Perioperative Outcomes of Laparoscopic and Robotic Revisional Bariatric Surgery in a Complex Patient Population

Background

Utilization of the robotic platform has become more common in bariatric applications. We aim to show that robotic revisional bariatric surgery (RRBS) can be safely performed in a complex patient population with perioperative outcomes equivalent to laparoscopic revisional bariatric surgery (LRBS).

Methods

Retrospective review was conducted of adult patients undergoing laparoscopic revisional bariatric surgery (LRBS) or robotic revisional bariatric surgery (RRBS) at our institution from September 2007 to December 2016. Patients undergoing planned two-stage bariatric procedures were excluded.

Results

A total of 84 patients who underwent LRBS (n?=?66) or RRBS (n?=?18) were included. The index operation was adjustable gastric banding (AGB) in 39/84 (46%), sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) in 23/84 (27%), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in 13/84 (16%), and vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) in 9/84 (11%). For patients undergoing conversion from AGB (n?=?39), there was no difference in operative time, length of stay, or complications by surgical approach. For patients undergoing conversion from a stapled procedure (n?=?45), the robotic approach was associated with a shorter length of stay (5.8?±?3.3 vs 3.7?±?1.7 days, p?=?0.04) with equivalent operative time and post-operative complications. There were three leaks in the LRBS group and none in the RRBS group (p?=?0.36). Major complications occurred in 3/39 (8%) of patients undergoing conversion from AGB and 2/45 (4%) of patients undergoing conversion from a stapled procedure (p?=?0.53) with no difference by surgical approach.

Conclusions

RRBS is associated with a shorter length of stay than LRBS in complex procedures and has at least an equivalent safety profile. Long-term follow-up data is needed.

     

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass for The Aging Population

Background

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are the two most common bariatric surgeries for treating morbid obesity. The purpose of this study is to determine differences in outcomes from RYGB or SG between patients ages?≥?60 years and?<?60 years.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who underwent RYGB and SG at our institution from 01/2008 to 05/2012 was conducted. Forty patients from each group (≥60 years and?<?60 years) were matched based on gender, body mass index (BMI), co-morbidities, and type of bariatric surgery performed, and their charts were reviewed up to 1 year post-operatively. Primary end points measured were mean length of stay, operative time, incidence of complications, and readmissions in the first post-operative year. A secondary end point measured was percent total weight loss (%TWL) and excess weight loss (%EWL).

Results

There were no significant differences between group?<?60 and group?≥?60 in operative time (210 vs. 229 min; p?=?0.177), in-hospital post-operative complication rates (2.5 vs. 5 %; p?=?1.0), long-term complication rates (2.5 vs. 10 %; p?=?0.359), and 30-day readmission rates (2.5 vs. 12.5 %; p?=?0.2). Patients in group?<?60 had shorter lengths of stay (2.2 vs. 2.7 days; p?=?0.031), but this difference is not clinically significant. Both groups achieved similar %TWL (21.4 vs. 20.5 %; p?=?0.711) and %EWL (50.6 vs. 50.7 %; p?=?0.986).

Conclusions

Advanced age (≥60 years) is not a significant predictor of a worse outcome for SG and RYGB.

     

Knowledge and Perception of Bariatric Surgery Among Primary Care Physicians: a Survey of Family Doctors in Ontario

Purpose

The primary objective of this study was to identify Ontario family physicians’ knowledge and perceptions of bariatric surgery.

Methods

The study population included all physicians practicing family medicine in Ontario who were listed in the Canadian Medical Directory. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of 28 questions was developed and validated using a focus group of seven primary care physicians. The questionnaire was distributed to 1328 physicians.

Results

One hundred sixty-five surveys were completed. 8.8 % of physicians did not have any bariatric surgical patients, and 71.3 % had no more than five in their practice. 70.2 % referred no more than 5 % of their morbidly obese patients for surgery. Only 32.1 % had the appropriate equipment and resources to manage obese patients. 92.5 % of physicians would like to receive more education about bariatric surgery. Physicians with no history of referral (n?=?21) were earlier into their practices and had less morbidly obese patients than physicians with previous referrals (n?=?141). They were also less likely to discuss bariatric surgery with their patients (30 vs. 79.3 %; p?<?0.001) and less likely to feel comfortable explaining procedure options (5.6 vs. 33.9 %; p?=?0.013) and providing postoperative care (26.7 vs. 64.2 %; p?=?0.005). 55.6 % would refer a family member for surgery, compared to 85.4 % of physicians with previous referrals; p?=?0.002.

Conclusion

There appears to be a knowledge gap in understanding the role of bariatric surgery in the treatment of obesity. There is an opportunity to improve education and available resources for primary care physicians surrounding patient selection and follow-up care. This may improve access to treatment.

     

Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Versus Standard Laparoscopic Colectomy: Are Outcomes and Operative Time Different?

Background

HAL colectomy is a technique perceived to provide the benefits of laparoscopic surgery while improving tactile feedback and operative time. Published data are largely limited to small, single-institution studies.

Methods

The 2012-2013 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Data Use File was queried for patients undergoing elective SL or HAL colectomy. Patients underwent 1:1 propensity matching and had outcomes compared. An additional subgroup analysis was performed for patients undergoing segmental resections only.

Results

13,949 patients were identified, of whom 6084 (43.6 %) underwent HAL colectomy. Patients undergoing HAL versus SL colectomy had higher rates of postoperative ileus (8.7 vs. 6.3 %, p?<?0.001), wound complication (8.8 vs. 6.8 %, p?=?0.006), and 30-day readmission (7.5 vs. 6.0 %, p?=?0.002), without any differences in operative time (156 vs. 157 min, p?=?0.713). Amongst segmental colectomies, HAL remained associated with higher rates of wound complications (8.6 vs. 6.5 %, p?=?0.016), postoperative ileus (8.9 vs. 6.3 %, p?<?0.001), and 30-day readmission (7.1 vs. 5.9 %, p?=?0.041) with no difference in operative time between HAL and SL (145 vs. 145 min, p?=?0.334).

Conclusions

Use of HAL colectomy is associated with increased risk of wound complications, postoperative ileus, and readmissions. Importantly, this technique is not associated with any decrease in operative time.

     

Bariatric Surgery in Patients on Chronic Anticoagulation Therapy

Background

Perioperative management of chronically anti-coagulated patients undergoing bariatric surgery requires a balance of managing hemorrhagic and thromboembolic risks. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of hemorrhagic complications and their management in chronically anticoagulated (CAT) patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Methods

A retrospective review of CAT patients undergoing bariatric surgery at an academic center from 2008 to 2015 was studied.

Results

A total of 153 patients on CAT underwent surgery [Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n?=?79), sleeve gastrectomy (n?=?63), and adjustable gastric banding (n?=?11)] during the study period: 85 patients (55%) were females; median age was 56 years (interquartile range [IQR] 49–64), and median BMI was 49 kg/m² (IQR 43–56). The most common indications for CAT were venous thromboembolism (n?=?87) and atrial fibrillation (n?=?83). Median duration of procedure and estimated intraoperative blood loss was 150 min (IQR 118–177) and 50 ml (IQR 25–75), respectively. Thirty-day postoperative complications were reported in 33 patients (21.6%) including postoperative bleeding (n?=?19), anastomotic leak (n?=?3), and pulmonary embolism (n?=?1). Nineteen patients (12%) with early postoperative bleeding were further categorized to intra-abdominal (n?=?10), intraluminal (n?=?6), and at the port site or abdominal wall (n?=?3). All-cause readmissions within 30 days of surgery occurred in 19 patients (12%). There was no 30-day mortality.

Conclusion

In our experience, patients who require chronic anticoagulation medication are higher than average risk for postoperative complications and all-cause readmission rates. Careful surgical technique and close attention to postoperative anticoagulation protocols are essential to decrease perioperative risk in this high-risk cohort.

     

Diagnosis and Management of Oesophageal Cancer in Bariatric Surgical Patients

Background

Oesophageal cancer following bariatric surgery adds significant complexity to an already challenging disease. There is limited data on the diagnosis, presentation and management in these complex cases.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study on prospectively collected data over 10 years was conducted. The oesophago-gastric cancer database was searched for patients with prior bariatric surgery. Data were retrieved on bariatric and cancer management.

Results

We identified nine patients with oesophageal or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma after bariatric surgery. Mean age was 58.3?±?6.9 years, and duration from bariatric surgery was 13.2?±?9.4 years. Weight loss at diagnosis was 30.6?±?23.3 kg (excess weight loss 58.1 %?±?29.6). Modes of presentation were Barrett’s surveillance (n?=?3), reflux symptoms (n?=?4) and incidental (n?=?2). Management was surgical resection (n?=?4), endoscopic mucosal resection (n?=?2) and palliative (n?=?3). Surgical resections were challenging due to adhesions, obesity, luminal dilatation and scarring on the stomach. There were two substantial leaks following gastroplasty.

Conclusions

Oesophageal cancer following bariatric surgery is a challenging problem, and surgical resection carries high risk. A high index of suspicion is required and symptoms investigated precipitously. Technical challenges of operating on obese patients and the specific effects of previous bariatric procedures need to be understood, particularly the limitations on reconstructive options.

     

The Inequity of Bariatric Surgery: Publicly Insured Patients Undergo Lower Rates of Bariatric Surgery with Worse Outcomes

Objective

Bariatric surgery has been shown to be the most effective method of achieving weight loss and alleviating obesity-related comorbidities. Yet, it is not being used equitably. This study seeks to identify if there is a disparity in payer status of patients undergoing bariatric surgery and what factors are associated with this disparity.

Methods

We performed a case-control analysis of National Inpatient Sample. We identified adults with body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 25 kg/m² who underwent bariatric surgery and matched them with overweight inpatient adult controls not undergoing surgery. The sample was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

We identified 132,342 cases, in which the majority had private insurance (72.8%). Bariatric patients were significantly more likely to be privately insured than any other payer status; Medicare- and Medicaid-covered patients accounted for a low percentage of cases (Medicare 5.1%, OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.29–0.37, p < 0.001; Medicaid 8.7%, OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.18–0.25, p < 0.001). Medicare (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.33–1.78, p < 0.001) and Medicaid (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.08–1.60, p = 0.007) patients undergoing bariatric surgery had an increased risk of complications compared to privately insured patients.

Conclusions

Publicly insured patients are significantly less likely to undergo bariatric surgery. As a group, these patients experience higher rates of obesity and related complications and thus are most in need of bariatric surgery.

     

Exploration of Fluid Dynamics in Perioperative Patients Using Bioimpedance Analysis

Introduction

Perioperative fluid restriction is advocated to reduce complications after major surgeries. Current methods of monitoring body fluids rely on indirect volume markers that may at times be inadequate. In our study, bioimpedance analysis (BIA) was used to explore fluid dynamics, in terms of intercompartmental shift, of perioperative patients undergoing operation for hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) diseases.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted, examining 36 patients surgically treated for HPB diseases between March 2010 and August 2012. Body fluid compartments were estimated via BIA at baseline (1 day prior to surgery), immediately after surgery, and on postoperative day 1, recording fluid balance during and after procedures. Patients were stratified by net fluid status as balanced (≤500 mL) or imbalanced (>550 mL) and outcomes of BIA compared.

Results

Mean net fluid balance volumes in balanced (n?=?16) and imbalanced (n?=?20) patient subsets were 231.41?±?155.44 and 1050.18?±?548.77 mL, respectively. Total body water (TBW) (p?=?0.091), extracellular water (ECW) (p?=?0.125), ECW/TBW (p?=?0.740), and intracellular water (ICW) (p?=?0.173) did not fluctuate significantly in fluid-balanced patients. Although TBW (p?=?0.069) in fluid-imbalanced patients did not change significantly (relative to baseline), ECW (p?=?0.001), ECW/TBW (p?=?0.019), and ICW (p?=?0.012) showed significant postoperative increases.

Conclusion

The exploration of fluid dynamics using BIA has shown importance of balanced fluid management during perioperative period. Increased ECW/TBW in fluid-imbalanced patients suggests possible causality for the development of ascites or fluid collections during postoperative period in patients undergoing HPB operations.

     

The Correlation Between Obesity-Related Diseases and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Women in the Pre-operative Evaluation for Bariatric Surgery Assessed by Transient Hepatic Elastography

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common, severe disease in obese patients. However, NAFLD is usually underestimated by ultrasonography. Liver biopsy is not routinely done in bariatric surgery or during the follow-up. This study therefore examined the correlation between metabolic syndrome and NAFLD in morbidly obese patients based on an assessment using transient hepatic elastography (THE).

Material and Methods

This study involved 50 female patients in the pre-operative phase for bariatric surgery. Before surgery, we collected clinical, laboratory, and anthropometric variables. THE measurements were obtained using a FibroScan® device (Echosens, Paris, France), and steatosis was quantified using Controlled Attenuation Parameter software (CAP). Statistical analyses were done using linear correlation and the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results

The mean of THE and CAP values were 7.56?±?4.78 kPa and 279.94?±?45.69 dB/m, respectively, and there was a significant linear correlation between the two measurements (r?=?0.651; p?<?0.001). The numbers of metabolic syndrome parameters did not influence the THE (p?=?0.436) or CAP (p?=?0.422) values. HbA1c and HOMA-IR showed a strong linear correlation with CAP (r?=?0.643, p?=?0.013 and r?=?0.668, p?=?0.009, respectively) and a tendency to some linear correlation with THE (r?=?0.500, p?=?0.05 and r?=?0.500, p?=?0.002, respectively).

Conclusion

Morbidly obese women submitted to FibroScan® presented a high prevalence of severe steatosis and advanced fibrosis in our sample. Insulin resistance parameters were correlated with steatosis, but less with fibrosis.

     

Quality of life in children with chronic kidney disease

Background

Progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD), irrespective of the underlying etiology, affects the quality of life (QoL) of children due to the need for regular follow-up visits, a strict medication program and diet intake.

Methods

The Greek version of the KIDSCREEN-52 multidimensional questionnaire was used in children with CKD, renal transplantation (RT) and in a control group (CG) of healthy children.

Results

Fifty-five patients between 8 and 18 years, with CKD (n?=?25), RT (n?=?16) and with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on peritoneal dialysis (PD) (n?=?14) were included. Each group of studied children was compared with the CG (n?=?55), the validation sample (VS) (n?=?1200) and the parent proxy scores. Physical well-being of all studied children was significantly lower compared to CG (p?=?0.004). In contrast, all studied children between 8 and 11 years showed better social acceptance compared to VS (p?=?0.0001). When QoL of children with CKD was compared with parent proxy QoL, conflicting opinions were observed in several dimensions, such as self-perception (p?=?0.023), autonomy (p?=?0.012), school environment (p?=?0.012) and financial resources (p?=?0.03).

Conclusions

QoL and mainly the dimension of physical well-being, may be affected dramatically in children with CKD unrelated to disease stage. In early school years children with CKD seem to feel higher social acceptance than the healthy controls, exhibiting better score in this dimension. Optimal care requires attention not only to medical management, but also to an assessment of QoL factors, that may help promote pediatric patient’s health.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">FABP2</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">LEPR223</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">LEP656</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">FTO</Emphasis> Polymorphisms: Effect on Weight Loss 2 Years After Bariatric Surgery

Purpose

Differences in weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery may be related to individual preoperative characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effect of fatty acid binding protein-2 (rs1799883), leptin receptor (LEP223, rs1137101 and LEP656, rs1805094), and fat mass and obesity-related (rs9939609) genotypes on weight loss 2 years after bariatric surgery in Brazilian patients.

Materials and Methods

Prospective observational study involving 105 patients (lost to follow-up, 25.7%). In the preoperative period, patients were clinically evaluated and a fasting blood sample for genetic analysis (by real-time DNA amplification technique) was collected. From the patient’s medical records, follow-up weight loss (3, 6, 12, 24 months) was obtained. Percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was examined by pairwise comparison across the polymorphisms.

Results

At baseline, the mean weight was 127.5 (23.3) kg and age 43.1 (10.9) years old. The %EWL was significant over time (p?<?0.01). Only the LEP223 genotype showed association (p?<?0.01). Up to 6 months after surgery, no differences were observed. At 12 months, a significant difference (p?=?0.03) between AA (n?=?19) and GG (n?=?34) groups was observed, with 76.5% EWL versus 52.0%, respectively. This difference remained at 24 months. Other genotypes did not present any significant association.

Conclusions

There is a different evolution of weight loss in carriers of the LEP223 after bariatric surgery. The AA genotype seems to be associated with a higher weight loss. However, this pattern was evident only at 12 months after surgery.

     

Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension

Introduction

Studies on bariatric patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension are limited. The aim of this study was to review our experience in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension who had bariatric surgery.

Method

All cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery, from 2007 to 2017, were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Thirteen patients were included; eight (62%) were female. The median age was 54 years (interquartile range, IQR 49–60) and median BMI was 48 kg/m² (IQR 43–55). Portal hypertension was diagnosed based on endoscopy (n?=?5), imaging studies (n?=?3), intraoperative increased collateral circulation (n?=?2), and endoscopy and imaging studies (n?=?3). The bariatric procedures included sleeve gastrectomy (n?=?10, 77%) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n?=?3, 23%). The median length of hospital stay was 3 days (IQR 2–4). Three 30-day complications occurred including wound infection (n?=?1), intra-abdominal hematoma (n?=?1), and subcutaneous hematoma (n?=?1). No intraoperative or 30-day mortalities. There were 11 patients (85%) at 1-year follow-up and 9 patients (69%) at 2-year follow-up. At 2 years, the median percentage of excess weight loss (EWL) and total weight loss (TWL) were 49 and 25%, respectively. There was significant improvement in diabetes (100%), dyslipidemia (100%), and hypertension (50%) at 2 years after surgery.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery in selected cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension is relatively safe and effective.

     

Effect of anesthesia type on perioperative outcomes with a midurethral sling

Introduction and hypothesis

There is no consensus on the most appropriate type of anesthesia for placement of a midurethral sling. Our objective was to compare intra- and perioperative outcomes for this procedure performed under general anesthesia versus monitored anesthesia care.

Methods

Retrospective cohort analysis of women undergoing outpatient placement of synthetic retropubic midurethral sling under general anesthesia (n?=?141) or monitored anesthesia care (n?=?84). Patients undergoing concomitant procedures were excluded. Primary outcome was operating room time. Secondary outcomes included surgical and recovery times, cost, discharge home with a catheter, and postoperative pain and/or nausea.

Results

In the general anesthesia group, both operating room time (mean?±?SD, 67.6?±?13.3 min vs 56.9?±?11.8 min, p?<?0.001) and recovery room time (240.0?±?69.8 min vs 190.1?±?78.3 min, p?<?0.001) were longer, whereas there was no difference in surgical time (30.0?±?8.9 min vs 29.0?±?9.7 min, p?=?0.43). Cost was significantly higher in the general anesthesia group ($4,095?±?715 vs $3,877?±?777, p?=?0.03). There was no difference in rates of bladder perforation (6.4 % vs 11.9 %, p?=?0.33). Patients who underwent general anesthesia had higher rates of discharge with a catheter (27.0 % vs 15.8 %, p?=?0.04).

Conclusion

Monitored anesthesia care may offer significant benefits over general anesthesia in women undergoing retropubic midurethral sling, including shorter operating room and recovery times, lower costs, and less voiding dysfunction in the immediate postoperative period.

     

IV Acetaminophen Results in Lower Hospital Costs and Emergency Room Visits Following Bariatric Surgery: a Double-Blind,Prospective, Randomized Trial in a Single Accredited Bariatric Center

Background

Postoperative pain control in bariatric surgery is challenging, despite use of intravenous (IV) narcotics. IV acetaminophen is one pain control alternative.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the economic impact of IV acetaminophen in bariatric surgery and its effect on patients’ pain, satisfaction, and hospital length of stay.

Methods

In a randomized controlled trial, Group 1 (treatment) received IV acetaminophen plus IV narcotics 30 min before surgery, then medication plus IV narcotics/PO narcotics for the remaining 18 h. Group 2 (control) received IV normal saline plus IV/PO narcotics. Patients underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Primary outcomes included direct hospital costs, length of stay, postoperative pain, and patient satisfaction. Secondary outcomes included indirect costs, rescue narcotics dosage, and 30-day outcomes.

Results

Mean direct hospital cost in the treatment group (n?=?50) was $3089.18 versus $2991.62 for the control group (n?=?50) (p?>?0.05). Pain scores did not differ significantly (p?=?0.61). After adjusting for surgery type, there was no significant difference in length of stay (p?=?0.95). Significantly more control group patients incurred surgery-related indirect costs (10 versus 2 %, p?<?0.05), with greater presentation to the emergency department (ED) for abdominal pain (5/50 versus 1/50), yielding higher total indirect costs ($39,293 versus $13,185).

Conclusions

Using IV acetaminophen for postoperative pain management produced notable indirect cost savings and reduced ED visits in the first 30 days postoperatively, with good safety and tolerance. Decreased statistical power may have accounted for certain non-significant findings.

     

Gastric Bypass in Older Patients: Complications,Weight Loss,and Resolution of Comorbidities at 2 Years in a Matched Controlled Study

Background

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has recently been authorized for use in older patients. The objective of this single-center study was to evaluate 2-year weight loss in patients ≥60 years compared with younger matched patients undergoing RYGB. Secondary aims were to record complications and the resolution of comorbidities in a 2-year follow-up.

Methods

Of 722 patients with at least 2 years follow-up data, 48 elderly patients were matched with 92 young (<40 years) and 96 middle-aged (40–59 year) patients, according to sex, baseline body mass index, and date of surgery. Weight loss, remission of comorbidities, death, and early (30-day) and 2-year complication rates were compared.

Results

There were three deaths in the elderly group and none in the other groups. The early complication rate was not significantly different in the elderly group (17.8 %) compared with the young (11.5 %, p?=?0.637) and middle-aged (13.7 %, p?=?1.000) groups. The 2-year complication rates were not significantly different in the elderly group (9.3 %) compared with the young (23.5 %, p?=?0.107) and middle-aged (13.2 %, p?=?1.000) groups. The 2-year weight loss was lower in the elderly group (31.8?±?7.2 %; p?<?0.001) than in the young group (38.3?±?6.9 %) but was not significantly different from that in the middle-aged group (34.4?±?8.0 %; p?=?0.145). Remission rates for diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea were lower in the elderly than in the two younger groups.

Conclusion

After bariatric surgery, major weight loss was observed in patients older than 60, but remission of metabolic comorbidities was less marked than in younger subjects.

     

The Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Urinary Incontinence in Women

Background

Little is known regarding the effect of bariatric surgery on urinary incontinence.

Methods

Between September 2008 and November 2014, 240 female patients underwent bariatric surgery.

Results

The prevalence of urinary incontinence preoperatively was 45 % (108). Eighty-two (76 %) completed urinary function questionnaires pre-operatively and post-operatively. Fifty-seven (70 %) underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass, twenty-four (29 %) underwent sleeve gastrectomy and one underwent a banding procedure. Thirty-one (38 %) reported leaking on sneezing or coughing—stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Thirteen (16 %) complained of leaking before reaching the toilet—overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). The remaining thirty-eight (46 %) reported mixed symptoms. The mean pre-operative weight and BMI were 133 (18)?kg and 50 (SD?=?6.2)?kg/m² respectively. The mean post-operative BMI drop was 16 (SD?=?5.2)?kg/m². Preoperatively, 61 (75 %) reported moderate to very severe urinary incontinence compared to 30 (37 %) post-operatively (χ ²?=?3.24.67, p?=?0.050). Twenty-seven (33 %) patients reported complete resolution of their urinary incontinence. Fifty-one (62 %) patients required incontinence pads on a daily basis pre-operatively, compared to 35 (43 %) post-operatively (χ ²?=?22.211.6, p?=?0.00). The mean International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire- Urinary Incontinence short form (ICIQ-UI SF) score was 9.3 (SD?=?4.4) pre-operatively compared to 4.9 (SD?=?5.3) post-operatively (t?=?7.2, p?=?0.000). The improvement score post-operatively was 8 (SD?=?3). A significant difference in the ICIQ-UI SF was identified between OAB and SUI groups when adjusting for age, number of children, type of delivery and pre-op BMI (t?=?1.98, p?=?0.05).

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery results in a clinically significant improvement in urinary incontinence. However, this is not proportional to pre-operative BMI, weight loss, age, parity and mode of delivery.

     

A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial of Intravenous Acetaminophen on Hospital Length of Stay in Obese Individuals Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background

Retrospective studies indicate that acetaminophen iv administration reduces hospital length of stay (LoS) and opiate consumption in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Objective

This study sought to determine whether using acetaminophen iv in morbidly obese subjects undergoing sleeve gastrectomy decreased LoS and total hospital charges as compared to patients receiving saline placebo.

Setting

Single-center university hospital

Methods

Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, subjects were assigned to receive either acetaminophen iv (group A) or saline placebo iv (group P). Data were collected between Jan 1 and Dec 31, 2016. Group A received acetaminophen every 6 h for a total of four doses. The first dose was administered following the induction of general anesthesia; group P received saline iv on the same schedule. Anesthetic management and prophylactic antiemetic regimen were standardized in all subjects. Postoperative pain management consisted of hydromorphone via patient-controlled infusion pump. Primary outcomes include hospital LoS and associated hospital costs. Secondary outcomes include patient satisfaction and postoperative nausea and pain scores.

Results

Subject demographics (n?=?127) and intraoperative management were similar in the two groups. Across all subjects, median hospital LoS in group A (n?=?63) was 1.87 vs. 1.97 days in group P (n?=?64) (p?=?0.03, Wilcoxon rank-sum test). Postoperatively, daily quality-of-recovery (QoR-15) scores, narcotic consumption, and the use of rescue antiemetics were not significantly different between groups. Median hospital costs were as follows: group A, $12,885 vs. group P, $12,977 (n?=?64).

Conclusions

Acetaminophen iv may reduce hospital LoS in subjects undergoing sleeve gastrectomy.

     

A Pre-Hospital Patient Education Program Improves Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery

Background

We designed an assessment and education program which was delivered to patients prior to first outpatient appointment for bariatric surgery. We hypothesised that this program would streamline care and would lead to improved weight loss following bariatric surgery.

Methods

The program incorporates a structured general practitioners (GP) review, a patient information evening and an on-line learning package. It was introduced in September 2012. Patient flow through the program was recorded. Outcomes of the new program were compared with contemporaneously treated patients who did not undertake the pre-hospital program.

Results

All 636 patients on the waiting list for first appointment at the Alfred Health bariatric surgery clinic were invited to participate. There were 400 patients ultimately removed from the waiting list for first appointment. Of the remaining 236 patients, 229 consented to participate in the new program. The mean BMI was 47.8?±?9.2. The fail to attend first appointment rate dropped from 12 to 2.1 %. At 12 months post-bariatric surgery, patients who undertook the new program (n?=?82) had a mean excess weight loss (EWL) of 41.1?±?20.3 % where as those treated on the standard pathway (n?=?61) had a mean EWL 32?±?18.0 % (p?=?0.012).

Conclusions

The introduction of a pre-hospital education program has led to an improvement in attendance rates and early weight loss post-bariatric surgery.

     

Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase Prior to Transarterial Chemoembolization for Neuroendocrine Tumors Predicts Worse Outcomes

Introduction

We hypothesized that an elevated preoperative alkaline phosphatase (AP) predicted worse outcomes for patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for neuroendocrine tumor (NET) liver metastases.

Methods

We reviewed all patients who underwent TACE for metastatic NET between 2009 and 2013. Survival was evaluated using preprocedure variables.

Results

One hundred and nine patients underwent 210 TACE procedures. The average age was 57.7 years (range 20–78). Primary sites included pancreas (N?=?20), other gastrointestinal (N?=?52), lung (N?=?9), and unknown (N?=?28). The tumor was grade 1 in 68 (62 %), grade 2 in 21 (19 %), and grade 3 in 3 (3 %). Extrahepatic disease was present in 54 (50 %) and greater than 50 % hepatic tumor burden by imaging in 63 (58 %). Elevated bilirubin occurred in 8 (7 %), elevated AP in 22 (20 %), elevated ALT in 21 (19 %), and elevated AST in 41 (38 %). Univariate predictors included tumor grade (43 vs 27 vs 21 months, p?=?0.015), hepatic tumor burden (59 vs 37 months, p?=?0.009), and elevated AP (59 vs 23 months, p?<?0.001). On multivariate analysis, only elevated AP (p?=?0.001) predicted worse survival.

Conclusions

Elevated AP prior to TACE for metastatic NET portends a worse survival outcome, even more so than tumor grade or extent of hepatic disease.

     

Total Weight Loss as the Outcome Measure of Choice After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background

Currently, there is no agreement on the best method to describe weight loss (WL) after bariatric surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate short-term outcomes using percent of total body weight loss (%TWL).

Methods

A single-institution retrospective study of 2420 patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) was performed. Suboptimal WL was defined as %TWL?<?20 % at 12 months.

Results

Mean preoperative BMI was 46.8?±?7.8 kg/m². One year after surgery, patients lost an average 14.1 kg/m² units of body mass index (BMI), 30.0?±?8.5 %TWL, and 68.5?±?22.9 %EWL. At 6 and 12 months after RYGB, mean BMI and percent excess WL (%EWL) significantly improved for all baseline BMI groups (p?<?0.01, BMI; p?=?0.01, %EWL), whereas mean %TWL was not significantly different among baseline BMI groups (p?=?0.9). The regression analysis between each metric outcome and preoperative BMI demonstrated that preoperative BMI did not significantly correlate with %TWL at 1 year (r?=?0.04, p?=?0.3). On the contrary, preoperative BMI was strongly but negatively associated with the %EWL (r?=??0.52, p?<?0.01) and positively associated with the BMI units lost at 1 year (r?=?0.56, p?<?0.01). In total, 11.3 % of subjects achieved <20 %TWL at 12 months and were considered as suboptimal WL patients.

Conclusion

The results of our study confirm that %TWL should be the metric of choice when reporting WL because it is less influenced by preoperative BMI. Eleven percent of patients failed to achieve successful WL during the in the first year after RYGB based on our definition.