Circulating endothelial progenitor cells, microvascular density and fibrosis in obesity before and after bariatric surgery.

It is not known whether, in obesity, the capillary density or the number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are reduced, or whether fibrosis of small vessels is also present. In addition, possible effects of weight reduction on these parameters have never been evaluated. Therefore, we investigated EPCs and capillary density in 25 patients with severe obesity, all submitted to bariatric surgery, and in 18 normotensive lean subjects and 12 hypertensive lean patients as controls. All patients underwent a biopsy of subcutaneous fat during bariatric surgery. In five patients, a second biopsy was obtained after consistent weight loss, about 1 year later, during a surgical intervention for abdominoplasty. EPCs and capillary density were reduced in obesity, and EPCs were significantly increased after weight reduction. Vascular collagen content was clearly increased in obese patients. No significant difference in vascular collagen was observed between normotensive obese patients and hypertensive obese patients. After pronounced weight reduction, collagen content was nearly normalized. No difference in stress-strain relation was observed among groups or before and after weight loss. In conclusion, our data suggest that microvascular rarefaction occurs in obesity. EPCs were significantly reduced in obese patients. Pronounced weight loss induced by bariatric surgery seems to induce a significant improvement of EPC number, but not of capillary rarefaction. A pronounced fibrosis of subcutaneous small resistance arteries is present in obese patients, regardless of the presence of increased blood pressure values. Consistent weight loss induced by bariatric surgery may induce an almost complete regression of microvascular fibrosis.

Loupe magnification reduces postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy.

We aimed to evaluate the impact of loupe magnification (LM) on incidental parathyroid gland removal (from pathology reports), hypocalcemia, and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury after total thyroidectomy and answer the question of whether this tool should be always recommended for patient's safety. Between January 2005 and December 2008, 126 patients underwent total thyroidectomy with routine use of 2.5 x galilean loupes; their charts were compared with data on 118 patients operated on between January 1997 and December 2000 without LM (two different equally skilled surgical teams operating in the two periods). LM decreased the rate of inadvertent parathyroid glands removal (3.8 vs 7.8% of total parathyroid glands; P = 0.01), as well as of biochemical (20.6 vs 33.9%; P = 0.028) and clinical (12.7 vs 33%; P = 0.0003) hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. All cases (16 of 16) of symptomatic hypocalcaemia in the LM group proved to be associated with parathyroidectomy vs 76.9 per cent (30 of 39) without LM (P = 0.046). A trend toward decreased RLN injury rate, although statistically insignificant, was reported, being unilateral transient, unilateral permanent, and bilateral transient palsy rates 6.8, 2.5, and 1.7 per cent, respectively, without LM vs 4.8, 2.4, and 0.8 per cent, respectively, with LM (P = 0.69; P = 1, and P = 0.61, respectively). Our results do support the routine use of LM during total thyroidectomy.

Improvement of metabolic syndrome following intragastric balloon: 1 year follow-up analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the impact of intragastric balloon (IGB)-induced body weight loss on metabolic syndrome in obese patients and evaluate what happens during 1-year follow-up. METHODS: To this end, data were collected on 143 obese patients (body mass index (BMI) 36.2+/-5.7 kg/m2) who underwent IGB insertion between January 2000 and December 2005. Outcomes were recorded at BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon removal time (t0) and at 6-month (t6) and 12-month (t12) follow-up. RESULTS: Significant BMI, excess body weight loss percentage, and body weight loss percentage (BWL%) were observed at t0 (29.6+/-4.6 kg/m2; 29.3+/-4.8%; 14.1+/-5.7%), followed by partial weight regain at t12 (32.4+/-4.3 kg/m2; 26.1+/-4.9%; 11.2+/-4.6%). Incidence of metabolic syndrome dropped from 34.8% (pre-IGB value) to 14.5% (t0) and 11.6% (t12). Likewise, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and blood hypertension (BH) incidence decreased from 32.6%, 37.7%, 33.4%, and 44.9% (pre-IGB values) to 20.9%, 14.5%, 16.7%, and 30.4% at t0 and 21.3%, 17.4%, 18.9%, and 34.8% at t12. HbA1c blood concentration shifted from an initial value of 7.5+/-2.1% to 5.7+/-1.9% (t0), 5.6+/-0.7% (t6), and 5.5+/-0.9% (t12). Patients suffering from DM or BH stopped or diminished relative drug consumption at t12. Negligible modifications were reported as regards HDL cholesterol and hyperuricemia. CONCLUSION: Weight regain is commonly observed during long-term follow-up after IGB removal. Nevertheless, the maintenance of at least 10% of the BWL%, as reported at 1-year follow-up, is associated with an improvement in metabolic syndrome.

Outcome of duodenal switch with a transitory vertical gastroplasty, in super-super-obese patients in an 8-year series.

BACKGROUND: In super-super obese (SSO) patients [body mass index (BMI) superior of 60 kg/m2] results of bariatric surgery are still controversial. This study evaluated safety and efficacy of open duodenal switch associated with transitory vertical gastroplasty (DS-TVG) after 8 years of follow-up. METHODS: A prospective observational study of 32 SSO patients who underwent an open DS-TVG from January 1999 till March 2006 was performed. Study endpoints included preoperative comorbidities [diabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)], postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long-term results of BMI and percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) (median 48 months). RESULTS: Results in terms of BMI and %EWL were, respectively, after 12 months, 46.3 +/- 10.2 and 57.1 +/- 9.8; after 36 months (n = 21), 37.5 +/- 7.5 and 73.5 +/- 6.2; and after 84 months (n = 5), 31.7 +/- 2.8 and 76.0 +/- 4.1. With regard to comorbidities, we observed complete control of lipid alterations and type-2 diabetes (suspension therapy within 1 year). All patients with OSAS improved within 1 year without needing domiciliary oxygen therapy. Neither malnutrition nor mortality was observed during the follow-up. Major complications occurred in a total of 5 patients (15.6%): pulmonary embolism (2 cases-9.4%); gastrointestinal bleeding, requiring transfusions (1 case-3.1%); 1 case (3.1%) of abdominal rupture; and 1 case of acute pancreatitis (3.1%). Minor complications occurred in 4 patients (12.5%): 1 case of pneumonia, 1 urinary tract infection, and 2 wound infections. CONCLUSION: Although this study evaluated the outcomes of a small series of patients after open DS-TVG, this procedure seems to be safe and effective in obese patients who have a BMI greater than 60 kg/m2. In our opinion, DS-TVG should be considered as a valid surgical option with two staged laparoscopic procedures.

[Comparision between a bilio-pacreatic diversion with or without gastroresection after 2 years of follow-up in the treatment of the pathological obesity]. / Confronto a 2 anni di follow-up tra diversione bilio-pancreatica con o senza gastroresezione nel trattamento chirurgico dell'obesità patologica.

Malabsorptive bariatric procedures have a long history beginning with jejunoileal bypass, which was first performed in 1950s. The biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) has gained more prominence in Europe since its introduction by Scopinaro in 1976 The BPD has been modified and popularized by Hess in the United States and Marceau in Canada to include a sleeve gastrectomy and duodenal switch in order to decrease the incidence of marginal ulceration and iron deficiency anemia. Moreover the common channel was lengthened to 100 cm to decrease the incidence of long-term malnutrition. More recently Vassallo and coll. introduced a BPD associated with a transitory vertical gastroplasty (TGR). Aim of this study is to compare the results after 2 years follow-up in 15 obese patients who underwent the classical Scopinaro's BPD (group A) and 15 obese patients operated on BPD associated with TGR (group B).The mean preoperative BMI was 47.9 in the Group A and 48.6 in Group B. The BMI trend was after 6, 12 and 24 months: 39.1, 37.2, 33.1 in Group A and 37.3, 35.5, 31.4 in Group B. We observed in BPD+TGR one case of acute pancreatitis and 3 case of gastric paralysis in group A. No mortality was registered. Patients treated by BPD+TGR had better results in terms of weight loss and metabolic complications.

Predictive Factors of Secondary Normocalcemic Hyperparathyroidism after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study is to evaluate determinants of secondary normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (SNHPT) persistence in patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on vertical-banded gastroplasty. METHODS: 226 consecutive patients submitted to bariatric surgery were prospectively enrolled and divided in two groups on the basis of preoperative presence of SNHPT. For each patient, we evaluated anthropometric and laboratory parameters. Calcium metabolism (calcemia, PTH, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D serum levels) was studied before surgery and at 6-month intervals (6, 12, and 18 months) as surgical follow-up. RESULTS: Based on presurgical SNHPT presence or absence, we defined group 1-201 patients and group 2-25 patients, respectively. Among the group 1, 153 (76%) recovered from this endocrinopathy within 6 months after surgery (group 3), while the remaining 48 patients (24%) had persistent SNHPT (group 4). Comparing the anthropometric and laboratory data of group 3 with group 2, the only statistically significant factor was the elapsed time since a prior effective medically controlled diet that led to a steady and substantial weight loss. We found also a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between group 3 and group 4 in term of % of weight loss and PTH levels. CONCLUSIONS: Patients suitable for bariatric surgery must have history of at least one efficient medically controlled diet, not dating back more than 5 years before surgery. This elapsed time represent the cut-off time within which it is possible to recover from SNHPT in the first semester after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on vertical-banded gastroplasty. The treatment of vitamin D insufficiency and the evaluation of SNHPT before bariatric surgery should be recommended. The clinical significance of preoperative SNHPT and in particular SNHPT after bariatric surgery remains undefined and further studies are required.

Comparison between invasive and noninvasive techniques of evaluation of microvascular structural alterations.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of the morphological characteristics of small resistance arteries in humans is challenging. The gold standard method is generally considered to be the measurement by wire or pressure micromyography of the media-to-lumen ratio of subcutaneous small vessels obtained by local biopsies. However, noninvasive techniques for the evaluation of retinal arterioles were recently proposed; in particular, two approaches, scanning laser Doppler flowmetry (SLDF) and adaptive optics, seem to provide useful information; both of them provide an estimation of the wall-to-lumen ratio (WLR) of retinal arterioles. Moreover, a noninvasive measurement of basal and total capillary density may be obtained by videomicroscopy/capillaroscopy. No direct comparison of these three noninvasive techniques in the same population was previously performed; in particular, adaptive optics was never validated against micromyography. METHODS: In the current study, we enrolled 41 controls and patients: 12 normotensive lean controls, 12 essential hypertensive lean patients, nine normotensive obese patients and eight hypertensive obese patients undergoing elective surgery. All patients underwent a biopsy of subcutaneous fat during surgery. Subcutaneous small resistance artery structure was assessed by wire micromyography and the media-to-lumen ratio was calculated. WLR of retinal arterioles was obtained by SLDF and adaptive optics. Functional (basal) and structural (total) microvascular density was evaluated by capillaroscopy before and after venous congestion. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that adaptive optics has a substantial advantage over SLDF in terms of evaluation of microvascular morphology, as WLR measured with adaptive optics is more closely correlated with the M/L of subcutaneous small arteries (r = 0.84, P < 0.001 vs. r = 0.52, P < 0.05, slopes of the relations: P < 0.01 adaptive optics vs. SLDF). In addition, the reproducibility of the evaluation of the WLR with adaptive optics is far better, as compared with SLDF, as intraobserver and interobserver variation coefficients are clearly smaller. This may be important in terms of clinical evaluation of microvascular morphology in a clinical setting, as micromyography has substantial limitations in its clinical application due to the local invasiveness of the procedure.

Decreased circulating T regulatory lymphocytes in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE: It has been previously demonstrated that T lymphocytes may be involved in the development of hypertension and microvascular remodeling, and that circulating T effector lymphocytes may be increased in hypertension. In particular, Th1 and Th 17 lymphocytes may contribute to the progression of hypertension and microvascular damage while T-regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes seem to be protective in this regard. However, no data is available about patients with severe obesity, in which pronounced microvascular alterations were observed. DESIGN AND METHODS: We have investigated 32 severely obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery, as well as 24 normotensive lean subjects and 12 hypertensive lean subjects undergoing an elective surgical intervention. A peripheral blood sample was obtained before surgery for assessment of CD4+ T lymphocyte subpopulations. Lymphocyte phenotype was evaluated by flow cytometry in order to assess T-effector and Treg lymphocytes. RESULTS: A marked reduction of several Treg subpopulations was observed in obese patients compared with controls, together with an increased in CD4+ effector memory T-effector cells. CONCLUSION: In severely obese patients, Treg lymphocytes are clearly reduced and CD4+ effector memory cells are increased. It may be hypothesized that they might contribute to the development of marked microvascular alterations previously observed in these patients.

[Severe obesity and insulin resistance. Result obtained by the bilio-pancreatic diversion independentely for an associated gastroresection or gastropreservation]. / Obesità grave e insulino resistenza. Risoluzione indotta dalla diversione biliopancreatica indipendentemente dalla gastroresezione o gastroconservazione associata.

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes is the paradigm of an obesity-related disease. In most cases it exists because of the obesity and will disappear with weight loss. AIM OF THIS STUDY: To evaluate the glicemic control in obese patients after two malabsorbitive procedure, the bilio-pancreatic diversion with ad hoc stomach resection (BPD-AHS) and the bilio-pancreatic diversion with transitory gastric restriction (BPD-TGR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The effect of weight loss following malabsorbitive procedures was studied on 38 patients operated on between the May 1999 and July 2002. Ten patients were diabetes 2 type (group A, 4 patients with oral antidiabetic therapy and 6 with insulin therapy; mean BMI: 49.4 +/- 8.2 Kg/m2), 18 patients were glucose intolerance (group B; mean BMI: 48.2 +/- 6.4 Kg/m2) and 10 patients were in normal glicemic control (group C; mean BMI: 51.2 +/- 8.3 Kg/m2). Five patients in group A were operated on BPD-AHS and 5 patients on BPD-TGR. Ten patients in the group B were operated on BPD-AHS and 8 patients on BPD-TGR. After 3 months from the malabsorbitive procedure group A patients stopped antidiabetic (mean BMI was: 42.3) and group B patients had normal values of glucose and insuline (mean BMI: 41.8). No significant statistically differences were observed in terms of glicemic control, BMI and Excess Weight Loss (EWL%), comparing the two malabsorbitive procedure. RESULTS: Weight loss after both BPD-AHS and BPD-TGR had a beneficial and durable effect on the fasting plasma glucose and serum insuline levels in diabetic and non-diabetic obese patients. The gastric procedure did not change the glicemic control.

Duodenal switch without gastric resection after failed gastric restrictive surgery for morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND: Several surgical treatments have been proposed for patients in whom gastric restrictive operations have failed. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness and safety of duodenal switch (DS) with restoration of normal gastric capacity in such patients. METHODS: Between May 2001 and May 2003, 11 DS with restoration of normal gastric capacity were performed without other gastric procedures in patients who had had previous gastric restrictive operations which had failed because of inadequate weight loss or weight regain. Data were collected and follow-up was 2 years for all patients. RESULTS: At the original operation, mean BMI was 47.3 (range 38-53) kg/m2, and mean age was 42 years. 7 of the 11 patients (63.6%) had previous vertical banded gastroplasty, and 4 of the 11 (36.4%) had previous laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Mean percentage weight regain and mean BMI at the time of DS were 92.1% and 44.6 (range 35-53) kg/m2 respectively. After the second operation, mean BMI at 6 months was 35.4 kg/m2, at 12 months 31.7 kg/m2 and at 24 months 28.6 kg/m2. The % excess weight loss was 41.1 after 6 months, 56.6 after 12 months and 69.6 after 2 years. There was minor morbidity and no mortality. CONCLUSION: After this experience, we suggest that patients with failed gastric restrictive operations (weight regain or inadequate weight loss) may undergo DS with restoration of normal gastric capacity. This second operation proved to be safe and effective.

Near-zero difficult tracheal intubation and tracheal intubation failure rate with the "Besta Airway Algorithm" and "Glidescope® in morbidly obese" (GLOBE).

BACKGROUND: Unpredicted Difficult Tracheal Intubation (DTI) with Macintosh occurs frequently in obese patients. We investigated the incidence of DTI using an algorithm based on preoperative assessment with the El-Ganzouri Risk Index (EGRI) and Glidescope® routine use. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled morbidly obese patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Patients were scheduled for Glidescope® intubation under general anesthesia if EGRI was <7 or awake Flexible Fiber-optic Intubation if EGRI was ≥7. The primary outcome was the DTI rate, defined as Cormack and Lehane grades ≥III, Intubation Difficulty Scale >5 and modified Intubation Difficulty Scale >5. Secondary outcomes included intubation success on the first attempt, the Time to Cormack, the time to intubation, failure to intubate, oxygen desaturation and difficult ventilation. RESULTS: Of the 214 patients enrolled, 212 (99%) were intubated with Glidescope® and 2 (1%) with awake Flexible Fiber-optic Intubation (one electively, one after a Glidescope® failure). There were no cases of DTI assessed using Cormack and Lehane and Intubation Difficulty Scale, and 3 cases (1.4%; 95% CI 0.45-4.29%) assessed using modified Intubation Difficulty Scale. Of the 213 patients intubated with Glidescope®, 185 (87%) had successful intubation on the first attempt. Mean Time to Cormack and time to intubation were 13.1 (SD 9.6) and 38.1 seconds (SD 21.1) respectively. We had one case (0.5%) of failed Glidescope® intubation and no cases of clinically significant complications. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of DTI and Intubation Failure was reduced to near-zero using Glidescope® and the Besta Airway Algorithm in this sample of morbidly obese patients.

[Giant intrathyroidal parathyroid cyst with hyperparathyroidism: a case report]. / Voluminosa cisti paratiroidea intratiroidea determinante iperparatiroidismo. Caso clinico.

Parathyroid cysts are rare lesions. A correct pre-operative diagnosis is rarely formulated. The Authors report a case of young woman with hyperparathyroidism do to a giant intrathyroidal parathyroid cyst. Aetiology, diagnosis and management are discussed.

Biliopancreatic diversion with transient gastroplasty and duodenal switch: long-term results of a multicentric study.

BACKGROUND: Over the years, several modifications of the Scopinaro biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) have been proposed. This retrospective study reported the results of 15 years of follow-up after open BPD coupled with a type of transient gastroplasty (TG) and duodenal switch (DS), termed BPD-TG with DS. METHODS: Data were analyzed for 874 patients operated on between January 1993 and May 2010 in 3 different surgical departments. RESULTS: The median preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 52 kg/m² (range, 35-63). Comorbidities present were hypertension (57%), hypercholesterolemia (87%), hypertriglyceridemia (53%), type 2 diabetes (35%), and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS; 9%). The mean follow-up was 11.9 ± 3.1 years. The median BMI decreased to 33.9 after 1 year from bariatric surgery, 31.1 after 2-5 years, 30.9 after 5-10 years, and 31.2 kg/m² after 10-15 years. Overall, 67% of diabetic patients were able to stop insulin and 97% were able to stop oral hypoglycemic drugs within 1 year. Blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and cholesterol levels became normal in >96% of patients within 1 year. OSAS was resolved within 8 months in all cases. One year postoperatively, but absent thereafter, we observed severe hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin <3 g/dL) in 1.7% of patients and severe iron-deficiency anemia in 1.9%. Incisional hernias were recorded in 30% and anastomotic ulcers in 2.4% of cases. Mortality was null. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest considering BPD-TG with DS as a viable bariatric operation, with its excellent long-term outcome in terms of weight loss, improvement of obesity-related diseases, and quality of life.

Preoperative prediction of growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis modification and postoperative changes in candidates for bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Several factors alter the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis in obese patients, but GH/IGF-1 correlation with anthropometric parameters and lipid metabolism is still unclear. We evaluated this relationship and the postoperative axis modifications in candidates for bariatric surgery. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients (males/females (M/F), 34/54) scheduled for bariatric surgery (biliopancreatic diversion or laparoscopic-adjustable gastric banding) between 2008 and 2010 were included in this observational, open, prospective study. RESULTS: Preoperative serum GH concentrations were found near the lowest limit of normal range in both sexes, with males showing the lowest values (130 vs. 1,405 pg/ml; p < 0.01). Serum concentrations of IGF-1 were within the normal range (M/F, 179/168.5 ng/ml), whereas IGF-binding protein (BP)1 and 3 values were at the lowest limits of normal range in both sexes (M/F 1.8/3.1 µg/ml and M/F 4.1/4.2 µg/ml, respectively). A statistically significant inverse correlation was found between GH, IGF-1, and IGF-BP1-3 values and total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides values in both sexes. GH and IGF-BP1-3 values were also inversely related to waist circumference and waist/hip ratio (WHR). GH, IGF-1, and IGF-BP1 and 3 values (35 cases) increased 1 year postoperatively in both sexes, mainly after malabsorptive procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the hypothesis that GH deficiency associated with low levels of binding proteins in obese patients may be an endocrine response to visceral fat and high levels of non-esterified fatty acids, assessable in daily clinical practice by WHR, total and LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. In these patients, malabsorptive procedures might be the treatment of choice due to the metabolic adaptations induced.

Oral liquid L-thyroxine (L-t4) may be better absorbed compared to L-T4 tablets following bariatric surgery.

Drug malabsorption is a potential concern after bariatric surgery. We present four case reports of hypothyroid patients who were well replaced with thyroxine tablets to euthyroid thyrotropin (TSH) levels prior to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. These patients developed elevated TSH levels after the surgery, the TSH responded reversibly to switching from treatment with oral tablets to a liquid formulation.

Morbid obesity in women is associated to a lower prevalence of thyroid nodules.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have recently showed functional and morphological changes of the thyroid gland in relation to obesity. To our knowledge, no data are available about the prevalence of thyroid nodules in female obese patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of thyroid nodules in morbidly obese women. METHODS: One hundred eight consecutive female obese patients were selected from those referred to our medical and surgery outpatients providing that following criteria were satisfied: (1) affected by morbid obesity (body mass index (BMI) >40 kg/m(2)); (2) no previous diagnosis of thyroid disease; (3) biochemically proven euthyroid state at the time of recruitment. Ninety-seven control subjects, constituted by normo-weight and/or slightly overweight (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m(2)) women, should satisfy the above criteria 2 and 3. All the subjects were submitted to ultrasound investigation. RESULTS: The two groups of patients displayed no differences for age and fT4 levels. Obese patients clearly showed a lower prevalence of thyroid nodules [odds ratio 0.294, 95% confidence interval 0.206-0.382]. A single nodule was found in 23% of obese patients as compared to 65% of control subjects (p < 0.0001). No difference for age (year) was found between obese and non-obese subjects with nodules (40.5 ± 8.2 vs. 44.2 ± 8.9, respectively, p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Our data clearly show a significantly lower prevalence of thyroid nodules in morbidly obese patients. Further studies are needed to confirm and to understand this first observation.

High incidence of appendix carcinoid tumors among candidates for bariatric surgery: diagnostic and therapeutic implications.

Although the appendix has been recognized as a preferential site for carcinoid tumors in obese patients, no definitive guidelines are so far available regarding the management of these patients when candidates for bariatric surgery. This study was designed to fill that gap. Between 2000-2008, 558 patients underwent bariatric procedures. Appendectomy was routinely performed in 477 cases. Their charts were retrospectively retrieved and histopathology responses on surgical specimens were recorded. We aimed to assess: incidence of appendix carcinoid tumors (ACTs) and any possible risk-factor; modality of diagnosis (pre-, intra- or post-operatively); impact on the planned bariatric procedure; treatment reserved to such cases. Typical ACTs were diagnosed in 7 patients (1.4%) (median age: 33 years; median BMI: 49 kg/m²; males/females: 1/6). Four were diagnosed intra-operatively. Because of dimensions (<2 cm) and absence of mesoappendiceal or serosal involvement, simple appendectomy was performed during bariatric procedure, as planned. Three were diagnosed post-operatively (all <2 cm). In 1 case right hemicolectomy was performed 1 month later due to mesoappendiceal involvement. No appendectomy-related complication was encountered. All patients remained tumor-free during follow-up (mean: 64 months; range, 25-92). Young age, female sex, high BMI and diabetes mellitus resulted significantly associated with ACT. Our study sustains routine appendectomy or at least careful investigation of the appendix during bariatric surgery. For tumors <2 cm without mesoappendiceal or serosal involvement, simple appendectomy proved sufficient. Bariatric surgery did not have a negative effect on the treatment of malignancies that are discovered intra- or post-operatively.

Long-term results of biliopancreatic diversion with or without gastric preservation for morbid obesity.

We aimed at comparing our long-term results after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) with or without gastric preservation for morbid obesity. Between 1999 and 2009, we performed 540 BPD: 287 patients (group A) underwent BPD with distal gastric resection (BPD-AHS) and 253 (group B) underwent BPD associated with transitory vertical gastroplasty (TGR) with duodenal switch (DS). The results have been analyzed in terms of weight loss, improvement of comorbidities, and quality of life (Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System). The mean follow-up was 7.4 ± 2.9 years. One year after surgery, mean initial excess weight loss percentage was 69% for patients in group A (n = 287) and 65% for group B (n = 253); after 2-5 years, it was 74% for patients who underwent BPD-AHS (n = 130) and 75% for patients who underwent BPD-TGR-DS (n = 116); it was 71% and 74% for patients in group A (n = 157) and B (n = 137), respectively, followed up for >5 years (P = 0.27). Among the diabetic patients in both groups (191 patients), 64% discontinued the medication with insulin (P = 0.25), and 98% had stopped oral drugs within 1 year from surgery (P = 0.29). We did not observe deficiencies of vitamins and proteins. The overall incidence of incisional hernias was 38% (P = 0.35). We recorded 13 anastomotic ulcers (2.4%; P = 0.28). BPD represents, in spite of the side effects, an effective technique for treatment of morbid obesity and its associated diseases. Moreover, our results showed that patients who underwent BPD-TGR-DS had slightly better results in terms of postoperative metabolic complications and improvement in quality of life.

Effects of weight loss on structural and functional alterations of subcutaneous small arteries in obese patients.

Structural alterations of subcutaneous small resistance arteries, as indicated by an increased media:lumen ratio, are frequently present in hypertensive and/or diabetic patients and may represent the earliest alteration observed. In addition, media:lumen ratios of small arteries have a strong prognostic significance. However, no data are available about the structure of small resistance arteries of obese patients, particularly after weight loss. We have investigated 27 patients with severe obesity. Twelve of them were normotensive, and 15 were hypertensive. All of the obese patients underwent bariatric surgery. We compared results obtained with those observed in 13 normotensive lean controls and in 13 hypertensive lean patients. All of the subjects and patients underwent a biopsy of subcutaneous fat during surgical intervention. In 8 obese patients, a second biopsy was obtained after consistent weight loss, during a surgical intervention for abdominoplasty. Subcutaneous small resistance arteries were dissected and mounted on a wire myograph, and structural parameters were measured. A concentration-response curve to acetylcholine was performed to evaluate endothelial function. Obese patients, independent from the presence of hypertension, show the presence of an increased media:lumen ratio and media cross-sectional area, together with an impaired endothelial-dependent vasodilatation. After surgical correction of obesity and consistent weight loss, a significant improvement of microvascular structure and of some oxidative stress/inflammation markers were observed. In conclusion, our data suggest that the presence of obesity is associated with structural alterations of subcutaneous small resistance arteries, mainly characterized by hypertrophic remodeling. Weight loss may improve microvascular structure.

Clinical appraisal of 99m technetium-sestamibi SPECT/CT compared to conventional SPECT in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and concomitant nodular goiter.

BACKGROUND: Although 99m Technetium-sestamibi scintigraphy with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and, recently, hybrid SPECT/computed tomography (CT) have been claimed to be the preoperative methods of choice for parathyroid localization in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and concomitant nodular goiter (NG), they have never been compared in this setting. We aimed at testing the hypothesis that SPECT/CT may be superior to SPECT for parathyroid localization in patients with PHPT and NG. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with PHPT and NG (one or more nodular lesions based on cervical ultrasound) who underwent open parathyroidectomy during 2004-2009 were reviewed. All patients had preoperative 99m Tc-sestamibi planar scintigraphy and SPECT (18 patients) or SPECT/CT (15 patients) after cervical ultrasound. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) (for both correct neck side and quadrant identification) were calculated for the two procedures through comparison with intraoperative findings. In addition, operative times were assessed if the surgery was only for PHPT and not for the six patients who also had thyroidectomy. RESULTS: The sensitivity of SPECT/CT for correctly identifying the neck side containing an abnormal parathyroid was 93.7% versus 80% for SPECT (p = 0.21, not significant [ns]). The specificity and PPV for this attribute were 92.9% and 93.7%, respectively, for SPECT/CT versus 87.5% and 88.9%, respectively, for SPECT (p = 0.75 and 0.8, ns). SPECT/CT showed higher sensitivity than SPECT (87.5% vs. 55.6%; p = 0.0001) and higher PPV (87.5% vs. 62.5%; p = 0.0022) for correctly identifying the neck quadrant affected by PHPT. The specificity for this was 95.5% for SPECT/CT versus 88.5% for SPECT (p = 0.26, ns). Mean operative time was shorter after SPECT/CT than after SPECT (38 vs. 56 minutes; p = 0.034). One of the patients having SPECT/CT had double adenomas, and two had ectopic parathyroid glands, all of which were recognized preoperatively by this technique. Two of the patients having SPECT had double adenomas, and two had ectopic glands, none of which were recognized preoperatively. No patient had persistent or recurrent PHPT. CONCLUSIONS: SPECT/CT is superior to SPECT for preoperative imaging of patients with PHPT and NG. We recommend the routine use of SPECT/CT for work-up of all such patients, particularly if minimally invasive parathyroid surgery is planned.