Long-term outcomes of metabolic surgery in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes in Asia.

AIM: To assess the outcomes of metabolic surgery in overweight and obese patients in Asia with type 2 diabetes (T2D). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The treatment outcomes of 1999 patients from the Asian Diabetes Surgery Summit database were analysed. The changes in treatment effects across time were assessed with respect to the surgical procedures performed by using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: The most commonly performed procedure was the single-anastomosis gastric bypass (32.6%). Weight (from 106.2 ± 25.1 to 77.9 ± 18.8 kg), body mass index (BMI; from 38.7 ± 7.9 to 28.5 ± 5.9 kg/m2 ), blood sugar (from 9.3 ± 4.1 to 5.7 ± 1.8 mmol/L) and HbA1c (from 8.4% ± 1.8% to 6.0% ± 1.1%) significantly improved from baseline to 1 year (P < .001) and remained stable at 5 years (weight, 86.3 ± 23.3 kg; BMI, 31.7 ± 7.9 kg/m2 ; blood sugar, 5.8 ± 1.8 mmol/L, and HbA1c, 6.4% ± 1.2%; all P < .001 vs. baseline). Blood pressure and most lipid disorders also improved significantly. Of the treatment procedures, single-anastomosis gastric bypass had the most satisfactory outcomes with statistical significance for most disorders, whereas adjustable gastric banding displayed the least satisfactory outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic surgery remarkably improved body weight, T2D and other metabolic disorders in Asian patients. However, the efficacy of individual procedures varied substantially.

Five-year effectiveness of bariatric surgery on disease remission, weight loss, and changes of metabolic parameters in obese patients with type 2 diabetes: A population-based propensity score-matched cohort study.

AIMS: To compare disease remission rates, weight loss, and changes of metabolic parameters of patients after bariatric surgery with nonsurgical patients. METHODS: Based on the 2006-2017 Hospital Authority database, a population-based retrospective cohort of obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with and without bariatric surgery were identified. Surgical patients were matched with nonsurgical patients on 1-to-5 propensity score. Remission rates of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia were reported annually up to 60 months. Changes in weight loss measurements (Body Mass Index [BMI], percentage of total weight loss [%TWL], percentage of excess weight loss [%EWL], and percentage of rebound in excess weight loss [%REWL]) and metabolic parameters (haemoglobin A1c [HbA1c ], systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]) were measured for both groups. RESULTS: Four hundred one surgical patients (310 restrictive surgeries; 91 bypass surgeries) and 1894 nonsurgical patients were included. Surgical patients had higher remission rates in diabetes and dyslipidaemia and better glycaemic control at 12 to 60 months (all Ps < .01). SBP and DBP were significantly lower for surgical group up to 12 months and similar between two groups after 12 months. Surgical patients had significantly lower BMI during follow-up period. %TWL and %EWL were higher in the surgery group (15.7% vs 3.7%; 48.8% vs 12.0%) at 60 months (P < .001); differences in %REWL between two groups were insignificant. The effectiveness of restrictive and bypass surgeries was similar at 60 months, although restrictive surgeries were slightly more effective in T2DM remission. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery was effective in weight loss, remission of diabetes, and dyslipidaemia in 5-year post-surgery.

Per oral endoscopic tumor (POET) resection for treatment of upper gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal tunneling has evolved to allow endoscopic resection of subepithelial tumors of gastrointestinal tract without full-thickness perforation. This study aimed to investigate safety and efficacy of submucosal tunnel resection for these tumors. METHOD: Patients with subepithelial tumors (SET) located in esophagus, gastric cardia, lesser curvature, and antrum were recruited. The size of tumor was limited to < 40 mm. The procedures were performed under general anesthesia. A mucosal entrance was created 2 cm proximal to the SET after submucosal injection. Submucosal tunnel was then extended and the tumor was dissected and mobilized with intact overlying mucosa. After complete dissection, the tumors would be retrieved per orally and mucosal entrance closed by endoclips. RESULTS: From June 2012 to December 2016, 51 patients with subepithelial tumors received POET. 39 patients had SET in stomach, 11 located in esophagus, and 1 in duodenum. The mean operative time was 90.46 ± 46.49 min, while the mean size of the tumors was 20.71 ± 14.05 mm. The POET was converted to endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) in three patients with gastric subepithelial tumors located at greater curvature. The overall complication rate was 4.0%, and there was no bleeding, mucosal dehiscence, or leakage. The time to resume diet was 1.7 days, while the average hospital stay was 3.2 ± 1.0 days. The mean follow-up period was 19 ± 16 months, and only 1 patient developed recurrence of leiomyoma. CONCLUSION: Per oral endoscopic tumor resection is safe and effective treatment for esophageal and gastric SET located at cardia, lesser curvature, and antrum. Currently, POET for treatment of upper GI SET is limited by the size and location of the tumor.

Aldosterone-producing Adenoma in Primary Aldosteronism: CT-guided Radiofrequency Ablation-Long-term Results and Recurrence Rate.

Purpose To evaluate the long-term biochemical, clinical, and recurrence outcomes of radiofrequency (RF) ablation in treating primary aldosteronism due to aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA). Materials and Methods Institutional review board approval and written informed consent were obtained. The use of computed tomographically (CT) guided percutaneous RF ablation was evaluated in 36 patients (19 men; mean age ± standard deviation, 52.1 years ± 10.4) with APA (17 right and 19 left side; mean size, 15.5 mm ± 5.0). Primary aldosteronism was confirmed by using the oral sodium-loading test. After RF ablation, CT images, aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR), serum potassium level, and blood pressure control were assessed at 3 months and at the latest follow-up examination. Long-term treatment success was defined as normalization of ARR at the latest assessment. Comparison of ARR, potassium, and blood pressure levels before and after RF ablation was performed by using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results Primary technical success was achieved in 33 (92%) patients who underwent a single RF ablation session. Secondary technical success was achieved in three (8%) patients who required a second RF ablation. At 3-month follow-up, primary aldosteronism was resolved in 33 (92%) patients, with a starting median ARR of 8583 pmol/L per µg/(L · h) that normalized to 97 pmol/L per µg/(L · h) (P < .01). Mean serum potassium levels increased from 2.6 mmol/L ± 0.4 to 4.0 mmol/L ± 0.3 (P = .01). At long-term follow-up (mean, 6.2 years ± 2.5), treatment success was maintained in 33 patients (92%), all of whom had ARRs in the normal range (P < .01). The long-term recurrence rate was 0%. Hypokalemia was resolved in all patients (2.6 mmol/L ± 0.4 to 4.1 mmol/L ± 0.3, P = .01). Hypertension was resolved in 13 (36%) patients, and its control was improved in seven (19%) patients. One (3%) patient had major complications and six (17%) had minor complications. Conclusion CT-guided RF ablation is an effective treatment for APA, with high sustainable long-term treatment success. It may serve as a justifiable treatment alternative to surgery and medical therapy for APA. © RSNA, 2016.

Asian consensus on the relationship between obesity and gastrointestinal and liver diseases.

The incidence of obesity is increasing in Asia, with implications on gastrointestinal (GI) and liver diseases. The Gut and Obesity in Asia Workgroup comprises regional experts with the aim of studying relationship between obesity and the GI and liver diseases in Asia. Through literature review and the modified Delphi process, consensus statements examining the impact of obesity on esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, colorectal, and liver diseases, exploring relationship between gut microbiome and obesity, and assessing obesity therapies have been produced by the Gut and Obesity in Asia Workgroup. Sixteen experts participated with 9/15 statements having strong consensus (>80% agreement). The prevalence of obesity in Asia is increasing (100% percentage agreement in brackets), and this increased prevalence of obesity will result in a greater burden of obesity-related GI and liver diseases (93.8%). There was consensus that obesity increases the risk of gastric cancer (75%) and colorectal neoplasia (87.5%). Obesity was also associated with Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma (66.7%) and pancreatic cancer (66.7%) in Asia. The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Asia is on the rise (100%), and the risk of NAFLD in Asia (100%) is increased by obesity. Obesity is a risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (93.8%). Regarding therapy, it was agreed that bariatric surgery was an effective treatment modality for obesity (93.8%) but there was less agreement on its benefit for NAFLD (62.5%). These experts' consensus on obesity and GI diseases in Asia forms the basis for further research, and its translation into addressing this emerging issue.

The selective use of laparoscopic repair is safe in high-risk patients suffering from perforated peptic ulcer.

BACKGROUND: The use of laparoscopic repair for perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) was shown to be safe and recommended in low-risk patients. However, whether the approach is safe to apply to high-risk patients is uncertain. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of all patients with PPU admitted between January 2002 and December 2012. The laparoscopy-first approach (LFA) was adopted as a routine for all patients. The outcomes of LFA for PPU were reviewed and assessed to determine if the approach was safe in high-risk patients. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventy three patients that suffered from PPU were included into the study and 50.9% received laparoscopic repair. There was a significant increase in the number of operations performed yearly by the LFA (P < 0.001). 25.2% of the patients had a Boey score of ≥2. High-risk patients that received LFA suffered from larger ulcers (P < 0.001) with more severe contamination (P = 0.006) that required conversion (P = 0.002) when compared to the low-risk patients. When compared to open surgery, more high-risk patients in the open group had ASA grade ≥3 (P = 0.007) and suffered from mortality (P = 0.001). The only significant predictor to mortality in high-risk patients was ASA grade ≥3 (P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: The adoption of LFA in patients suffering from PPU was associated with acceptable rates of mortality and morbidity. The approach could also be selectively adopted in patients with Boey score ≥2 provided their ASA grading is low and hemodynamically stable.

Randomized trial of endoscopic sphincterotomy with balloon dilation versus endoscopic sphincterotomy alone for removal of bile duct stones.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Limited endoscopic sphincterotomy with large balloon dilation (ESBD) is an alternative to endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) for removing bile duct stones, but it is not clear which procedure is most effective. We compared the 2 techniques in removal of bile duct stones. METHODS: Between September 2005 and September 2011, 156 consecutive patients with suspected of having, or known to have, common bile duct stones were randomly assigned to groups that underwent ES or ESBD. Patients in the ESBD group underwent limited sphincterotomy (up to half of the sphincter) followed by balloon dilation to the size of the common bile duct or 15 mm, and patients in the ES group underwent complete sphincterotomy alone. Stones were then removed using standard techniques. The primary outcome was percentage of stones cleared, and secondary outcomes included procedural time, method of stone extraction, number of procedures required for stone clearance, morbidities and mortality within 30 days, and direct cost. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups in percentage of stones cleared (ES vs ESBD: 88.5% vs 89.0%). More patients in the ES group (46.2%) than the ESBD group (28.8%) required mechanical lithotripsy (P = .028), particularly for stones ≥15 mm (90.9% vs 58.1%; P = .002). Morbidities developed in 10.3% of patients in the ES group and 6.8% of patients in the ESBD group (P = .46). The cost of the hospitalization was also significantly lower in the ESBD group (P = .034). CONCLUSIONS: ESBD and ES clear bile stones with equal efficacy. However, ESBD reduces the need for mechanical lithotripsy and is less expensive; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00164853.

Changes in mesenteric fat thickness and its clinical impact in bariatric surgery.

Obesity, especially central obesity is associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study aimed to investigate the associations of the changes of abdominal fat thicknesses with changes of anthropometric indexes and improvements of metabolic phenotypes in patients with obesity and T2DM before and after bariatric surgery. Between April 2016 and January 2017, 34 adult patients with concurrent obesity and T2DM scheduled for different bariatric surgeries were prospectively evaluated by ultrasound before and 1-year after bariatric surgery to determine abdominal fat thicknesses (mesenteric fat, preperitoneal fat and subcutaneous fat) and NAFLD. At 1 year, of the 25 patients that finished the study, significant decrease in mesenteric-fat-thickness was associated with significant reduction of obesity, that is, BMI (-24%, p < .001), remission of metabolic syndrome (32%, p = .008), NAFLD (60%, p < .001) and T2DM (44%, p < .001). Lower baseline mesenteric fat thickness was associated with remission of metabolic syndrome. Lower baseline mesenteric-fat-thickness may have the potential to predict metabolic syndrome remission after bariatric surgery.

The effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) iron corrected T1 in monitoring metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis in obesity following bariatric surgery and lifestyle modification: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Bariatric surgery and lifestyle modification are important treatments for obesity, a risk factor for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Studies have related weight reduction with changes in MASH, however, few have used imaging to investigate effects on liver health. We evaluated differences in liver response to obesity treatment using disease activity iron corrected T1 (cT1) and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) in patients with both obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Methods: Thirty-four patients with obesity and MASLD were recruited between March 2019 to February 2022 from a tertiary hospital in this longitudinal study; 13 underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) alongside intraoperative liver biopsy, and 21 underwent a 4-month lifestyle modification program (LMP). All patients had multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and 4-months. Diagnostic accuracy to identify MASH was assessed using the area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve. Results: Four (31%) of patients in the LSG group had MASH [non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NAS) activity score ≥4] on liver biopsy. PDFF and cT1 correlated with the NAS activity score [r=0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.453 to 0.943, P<0.001] and (r=0.70, 95% CI: 0.228 to 0.907, P=0.008, respectively). There was good AUROC curve for cT1 (0.89, 95% CI: 0.67 to 1.00, P=0.031) and PDFF (0.83, 95% CI: 0.57 to 1.00, P=0.064) to identify MASH. At follow-up, weight reduction -22.8% (P=0.013) vs. -1.3% (P=0.262) resulted in cT1 reduction of -8.04% (864 ms, P=0.025) vs. -3.87% (907 ms, P=0.083) in the LSG vs. LMP group, respectively. Significant differences between interventions were observed for percentage PDFF decrease (-64.52% vs. -29.16%, P=0.001). Both biomarkers were significantly reduced in the LSG group (cT1 by -8.04%, P=0.025, PDFF by -64.52%, P=0.012), while only PDFF (-29.16%, P=0.012) was significantly reduced in the LMP group. Conclusions: MRI biomarkers may have some utility to monitor MASH following intervention in patients with obesity allowing objective comparison between intervention strategies. Compared to LMP, LSG was more effective in improving liver health.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for treatment of achalasia: from bench to bedside (with video).

BACKGROUND: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel approach to performing esophageal myotomy through a long submucosal tunnel. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of POEM for treatment of achalasia. DESIGN: Preclinical animal study and prospective clinical study. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients diagnosed with achalasia with high-resolution manometry. INTERVENTIONS: POEM was standardized for preclinical and clinical studies. After submucosal injection, a mucosal incision was made 15 cm above the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). A long submucosal tunnel was created to extend below the GEJ. The endoscopic myotomy started 10 cm above and extended 2 cm below the GEJ. We first conducted a preclinical animal study to confirm the safety of POEM. POEM was then performed for the treatment of achalasia in humans. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Relief from dysphagia assessed by the dysphagia score and Eckhardt score. High-resolution manometry and pH monitoring were performed to evaluate the posttreatment effects and esophageal acid exposure. RESULTS: Seven 30-kg porcine models underwent POEM in the survival study. All of the pigs survived except 1, which sustained pneumomediastinum. POEM was performed for the treatment of achalasia in 16 patients. The mean operating time was 117.0 ± 34.1 minutes. All patients tolerated food on day 2, with a contrast study confirming no leakage. The median follow-up was 176.5 days (range 98-230 days). The postoperative basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure was significantly reduced (mean reduction, 13.9 ± 14.5 mm Hg; P = .005) and 4-second integrated relaxation pressure of the GEJ (mean reduction, 10.1 ± 7.4 mm Hg; P = .001). Of these patients, 58.3% had a normalized 4-second integrated relaxation pressure, whereas 20% had excessive esophageal acid exposure after the procedure. There was a significant improvement in quality of life 6 months after POEM measured by the Short Form-36 questionnaire. LIMITATION: Small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: POEM is a feasible, safe, and effective treatment for achalasia.

A double-blinded randomized controlled trial of laparoendoscopic single-site access versus conventional 3-port appendectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was to perform a multicentered prospective double-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing laparoendoscopic single-site access (LESS) versus conventional three-port laparoscopic appendectomy (TPLA). BACKGROUND: The clinical benefits and disadvantages of LESS appendectomy are uncertain. METHODS: Between October 2009 and March 2011, consecutive patients admitted with clinical or radiological evidence of appendicitis were randomly assigned to receive either LESS or TPLA. The main outcome measurement was overall pain score. Secondary outcome measurements included operative time, conversion rates, morbidity rates, activity pain scores, activity scores, patient satisfaction, and cosmesis scores. RESULTS: During the study period, 200 patients were recruited to the study. There were no significant differences in the morbidity rates, operative time, conversion rates, and postoperative recovery. There were also no differences in the overall pain score and pain score at rest. However, patients in the LESS group experienced significantly more pain upon coughing or standing and required more intravenous analgesics (P = 0.001, 0.038, and 0.035, respectively). Wound cosmesis and satisfaction scores on the contrary were better in the LESS group (P = 0.002 and P = 0.052). No differences in the quality-of-life assessments were present at 2 weeks after operation. CONCLUSIONS: LESS and conventional appendectomy resulted in similar perioperative outcomes. However, LESS appendectomy resulted in worst pain scores upon exertion and required a higher dosage of intravenous analgesics when compared with TPLA. On the contrary, wound cosmesis and satisfaction scores were better in the LESS group. Hence, adoption of the technique for appendectomy will depend on patient preferences and the presence of local expertise.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) compared with gastrectomy for treatment of early gastric neoplasia: a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to compare perioperative outcomes and oncological clearance of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) versus gastrectomy for treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study including all cases of EGC or severe dysplasia treated at a university-affiliated hospital from 1993 to 2010. Preoperative endoscopic ultrasound and image-enhanced endoscopy were employed to determine depth of invasion. Clinical outcomes including baseline demographics, pathology, postoperative complication, and hospital stay, as well as 3-year survival were compared. RESULTS: From 1993 to 2010, 114 patients with severe dysplasia or EGC were treated: 40 of them received gastrectomy, while 74 received ESD. There was no difference in age, gender, comorbidity or American Society of Anesthesiologists grade between the two groups. Of patients in the gastrectomy group, 92.5% presented with symptoms as compared with 27.0% of those treated by ESD (p < 0.001). More patients in the ESD group had atrophic gastritis (31.1 vs 10%; p = 0.009) and intestinal metaplasia (68.9 vs 55.0%; p = 0.04). Patients treated by gastrectomy sustained longer operative time [265 (150-360) min] when compared with ESD [89.6 (45-360) min; p < 0.001]. They also had longer median hospital stay [9.9 (6-26) days vs 3.0 (2-10) days; p < 0.001]. There was no perioperative mortality, but the overall complication rate was significantly higher in the gastrectomy group. The 3-year survival rate was 94.6% for ESD and 89.7% for gastrectomy group (log-rank test, p = 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: ESD achieved similar oncological outcomes when compared with radical gastrectomy for treatment of EGC. Patients receiving ESD had better perioperative outcomes in terms of operative time, complication rate, and hospital stay.

Ten Years of Change in Bariatric/Metabolic Surgery in the Asia-Pacific Region with COVID-19 Pandemic: IFSO-APC National Reports 2021.

BACKGROUND: On November 25, 2021, the IFSO-Asia-Pacific Chapter (IFSO-APC) Virtual Meeting 2021 was held online, and the representatives from the Asia-Pacific region presented 10 years of change in bariatric/metabolic surgery and the influence of COVID-19 in the special session of "IFSO-APC National Reports 2010-2020". We herein report the summarized data. METHODS: National bariatric/metabolic surgery data, which included the data of 2010 and 2020, were collected from the representatives using a questionnaire that consisted of 10 general questions. At the congress, the data were calculated and summarized. RESULTS: Thirteen of the 14 national societies responded to the survey. From 2010 to recent years, the populations of individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and individuals with diabetes both significantly increased. Eight countries and regions expanded the lower limit of criteria for bariatric surgery by 2-5 kg/m2 (BMI), and 5 countries newly established criteria for metabolic surgery in the last ten years. Sixty-nine percent of the countries currently run public health insurance systems, which doubled from 2010. The number of bariatric surgeons and institutions increased more than threefold from 2010. In 2010, 2019, and 2020, surgeons in IFSO-APC societies performed 18,280, 66,010, and 49,553 bariatric/metabolic surgeries, respectively. Due to the COVID pandemic, restriction policies significantly reduced access to surgery in South and Southeast Asian countries. The biggest changes included increased numbers of bariatric surgeons and institutions, operation numbers, public insurance coverage, raising awareness, and national registry systems. CONCLUSION: For the last 10 years, bariatric/metabolic surgery has rapidly grown in the Asia-Pacific region.

Efficacy and safety of one anastomosis gastric bypass versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for type 2 diabetes remission (ORDER): protocol of a multicentre, randomised controlled, open-label, superiority trial.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have demonstrated that one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is not inferior to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in treating obesity. However, high level evidence comparing the efficacy and safety of both procedures in type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment is still lacking, which is another main aim of bariatric surgery. The presented trial has been designed to aim at investigating the superiority of OAGB over the reference procedure RYGB in treating T2D as primary endpoint. And diabetes-related microvascular and macrovascular complications, cardiovascular comorbidities, weight loss, postoperative nutritional status, quality of life and overall complications will be followed up for 5 years as secondary endpoints. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This prospective, multicentre, randomised superiority open-label trial will be conducted in patients of Asian descent. A total of 248 patients (BMI≥27.5 kg/m2) who are diagnosed with T2D will be randomly assigned (1:1) to OAGB or RYGB with blocks of four. The primary endpoint is the complete diabetes remission rate defined as HbA1c≤6.0% and fasting plasma glucose≤5.6 mmol/L without any antidiabetic medications at 1 year after surgery. All secondary endpoints will be measured at different follow-up visit points, which will start at least 3 months after enrolment, with a continuous annual follow-up for five postoperative years in order to provide solid evidence on the efficacy and safety of OAGB in patients with T2D. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by the ethics committee of leading centre (Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, no. 2021-P2-037-03). The results generated from this work will be disseminated to academic audiences and the public via publications in international peer-reviewed journals and conferences. The data presented will be imported into a national data registry. Findings are expected to be available in 2025, which will facilitate clinical decision-making in the field. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05015283.

A case-controlled comparison of single-site access versus conventional three-port laparoscopic appendectomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare patients who underwent single-site access laparoscopic appendectomy (SSALA) to those who underwent conventional three-port laparoscopic appendectomy (TPLA) in a case-controlled manner. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent SSALA for suspected acute appendicitis between April and September 2009 were retrospectively compared to those who underwent TPLA between January and December 2008 in a case-controlled manner. The patients were matched for age, gender, and pathological findings. The main outcome measurements included postoperative recovery, morbidities, and mortalities. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 30 patients underwent SSALA and these were matched with 60 TPLA patients. There were no significant differences in the mean operative time, hospital stay, and 30-day morbidity rate between the two groups. None of the patients required conversion. Two patients with significant contamination and abscess collection noted during SSALA required a relaparotomy for peritoneal lavage and adhesiolysis due to prolonged ileus. CONCLUSIONS: SSALA is feasible and the perioperative outcome was comparable to that of TPLA. However, future prospective studies will need to evaluate whether SSALA can adequately tackle patients with significant peritoneal contamination.

Efficacy of Different Procedures of Metabolic Surgery for Type 2 Diabetes in Asia: a Multinational and Multicenter Exploratory Study.

INTRODUCTION: Asian patients with diabetes exhibit different characteristics from Western patients. However, limited large-scale data are available on metabolic surgery procedures in Asia. We compared the short-term efficacies of metabolic surgery procedures for the management of Asian patients with different severities of diabetes. METHODS: We included patients undergoing metabolic surgery in five Asian institutions from January 2008 to December 2015 with at least 1-year postoperative follow-up. Outcomes of weight loss and diabetes control were determined. Diabetes remission rates in different ABCD scores and factors affecting diabetes remission were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1016 patients (mean BMI, 39.0 ± 7.2 kg/m2; HbA1c, 8.3% ± 1.7%) underwent metabolic surgery (197, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [RYGB]; 171, one anastomosis gastric bypass [OAGB]; 437, sleeve gastrectomy [SG]; 130, SG with duodenal-jejunal bypass [SG-DJB]; and 81, single anastomosis duodenal-jejunal bypass with SG [SA-DJBSG]). The OAGB group exhibited significantly higher 1-year total weight loss (30.5%) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission (78.4%) rates than did the other groups (p < .001). The patients with higher preoperative ABCD scores exhibited higher T2DM remission rates (81.8-100% and 9.5-46.2% in ABCD score subgroups of 9-10 and 1-2, respectively). In multivariate analysis, bypass was found to be an independent predictor of T2DM remission compared with SG (odds ratio of OAGB vs SG, 3.72; RYGB vs SG, 1.96; SG-DJB vs SG, 2.73; SA-DJBSG vs SG, 2.12). CONCLUSION: The metabolic surgeries are highly effective in T2DM treatment. However, SG may not be as effective as gastric bypass and duodenal-jejunum bypass.

Bariatric Surgery in Vegetarians: Asia-Pacific Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Society (APMBSS) survey of Asian surgeon experience.

PURPOSE: Bariatric and metabolic surgery is increasing in Asia to address the growing obesity epidemic. Literature is scarce regarding this surgery in vegetarian patients. We aim to survey surgeons regarding their practices and experiences with the vegetarian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The regional bariatric and metabolic surgery society distributed a multi-national electronic questionnaire to surgeon members. The questionnaire was in the English and Chinese languages. RESULTS: Fifty-six bariatric and metabolic surgeons responded to the questionnaire (response rate 40.6%). Twenty-two respondents (48.9%) have vegetarian patients in their case volume. Patients mostly consume a vegetarian diet for religious (66.7%) and health (66.7%) reasons. More than 60% of surgeons are unsure of micronutrient deficiency status amongst these patients. Over half of the respondents (58.8%) reported that their vegetarian patients do not take multivitamins or vitamin supplements. Significant proportions of respondents (44.4-61.1%) were unsure of the iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc, and folic acid deficiency status of these patients. Only 38.9% of respondents routinely prescribe multivitamin supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: Vegetarian bariatric patients in East and South-East Asia are an under-recognized patient cohort at risk of micronutrient deficiencies. There is a knowledge gap among regional surgeons in long-term nutritional assessment and management.