An international Delphi consensus for surgical quality assessment of lymphadenectomy and anastomosis in minimally invasive total gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive total gastrectomy (MITG) is a mainstay for curative treatment of patients with gastric cancer. To define and standardize optimal surgical techniques and further improve clinical outcomes through the enhanced MITG surgical quality, there must be consensus on the key technical steps of lymphadenectomy and anastomosis creation, which is currently lacking. This study aimed to determine an expert consensus from an international panel regarding the technical aspects of the performance of MITG for oncological indications using the Delphi method. METHODS: A 100-point scoping survey was created based on the deconstruction of MITG into its key technical steps through local and international expert opinion and literature evidence. An international expert panel comprising upper gastrointestinal and general surgeons participated in multiple rounds of a Delphi consensus. The panelists voted on the issues concerning importance, difficulty, or agreement using an online questionnaire. A priori consensus standard was set at > 80% for agreement to a statement. Internal consistency and reliability were evaluated using Cronbach's α. RESULTS: Thirty expert upper gastrointestinal and general surgeons participated in three online Delphi rounds, generating a final consensus of 41 statements regarding MITG for gastric cancer. The consensus was gained from 22, 12, and 7 questions from Delphi rounds 1, 2, and 3, which were rephrased into the 41 statetments respectively. For lymphadenectomy and aspects of anastomosis creation, Cronbach's α for round 1 was 0.896 and 0.886, and for round 2 was 0.848 and 0.779, regarding difficulty or importance. CONCLUSIONS: The Delphi consensus defined 41 steps as crucial for performing a high-quality MITG for oncological indications based on the standards of an international panel. The results of this consensus provide a platform for creating and validating surgical quality assessment tools designed to improve clinical outcomes and standardize surgical quality in MITG.

Outcomes of Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Treatment of Splenomegaly: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To review the evidence regarding the outcomes of laparoscopic techniques in cases of splenomegaly. BACKGROUND: Endoscopic approaches such as laparoscopic, hand-assisted laparoscopic, and robotic surgery are commonly used for splenectomy, but the advantages in cases of splenomegaly are controversial. REVIEW METHODS: We conducted a systematic review using PRISMA guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched up to February 2020. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included for meta-analysis. In relation to laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) versus open splenectomy (OS), 12 studies revealed a significant reduction in length of hospital stay (LOS) of 3.3 days (p = <0.01) in the LS subgroup. Operative time was higher by 44.4 min (p < 0.01) in the LS group. Blood loss was higher in OS 146.2 cc (p = <0.01). No differences were found regarding morbimortality. The global conversion rate was 19.56%. Five studies compared LS and hand-assisted laparosocpic splenectomy (HALS), but no differences were observed in LOS, blood loss, or complications. HALS had a significantly reduced conversion rate (p < 0.01). In two studies that compared HALS and OS (n = 66), HALS showed a decrease in LOS of 4.5 days (p < 0.01) and increase of 44 min in operative time (p < 0.01), while OS had a significantly higher blood loss of 448 cc (p = 0.01). No differences were found in the complication rate. CONCLUSION: LS is a safe approach for splenomegaly, with clear clinical benefits. HALS has a lower conversion rate. Higher-quality confirmatory trials with standardized splenomegaly grading are needed before definitive recommendations can be provided. Prospero registration number: CRD42019125251.

Are Smoke and Aerosols Generated During Laparoscopic Surgery a Biohazard? A Systematic Evidence-Based Review.

Background. Laparoscopic surgery generates end products that can have potentially harmful effects for the surgical team from short- or long-time exposure. In view of the current SARS-CoV-2 circumstances, controversy has risen concerning the safety of surgical smoke (SS) and aerosols and the perception of an increased risk of exposure during laparoscopic surgery. Methods. The present qualitative systematic review was conducted according to Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies (MOOSE). A literature search was performed from March 2020 up to May 10, 2020, using the PubMed database, Cochrane, and Google Scholar to assess the risk of airborne transmission of viruses and the potential health risk of surgical smoke- and aerosol-generating procedures produced during laparoscopic surgery. The keywords were introduced in combination to obtain better search results. Application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria identified 44 relevant articles. Results. Genetic material from certain viruses, or the virus itself, has been detected in SS and aerosols. However, in the current SARS-CoV-2, as in other coronavirus situations, studies analyzing the presence of airborne transmission of viruses in surgical smoke are lacking. Conclusion. Despite the lack of clear evidence regarding the risk of diseases as the result of smoke- and aerosol-generating procedures during laparoscopic surgery, further investigation is needed. Meanwhile, all available precautions must be taken.

Long-term Oncologic Results After Stenting as a Bridge to Surgery Versus Emergency Surgery for Malignant Left-sided Colonic Obstruction: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (ESCO Trial).

OBJECTIVE: To assess overall (OS), time to progression (TTP), and disease-free survival (DFS) at 3 years after treatment, comparing stenting as bridge-to-surgery (SBTS) versus emergency surgery (ES) in neoplastic left colon obstruction, secondary endpoints of the previously published randomized controlled trial. BACKGROUND: While SBTS in neoplastic colon obstruction may reduce morbidity and need for a stoma compared with ES, concern has been raised, about long-term survival. METHODS: Individuals affected by left-sided malignant large-bowel obstruction were enrolled from 5 European hospitals and randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive SBTS or ES. The computer-generated randomization sequence was stratified by center on cT and concealed by the use of a web-based application. Investigators and participants were unmasked to treatment assignment. The secondary outcomes analyzed here were OS, TTP, and DFS. Analysis was by intention to treat. This study is registered, ID-code NCT00591695. RESULTS: Between March 2008 and November 2015, 144 patients were randomly assigned to undergo either SBTS or ES; 115 (SBTS n = 56, ES n = 59) were eligible for analysis, while 20 participants were excluded for a benign disease, 1 for unavailability of the endoscopist while 8 withdrew from the trial. With a median follow-up of 37 months (range 1-62), no difference was observed in the SBTS group compared with ES in terms of OS (HR 0.93 (95% CI 0.49-1.76), P = 0.822), TTP (HR 0.81 (95% CI 0.42-1.54), P = 0.512), and DFS (HR 1.01 (95% CI 0.56-1.81), P = 0.972). Planned subgroup analysis showed no difference in respect to age, sex, American Society for Anesthesiology score, body mass index, and pT between SBTS and ES groups. Those participants randomized for the SBTS group whose obstruction was located in the descending colon had a better TTP compared with ES group (HR 0.44 (95% CI 0.20-0.97), P = 0.042), but no difference was observed in terms of OS (HR 0.73 (95% CI 0.33-1.63), P = 0.442) and DFS (HR 0.68 (95% CI 0.34-1.34), P = 0.261) in the same individuals. CONCLUSIONS: This randomized controlled trial shows that, although not powered for these seconday outcomes, OS, TTP, and DFS did not differ between groups at a minimum follow-up of 36 months.

Influence of antrum size on gastric emptying and weight-loss outcomes after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (preliminary analysis of a randomized trial).

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has increased in popularity in recent years as a definitive bariatric procedure. Despite its growing popularity worldwide, the surgical technique is not well standardized. There is a lack of evidence on the matter of the antrum size and its relation to gastric emptying and weight-loss outcomes. The aim of the study is to evaluate the influence of antrum size over gastric emptying and weight-loss outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-five patients were prospectively randomized according to the distance between the first firing and the pylorus: AR group (antrum resection-2 cm from the pylorus) and AP group (antrum preservation-5 cm from the pylorus). Gastric emptying (%GE) was evaluated by a gastric emptying scintigraphy before surgery, 2 months and 1 year after LSG. Antrum volume was measured using a MultiSlice CT Scan performed 2 months and 1 year after surgery. The percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) was calculated after 1 year follow-up. RESULTS: At 2 months after LSG the mean %GE was 69.7 ± 18 in the AR group and 72.8 ± 20 in the AP group (p = 0.69). At 1 year it was 66.5 ± 21 and 74.2 ± 16 in the AR and AP groups, respectively (p = 0.30). A significant accelerated gastric emptying was observed at 2 months (p = 0.025) and at 1 year (p = 0.013) in the AP group. Meanwhile in the AR group this increase was not significant (p = 0.12 at 2 months and p = 0.21 at 1 year). Differences regarding the %EWL between groups were no statistically significant (p = 0.74). CONCLUSIONS: After LSG there is a global tendency to an accelerated gastric emptying, although only significant in the antrum preservation group; however, no differences were observed regarding the %EWL between groups after 1 year follow-up.

The Era of the Large Databases: Outcomes After Gastroesophageal Surgery According to NSQIP, NIS, and NCDB Databases. Systematic Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: The term big data refers to databases that include large amounts of information used in various areas of knowledge. Currently, there are large databases that allow the evaluation of postoperative evolution, such as the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP), the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) National Inpatient Sample (NIS), and the National Cancer Database (NCDB). The aim of this review was to evaluate the clinical impact of information obtained from these registries regarding gastroesophageal surgery. METHODS: A systematic review using the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines was performed. The research was carried out using the PubMed database identifying 251 articles. All outcomes related to gastroesophageal surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 34 articles published between January 2007 and July 2017 were included, for a total of 345 697 patients. Studies were analyzed and divided according to the type of surgery and main theme in (1) esophageal surgery and (2) gastric surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The information provided by these databases is an effective way to obtain levels of evidence not obtainable by conventional methods. Furthermore, this information is useful for the external validation of previous studies, to establish benchmarks that allow comparisons between centers and have a positive impact on the quality of care.

What to do when Heller's myotomy fails? Pneumatic dilatation, laparoscopic remyotomy or peroral endoscopic myotomy: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of achalasia fails in 10%-20% of patients. The most frequent responsible cause is the performance of an incomplete myotomy at primary surgery. The treatment when the failure happens is not well defined. In this study, we review and evaluate the possible treatments to be carried out when surgical myotomy fails. We define its benefits and results, with the purpose of defining a therapeutic algorithm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The systematic review was performed following the guidelines established by the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement. We searched several electronic databases (MEDLINE, PubMED, EMBASE and Cochrane) from January 1991 to March 2017, with the keywords 'recurrent achalasia' 'POEM remyotomy', 'esophagomyotomy failure', 'Heller myotomy failure', 'myotomy failure', 'pneumatic balloon dilatation achalasia' and combinations between them, 'redo Heller', 'redo myotomy', 'reoperative Heller'. RESULTS: A total of 61 observational studies related to the treatment of patients with failure of Heller's myotomy were initially found. Finally, 37 articles were included in our study that provided data on 289 patients. Of these 289 patients, diagnosed of failed Heller's myotomy, 87 were treated with pneumatic dilatation (PD), 166 underwent surgical revision and finally 36 were treated with POEM. No randomised controlled trial was identified. CONCLUSIONS: The three therapeutic options analysed in this review are effective and safe in the treatment of patients with achalasia with failure of surgical myotomy. The best results can be achieved following an algorithm similar to the one proposed here, where each procedure must be performed by well-experienced team in the selected modality.

Colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery versus emergency surgery for malignant colonic obstruction: results of a multicentre randomised controlled trial (ESCO trial).

BACKGROUND: The aim of colonic stenting with self-expandable metallic stents in neoplastic colon obstruction is to avoid emergency surgery and thus potentially reduce morbidity, mortality, and need for a stoma. Concern has been raised, however, about the effect of colonic stenting on short-term complications and long-term survival. We compared morbidity rates after colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery (SBTS) versus emergency surgery (ES) in the management of left-sided malignant large-bowel obstruction. METHODS: This multicentre randomised controlled trial was designed with the endorsement of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery. The study population was consecutive patients with acute, symptomatic malignant left-sided large-bowel obstruction localised between the splenic flexure and 15 cm from the anal margin. The primary outcome was overall morbidity within 60 days after surgery. RESULTS: Between March 2008 and November 2015, 144 patients were randomly assigned to undergo either SBTS or ES; 29/144 (13.9%) were excluded post-randomisation mainly because of wrong diagnosis at computed tomography examination. The remaining 115 patients (SBTS n = 56, ES n = 59) were deemed eligible for analysis. The complications rate within 60 days was 51.8% in the SBTS group and 57.6% in the ES group (p = 0.529). Although long-term follow-up is still ongoing, no statistically significant difference in 3-year overall survival (p = 0.998) and progression-free survival rates between the groups has been observed (p = 0.893). Eleven patients in the SBTS group and 23 in the ES group received a stoma (p = 0.031), with a reversal rate of 30% so far. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the two treatment strategies are equivalent. No difference in oncologic outcome was found at a median follow-up of 36 months. The significantly lower stoma rate noted in the SBTS group argues in favour of the SBTS procedure when performed in expert hands.

Outcomes after bariatric surgery according to large databases: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: The rapid development of technological tools to record data allows storage of enormous datasets, often termed "big data". In the USA, three large databases have been developed to store data regarding surgical outcomes: the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP), the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) National Inpatient Sample (NIS) and the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). We aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of studies found in these databases concerning outcomes of bariatric surgery. METHODS: We performed a systematic review using the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. Research carried out using the PubMed database identified 362 papers. All outcomes related to bariatric surgery were analysed. RESULTS: Fifty-four studies, published between 2005 and February 2017, were included. These articles were divided into (1) outcomes related to surgical techniques (12 articles), (2) morbidity and mortality (12), (3) 30-day hospital readmission (10), (4) outcomes related to specific diseases (11), (5) training (2) and (6) socio-economic and ethnic observations in bariatric surgery (7). Forty-two papers were based on data from ACS-NSQIP, nine on data from NIS and three on data from MBSAQIP. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides an overview of surgical management and outcomes of bariatric surgery in the USA. Large databases offer useful complementary information that could be considered external validation when strong evidence-based medicine data are lacking. They also allow us to evaluate infrequent situations for which randomized control trials are not feasible and add specific information that can complement the quality of surgical knowledge.

Can LigaSure™ be used to perform sleeve gastrectomy? - Tensile strength and histological changes.

INTRODUCTION: LigaSure™ was developed as an alternative to suture ligatures, hemoclips and staplers for ligating vessels and tissue bundles. The aim of the present study was to determine whether LigaSure can be used as a welding instrument in the performance of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Gastric specimens were assigned into four groups. Group 1 - specimens remained with the staple line intact. Group 2 - the staple line was oversewn. Group 3 - the staple line was resected with LigaSure. Group 4 - staple line was resected with LigaSure and the seal was oversewn. In all specimens the pressure tolerance was assessed using a portable sensor. RESULTS: In group 1 the leak pressure was 34.7 ± 11.7 whereas in group 2 specimens the pressure increased three-fold (101.9 ± 21.4). The LigaSure seal alone (group 3) achieved a mean pressure of 13.7 mmHg. However, in group 4 there was an exponential increase on their burst strength up to 142 mmHg (p = 0.0005). CONCLUSION: According to our results, LigaSure could be used to perform laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with reduction of staple-line bleeding and, when reinforced with a running suture, it achieves a strength that approaches that of staples plus oversewing.

[Laparoscopic approach of achalasia. Long-term clinical and functional results and quality of life]. / Abordaje laparoscópico de la acalasia. Resultados clínicos, de calidad de vida y funcionales a largo plazo.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy has become the gold standard procedure for patients with achalasia. This study evaluates the clinical status, quality of life, and functional outcomes after laparoscopic Heller myotomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed patients who underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy with an associated anti-reflux procedure from October 1998 to December 2010. Before surgery, we administered a clinical questionnaire and as of 2002, we also evaluated quality of life using a specific questionnaire (GIQLI). In 2011, we performed a follow up for all available patients. We administered the same clinical questionnaire and quality of life test as before surgery and performed manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring. According to the length of follow up, patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 with a follow-up between 6 and 47 months; group 2 follow-up between 48 and 119 months, and group 3 with a follow-up of more than 120 months). Moreover, 27 patients had already been evaluated with this same protocol in 2003. Pre- and postoperative data were compared for the 3 groups and for patients who completed follow up in 2003 and 2011. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy. Seventy-six (80%) were available for follow-up. Mean follow-up was 56 months (range 6-143). Global improvement in dysphagia was 89%. Total DeMeester score decreased in the 3 groups. GIQLI scores improved after surgery, reaching normal values. Manometric determinations showed normal LES pressures after myotomy in the 3 groups. Ten percent of overall 24-hour pH monitoring was abnormal. The group of patients followed up in 2003 and in 2011 showed no impairment in the variables studied in the long term. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow up of the laparoscopic approach to achalasia showed good results concerning clinical status and quality of life, with normal sphincteric pressures and a low incidence of gastroesophageal reflux.

Minimally invasive therapy for epiphrenic diverticula: Systematic review of literature and report of six cases.

INTRODUCTION: Epiphrenic diverticula (ED) are infrequent and conventional surgical treatment entails aggressive open or transthoracic surgery. Minimally invasive treatment has changed the surgical approach but some surgical controversies are not resolved. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to describe our experience in minimally invasive treatment of the ED and to perform a systematic review of the current literature in this subject. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed all data from the Hospital de Sant Pau, focusing on patients that underwent minimally invasive treatment for an ED since 1998 to date. Furthermore, we performed a systematic literature review focused on the minimally invasive approach for ED. RESULTS: A total of 6 patients have been treated (5 transhiatal and 1 with abdominal and thoracic approach). We found a predominance of males with a median age of 63. The diagnosis was made with an endoscopy, barium swallow and manometry. Half of the manometry results were pathologic. The surgical technique involved a diverticulectomy, myotomy and a Dor partial founduplication. Two patients that presented suture line leakage (SLL) were treated conservatively. No mortality was reported. The systematic review was carried out under the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses scheme, with a total of 20 studies where 189 patients were found. No comparative or prospective randomised trials were found. Overall morbidity was 24%, with a SLL rate of 12%, hospital stay of 5 days and mortality of 1.5%. After a median follow-up of 42 months, 81.5% of the patients were asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive approach for ED is a safe and feasible procedure.

Single incision versus reduced port splenectomy--searching for the best alternative to conventional laparoscopic splenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is a well accepted approach for the treatment of multiple hematologic diseases. Single port access splenectomy (SPAS) emphasizes the concept of surgery through one small incision. The reduced port access splenectomy (RPAS) entails the use of fewer trocars of smaller sizes. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes after LS, SPAS, and RPAS, and to analyze the aesthetic result and patient satisfaction. METHODS: We included patients who underwent LS (group 1, n = 15), SPAS (group 2, n = 8), and RPAS (group 3, n = 10) between June 2008 and February 2012, whose final spleen weight was less of 500 g. The outcome parameters analyzed were operative time, need of additional trocars, blood loss, blood transfusion, weight of the spleen, postoperative complications, and duration of hospital stay. To evaluate the cosmetic result, patients were asked to take the Body Image Questionnaire. RESULTS: Patients in group 3 were younger than group 1. Operative time was significantly longer in group 2 compared to groups 1 and 3 (83 ± 19 vs. 131 ± 43 vs. 81 ± 22 min, p = 0.01). There was no need to convert to open surgery in any group, nor were there differences in intra- or postoperative outcome. There were no differences between the groups in relation to the analgesic requirements. Twenty-two out of the 33 patients answered the questionnaire. There was a significant advantage in group 2 and 3 in the body image index with respect to group 1. There were no differences between groups 2 and 3 (7.3 ± 2.8 vs. 5.8 ± 1.3 vs. 5.1 ± 0.4, p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: RPAS is a good alternative to LS and SPAS. It improves the aesthetic results as compared to LS, whereas minimizes the technical challenges faced with SPAS.

Pilot study comparing the leak pressure of the sleeved stomach with and without reinforcement.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) consists of a longitudinal resection of the stomach on the greater curvature, removing 75-80% of the stomach approximately and creating a cylindrical "sleeve"-like conduit. However, LSG can be associated with significant morbidity, and staple-line failure with dehiscence and gastric leak is one of the most severe complications. The aim of this study was to compare three different methods of gastric closure in terms of staple-line strength and leak pressures of the sleeved stomach. METHODS: After performing standard stapled sleeve gastrectomies, the gastric specimens were carefully retrieved. Group 1 specimens were left with the staple line intact. In group 2, the staple line was reinforced with a 3-0 polypropylene running suture. The gastric remnants of group 3 were those in which the LSG was performed using Seamguard as the buttressing material. The burst-pressure was assessed using a portable gas sensor. The outcome parameters were: age of the patients, body mass index, buttress material (suture, Seamguard, etc.), leak pressure, volume infused, and leak site, among others. RESULTS: Thirty-six sleeve gastrectomies were included in the final analysis. Each group consisted of 12 gastric specimens. There were no differences between groups in terms of age, sex, body mass index, and patient comorbidities. The leak pressure was significantly higher in group 2 (35 ± 11.7 vs. 102 ± 21.4 vs. 47 ± 19.1; p = <0.0005). The volume of liquid required to cause the leak was much greater in the group 3 (p = <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Oversewing is the reinforcement method that increases better the staple-line strength. It is the least expensive method of reinforcement and does not increase operative times significantly.

Long-term outcome and quality of life after laparoscopic treatment of large paraesophageal hernia.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy has been widely used for surgical repair of large paraesophageal hernias (PEHs). The technique, however, entails substantial technical difficulties, such as repositioning the stomach in the abdominal cavity, sac excision, closure of the hiatal gap, and fundoplication. Knowledge of the long-term outcome (>10 years) is scarce. The aim of this article was to evaluate the long-term results of this approach, primarily the anatomic hernia recurrence rate and the impact of the repair on quality of life. METHODS: We identified all patients who underwent laparoscopic repair for PEH between November 1997 and March 2007 and who had a minimum follow-up of 48 months. In March 2011, all available patients were scheduled for an interview, and a radiologic examination with barium swallow was performed. During the interview the patients were asked about the existence/persistence of symptoms. An objective score test, the gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI), was also administered. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients were identified: 17 men (22 %) and 60 women (78 %). The mean age at the time of fundoplication was 64 years (range 24-87 years) and at the review time 73 years (range 34-96 years). The amount of stomach contained within the PEH sac was <50 % in 39 patients (50 %), >50 % in 31 (40 %), and 100 % (intrathoracic stomach) in 7 (9.5 %). A 360º PTFe mesh was used to reinforce the repair in six cases and a polyethylene mesh in three. In May 2011, 55 of the 77 patients were available for interview (71 %), and the mean follow-up was 107 months (range 48-160 months). Altogether, 43 patients (66 %) were asymptomatic, and 12 (21 %) reported symptoms that included dysphagia in 7 patients, heartburn in 3, belching in 1, and chest pain in 1. Esophagography in 43 patients (78 %) revealed recurrence in 20 (46 %). All recurrences were small sliding hernias (<3 cm long). In all, 37 patients (67 %) answered the GIQLI questionnaire. The mean GIQLI score was 111 (range 59-137; normal 147). Patients with objective anatomic recurrence had a quality of life index of 110 (range 89-132) versus 122 in the nonrecurrent hernia group (range 77-138, p < 0.01). Mesh was used to buttress the esophageal hiatus in nine patients. One patient died during the follow-up period. Five of the remaining eight patients (62 %) developed dysphagia, a mesh-related symptom. Three patients required reoperation because of mesh-related complications. Esophagography revealed recurrence in four (50 %) of the eight patients. GIQLI scores were similar in patients with recurrence (126, range 134-119) and without it (111, range 133-186) (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow-up (up to 160 months) in our study showed that laparoscopic PEH repair is clinically efficacious but is associated with small anatomic recurrences in ≤50 % of patients. Further studies are needed to identify the anatomic, pathologic, and physiological factors that may impair outcome, allowing the procedure to be tailored to each patient.

Anti-reflux surgery vs. bariatric surgery as anti-GERD and hiatal hernia treatment in obese patient. New surgical proposals.

The persistence of obesity favors the failure of the Fundoplication (FP) in the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER). However, the weight loss obtained with the performance of a Gastric Bypass (GBP) allows a good resolution of symptoms, without increasing the incidence of postoperative complications. All of this leads us to consider that while FP is the indication in patients with BMI < 30, in those patients with BMI > 35, GBP appears to be the procedure of choice. But there is still no position in the case of patients with a BMI between 30 and 35, although we must take into account that an increase in GER recurrence has been described after FP in patients with a BMI > 30. Although Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) is one of the most frequently used bariatric procedures in recent years, its association with a high rate of postoperative GER has led several authors to propose its performance associated with an anti-reflux procedure in patients with GER symptoms. Likewise, if the existence of an Hiatal Hernia is verified, it must be treated by hiatoplasty, both during the performance of a GBP and a SG. This simultaneous treatment is not associated with an increase in complications.

Is Sleeve Gastrectomy as Effective in Older Patients as in Younger Patients? A Comparative Analysis of Weight Loss, Related Comorbidities, and Medication Requirements.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery in the older population has been the subject of ongoing debate but several studies have recently demonstrated its short-term advantages in this age group. It is not yet clear, however, whether these benefits are long-lasting. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with morbid obesity who underwent laparoscopy sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). These patients were divided into two groups: those above 60 years of age (older group) and those of 60 years or under (younger group). Variables evaluated included demographics and anthropometrics data, comorbidities, and daily medication requirements. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-two patients underwent LSG, 57 in the older group and 195 in the younger group. Outcomes related to weight loss in the older subjects were modest compared to those in the younger population (older group %EWL 41.6 vs younger group %EWL 51.1, p < 0.05, older group %TWL 24.9% vs younger group %TWL 25.2%, p < 0.05). During follow-up, both older and younger patients showed an improvement in all the comorbidities: hypertension (older 82.5% vs 38.1%, younger 52.6% vs 29.2%, p < 0.05), type 2 diabetes mellitus (older 38.6% vs 27.3%, 34.9% vs 23.9%, p < 0.05), hyperlipidemia (older 75.4% vs 42.9%, younger 35.9% vs 21.1%, p < 0.05), and OSAHS (older 57.9% vs 30%, younger 40.4% vs 7.1%, p < 0.05). The average number of daily medications used to manage comorbidities decreased in both groups. CONCLUSION: LSG in older patients is effective in terms of weight loss, improvement of comorbidities, and lower daily medication requirements up to 5 years of follow-up.

Obesity Surgery Improves Hypogonadism and Sexual Function in Men without Effects in Sperm Quality.

(1) Background: Obesity is associated with hypogonadism, sexual dysfunction, and impaired fertility in men. However, its effects on semen parameters or sexual function remain debatable. (2) Methods: This paper involves a longitudinal study in men submitted for obesity surgery at a university tertiary hospital. Patients were studied at baseline and at 6, 12, and 18 months after obesity surgery. At each visit, anthropometry measures were collected and hormonal and semen parameters were studied. Sexual function was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). (3) Results: A total of 12 patients were included. The average body mass index of patients decreased from 42.37 ± 4.44 to 29.6 ± 3.77 kg/m2 at 18 months after surgery (p < 0.05). Hormonal parameters improved after obesity surgery. The proportion of sperm cells with normal morphology tended to decrease from baseline and became most significant at 18 months (5.83 ± 4.50 vs. 2.82 ± 2.08). No significant changes were found in the remaining semen parameters. Erectile function improved significantly at six months after surgery. (4) Conclusions: The authors believe that, in general, the effects of obesity surgery on fertility may be limited or even deleterious (at least in the short and midterm follow-up).

[Medium term results on introducing colorrectal laparoscopic surgery into clinical practice after having an intensive training course]. / Resultados a medio plazo en la implementación de la cirugía laparoscópica colorrectal en la práctica clínica tras la realización de un curso intensivo.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic surgery has characteristics that increase the difficulties of learning. Five years ago, an intensive colorectal laparoscopic surgery course was designed to offer training in the technical bases of this type of surgery. The aim of this article is to determine the impact of the colorectal surgery course on clinical practice, and to investigate the factors that limit its applicability and the training preferences of the surgeons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two courses of four days duration, with 36 hours of lessons (4 in seminar form and 32 in the surgery), and with 7 trainees, were held between June 2005 and December 2010. A survey was sent out in December 2010 to assess the impact of the course on the colorectal laparoscopic surgery activity of the trainee, to find out the difficulties encountered in its application, and to evaluate the training expectations in endoscopic surgery in this group of surgeons. RESULTS: The questionnaire was sent to 148 surgeons, with 74 (50%) responses received. The mean period after the course was 26.5 (2-60) months. A monthly increase of more than 5 cases was observed in 70% of the centres. The course enabled them to consolidate the activity in local hospitals, while in university and general hospitals it served to re-launch an initial experience. Among the obstacles that made it difficult to introduce were care load and the availability of a surgeon, particularly in general and university hospitals (P=.001), and in local hospitals it was the availability of patients. The majority of surgeons (70%) believed that specific training was required, preferring a short period in a hospital with experience. CONCLUSIONS: An intensive course on colorectal laparoscopic surgery enabled the activity to be consolidated or increased in this area. Training in colorectal laparoscopic surgery requires additional teaching efforts, which are currently unstructured.