Routine Upper Gastrointestinal Series Post-bariatric Surgery: Predictors, Usage, and Utility.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate usage and utility of routine upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series in the immediate post-operative period to evaluate for leak and other complications. METHODS: Single institution IRB-approved retrospective review of patients who underwent bariatric procedure between 01/08 and 12/12 with at least 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Out of 135 patients (23%) who underwent routine UGI imaging, 32% of patients were post-gastric bypass (127) versus 4% of sleeve gastrectomy (8). In patients post-gastric bypass, 22 were found with delayed contrast passage, 3 possible obstruction, 4 possible leak, and only 1 definite leak. In patients post-sleeve gastrectomy, 2 had delayed passage of contrast without evidence of a leak. No leak was identified in 443 patients (77%) who did not undergo imaging. The sensitivity and specificity of UGI series for the detection of leak in gastric bypass patients were 100% and 97%, respectively, and the positive and negative predictive values were 20% and 100%, respectively. On univariate and multivariate analysis, sleeve gastrectomy patients (OR 0.4 sleeve vs bypass; P < 0.01) and male patients (OR 0.4 M vs F; P 0.02) were less likely to undergo routine UGI series (OR 0.4 M vs F; P 0.02). CONCLUSION: Routine UGI series may be of limited value for the detection of anastomotic leaks after gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy and patients should undergo routine imaging based on clinical parameters. Gastric bypass procedure and female gender were factors increasing the likelihood of routine post-operative UGI. Further larger scale analysis of this important topic is warranted.

Risk Factors for Chronic Abdominal Pain After RYGB: Are Patients Adequately Selected Beforehand?

PURPOSE: Chronic abdominal pain after RYGB is a known issue. Identifying the potential patient-related and modifiable risk factors might contribute to diminish the risk for this undesirable outcome. METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study with prospective data collection was conducted with inclusion of all patients who underwent RYGB surgery between 2015 and 2021. Data from the NBSR and medical records were used. Patients with chronic abdominal pain were defined when pain lasting or recurring for more than 3 to 6 months. RESULTS: Six hundred sixty-four patients who underwent RYGB surgery were included with a median follow-up of 60.5 months. Forty-nine patients (7.3%) presented with chronic abdominal pain. Postoperative complications (OR 13.376, p = 0.020) and diagnosis of depression (OR 1.971, p = 0.037) were associated with developing abdominal pain. On the other hand, ex-smokers (OR 0.222, p = 0.040) and older age (0.959, p = 0.004) presented as protective factors. CONCLUSION: Postoperative complications and diagnosis of depression are risk factors for chronic pain after RYGB. The role of the bariatric MDT remains crucial to select these patients adequately beforehand.

Post-bariatric pregnancy is associated with vitamin K1 deficiency, a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Maternal obesity is associated with adverse outcome for pregnancy and childbirths. While bariatric surgery may improve fertility and reduce the risk of certain pregnancy-related complications such as hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus, there is a lack of evidence on the optimal nutritional monitoring and supplementation strategies in pregnancy following bariatric surgery. We aimed to assess the impact of bariatric surgery on micronutrients in post-bariatric pregnancy and possible differences between gastric bypass surgery and sleeve gastrectomy. METHODS: In this prospective case control study, we recruited 204 pregnant women (bariatric surgery n = 59 [gastric bypass surgery n = 26, sleeve gastrectomy n = 31, missing n = 2] and controls n = 145) from Akershus university hospital in Norway. Women with previous bariatric surgery were consecutively invited to study participation at referral to the clinic for morbid obesity and the controls were recruited from the routine ultrasound screening in gestational week 17-20. A clinical questionnaire was completed and blood samples were drawn at mean gestational week 20.4 (SD 4.5). RESULTS: The women with bariatric surgery had a higher pre-pregnant BMI than controls (30.8 [SD 6.0] vs. 25.2 [5.4] kg/m2, p < 0.001). There were no differences between groups regarding maternal weight gain (bariatric surgery 13.3 kg (9.6) vs. control 14.8 kg (6.5), p = 0.228) or development of gestational diabetes (n = 3 [5%] vs. n = 7 [5%], p = 1.000). Mean levels of vitamin K1 was lower after bariatric surgery compared with controls (0.29 [0.35] vs. 0.61 [0.65] ng/mL, p < 0.001). Multiadjusted regression analyses revealed an inverse relationship between bariatric surgery and vitamin K1 (B -0.26 ng/mL [95% CI -0.51, -0.04], p = 0.047) with a fivefold increased risk of vitamin K1 deficiency in post-bariatric pregnancies compared with controls (OR 5.69 [1.05, 30.77] p = 0.044). Compared with sleeve gastrectomy, having a previous gastric bypass surgery was associated with higher risk of vitamin K1 deficiency (OR 17.1 [1.31, 223.3], p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: Post-bariatric pregnancy is negatively associated with vitamin K1 with a higher risk of vitamin K1 deficiency in pregnancies after gastric bypass surgery compared with after sleeve gastrectomy. Vitamin K1 deficiency in post-bariatric pregnancy have potential risk of hypocoaguble state in mother and child and should be explored in future studies.

Comparative analysis of linear- and circular-stapled gastrojejunostomies in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a focus on postoperative morbidity using the comprehensive complication index.

PURPOSE: The linear-stapled (LSA) and the circular-stapled anastomosis (CSA) are the two most commonly performed techniques for the gastrojejunostomy (GJ) during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This study compared the outcome after both techniques with special focus on postoperative morbidity using the comprehensive complication index (CCI). METHODS: Five hundred eighty-eight patients operated between 01/2010 and 12/2019 were included in the final analysis and divided in two cohorts according to the surgical technique of the GJ (LSA (n = 290) or CSA (n = 298)). Before 09/2016, the CSA was exclusively performed for the GJ, while after 09/2016, the LSA was solely used. RESULTS: The mean CCI for patients with Clavien-Dindo complication grade ≥ 2 within the first 90 days after RYGB was 31 ± 9.1 in the CSA and 25.7 ± 6.8 in the LSA group (p < 0.001), both values still below the previously published benchmark cutoff (≤ 33.73). The C-reactive Protein (CRP)-levels on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 3 as well as the use of opioids on POD 1 were significantly higher in the CSA- than in the LSA-group (all p < 0.001). There were significantly more internal herniations in the CSA group during the first 24 postoperative months (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients after RYGB with CSA were found to have higher CCI values during the first 90 PODs compared to patients in which the LSA was applied. To achieve optimal outcomes in terms of patient morbidity, the LSA seems to be the superior technique for GJ in RYGB.

One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OABG) vs. Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass (SADI) as revisional procedure following Sleeve Gastrectomy: results of a multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) is the most performed bariatric surgery, but a considerable number of patients may require revisional procedures for suboptimal clinical response/recurrence of weight (SCR/RoW). Conversion options include One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) and Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass (SADI). The study aims to compare SADI vs. OAGB as revisional procedures in terms of early and mid-term complications, operative time, postoperative hospital stay and clinical outcomes. METHODS: All patients who underwent OAGB or SADI as revisional procedures following SG for SCR/RoW at three high-volume bariatric centers between January 2014 and April 2021 were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed. Demographic, operative, and postoperative outcomes of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-eight patients were identified. After PSM, the two groups included 42 OAGB and 42 SADI patients. Early (≤ 30 days) postoperative complications rate did not differ significantly between OAGB and SADI groups (3 bleedings vs. 0, p = 0.241). Mid-term (within 2 years) complications rate was significantly higher in the OAGB group (21.4% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.007), mainly anastomotic complications and reflux disease (12% of OAGBs). Seven OAGB patients required conversion to another procedure (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass-RYGB) vs. none among the SADI patients (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: SADI and OAGB are both effective as revisional procedures for SCR/RoW after SG. OAGB is associated with a significantly higher rate of mid-term complications and a not negligible rate of conversion (RYGB). Larger studies are necessary to draw definitive conclusions.

Gastric bypass - 10 years' results.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric bypass has not gained as much popularity in the Czech Republic as technically simpler restrictive bariatric procedures, frequently with a fading long-term effect. The aim of the presentation is to point out the long-term results after two types of gastric bypasses. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in an initial set of patients after laparoscopic RYGB (Roux Y gastric bypass) and OAGB/MGB (one anastomosis/mini gastric bypass) performed at Breclav Hospital in 2010-2013. Evaluation based on the BAROS system, according to weight development, comorbidities, psychological aspects, complications and reoperations. RESULTS: Data available for evaluation are from 32 patients out of a total of 60; the follow-up rate is 53%. The patients are lighter by 34 kg on average (0-64 kg); TBWL (total basic weight loss): 25.7%. The majority of operated diabetics are free of signs of diabetes, and all others have a reduced need for antidiabetic medication. Hypertension, sleep apnea and psychological assessment of life in 6 domains improved. Eight of the 32 followed patients underwent reoperation during 10 years; only 2 of these procedures were acute for complications (anastomotic ulceration), both in smokers; further elective reoperations included 2 conversions of OAGB/MGB to RYGB due to reflux, 2 corrective surgeries, and 2 procedures for a suspected internal hernia. There was no conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery, no peritonitis associated with a leak, and no mortality within 30 days. The BAROS score (5.56) indicates a "very good result" of the gastric bypasses after 10 years. CONCLUSION: Gastric bypasses are safe and provide a high and lasting metabolic effect that meets the general expectations of an invasive intervention that can fundamentally improve the quality of treatment for otherwise incurable chronic diseases related to adiposity (so-called ABCD), especially type 2 diabetes.

From adjustable gastric banding to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass - case report.

INTRODUCTION: Adjustable gastric banding (AGB) used to be a popular bariatric procedure. However, it fails in more than half of those operated on in the long term, becomes ineffective and must be removed. Therefore, the use of AGB has been in decline globally. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are the most used bariatric revision surgeries when AGB is removed. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a woman after AGB removal and conversion to SG who developed a stenosis of the sleeve. Therefore, a decision was made to convert to RYGB with a good effect. CONCLUSION: Revisional procedures are more technically challenging than primary procedures and have higher complication rates. The most performed revisional operations include SG and RYGB. Stenosis of the sleeve can occur after SG, with a negative impact on the patient's nutritional status and quality of life. This can be managed by endoscopic dilatation, and where this solution proves ineffective, RYGB can be indicated.

Presentation of Wernicke encephalopathy in patient secondary to one anastomosis gastric bypass. Case report and literature review.

Wernicke encephalopathy, which is caused by a thiamine deficiency, occurs in 0.8-2% of the population. Only 16% present the typical triad of this disease: nystagmus, confusion and ataxia. We present the case of a postoperative patient with a one anastomosis gastric bypass with reoperation undergoing a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass that begins with confusion and nystagmus on her third postoperative day. The diagnosis of Wernicke encephalopathy is made by imaging, and vitamin B1 is administered with total improvement of nystagmus and altered state of consciousness (lethargy, bradypsychia, bradylalia).

La encefalopatía de Wernicke se produce por una deficiencia de tiamina se presenta en un 0.8-2% de la población. Solo el 16% de los casos presentan la tríada típica de esta enfermedad: nistagmo, confusión y ataxia. Presentamos el caso de una paciente operada de bypass gástrico de una anastomosis con reintervención convirtiendo a bypass gástrico en Y de Roux que en su tercer día de posoperatorio comienza con confusión y nistagmo. Se realiza por imagen el diagnóstico de encefalopatía de Wernicke se administra vitamina B1 con mejoría total del nistagmo y alteración del estado de consciencia (letargia, bradipsiquia, bradilalia).

Intestinal intussusception as a postoperative complication of gastric bypass.

The gold standard for bariatric surgery is the laparoscopic gastric bypass, which consists in forming a small gastric pouch and a Roux-en-Y anastomosis. We present the case of a 41-year-old female who underwent a laparoscopic gastric bypass 8 years prior to her admission to the emergency room, where she arrived complaining of severe and colicky epigastric abdominal pain. The abdominal computed tomography showed a jejuno-jejunal intussusception, for which the patient underwent urgent exploratory laparotomy with intussusception reduction. Intestinal intussusception is a possible postoperative complication of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

El Método de referencia en la cirugía bariátrica es el bypass gástrico laparoscópico, que consiste en la creación de una bolsa gástrica pequeña, anastomosada al tracto digestivo mediante una Y de Roux. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 41 años con el antecedente de un bypass gástrico laparoscópico realizado 8 años antes, quien ingresó al servicio de urgencias refiriendo dolor abdominal grave. La tomografía computarizada abdominal evidenció una intususcepción a nivel de la anastomosis yeyuno-yeyuno, por lo que se realizó una laparotomía exploradora con reducción de la intususcepción. Se debe considerar la intususcepción intestinal como complicación posoperatoria de bypass gástrico.

Protein Supplements with Short Peptides Are Better than Complex Protein-Based Supplements on Improving Early Fat-Free Mass Loss Following Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery (BS) patients are advised to consume protein supplements to prevent fat-free mass (FFM) loss. However, limited research has explored the efficacy of diverse protein presentations on FFM preservation. This study assesses if short peptide-based (SPB) supplements surpass complex protein-based (CPB) supplements in reducing early FFM loss post-surgery. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 138 patients who underwent BS other than Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (RYGB) between January 2021 and March 2021 at the Department of Bariatric Surgery of the Third People's Hospital of Chengdu were included for analysis. Patients were divided into two groups based on their consumption of protein supplements after surgery: SPB group and CPB group. Multiple linear regressions separated by sex were employed to examine the associations between SPB supplements and FFM loss and percentage of FFM (%FFM) loss, respectively. RESULTS: Among participants, 69.6% were female, with a mean age of 33.3 years. In multiple linear regression analyses, SPB supplements were significantly and positively associated with a lower FFM loss in both female (ꞵ = - 1.14, P = 0.047) and male (ꞵ = - 2.36, P = 0.024), and were positively associated with a lower %FFM loss in both female (ꞵ = - 1.83) and male (ꞵ = - 2.26) but only significant in male (P = 0.049). CONCLUSION: SPB supplements may be more effective in preventing early FFM loss after BS, compared to CPB supplements, particularly among male patients. Therefore, SPB supplements may be recommended to patients undergoing BS. Further research is needed to validate these findings.

The Alarming Rate of Malnutrition after Single Anastomosis Sleeve Ileal Bypass. A single Centre Experience.

BACKGROUND: Single anastomosis sleeve ileal (SASI) bypass is a modification of sleeve gastrectomy with transit bipartition (SG + TB). This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of SASI as a primary metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). METHODS: This is a retrospective case series of 30 patients who underwent SASI bypass from January to December 2021. All patients completed at least 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Among the 30 patients, 93.3% were women, the mean age was 37.4 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 45.6 kg/m2. The percentage of total body weight loss (TWL%) was 42.7%, the percent excess body weight loss (EWL%) was 92.7%, and the mean BMI at 12 months went from 45.6(35.2-58.4) to 25.8 kg/m2 (19.2-33.4). The obesity-associated complications remission rate was 87.5% for type 2 diabetes (T2D), 71.4% for hypertension (HTN) and 100% for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Thirteen patients (43.3%) had diarrhea, 7 (23.3%) had hypoalbuminemia, defined as serum albumin < 3 g/dl, and 6 (20%) underwent reversal of their index SASI. As for other nutritional issues, iron deficiency anemia was present in 21 patients (70%), while 19 patients (63.3%) had vitamin D, and 2(6.6%) had vitamin B12 deficiency. CONCLUSION: Despite good short-term weight loss and improvement of obesity-associated complications, SASI is accompanied by high alarming malnutrition, even in short-term follow-up. Novel MBS should be judged for their long-term effects and compared to well-tested standard operations before they are used in routine clinical practice.

Efficacy and safety of one anastomosis gastric bypass versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at 5 years (YOMEGA): a prospective, open-label, non-inferiority, randomised extension study.

BACKGROUND: The multicentre randomised trial YOMEGA (NCT02139813) comparing the one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) with the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) confirmed the non-inferiority of OAGB on weight loss outcomes at 24 months. We aimed to report weight loss, metabolic, and safety outcomes at 5 years. METHODS: YOMEGA is a prospective, open-label, non-inferiority, randomised trial conducted at nine centres in France. Inclusion criteria were BMI of 40 kg/m2 or more, or 35 kg/m2 or more with comorbidities. Key exclusion criteria were severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or Barrett's oesophagus and previous bariatric surgery. Patients were randomly assigned (1 :1) to OAGB (one gastrojejunal anastomosis with a 200 cm biliopancreatic limb) or RYGB (with a 150 cm alimentary limb and a 50 cm biliary limb), stratified by centre, with blocks of variable size. The primary endpoint of this extension study was percentage excess BMI loss and was analysed in the per-protocol population, including patients with data who were operated on with the technique randomly assigned to them and excluding patients with major deviations from the protocol during the follow-up (change of surgical technique, death, or withdrawal of consent). Non-inferiority was concluded for the primary endpoint if the upper bound of the CI was less than the non-inferiority limit (7 percentage points). YOMEGA is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02139813, and the 5-year follow-up of YOMEGA is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05549271. FINDINGS: Between May 13, 2014, and March 2, 2016, 253 patients were randomly assigned to OAGB (n=129) or RYGB (n=124), and from these patients 114 in the OAGB group and 118 in the RYGB group were included in the per-protocol analysis. In the per-protocol population, at baseline, mean age was 43·0 years (SD 10·8), mean BMI was 44·0 kg/m2 (5·6), 54 (23%) patients were male and 178 (77%) were female; 55 (27%) of 207 patients had type 2 diabetes. After 5 years, mean percentage excess BMI loss was -75·6% (SD 28·1) in the OAGB group versus -71·4% (SD 29·8) in the RYGB group, confirming non-inferiority (mean difference -4·1% [90% CI -12·0 to 3·7], p=0·0099). Remission of type 2 diabetes was similar in both groups. Nutritional status did not differ; the most common adverse event was clinical gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, occurring in 27 (41%) of 66 patients in the OAGB group versus 14 (18%) of 76 patients in the RYGB group (p=0·0030). Among serious adverse events, ten (8%) of 127 patients converted from OAGB to RYGB. 171 (68%) of 253 patients were followed up. INTERPRETATION: OAGB was not inferior to RYGB regarding percentage excess BMI loss at 5 years with similar metabolic outcomes. The high rate of clinical gastro-oesophageal reflux disease after OAGB raises questions about its long-term consequences, which need to be further investigated. FUNDING: Medtronic.

Gut motility and hormone changes after bariatric procedures.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) and endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBT) are being increasingly utilized for the management of obesity. They work through multiple mechanisms, including restriction, malabsorption, and changes in the gastrointestinal hormonal and motility. RECENT FINDINGS: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) cause decrease in leptin, increase in GLP-1 and PYY, and variable changes in ghrelin (generally thought to decrease). RYGB and LSG lead to rapid gastric emptying, increase in small bowel motility, and possible decrease in colonic motility. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) causes decrease in leptin and increase in GLP-1, ghrelin, and PYY; and delayed gastric motility. SUMMARY: Understanding mechanisms of action for MBS and EBT is critical for optimal care of patients and will help in further refinement of these interventions.

Gastric pouch cancer after mini gastric bypass surgery: The first case report.

Development of gastric cancer following bariatric surgery is very rare. Nearly all patients with cancer after mini gastric bypass/one anastomosis gastric bypass have carcinoma in their remnant stomach. This is the first case with the development of gastric cancer in the gastric pouch following mini gastric bypass surgery. Our case was a 32-year-old woman who was admitted to our department with oral intolerance 5 years after mini gastric bypass. In her endoscopic examination, an ulcerovegetan mass in the gastric pouch (Siewert type III) was detected. The pathological examination of the biopsies was reported as low differentiated adenocarcinoma. Clinical staging was performed using Positron emission tomographycomputed tomography (PET-CT) and endoscopic ultrasonography (T3N1M0). Following four cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, en-bloc total gastrectomy, D2 lymph node dissection, and partial small intestine resection were performed. In pathological evaluation, no tumors were detected in the specimen and a total of 38 lymph nodes were dissected. This finding was accepted as a pathologic complete response. Signs and symptoms such as anemia, oral intolerance, and vomiting that develop after bariatric surgery can often be attributed to the surgical procedure performed, but it should be kept in mind that similar symptoms may also be associated with malignancy. In case of clinical suspicion, endoscopic examination and cross-sectional imaging should be performed.

Early Marginal Ulcer After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: MBSAQIP Database Analysis of Trends and Predictive Factors.

PURPOSE: Marginal ulcer (MU) is a known complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) that carries significant morbidity. First, we aimed to determine the trends and the rates of readmission, reintervention, and reoperation of 30-day MU. Second, we aim to determine the predictive factors associated with this complication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who had 30-day marginal ulcer (MU) after LRYGB were identified using the 2015-2021 MBSAQIP database. Those who had a 30-day complication other than MU were excluded. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Among 213,104 patients undergoing laparoscopic RYGB, 638 (0.3%) showed 30-day MU. This group of patients required endoscopic interventions, readmissions, and reoperations at rates of 88%, 72%, and 9%, respectively. Predictive factors for 30-day MU after RYGB were renal insufficiency, history of DVT, previous cardiac stent, African American race, chronic steroid use, COPD, therapeutic anticoagulation, anastomotic leak test, GERD, and operative time > 120 min. Additionally, patients who had 30-day MU showed significantly higher rates of overall complications such as pulmonary, cardiac and renal complications, unplanned ICU admission, blood transfusions, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and non-home discharge (p < 0.05). The MU group showed similar rates of 30-day mortality as those without this complication (0.2% vs 0.1%, p = 0.587). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of 30-day MU following RYGB was 0.3%. Patients with MU required endoscopic interventions, readmissions, and reoperations at rates of 88%, 72%, and 9%, respectively. Some preoperative and intraoperative factors contributed to an increased risk of 30-day MU.