the learning curve in both approaches. A retrospective cohort study was done, and the surgical outcome was analyzed in 30 days and 12 months for patients with similar characteristics and an equal number of cases in each group (233 cases). Four hundred and sixty-six patients were included in this study. Mean age was 46.8 ± 8.3 years and 2/3 were women. R-RYGB presented a longer operative time (150.7 versus 135.4 min; p < 0.001) with no differences in the length of hospital stay. The main 30-day complications were G-J stricture, leakage, and intraluminal bleeding. The reoperation rate was 1.6% by leakage (G-J anastomosis) and was higher in R-RYGB (2.1 versus 0.4; p = 0.108). The multivariate analysis identified that L-RYGB was the factor independently associated with a LOS longer than 2 days (odds ratio: 4.7, 95% CI: 2.6-8.2, p value < 0.001). At the FU time (12 months), no differences between the groups were found. The outcomes between the groups after the learning curve did not present differences in terms of 30 days and 12 months of FU when same preoperative characteristics and an equal number of cases in each group are considered. L-RYGB was the unique independent factor associated with long LOS.

Analysis of the Management of Cholelithiasis in Bariatric Surgery Patients: a Single-Center Experience.

PURPOSE: Cholelithiasis is an issue in bariatric surgery patients. The incidence of cholelithiasis is increased in morbidly obese patients. After bariatric surgery, the management maybe sometimes challenging. There is no consensus about how to deal with cholelithiasis prior to bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review from our prospectively collected bariatric surgery database. Primary bariatric procedures from 2009 to 2020 were included. Prevalence of cholelithiasis and its management prior to bariatric surgery and the incidence and management of postoperative biliary events were analyzed. RESULTS: Over 1445 patients analyzed, preoperatively cholelithiasis was found in 153 (10.58%), and 68 out of them (44.44%) were symptomatic. Seventy-six patients had a concomitant cholecystectomy. In those cases, the bariatric procedure did not show increased operative time, length of stay, morbidity, or mortality compared to the rest of primary bariatric procedures. Twelve patients (15.58%) with previous cholelithiasis and no concomitant cholecystectomy presented any kind of biliary event and required cholecystectomy. De novo cholelithiasis rate requiring cholecystectomy was 3.86%. Postoperative biliary events both in de novo and persistent cholelithiasis population did not show any difference between the type of surgery, weight loss, and other characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Cholelithiasis was present in 10.58% of our primary bariatric surgery population. Concomitant cholecystectomy was safe in our series. Non-surgical management of asymptomatic cholelithiasis did not lead to a higher risk of postoperative biliary events. The global postoperative cholecystectomy rate was equivalent to the general population.