Septic Shock After Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty: A Post-procedural Complication?

BACKGROUND: ESG is a safe and effective technique in the obesity management, usually indicated in class I and II obesity. It is also an acceptable treatment in patients with class III obesity who have high surgical risk or refuse surgery. This procedure results in a significant weight loss and important improvement in metabolic comorbidities. Nevertheless, there are several procedure-related complications. Few cases of gastric perforation following ESG have been reported. We present a case of septic shock after ESG with preoperative diagnostic uncertainties. METHODS: We present the case of a 54-year-old male with a BMI of 43.6 kg/m2 who underwent ESG 7 days before in an external center. The patient came to the emergency department presenting abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting since the day after the procedure. Physical examination revealed hemodynamic instability, altered level of consciousness, diffuse abdominal pain, and a painful umbilical lump due to a complicated umbilical hernia. Emergent surgery was decided after preoperative assessment. RESULTS: Intraoperative gastroscopy was performed, viewing a gastric ischemic ulcer covered with fibrin and a mucosal defect and suspecting a covered gastric perforation. Firstly, we performed an open approach to the complicated umbilical hernia. Subsequently, an exploratory laparoscopy was performed through the hernial ring, where a fibrin-covered area was evidenced in the anterior face of the gastric body, adhered to the round ligament by a transmural suture of the ESG. Additionally, multiple transmural sutures were observed adhered to the greater omentum and lesser sac and an intramural hematoma in the greater gastric curvature. No intra-abdominal free fluid was evidenced. A laparoscopic barbed suture of the area covered with fibrin was performed, after its release from the round ligament. The adhesions of the sutures and metallic material from the ESG were released. Finally, two abdominal drains were placed in the anterior and posterior gastric face. The patient presented superficial incisional surgical site infection and was discharged 6 days after laparoscopic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: ESG is a novel procedure, which has proven to be an effective alternative in the treatment of obesity. However, this technique may have major complications that can require urgent surgery.

ENDOSCOPIC SLEEVE GASTROPLASTY: THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE KEY PROCEDURAL STEPS THROUGH A MODIFIED DELPHI METHOD.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is an innovative, minimally invasive bariatric procedure with an excellent safety and efficacy profile in adults with obesity. The purpose of the procedure is to shorten and tubularize the stomach along its greater curvature. Nevertheless, there is some heterogeneity in approach to ESG, which will be important to address as the procedure sees increasingly widespread clinical adoption. Here, we present an expert consensus on standardized ESG technique. METHODS: The Modified Delphi Method was used with the goal of establishing the key procedural steps of an ESG. A panel of 8 experts was selected of which 6 participated. The panel was selected based on their experience with performing the procedure and consisted of 1 bariatric surgeon and 5 interventional gastroenterologists. A neutral facilitator was designated and produced a skeletonized initial version of the key steps that was sent to each of the experts. Each survey began with the experts rating the given steps on a Likert scale of 1-5, with 1 being the most inaccurate and 5 being the most accurate. The final product was also rated. The survey continued with open-ended questions designed to revise and polish the key steps. Areas of discrepancy were addressed with binary questions and majority vote. Respondents were given 10 days to complete each survey. At the end of each round, the survey was then redistributed with updated key steps and questions. This process was continued for a predesignated three rounds. RESULTS: Of the 8 experts that were queried 6/8, 5/8, and 5/8 replied to each round, respectively. The given ratings for the accuracy of the steps in each round were 4.2, 4.6, and 4.4. The final rating was 4.8. While expert opinion varied around smaller portions of the procedure, such as the placement of an overtube and the shape of each suture line, there was consensus on the need for full-thickness bites and an appropriate swirling of the tissue with the helix device. Whether or not to include the fundus in the gastroplasty was an additional area of discrepancy. 4/5 of the experts agreed that the fundus should remain intact. The final protocol consisted of 21 steps curated from the summarized responses of the experts. CONCLUSIONS: Using the Modified Delphi method, we have described 21 key steps to a safe, effective ESG. This rubric will standardize across institutions and practitioners. Furthermore, these findings allow for the generation of educational assessment tools to facilitate training and increase the adoption of ESG by endoscopists.

Endoscopic reversal of the modified Long vertical gastroplasty.

Endoscopic techniques are revolutionizing bariatric surgery because of the significant risks that obesity places on both anaesthesia and surgery. Due to the high number of long-term complications that may be associated with bariatric surgery, and the relative safety of endoscopy compared to operative management, endoscopic methods for reversal of previous bariatric techniques are becoming the favoured approach. We describe the use of an endoscopic stent to assist with endoscopic reversal of a modified Long vertical gastroplasty. The modified Long vertical gastroplasty was a restrictive bariatric procedure that was effective to promote weight loss, but had adverse effects including dysphagia, reflux, indigestion and weight regain. The use of an adjunct stent not only treated the patient's reflux by dilating the stricture but allowed for erosion of the sutures intra-luminally to be removed endoscopically. The endoscopic reversal of this technique is safe and helped to relieve the patient's symptoms of reflux and dysphagia.

Success Predictors of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive procedure that proved to be safe and effective in obesity treatment. However, not all subjects respond to treatment in the same way, and, with a view to personalized care, it is essential to identify predictors of success or failure. METHODS: A retrospective 2-year followed-up cohort of ESG subjects was analyzed to investigate the presence of any baseline or early indicators of long-term optimal or suboptimal ESG outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 315 subjects (73% women) were included, with 73% of patients exhibiting an Excess weight loss percentage (%EWL) >25% at the 24 months. Neither demographic parameters (age and sex), smoking habits, and menopause in women nor the presence of comorbidities proved potential predictive value. Interestingly, the %EWL at 1 month after ESG was the strongest predictor of 24-month therapeutic success. Subsequently, we estimated an "early threshold for success" for 1 month-%EWL by employing Youden's index method. CONCLUSIONS: ESG is a safe and effective bariatric treatment that can be offered to a wide range of subjects. Early weight loss seems to impact long-term ESG results significantly and may allow proper early post-operative care optimization.

Evolución clínica y nutricional de pacientes sometidos a cirugía bariátrica en un hospital de referencia del estado de Pernambuco / Evolução clínica e nutricional de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica em um hospital de referência do estado de Pernambuco / Clinical and nutritional evolution of patients undergoing bariatric surgery in a reference hospital in the state of Pernambuco

La obesidad es un factor de riesgo para enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles como Diabetes Mellitus 2, Hipertensión Arterial Sistémica, entre otras. La gastroplastia se encuentra entre las alternativas terapéuticas con buena respuesta a la pérdida de peso cuando el ejercicio físico y la dieta no fueron eficientes, resultando en un mejor control clínico de las comorbilidades asociadas. Por tanto, analizar la evolución clínica y nutricional de pacientes sometidos a cirugía bariátrica, 12 meses después del procedimiento, con el fin de observar los impactos de esta terapia. Se realizó una serie de casos, que incluyeron individuos sometidos a cirugía bariátrica y que presentaban alguna comorbilidad asociada al exceso de peso. La recolección de datos se realizó en Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira – IMIP, ubicado en la ciudad de Recife-Pernambuco, período de mayo de 2021 a octubre de 2021. Se obtuvieron datos antropométricos, clínicos y bioquímicos. Se incluyeron en el estudio cuarenta personas con una edad media de 43 ± 11,7 años, siendo la técnica quirúrgica más utilizada el Bypass Gástrico (77,5%). Se observó una reducción de la Hemoglobina Glicada de 5,8% ± 0,5 en el preoperatorio a 5,1% ± 0,2 a los 12 meses (p = <0,001), y una reducción del Colesterol Total de 199,0 mg/dL a 167,0 mg/dL (p = <0,001) antes y 12 meses después de la gastroplastia, respectivamente. Además de estas, observamos una mejora estadísticamente significativa en todas las variables antropométricas y bioquímicas analizadas, excepto la glucemia en ayunas. Estos resultados pueden explicarse por cambios en la secreción de hormonas intestinales, que ayudan a mejorar el control de la glucosa, los lípidos y la presión arterial, además de la pérdida de peso. Por tanto, la cirugía bariátrica parece tener un impacto positivo en la evolución bioquímica y antropométrica en el primer año tras la cirugía.(AU)

Introdução: A obesidade é fator de risco para doençascrônicas não transmissíveis como Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2,Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica, dislipidemias, entre outras. Agastroplastia está entre as alternativas terapêuticas com boaresposta sobre a perda ponderal quando exercício físico edieta não foram eficientes, resultando em melhor controle clí-nico de comorbidades associadas. Portanto, analisar a evolu-ção clínica e nutricional de pacientes submetidos à cirurgiabariátrica em um hospital de referência no estado dePernambuco, 12 meses após o procedimento, a fim de obser-var os impactos desta terapêutica. Material e métodos: Foi realizado uma série de casos,que incluiu indivíduos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica e quepossuíam alguma comorbidade associada ao excesso ponde-ral. A coleta de dados foi realizada no ambulatório de nutri-ção do Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira– IMIP, localizado na cidade de Recife-Pernambuco, períodode maio de 2021 a outubro de 2021. Sendo obtidos dados an-tropométricos, clínicos e bioquímicos. Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 40 indivíduos comidade média de 43 ± 11,7 anos, com predominância do sexo feminino (92,5%), sendo a técnica cirúrgica mais realizada oBypass Gástrico (77,5%). Foi observado redução daHemoglobina Glicada de 5,8% ± 0,5 no pré-operatório para5,1% ± 0,2 aos 12 meses (p = <0,001), e redução doColesterol Total de 199,0mg/dL para 167,0mg/dL (p = <0,001)antes e 12 meses após a gastroplastia, respectivamente. Alémdestas, observamos melhora estatisticamente significativa emtodas as variáveis antropométricas e bioquímicas analisadas,exceto a glicemia em jejum. Discussão: Tais resultados podem ser explicados a partirdas alterações da secreção de hormônios intestinais, que au-xiliam no melhor controle glicídico, lipídico e pressórico, alémda perda ponderal...AU)

Introduction: Obesity is a risk factor for chronic non-com-municable diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, SystemicArterial Hypertension, dyslipidemia, among others. Gastroplast is among the therapeutic alternatives with a good response toweight loss when physical exercise and diet were not efficient,resulting in better clinical control of associated comorbidities. Therefore, analyze the clinical and nutritional evolution of pa-tients undergoing bariatric surgery in a reference hospital in thestate of Pernambuco, 12 months after the procedure, in orderto observe the impacts of this therapy. Material and methods: A series of cases was carried out,which included individuals who underwent bariatric surgeryand who had some comorbidity associated with excessweight. Data collection was carried out at the nutrition out-patient clinic of the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof.Fernando Figueira – IMIP, located in the city of Recife-Pernambuco, period from May 2021 to October 2021.Anthropometric, clinical and biochemical data were obtained. Results: 40 individuals were included in the study with amean age of 43 ± 11.7 years, with a predominance of fema-les (92.5%), with the most common surgical technique beingGastric Bypass (77.5%). A reduction in Glycated Hemoglobinwas observed from 5.8% ± 0.5 in the preoperative period to5.1% ± 0.2 at 12 months (p = <0.001), and a reduction inTotal Cholesterol from 199.0mg/dL to 167.0mg/dL (p =<0.001) before and 12 months after gastroplasty, respecti-vely. In addition to these, we observed a statistically signifi-cant improvement in all anthropometric and biochemical va-riables analyzed, except fasting blood glucose. Discussion: These results can be explained based onchanges in the secretion of intestinal hormones, which helpwith better glucose, lipid and blood pressure control, in addi-tion to weight loss...(AU)

Update on Endoscopic Treatments for Obesity.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Increased morbidity seen with rising obesity rates continues to place an unheralded burden on our health system. Lack of higher bariatric surgery utilization and limitations with lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy highlights the need for additional therapies for obesity. Endoscopic bariatric and metabolic therapies (EBMT) are effective, safe treatments for obesity. Current FDA-approved EBMT are confined to gastric modalities while small bowel directed therapies are still considered investigational. This review highlights current modalities of EBMT. RECENT FINDINGS: Many randomized controlled trials have been performed, including both open label and sham-controlled, which have demonstrated safety and efficacy of EBMT over lifestyle therapy alone. In addition, emerging evidence from clinical experience further supports EBMT for treatment of obesity. Current evidence supports the safety and efficacy of EBMT for obesity treatment in conjunction with lifestyle therapy. They can also be used concurrently with weight loss medications to increase total weight loss.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: stomach location and task classification for evaluation using artificial intelligence.

PURPOSE: We have previously developed grading metrics to objectively measure endoscopist performance in endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). One of our primary goals is to automate the process of measuring performance. To achieve this goal, the repeated task being performed (grasping or suturing) and the location of the endoscopic suturing device in the stomach (Incisura, Anterior Wall, Greater Curvature, or Posterior Wall) need to be accurately recorded. METHODS: For this study, we populated our dataset using screenshots and video clips from experts carrying out the ESG procedure on ex vivo porcine specimens. Data augmentation was used to enlarge our dataset, and synthetic minority oversampling (SMOTE) to balance it. We performed stomach localization for parts of the stomach and task classification using deep learning for images and computer vision for videos. RESULTS: Classifying the stomach's location from the endoscope without SMOTE for images resulted in 89% and 84% testing and validation accuracy, respectively. For classifying the location of the stomach from the endoscope with SMOTE, the accuracies were 97% and 90% for images, while for videos, the accuracies were 99% and 98% for testing and validation, respectively. For task classification, the accuracies were 97% and 89% for images, while for videos, the accuracies were 100% for both testing and validation, respectively. CONCLUSION: We classified the four different stomach parts manipulated during the ESG procedure with 97% training accuracy and classified two repeated tasks with 99% training accuracy with images. We also classified the four parts of the stomach with a 99% training accuracy and two repeated tasks with a 100% training accuracy with video frames. This work will be essential in automating feedback mechanisms for learners in ESG.

Endoscopic Revisional Gastroplasty After Bariatric Surgery with a Single-Channel Endoscope.

BACKGROUND: Less invasive endoscopic bariatric procedures are under development for the management of recurrence of obesity. The purpose of the current manuscript was to evaluate the safety of the endoscopic revisional gastroplasty (ERG) for patients with recurrence of weight gain following different bariatric procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective single-center study over 22 patients using the ERG between January 2020 to July 2022 at Bouchard Private Hospital (Marseille, France). The demographic data, past surgical history, obesity complications, time interval between the surgical and endoscopic procedures, and intra and postoperative parameters and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients underwent ERG: 19 female (86.4%) with a mean age of 34.2 years and a mean BMI of 32.9 kg/m2 (± 3.4). Average time between the revisional bariatric surgery and ERG was 14.4 months (range 5-36). There were 14 cases of LSG (77.8%), 9 cases of RYGBP (19.4%), and 3 cases with previous gastric band. All procedures were completed by endoscopy with no complication and a mean length of hospital stay of 1.1 days (± 0.9). The weight loss results at 1-year follow-up were available for 17 of the 22 patients: two patients were lost to follow-up (4%) and 3 patients had less than a 1-year follow-up from the ERG. The mean BMI, 1 year after ERG, was 28.7 kg/m2 (± 7.4); the mean BMI loss and %EWL were, respectively, 4.2 kg/m2 (± 4.7) and 53.1% (± 17). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic revisional gastroplasty represents a safe minimal invasive approach that can be considered an effective and well-tolerated procedure for patients with previous bariatric surgery.

Association between disordered eating and clinical outcomes following a surgical or endoscopic bariatric procedure: A real-world exploratory study.

Problem: Disordered eating, such as binge, graze, and emotional eating, has been strongly linked to weight gain. Improved understanding of disordered eating by adults who elect bariatric weight loss procedures in a real-world setting is required. Purpose: To determine the association between the number and type of disordered eating patterns (DEPs), as described by healthcare professionals during routine care without standardized assessment, with clinical outcomes in adults who elected a bariatric weight loss procedure. Method: An observational cohort study recruited laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) patients. DEPs documented in the medical record during routine care were observed and tested for association with events (symptoms, side-effects, or adverse events), micronutrient deficiencies, weight loss, and attrition. Data were observed up to 12-month post-procedure. Results: 215 LSG and 32 ESG patients were recruited. The mean number of DEPs was 6.4 (SD: 2.1) and 6.4 (SD: 2.1) in the LSG and ESG cohorts, respectively. Night eating was associated with a higher number of events (p < 0.008) in the LSG cohort, and non-hungry eating was associated with a higher number of events in the ESG cohort (p < 0.001). ESG patients who had a surgical or medical event by 6-months post-procedure had mean 1.78 (95%CI: 0.67, 2.89) more DEPs (p = 0.004). DEPs were not associated with weight loss, micronutrient deficiencies, nor attrition. Conclusion: The treating healthcare team believed the LSG and ESG patients experienced a wide variety and high frequency of DEPs requiring multidisciplinary support. Non-hungry eating and night eating were associated with poorer outcomes following an LSG or ESG. Trial registration: The study was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000332729).

Emerging Endoscopic Interventions in Bariatric Surgery.

Various endoscopic tools and techniques have been developed to treat obesity and its associated weight-related medical conditions. However, many of these endoscopic treatments may be little known or utilized. This article examines the many endoscopic options that have been developed to treat obesity including gastric aspiration devices, incisionless magnetic anastomotic systems, endoluminal bypass barrier sleeves, primary obesity surgery endoluminal, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, and duodenal mucosal resurfacing. We review their development, application, efficacy, and the reported literature on their use and results.

Gallbladder plication as a rare complication of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive procedure used in the treatment of obesity, with a complication rate of less than 2% of cases. There have been only two reported cases worldwide of gallbladder injuries as a major complication of ESG. CASE SUMMARY: We present the case of a 34-year-old patient who developed a complication after ESG. The patient experienced epigastric and right hypochondrium pain 12 h after the procedure, and a positive Murphy's sign was identified on physical examination. Laboratory results showed a leukocyte count of 17 × 103/µL, and computed tomography indicated the presence of free fluid in the pelvic cavity and perihepatic recesses as well as a possible suture in the wall of the Hartmann's pouch toward the anterior surface of the stomach. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed, revealing plication of the Hartmann's pouch wall to the anterior stomach wall. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and lavage were carried out. The patient had a stable recovery and was discharged 72 h after surgery, tolerating oral intake. CONCLUSION: Gallbladder plication should be suspected if signs and symptoms consistent with acute cholecystitis occur after ESG.

Medium-Term Weight Loss and Remission of Comorbidities Following Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the short- and medium-term weight loss outcomes and comorbidity resolution following endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. Our search identified 35 relevant studies containing data from 7525 patients. Overall, pooled short-term (12 months) total weight loss (TWL) was 16.2% (95% CI 13.1-19.4%) in 23 studies (n = 5659). Pooled medium-term TWL was 15.4% (95% CI 13.7-17.2%) in 10 studies (n = 4040). Diabetes resolution was 55.4% (95% CI 46-64%), hypertension resolution was 62.8% (95% CI 43-82%), dyslipidaemia resolution was 56.3% (95% CI 49-63%), and obstructive sleep apnoea resolution was 51.7% (95% CI 16.2-87.3%) in four studies (n = 480). This pooled analysis demonstrates that ESG can induce durable weight loss and resolution of obesity-associated comorbidities in patients with moderate obesity.

Cirugía bariátrica: resultados clínicos en términos de pérdida de peso y resolución de comorbilidades / Bariatric surgery: Clinical outcomes in terms of weight loss and resolution of comorbidities

Introducción. La cirugía bariátrica es una estrategia válida de tratamiento en obesidad severa. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la reducción de peso y la resolución de comorbilidades comparando dos técnicas quirúrgicas, baipás gástrico en Y de Roux y manga gástrica. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo de tipo analítico que incluyó pacientes con obesidad grados II y III. Se analizaron variables demográficas y perioperatorias, y las comorbilidades asociadas a la obesidad. La reducción del peso se evaluó con el porcentaje de pérdida del exceso de peso. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo univariado, usando medianas, rangos intercuartílicos, frecuencias y proporciones. Se usaron las pruebas de U de Mann-Whitney y Chi cuadrado para el análisis de grupos. Un valor de p<0,05 fue considerado estadísticamente significativo. Resultados. Fueron incluidos 201 pacientes. La mediana del porcentaje de pérdida del exceso de peso a 18 meses fue de 77,4 % para el grupo de baipás gástrico en Y de Roux vs 69,5 % para el grupo de manga gástrica (p=0,14). La mayoría de los pacientes presentaron resolución o mejoría de la hipertensión arterial (76 %), diabetes mellitus (80 %), dislipidemia (73 %), apnea del sueño (79 %) y artropatías (94 %), sin diferencia significativa según la técnica quirúrgica empleada. La tasa de complicaciones mayores fue del 1,9 %. No se presentó mortalidad. La mediana de seguimiento fue 28 meses. Conclusión. El baipás gástrico en Y de Roux y la manga gástrica son procedimientos muy seguros y efectivos para la reducción del exceso de peso y la resolución de las comorbilidades asociadas a la obesidad

Introduction. Bariatric surgery is a valid strategy of treatment for severe obesity. The aim of this study is to evaluate weight loss and resolution of comorbidities comparing two procedures, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Methods. Descriptive study of analytical type that included patients with obesity grades II and III. Demographic and perioperative variables were analyzed. The weight reduction was evaluated among others with the percentage of excess of body weight loss. Comorbidities associated with obesity were also analyzed. A univariate descriptive analysis was performed, using medians, interquartile ranges, frequencies, and proportions. The Mann-Whitney U and Chi squared tests were used for analysis of groups. A value of p <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Median follow-up was 28 months. Results. A total of 201 patients were included in the analysis. The median percentage of excess of body weight loss at 18 months was 77.4% for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass group vs 69.5% for sleeve gastrectomy group (p=0.14). The majority of patients presented resolution or improvement of hypertension (76%), diabetes mellitus (80%), dyslipidemia (73%), sleep apnea (79%), and arthropathy (94%), without significant differences according to the surgical technique used. Major complication rate was 1.9%. There was not mortality. The median follow-up was 28 months. Conclusion. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are both very safe and effective procedures for excess weight reduction and resolution of comorbidities associated with obesity

Review of paediatric obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-A focus on emerging non-pharmacologic treatment strategies.

Obesity in paediatrics has become one of the most serious public health concerns worldwide. Paediatric obesity leads to increased adult obesity and is associated with several comorbidities, both physical and psychological. Within gastroenterology, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the most common cause of paediatric liver disease and the most common cause of liver transplantation in young adults. Treatment for NAFLD largely focuses on treatment of obesity with weight loss strategies. Unfortunately, the traditional method of weight loss using multicomponent lifestyle modification (dietary changes, increased exercise and behavioural modification) has often led to disappointing results. In adult patients with obesity, treatment strategies have evolved to include bariatric surgery and, more recently, bariatric endoscopy. In paediatrics, the obesity and NAFLD epidemics will likely require this variety of treatment to address children in a personalized manner. Here, we present a review of paediatric obesity, paediatric NAFLD and the various treatment strategies to date. We focus on non-pharmacologic and emerging therapies, including bariatric surgery and bariatric endoscopy-based treatments. With such a large population of children and adolescents with obesity, further development of these treatments, including paediatric-focused clinical trials, is essential for these emerging modalities.

Atypical fundal perforation: a case report.

Gastric perforations typically occur in the distal stomach, along the greater curvature or the antrum. The vast majority of upper gastrointestinal (GI) perforations are caused by peptic ulcer disease. We present a case of an atypical location of gastric perforation. A 31-year-old patient was experiencing nausea and severe abdominal pain. Explorative laparoscopy revealed a large fundal perforation. The patient underwent an abdominoplasty 5 days before with revisional surgery for hemorrhage. He had recently lost 42 kg after endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) 8 months before. ESG is a minimally invasive alternative for bariatric surgery. Since its implementation, several studies have been published indicating the procedure as safe. However, some major adverse events, such as upper GI-bleeding, peri-gastric leak, and pneumoperitoneum, have been described. The atypical location of the perforation might be explained by a combination of events such as surgical stress, revisional surgery, major weight loss, and the history of ESG.

Operator-specific outcomes in endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: a propensity-matched analysis of the US population using a multicenter database.

Background: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) has emerged as an effective endoscopic bariatric procedure over the past decade. Data comparing short-term outcomes of ESG based on operator specialty is scarce. We aimed to assess the impact of operator specialization on patient outcomes using a large bariatric-specific database. Methods: We identified a retrospective cohort of patients who underwent ESG by gastroenterologists using the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Program database (2020-2021). A matched comparison cohort of patients who underwent ESG by surgeons was identified and underwent 1:1 propensity score matching based on age, race, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, and preoperative body mass index. Results: After matching, 154 patients were included in the final analysis. Of these, 77 patients underwent ESG by surgeons and 77 by gastroenterologists. In the matched cohort, the median operation time was lower in ESG by surgeons compared to gastroenterologists (P < 0.001). The median percent body mass index decrease was higher in the gastroenterologist cohort compared to the surgeon cohort (4.9% vs 3.8%, P = 0.04). The median percent weight loss after ESG was 4.8% in the surgeon cohort and 5.9% in the gastroenterologist cohort (P = 0.09). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative emergency department visits (P = 0.65), reoperations (P = 0.15), or reinterventions within 30 days (P = 0.87) between the cohorts. There was no difference in major adverse effects between the groups (0% each). Conclusions: Operator choice does not affect ESG-related adverse events or 30-day outcomes in patients undergoing ESG.

Classification of Slippage Following Laparoscopic BariClip Gastroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic BariClip gastroplasty (LBCG) is a new reversible gastric sleeve-like procedure without gastrectomy proposed to minimize the risk of severe complications. Still one of the possible complications described with LBCG is slippage. The purpose of the current manuscript is to analyze different cases of slippage and propose a classification of this complication. METHODS: A number of 381 patients who underwent LBCG in 8 different centers were analyzed concerning the risk of slippage. All cases with documented slippage were carefully reviewed in terms of patients' symptomatology (presence of satiety, vomiting), history of weight loss, radiological data, and management of their slippage. A new classification was proposed depending on the anatomy, the symptomatology, and the time of occurrence. RESULTS: We have identified a total of 17 cases (4.46%) of slippage following LBCG. In 11 patients, the slippage was symptomatic with repetitive vomiting and nausea, and in the remaining 6 patients, the slippage was identified by radiological studies for insufficient weight loss, weight regain, or routine radiological follow-up. Depending on the interval time, the slippage was classified as either immediate (in first 7 days) in 6 cases, early (in less than 90 days) in 4 cases, and late (after 3 months) in 7 cases. Evaluation of the radiological studies in these cases identified the following: anterosuperior displacement (type A) in 9 cases, posteroinferior displacement (type B) in 6 cases (one case after 3 months), and lateral displacement (type C) in the remaining 2 cases. The management of the slippage consisted of BariClip removal in 7 cases, repositioning in 5 cases, and conservative treatment in the remaining 5 cases. All patients with conservative treatment were recorded at the beginning of the experience. CONCLUSIONS: Slippage is a possible complication after LBCG. This classification of the different types of slippage can benefit the surgeon in the management and treatment of this complication of LBCG.

Impact of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver disease worldwide. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) has proven to be feasible, safe, and effective in the management of obesity. We performed the first systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating NAFLD and other metabolic parameters 12 months post-ESG. Four observational studies with a total of 175 patients were included. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of 4.85 in hepatic steatosis index (95% CI - 6.02, - 3.67), 0.5 in NAFLD fibrosis score (95% CI - 0.80, - 0.19), 6.32 U/l in ALT (95% CI - 9.52, - 3.11), 17.28% in TWL (95% CI - 18.24, - 16.31), 6.31 kg/m2 in BMI (95% CI - 8.11, - 4.52), 47.97% in EWL (95% CI - 49.10, - 46.84), and 0.51% in HbA1c (95% CI - 0.90, - 0.12). ESG improves liver parameters, provides weight loss, and reduces HbA1c levels in patients suffering from NAFLD.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Gastro-gastrostomy Using Lumen Apposing Metal Stent for Management of High-Grade Gastric Outlet Obstruction Secondary to Vertical Banded Gastroplasty.

Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) is associated with an increased risk of pouch stricture secondary to narrowing of the banded gastroplasty outlet. We describe a case of a 60-year-old male with stage 4 small cell lung cancer presenting with recurrent gastric outlet obstruction secondary to stenosis at the site of VBG. Given a prior history of failed standard endoscopic maneuvers including balloon dilation and steroid injection, the decision was made to create an endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastro-gastrostomy using lumen opposing metal stent. The patient did well post procedure and was able to tolerate a soft mechanical diet within 24 h. He was subsequently discharged to hospice for his advanced metastatic disease.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty in class III obesity: Efficacy, safety, and durability outcomes in 404 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is an effective therapy for class I-II obesity, but there are knowledge gaps in the published literature about its implementation in patients with class III obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2]. AIM: To evaluate the safety, clinical efficacy, and durability of ESG in adults with class III obesity. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study that used prospectively collected data on adults with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 who underwent ESG and longitudinal lifestyle counseling at two centers with expertise in endobariatric therapies from May 2018-March 2022. The primary outcome was total body weight loss (TBWL) at 12 mo. Secondary outcomes included changes in TBWL, excess weight loss (EWL) and BMI at various time points up to 36 mo, clinical responder rates at 12 and 24 mo, and comorbidity improvement. Safety outcomes were reported through the study duration. One-way ANOVA test was performed with multiple Tukey pairwise comparisons for TBWL, EWL, and BMI over the study duration. RESULTS: 404 consecutive patients (78.5% female, mean age 42.9 years, mean BMI 44.8 ± 4.7 kg/m2) were enrolled. ESGs were performed using an average of 7 sutures, over 42 ± 9 min, and with 100% technical success. TBWL was 20.9 ± 6.2% at 12 mo, 20.5 ± 6.9% at 24 mo, and 20.3 ± 9.5% at 36 mo. EWL was 49.6 ± 15.1% at 12 mo, 49.4 ± 16.7% at 24 mo, and 47.1 ± 23.5% at 36 mo. There was no difference in TBWL at 12, 15, 24, and 36 mo from ESG. TBWL exceeding 10%, 15%, and 20% was achieved by 96.7%, 87.4%, and 55.6% of the cohort at 12 mo, respectively. Of the cohort with the relevant comorbidity at time of ESG, 66.1% had improvement in hypertension, 61.7% had improvement in type II diabetes, and 45.1% had improvement in hyperlipidemia over study duration. There was one instance of dehydration requiring hospitalization (0.2% serious adverse event rate). CONCLUSION: When combined with longitudinal nutritional support, ESG induces effective and durable weight loss in adults with class III obesity, with improvement in comorbidities and an acceptable safety profile.