The Impact of Race on Weight Loss After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

Background Gastric bypass surgery for morbid obesity has dramatically increased in volume over the past decade. Caucasian patients have been noted previously to lose more weight after bariatric surgery than African-Americans patients. Data regarding predictors of maintaining weight loss after surgery are minimal. We sought to determine predictors of long-term weight loss after bariatric surgery. Methods Retrospective analysis using a multivariate logistic regression model of all patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina from May 1993 to December 2004 for whom 2 years of follow-up data was available. Our dependent variable was the percentage of weight lost from baseline, dichotomized at ±35%. Our primary independent variable was race, defined as Caucasian, African-American, or other. Relevant covariates were added to the model to control for their potential effects on outcome. Results One hundred eleven patients (17 male/94 female; 85% Caucasian, mean age 44 years (range 18–68 years). In our model, Caucasian subjects (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 7.60, 95% confidence intervals [95%CI] = 1.83–31.5) and late post surgical complications (adjusted OR = 2.67, 95%CI = 1.05–6.80) significantly predicted weight loss at 2 years, after controlling for relevant confounders. Other covariates did not significantly impact the model. Conclusion Race and late post surgical complications significantly impacted the percentage of weight loss at 2 years for patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery at our institution. Future research should be directed at determining potential genetic and/or social reasons for these differences.     

Anterior thoracoscopic surgery followed by posterior instrumentation and fusion in spinal deformity

Many authors believe thoracoscopic surgery is associated with a lower level of morbidity compared to thoracotomy, for anterior release or growth arrest in spinal deformity. Others believe that anterior release achieved thoracoscopically is not as effective as that achieved with the open procedure. We evaluated the clinical results, radiological correction and morbidity following anterior thoracoscopic surgery followed by posterior instrumentation and fusion, to see whether there is any evidence for either of these beliefs. Twenty-nine patients undergoing thoracoscopic anterior release or growth arrest followed by posterior fusion and instrumentation were evaluated from a clinical and radiological viewpoint. The mean follow-up was 2 years (range 1–4 years). The average age was 16 years (range 5–26 years). The following diagnoses were present: idiopathic scoliosis (n = 17), neuromuscular scoliosis (n = 2), congenital scoliosis (n = 1), thoracic hyperkyphosis (n = 9). All patients were satisfied with cosmesis following surgery. Twenty scoliosis patients had a mean preoperative Cobb angle of 65.1° (range 42°–94°) for the major curve, with an average flexibility of 34.5% (42.7°). Post operative correction to 31.5° (50.9%) and 34.4° (47.1%) at maximal follow-up was noted. For nine patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis, the Cobb angle averaged 81° (range 65°–96°), with hyperextension films showing an average correction to 65°. Postoperative correction to an average of 58.6° was maintained at 59.5° at maximal follow-up. The average number of released levels was 5.1 (range 3–7) and the average duration of the thoracoscopic procedure was 188 min (range 120–280 min). There was a decrease in this length of time as the series progressed. No neurologic or vascular complications occurred. Postoperative complications included four recurrent pneumothoraces, one surgical emphysema, and one respiratory infection. Thoracoscopic anterior surgery appears a safe and effective technique for the treatment of paediatric and adolescent spinal deformity. A randomised controlled trial, comparing open with thoracoscopic methods, is required. Received: 11 October 1999 Revised: 20 April 2000 Accepted: 16 May 2000     

单孔胸腔镜胸膜纤维板剥脱术治疗慢性结核性脓胸

目的探讨单孔胸腔镜胸膜纤维板剥脱术治疗慢性结核性脓胸的手术方法和术后疗效。方法收集2019年3月至2019年12月期间在武汉市肺科医院外科行单孔胸腔镜纤维板剥脱术的53例慢性结核性脓胸患者的临床资料,其中男40例,女13例;年龄16~69岁,平均36岁。病变位于右侧36例,左侧17例;合并肺结核38例;术前抗结核药物治疗疗程2~24个月。所有患者术前胸腔积液或术后标本病原学和病理学检测确诊为结核性脓胸。阐述单孔胸腔镜纤维板剥脱术治疗慢性结核性脓胸的手术方法,评价其临床疗效。结果全组无围手术期死亡,治愈49例(92.45%)。术后发生并发症1例(1.89%),为术后胸腔出血致凝固性血胸,经延长胸腔引流时间,积血溶解排出后治愈。行单孔胸腔镜纤维板剥脱术49例(92.45%),中转开胸手术4例(7.55%)。手术100~370 min,平均(234.53±56.06)min。术中出血量50~1400 ml,中位出血量300(175.0,402.5)ml。胸腔引流管留置3~22天,中位时间8(6.00,11.25)天。结论在围手术期评估、治疗恰当和手术操作熟练的前提下,单孔胸腔镜胸膜纤维板剥脱术治疗慢性结核性脓胸可行、安全、有效。     

Oxidative stress in children on hemodialysis: value of autoantibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein

The principal causes of morbidity and mortality in children with chronic renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis are cardiovascular complications. Recently, it has been suggested that oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and malnutrition are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, to date, biomarkers of oxidative stress have not been well studied in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk factors in children on hemodialysis therapy. Twenty-eight hemodialysis patients (13 females, 15 males; mean age 15.1 ± 2.5 years) and 20 healthy children (13 females, seven males; mean age 14.3 ± 2.7 years) were included in the study. Levels of antibodies to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oLABs), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, and ferritin were measured. Antibodies to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in hemodialysis patients were lower than those in the controls (P < 0.05). The patients with lower oLAB titers had higher levels of hs-CRP and ratio of erythropoietin to hematocrit (EPO/Htc), and lower levels of albumin, prealbumin, apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA₁), and high-density lipoprotein (P < 0.05). Antibodies to oxidized LDL in hemodialysis patients with dyslipidemia were lower than those of patients with normal lipid profile (P < 0,05). This study showed that children treated by hemodialysis are exposed to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. We suggest that oLAB levels are decreased in children on hemodialysis as a result of severe oxidative stress and that these antibodies are related to inflammation, anemia, malnutrition and dyslipidemia.     

The Role of Arterio-Venous Shunt in the Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Hypertention in Patients with End-stage Renal Disease

Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is an overlooked cardiovascular morbidity in patients with end stage renal disease. The pathogenesis of PHT in this group of patients is not explained satisfactorily. The aim of our study to evaluate the prevalence and the role of AV shunt in pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertention. Our study included 58 patients with ESRD without a known cause of PHT who were either in the predialysis period (stage 1V CKD) (14 patients) or maintained on chronic hemodialysis (stage V CKD) (44 patients) in Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), Cairo, Egypt. In the chronic hemodialysis group, there were 27 males and 17 females with a mean age of 57.11 ± 12.31 years (range 28–65). In the predialysis group, there were 8 males and 6 females with a mean age 53.45 ± 9.41 years (range 28–66). Pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and cardiac output were evaluated by Doppler echocardiography in the 14 pre-dialysis patients without PHT few (4.3 ± 0.8) months after creation of AV fistula and in the 44 hemodialysis patients (33.6 ± 4.2 months) after creation of AV fistula within 1 h of completion of hemodialysis session. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) flow was measured by Doppler sonography. PHT (systolic PAP ≥35 mm Hg) was observed in 25 (56.8%) patients receiving hemodialysis with a mean systolic PAP of 46.4 ± 13.6 mm Hg. In the predialysis group after creation of AV fistula, PHT was found in 6 (42.9%) patients with a mean systolic PAP of 42.8 ± 12.8 mm Hg. The cardiac output and AV shunt flow were found to be increased in patients with elevated systolic PAP in both groups (p < 0.05). CRF duration and AV fistula duration were positively correlated with systolic PAP in patients receiving hemodialysis (p < 0.05). After compression of AV fistula in 11 hemodialysis patients, the mean value of PHT decreased (from 43.98 ± 15.6 to 33.22 ± 11.7 mm Hg). This study demonstrates a high prevalence of PHT among patients with ESRD in predialysis period after creation of AV fistula and on chronic HD via a surgical A-V fistula. Cardiac output, AV shunt flow and duration, and ESRD duration may be involved in the pathogenesis of PHT. The development of PHT following access formation represents a failure of the pulmonary circulation to accommodate the access-mediated elevated CO. Pre-dialysis patients scheduled for access formation should be screened for the presence of sub-clinical PHT.     

Outcomes After Urgent Thyroidectomy Following Rapid Control of Thyrotoxicosis in Graves’ Disease are Similar to Those After Elective Surgery in Well-Controlled Disease

Surgery for Graves’ disease (GD) is usually performed after adequate control with medical treatment. Occasionally, rapid pre-operative optimization is required. The primary objective was to compare the outcomes of patients undergoing elective surgery for well-controlled GD with those undergoing rapid pre-operative treatment. We also propose a formal treatment protocol for future use. A retrospective cohort study in a tertiary referral centre included 247 patients with well-controlled GD undergoing elective surgery and 19 patients with poorly controlled disease undergoing surgery after rapid optimization. The latter group did not respond well to thionamides (carbimazole and/or propylthiouracil) or had intolerance or side effects to thionamides and were treated with a range of non-thionamide drugs, including Lugol’s iodine, cholestyramine, beta blockers and steroids (with or without thionamides), and closely monitored for 1–2 weeks before surgery. Outcome measures included thyroid storm, hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. In total, 266 patients with male-to-female ratio of 1:6 and median (interquartile range) age of 39 (31–51) were included. Overall, long-term recurrent laryngeal palsy and hypoparathyroidism occurred in 1 (0.38%) and 13 (4.9%) patients, respectively. No patient had thyroid storm. There was no significant difference in hypoparathyroidism (p = 1), vocal cord palsy (p = 0.803) and post-operative bleeding (p = 0.362), between elective surgery and rapid optimization groups. Rapid pre-operative treatment is effective, safe and is associated with similar outcomes compared to usual treatment. A rapid pre-operative optimization protocol is proposed.     

Establishing Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Perioperative Outcome and Characteristics of the Learning Curve

Background  Bariatric surgery was established at several Norwegian hospitals in 2004. This study evaluates the perioperative outcome and the learning curves for two surgeons while introducing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Methods  Morbidly obese patients undergoing primary LRYGB were included. Lengths of surgery and postoperative hospital stay, and 30-day rates of morbidity, reoperations, and readmissions were set as indicators of the learning curve. Learning effects were evaluated by graphical analyses and comparing the first and last 40 procedures for both surgeons. Results  The 292 included patients had a mean age of 40.0 ± 9.5 years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 46.7 ± 5.3 kg/m². The mean length of surgery was 101 ± 55 min. Complications occurred in 43 patients (14.7%), with no conversions to open surgery in the primary procedure and no mortality. Reoperations were performed in 14 patients (4.8%), of which five patients required open surgery. The median length of stay was 3 days (range 1–77), and 19 patients (6.5%) were readmitted. High patient age, but not high BMI, was associated with an increased risk of complication. For both surgeons, lengths of surgery and hospital stay were significantly reduced (p < 0.001), leveling out after 100 procedures. Reductions in the rates of morbidity, reoperations and readmissions were not found. Conclusion  LRYGB was introduced with an acceptable morbidity rate and no mortality. Only the length of surgery and postoperative hospital stay were suitable indicators of a learning curve, which comprised about 100 cases.     

Risk factors and control of seizures in 778 Chinese patients undergoing initial resection of supratentorial meningiomas

This retrospective study explored the risk factors for the occurrence of seizures in the pre- and postoperative period in patients undergoing supratentorial meningiomas surgery to investigate those who are likely to benefit from prophylactic antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). We reviewed the medical records of 778 supratentorial meningiomas patients who were operated at our institution between 2011 and 2012. A total of 100 (12.9%) patients experienced preoperative seizures; 41 patients (5.3%) experienced postoperative in-hospital seizures, and 91 (13.5%, n = 673) patients experienced postoperative seizures after discharge. Multivariate analysis revealed that motor cortex involvement (odds ratio [OR] 3.243, P < 0.001) and peritumoral edema ≥ 1 cm (OR 3.936, P < 0.001) were significant risk factors of preoperative seizures. Whereas presenting with headache (OR 0.259, P < 0.001) and age ≥ 55 years at surgery (OR 0.514, P = 0.009) showed decreased incidence of preoperative seizures. The involvement of motor cortex (OR 3.290, P = 0.003), postoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) ≤ 70 (OR 5.389, P < 0.001), preoperative seizure (OR 4.003, P < 0.001), and occurrence of any medical/surgical complication (OR 3.925, P = 0.001) were significant risk factors for postoperative in-hospital seizures. Postoperative seizures after discharge were associated with tumor maximal diameter ≥ 3.5 cm (OR 1.903, P = 0.022), preoperative seizures (OR 4.350, P < 0.001), postoperative in-hospital seizures (OR 6.385, P < 0.001), and tumor recurrence/progression (OR 7.642, P < 0.001). The probability of seizure freedom in the 5-year follow-up was roughly 59% among patients with preoperative seizures, and 87% among patients without preoperative seizures. Cox regression analysis showed that tumor recurrence/progression (relative risk 2.987, 95% CI 1.517, 5.879, P = 0.002) was the only predictor of postoperative seizures in patients without a history of preoperative epilepsy. The use of postoperative prophylactic antiepileptic drug (AED) did not reduce the incidence of seizures in our analysis. Understanding the risk factors for seizures might help clinicians to predict their occurrence and develop effective anti-epileptic treatment strategies. Further prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the risk factors for seizures and the efficacy of AED prophylaxis.     

Reduced painful facial infiltration with mixture of lignocaine–bupivacaine in comparison to individual agents

The anecdotal use of lignocaine and bupivacaine mixture as local anaesthetics (LA) in minor surgical operations is increasingly popular, despite a lack of evidence to support this practice. The infiltration of LA is frequently identified as the most unpleasant aspect of the whole surgical procedure. This study compared the level of infiltration associated pain when 1% lignocaine, 0.25% bupivacaine and their 1:1 (v:v) mixture were used in patients undergoing minor facial procedure. A prospective, randomised study was carried out on patients undergoing minor facial procedure at the day surgery unit. The Visual Analogue Score (VAS) at the time of infiltration, injected volume and number of injections were recorded and analysed between groups. A total of 94 patients were recruited. The average volume of LA injected was 2.5 ± 1.9 ml and the average number of injections was 2.3 ± 1.5. The lignocaine–bupivacaine mixture (VAS = 3.1 ± 0.4) was identified as the least painful agent (p < 0.05), when compared to 1% lignocaine (VAS = 4.6 ± 0.4) and 0.25% bupivacaine (VAS = 6.4 ± 0.5). In this cohort, female patients consistently reported a lower VAS score for all groups, but this observation was not statistically significant (p > 0.05) when compared to male patients. The mixture of lignocaine and bupivacaine was associated with less pain during skin infiltration when compared to individual agents. Thus, we recommend its use in facial surgical procedures involving LA as this practice allows us to improve patients comfort during their surgery.     

Weight Loss and Body Composition During the First Postoperative Year of a Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass

Background Weight loss in patients undergoing gastric bypass should be primarily from fat mass (FM), minimizing the fat-free mass (FFM) loss. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in body weight and body composition during the first postoperative year in 50 morbidly obese patients undergoing a Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) at the Obesity Clinic of the ABC Medical Center. Methods Patient’s weight and body composition were obtained before surgery and 1 year later using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Weight, FM, FMM, and total body water (TBW) were measured before and 1 year after surgery. Changes in body composition were particularly analyzed. Results There were 29 females and 21 males with mean age of 41 ± 12 years. Mean BMI before surgery and 1 year after surgery was 44.4 ± 7.4 kg/m² and 28.3±4.3 kg/m², respectively. The percentage of excess body weight loss at the 1-year period was 86% for women and 79.6% for men. The percentage of FM before surgery was 47.7 ± 5.1, and 1 year later it was 28.8 ± 8. The percentage of FFM was 66.5 ± 16.5 before surgery and 58.3 ± 13 at 1 year. Conclusions There is a significant weight loss in patients undergoing LRYGBP. Weight loss mainly occurs as a consequence of reduction in the FM with less impact on the FFM.     

Gastric Bypass is not Associated with Protein Malnutrition in Morbidly Obese Patients

Background  Patients undergoing bariatric surgery with a gastric bypass lose about 66% of excess weight. Although this procedure induces weight loss, it is unknown whether it leads to protein malnutrition, which is studied here. Methods  One hundred ten obese patients (body mass index, 47.9 ± 8.6 kg/m²) undergoing gastric bypass had a measurement of plasma albumin and transthyretin (formerly prealbumin) and a calculation of nutritional risk index (NRI) before and throughout the 2 years following the surgery. Results  All but five patients lost more than 15% of initial weight; the mean loss of excess weight was 65.2 ± 26.4% at 2 years. Plasma concentrations of albumin and transthyretin decreased after surgery, but while albumin returned to initial values after 12 months, transthyretin remained low. Only one patient had an albumin below 30 g/l; another one had a transthyretin lower than 110 mg/l. All NRI scores were lower than 83.5 (62 ± 5, ranging 44–70), qualifying patients for severe malnutrition. Conclusion  Malnutrition is difficult to diagnose in obese patients undergoing surgery. The large weight loss is most often not associated with protein malnutrition. Whether gastric bypass induces protein malnutrition remains to be established.     

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery in the Treatment of Chronic Empyema Thoracis

We prospectively analyzed the surgical results in chronic organizing empyema thoracis utilizing a video-assisted thoracoscopic technique, particularly in debilitated patients. From January 1999 to September 2000, ten patients with stage III empyema thoracis underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for decortication (VATD). The mean age of the patients was 53.2 years, and they included one female and nine male patients. Four patients were regarded as not suitable for open thoracotomy. After the procedure, all patients had one infusion tube and two 32-F chest tubes inserted, the former for irrigation with saline solution and the latter for drainage. The mean operation time was 178 min. There was no mortality. The mean time to remove the infusion tube was 3.3 days. The mean time to remove the first chest tube was 7.1 days and the second chest tube 9.7 days. The mean hospitalization time after the operation was 14.9 days. The mean follow-up was 14.9 months. A restoration of lung function was ascertained in nine patients, with a 17.6% mean increase in forced vital capacity. There was no recurrence of empyema during the follow-up. Nevertheless, a reaccumulation of pleural effusion occurred in one patient 1 month after the procedure, which thus necessitated further treatment. VATD is considered to be a feasible surgical modality for the treatment of stage III empyema thoracis in selected patients. Received: January 22, 2001 / Accepted: July 17, 2001     

Fast-track concepts in routine pediatric surgery: a prospective study in 436 infants and children

Background and aims  The aim of this study was to investigate fast-track concepts in routine pediatric surgery in a university clinic over 1 year. Patients/methods  Fast-track concepts were established for procedures requiring hospital admission in patients up to 15 years of age. Patients were studied prospectively from June 2006 to June 2007. Results  Out of a total of 436 potentially suitable patients, 155 (36%) were finally treated following the protocols. The mean intensity of pain in children younger than 4 years (CHIPPS, 0–10) was 1.3 ± 1.5 the evening of the operation day and decreased to <1 at all other time points. The initial postoperative mean pain intensity in older children (Smiley/VAS, 1–10) was 3.7 ± 2.2 and decreased constantly thereafter. The mean hospital stay of fast-track patients was significantly shorter compared with German diagnosis-related group data (4.6 ± 2.9 versus 9.7 ± 3.8, p < 0.01). There were four (3%) readmissions for minor complications. At follow-up after 2 weeks, 95% of patients and parents judged fast-track care as excellent. Conclusion  Fast-track concepts are feasible in one third of pediatric patients undergoing routine in-hospital surgery. Fast-track pediatric surgery achieves accelerated convalescence, minimal hospital stay, and high patient and parent satisfaction.     

Abdominal Surgery Impact Scale (ASIS) is Responsive in Assessing Outcome Following IPAA

Purpose  Various generic and disease-specific quality of life instruments are available to assess outcome following surgery. However, they may not be sensitive to changes in outcome in the early postoperative period, which is important when assessing changes in surgical technique and perioperative care. The Abdominal Surgery Impact Scale (ASIS) is a validated instrument designed to assess short-term outcome following surgery. Thus, the aims of this study were to assess the impact of surgery on patients undergoing ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA), assess factors which might impact on outcome, and lastly, further evaluate the reliability and internal consistency of the ASIS. Methods  Patients over the age of 18 who had an IPAA between March 2005 and October 2007 completed the ASIS on postoperative day 3 and at the time of discharge. The ASIS contains 18 items within six domains with possible scores ranging from 18 to 126. Demographic, clinical and surgical data, postoperative complications, and length of stay were also recorded. Internal reliability of the ASIS was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results  Ninety-two patients (36 female, 56 male, mean age = 36.8 ± 10.8) completed the ASIS at two time intervals (mean 3 days and mean 7 days postoperatively). Forty-seven patients had an IPAA performed with an ileostomy; 11 patients had the IPAA performed laparoscopically. The mean hospital stay was 10.8 days. The overall mean ASIS score significantly increased over the two time periods (mean 56.9 ± 18.3 vs. 81.8 ± 17.3, p < 0.001). Patients who had an ileostomy had a significantly lower mean score at discharge (77.32 vs. 86.82), secondary to lower scores on the physical limitations, functional impairment, and visceral function domains. Seven (7.8%) patients had ileo-anal anastomotic leaks, and seven (7.8%) patients had small bowel obstructions. These patients had an increased length of stay, whereas patients having laparoscopic surgery had a significantly shorter length of stay (8.8 days vs. 11.1 days), but there was no significant difference in mean ASIS scores. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.94 overall and ranged from 0.69 to 0.91 for subscales indicating internal reliability. Conclusions  ASIS is a valid instrument for measuring quality of life in the postoperative period and is responsive to changes over time. Although quality of life increases postoperatively during hospital stay, at discharge, patients with IPAA still have decreased quality of life. Patients with ileostomies have further decreased scores. Presented at the SSAT Clinical/Colorectal poster session at Digestive Diseases Week, May 20, 2008.     

Rhabdomyolysis After Bariatric Surgery by Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Prospective Study

Background  Obesity is a worldwide epidemic associated to comorbidities and increased mortality. Because it is chronic and recurrent and has little response to clinical measures, surgical treatment (bariatric surgery) is a therapeutic option frequently used. Different surgical complications have been associated with this type of procedure, but there is little knowledge about neuromuscular complications. Among the latter, rhabdomyolysis (RML), described a few years ago, has not been well characterized to date. Methods  We have studied 22 consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment with open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) for morbid obesity in a university hospital. A database was created including the following information of each patient: gender, age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, surgical time, pre- and postoperative creatine phosphokinase (CPK) dosages, and neuromuscular symptoms after surgery. The main outcome measure was the frequency of RML using CPK dosage after 24 h of surgery. RML was diagnosed as an increase of more than five times the superior limit of normal range of CPK. Results  Fourteen women and eight men were evaluated, with median age of 39.9 ± 11.2 years, median BMI of 52.4 ± 8.0 kg/m² and mean surgical time of 253.2 ± 51.9 min. The mean value of postoperative CPK was 7,467.7 ± 12,177.1 IU/L, being greater than 5,000 IU/L in 40.9% of the patients. RML was diagnosed in 17 (77.3%) patients. No patient had renal failure caused by RML, but there was one death (4.5%) related to abdominal infectious complications. Clinical neuromuscular symptoms occurred in 45% of patients, and muscular pain was the most common one, especially in gluteus region. Comparative analyzes between patients without and with RML diagnosis showed that longer surgical time (p = 0.005), and occurrence of neuromuscular symptoms (p = 0.04) were more common in the latter. Conclusion  The results of this study are similar to few other investigations and confirm that RML in open bariatric surgery with RYGBP (Capella) is a common complication. A longer surgical time can be involved in RML pathogenesis, and muscular pain is suggestive of RML occurrence.     

Omission of fentanyl during sevoflurane anesthesia decreases the incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting and accelerates postanesthesia recovery in major breast cancer surgery

Purpose Our purpose was to investigate the effect of omission of fentanyl during sevoflurane anesthesia on the incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting and on postanesthesia recovery in female patients undergoing major breast cancer surgery. Methods Female patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] physical status [PS] class I-II; age, 28–84 years) undergoing major breast cancer surgery were randomized to one of two anesthesia maintenance groups: sevoflurane-fentanyl anesthesia (SF; n = 25) or fentanyl-free sevoflurane anesthesia (S; n = 26). All patients were administered with propofol 2 mg·kg⁻¹ intravenously for anesthesia induction, a laryngeal mask airway was placed, and they received rectal diclofenac and local infiltration anesthesia. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane in oxygen-air and they breathed spontaneously. The patients in group SF received fentanyl 0.1 mg intravenously and those in group S received normal saline during anesthesia. Results Group SF revealed higher incidences of postoperative nausea (68% vs 27%) and vomiting (32% vs 8%) in the first 24 postoperative hours than group S. The median (25th–75th percentile) length of time from postanesthesia care unit (PACU) admission to ambulation was significantly longer in group SF (n = 23) at 195 min (158–219 min), than in group S, at 141 min (101–175 min). Two patients in group SF could not walk during the PACU stay. Conclusion Omission of fentanyl during sevoflurane anesthesia, combined with diclofenac and local infiltration anesthesia, decreases the incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting and accelerates postanesthesia recovery in patients undergoing major breast cancer surgery. This work was presented in part at the 49th Congress of the Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists, in Fukuoka.     

Robotic Side-to-Side and End-to-Side Stapled Esophagogastric Anastomosis of Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy for Cancer

Both linear-stapled side-to-side esophagogastric anastomosis (LSEA) and circular-stapled end-to-side esophagogastric anastomosis (CEEA) are frequently used following esophagectomy. The aims of the present study were to review our experience of robotic intrathoracic alimentary tract reconstruction and to compare the short-term surgical outcomes of LSEA and CEEA in robotic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. A prospectively collected dataset from 79 consecutive patients who underwent robot-assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomy from February 2016 to December 2018 was retrospectively analyzed. Two groups (LSEA and CEEA) were classified according to the anastomotic mode. Demographic data, intraoperative characteristics and short-term surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Two patients were converted to laparotomy. The remaining 77 patients (68 males and 9 females, mean age of 61.7 years) were successfully treated with completely robotic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. According to the anastomotic procedure performed, 35 patients were categorized into the LSEA group and 42 patients were categorized into the CEEA group. The mean anastomotic time in the LSEA group was longer than that in the CEEA group (63.0 ± 9.0 vs. 44.2 ± 8.5 min, p < 0.001). No significant difference was detected in anastomotic complications, including leakage (8.6% with LSEA and 4.8% with CEEA, p = 0.83) and postoperative dysphagia (5.7% with LSEA and 16.7% with CEEA, p = 0.26). No statistical difference was observed for the other surgical outcomes. There was no incidence of in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality in both groups. In robotic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy, both LSEA and CEEA were feasible and safe to be performed and surgeons can select either LSEA or CEEA based on their own technical expertise.     

Improvement of Associated Respiratory Problems in Morbidly Obese Patients after Open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is present in 44% of patients scheduled for bariatric surgery. Respiratory dysfunction associated with this syndrome is attributable to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).We studied the long-term effect of bariatric surgery on weight loss, on the respiratory comorbidities associated with obesity, and on the need for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. Methods We followed a sample of patients with respiratory co-morbidity scheduled for open Capella Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) over 5-years. Patients who were positive for polysomnographic studies and required continous positive airway pressure (CPAP) before surgery were included. All patients were subjected to the same anesthetic and surgical protocols. At 1 year after surgery, polysomnographic studies were performed and arterial blood gases and pulmonary function were tested. Results Of the 209 patients scheduled for bariatric surgery during the study period, 105 had respiratory co-morbidity. Of these, 30 required CPAP-BiPAP treatment before surgery and were included in our study. Surgery took 128 minutes (range 70 to 210 minutes). Tracheal extubation in the operating theater was possible for 26 patients (86.7%). During the early postoperative period, 7 patients (23.3%) presented respiratory complications. Length of hospitalization was 6.87 days (range 4 to 11 days). At 1 year after RYGBP, patients presented significant weight loss and improvement of hypoxemia (from 73.3 ± 10.6 to 90.5 ± 11.5, P = 0.000), hypercarbia (from 44.5 ± 5.7 to 40.6 ± 4.9, P = 0.005), and in spirometric (P = 0.004) and polysomnographic results (P = 0.001). CPAP-BiPAP treatment after weight loss was necessary in only 14% of patients (P = 0.001). Conclusions Weight loss after RYGBP improved arterial blood gases, respiratory tests and polysomnographic studies. CPAP treatment can be withdrawn in most patients.     

Management of late-stage parapneumonic empyema

Purpose: Despite the reported value of early video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for empyema, many children are still referred to the surgeon late in the disease process. The authors wished to determine the optimal management strategy for this group of children. Methods: Medical records of all children (n = 70) from 1990 to 2000 with late-presenting empyema (stage II or III) were reviewed. Patients were grouped as (G1) successful management with chest tube (CT), (G2) surgery after initial CT, (G3) thoracentesis followed by surgery, and (G4) surgery alone. Results: There were no significant differences with respect to age, gender, pleural cultures or fluid analysis. Fifty-one (73%) patients required surgical intervention. Treatment using CT (G1, G2) or thoracentesis (G3) was associated with prolonged length of stay (LOS) when compared with surgery alone (G4; 12 v 8 days). For G2, G3, and G4, rapid clinical improvement and early discharge (6 days) was seen after surgery. For all surgery groups (G2, G3, G4), video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (n = 19) was associated with a longer postoperative fever (4 v 2 days; P [lt ] .05), but a shorter total LOS (12 v 15 days; P [lt ] .05) when compared with open decortication (n = 32). Conclusions: Over 70% of children with late presenting empyema required surgery, including more than half of the children who received initial chest tube drainage. Delay in surgery was associated with more procedures, more radiographs, and an increased LOS. Despite later intervention, patients undergoing surgery as an initial approach had the shortest length of stay. Early surgical intervention is indicated for most children referred with established empyema.     

Surgical Management of Gastro–Gastric Fistula After Divided Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity

Background Gastro–gastric fistula (GGF) formation is uncommon after divided laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) for morbid obesity. Optimal surgical management remains controversial. Methods A retrospective review was performed of a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing LRYGB from January 2001 to October 2006. Results Of 1,763 primary procedures, 27 patients (1.5%) developed a GGF and 10 (37%) resolved with medical management, whereas 17 (63%) required surgical intervention. An additional seven patients requiring surgical intervention for GGF after RYGB were referred from another institution. Indications for surgery included weight regain, recurrent, or non-healing gastrojejunal anastomotic (GJA) ulceration with persistent abdominal pain and/or hemorrhage, and/or recurrent GJA stricture. Remnant gastrectomy with GGF excision or exclusion was performed in 23 patients (96%) with an average in-hospital stay of 7.5 days (range, 3–27). Morbidity in six patients (25%) was caused by pneumonia, n = 2; wound infection, n = 2; staple-line bleed, n = 1; and subcapsular splenic hematoma, n = 1. There were no mortalities. Complete resolution of symptoms and associated ulceration was seen in the majority of patients. Conclusion Although uncommon, GGF formation can complicate divided LRYGB. Laparoscopic remnant gastrectomy with fistula excision or exclusion can be used to effectively manage symptomatic patients who fail to respond to conservative measures. This paper was presented at the SSAT Poster Presentation session on May 21st 2007 at the SSAT Annual Meeting at Digestive Disease Week, Washington (poster ID M1590).