Conversion of one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): who is more at risk? A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Although gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects 0.6% to 10% of patients operated on for one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), only about 1% require surgery to convert to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) [3-5]. The aim of the present study was to analyze the characteristics of OAGB patients converted to RYGB for GERD not responding to medical treatment. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study included patients who underwent conversion from OAGB to RYGB for severe GERD. The conversion was performed with resection of the previous gastro-jejunal anastomosis and the use of the afferent loop as a new biliary loop. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients were included in the study. Of these patients, 66 (52.6%) had a past medical history of bariatric restrictive surgery (gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy). A hiatal hernia (HH) was present in 56 patients (44.7%). The association between previous restrictive surgery and HH was recorded in 33 (26.2%) patients. Three-dimensional gastric computed tomography showed an average gastric pouch volume of 242.4 ± 55.1 cm3. Conversion to RYGB was performed on average 60 ± 35.6 months after OAGB. Seven patients (5.5%) experienced an early postoperative complication (4 patients grade IIIb and 3 grade IIb), and 3 (2.4%) a late complication. Patients showed further weight loss after RYGB conversion and an average of 24.8 ± 21.7 months after surgery, with a mean % of total weight loss (%TWL) of 6.9 ± 13.6 kg. From a clinical point of view, the problem of GERD was definitively solved in more than 90% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Situations that weaken the esogastric junction appear to be highly frequent in patients operated on for OAGB and converted to RYGB for severe reflux. Similarly, the correct creation of the gastric pouch could play an important role in reducing the risk of conversion to RYGB for GERD.

Prospective evaluation of transoral outlet reduction (TORe) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) failure.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Weight regain after RYGB is multifactorial including dilatation of the gastro-jejunal anastomosis. Transoral outlet reduction (TORe) procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to surgical anastomotic revision. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, multicenter, simple blind, randomized study in patients with weight regain following RYGB, comparing the efficacy of conventional nutritional and behavioral management associated with a TORe procedure (TORe group) with conventional management alone and a Sham procedure (Sham group). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 12 months after endoscopy. RESULTS: From January 2015 to January 2019, 73 subjects were randomized in four French Bariatric centers. The final analysis involved 50 subjects, 25 in each group, 44 women, 6 men, with an average BMI of 40.6 kg/m2. At 12 months, the average %EWL was significantly higher in the TORe group than in the Sham group (13.5 ± 14.1 vs. - 0.77 ± 17.1; p = 0.002). Cohen's d was 0.91, indicating a large effect size of the procedure on the %EWL. There was no significant difference between groups concerning the improvement of obesity-related comorbidities (diabetes and dyslipidemia) and quality of life at 12 months. We report frequent adverse events in the TORe group (20% had adverse events related to the procedure). Three adverse events were serious, including two perforations of the gastro-jejunal anastomosis after TORe group that led to the premature termination of the study. CONCLUSIONS: After RYGBP failure linked to the dilatation of the gastro-jejunal anastomosis, TORe procedure with nutritional management results in significantly higher %EWL at 12 months compared to patients with nutritional management alone. As surgery, this minimally invasive endoscopic procedure can be associated with severe adverse events.

Is It Safe to Combine a Fundoplication to Sleeve Gastrectomy? Review of Literature.

Background and Objectives: The rising numbers of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) procedures now being performed worldwide will likely be followed by an increasing number of patients experiencing gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The purpose of the current review was to analyze in terms of safety different techniques of fundoplication used to treat GERD associated with LSG. Methods: An online search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE in December 2020 to identify articles reporting LSG and fundoplication. The following term combination was used: (sleeve, fundoplication), (sleeve, Nissen), (sleeve, Rossetti), (sleeve, Toupet) and (sleeve, Dor). The extracted information included details of the methods (e.g., retrospective case series), demographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender), clinical characteristics, number of patients, rate of conversion, and postoperative outcomes. Results: A total of 154 studies were identified and after an assessment of title according to our exclusion criteria, 116 articles were removed. Of the 38 studies analyzed for full content review, a total of seven primary studies (487 patients) were identified with all inclusion criteria. Analyzing the different types of fundoplication used, we have identified: 236 cases of Nissen-Sleeve, 220 cases with modified Rossetti fundoplication, 31 cases of Dor fundoplication, and no case of Toupet fundoplication. The overall postoperative complication rate was 9.4%, with the most common reported complication being gastric perforation, 15 cases-3.1%. The second most common complication was bleeding identified in nine cases (1.8%) followed by gastric stenosis in six cases (1.2%). The mortality was nil. Conclusions: Different types of fundoplication associated with LSG appear to be a safe surgical technique with an acceptable early postoperative complication rate. Any type of fundoplication associated with LSG to decrease GERD should be evaluated cautiously while prospective clinical randomized trials are needed.

Endoscopic Gastroplasty. Initial Experience.

Introduction: Less invasive endoscopic bariatric procedures are under development for the management of class I of obesity. The purpose of our study is to evaluate endoscopic gastroplasty (EG) using a suturing method, as well as the perioperative care and outcomes, during one-year period. Methods: This is a prospective single-center study over 17 patients using the EG under general anesthesia with overnight inpatient observation. The analyzed variables were: change in body weight; and adverse effects. In order to analyze correlations between BMI , and identify predictors for better weight loss after EG, we created 2 groups of patients: Group A (with BMI 35 and primary obesity - 10 patients) and Group B (with BMI 35 , or previous gastric balloon or bariatric surgery - 7 cases). Results: A total of 17 patients underwent endoscopic procedures for primary obesity or weight regain. All patients were female with a mean age of 38.7 years. The mean BMI was 34.8 kg/m2 (range: 30.8 - 44.1). There were no major intra-procedure adverse events or during the follow up. All patients were discharged on the 1st or 2nd day following the procedure and in the future the procedure will be proposed in ambulatory setting. Four patients (23.5 %) were complaining of moderate postprocedural pain for a mean period of time of 7.75 days (range 2-15 days) and two other patients complained about nausea and vomiting alleviated by the intravenous drugs. Of the 17 initial patients, 4 were available for 3-month of follow-up, 7 for 6-month, 3 for 9-month, and 3 completed the 12-month assessment with the mean EWL of 46.1 %. According to ASGE definition, 70.6 % (n= 12) of the 17 patients reached 25% of EWL. All patients in group A reached a successfully weight loss and the mean EWL was 72.4 %, but 5 out 7 patients in group B failed to achieve an EWL 25 %. Moreover, all patients who underwent previous bariatric surgery failed to achieve any results in term of weight loss following EG. Conclusions: Endoscopic gastroplasty represent a safe minimal invasive approach that can be considered as an effective and well tolerated procedure especially for primary obesity treatment. For patients with previous bariatric surgical procedures or with severe obesity the results are less favorable.

Needlescopic sleeve gastrectomy: pushing the boundaries of the standard technique.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most common bariatric surgery performed worldwide. Improvements in LSG have been suggested to achieve better weight loss or to lessen the complications rates. We propose a change in the standard technique to privilege the use of thinner instruments, the needlescopic sleeve gastrectomy (NSG). METHODS: A 40-year-old female, BMI 40, with no previous abdominal surgery was selected for a NSG. She was placed in a semi-sitting position with the surgeon standing between the legs. Pneumoperitoneum was created through open laparoscopy; 5 trocars were inserted in standard position for laparoscopic gastric surgery. We have used one 12 mm trocar in the navel for a 5 mm scope and for stapling the stomach; one 5 mm trocar for impedance coagulator and also for the scope during the stapling process, and three 3 mm trocars for liver retraction, left hand manipulation, and greater curve exposition. Surgical techniques are basically the same as for a standard LSG until the moment of stapling the stomach, when the 5 mm scope is changed to the right hand trocar. Stapling can be done trough the umbilical port, parallel to the lesser curvature, in contact with the calibration tube. After stapling, hemostasis was achieved by bipolar coagulation, application of titanium clips, and absorbable suture. The 12 mm umbilical orifice is closed after extraction of the resected stomach. RESULTS: Operative time was 76 min. There was no per-operative complication. Recovery was uneventful and patient was discharged at post operative day 2. Pain was considered minor by the patient. One month after surgery, cosmetic results were very convincing. DISCUSSION: There are several proposed technical modifications in LSG. They can influence complication rates or weight loss like the length of antrum resection, the size of Fouchet tube, or the reinforcement of staple line [1-4]. Besides that other concepts regarding reduction of size or number of trocars have also been applied. LSG has been performed with fewer trocars, using for example special designed internal retractors or even the posterior part of the dissected stomach to replace the liver retractor and its trocar [5, 6]. Single port is another well-known possibility [7, 8], but mini-laparoscopy or needlescopic SG is still not well explored in our opinion. We believe that this technical alternative proposed in this video keeps the standards of care and safety of conventional LSG. There is no change in the position of the surgeon, not even the trocars. Specially designed needlescopic instruments show enough strength to be used in bariatrics and allow the surgeon to perform all the routine maneuvers from dissection to suturing. LSG can be done by mini-laparoscopy with a short adaptation period, previewing a short learning curve with no increase in the complications rate. CONCLUSION: NSG is feasible in selected patients and with few modifications in the standard technique. There might be a benefit in terms of pain. Further studies with large series are necessary to observe these potential benefits.

Cost analysis of leak after sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Leaks after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are serious complications of this procedure. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the costs of leaks after LSG. SETTING: Private hospital, France. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a prospective cohort of 2012 cases of LSG between September 2005 and December 2014. Data were collected on all diagnostic and therapeutic measures necessary to manage leaks, ward, and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay. Additional outpatient care was also analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty cases (0.99%) of gastric leak were recorded. Fifteen patients had available data for cost analysis. Of these, 13 patients were women (86.7%) with a mean age of 41.4 years (range 22-61) and mean BMI of 43.2 kg/m2 (range 34.8-57.1). The leaks occurred after 7.4 days (±2.3) postoperatively. Only one gastric leak was recorded for the last 800 cases in which absorbable staple line reinforcement was used. Mean intra-hospital cost was 34398 € (range 7543-91,632 €). Prolonged hospitalization in ICU accounted for the majority of hospital costs (58.9%). Mean additional outpatient costs for leaks were 41,284 € (range 14,148-75,684€). CONCLUSIONS: Leaks after LSG are an expensive complication. It is therefore important to take all necessary measures to reduce their incidence. Our data should be considered when analyzing the cost effectiveness of staple line reinforcement usage.

Five-year results of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for the treatment of severe obesity.

BACKGROUND: Since 2011, the most used bariatric technique in France has been the sleeve gastrectomy. There are still few studies exploring the medium and long-term results of this technique. OBJECTIVE: To describe medium-long-term (5 years) results of a cohort of CHU Montpellier experience in sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity. METHODS: All patients that underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) from January 2005 to June 2013 were included in this study. RESULTS: A total of 1050 patients were operated. 72.86% were women. The mean preoperative BMI was 44.58 kg/m2 (±7.71). A total of 183 patients (18.5%) were super-obese (BMI > 50 kg/m2). LSG was proposed as primary procedure, and also after failure of adjustable gastric banding in 169 patients (16.9%) or after vertical banded gastroplasty in 7 cases (0.7%). There were 38 postoperative gastric fistulas (3.8%) and 3 of them required some kind of bypass to be definitively treated. There were also 34 hemorrhages (3.4%) of which 21 were reoperated for hemostasis. Two gastric stenoses at the angulus (0.2%) were managed with dilation or RYGB. Overall reoperative rate was 6.8%. One patient died of pulmonary embolism. Most common late complication was GERD (39.1%). After 3, 4 and 5 years of LSG, the average of %EBL was, respectively, 75.95% (±29.16) (382 patients), 73.23% (±31.08) (222 patients) and 69.26% (±30.86) (144 patients). The success rate at 5 years was 65.97% (95 patients). The improvement or remission of comorbidities was found, respectively, in 88.4 and 57.2% of diabetic patients; 76.9 and 19.2% for hypertensive patients and 98 and 85% for patients with sleep apnea syndrome. CONCLUSION: LSG is a bariatric surgery technique that presents a very good risk/benefit ratio. Five-year results are very convincing. GERD is the main long-term complication.

Postoperative complications as an independent risk factor for recurrence after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: a prospective study of 417 patients with long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) has become widely used. This study evaluates outcomes of LVHR, with particular reference to complications, seromas, and long-term recurrence. METHODS: A review of a prospective database of consecutive patients undergoing LVHR with intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) was performed at a single institution. Patient's characteristics, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed and related to long-term recurrence. RESULTS: From 2005 to 2014, 417 patients underwent LVHR. Mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 54 years and 31 kg/m2. Mesh fixation was carried out with transfascial sutures, completed with absorbable tacks (72 %), metal tacks (24 %), or intraperitoneal sutures (4 %). Intraoperative complications occurred in three patients. Overall morbidity included 8.25 % of minor complications and 2.5 % of major complications without mortality. The overall recurrence rate was 9.8 %. Median time for recurrence was 15.3 months (3-72) and median follow-up was 31.6 months (8-119). In a multivariate analysis, previous interventions (OR 1.44; CI 1.15-1.79; p = 0.01), postoperative complications (OR 2.57; CI 1.09-6.03; p = 0.03), and Clavien-Dindo score >2 (OR 1.43; CI 1.031-1.876; p = 0.02) appeared as independent prognostic factors of recurrence. Minor complications were associated with 14.7 % of recurrence and major complications with 30 % of recurrence. Emergency LVHR (6 %) did not increase the rate of complications. Overall seroma rate was 18.7 %, with 1.4 % of persisting or complicated seroma. BMI (OR 1.05; CI 1.01-1.08; p = 0.026) and vascular surgery history (OR 5.74; CI 2.11-15.58; p < 0.001) were independent predictive factors for seroma. Recurrence did not appear to be related to seroma. CONCLUSION: LVHR combines the benefits of laparoscopy with those of mesh repair. Seroma formation should no longer be considered as a complication. It is spontaneously regressive in most cases. Postoperative complications and their degree of severity appear to be independent prognostic factors for recurrence, which can be limited with a standardized technique and may make IPOM-LVHR a reference procedure.

Multicenter prospective randomized study comparing the technique of using a bovine pericardium biological prosthesis reinforcement in parietal herniorrhaphy (Tutomesh TUTOGEN) with simple parietal herniorrhaphy, in a potentially contaminated setting.

The use of parietal synthetic prosthetic reinforcement material in potentially contaminated settings is not recommended, as there is a risk that the prosthesis may become infected. Thus, simple parietal herniorrhaphy, is the conventional treatment, even though there is a significant risk that the hernia may recur. Using new biomaterials of animal origin presently appears to offer a new therapeutic solution, but their effectiveness has yet to be demonstrated. The purpose of this multicenter prospective randomized single-blind study was to compare the surgical treatment of inguinal hernia or abdominal incisional hernia by simple parietal herniorrhaphy without prosthetic reinforcement (Group A), with Tutomesh TUTOGEN biological prosthesis reinforcement parietal herniorrhaphy (Group B), in a potentially contaminated setting. We examined early postoperative complications in the first month after the operation, performed an assessment after one year of survival without recurrence and analyzed the quality of life and pain of the patients (using SF-12 health status questionnaire and Visual Analog Pain Scale) at 1, 6, and 12 months, together with an economic impact study. Hundred and thirty four patients were enrolled between January 2009 and October 2010 in 20 French hospitals. The groups were comparable with respect to their enrollment characteristics, their history, types of operative indications and procedures carried out. At one month post-op, the rate of infectious complications (n(A) = 11(18.33%) vs. n(B) = 12(19.05%), p = 0.919) was not significantly different between the two groups. The assessment after one year of survival without recurrence revealed that survival was significantly greater in Group B (Group A recurrence: 10, Group B: 3; p = 0.0475). No difference in the patients' quality of life was demonstrated at 1, 6, or 12 months. However, at the 1 month follow-up, the "perceived health" rating seemed better in the group with Tutomesh (p = 0.022). No significant difference between the two parietal repair groups was observed during the follow-ups with respect to the criterion of pain (using a visual analog scale). There was a significant difference between the two parietal repair groups with regard to the number of days spent in intensive care unit, in favor of the Tutomesh technique (p = 0.010). The use of a Tutomesh bioprosthesis for hernia repair or postincisional hernia in a potentially contaminated workplace reduces the risk of short-term recurrence without increasing overall comorbidity.

Techniques of intragastric laparoscopic surgery.

Benign or pre-cancerous lesions and foreign bodies of the stomach not amendable to endoscopic removal often require extensive surgery to address a process that does not necessitate lymph node sampling or formal gastrectomy. These lesions are particularly difficult to address endoscopically when located at the esophagogastric junction as a retroflexed view is needed. From its first description in 1995, intragastric laparoscopic surgery has evolved with respect to both technological advancements and tactical innovations. Here we report the development of four distinct techniques of laparoscopic intragastric surgery which we have developed over time and applied in 11 patients. These techniques consist of a (1) combined gastroscopic/laparoscopic approach when minimal manipulation of the lesion is needed, (2) multiport resection which provides optimal triangulation and allows for resection of more complex lesions, (3) stapled removal of broad-based lesions, and (4) single access technique with the device placed directly through the abdominal wall into the stomach. The techniques expand the surgeon's armamentarium to address more complex intragastric processes safely, while the typical postoperative benefits of minimal access surgery such as fast recovery time and less pain are preserved. As we gain greater experience with intragastric laparoscopic surgery, this technique holds the promise of becoming a standard surgical technique for benign lesions for which it is oncologically safe to perform a limited resection.

Laparoscopic intragastric surgery for early gastric cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

BACKGROUND: T1a gastric cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) often require extensive resection despite their favorable tumor biology. This holds especially true for lesions located at the gastroesophageal junction. In this video we will demonstrate an oncologically sound technique of laparoscopic intragastric surgery that allows for safe and effective tumor resection. METHODS: The first patient has a T1a gastric adenocarcinoma with no adverse features at the gastroesophageal junction. The tumor is resected with multiple cuffed ports placed directly into the stomach. The specimen is removed via the mouth. The next video shows the use of multi-port access to resect a 6 cm GIST at the cardia. An endoloop is used to provide safe manipulation with minimal handling of the GIST itself. The third patient has a small 1.5 cm GIST, and a single incision access device is used for stapled removal of this tumor located at the gastroesophageal junction. RESULTS: The video shows safe and feasible techniques for intragastric surgery to remove early gastric cancer and GIST. We demonstrate the use of multiple ports and single access, as well as stapling inside the stomach. CONCLUSIONS: The technique of intragastric laparoscopic surgery allows for safe removal of T1a gastric cancer too extensive for endoscopic resection. At this point, gastric adenocarcinomas of <4-5 cm, with no submucosal, lymphatic, or vascular invasion or ulceration and no suspicion for lymph node metastasis should undergo this treatment. Excellent visualization, the ability to perform full-thickness resection and manage perforations make this new technique an excellent treatment option for early gastric cancer and GIST.

Revised sleeve gastrectomy: another option for weight loss failure after sleeve gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is becoming a very common bariatric procedure, based on several advantages it carries over more complex bariatric procedures such as gastric bypass or duodenal switch (DS), and a better quality of life over gastric banding. However, in the long-term follow-up, weight loss failure and intractable severe reflux after primary LSG can necessitate further surgical interventions, and revisional sleeve gastrectomy (ReSG) can represent an option to correct these. METHODS: From October 2008 to June 2013, 36 patients underwent an ReSG for progressive weight regain, insufficient weight, or severe gastroesophageal reflux in 'La Casamance' Private Hospital. All patients with weight loss failure after primary LSG underwent radiological evaluation. If Gastrografin swallow showed a huge unresected fundus or an upper gastric pouch dilatation, or if the computed tomography (CT) scan volumetry revealed a gastric tube superior to 250 cc, ReSG was proposed. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (34 women, two men; mean age 41.3 years) with a body mass index (BMI) of 39.9 underwent ReSG. Thirteen patients (36.1 %) had their original LSG surgery performed at another hospital and were referred to us for weight loss failure. Twenty-four patients (66.6 %) out of 36 had a history of gastric banding with weight loss failure. Thirteen patients (36.1 %) were super-obese (BMI > 50) before primary LSG. The LSG was realized for patients with morbid obesity with a mean BMI of 47.1 (range 35.4-77.9). The mean interval time from the primary LSG to ReSG was 34.5 months (range 9-67 months). The indication for ReSG was insufficient weight loss for 19 patients (52.8 %), weight regain for 15 patients (41.7 %), and 2 patients underwent ReSG for invalidating gastroesophageal reflux disease. In 24 cases the Gastrografin swallow results were interpreted as primary dilatation, and in the remaining 12 cases results were interpreted as secondary dilatation. The CT scan volumetry was realized in 21 cases, and it has revealed a mean gastric volume of 387.8 cc (range 275-555 cc). All 36 cases were completed by laparoscopy with no intraoperative incidents. The mean operative time was 43 min (range 29-70 min), and the mean hospital stay was 3.9 days (range 3-16 days). One perigastric hematoma was recorded. The mean BMI decreased to 29.2 (range 20.24-37.5); the mean percentage of excess weight loss was 58.5 % (±25.3) (p < 0.0004) for a mean follow-up of 20 months (range 6-56 months). CONCLUSIONS: The ReSG may be a valid option for failure of primary LSG for both primary or secondary dilatation. Long-term results of ReSG are awaited to prove efficiency. Further prospective clinical trials are required to compare the outcomes of ReSG with those of Roux en Y Gastric Bypass or DS for weight loss failure after LSG.

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

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

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Failure: Could the Number of Previous Operations Influence the Outcome?

After a failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been proposed as revisional surgery. Those patients that receive a second restrictive procedure fall into a small subgroup of patients with more than one restrictive procedure (MRP). If also the second restrictive procedure fails, the correct surgical strategy is a challenge for the surgeon. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) may be an option but there is no evidence in the literature on whether the procedure is effective in treating failures after MRP. This study aims to evaluate the influence of the previous number of restrictive interventions (MRP vs single LSG) in the results of RYGB as revisional surgery. We have retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent conversion from laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), or from multiple restrictive procedures (MRP), to RYGB for weight regain (WR) or insufficient weight loss (IWL) between 2009 and 2019. The number of patients analyzed was 69 with conversion to RYGB after LSG and 44 after MRP. The reduction of excess weight (%TWL) at 3, 6, 12, 24 RYGB postoperative months was respectively of 11.03%, 16.39%, 21.43%, and 24.22% in the MRP group, and of 10.97%, 16.4%, 21.22%, and 22.71% in the LSG group. No significant difference was found in %TWL terms after RYGB for the MRP group and the LSG group with an overall %TWL, which was 11.00 ± 6.03, 16.40 ± 8.08, 21.30 ± 9.43, and 23.30 ± 9.91 respectively at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. The linear regression model highlighted a positive relationship between the %EWL post-bypass at 24 months and the time elapsed only between the LSG and RYGB in the MRP group patients (p < 0.001). RYGB has proved to be a reliable technique with good results in terms of weight loss after failed bariatric surgery both in patients who previously underwent MRP and in those who underwent exclusively LSG. RYGB showed better results in patients who experienced WR than in those who had IWL from previous techniques.

Efficacy of Nissen Sleeve Gastrectomy on Mid-term Barrett's Esophagus Regression.

INTRODUCTION: Sleeve gastrectomy is the most commonly performed bariatric operation globally. The main complication is GERD. In the medium term, it can increase the incidence of Barrett's esophagus (BE), which is a risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Following conventional sleeve gastrectomy, BE is noted in up to 16% of patients postoperatively. Recently, Nissen sleeve gastrectomy (NSG) has been shown to reduce the frequency of postoperative GERD compared to conventional sleeve gastrectomy. This study aims to evaluate the impact of NSG on the incidence and remission of BE in the long term. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This bicentric retrospective study included 692 patients who received NSG from September 2013 to July 2021. All patients underwent preoperative upper GI endoscopy and were then scheduled to receive upper GI endoscopy between 1 and 2 years and then between 3 and 5 years postoperatively. BE was systematically confirmed by biopsies. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients had endoscopic suspicion of BE, which was confirmed on 54/692 patients by histology. The BE lesions consisted of 18.5% intestinal metaplasia and 75.9% fundal metaplasia. Among these 54 patients, 38 underwent endoscopic investigation within 2 years postoperatively. The biopsies showed healed BE in 25/38 patients (64.1%). At 5 years, two patients had proven BE. Concerning the incidence of BE post NSG: 234 performed the follow-up endoscopy within 2 years. The incidence of de novo BE is nil. CONCLUSION: The NSG is associated with healing of known BE in approximately two-thirds of patients at 2-year follow-up. This is consistent with the GERD improvement that has been shown with NSG.

A global survey on the use of the international classification of diseases codes for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: With the implementation of the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) and the publication of the metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) nomenclature in 2020, it is important to establish consensus for the coding of MAFLD in ICD-11. This will inform subsequent revisions of ICD-11. METHODS: Using the Qualtrics XM and WJX platforms, questionnaires were sent online to MAFLD-ICD-11 coding collaborators, authors of papers, and relevant association members. RESULTS: A total of 890 international experts in various fields from 61 countries responded to the survey. We also achieved full coverage of provincial-level administrative regions in China. 77.1% of respondents agreed that MAFLD should be represented in ICD-11 by updating NAFLD, with no significant regional differences (77.3% in Asia and 76.6% in non-Asia, p = 0.819). Over 80% of respondents agreed or somewhat agreed with the need to assign specific codes for progressive stages of MAFLD (i.e. steatohepatitis) (92.2%), MAFLD combined with comorbidities (84.1%), or MAFLD subtypes (i.e., lean, overweight/obese, and diabetic) (86.1%). CONCLUSIONS: This global survey by a collaborative panel of clinical, coding, health management and policy experts, indicates agreement that MAFLD should be coded in ICD-11. The data serves as a foundation for corresponding adjustments in the ICD-11 revision.

Laparoscopic approach for retrorectal tumors.

BACKGROUND: Retrorectal tumors are uncommon and may represent a surgical challenge. Laparoscopic excision has been reported in very few papers. We present our experience of nine cases operated by a transabdominal laparoscopic approach, between 2005 and 2011. METHODS: There were two males and seven females with a mean age of 35 years (range 19-48). The tumors were discovered incidentally in four cases or because of nonspecific clinical signs. All patients have had an MRI preoperatively. RESULTS: Only one patient required open conversion due to a huge tumor >7 cm of diameter. Postoperative mortality was nil. One patient developed a hematoma in the pelvic area. The median hospital stay was 4.7 days (range 4-8). Final diagnostic were as follows: four schwannomas, one ganglioneuroma, two tailgut cysts, one anterior meningocele, and one paragangliomas. During the follow-up showed no recurrences, but four of nine patients developed neurologic complications as parenthesis and sciatic pain and one patient developed retrograde ejaculation. CONCLUSIONS: Our case series shows that the laparoscopic approach is a feasible and safe option. It reduces surgical trauma and offers an excellent tool for perfect visualization of the deep structures in the presacral space to minimize the vascular and neurological injuries.

A Video-Based Review of Important Technical Concepts in the Nissen-Sleeve Gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: The development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a commonly encountered scenario after sleeve gastrectomy. A recently reported technical amendment to incorporate a Nissen fundoplication is discussed in this multimedia article focussing on optimising outcomes and reducing complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An intraoperative video has been edited to demonstrate the Nissen-Sleeve Gastrectomy and important technical considerations in its technical performance. RESULTS: Gastrolysis is performed proximally from 6 cm proximal to the pylorus. Routine full mediastinal mobilisation of the oesophagus (5 cm) is completed. Cruroplasty is routinely performed. A short Nissen fundoplication is completed calibrated on a 37 French bougie and then sleeve gastrectomy is performed. Our team's experience suggests that careful manipulation of the fundus and using reproducible measurements of the fundus are key to completing the fundoplication whilst minimising complications. A control test with mobilisation of the bougie through the wrap is recommended at the end of the procedure. CONCLUSION: The Nissen-Sleeve Gastrectomy, as presented in this video, is safe and has good short-term efficacy outcomes. Longer term and randomised studies are ongoing.

Endoscopic Gastric Band Removal.

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

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in France: The 2020 Obepi-Roche Study by the "Ligue Contre l'Obésité".

Obepi-Roche 2020 by the "Ligue Contre l'Obésité" (League Against Obesity) estimated overweight and obesity prevalence in France. The adopted methodology was chosen to be as similar as possible to that of a series of quota-based surveys conducted every three years from 1997 to 2012 (Obepi-Roche studies). The 2020 survey was conducted online from 24th September to 5th October 2020 by the Odoxa polling institute on a sample of metropolitan French subjects aged 18 years or over. Participants (n = 9598) self-measured their height and weight according to detailed instructions. Prevalence estimates were produced for all categories of body mass index. The prevalence of excess weight was 47.3% (17.0% of subjects with obesity), with higher values in the north and east of France. When comparing these 2020 estimates to previous Obepi-Roche estimates in order to visualize trends since 1997, it appeared that overweight fluctuated around 30%, and obesity prevalence increased steadily at a rapid pace. The increase was even steeper in the youngest age groups and for severe and complex obesity. Given the slightly different methodologies between the 1997-2012 studies and the 2020 survey, the worrying trends in obesity prevalence since 1997 must be confirmed, calling for a reedition of the Obepi-Roche series.