Ecological momentary assessment of changes in eating behaviors, appetite, and other aspects of eating regulation in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy patients.

Bariatric surgery can have profound impacts on eating behaviors and experiences, yet most prior research studying these changes has relied on retrospective self-report measures with limited precision and susceptibility to bias. This study used smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to evaluate the trajectory of change in eating behaviors, appetite, and other aspects of eating regulation in 71 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy patients assessed preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12-months postoperative. For some outcomes, results showed a consistent and similar pattern for SG and RYGB where consumption of sweet and high-fat foods and hunger, desire to eat, ability to eat right now, and satisfaction with amount eaten all improved from pre-to 6-months post-surgery with some degree of deterioration at 12-months post-surgery. By contrast, other variables, largely related to hedonic hunger and craving and desire for specific foods, showed less consistent patterns that differed by surgery type. While the findings suggest an overall pattern of improvement in eating patterns following bariatric surgery, they also highlight how a return to preoperative habits may begin as early as 6 months after surgery. Additional research is needed to understand mechanisms that promote changes in eating behavior after surgery, and how best to intervene to preserve beneficial effects.

Experienced weight stigma, internalized weight bias, and clinical attrition in a medical weight loss patient sample.

BACKGROUND: Limited research has explored the relationship between weight bias and clinical attrition, despite weight bias being associated with negative health outcomes. PARTICIPANTS/METHOD: Experienced weight stigma (EWS), internalized weight bias (IWB), and clinical attrition were studied in a Medical Weight Loss clinic, which combines pharmacological and behavioral weight loss. Patient sociodemographic, medical, and psychological (depression) variables were measured at consultation, and clinic follow-ups were monitored for 6 months. IWB was assessed with the Weight Bias Internalization Scale Modified (WBIS-M). RESULTS: Two-thirds (66%) of study participants returned for follow-up appointments during the 6-month period ("continuers"), while 34% did not return after the initial consultation ("dropouts"). Clinic "dropouts" had higher WBIS-M scores at initial consultation than "continuers," (χ2(1) = 4.56; p < 0.05). No other variables were related to clinical attrition. Average WBIS-M scores (4.57) were similar to other bariatric patient studies, and were associated with younger age (t = -2.27, p < 0.05), higher depression (t = 2.65, p < 0.01), and history of EWS (t = 2.14, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Study findings indicate that IWB has significant associations with clinical attrition. Additional research is warranted to further explore the relationships between EWS, IWB, and medical clinic engagement.

Brain responses to anticipatory cues and milkshake taste in obesity, and their relationship to bariatric surgery outcome.

There is substantial variability in percent total weight loss (%TWL) following bariatric surgery. Functional brain imaging may explain more variance in post-surgical weight loss than psychological or metabolic information. Here we examined the neuronal responses during anticipatory cues and receipt of drops of milkshake in 52 pre-bariatric surgery men and women with severe obesity (OW, BMI = 35-60 kg/m2) (23 sleeve gastrectomy (SG), 24 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), 3 laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), 2 did not undergo surgery) and 21 healthy-weight (HW) controls (BMI = 19-27 kg/m2). One-year post-surgery weight loss ranged from 3.1 to 44.0 TWL%. Compared to HW, OW had a stronger response to milkshake cues (compared to water) in frontal and motor, somatosensory, occipital, and cerebellar regions. Responses to milkshake taste receipt (compared to water) differed from HW in frontal, motor, and supramarginal regions where OW showed more similar response to water. One year post-surgery, responses to high-fat milkshake cues normalized in frontal, motor, and somatosensory regions. This change in brain response was related to scores on a composite health index. We found no correlation between baseline response to milkshake cues or tastes and%TWL at 1-yr post-surgery. In RYGB participants only, a stronger response to low-fat milkshake and water cues (compared to high-fat) in supramarginal and cuneal regions respectively was associated with more weight loss. A stronger cerebellar response to high-fat vs low-fat milkshake receipt was also associated with more weight loss. We confirm differential responses to anticipatory milkshake cues in participants with severe obesity and HW in the largest adult cohort to date. Our brain wide results emphasizes the need to look beyond reward and cognitive control regions. Despite the lack of a correlation with post-surgical weight loss in the entire surgical group, participants who underwent RYGB showed predictive power in several regions and contrasts. Our findings may help in understanding the neuronal mechanisms associated with obesity.

Retained needles in laparoscopic surgery: open or observe?

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no standard of care on how to manage a retained needle or foreign body (RFB) during laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: A survey presented a relevant case and 18 multiple-choice and open-response questions about personal experience with and attitudes toward RFBs, clinical practices, and management. RESULTS: From 10/2009-2/2010 we received 255 survey responses. When faced with a patient with a RFB, 45.8% would convert to open, 26.5% would leave needle intraperitoneally, and 27.7% would seek the patient's or family's wishes. When the latter option was eliminated, 54.5% would convert to open, 45.5% would leave the needle intraperitoneally. There were 92.6% who felt that a RFB puts the patient at some degree of future risk, and 89.4% who felt that escalating to laparotomy was of higher risk than the RFB itself. CONCLUSION: No current best practice exists regarding approach to RFBs of uncertain injury potential in laparoscopic surgery and similarly in this survey, opinions were split regarding how to proceed.

Associations of weather and air pollution with objective physical activity and sedentary time before and after bariatric surgery: a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study.

Purpose: Identifying factors that influence moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time in metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) patients is necessary to inform the development of interventions. Weather/environmental factors may be especially important considering rapid climate change and the vulnerability of people with obesity to heat and pollution. Our study aimed to examine the associations of weather (maximal, average and Wet Bulb Globe Temperatures), and air pollution indices (air quality index [AQI]) with daily physical activity (PA) of both light (LPA) and MVPA and sedentary time before and after MBS. Materials and methods: Participants (n = 77) wore an accelerometer at pre- and 3, 6, and 12-months post-MBS to assess LPA/MVPA/ sedentary time (min/d). These data were combined with participants' local (Boston, MA or Providence, RI, USA) daily weather and AQI data (extracted from federal weather and environmental websites). Results: Multilevel generalized additive models showed inverted U-shaped associations between weather indices and MVPA, with a marked reduction in MVPA for daily maximal temperatures ≽20 °C. Sensitivity analysis showed a less marked decrease of MVPA (min/d) during higher temperatures after versus before MBS. Both MVPA before and after MBS and sedentary time before MBS were negatively impacted by higher AQI levels. Conclusion: This study is the first to show that weather and air pollution indices, even in locations with good AQI and moderate temperatures, are related to variability in activity behaviors, particularly MVPA, during pre- and post-MBS. Weather/environmental conditions should be considered in MVPA prescription/strategies for adults who have undergone MBS.

Scientific evidence for the updated guidelines on indications for metabolic and bariatric surgery (IFSO/ASMBS).

The 2022 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) updated the indications for metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), replacing the previous guidelines established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) over 30 years ago. The evidence supporting these updated guidelines has been strengthened to assist metabolic and bariatric surgeons, nutritionists, and other members of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), as well as patients. This study aims to assess the level of evidence and the strength of recommendations compared to the previously published criteria.

Pharmacokinetics of intravenous linezolid in moderately to morbidly obese adults.

The pharmacokinetics of linezolid was assessed in 20 adult volunteers with body mass indices (BMI) of 30 to 54.9 kg/m(2) receiving 5 intravenous doses of 600 mg every 12 h. Pharmacokinetic analyses were conducted using compartmental and noncompartmental methods. The mean (±standard deviation) age, height, and weight were 42.2 ± 12.2 years, 64.8 ± 3.5 in, and 109.5 ± 18.2 kg (range, 78.2 to 143.1 kg), respectively. Linezolid pharmacokinetics in this population were best described by a 2-compartment model with nonlinear clearance (original value, 7.6 ± 1.9 liters/h), which could be inhibited to 85.5% ± 12.2% of its original value depending on the concentration in an empirical inhibition compartment, the volume of the central compartment (24.4 ± 9.6 liters), and the intercompartment transfer constants (K(12) and K(21)) of 8.04 ± 6.22 and 7.99 ± 5.46 h(-1), respectively. The areas under the curve for the 12-h dosing interval (AUCτ) were similar between moderately obese and morbidly obese groups: 130.3 ± 60.1 versus 109.2 ± 25.5 µg · h/ml (P = 0.32), and there was no significant relationship between the AUC or clearance and any body size descriptors. A significant positive relationship was observed for the total volume of distribution with total body weight (r(2) = 0.524), adjusted body weight (r(2) = 0.587), lean body weight (r(2) = 0.495), and ideal body weight (r(2) = 0.398), but not with BMI (r(2) = 0.171). Linezolid exposure in these obese participants was similar overall to that of nonobese patients, implying that dosage adjustments based on BMI alone are not required, and standard doses for patients with body weights up to approximately 150 kg should provide AUCτ values similar to those seen in nonobese participants.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Reducing the Relative Reinforcing Value of Food in Adult Patients With Obesity Pursuing Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: Protocol for a Pilot, Within-Participants, Sham-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the most effective and durable obesity treatment. However, there is heterogeneity in weight outcomes, which is partially attributed to variability in appetite and eating regulation. Patients with a strong desire to eat in response to the reward of palatable foods are more likely to overeat and experience suboptimal outcomes. This subgroup, classified as at risk, may benefit from repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that shows promise for reducing cravings and consumption of addictive drugs and food; no study has evaluated how rTMS affects the reinforcing value of food and brain reward processing in the context of MBS. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Reduce the Relative Reinforcing Value of Food (RESTRAIN) study is to perform an initial rTMS test on the relative reinforcing value (RRV) of food (the reinforcing value of palatable food compared with money) among adult patients who are pursuing MBS and report high food reinforcement. Using a within-participants sham-controlled crossover design, we will compare the active and sham rTMS conditions on pre- to posttest changes in the RRV of food (primary objective) and the neural modulation of reward, measured via electroencephalography (EEG; secondary objective). We hypothesize that participants will show larger decreases in food reinforcement and increases in brain reward processing after active versus sham rTMS. METHODS: Participants (n=10) will attend 2 study sessions separated by a washout period. They will be randomized to active rTMS on 1 day and sham rTMS on the other day using a counterbalanced schedule. For both sessions, participants will arrive fasted in the morning and consume a standardized breakfast before being assessed on the RRV of food and reward tasks via EEG before and after rTMS of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. RESULTS: Recruitment and data collection began in December 2022. As of October 2023, overall, 52 patients have been screened; 36 (69%) screened eligible, and 17 (47%) were enrolled. Of these 17 patients, 3 (18%) were excluded before rTMS, 5 (29%) withdrew, 4 (24%) are in the process of completing the protocol, and 5 (29%) completed the protocol. CONCLUSIONS: The RESTRAIN study is the first to test whether rTMS can target neural reward circuits to reduce behavioral (RRV) and neural (EEG) measures of food reward in patients who are pursuing MBS. If successful, the results would provide a rationale for a fully powered trial to examine whether rTMS-related changes in food reinforcement translate into healthier eating patterns and improved MBS outcomes. If the results do not support our hypotheses, we will continue this line of research to evaluate whether additional rTMS sessions and pulses as well as different stimulation locations produce clinically meaningful changes in food reinforcement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05522803; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05522803. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/50714.

Exercise for counteracting weight recurrence after bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Exercise is recommended to prevent post-surgical weight recurrence. Yet, whether exercise interventions are efficacious in this regard has not been systematically evaluated. Moreover, clinicians lack evidence-based information to advise patients on appropriate exercise frequency, intensity, time, and type (FITT) for preventing weight recurrence. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving exercise interventions specifying FITT and weight measurement ≥12 months post-surgery. We reviewed scientific databases up through February 2022 for RCTs comparing exercise interventions reporting FITT and a nonexercise control group on weight ≥12 months post-surgery. Procedures following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were registered at the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42022342337). Of 1368 studies reviewed, 5 met inclusion criteria (n = 189; 47.8 ± 4.2 yr, 36.1 6 ± 3.8 kg·m2, 83.2 ± 9.5% female; 61.7% underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass). Exercise interventions were largely supervised, lasted 12-26 weeks, and prescribed 80-210 minutes/week of moderate-to-vigorous intensity combined aerobic and resistance exercise over ≤5 days. Within-group effects showed non-statistically significant weight loss for exercise (d = - .15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.96, 1.65; -1.4 kg; P = .87) and weight gain for control (d = .11, 95% CI: -1.70,1.92; +1.0 kg; P = .90), with no difference between these groups (d = -2.26, 95% CI: -2.07, 1.55; -2.4 kg; P = .78). Exercise elicited an additional 2.4 kg weight loss versus control, although this effect was small and statistically non-significant. Ability to draw definitive conclusions regarding efficacy of exercise interventions for counteracting post-surgical weight recurrence was limited by the small number of trials and methodological issues. Findings highlight the need for more rigorous RCTs of exercise interventions specifically designed to reduce post-surgical weight recurrence.

Incidence of Hiatal Hernia Repair During Primary Bariatric Surgery Conversion: an Analysis of the 2020 MBSAQIP Database.

The rate of hiatal hernia (HH) repair during conversion bariatric surgery is largely unknown. We sought to determine this rate in 12,788 patients undergoing conversion surgery using the 2020 participant use file of the MBSAQIP database. Concurrent HH repair was performed in 24.1% of conversion cases; most commonly during SG to RYGB (33.1%), followed by AGB to SG conversion (20.2%). The remaining conversion pathways had a repair rate around 13%. Only 12.1% of HH repairs were performed using a mesh. GERD was the primary indication for conversion in 65% of the SG to RYGB cases. A much higher proportion of patients with concomitant HH repair reported GERD as the main reason for conversion than those without a HH repair (44.5% vs. 23.7%; p<0.001).

Associations of weather and air pollution with objective physical activity and sedentary time before and after bariatric surgery: a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study.

Background--: Most metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) patients perform too little moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and too much sedentary time (ST). Identifying factors that influence MVPA and ST in MBS patients is necessary to inform the development of interventions to target these behaviors. Research has focused on individual-level factors and neglected those related to the physical environment (e.g., weather and pollution). These factors may be especially important considering rapid climate change and emerging data that suggest adverse effects of weather and pollution on physical activity are more severe in people with obesity. Objectives--: To examine the associations of weather (maximal, average and Wet Bulb Globe Temperatures), and air pollution indices (air quality index [AQI]) with daily physical activity (PA) of both light (LPA) and MVPA and ST before and after MBS. Methods--: Participants (n=77) wore an accelerometer at pre- and 3, 6, and 12-months post-MBS to assess LPA/MVPA/ST (min/d). These data were combined with participants' local (Boston, MA or Providence, RI, USA) daily weather and AQI data (extracted from federal weather and environmental websites). Results--: Multilevel generalized additive models showed inverted U-shaped associations between weather indices and MVPA (R2≥.63, p<.001), with a marked reduction in MVPA for daily maximal temperatures ≥20°C. Sensitivity analysis showed a less marked decrease of MVPA (min/d) during higher temperatures after versus before MBS. Both MVPA before and after MBS (R2=0.64, p<.001) and ST before MBS (R2=0.395; p≤.05) were negatively impacted by higher AQI levels. Discussion--: This study is the first to show that weather and air pollution indices are related to variability in activity behaviors, particularly MVPA, during pre- and post-MBS. Weather/environmental conditions should be considered in MVPA prescription/strategies for MBS patients, especially in the context of climate change.

2022 American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) Indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

MAJOR UPDATES TO 1991 NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m2, regardless of presence, absence, or severity of co-morbidities.MBS should be considered for individuals with metabolic disease and BMI of 30-34.9 kg/m2.BMI thresholds should be adjusted in the Asian population such that a BMI >25 kg/m2 suggests clinical obesity, and individuals with BMI >27.5 kg/m2 should be offered MBS.Long-term results of MBS consistently demonstrate safety and efficacy.Appropriately selected children and adolescents should be considered for MBS.(Surg Obes Relat Dis 2022; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2022.08.013 ) © 2022 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. All rights reserved.

Food cue reactivity in successful laparoscopic gastric banding: A sham-deflation-controlled pilot study.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) offers a unique opportunity to examine the underlying neuronal mechanisms of surgically assisted weight loss due to its instant, non-invasive, adjustable nature. Six participants with stable excess weight loss (%EWL ≥ 45) completed 2 days of fMRI scanning 1.5-5 years after LAGB surgery. In a within-subject randomized sham-controlled design, participants underwent (sham) removal of ∼ 50% of the band's fluid. Compared to sham-deflation (i.e., normal band constriction) of the band, in the deflation condition (i.e., decreasing restriction) participants showed significantly lower activation in the anterior (para)cingulate, angular gyrus, lateral occipital cortex, and frontal cortex in response to food images (p < 0.05, whole brain TFCE-based FWE corrected). Higher activation in the deflation condition was seen in the fusiform gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus, lingual gyrus, lateral occipital cortex. The findings of this within-subject randomized controlled pilot study suggest that constriction of the stomach through LAGB may indirectly alter brain activation in response to food cues. These neuronal changes may underlie changes in food craving and food preference that support sustained post-surgical weight-loss. Despite the small sample size, this is in agreement with and adds to the growing literature of post-bariatric surgery changes in behavior and control regions.

2022 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO): Indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Major updates to 1991 National Institutes of Health guidelines for bariatric surgery.

C Peptide Fails to Improve the Utility of the DiaRem Algorithm in Predicting Remission of Type II Diabetes After Bariatric Surgery.

We evaluated the utility of C peptide as an addition to the DiaRem score for predicting type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission 1 year after bariatric surgery in 175 patients. DiaRem score was significantly correlated with C peptide (r = - .43; p < .001). Both DiaRem and C peptide were significant predictors of remission of T2D (OR (95% CI) = .81 (.75-.86); p < 0001 and OR (95% CI) = 1.35 (1.15-1.60); p < .001, respectively). ROC analysis indicated that DiaRem was a significantly stronger predictor than C peptide (p < .001). Hierarchical regression indicated that C peptide failed to significantly improve the prediction of diabetes remission after accounting for DiaRem (OR (95% CI) = 1.079 (.87-1.26); p = .406). This study does not support the inclusion of C peptide in the DiaRem algorithm.

Use of an Endoscopic Suturing Platform for the Management of Staple Line Dehiscence After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Management of staple line dehiscence following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) varies based on local expertise and timing of presentation. We present our experience with an endoscopic suturing platform to treat patients with staple line dehiscence following LSG. METHODS: We included all patients who presented to our institution with a staple line dehiscence following LSG from 2005 through November 2017. All endoscopic suturing procedures were performed by a single interventional endoscopist. RESULTS: Five patients, ages 25-69 years, received treatment of staple line dehiscence at a median time of 22 days following LSG (range 13-335 days). Four out of the five patients received a stent at some point during their treatment. One patient with a chronic leak required gastrectomy and esophago-jejunostomy as a definitive treatment. The remaining four patients experienced resolution of the leak at a median of 48 days post-operatively (range 21-82 days). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic suturing may have a role in the management of leaks following LSG, as a primary treatment or as an adjunct to treatment with a stent. However, given that the technique requires considerable endoscopic expertise and in light of a number of other available therapeutic choices, further studies are required to better define the role of this technology in the algorithm of LSG-related leak management.

Technical skills assessment as part of the selection process for a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Selection of candidates for surgical fellowships has traditionally been based on subjective evaluations by the program directors and references from previous positions. The introduction of well-validated objective methods of assessment has allowed us to evaluate candidates' technical skills and base the selection process on objective, reliable, and transparent criteria. The aim of the study was to assess the applicability of such methods in current practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study. Eight surgeons, applying for a fellowship position in minimally invasive surgery (MIS), performed a previously validated assessment curriculum using a Virtual-Reality Laparoscopic Trainer (LapSim 3.0, Surgical Science, Gothenburgh, Sweden). Technical performance was evaluated using criteria registered by the simulator, i.e., time, error score, and efficiency of movements score. Candidates performed all the tasks in easy end medium level until reaching predefined criteria. If proficiency criteria were not achieved on easy or medium level after nine repetitions the test was considered as failed. Additionally, all applicants underwent an interview by two independent attending surgeons. Each applicant received a grade on a ten-point scale. RESULTS: Five out of the eight candidates failed the technical skills assessment test. One candidate failed to achieve proficiency criteria on easy level, one on medium, and three on difficult level. Evaluation scores, based on the interview of the candidates showed a good interrater reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.8). There was no significant correlation between the interviewers rating, and the applicants technical skills demonstrated during the test on the VR trainer (Spearman's rho = 0.182, p = 0.696). CONCLUSIONS: Evaluations by senior surgeons are reproducible and reliable. The introduction of technical skills assessment has the potential to improve the current method of candidate selection, making it more valid, objective, and transparent.

Obesity surgery and malignancy: our experience after 1500 cases.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a risk factor for cancer and is associated with increased mortality from a number of malignancies. We describe our experience with bariatric surgery patients with a history of malignancy and review the safety and outcomes of bariatric surgery in patients with a history of cancer. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from all patients diagnosed with a malignancy before, during, or after bariatric surgery. Data on weight loss, co-morbidities, and recurrence were collected. RESULTS: From July 1999 to February 2008, 1566 patients underwent bariatric surgery. Of these 1566 patients, 36 (2.3%) had a history of malignancy before they underwent bariatric evaluation and surgery, 4 (0.26%) were diagnosed with a malignancy during their preoperative evaluation, 2 of whom subsequently underwent bariatric surgery, and 2 had intraoperative findings suspicious for malignancy; bariatric surgery was completed in both cases. The evaluation revealed renal cell carcinoma and low-grade lymphoma, respectively. No procedures were aborted because of a suspicion of malignancy. Postoperatively, 16 patients (0.9%) were diagnosed with cancer, 3 of whom had a history of malignancy: 1 with metastatic renal cell, 1 with recurrent melanoma, and 1, who had had prostate cancer, with bladder cancer. CONCLUSION: A history of malignancy does not appear to be a contraindication for bariatric surgery as long as the life expectancy is reasonable. Screening for bariatric surgery might reveal the malignancy. Bariatric surgery does not seem to have a negative effect on the treatment of malignancies that are discovered in the postoperative period.

Effect of immunosuppression on patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Immunocompromised patients are at high risk of medical complications. Immunosuppression might be a relative contraindication to bariatric surgery. We describe our experience with immunosuppressed patients undergoing bariatric surgery and review the safety, efficacy, results, and outcomes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. All patients taking long-term immunosuppressive medications or with a diagnosis of an immunosuppressive condition were included in this study. Data on weight loss, co-morbidities, complications, and postoperative immunosuppression were collected. RESULTS: From July 1999 to February 2008, 1566 patients underwent bariatric surgery. Of these 1566 patients, 61 (3.9%) were taking immunosuppressive medications or had an immunosuppressive condition. Of these 61 patients, 49 were taking immunosuppressive medications for asthma, autoimmune disorders, endocrine deficiency, or chronic inflammatory disorders. The medications included oral, inhaled, and topical glucocorticoids for 39 patients and other immunosuppressive or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for 24 patients. The bariatric procedures included laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in 55, laparoscopic revisional procedures in 5, and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in 1. No patient died perioperatively. A total of 26 complications occurred in 20 patients. The average percentage of excess weight loss was 72% (range 20-109%) at 1 year postoperatively. At a median postoperative follow-up of 18 months (range 2-68.6), 25 (51%) of 49 patients no longer required immunosuppressive medications owing to improvement of their underlying disease. Obesity-related health problems (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, asthma) had resolved or improved in 80-100% of patients. CONCLUSION: The results of our study have shown that immunocompromised patients can safely undergo bariatric surgery with good weight loss results and improvement in co-morbidities. A large percentage of patients were able to discontinue immunosuppressive medications postoperatively.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and value of preoperative testing and treatment in patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and a greater incidence of anastomotic ulcer in patients positive for H. pylori, leading to recommendations for routine preoperative screening. Our hypotheses were that the prevalence of H. pylori in patients undergoing RYGB is similar to that of the general population and that preoperative H. pylori testing and treatment does not decrease the incidence of anastomotic ulcer or pouch gastritis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of H. pylori serology, preoperative and postoperative endoscopy findings, and the development of anastomotic ulcer or erosive pouch gastritis was performed. All patients positive for H. pylori received treatment. Univariate parametric and nonparametric statistical tests, as well as multiple logistic regression analyses, were performed. RESULTS: A total of 422 LRYGB patients were included in the study. Of these patients, 259 (61.4%) were tested for H. pylori and 163 (38.6%) were not. Of the 259 patients, 58 (22.4%) tested positive for H. pylori, 197 (76.1%) tested negative, and 4 (1.5%) had an equivocal result. Postoperatively, 53 patients (12.6%) underwent upper endoscopy. Of these 53 patients, 19 (4.5%) had positive endoscopy findings for anastomotic ulcer (n = 16) or erosive pouch gastritis (n = 3). Five patients underwent biopsy at endoscopy; all biopsies were negative for H. pylori. No difference was found in the rate of positive endoscopy between patients tested preoperatively for H. pylori (5%) and patients not tested (3.7%). CONCLUSION: The results of our study have shown that the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients undergoing RYGB is similar to that of the general population. Our study has shown that H. pylori testing does not lower the risk of anastomotic ulcer or pouch gastritis.