Lap band outcomes from 19,221 patients across centers and over a decade within the state of New York.

INTRODUCTION: We sought to determine the rate of revision and explant of the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) over a ten-year period in the state of New York. METHODS: Following IRB approval, the SPARCS administrative database was used to identify LAGB placement from 2004 to 2010. We tracked patients who underwent band placement with subsequent removal/revision, followed by conversion to either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYBG) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) between 2004 and 2013. McNemar test and Chi-square test were used to compare complications between primary procedure and subsequent revision and to compare complication rates and mortality rates, respectively. Log-rank test was used to assess patient characteristics and comorbidities. p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: During a 7-year period, there were 19,221 records of LAGB placements and 6567 records of revisions or removal. We were able to follow up 3158 (16.43 %) who subsequently underwent a band removal or revision over the course of this period. An additional 3606 patients had no records in the state of New York following the procedure, thus making the rate of revision 20.22 %. Initial revision procedures were coded as band removal in 32.77 % (n = 1035), band revision in 30.53 % (n = 964), band removal and replacement in 19.09 % (n = 603), removal and conversion to SG in 5.64 % (n = 178), or removal and conversion to RYGB in 11.97 % (n = 378). From the 3158 patients, 2515 (79.64 %) required only one revision. Six hundred and forty-three patients underwent two or more revisions. Thirty-one out of 3158 (0.0098 %) patients had complications at their initial operation, but 919 (29.1 %) had complications during revision (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Over a 7-year period, at least 20.22 % of LAGB required removal or revision. Based on all case numbers, total revision rate may be as high as 34.2 %. Although the band is believed to be a reversible procedure, revisional procedures are significantly more morbid than the initial procedure.

Laparoscopic repair of gastro-duodenal fistula secondary to band erosion.

Laparoscopic gastric banding is one of the most common surgical treatments for morbid obesity performed worldwide. The procedure, however, has many well-documented risks and complications, including band erosion. We present here a gastric banding patient who was referred to our tertiary care centre after secondarily forming an entero-enteric fistula with complaints of pain, nausea, vomiting and severe reflux. She was successfully treated with laparoscopic dissection and due to her existing anatomy, and the patient's desire for continued weight loss, she was converted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

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

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

First-year weight loss following gastric band surgery predicts long-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) continues to be a valid surgical treatment option to address severe obesity. However, outcomes are varied and can be difficult to predict. Early prediction of suboptimal weight loss following LAGB may enable adjustments to postoperative care and consequently improve surgical outcomes. Therefore, our aim is to investigate the prognostic utility of using early weight loss following LAGB to predict long-term weight outcomes. METHODS: Clinical data from patients undergoing LAGB between 2001 and 2007 at a single institution were retrospectively collected and analysed. The data was used to inform a model for predicting long-term weight loss after LAGB surgery. Percent total weight loss (%TWL) greater than 20% 1 year after surgery was considered a measurement of success since it has been associated with the improvement of comorbidities and increased patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The average %TWL 1 year after LAGB surgery was 23.73% (n = 1524, SD = 8.68%). Weight loss of less than 10% in 1 year was a negative predictor of weight loss >20% in 8-12 years (OR = 0.449; p = 0.002; 95% CI = 0.272-0.742). Moreover, weight loss >20% in 1 year was a strong predictor of weight loss >20% in 8-12 years (OR = 5.33; p < 0.001; 95% CI = 3.17-8.97). CONCLUSION: Total body weight reduction of less than 10% 1 year after LAGB surgery suggests a lesser weight loss at 8-12 years. For these patients, targeted interventions would be appropriate to increase the chances of long-term success.

Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy for the Management of Achalasia in a Patient with Prior Lap Band, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Achalasia after bariatric surgery is a rare pathological entity. Nonetheless, several cases have been described in literature. Per oral endoscopic myotomy has recently emerged as the preferred approach for the management of esophageal motility disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report a video case of POEM performed in a female patient with prior multiple bariatric surgical procedures. In her past medical history, she underwent to laparoscopic lap band, sleeve gastrectomy, and Roux-Y-gastric bypass. RESULTS: POEM was carried out without complication. Myotomy was performed only for 1 cm below the cardias due to the presence of the gastro-jejunal anastomosis. Post-operative course was uneventful and oral diet was restarted after one day. At 2 months follow-up, the patient is asymptomatic with no weight regain. CONCLUSION: We report the first case of POEM after three different bariatric surgical procedure. Fibrosis due to prior interventions did not hampered POEM procedure, and the shorter myotomy due to the presence of small gastric pouch did not reduced its efficacy.

Endoscopic Management of Bariatric Surgery Complications According to a Standardized Algorithm.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopy is effective in management of bariatric surgery (BS) adverse events (AEs) but a comprehensive evaluation of long-term results is lacking. Our aim is to assess the effectiveness of a standardized algorithm for the treatment of BS-AE. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 1020 consecutive patients treated in our center from 2012 to 2020, collecting data on demographics, type of BS, complications, and endoscopic treatment. Clinical success (CS) was evaluated considering referral delay, healing time, surgery, and complications type. Logistic regression was performed to identify variables of CS. RESULTS: In the study period, we treated 339 fistulae (33.2%), 324 leaks (31.8%), 198 post-sleeve gastrectomy twist/stenosis (19.4%), 95 post-RYGB stenosis (9.3 %), 37 collections (3.6%), 15 LAGB migrations (1.5%), 7 weight regains (0.7%), and 2 hemorrhages (0.2%). Main endoscopic treatments were as follows: pigtail-stent positioning under endoscopic view for both leaks (CS 86.1%) and fistulas (CS 77.2%), or under EUS-guidance for collections (CS 88.2%); dilations and/or stent positioning for sleeve twist/stenosis (CS 80.6%) and bypass stenosis (CS 81.5%). After a median (IQR) follow-up of 18.5 months (4.29-38.68), complications rate was 1.9%. We found a 1% increased risk of redo-surgery every 10 days of delay to the first endoscopic treatment. Endoscopically treated patients had a more frequent regular diet compared to re-operated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment of BS-AEs following a standardized algorithm is safe and effective. Early endoscopic treatment is associated with an increased CS rate.

Endoscopic Stents in the Management of Bariatric Complications: Our Algorithm and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic techniques can provide an alternative to surgery in the management of post-bariatric surgery complications such as leaks, strictures, fistulas, and erosion of transgastric and adjustable gastric bands. Endoscopically placed stents can also be used to manage gastric perforations secondary to NSAIDS or perforated marginal ulcers following gastric bypass surgery. Additionally, stents can be used in conjunction with operative intervention to decrease the risk of more deleterious complications that could require additional operations. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this report is to describe our private practice experience in managing bariatric procedure complications with fully covered endoscopic stents. We present the algorithm we use in the application of endoscopic stents in the management of complications following bariatric surgery. SETTING: Private practice, Single provider, Tertiary Referral Center, USA METHODS: Data for all patients who underwent endoscopic stent placement for complications after various bariatric surgeries (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, lap band, and vertical banded gastroplasty) performed by several different surgeons between July 2015 and December 2018 at a single private practice were retrospectively reviewed. Patient's medical history, perioperative information, stent placement details, outcomes, and subsequent interventions were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients who were treated with endoscopic stents after bariatric surgery were identified. Complications after bariatric surgery treated with stenting included staple line leaks, anastomotic leaks, strictures, marginal ulcer perforations, gastrogastric fistula, and lap band erosion repairs. Mean duration of each stent round also varied. Resolution occurred in 33 patients (94.3%). Stent migration occurred in seven patients (20%) and in eight of 51 stents placed (15.7%). Two patients ultimately required revision surgery, though only one was related to stent (2.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that foregut stents deployed according to our algorithm can facilitate healing of anastomotic leaks, staple line leaks, and marginal ulcer perforations. Furthermore, stent placement can also bolster tenuous repairs of band erosion sites, repairs staple line failure, and manages leaks at band erosion repair sites. Endoscopic stents can also be utilized to augment both balloon and savory dilation of gastric anastomoses and gastric sleeve strictures. Stents should be clipped proximally and distally to minimize the risk of migration.

Systematic review of management of gallbladder disease in patients undergoing minimally invasive bariatric surgery.

The introduction and subsequent widespread adaptation of minimally invasive approaches for bariatric surgery have not only changed the outcomes of bariatric surgery but also called into question the management of co-morbid surgical conditions, in particular gallbladder disease. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Foregut Committee performed a systematic review of the published literature from 1995-2018 on management of gallbladder disease in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The papers reviewed generated the following results. (1) Routine prophylactic cholecystectomy at the time of bariatric surgery is not recommended. (2) In symptomatic patients who are undergoing bariatric surgery, concomitant cholecystectomy is acceptable and safe. (3) Ursodeoxycholic acid may be considered for gallstone formation prophylaxis during the period of rapid weight loss. (4) Routine preoperative screening and postoperative surveillance ultrasound is not recommended in asymptomatic patients. In the era of minimally invasive surgery, the management of gallbladder disease in patients undergoing bariatric surgery continues to evolve.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band Slippage Presenting as Chest Pain.

With the increasing popularity of bariatric procedures, complications are also more commonly seen. In this case, the authors discuss the case of a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (lap band) that slipped from its correct position, diagnosed via plain radiographs. The patient was admitted for gastroenterology consultation and subsequently had her lap band fixed.

Laparoscopic Revision of Failed Bariatric Procedures.

BACKGROUND: The main indications for revision of bariatric surgery are inadequate weight loss, weight regain, or complications. The objective of revision is to restore the restrictive component and/or add a malabsorptive component. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of revisional laparoscopic bariatric surgery for loss of weight and assess the risks and benefits associated with these technically demanding procedures. METHODS: Revision cases performed between 2001 and 2013 were identified and grouped according to the primary procedure and type of revision. A retrospective analysis was carried out for weight loss as well as perioperative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: The total of 271 patients underwent revisional laparoscopic surgery during the study period and were categorized into four groups. Group 1 (n = 67) had an adjustable gastric band converted to gastric bypass (GBP). Group 2 (n = 128) had a dilated gastric pouch after GBP and underwent pouch reduction. Group 3 (n = 57) had a GBP and underwent pouch reduction and elongation of the biliopancreatic limb. Group 4 (n = 19) had a vertical banded gastroplasty converted to a GBP. The mean total body weight loss for Groups 1 to 4 was 35.3%, 22.9%, 39.4%, and 33.2%, respectively. The average operative times were 185, 75, 142, and 205 minutes; and the average hospitalization was 1.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 2.5 days, respectively. All cases were completed laparoscopically. Concomitant procedures were liver biopsy, cholecystectomy, partial gastrectomy, hiatal, ventral, and internal hernia repairs. Complication rates were 2.9%, 0%, 3.5%, and 5.2% for each of the groups and there were no mortalities. CONCLUSION: Results of revisional bariatric surgery vary depending on the original procedure and the reasons for revision. In particular, if the main reason for reoperation is inadequate weight loss, then the burden is to demonstrate a surgically correctable deficiency. Revisional procedures incorporating malabsorption result in greater weight loss than gastric restriction alone.

Adjustable gastric banded plication versus sleeve gastrectomy: the role of gastrectomy in weight loss.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banded plication (LAGBP) is a procedure that has a stomach volume similar to the sleeve gastrectomy (SG). It has shown promising results but has not been adopted widely. OBJECTIVE: To determine the difference gastrectomy has on weight loss and complications. SETTING: Private practice, United States. METHODS: A retrospective, matched-cohort analysis of LAGBP and SG patients was found through matching body mass index and sex for each LAGBP to a SG patient. Body mass index, percentage excess weight loss, and total weight loss percentage were analyzed. Complication data were also collected on a short- (<30 d) and long- (>30 d) term basis. Complication rates were then compared. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Patients who received SG lost more body mass index, percentage excess weight loss, and total weight loss percentage at 1 year and started to gain weight between 1 and 2 years. LAGBP patients weight loss also peaked at 1 year but maintained their weight loss to year 2. SG patients lost more weight at all time points, and the difference was statistically significant (P<.05). LAGBP and SG patients had statistically similar rates of short- and long-term complication rates. In the LAGBP group (57 patients) 5, 9, 13, 14, 14, and 17 patients were lost to follow-up at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively. In the SG group (57 patients) 11, 10, 11, 13, 20, and 29 patients were lost to follow-up at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both procedures have peak weight loss at 1 year with acceptable complication rates. However, the SG starts to regain weight while the LAGBP shows weight stability. More time is needed to see if the weight loss curves will intersect or if the late band complications will also happen with the LAGBP as they have with band placement without plication.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding in Australian Adolescents: Should It Be Done?

OBJECTIVE: There are very few studies on laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in obese adolescents with follow up for more than 36 months, let alone good prospective data beyond 24 months in Australian adolescents. We aimed to evaluate medium term (>36 months) safety and efficacy of LAGB in adolescents with severe obesity. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study (March 2009-December 2015) in one tertiary referral hospital including obese adolescents (14-18 years) with a body mass index (BMI) >40 (or ≥35 with comorbidities) who consented to have LAGB. Exclusion criteria were syndromal causes of obesity, depression and oesophageal motility disorders. Main outcome measures include change in weight and BMI at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months post LAGB; postoperative complications; and admissions. RESULTS: Twenty-one adolescents (median [interquartile range (IQR)] 17.4 [16.5-17.7] years, 9 males, mean ± SD BMI 47.3 ± 8.4 kg/m2) had a median follow up of 45.5 [32-50] months post LAGB. Follow up data were available for 16 adolescents. Weight and BMI improved significantly at all follow up times (all p < 0.01). The median maximum BMI loss was 10 [7.1-14.7] kg/m2. There were four minor early complications. Seven bands were removed due to weight loss failure/regain (two had also obstructive symptoms). CONCLUSIONS: We have shown in the longest prospective LAGB postoperative follow up study of Australian adolescents that LAGB improves BMI in the majority of adolescents without significant comorbidities. LAGB is still a reasonable option to be considered as a temporary procedure to manage severe obesity during adolescence.

Endoscopic management of erosion after banded bariatric procedures.

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic materials wrapped around a portion of the stomach have been used to provide gastric restriction in bariatric surgery for many years. Intraluminal erosion of adjustable and nonadjustable gastric bands typically occurs many years after placement and results in various symptoms. Endoscopic management of gastric band erosion has been described and allows for optimal patient outcomes. OBJECTIVES: We will describe our methods and experience with endoscopic management of intraluminal gastric band erosions after bariatric procedures. SETTING: University hospital in the United States. METHODS: A retrospective review of our bariatric surgery database identified patients undergoing removal of gastric bands. A chart review was then undertaken to confirm erosion of prosthetic material into the gastrointestinal tract. Baseline characteristics, operative reports, and follow-up data were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were identified with an eroded gastric band: 11 after banded gastric bypass, 3 after laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB), and 2 after vertical banded gastroplasty. All patients were successfully treated with endoscopic removal of the prosthetic materials using either endoscopic scissors or ligation of the banding material with off-label use of a mechanical lithotripter device. Complications included a postoperative gastrointestinal bleed requiring repeat endoscopy, 1 patient with asymptomatic pneumoperitoneum requiring observation, and 1 with seroma at the site of LAGB port removal. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic management of intraluminal prosthetic erosion after gastric banded bariatric procedures can be safe and effective and should be considered when treating this complication. Erosion of the prosthetic materials inside the gastric lumen allows for potential endoscopic removal without free intraabdominal perforation. Endoscopic devices designed for dividing eroded LAGBs may help standardize and increase utilization of this approach.

A Vertically Placed Clip for Weight Loss: a 39-Month Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity remains one of society's significant medical dilemmas. It is rapidly worsening and expected to affect 35% of the US population by the year 2020. Common current bariatric procedures exist and include, but not limited to, the adjustable gastric band, gastric bypass, and the sleeve gastrectomy. Although beneficial to morbidly obese patients, they also alter the patient's anatomy and involve resections, or require maintenance. The goal of the trial is to show a new minimally invasive vertical gastric clip technique that produces significant weight loss but requires no resection, no change in anatomy, and is reversible. METHODS: From November 2012 to February 2016, prospective collected data from 117 patients was included in the gastric clip trial. The clip consists of a silicone-covered titanium backbone with an inferior hinged opening that separates a medial lumen from an excluded lateral gastric pouch. The inferior opening allows the gastric juices to empty from the fundus and the body of the stomach into the distal antrum. RESULTS: Weight loss and comorbidities were evaluated among 117 patients over a 39-month period. 66.7% excess weight loss was seen with minimal adverse events. Average length of surgery was 69 min. Average length of stay was 1.3 days. Fifteen of the originally implanted clips were electively removed based on the original protocol, and the other two were removed for displacement of the device. CONCLUSION: The vertical, gastric clip trial has shown that excellent weight loss can be achieved without some of the complications seen with historical bariatric procedures. This clip is placed without requiring stapling, resection, malabsorption, change in anatomy, or maintenance. It is also easily reversible.

The Surgical Management of Obesity.

In the United States, more than one-third of the population is obese. Currently, bariatric surgery is the best known treatment for obesity, and multiple meta-analyses have shown bariatric surgery to be more effective for treating obesity than diet and exercise or pharmacologic treatment. The modern era of bariatric surgery began in 2005, which is defined by a drastic increase in the use of laparoscopy. Bariatric surgery has the potential to improve obesity-related comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnea. The effect of bariatric surgery on weight loss and comorbidities varies by the type of procedure.

Safety and effectiveness of LAP-BAND AP System: results of Helping Evaluate Reduction in Obesity (HERO) prospective registry study at 1 year.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has several distinctive features, including band adjustability, easy reversibility, and lack of malabsorption, which contribute to its widespread use. The LAP-BAND AP System (LBAP; Allergan, Inc.), a redesigned and improved version of the original device, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2006. Because of limited information on LBAP, this study prospectively assesses the efficacy and safety of LBAP in real-world settings at clinical centers located in North America, Europe, and Australia. STUDY DESIGN: This interim report of the ongoing 5-year prospective, observational, international, multicenter registry, Helping Evaluate Reduction in Obesity (HERO) Study (NCT00953173), describes clinical efficacy and safety of LBAP in real-world settings at 1 year. RESULTS: One thousand one hundred and six patients were implanted with LBAP and 1-year data were available from 834 patients for efficacy analysis. At 1 year, the mean (SD) percentage of excess weight loss was 39.8% (22.3%), of weight loss was 16.9% (9.0%), and the mean (SD) body mass index decreased to 37.7 (7.0) kg/m(2) from 45.1 (6.9) kg/m(2) at baseline. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus or hypertension showed significant improvements at 1 year post LBAP (both p < 0.005). The most common device-related complications were port displacement (n = 20 [1.8%]), pouch dilation (n = 12 [1.1%]), band slippage (n = 7 [0.6%]), and band erosion (n = 5 [0.5%]). Eighteen (1.6%) patients had the device explanted. CONCLUSIONS: At 1 year post LBAP, progressive weight loss was associated with improvement and/or resolution of comorbid conditions and was safe and well tolerated. Patient follow-up continues.

Deep venous thrombosis in lap band surgery: a single center study.

Bariatric surgery has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for morbid obesity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence of pre- and post-operative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in Lap-Band surgical patients. This study group comprised 56 consecutive patients who underwent Lap-Band surgery. Mean age and body mass index were 38 years (range: 18-64 years) and 50.9 kg/m(2) (range: 53-74 kg/m(2)), respectively. All the patients were screened with duplex ultrasonography pre- and post-operatively. There were no iliac, femoral, or popliteal vein thromboses detected at any given point of time. No patient had any clinical signs or symptoms of DVT post-operatively. There were no observable differences attributable to DVT prophylaxis. This data suggest that in the setting of chemical and mechanical prophylaxis, the incidence of DVT in patients undergoing Lap-Band surgery at an established bariatric centre is minimal.