Effect of standard vs extended Roux limb length on weight loss outcomes after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Background: Increasing the length of the Roux limb in open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) effectively increases excess weight loss in superobese patients with a body mass index (BMI) >50 kg/m². Extending the RYGB limb length for obese patients with a BMI < 50 could produce similar results. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of superobese patients undergoing laparoscopic RYGB with standard (100-cm) with those undergoing the procedure with an extended (150-cm) Roux limb length over 1-year period of follow-up. Methods: Retrospective data over 2.5 years were reviewed to identify patients with a BMI < 50 who underwent primary laparoscopic RYGB with 1-year follow-up (n = 58). Forty-five patients (sRYGB group) received limb lengths 100 cm, including 45 cm (n = 1), 50 cm (n = 2), 60 cm (n = 6), 65 cm (n = 1), 70 cm (n = 1), 75 cm (n = 3), and 100 cm (n = 31). Thirteen patients (eRYGB group) received 150-cm limbs. Postoperative weight loss was compared at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Results: Comparing the sRYGB vs the eRYGB group (average ± SD), respectively: There were no significant differences in age (41.5 ± 11.0 vs 38.0 ± 11.9 years), preoperative weight (119.2 ± 11.9 vs 127.8 ± 12.5 kg), BMI (43.7 ± 3.0 vs 45.2 ± 3.5 kg/m²), operative time (167.1 ± 72.7 vs 156.5 ± 62.4 min), estimated blood loss (129.9 ± 101.1 vs 166.8 ± 127.3 cc), or length of stay (median, 3 vs 3 days; range, 2–18 vs 3–19). Body weight decreased over time in both groups, except in the sRYGB group between 3 and 6 months and 6 and 12 months after surgery and in the eRYGB group between 6 and 12 months. BMI also decreased over time, except in the eRYGB group between 6 and 12 months. Absolute weight loss leveled out between 6 and 12 months in both groups, with no increase after 6 months. Percent of excess weight loss did not increase in the eRYGB group after 6 months. An extended Roux limb did not significantly affect body weight, BMI, absolute weight loss, or precent of excess weight loss at any time point when the two groups were compared. A trend toward an increased proportion of patients with >50% excess weight loss (p = 0.07) was observed in the extended Roux limb group. Conclusions: In this series, no difference in weight loss outcome variables were observed up to 1 year after laparoscopic RYGB. Thus, extending Roux limb length from 100 cm to 150 cm did not significantly improve weight loss outcome in patients with a BMI < 50 kg/m².     

Long limb Roux en Y gastric bypass revisited

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) that is performed with at least a 150-cm Roux limb results in significantly greater weight loss than shorter (<100-cm) Roux limb procedures in superobese patients(BMI >50 kg/m2). Conversely, longer Roux limb procedures do not provide greater weight loss in less obese (BMI <50 kg/m2)patients. Modest elongation of the Roux limb-in the range of 150 cm to 200 cm-does not result in more frequent nutritional sequelae compared with shorter Roux limb procedures. This article discusses the current status of long limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the context of weight loss, metabolic sequelae and CPT coding.     

Long-long limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is more efficacious in treatment of type 2 diabetes and lipid disorders in super-obese patients

BackgroundSuper-obese patients can achieve adequate weight loss with long limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). These patients, however, might need longer intestinal limbs to control co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes, lipid disorders, hypertension, sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder.MethodsA total of 105 patients with a body mass index of ≥50 kg/m² were randomly divided into 2 similar groups regarding sex, age, and number of co-morbidities. All underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. In group 1, the length of the biliary limb was 50 cm and the length of the Roux limb was 150 cm. In group 2, the length of the biliary limb was 100 cm and the length of the Roux limb was 250 cm.ResultsThe follow-up for both group was 48 months. Diabetes was controlled in 58% of group 1 and in 93% of group 2 (P <0.05). Lipid disorders improved in 57% of group 1 and in 70% of group 2 (P <0.05). No statistical difference was found in the control or improvement of hypertension, sleep apnea, or gastroesophageal reflux disorder. The excess weight loss was faster in group 1 but was similar in both groups at 48 months (70% in group 1 and 74% in group 2), with no statistical difference.ConclusionPatients with longer biliary and Roux limbs achieved greater type 2 diabetes control, greater lipid disorder improvement, and showed a trend toward faster excess weight loss.     

Relationship between varying Roux limb lengths and weight loss in gastric bypass

BACKGROUND: The optimal Roux limb length for gastric bypass is unknown. Therefore, the effect of Roux limb length on weight loss and nutritional deficiency after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure was studied. METHODS: From September 2000 to February 2004, 165 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgeries were performed at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. One-year follow-ups were completed on 97 patients. Roux limbs varied from 100 cm to 150 cm, based on the patient's body mass index (BMI). Roux limb lengths were compared with 1-year changes in absolute weight, BMI, and nutritional levels. RESULTS: In the 97 patients, average age at the time of surgery was 44 years (range, 20-63). Average BMI was 46.7 +/- 6.6 kg/m(2) before surgery and 30.9 +/- 5.8 kg/m(2) at 1-year follow-up. Average absolute weight loss at 1 year was 43.7 +/- 12.8 kg. A statistically significant linear relationship existed between Roux limb length and reductions in BMI and absolute weight. No relationship existed between Roux limb length and changes in nutrient levels. CONCLUSION: A linear relationship exists between Roux limb length and 1-year weight loss.     

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in Patients with BMI <50: A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Short and Long Limb Lengths

Background: It has been shown that long limb gastric bypass in the super-obese (BMI >50) results in increased weight loss in comparison with conventional gastric bypass. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of short and long limb lengths in patients with BM I<50. Methods: 48 patients with BMI <50 (46 females / 2 males, mean age 35±9.6 years) were prospectively randomized to either a short limb (biliopancreatic limb = 50 cm, alimentary limb = 100 cm) or long limb (biliopancreatic limb = 100 cm, alimentary limb = 150 cm) laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP). In all patients, a 25-mm EEA was used to fashion the gastrojejunostomy and the Roux limb was positioned in an antecolic, antegastric location. Limb lengths were precisely measured in all cases. Results: There was no difference in demographic data, preoperative BMI, presence of co-morbidities, or duration of surgery. The overall complication rate was not different between the 2 groups; however, the incidence of internal hernias was significantly higher in the long limb group (0 vs 4, P=0.029). The length of hospital stay was longer for the short limb group compared to the long limb group (3.1 vs 2.2 respectively, P=0.004). When comparing the short limb to the long limb patients, the BMI decreased equally in both groups at the following time intervals: preoperative (44.6 vs 44.9), 3 weeks (40.3 vs 40.9), 3 months (35.5 vs 35.2), 6 months (31.2 vs 31.8), and 12 months (27.7 vs 28.3). There were no significant nutritional deficiencies in either group. Conclusions: In patients with BMI <50 undergoing LRYGBP, increasing the length of the Roux limb does not improve weight loss and may lead to a higher incidence of internal hernias.     

Comparison of fat-free mass in super obesity (BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2) and morbid obesity (BMI <50 kg/m2) in response to different weight loss surgeries

BackgroundDifferences in excess weight loss, body mass index (BMI) change, and body composition have been related to different types of bariatric procedures. Our objective was to explore these alterations related to body mass in superobese (SO) and morbidly obese (MO) patients in a university hospital setting.MethodsPatients provided written informed consent and had their body composition measured before and after surgery using bioimpedance (Tanita 310). The t test was used to compare MO and SO. Pearson's correlations were used to examine the BMI, excessive BMI loss, percentage of body fat (BF) change, and fat-free mass.ResultsA total of 133 MO patients had a BMI of 43.3 kg/m² and 88 SO patients had a BMI of 59.4 kg/m². The percentage of BF was 46.7% and 51.9% (P < .0001). The differences in the follow-up period after surgery (21.5 and 20.6 months; P = .62) and patient age (43.4 and 42.5 yr) were not significant, but the gender distribution was significant (P = .003). After surgery, the MO patients had a BMI of 30.9 ± 5.7 kg/m² and the SO patients had a BMI of 37.3 ± 9.0 kg/m². The percentage of BF was not different between the 2 groups (MO, 33.1% ± 9.6% and SO, 35.0% ± 12.4%; P = .21). Gender differences in the percentage of BF were present before surgery; however, after surgery, these were absent for the men in the 2 groups (24.8% and 26.6%; P = .51). The change in the BMI and the change in the BF had a stronger correlation for the MO patients (r = .83 versus r = .53) than for the SO patients. The fat-free mass loss correlated with the change in BMI without regard to procedure. The percentage of excessive BMI loss was 65.1% for the MO and 63.4% for the SO patients (P = .64).ConclusionsThe SO patients achieved excessive BMI loss similar to that of the MO patients, with more SO men choosing biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch. At a BMI of 37.3 kg/m², the SO patients had a percentage of BF that was not different from that of the MO patients at 30.9 kg/m². The fat-free mass losses correlated with the change in BMI.     

Distal gastric bypass: 2-m biliopancreatic limb construction with varying lengths of common channel

BackgroundLong-term durability after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is challenging in the super-obese population. Although lengthening of biliopancreatic limb (BPL) is associated with higher rates of weight loss, shortening of common limb (CL) is related to higher risk of malabsorption.ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed at evaluating the importance of the total alimentary limb length by creating a 2-m BPL diversion with varying CL lengths.SettingHigh-volume bariatric center, Norway.MethodsThree groups of patients (N = 187) with different limb lengths were included in this retrospective cohort-analysis as follows: group 1 (n = 69; Roux limb = 150 cm, BPL = 60 cm), group 2 (n = 88; BPL = 200 cm, CL = 150 cm), and group 3 (n = 30; BPL = 200 cm, CL = 200 cm). Weight loss, regain, and failure were analyzed along with malabsorption issues.ResultsPreoperative body mass index (BMI) was higher in group 2 (58.5, P < .001) and 3 (57.4) versus group 1 (54.6, P = .011). No other clinically significant differences between the groups were noted. Follow-up rate was 95% at year 2, 74% at year 5, and 52% at year 10. At 10-year follow-up, excess weight loss and total weight loss was higher in group 2 (70.4%; 40.3%) and 3 (64.0%; 35.9%) compared with group 1 (55.9%; 29.2%). Excess weight loss failure was higher in group 1 versus 2 (30% versus 8.3%, P < .001). No difference in short- or long-term complications was seen except higher occurrence of internal hernia in distal Roux-en-Y gastric bypass groups (11.4%, 6.7%). Vitamin and mineral deficiencies occurred more frequently the shorter the CL was.ConclusionSustainable weight loss in a long-term follow-up is achieved by shortening the total alimentary limb length with a 2-m BPL diversion that should not be attached <200 cm from the ileocecal junction owing to higher rates of internal hernia and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.     

The Importance of the Length of the Limbs for Gastric Bypass Patients—An Evidence-based Review

The ideal length of the gastric bypass limbs is debated. Recent evidence suggests that standard limb lengths used today have a limited impact on patient weight loss. Our objective was to appraise critically the available evidence on the influence of the length of gastric bypass limbs on weight loss outcomes. We systematically reviewed MEDLINE, the Cochrane database of evidence-based reviews, and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects for articles reporting the effect of gastric bypass length on outcomes published between 1987 and 2009. Four randomized controlled trials and several retrospective studies were identified and reviewed. Longer Roux limb lengths (at least 150 cm) were associated with a very modest weight loss advantage in the short term in superobese patients. No significant impact of alimentary limb length on weight loss for patients with body mass index (BMI) <50 was seen. When the length of the common channel approaches 100 cm, a significant impact on weight loss is observed. The currently available literature supports the notion that a longer Roux limb (at least 150 cm) may be associated with a very modest weight loss advantage in the short term in superobese patients but has no significant impact on patients with BMI ≤50. To achieve weight loss benefit due to malabsorption, bariatric surgeons should focus on the length of the common channel rather than the alimentary or biliopancreatic limbs when constructing a gastric bypass especially in the superobese population where failure rates after conventional gastric bypass are higher.     

Patterns of surgical weight loss and resolution of metabolic abnormalities in superobese bariatric adolescents

PurposeThe aim of the study was to compare the baseline and the 18-month follow-up for weight and metabolic characteristics of superobese (SO) (body mass index [BMI] ≥50 kg/m²) and morbidly obese (MO) (BMI <50 kg/m²) adolescents who participated in a prospective longitudinal study of gastric banding delivered in an adolescent multidisciplinary treatment program.MethodsClinical information was extracted from an institutional review board–approved database of bariatric adolescents. Fasting cytokine and acute phase protein serum levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Liver histopathologies were assessed using the Kleiner's classification score.ResultsOther than BMI, MO (n = 11) and SO (n = 7) patients have similar degree of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Serum C-reactive protein (10.2 ± 5.6 SO vs 4 ± 3.9 μg/mL MO [P < .02]) and leptin (71 ± 31 SO vs 45 ± 28 MO ng/mL [P = .04]) were more elevated in SO patients. Although weight loss is similar (30 ± 19 kg MO vs 28 ± 12 kg SO, P = .8 at 18 months; mean percent change in BMI, 22.8% ± 11.6% vs 20.5% ± 10.3% SO, P = .2), SO patients has less resolution of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia but experienced significantly improved health-related quality of life.ConclusionsThe SO adolescents demonstrate equivalent short-term weight loss and improved quality of life but delayed metabolic response to a gastric banding–based weight loss treatment program compared with MO patients, illustrating the importance of early referral for timely intervention of MO patients.     

Short-term results of long biliopancreatic limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass—is it superior?

ObjectivesTo compare the short-term safety and effectiveness of long biliopancreatic limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) to that of regular RYGB.SettingAcademic hospital, United States.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed on 89 consecutive patients who underwent RYGB between February 4, 2014 and March 12, 2015. Of these, 43 underwent long biliopancreatic limb RYGB (150 versus 60 cm, with 100-cm Roux limb).ResultsBaseline characteristics including sex, preoperative body mass index, and co-morbidities were similar between the long- and regular-limb RYGB patients. Long-limb patients were older than regular-limb patients. The median length of hospital stay was similar (2 d for both groups). In the long-limb RYGB group, the mean percentage of excess body mass index loss was 50.3%, 71.4%, 75.8%, and 80.5% at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after the procedure, respectively. In the regular-limb RYGB group, the mean excess body mass index loss was 51.8%, 71.7%, 69.3%, and 68.5% during the same follow-up period. No significant difference in weight loss was observed between the 2 groups at any time point. Two patients in each group required 30-day readmission (4.7% and 4.3%). Two patients in each group required 30-day reoperation. One death occurred in the regular limb group due to a cerebrovascular accident after discharge.ConclusionsShort-term results show that long biliopancreatic limb RYGB was not associated with a more significant weight loss after RYGB. The 2 procedures were similar in 30-day complications.     

Anesthetic Management of Morbidly Obese and Super-Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Bariatric Operations: Hospital Course and Outcomes

Background: Although the implications for the anesthetic and perioperative care of severely obese patients undergoing weight loss operations are considerable, current anesthetic management of super-obese (SO) patients (BMI ≥50 kg/m²), including super-super-obese (BMI ≥60) derives from experience with morbidly obese (MO) patients (BMI 40-49.9 kg/m²). We compared anesthetic and perioperative data of SO patients and MO patients undergoing weight loss operations to evaluate if anesthetic management influenced outcome. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on data from 150 consecutive patients (119 MO, 31 SO) undergoing bariatric surgery between May 2000 and March 2005. Data analyzed included preoperative anesthetic assessment, anesthetic management, postoperative care, and intra- or postoperative complications. Results: There were no differences in anesthetic management or in postoperative course or outcome between MO and SO patients. Intraoperative surgical complications occurred in 26% (n=8) in the SO group and 14% (n=15) in the MO group (P<0.01). Conclusions: No differences in outcome occurred between MO and SO patients undergoing bariatric operations under similar anesthetic management. Anesthesia for weight loss surgery can be safely performed on SO patients with the understanding that these patients are not at risk per se due to their higher BMI. The degree of obesity influenced only the incidence of intraoperative surgical complications.     

Is Weight Loss Better Sustained with Long-Limb Gastric Bypass in the Super-Obese?

Background  

While some studies have shown that long-limb gastric bypass with Roux limb length of 150 to 200 cm can attain better weight loss outcomes in super-obese patients (BMI >50 kg/m²) than the standard limb gastric bypass with Roux limb length of 100 to 150 cm, other studies have not shown similar findings. Additionally, no study has demonstrated the optimal length of the Roux limb that will result in ideal weight loss. The purpose of this study is to compare the long-term weight loss and weight regain of standard limb length (SLL) and long limb length (LLL) gastric bypass in patients with BMI >50 kg/m².     

Long-long limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is more efficacious in treatment of type 2 diabetes and lipid disorders in super-obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Super-obese patients can achieve adequate weight loss with long limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). These patients, however, might need longer intestinal limbs to control co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes, lipid disorders, hypertension, sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder. METHODS: A total of 105 patients with a body mass index of > or =50 kg/m(2) were randomly divided into 2 similar groups regarding sex, age, and number of co-morbidities. All underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. In group 1, the length of the biliary limb was 50 cm and the length of the Roux limb was 150 cm. In group 2, the length of the biliary limb was 100 cm and the length of the Roux limb was 250 cm. RESULTS: The follow-up for both group was 48 months. Diabetes was controlled in 58% of group 1 and in 93% of group 2 (P <0.05). Lipid disorders improved in 57% of group 1 and in 70% of group 2 (P <0.05). No statistical difference was found in the control or improvement of hypertension, sleep apnea, or gastroesophageal reflux disorder. The excess weight loss was faster in group 1 but was similar in both groups at 48 months (70% in group 1 and 74% in group 2), with no statistical difference. CONCLUSION: Patients with longer biliary and Roux limbs achieved greater type 2 diabetes control, greater lipid disorder improvement, and showed a trend toward faster excess weight loss.     

Perioperative outcomes after lower extremity bypass and peripheral vascular interventions in patients with morbid obesity and superobesity

ObjectiveAlthough the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the treatment of infrainguinal peripheral artery disease has been reported, outcomes of patients on the upper end of the obesity spectrum, including morbid obesity (MO) and superobesity (SO), are unclear. Our goal was to analyze perioperative outcomes after lower extremity bypass (LEB) and peripheral vascular interventions (PVIs) in this population of patients.MethodsThe Vascular Quality Initiative was reviewed for all infrainguinal peripheral artery disease interventions from 2010 to 2017. All patients were categorized into four groups: nonobese (BMI 18.5-29.9 kg/m²), obese (BMI 30-39.9 kg/m²), morbidly obese (BMI 40-49.9 kg/m²), and superobese (BMI ≥50 kg/m²). Patient and case details were recorded. Multivariable analysis was used to analyze outcomes. For statistical analysis, MO and SO groups were combined.ResultsWe identified 29,138 LEB cases (68.5% nonobese, 28.3% obese, 2.9% morbidly obese, 0.3% superobese) and 81,405 PVI cases (66.6% nonobese, 29.2% obese, 3.6% morbidly obese, 0.5% superobese). For both LEB and PVI, patients with MO and SO were more likely to be younger, female, nonsmokers, and ambulatory (P < .05). They also more often had diabetes, end-stage renal disease, congestive heart failure, and fewer previous inflow procedures (P < .05). LEB and PVI interventions in patients with MO and SO were less often elective and more often performed for tissue loss. Multivariable analysis showed that LEB in patients with MO and SO was not significantly associated with increased perioperative cardiac complications, return to the operating room, or mortality. Patients with MO and SO were significantly associated with increased surgical site infection (odds ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.98; P = .03) and increased respiratory complications (odds ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-2.31; P = .01). Multivariable analysis showed that MO and SO were not significantly associated with periprocedural access site hematoma, access site stenosis or occlusion, or mortality after PVI.ConclusionsMO and SO were significantly associated with increased incidence of wound infections and respiratory complications after LEB but were not significantly associated with increased incidence after PVI. Overall, patients with MO and SO have more comorbidities and more advanced presentation of vascular disease at the time of intervention, but MO and SO alone should not deter necessary and appropriate revascularization.     

Roux limb obstruction secondary to constriction at transverse mesocolon rent after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BackgroundPartial small bowel obstruction can occur as a result of circumferential extrinsic compression of the Roux limb as it traverses the transverse mesocolic rent from thickened cicatrix formation in this area. The aim of this study is to examine the incidence of Roux limb compression with particular attention to the timing of presentation and associated weight loss in the setting of a university hospital in the United States.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed of all patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass who developed symptomatic small bowel obstruction requiring operative intervention from January 1, 2000 and September 15, 2006.ResultsOf 2215 patients, 20 (.9%) developed symptomatic Roux limb compression. The mean time to presentation was 48 days after LRYGB. By this stage, the mean percentage of excess body weight loss was 29%. Of the 20 patients, 19 underwent an upper gastrointestinal contrast study, the results of which confirmed the diagnosis. In all cases, laparoscopic intervention was successful in freeing the constricted Roux limb by dividing the cicatrix formation between the Roux limb and mesocolic window. Switching from continuous to interrupted closure of the space between Roux limb and mesocolic window appeared to reduce the incidence of this complication (P <.05).ConclusionNarrowing at the transverse mesocolon rent is an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction after retrocolic laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Unlike internal hernias, which tend to occur later in the clinical course and are associated with significant weight loss, Roux limb obstruction occurs earlier after gastric bypass and is not associated with significant weight loss. Interrupted closure of the mesocolic window might reduce the risk of Roux compression.     

Perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in super-obese and super-super-obese patients: a national database analysis

BackgroundEvidence remains contradictory for perioperative outcomes of super-obese (SO) and super-super-obese (SSO) patients undergoing bariatric surgery.ObjectiveTo identify national 30-day morbidity and mortality of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in SO and SSO patients.SettingThe Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database.MethodsAll LSG and LRYGB patients from 2015 through 2017 in the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database were grouped based on body mass index (BMI) as follows: morbidly obese (MO; BMI 35.0–49.9 kg/m²), SO (BMI 50.0–59.9 kg/m²), and SSO (BMI ≥60.0 kg/m²). Complications and mortality within 30 days were compared between BMI groups using Pearson X² or Fischer’s exact tests. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for demographic characteristics and co-morbidities, and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was reported for each outcome.ResultsOf 356,621 patients, 71.6% had LSG and 28.4% LRYGB. A total of 272,195 patients were in the MO group, 65,565 in the SO group, and 18,861 in the SSO group. Higher BMI was associated with increased overall morbidity and mortality. The overall complication rate was significantly higher for SO (AOR = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–1.28 for LSG; AOR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.15 for LRYGB) and SSO (AOR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.31–1.58 for LSG; AOR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.19–1.45 for LRYGB) compared with the MO group. Mortality was also significantly higher for SO (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.10–2.48 for LSG; AOR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.23–2.80 for LRYGB) and SSO (AOR = 3.30, 95% CI 1.98–5.48 for LSG; AOR = 3.32, 95% CI 1.93–5.73 for LRYGB) compared with the MO group.ConclusionsSO and SSO patients are at increased risk of 30-day morbidity and mortality compared with MO patients. Despite this elevated perioperative risk, the overall risk of these procedures remains low and acceptable especially as bariatric surgery is the durable treatment option for obesity.     

Is selection bias toward super obese patients in the rationing of metabolic surgery justified?—A pilot study from the United Kingdom

BackgroundRecent evidence suggests that National Health Service (NHS) rationing of bariatric surgery is biased toward super-obese patients without scientific basis. The aim of this study was to compare health, quality of life, and employment outcomes in morbidly obese (MO) versus super-obese (SO) patients after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) to provide a basis for rationing.MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing LRYGB from January 2008–September 2009, with baseline body mass index (BMI)<45 kg/m² (MO) and BMI>60 kg/m² (SO) were identified from a prospective database. Seventy-six eligible patients were invited to complete a questionnaire comprising BAROS (bariatric analysis and reporting outcome system), EQ-5D (EuroQol – 5D), EQVAS (Euro-QoL visual analog score), and employment status preoperatively and postoperatively. Anthropometric, demographic, and clinical data were recorded.ResultsFifty-one patients responded: 23 MO and 28 SO. Groups were matched for demographic characteristics and co-morbidities. The MO group had significantly higher percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) (82% versus 53%; t test: P<.001) and mean BAROS score (5.47 versus 4.21; t test: P = .025) than the SO group. EQ-5D improved significantly for both groups in 3 domains (self care, anxiety/depression, and pain/discomfort); there was no significant difference in improvement between groups. EQVAS was significantly higher for the MO group (90 versus 70; Mann-Whitney U: P = .001). Employment status changed for 8 patients postoperatively, but there was no significant difference between groups.ConclusionThese results suggest that MO patients appear to benefit more than SO patients from LRYGB and yet seem to be disadvantaged in some NHS Trusts in the United Kingdom for access to bariatric surgery. This study provides a baseline framework for further research to generate evidence for more scientific rationing of bariatric surgery.     

Robot-Assisted Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Super Obese Patients: A Comparative Study

Superobese patients (SO) (body mass index (BMI)?≥?50 kg/m²) represent a real surgical challenge and the best management remains debatable. While the safety of a laparoscopic approach has been questioned for this population, robotics has been introduced in the armamentarium of the bariatric surgeon, yet its role remains poorly assessed, especially for a very high BMI. The study aim is thus to report our experience with robot-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for SO. From July 2006 to May 2012, 288 consecutive robot-assisted RYGB procedures have been performed at a single institution. All data were collected prospectively in a dedicated database. Among those patients, 41 were SO (14.2 %). All the peri- and postoperative parameters were compared to the morbidly obese (MO) group (BMI?<?50). Data have been reviewed retrospectively. The SO group presented a higher ASA score and more male patients. The operative time was similar between both groups, yet there were more conversions in the SO group (two versus one for MO; p?=?0.05). The morbidity and mortality rates were similar between both groups. The length of stay was longer for the SO population (7 vs. 6 days; p?=?0.03). The percent BMI loss was similar at 1 year (34 vs. 34 %; p?=?1), but the percent excess BMI loss was higher for the MO group (83 vs. 65 % for the SO group; p?=?0.0007). Robot-assisted RYGB can be performed safely for SO, with complication rates and functional results at 1 year comparable to MO, yet this approach for SO has been associated with a slightly increased conversion rate and length of stay.     

Is Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Adequate in the Super-Obese?

Background:The outcome after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) in morbidly obese (MO) (body mass index [BMI] 40-50) was compared with super-obese (SO) (BMI >50) and super-super-obese (SSO) (BMI >60) patients. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in 738 consecutive patients who underwent RYGBP. 483 MO were compared with 184 SO and 70 SSO. Study endpoints included: effect on co-morbid conditions, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long-term results. Statistical analysis utilized SPSS 11.0. Results: Percentage of males was significantly greater in the SO groups (16.5% vs 13%, P=0.01). Obesity-related conditions were significantly more frequent in the SO groups: sleep apnea (38% vs 17%, P<0.0005), gallstones (23% vs 14%, P=0.013); diabetes (29% vs 17%, P=0.002). Hospital stay was longer in the SO groups (5.7±6.1 days vs 4.6±2.6 days, P=0.024). Wound infection was more frequent in the SO groups (4.7% vs 1.4%, P=0.019). Postoperative mortality was greater in the SSO and SO groups (1.6% and 1.4%) than MO (0%) (P=0.019). Incisional hernia was more frequent in the SO groups (14.1% vs 8.6%; P=0.041). There was no significant difference in percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) between the three groups. EWL >50% at 5 years was: MO 81.5%, SO 87.5%, SSO 80%. The surgery was effective in treating the co-morbid conditions. Conclusion: RYGBP achieved significant durable weight loss and effectively treated co-morbid conditions in SO and SSO patients with acceptable postoperative morbidity and slightly greater mortality than in MO patients.     

The Impact of Roux Limb Length on Weight Loss After Gastric Bypass

Background Extending the length of the Roux limb (RL) in gastric bypass (GBP) may improve weight loss in super obese patients (body mass index [BMI] > 50 kg/m²), but no consensus exists about the optimal length of the RL. We sought to determine the impact of RL length on weight loss in super obese patients 1 year after GBP. Materials and Methods One-year weight loss outcomes were analyzed in all super obese patients who underwent consecutive and primary laparoscopic or open GBP between January 2003 and June 2006. Patients were divided into two groups according to RL length (100 vs. 150 cm). The RL length was at the discretion of the attending surgeon. Baseline and follow-up data were collected prospectively. Multiple linear regression was used to adjust for potential confounders in the weight loss outcomes. Results Twelve-month follow-up data were available in 137 (85%) of 161 patients with a BMI ≥ 50 who underwent GBP during the study period. An RL of 100 or 150 cm was used in 102 (74.5%) and 35 patients (25.5%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, patients with the 150-cm RL lost more weight (68.5 vs. 55.3 kg, p < 0.01), had a greater change in BMI (25 vs. 21 kg/m², p = 0.01), and had greater excess weight loss (64 vs. 53%, p < 0.01). Conclusion A 150-cm RL provides better weight loss outcomes in super obese patients at 1-year follow-up.