Surgical Technique of Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S).

Laparoscopic Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S) is a bariatric/metabolic procedure that has been gaining popularity in recent years. SADI-S strongly affects the secretion of various gut hormones, adipocytokines and incretins. From a mechanistic point of view, the operation combines malabsorption and restriction, and has been shown to have a long-lasting and significant impact on weight loss and remission of comorbidities. With regard to the technique, first, a Sleeve is created and then the duodenum is tran-sected approximately 3-4cm after the pylorus at the level of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA). Next, 250-300cm of small bowel is measured from the caecum and a hand-sewn duo-deno-ileal anastomosis is performed. The length of the biliopancreatic limb is variable in this procedure. Because of the standardized common limb length in all patients, weight loss is very precise within a low range. Nevertheless, due to the complex hand-sewn anastomosis and the delicacy necessary when handling the duodenum, this procedure should be reserved for experienced bariatric surgeons in specialized centers. This article provides an overview of the standard surgical technique at the Department of Visceral Surgery at the Medical University of Vienna, as well as information about patient selection and pre- and postoperative care.

Surgical Technique for Weight Regain after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Pouch-resizing and the MiniMIZER® Gastric Ring.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) is a commonly used method in bariatric surgery that leads to sufficient long-term weight loss and consequently to improvement or resolution of obesity-associated diseases. The nadir weight is commonly reached between six months and two years after surgery. Despite this initially good weight loss, weight regain is observed in up to 20% of the patients. Besides intensive dietological evaluation, bariatric re-operation can be an option in these cases. Before the surgical reintervention, an intensive evaluation of the esophagus, pouch, anastomosis, and adjacent small bowel using upper GI-endoscopy and radiological examinations (X-ray and/or 3D-CT volumetry) is mandatory. In patients with a dilated pouch, pouch-resizing with a MiniMIZER® Gastric Ring (Bariatric Solutions GmbH, Stein am Rhein, Switzerland) could be an option to reestablish restriction in the long term. Currently, there is no gold standard for the choice of the weight regain procedure or for the technique used in the procedure itself. This article focuses on the standardized procedure of pouch resizing with implantation of a MiniMIZER® Gastric Ring for the surgical therapy of weight regain due to pouch dilatation and/or dilatation of the gastrojejunostomy and the adjacent small bowel (usually approximately the first 20cm), resulting in a huge neo-stomach after RYGB, as performed at the Medical University of Vienna. Further, indications for revisional surgery for weight regain, mandatory examinations, and recommended conservative therapy options prior to surgery will be described. Next, the fast-track concept and its advantages are explained. Lastly, the surgical procedure, including positioning of the patient, placement of trocars, the intraoperative process, and special advice, is presented. Exact planning of the procedure and postoperative follow-up are indispensable for a further long-term success after weight regain surgery. In conclusion, pouch-resizing and implantation of the MiniMIZER® Gastric Ring represent a practical and effective solution in patients with dilated pouch/anastomosis/adjacent small bowel with weight regain after RYGB, if conservative therapy, including dietitian counseling and new drugs (e.g., Semaglutide), has failed.

Surgical Technique of Diverted One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass.

Laparoscopic diverted one-anastomosis gastric bypass (D-OAGB) is a bariatric procedure combining the principles of restriction, malabsorption, and other factors to induce weight loss. It is achieved by creating a narrow, long gastric pouch and bypassing a part of the small bowel (biliopancreatic limb). D-OAGB was first described by Dr. Ribero in 2013 and is technically a variation of the very heterogeneous group of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass operations. There are different technical variants to perform D-OAGB and to organize pre- and postoperative care. The following article is based on the approach to bariatric surgery as taken at the Department of General Surgery at the Medical University of Vienna. This article focuses on patient preparation before bariatric/metabolic surgery with mandatory and optional preoperative examinations to find the surgical procedure best suited for each individual patient and to decrease the patient's risk. The surgical technique of D-OAGB itself, including positioning of the patient and related technical highlights, as well as the specifics of the postoperative course, are described. D-OAGB is an effective procedure for patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux for adequate weight loss and remission of comorbidities with a low risk of malnutrition. For D-OAGB to be successful, important technical steps, such as creating a narrow, long pouch, exact length of the biliopancreatic and alimentary limb, and additional hiatoplasty (if necessary), should be taken. In terms of the postoperative course, regular checkups are vital to ensure desirable outcome in the long-term follow up and early detection of adverse developments.

Sleeve Gastrectomy: Surgical Technique, Outcomes, and Complications.

The number of bariatric surgical procedures performed worldwide increases every year and has recently exceeded 685,000. Over 50% of these are laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass accounts for an additional 30%. Bariatric/metabolic surgery seeks to achieve not only weight loss and the remission of comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus type II, arterial hypertension, sleep apnea, risk of cancer, non-alcoholic liver steatosis, etc., but also improvements in the patient's quality of life. SG is mainly a restrictive procedure consisting of the resection and removal of a major part of the stomach, which has an additional impact on hormones such as Ghrelin and Glucagon-like Peptide 1. The first part of this article focuses on patient preparation before a bariatric procedure with mandatory and additional examinations to decrease the patient's risk. Next, the surgical technique itself, including positioning of the patient, positioning of the trocars and related tips and tricks, and the postoperative course are described. The second part discusses the outcomes of SG, including weight loss, remission of comorbidities and quality of life. Further possible acute complications of SG such as leaks, bleeding or stenoses as well as long-term complications (reflux, weight regain and malnutrition) and respective treatments are also described. In conclusion, SG is an effective procedure for weight loss with a low risk for the patient to develop malnutrition. In terms of post-operative care, regular check-ups are vital to ensure a positive outcome as well as for the early detection of possible issues. Reflux and weight regain are common issues with SG in a long-term follow-up; thus, patients should be selected carefully for this procedure.

Surgical Technique for One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass.

.Laparoscopic One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) is a bariatric procedure that combines the principles of restriction and malabsorption, which are achieved by creating a long and narrow gastric pouch and bypassing part of the small bowel (duodenum and part of the jejunum). It is currently the third most common bariatric procedure worldwide; more than19,000 operations (4.8%) are performed per year. OAGB is synonymous with "Mini Gastric Bypass" and "Omega Loop Gastric Bypass". There are numerous technical variants for performing OAGB and organizing pre- and postoperative care. This article is based on the approach to bariatric surgery at the Department of General Surgery at Vienna Medical University. We focus on patient preparation before a bariatric/metabolic procedure with mandatory and optional examinations to decrease the patient's risk and find the procedure best suited for each individual patient. Next, the surgical technique itself is described, including positioning of the patient, positioning of the trocars and related tips, tricks, and technical highlights, as well as the specifics of the postoperative course. OAGB is an effective procedure for weight loss and remission of comorbidities with a low risk of malnutrition for patients with good compliance. For OAGB to be successful, important technical steps such as a long and narrow pouch, exact length of the biliopancreatic limb and hiatoplasty, if necessary, should be taken. In terms of post-operative care, regular check-ups are vital to ensure a positive outcome in long-term follow-up and the early detection of adverse developments.

Adiponectin regulates aquaglyceroporin expression in hepatic stellate cells altering their functional state.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Obesity is a major risk factor for liver fibrosis and tightly associated with low levels of adiponectin. Adiponectin has antifibrogenic activity protecting from liver fibrosis, which is mainly driven by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Aquaporins are transmembrane proteins that allow the movement of water and, in case of aquaglyceroporins (AQPs), of glycerol that is needed in quiescent HSC for lipogenesis. Expression of various AQPs in liver is altered by obesity; however, the mechanisms through which obesity influences HSCs activation and AQPs expression remain unclear. This study aimed to identify obesity-associated factors that are related to HSC AQPs expression activation and lipid storage. METHODS: Correlations between serum adipokine levels and hepatic AQPs gene expression were analyzed from a cohort of obese patients. AQP and fibrotic gene expression was determined in a HSC line (LX2) and in a hepatocyte cell line (HepG2) after stimulation with adiponectin using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: We found that serum adiponectin significantly correlated with liver AQP3, AQP7, AQP9 gene expressions. In vitro, adiponectin induced upregulation of AQP3 gene and AQP3 protein expression in human HSCs, but not in hepatocytes, while AQP7, AQP9 remained undetectable. Accordingly, HSC stimulated with adiponectin increased glycerol uptake, lipogenic gene expression, and lipid storage while downregulating activation/fibrosis markers. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that adiponectin is a potent inhibitor of HSC activation and induces AQPs expression. Thus, low serum levels of adiponectin could be a mechanism how obesity affects the functional state of HSC, thereby contributing to obesity-associated liver fibrosis.

HORMONE SUBSTITUTION AFTER GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY IN PATIENTS WITH HYPOPITUITARISM SECONDARY TO CRANIOPHARYNGIOMA.

OBJECTIVE: Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are benign brain tumors presenting frequently in childhood and are treated by surgery with or without radiotherapy. About 50% of cured patients suffer from eating disorders and obesity due to hypothalamic damage, as well as hypopituitarism, necessitating subsequent hormone substitution therapy. Gastric bypass surgery has been reported to be an efficient treatment strategy for morbid hypothalamic obesity. However, so far it is unknown whether oral hormone substitution is affected by impaired intestinal drug absorption, potentially leading to severe hypopituitarism or pituitary crisis. METHODS: Four morbidly obese CP patients with panhypopituitarism treated by gastric bypass surgery were included in this retrospective analysis. Dosages of hormone substitution therapy, blood concentrations of hormones, potential complications of impaired drug absorption, and anthropometric characteristics were investigated pre- and postoperatively after 6 to 14 months and 13 to 65 months. RESULTS: In all CP patients (3 female/1 male; baseline body mass index, 49 ± 7 kg/m(2)), gastric bypass resulted in distinct weight loss (-35 ± 27 kg). In follow-up examinations, mean daily dosage of thyroid hormone (levothyroxinebaseline 156 ± 44 µg/day versus levothyroxinefollow-up 150 ± 30 µg/day), hydrocortisone (hydrocortisonebaseline 29 ± 12 mg/day versus hydrocortisonefollow-up 26 ± 2 mg/day), growth-hormone (somatotropinbaseline 0.9 ± 0.5 mg/day versus somatotropinfollow-up 1.0 ± 0.4 mg/day), and desmopressin (desmopressinbaseline 222 ± 96 µg/day versus desmopressinfollow-up 222 ± 96 µg/day) substitution was unchanged. No patient developed adrenal insufficiency. Oral thyroid/hydrocortisone absorption testing performed in 1 patient indicated sufficient gastrointestinal drug absorption after bariatric surgery. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results suggest that oral hormone substitution therapy is not impaired following gastric bypass operation in CP patients with morbid obesity, indicating that it might be a safe and effective treatment strategy.

Osteopontin promotes aromatase expression and estradiol production in human adipocytes.

Breast and endometrial cancer are often estrogen dependent, and their incidence and mortality are increased by obesity in postmenopausal women. Osteopontin (OPN) is a cytokine strongly upregulated in adipose tissue (AT) in obesity. OPN function is potentiated by cleavage by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). OPN and MMPs play a role in cancer development and are prognostic markers in breast cancer progression. While induction of the estrogen-synthesizing enzyme aromatase by TNFa and IL1 has been shown in preadipocytes, an impact of OPN on aromatase expression in AT has not been investigated yet. Gene expression was determined in AT samples of 21 morbidly obese and matched non-obese subjects. Primary human adipocytes were treated with full-length OPN or MMP-cleaved OPN (cOPN). Protein and mRNA expressions were analyzed from cell lysates, or cells were subsequently supplied with testosterone to determine estradiol production and for indirect co-culture with the estrogen-dependent MCF-7 cell line. Aromatase expression strongly correlated with gene expression of OPN and various MMPs in visceral and MMPs in subcutaneous AT, but not with TNFα expression in both tissues. In vitro, cOPN more effectively than full-length OPN upregulated aromatase mRNA in adipocytes and significantly increased aromatase protein level and estradiol production, leading to increased MCF-7 growth in indirect co-culture. OPN and MMPs are upregulated in AT in obesity, and MMP-cleaved OPN is particularly effective in inducing aromatase activity in human adipocytes. Thereby, obesity-induced OPN expression in AT may contribute to estradiol production and thus to the association of obesity with estrogen-dependent cancers.

The deep abdominal ultrasound transducer (DAX) increases the success rate and diagnostic accuracy of shear wave elastography for liver fibrosis assessment in patients with obesity-A prospective biopsy-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity impacts the diagnostic accuracy of shear wave elastography (SWE). A deep abdominal ultrasound transducer (DAX) capable of point (pSWE) and two-dimensional (2D)-SWE has recently been introduced to address this issue. METHODS: We performed a prospective study in a cohort of mostly patients with obesity undergoing liver biopsy with a high prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associate steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was measured using vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE), as well as pSWE and 2D SWE on the standard (5C1) and the DAX transducers. RESULTS: We included 129 patients with paired LSM and liver biopsy: median age 44.0 years, 82 (63.6%) women, median BMI: 43.2 kg/m2. Histologic fibrosis stages: F0: N = 55 (42.6%), F1: N = 14 (10.9%), F2: N = 50 (38.8%), F3: N = 2 (1.6%), F4: N = 8 (6.2%). VCTE-LSM failed (N = 13) or were unreliable (IQR/median ≤30% in ≥7.1 kPa, N = 14) in 20.9% of patients. The Pearson correlation of reliable VCTE-LSM with both pSWE and 2D SWE was strong (all >0.78). The diagnostic accuracy for all LSM techniques was poor for significant fibrosis (≥F2, AUC: 0.54-0.63); however, it was good to excellent for advanced fibrosis (≥F3, AUC: 0.87-0.99) and cirrhosis (F4, AUC: 0.86-1.00). In intention-to-diagnose analysis, pSWE on DAX was significantly superior to VCTE-LSM. CONCLUSIONS: pSWE- and 2D-SWE enable the non-invasive identification of advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with obese MASLD. The use of the DAX transducer for acoustic radiation force imaging (ARFI)-LSM avoids technical failures in an obese population and subsequently offers advantages over VCTE-LSM for the evaluation of fibrosis in an obese MASLD population at risk for fibrosis.

Rapid improvement of hepatic steatosis and liver stiffness after metabolic/bariatric surgery: a prospective study.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and related steatohepatitis (MASH) are common among obese patients and may improve after metabolic/bariatric surgery (MBS). 93 Patients undergoing MBS in 2021-2022 were prospectively enrolled. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM; via vibration-controlled transient elastography [VCTE], point [pSWE] and 2D [2DSWE] shear wave elastography) and non-invasive steatosis assessment (via controlled attenuation parameter [CAP]) were performed before (baseline [BL]) and three months (M3) after surgery. 93 patients (median age 40.9 years, 68.8% female, median BL-BMI: 46.0 kg/m2) were included. BL-liver biopsy showed MASLD in 82.8% and MASH in 34.4% of patients. At M3 the median relative total weight loss (%TWL) was 20.1% and the median BMI was 36.1 kg/m2. LSM assessed by VCTE and 2DSWE, as well as median CAP all decreased significantly from BL to M3 both in the overall cohort and among patients with MASH. There was a decrease from BL to M3 in median levels of ALT (34.0 U/L to 31 U/L; p = 0.025), gamma glutamyl transferase (BL: 30.0 to 21.0 U/L; p < 0.001) and MASLD fibrosis score (BL: - 0.97 to - 1.74; p < 0.001). Decreasing LSM and CAP, as well as liver injury markers suggest an improvement of MASLD/MASH as early as 3 months after MBS.

Intrathoracic pouch migration in one-anastomosis gastric bypass with and without hiatoplasty: A 3-dimensional-computed tomography volumetry study.

BACKGROUND: Currently, 4.8% of bariatric operations worldwide are one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) procedures. If a hiatal hernia is detected in a preoperative gastroscopy, OAGB can be combined with hiatoplasty. Intrathoracic pouch migration (ITM) is common after bypass procedures because the fundus, a natural abutment, is separated from the pouch. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to find out whether OAGB or OAGB combined with hiatoplasty carries a higher risk of ITM and, therefore, also gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). SETTING: University hospital. METHODS: Fifty patients (group 1: 25× primary OAGB; group 2: 25× primary OAGB with hiatoplasty) were included in this study. History of weight, GERD, and quality of life were recorded in patient interviews and pouch volume and ITM were evaluated using 3-dimensional-computed tomography volumetry. RESULTS: There were no differences in terms of patient characteristics, history of weight, pouch volume, or quality of life between both groups. ITM was found in group 1 in 60% (n = 15) and group 2 in 76% (n = 19) of all patients (P = .152). The ITM mean length was significantly lower in group 1 with .9 ± 1.1 cm than in group 2 with 1.8 ± 1.2 cm (P = .007). Regarding GERD, there was no difference between both groups; nevertheless, significantly more patients with ITM (38.2%; n = 13) had GERD compared with patients without ITM (6.3%; n = 1). CONCLUSION: In primary OAGB, an additional hiatoplasty was not associated with higher rates of ITM or GERD; nevertheless, the length of ITM was higher after hiatoplasty. If ITM occurs, patients have a risk of developing GERD.

The male patient with obesity undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery: changes in testosterone levels correlate with weight loss after one-anastomosis gastric bypass and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Male obesity secondary hypogonadism (MOSH) is a common disease among men with obesity and can be associated with metabolic syndrome and a variety of metabolic problems ultimately leading to androgen deficiency. Metabolic and bariatric surgery is a well-established treatment option associated with significant weight loss and reduction in metabolic co-morbidities. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of surgery on plasma levels of sexual hormones and their effect on weight loss comparing 2 surgical methods (one-anastomosis gastric bypass [OAGB] and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [RYGB]) in male patients with obesity. SETTING: University hospital, Austria. METHODS: Patients undergoing OAGB and RYGB between 2012 and 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Follow-up in this study was up to 24 months. Systemic levels of sexual hormones (luteinizing hormone [LH]), follicle stimulating hormone [FSH], total testosterone [TT], sexual hormone binding globin [SHBG], 17 beta-estradiol [17bE], androstenedione [AS]) were retrieved at each visit. A linear mixed model was used to assess the correlation between changes in testosterone levels and percent excess weight loss (%EWL). RESULTS: In 30.8% of all patients, MOSH was present preoperatively. A significant increase of TT was observed postoperatively that led to a complete resolution of hypogonadism within the period observed. Bioavailable testosterone (bTT) and FSH levels significantly increased each month of follow-up after surgery (all P < .01). Levels of 17bE did not change significantly after surgery. The overall change of TT, comparing preoperative and 1-year postoperative TT levels (ΔTT), significantly correlated with %EWL. Changes in TT levels were not affected by the choice of surgical method. CONCLUSIONS: Serum plasma testosterone levels rise significantly after metabolic and bariatric surgery in male patients. The change of testosterone levels seems to play a role in continued weight loss after surgery. This is true irrespective of the surgical method used.

Impact of metabolic surgery on cost and long-term health outcome: a cost-effectiveness approach.

BACKGROUND: The increase in obesity has become a major public health concern. Morbid obesity is associated with co-morbidities, reduced quality-of-life, and death. Metabolic surgery (MS) is the most effective treatment for obesity. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the costs and outcomes of MS compared with no surgery in patients with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2. SETTING: Health care system, Austria METHODS: A total of 177 patients who underwent MS were documented retrospectively, based on the hospital records of 2 specialized centers in Austria, over a 1-year period. At baseline 26.0% of patients exhibited type 2 diabetes (T2D), 52.5% cardiovascular disease (CVD), 23.2% hyperlipidemia, and 23.7% depression. Following the observation period, a Markov chain simulation model was developed to analyze the long-term consequences of T2D, including diabetic complications, CVD, hyperlipidemia, depression, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), myocardial infarction, and stroke, over a total of 20 years. Direct medical costs were expressed in 2017 euros from the payer's perspective. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), life years (LYs), and costs were discounted. RESULTS: MS led to costs of €40,427 and 9.58 QALYs (15.58 LYs) per patient over 20 years. No MS was associated with €64,819 and 6.33 QALYs (13.92 LYs). Total cost-savings amounted to €24,392, which offset the cost of the procedure including re-operations. Over 20 years MS saved -6.7 patient-years per patient with T2D, -5.8 patient-years with CVD, -1.5 patient-years with hyperlipidemia, -1.8 patient-years with depression, and -3.8 patient-years with NASH. CONCLUSION: MS is associated with substantial savings in long-term costs, expected health benefits, and reduced onset of complications. MS significantly increases quality of life.

Trends of Overweight and Obesity in Male Adolescents: Prevalence, Socioeconomic Status, and Impact on Cardiovascular Risk in a Central European Country.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is one of the most important health-related problems of the twenty-first century. Data on its prevalence in Austria remain scarce. Aim of this study was to determine current trends of overweight and obesity, associated comorbidities and socioeconomic status in all 18-year-old male Austrian citizens, and its potential impact on the demand for bariatric surgery in the future. METHODS: Data from compulsory military conscription examinations in all 18-year-old males from 2003 to 2018 were obtained from the Federal ministry of Defense's database. Measurements of height, weight, and subsequent body mass index (BMI) calculations in 874, 220 adolescents were subdivided into yearly cohorts. Comorbidities, educational status, and nicotine abuse were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean BMI increased from 22.0 ± 3.95 kg/m2 in 2003 to 22.8 ± 4.69 kg/m2 in 2018 (p < 0.001). Overweight and obesity °I-III increased from 15.3%, 4.2%, 1.2%, and 0.4% (2003) to 20.4%, 7.1%, 2.5%, and 0.8% (2018), respectively. Cardiovascular risk, reflected by the waist-to-height ratio, increased significantly over time (p < 0.0001). Additionally, data showed a significant association of nicotine abuse in overweight or obese adolescents (p < 0.0001). Significantly less adolescents with obesity graduated from high school (p < 0.0001). Overall, 25.7% of adolescents with obesity were considered ineligible for military service. CONCLUSIONS: BMI and cardiovascular risk steadily increased over the last 15 years in Austrian male adolescents. A significant shift from normal weight to overweight was observed, while higher obesity classes doubled over this observational period. This study also revealed a significant association of BMI and lower educational status. Trends of overweight and obesity in male adolescents: prevalence, socio-economic status and impact on cardiovascular risk in a central European country.

Conversion from one-anastomosis gastric bypass to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: when and why-a single-center experience of all consecutive OAGB procedures.

BACKGROUND: One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is a well-established treatment method in patients with morbid obesity. Its long-term impact on de novo reflux, anastomotic complications, and malnutrition needs further evaluation. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a technically feasible procedure in revisional bariatric surgery. This study presents our institutional data on conversion from OAGB to RYGB. OBJECTIVE: To determine the reasons for conversion, preoperative endoscopic findings, and feasibility of revisional bariatric surgery after OAGB. SETTING: University hospital in Austria METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively fed database. All patients undergoing OAGB between January 2012 and December 2019 were included. Screening was carried out for all patients needing conversion to RYGB. Percent total weight loss, percent excess weight loss, time to conversion, postoperative complications, and reasons for conversion were assessed. RESULTS: Eighty-two of 1,025 patients who underwent OAGB were converted laparoscopically to RYGB. Seven patients were converted early because of anastomotic/gastric tube leakage. Median time to late conversion was 29.1 ± 24.3 months, mean percent excess weight loss was 86.6% ± 33.1% and percent total weight loss was 35.1% ± 13.5%. Forty-two patients were converted because of reflux, 11 because of persistent marginal ulcers, 10 because of anastomotic stenosis, 9 because of malnutrition, and 3 because of weight regain. Seven patients showed Barrett's metaplasia in biopsies at the gastroesophageal junction before conversion. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic conversion from OAGB to RYGB is technically feasible with a moderate rate of postoperative complications. Severe (bile) reflux is a serious long-term complication after OAGB, with 4.1% of patients needing conversion to RYGB. Endoscopy after OAGB in patients showing clinical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease is strongly advised to detect underlying pathologic changes.

Obesity is associated with a higher Torque Teno viral load compared to leanness.

Introduction: Obesity affects a rising proportion of the population and is an important risk factor for unfavorable outcomes in viral disease including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2- associated diseases. Torque Teno virus (TTV) is a ubiquitous and apathogenic virus which reflects the immune function of its host. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between obesity and TTV load - an indirect marker of compromised viral immune response. Methods: TTV was quantified by TTV R-GENE® PCR in a total of 89 participants of which 30 were lean (BMI <25 kg/m2) and 59 were obese (BMI >30 kg/m2). For 38 subjects, follow-up was available after bariatric surgery. Results: TTV load was higher in individuals with obesity (median 2.39, IQR: 1.69-3.33 vs. 1.88, IQR 1.08-2.43 log10 copies/mL; p = 0.027). Multivariable linear modeling revealed an independent association between TTV load and obesity. TTV was positively correlated with waist-to-hip ratio and inversely with 25OH vitamin D levels. Interleukin 6 and fasting insulin resistance were confounders of the association between TTV and obesity, while age was an effect modifier. TTV load increased by 87% (95% CI 2-243%) in the year following bariatric surgery. Discussion: A higher TTV load in obese individuals may reflect compromised immune function and thus might serve for risk stratification of unfavorable outcomes during infectious disease, including coronavirus disease 2019, in this population. Our data warrant further analysis of TTV-based risk assessment in obese individuals in the context of infectious disease-associated outcomes.

Fifteen Years after Sleeve Gastrectomy: Gastroscopies, Manometries, and 24-h pH-Metries in a Long-Term Follow-Up: A Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most common bariatric operation with over 340,000 procedures per year. There are only few studies presenting follow-up results >10 years in the literature today. The aim of this study was the objective evaluation of long-term outcomes of at least 15 years after SG in non-converted patients. METHODS: This study (multicenter cross-sectional; university-hospital based) includes all non-converted patients with primary SG before December 2005 at participating bariatric centers. The following methods were used: gastroscopy, esophageal manometry, 24-h pH-metry, and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). RESULTS: After removing converted patients, patients with bariatric procedures before SG, and deceased patients from the cohort, 20 of 53 participants have met the inclusion criteria. Of this group, 55% are suffering from symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); 45% are without GERD. Esophagitis, hiatal hernias, Barrett's esophagus, and enlarged sleeves were found in 44%, 50%, 13%, and 69% of patients during gastroscopy. Mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure was normal at 20.2 ± 14.1 mm Hg during manometry. Reflux activity in 24 h, number of refluxes, and DeMeester score were increased at 12.9 ± 9.7%, 98.0 ± 80.8, and 55.3 ± 36.3 during 24-h pH-metry. Patients with GERD scored significantly lower in the GIQLI than patients without GERD: 107.6 ± 18.4 versus 127.6 ± 14.4 (p = 0.04). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Fifteen years after primary SG, objective testing has shown that GERD, esophagitis, and Barrett's esophagus are major issues for these patients. Surveillance endoscopies at 5-year intervals in all SG patients and 3-year intervals in patients with Barrett's esophagus are recommended.

Brown Adipose Tissue Prevalence Is Lower in Obesity but Its Metabolic Activity Is Intact.

Due to its high metabolic activity, brown adipose tissue (BAT) has become a promising target for the development of novel treatment concepts for metabolic disease. Despite several reports of a negative association between the presence of active BAT and obesity, very little is known about the quantitative and qualitative differences of BAT in lean and obese individuals. Systematic studies directly comparing cold-induced BAT activity in leanness and obesity are currently lacking. Here we studied BAT mass and function in 31 lean and 64 obese men and women. After a standardized cooling protocol using a water-perfused vest, 18F-FDG-positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans were performed, and BAT was delineated using lean body-mass adjusted standardized uptake value (SUV) thresholds in anatomic regions with fat radiodensity. Cold-induced thermogenesis (CIT), a functional readout of BAT activity, was quantified by indirect calorimetry. Active BAT was present in a significantly higher proportion of lean than obese individuals (58% vs. 33%, p=0.019). In these participants with active BAT, however, BAT volume and activity did not differ between leanness and obesity. Accordingly, CIT was similar in both weight groups. BAT metrics were not related to adiposity or total fat mass per se. However, in obese participants a strong negative correlation existed between visceral adipose tissue and BAT volume, 18F-FDG uptake and CIT. In summary, despite a significantly lower prevalence of BAT, the metabolic activity and thermogenic capacity of BAT appears to be still intact in obesity and is inversely associated with visceral fat mass.

Accuracy of non-invasive liver stiffness measurement and steatosis quantification in patients with severe and morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND: Vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP™) have shown reliable performance predicting fibrosis and steatosis in normal- to overweight patients but have not been validated in severe to morbid obesity. This study aimed at determining the accuracy of VCTE, CAP™ and the composite score FibroScan-AST (FAST) in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥35 kg/m2. METHODS: Patients scheduled for bariatric-metabolic surgery underwent preoperative VCTE/CAP™ measurement, and intraoperative liver biopsy. The feasibility and accuracy of VCTE, CAP™ and the composite score FAST were retrospectively analysed to evaluate fibrosis, steatosis and active fibrotic non-alcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH + non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score ≥4 + fibrosis grade ≥2] using per protocol (PP) and intent to diagnose (ITD) calculation. RESULTS: In total, 170 patients (median BMI 44.4 kg/m2) were included in the study. Liver biopsy showed NASH, simple steatosis, and normal livers in 60.6% (n=103), 28.8% (n=49), and 10.6% (n=18), respectively. VCTE and CAP™ delivered reliable results in 90.6% (n=154/170) and 90.5% (n=134/148). The AUC (PP) of VCTE, CAP™, and FAST were 0.687 (≥F2), 0.786 (≥F3), 0.703 (≥S2), 0.738 (S3), and 0.780 (active fibrotic NASH). The AUC increased to 0.742 (≥F2), 0.842 (≥F3), 0.712 (≥S2), 0.780 (S3), and 0.836 (active fibrotic NASH) in patients below the median BMI of 44.4 kg/m2. CONCLUSIONS: VCTE, CAP™ and FAST show acceptable accuracy for the detection of fibrosis, steatosis and NASH in a real-life cohort of patients with obesity. Accuracy improves in patients with a BMI <44.4 kg/m2.

Sex differences in brown adipose tissue activity and cold-induced thermogenesis.

INTRODUCTION: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is suggested to exhibit a sexual dimorphism and thus contributes to the observed sex differences in cardiometabolic risk observed between women and men. Clinical data supporting this hypothesis are however scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between BAT activity and sex using positron emission tomography (PET) - the current gold-standard for BAT quantification. METHODS: In this study, we included 95 subjects with a wide BMI range (20-55 kg/m2) aged from 18 to 50 years. Avoiding shivering, participants were cooled with a water-perfused vest to achieve adequate BAT activation. BAT activity was determined by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT). Cold-induced thermogenesis (CIT) was quantified by indirect calorimetry. RESULTS: BAT was present in 44.6% of pre-menopausal women and in 35.9% of men (p = 0.394). CIT was significantly higher in women (p = 0.024). Estradiol levels were positively associated with CIT independent of age, sex, body fat and other sex hormones (b = 0.360, p = 0.016). In women, CIT decreased during the menstrual cycle, with lower levels in the luteal phase similar to median concentrations in men. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of cold-activated BAT is slightly but non-significantly higher in pre-menopausal women than men. CIT is increased in females and independently associated with estradiol, suggesting that sex hormones may play a role in different thermogenic responses between men and women.