Gastric bypass revisional surgery: percentage total body weight loss differences among three different techniques.

INTRODUCTION: Suboptimal weight loss or weight regain may occur after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). For this reason, revisional surgery has gained increasing interest. We aimed to compare the percentage of total body weight loss (%TBWL) at one-year follow-up among three different techniques: Jejuno-jejunostomy distalization (JJD), Sleeve resection of the gastrojejunostomy and gastric pouch (SRGJP), and the combination of both (JJD + SRGJP). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included all patients who underwent revisional surgery after RYGB (2020-2021). The cohort was stratified by the type of revisional technique performed. Postoperative bariatric outcomes and nutritional deficiencies were compared among groups. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients underwent revisional surgery after RYGB: JJD was performed in 8 (10.3%), SRGJP in 34 (43.6%), and JJD + SRGJP in 36 (46.1%) patients. The most common indication for surgery was weight regain, in 72 (92.3%) patients. The median lengths of the BP limbs before and after distalization, were 50 cm (IQR 40-75 cm) and 175 cm (IQR 150-200 cm), respectively. The median length of the new common limb (NCL) and total alimentary limb length (TALL) were 277 cm (IQR 250-313 cm) and 400 cm (IQR 375-475 cm), respectively. Median percentage of total body weight loss (%TBWL) at one year was 15% (IQR 15-19%) for JJD, 20% (IQR 13-26%) for SRGJP, and 21% (IQR 15- 28%) for JJD + SRGJP (p = 0.40). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the combined procedure (JJD + SRGJP) exhibited higher %TBWL at one year, however no statistically significant difference was identified among the three techniques.

Effectiveness of Bariatric Surgery Targeting Opioid Prescriptions (BSTOP) protocol on postoperative pain control.

BACKGROUND: Surgical pain management is a critical component in the success of bariatric procedures. With the opioid epidemic, there have been increased efforts to decrease opioid use. In 2019, the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program developed the BSTOP protocol, a multimodal perioperative pain management regimen to minimize opioid use. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the BSTOP protocol on patients' need for opioid medications during their perioperative care. METHODS: This is a single-institution prospective cohort study on patients who underwent bariatric surgery from 10/2019 to 5/2021. Data was collected on morphine equivalent dose of opioids during different stages of inpatient and outpatient care. BSTOP was implemented on 7/2020. Primary outcomes were total inpatient and outpatient opioid use as well as hospital length of hospital stay (LOS). Gabapentin was removed from the protocol between 10/20/2020 and 12/31/2020 due to side effects; it was re-implemented on 1/1/2021 due to observed spikes in opioid use during its absence. RESULTS: 1264 patients who had bariatric surgery between 10/2019 and 5/2021 were included in the study, with 409 patients before (pre-BSTOP) and 855 patients after BSTOP implementation. There was a 36% reduction in total inpatient opiate use and a 57% reduction in total outpatient opiate use. LOS also significantly decreased, from 1.53 to 1.28 days. 179 patients received BSTOP without gabapentin. These patients used more opioids in the post-anesthesia care unit and on the inpatient floors compared to pre-BSTOP and BSTOP with gabapentin patients. With total inpatient and outpatient opioid use, patients on BSTOP without gabapentin used fewer opioids than those pre-BSTOP. However, those on BSTOP without gabapentin used more opioids than those with gabapentin. CONCLUSION: The BSTOP protocol significantly reduced inpatient and outpatient opioid use as well as LOS. Gabapentin is a crucial component of the BSTOP protocol.

Weight loss one year after laparoscopic roux-en-Y gastric bypass is not dependent on the type of gastrojejunal anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is the gold standard weight-loss procedure. There are different techniques to perform the gastrojejunal (GJ) anastomosis, but there is no consensus as to which one is superior for weight loss. Our goal in this study was to assess one-year weight loss after LRYGB comparing the three different techniques at our tertiary care center. METHODS: The American college of surgeons (ACS) Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®) data for Montefiore Medical Center for years 2014-2017 were analyzed. Three surgeons were included in this study; each type of anastomosis was performed by a single surgeon. Patients were included if they underwent primary LRYGB. Patients were designated to one of three different groups depending of the type of gastrojejunal anastomosis performed: hand sewn, circular stapled, or linear stapled. One-year weight loss was assessed as primary endpoint of the study. A descriptive analysis of perioperative variables for each group was included as well. RESULTS: A total of 1011 patients underwent primary LRYGB. 429 (42.1%) were performed with circular-stapled GJ anastomosis, 433 (42.5%) with a hand-sewn GJ anastomosis, and 149 (14.6%) linear-stapled GJ anastomosis. The median BMI was 46.08  ±  6.43, with no difference between groups (p = .405). Procedure time was 106.70  ±  28.23 min for the circular group, 108.27  ±  28.59 min for the hand-sewn group, and 115.78  ±  36.11 min for the linear group (p > 0.005). There were no significant differences in complications except for the need of postoperative transfusions (p < 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference in %EWL one year after surgery: %EWL was 58.81  ±  16.54 kg for hand sewn, 58.86  ±  14.84 kg for circular, and 59.20  ±  17.58Kg for linear. (p = .595). CONCLUSION: There is no difference in weight loss one year after LRYGB based on the type of gastrojejunal anastomosis performed.

Diagnosis of COVID-19 and the bariatric surgery population: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND: While many cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are mild, patients with underlying medical conditions such as hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), older age, and morbid obesity are at higher risk of hospitalization and death. These conditions are characteristic of patients eligible for bariatric surgery, many of whom underwent weight loss procedures in the months prior to cessation of elective surgery in March 2020. The effects of the virus on these high-risk patients who had increased healthcare exposure in the early days of the pandemic are currently unknown. OBJECTIVES: To describe the experience of patients who underwent bariatric surgery during the early evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study including patients from a single center who underwent bariatric surgery from January 1st, 2020 to March 18th, 2020. A database was created to analyze patients' demographics, operative variables, and postoperative outcomes. All patients were contacted and a telephone survey was completed to inquire about COVID-19 exposure, symptoms, and testing 30 days before and after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 190 patients underwent bariatric surgery during the study period. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was the most common procedure (71.6%). One hundred seventy-eight patients (93.7%) completed the telephone survey. Postoperatively, 19 patients (10.7%) reported COVID-19 compatible symptoms, and six patients (3.4%) went on to test positive for COVID-19. There were no COVID-19-related hospital admissions or mortalities in this population. CONCLUSIONS: Morbidly obese patients are at high risk of severe disease secondary to COVID-19, and those undergoing bariatric surgery during the evolution of the pandemic reported symptoms at a rate of 10.7% 30 days after the surgery. While none of these patients suffered severe COVID-19 disease, the temporal relationship of their symptomatology and increased exposure to the healthcare system as a result of their surgery suggest an increased risk of disease with elective surgery.

Outcomes in revisional bariatric surgery: a high-volume single institution experience.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate outcomes of adjustable gastric band (AGB) conversion to sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), SG conversion to RYGB and RYGB revision procedures. METHODS: Patients undergoing secondary bariatric surgery between 2009 and 2017 were retrospectively identified from a prospective database. Primary outcomes were weight loss and improvement in comorbidities. For weight loss, percent of total body weight loss (%TWL) and percentage of excess BMI loss (%EBMIL) were included. Comorbidities included were hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), cardiovascular risk (CV) and hypertension. RESULTS: 266 Secondary bariatric procedures were analyzed. There were four Grade IIIb complications within 30 days. There was greater %EBMIL at 12 and 24 months in the AGB to RYGB group, and in %TWL at 24 months compared to AGB to SG group (p < 0.05). Only AGB to RYGB had significantly continued improvement in these two parameters at 24 months compared to at 6 months post-operatively-%EBMIL and %TWL tapered off in the other procedures. There was significantly lower CV risk in dyslipidemic patients at 24 months in the AGB to RYGB compared to the AGB to SG group. In the SG to RYGB patients, there was significant improvement in CV risk in dyslipidemic patients at 24 months compared to baseline. There was significant improvement in HbA1C in diabetics in AGB to RYGB patients at 6 and 12 months, in AGB to SG patients at 12 months, and in SG to RYGB patients at 12 and 24 months compared to baseline. In RYGB revision and SG to RYGB patients, there was a relative increase in the number of patients being normotensive at 24 months compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: Secondary bariatric surgery is a complex and challenging procedure that may improve weight loss and cardiovascular risk for certain procedures but further studies will be necessary.

Sleeve gastrectomy telementoring: a SAGES multi-institutional quality improvement initiative.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy is a relatively new procedure that developed as a result of rapid innovation in the field of bariatric surgery. As with any newly developed operation, there is a learning curve that potentially can be associated with higher morbidity. Real-time surgical mentoring reduces the learning curve effect but can be time intensive for the mentor. The aim of this initiative was to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and satisfaction of surgical telementoring for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. This is the first national specialty society effort to determine if the "remote presence" of an expert surgeon (mentor) can help practicing surgeons improve skills. METHODS: The experience of 15 surgical trainees (mentees) who performed laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy under real-time telementoring by 7 mentors was reviewed. Telementoring was implemented using the Visitor1® remote presence system with two-way live audio and video communication. The receiving platform utilized a conventional laptop, iPad, or iPhone. The mentee followed a structured telementoring program including didactic learning, live case teleobservation, and telementoring of 2-3 cases. A survey on the quality of the telecommunication and effectiveness of the mentoring was performed by the mentor and mentee on a scale of "exceeded," "met," "almost met," or "failed to meet" expectations. The overall telementoring experience was rated on a scale of 1 for "poor" to 5 for "excellent." RESULTS: Based on the mentees' survey, the overall telementoring experience was rated as 4.8. Despite the mentees having experience with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, most commented that the telementoring experience was an excellent educational tool and they learned some new techniques they plan to apply it in their practice. Based on the mentors' survey, the overall telementoring experience was rated as 4.7. All mentors stated that they were satisfied with the telementoring sessions and there were no unexpected intraoperative occurrences. There were some logistical limitations including difficulties in scheduling of cases or the delay of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical instruction by telementoring was shown to be feasible, practical, and successful, and was highly rated in this study by both the mentors and mentees. The currently utilized telementoring platform is thus an effective educational tool that can facilitate acquisition of surgical skills and assist with the conventional on-site surgical mentoring model.

Outcomes of bariatric surgery in the young: a single-institution experience caring for patients under 21 years old.

BACKGROUND: Medical weight loss options are rarely successful long term in young patients. Bariatric surgery has been shown to be safe and effective in this population. METHODS: Patients ≤21 years old who had bariatric surgery at our institution between January 2009 and December 2013 were evaluated to determine the safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in this population. The primary end point was excess weight loss (EWL). Secondary end points included surgical morbidity, improvement in obesity-related metabolic parameters, and subjective obesity-related symptoms at 1 year. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were identified who had a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LGBP) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Fourteen patients were male (25.9 %), and 40 patients were female (74.1 %). Thirty-seven patients (68.5 %) underwent LGBP, and 17 patients (31.5 %) underwent LSG. Median follow-up was 13.3 months. The baseline BMI was 51.7 kg/m2 for the LGBP group and 51.0 kg/m2 for the LSG group. EWL was 35.2, 47.6, 62.4, 58.1, and 61.8 % for the LGBP group; 29.7, 44.7, 57.4, 60.3, and 59.0 % for the LSG group at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Our complications included 1 anastomotic bleed, 1 postoperative stricture, and 1 patient who developed vitamin deficiency that manifested as a peripheral neuropathy in the LGBP group. LGBP was more successful than LSG in improving lipid panel parameters and HbA1c at 1 year, and it also seemed to offer better subjective improvement in obesity-related symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: LGBP and LSG seem to confer comparable weight loss benefit in patients ≤21 years old with acceptable surgical morbidity.

The effect of warm-up on surgical performance: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The concept of warming-up before a performance has been accepted across many disciplines including sports and music. In contrast, it is uncommon for a surgeon to "warm-up" prior to operating. OBJECTIVE: To date, few studies from various specialties have attempted to answer this question whether warm-up improved the intraoperative performance of the surgeon. However, there has not been a systematic review of these studies. The aim of our systematic review is to assess the effect of warming-up preoperatively on the laparoscopic performance of the surgeon. METHODS: Pubmed and scopus were searched to identify all published prospective observational studies, which involved either residents, fellows or attending surgeons. We excluded case reports, reviews, non-English studies, and medical student participation. Study risk of bias were assessed regarding sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding, incomplete outcome data, selective outcome reporting, and other biases, using a validated Cochrane Collaboration's tool. RESULTS: Out of 241 studies, 6 met the inclusion criteria. All included studies were randomized with half of them being randomized controlled studies and the rest randomized crossover studies. The total number of operative cases was 196, including 98 warm-up and 98 non warm-up. The total number of participants was 87, with the largest number in a single study being 38 and the average sample size of all studies was 14. All six studies assessed various aspects of laparoscopic surgical performances. Significant improvement in the intraoperative laparoscopic performance was observed with warming-up preoperatively in five out of six studies (p < 0.05). The sixth study failed to reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Warming-up before an operative procedure improve a trainee's technical, cognitive, and psychomotor performance. Further studies are necessary to assess the ways in which warm-up could impact a surgeon's performance, and to identify the optimal timing and duration of warm-up prior to operating.

Preoperative warm-up the key to improved resident technique: a randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The ACGME has required that a skills lab be incorporated into the surgical residency curriculum. While the value of warm-up is generally accepted in other areas requiring complex motor skills, there is little evidence to support the benefits of warm-up prior to performing surgery. We are conducting this study in an attempt to identify whether a warm-up period prior to operating impacts operative technique. METHODS: All general surgery residents and MIS fellows were included in this IRB-approved randomized study. Participants were randomized to either warm-up or no warm-up groups. Participants randomized to the warm-up group completed a 10 min practice session in the simulation lab within 1 h of starting the case, using an FLS training box. At the conclusion of the operation, the participant was evaluated by the attending surgeon using the validated global rating scales of Reznick and Vassiliou. The attending surgeons were blinded to the use of pre-procedure warm-up. The results of the questionnaire were analyzed using student's t test with p < 0.05 for significance. RESULTS: Pilot data were obtained after completing 40 cases that were randomized to warm-up (19) or no warm-up (21). There was a statistically significant improvement in depth perception (p = 0.02), bimanual dexterity (p = 0.01), and efficiency of movements (p = 0.03) for those randomized to warm-up. There was statistical improvement when we preformed a composite scoring of the attending evaluations for each of the Reznick (p = 0.008) and the Vassiliou (p = 0.01) global rating scales. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative warm-up significantly improves depth perception, bimanual dexterity, and efficiency of movements, as well as improvement in composite scores as judged by the attending surgeon. The lack of self-perceived improvement by the residents may be a reflection of the high standards and intense self-critique that is common among surgical trainees. We believe that our findings, while preliminary, reflect that surgical performance can be enhanced through structured warm-up activities.

Hospital-acquired conditions after bariatric surgery: we can predict, but can we prevent?

BACKGROUND: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services initiated a non-payment policy for certain hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) in 2008. This study aimed to determine the rate of the three most common HACs (surgical site infection (SSI), urinary tract infection (UTI), and venous thromboembolism (VTE)) among bariatric surgery patients. Additionally, the association of HACs with patient factors and the effect of HACs on post-operative outcomes were investigated. METHODS: Patients over 18 years with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 who underwent bariatric surgery were identified using the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database (2005-2012). Patients were grouped into two categories: HAC versus no HAC patients and baseline characteristics and outcomes, including 30-day mortality, reoperation, and mean length of stay (LOS) were compared. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for developing a HAC. RESULTS: 98,553 patients were identified, 2,809 (2.9%) developed at least one HACs. SSI was the most common HAC (1.8%), followed by UTI (0.7%) and VTE (0.4%). The rate of these HACs significantly decreased from 4.6% in 2005-2006 to 2.5% in 2012 (p < 0.001). Laparoscopic gastric banding was associated with the lowest rates of HAC (1.3%) and open gastric bypass with the highest (8.0%). HAC patients had significantly higher rates of in-hospital mortality (0.8 vs. 0.1%, p < 0.001) and LOS (3.9 vs. 2.1 days, p < 0.001). On adjusted analysis, open GBP patients had 5.36-fold higher odds of developing a HAC. Interestingly, the presence of a resident surgeon 7-11 years post graduation was associated with significantly increased odds of HACs (1.86, 1.50-2.31, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate a strong correlation between these three HACs following bariatric surgery and factors intrinsic to the bariatric patient population. This calls into question the non-payment policy for inherent patient factors on which they cannot have impact. These findings are important to help inform health care policy decisions regarding access to care for bariatric surgery patients.

Changes in GIP gene expression following bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: After bariatric surgery, there is a significant improvement in type 2 diabetes (T2D). T2D has been linked to incretins, including glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Analysis of bariatric surgery patients may help to understand the link between GIP and T2D. METHODS: Twenty-three morbidly obese patients underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or gastric banding. Overall, there were 12 RYGB (5 T2D; 7 nondiabetic) patients and 11 gastric band (7 T2D; 4 nondiabetic) patients. Preoperative and postoperative blood samples were collected. Total RNA was extracted, cDNA synthesized, and real-time quantitative PCR were used to quantify gene expression. Student's t test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Postoperatively, T2D resolved or improved in 83.3 % (10/12) of the diabetic patients. Six (4 RYGB, 2 bands) patients discontinued hypoglycemic medications and four (3 RYGB, 1 band) patients discontinued the majority of their hypoglycemic agents. The remaining two diabetic patients (bands) showed no improvement. Postoperative GIP gene expression increased 4.36-fold (p = 0.02) in diabetic RYGB patients, whereas diabetic band patients increased 1.4-fold (p = 0.25). All diabetic patients with either resolution or improvement of T2D, had a 3.4-fold increase (p = 0.01) but nonresponders decreased 0.69-fold (p = 0.41). Nondiabetic RYGB patients increased 2.21-fold (p = 0.07) versus a 0.81-fold (p = 0.37) decrease of nondiabetic band patients. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the initial studies that show a significant increase in GIP gene expression following a RYGB. This increase correlates with the clinical resolution of T2D. The anatomical changes after RYGB may account for these changes. Based on this data, GIP may be a key peptide in the "foregut hypothesis" for resolution of T2D.

Outcomes in Minimally Invasive Sleeve Gastrectomy and Implications for Surgical Resident Education.

Introduction: Resident participation in advanced minimally invasive and bariatric surgeries is controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety of resident participation in robotic and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Methods: Prospectively maintained institutional Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify patients who underwent SG, which was performed at our institution between January, 2018, and December, 2021. Operative notes were reviewed to determine the training level of the assistant. These were then classified into 7 groups: postgraduate years 1-5 residents, bariatric fellow (6), and attending surgeons (7). Each group was stratified and their outcomes, which included duration of surgery, length of stay (LOS), postoperative complications, readmissions, and reoperations, were compared. Results: Out of 2571 cases, the assistants for the procedures were minimally invasive surgery (MIS) fellows (n = 863, 58.8%), fifth- and fourth-year residents (n = 228, 15.5%), third- and second-year residents (n = 164, 11.2%), no assistants (n = 212, 14.5%), and 134 robotic SG. Mean body mass index was higher in cases wherein the attending surgeon performed by himself (47.1, standard deviation 7.7) when compared with other groups. There were no conversions to open. Mean LOS was 1.3 days, and there was no difference between groups (P = .242). Postoperative complications were low, with 11 reoperations in 30 days (3.3%) and no difference between groups. There was no mortality in 30 or 90 days. Conclusion: Postoperative outcomes were similar for patients who underwent SG regardless of the assistant's level of training. Including residents in bariatric procedures is safe and does not affect patient safety. Encouraging residents to participate in complex MIS procedures is recommended as part of their training.

Postoperative pneumonia after bariatric surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program study.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, surgical centers had to weigh the benefits and risks of conducting bariatric surgery. Obesity increases the risk of developing severe COVID-19 infections, and therefore, bariatric surgery is beneficial. In contrast, surgical patients who test positive for COVID-19 have higher mortality rates. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the national prevalence of postoperative pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic in the bariatric surgery population. SETTING: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study using the ACS-NSQIP database. The population of concern included patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures. Information was extracted on rate of postoperative pneumonia and other 30-day complications between 2018 and 2020. RESULTS: All baseline characteristics were similar among patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2018 and 2020. However, there was a 156% increase in postoperative pneumonia in 2020 compared with the previous year. Furthermore, despite the similar postoperative complication rates across the years, there was a statistically significant increase in all-cause mortality in 2020. The multivariate analysis showed that having surgery in 2020 was a statistically significant risk factor for pneumonia development postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a statistically significant increase in the prevalence of postoperative pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic among bariatric surgery patients. Surgical centers must continuously evaluate the risks associated with healthcare-associated exposure to COVID-19 and weigh the benefits of bariatric surgery.

Exploring the Challenges for International Medical Graduates Pursuing Minimally Invasive Surgery Training in the United States and Canada: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Background: International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are an important component of the US healthcare workforce. Prior studies have investigated bias against IMGs during the general surgery residency application in the United States. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a growing field; The MIS fellowship match was established in 2004 and is a competitive process with a match rate of 47%. Opportunities for applicants who are non-US citizens are limited by a series of factors that are not related to their professional qualifications. Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the challenges faced by IMG in the MIS fellowship match. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study analyzing the minimally invasive surgery application requirements of all the programs listed in the Fellowship Council. Individual program requirements were collected into a database and a descriptive analysis was performed comparing programs who accept IMGs versus those that do not. Further statistical analysis was performed to explore those differences and associated factors. Results: There were 148 MIS fellowship programs and 187 positions offered during the 2021 match year in the US. Ninety-seven programs (65.5%) were found to accept graduates of foreign medical schools if they were US-citizens, whereas only 49 programs (33.1%) were found to accept IMG and sponsor a visa for their training. University affiliated programs (88.9% vs 75.0%, p = 0.04), programs with a general surgery residency (94.4% vs 75.0%, p = 0.003), and older programs (63.0% vs 45.5%, p = 0.04) were more likely to accept IMGs requiring visa sponsorship. Conclusions: There is a significant bias against IMGs in the MIS fellowship match, with a reduced number of positions available based on factors not related to their professional performance or qualifications. Well established programs, university, and residency affiliated programs are more likely to consider these physicians for training.

Safety and efficacy of roux-en-y gastric bypass in older aged patients.

INTRODUCTION: laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) has been a revolutionary intervention for weight loss with reduction of up to 60-70% of excess body weight. However, these outcomes are not as well validated at the extremes of age, where the safety of the intervention still has some caveats. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of primary LRYGB among different age groups. METHODS: the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database was queried for patients who underwent primary LRYGB from January 2014 to December 2017 at a single institution. Four groups were created and compared by dividing our sample by age quartiles. The primary outcome was percent excess weight loss (%EWL) at 1 year. Additional operative outcomes and complications were also compared across groups. RESULTS: a total of 1013 patients underwent non-revisional LRYGB during the study period. Mean %EWL at one year was 55%. When compared between quartiles, there was a statistically significant difference in %EWL: 1st 62%, 2nd 57%, 3rd 54% and 4th 47% (p=0.010). The differences in the secondary outcomes between age groups did not demonstrate statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: though patients in the fourth age quartile (range) did not demonstrate a statistically significant increase in adverse outcomes, they did lose less weight compared to other cohorts. The %EWL at one year after RYGB varied by age in our cohort. Goals after bariatric surgery should be individualized as weight loss is less robust with aging.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Did Not Affect Target Weight Loss 1 Year Post Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective treatments for patients with severe and complex obesity. Lifestyle modifications in diet and exercise habits have long been important adjunct to the long-term success after bariatric surgery. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the postoperative bariatric patient is not well understood. We sought to evaluate the impact the COVID-19 pandemic on postoperative weight loss at 1 year in a bariatric cohort. METHODS: All patients who underwent bariatric surgery from January 1, 2020, to March 12, 2020, were included. Patients who underwent bariatric surgery during the same period of the two preceding years (2018 and 2019) were included as control groups. Primary end point was %EBMIL at 1 year. A telephone survey was administered to all patients from 2020 to assess for their perception on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on weight loss. RESULTS: A total of 596 patients were included: 181 from 2020, 199 from 2019, and 216 from 2018. The response rate was 97% and 53.4% of patients reported that the lockdown affected their ability to lose weight. The %EBMIL at 1 year was 64.1%, 63.7%, and 68.1% for 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. There was no difference in weight loss at 1 year (p = 0.77) despite a decrease in exercise activity in those who had surgery just before the pandemic. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in target weight loss at 1 year in a cohort who underwent bariatric surgery before the pandemic.

Where have the surgical patients gone during the COVID-19 pandemic?

A Commentary on Emergency Surgery at the Epicenter of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Rapid Bodyweight Reduction before Lumbar Fusion Surgery Increased Postoperative Complications.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of massive weight loss on perioperative complications after lumbar fusion surgery (LFS). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Patients who are obese are more likely to experience low back pain, which would require LFS. Nonetheless, they have a higher risk of perioperative complication development compared with individuals who are not obese. METHODS: Patients who underwent LFS at hospitals that participated in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database within the United States between 2005 and 2015. Outcomes included 30-day medical complications, surgical complications, and length of stay (LOS). We analyzed a total of 39,742 patients with the use of the International Classification of Disease, ninth revision codes. The patients were categorized in the following two groups: group 1, individuals with a history of massive weight loss within 6 months before LFS, and group 2, individuals without a history of massive weight loss before surgery. Massive weight loss was defined as loss of 10% of total body weight. Patients with a history of malignancy or chronic disease were excluded from the study. Patients in each group were randomly matched based on age, gender, sex, smoking status, and body mass index. Paired two-tailed Student t-tests were used to compare the outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 39,742 patients identified, 129 (0.32%) met the criteria for inclusion in the weight loss group (WL group) and were successfully matched to individuals in the non-weight loss group (non-WL group). Compared with the non-WL group, the WL group had a significantly longer LOS (9.7 vs. 4.0 days, p<0.05), higher surgical site infections (SSIs) (8.0 vs. 3.0, p<0.05), increased number of blood transfusions (40.0 vs. 20.0, p<0.05), and greater deep vein thrombosis (DVTs) (5.0 and 0.00, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: On a nationwide scale, rapid weight loss before LFS is associated with a higher rate of postoperative complications, including SSI and DVTs, longer average LOS, and more frequent blood transfusions.

Bariatric surgery in the super-super morbidly obese: outcome analysis of patients with BMI >70 using the ACS-NSQIP database.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery offers patients short- and long-term benefits to their health and quality of life. Currently, we see more patients with superior body mass index (BMI) looking for these benefits. Evidence-based medicine is integral in the evaluation of risks versus benefit; however, data are lacking in this high-risk population. OBJECTIVES: To assess the morbidity and mortality of patients with BMI ≥70 undergoing bariatric surgery. SETTING: University Hospital, Bronx, New York, United States using national database. METHODS: Using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database for years 2005 to 2016, we identified patients who underwent primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Patients with BMI ≥70 were assigned to the BMI >70 (BMI70+) cohort and less obese patients were assigned to the BMI <70 (U70) cohort. Length of stay and 30-day morbidity and mortality were compared. RESULTS: A total of 163,413 patients underwent non-revisional bariatric surgery. Of those, 2322 had a BMI ≥70. BMI70+ was associated with increased mortality (.4% versus .1%, P = .0001), deep vein thrombosis (.6% versus .3%, P = .007), pulmonary (1.9% versus .5%, P = .0001), renal (.9% versus .2%, P = .0001), and infectious complications (1.1% versus .4%, P = .0001). BMI70+ patients had longer mean length of stay (2.6 versus 2.1 d, P = .0001) and operative time (126.1 versus 114.5 min, P = .0001). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of myocardial infarctions (.1% versus .1%, P = .319), pulmonary embolisms (.3% versus .2%, P = .596), and transfusion requirements (.1% versus .1%, P = .105) between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of risk and benefit is performed on a case-by-case basis, but evidence-based medicine is critical in empowering surgeons and patients to make informed decisions. The overall rate of morbidity and mortality for BMI70+ patients undergoing bariatric surgery was increased over U70 patients but was still relatively low. Our study will allow surgeons to incorporate objective data into their assessment of risk for super-obese patients pursuing bariatric surgery.

Transversus abdominis plane block with liposomal bupivacaine and its effect on opiate use after weight loss surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Liposomal bupivacaine (LB), as an extended-release local anesthetic, may provide lasting pain control and therefore decrease the need for narcotics in the immediate postoperative period. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with LB decreased the use of postoperative narcotics compared with regular bupivacaine (RB) and no TAP block in patients undergoing weight loss procedures. SETTING: A large, metropolitan, university-affiliated, tertiary hospital. METHODS: Patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or sleeve-to-bypass conversion over 1 year were randomized to receive TAP block using LB, TAP block with RB, or no block in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. The outcomes measured were postoperative use of opiates, pain score, length of stay, time to ambulation, and nausea. Data were analyzed using χ2 test and analysis of variance F test. RESULTS: Two hundred nineteen patients were included in the study. Fentanyl patient-controlled analgesia usage was not significantly different between the groups (LB 351.4 versus RB 360.7 versus no TAP block 353.9, P = .97) at 48 hours post operation. The pain scores (scale 1-10) were similar among the groups with the mean for the LB group at 4.3, and RB and no TAP block groups both at 4.7 (P = .35). The type of block or lack of block did not significantly impact the length of stay, time to ambulation, or presence of nausea. CONCLUSION: The LB TAP block did not significantly reduce the total opiate pain medication consumption nor did it reduce pain scores among bariatric surgery patients.