Health-related quality of life does not vary among patients seeking different surgical procedures to assist with weight loss

BackgroundImprovement in quality of life (QOL) is 1 of the goals of bariatric procedures. We hypothesized that greater impairment of QOL would encourage the choice of more invasive surgical procedures. Our study was performed at a university hospital weight loss surgical center in the United States.MethodsPatients qualifying for weight loss surgery, who at their surgical consultation had chosen their surgical option and signed an informed consent form, were asked to complete 3 QOL forms—the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-item Health Survey, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite. Analysis of variance was used to compare the surgery types with the demographics, QOL, and depression.ResultsA total of 367 patients, 114 men (31.1%) and 253 women (68.75), completed the QOL forms at their surgical consultation. Of these 367 patients, 68.9% elected gastric bypass (GB), 15% chose biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch (BPD/DS), and 16.1% chose adjustable gastric banding (AGB). The mean patient age was 42.5 ± 10.7 years (P = NS), with no differences in gender distribution. The body mass index was 51.9 kg/m² for the BPD/DS group, greater than that for the GB group (45.9 kg/m²) or AGB group (44.3 kg/m²; P < .0001). No significant differences were found in the Beck Depression Inventory score among the 3 groups (GB 14.6 ± 9.6, AGB 10.8 ± 8.2, and BPD/DS 13.5 ± 7.3). For the Short Form 36-item Health Survey, only the physical component score was different for the AGB group compared with the BPD/DS group (GB 49.2 ± 25.1, BPD/DS 42.8 ± 26.4, and AGB 52.3 ± 31.7; P = .05). For the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite, all differences were nonsignificant. The total score was 44.1 ± 20.7, 44.4 ± 21.1, and 52.2 ± 19.6 for the GB, BPD/DS, and AGB groups, respectively.ConclusionPatients requesting a weight loss procedure reported moderate to severe impairments in QOL and mood dysphoria compared with the community norms. However, the patients choosing from the 3 procedures studied scored similarly on the health-related QOL assessments.     

Outcomes of bariatric surgery in extreme obesity: results from the United Kingdom National Bariatric Surgery Registry for patients with a body mass index >70 kg/m2

BackgroundBariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) is an established safe, effective, and durable treatment for obesity and its complications. However, there is still a paucity of evidence on surgery outcomes in patients suffering from extreme obesity.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate outcomes of BMS in weight loss and the resolution of co-morbidities in patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥70kg/m².SettingNational Health Service and private hospitals in the United Kingdom.MethodsThis cohort study analyzed prospectively collected records from the UK National Bariatric Surgery Registry of patients with a BMI ≥70 kg/m² undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), or adjustable gastric band (AGB) between January 2009 and June 2014.ResultsThere were 230 patients (64% female) eligible for inclusion in the study: 22 underwent AGB; 102 underwent SG, and 106 underwent RYGB. Preoperative weight and BMI values were comparable (76 ± 7 kg/m² for AGB; 75 ± 5 kg/m² for SG; 74 ± 5 kg/m² for RYGB). The median postoperative follow-up was 13 months for AGB (10–22 mo), 18 for SG (6–28 mo), and 15 for RYGB (6–24 mo). Patients undergoing RYGB and SG exhibited the greatest postoperative total body weight loss (35 ± 13% and 31 ± 15%, respectively; P = .14), which led to postoperative BMIs of 48 ± 10 kg/m² and 51 ± 11 kg/m², respectively (P = .14). All procedures conferred a reduction in the incidence of co-morbidities, including type 2 diabetes, and led to improved functional statuses. The overall complication rate was 7%, with 3 deaths (1%) within 30 days of surgery.ConclusionThis study found that primary BMS in patients with a BMI >70kg/m² has an acceptable safety profile and is associated with good medium-term clinical outcomes. RYGB and SG are associated with better weight loss and great improvements in co-morbidities than AGB. Given the noninferiority of SG outcomes and SG’s potential for further conversion to other BMS procedures if required, SG may be the best choice for primary BMS in patients with extreme obesity.     

Hormone changes and diabetes resolution after biliopancreatic diversion and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a comparative prospective study

BackgroundBiliopancreatic diversion (BPD) is the most effective bariatric procedure in terms of weight loss and remission of diabetes type 2 (T2DM), but it is accompanied by nutrient deficiencies. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a relatively new operation that has shown promising results concerning T2DM resolution and weight loss. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare prospectively the effects of BPD long limb (BPD) and laparoscopic SG on fasting, and glucose-stimulated insulin, glucagon, ghrelin, peptide YY (PYY), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion and also on remission of T2DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemia in morbidly obese patients with T2DM.MethodsTwelve patients (body mass index [BMI] 57.6±9.9 kg/m²) underwent BPD and 12 (BMI 43.7±2.1 kg/m²) underwent SG. All patients had T2DM and underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before and 1, 3, and 12 months after surgery.ResultsBMI decreased more after BPD, but percent excess weight loss (%EWL) was similar in both groups (P = .8) and T2DM resolved in all patients at 12 months. Insulin sensitivity improved more after BPD than after SG (P = .003). Blood pressure, total and LDL cholesterol decreased only after BPD (P<.001). Triglycerides decreased after either operation, but HDL increased only after SG (P<.001). Fasting ghrelin did not change after BPD (P = .2), but decreased markedly after SG (P<.001). GLP-1 and PYY responses during OGTT were dramatically enhanced after either procedure (P = .001).ConclusionsSG was comparable to BPD in T2DM resolution but inferior in improving dyslipidemia and blood pressure. SG and BPD enhanced markedly PYY and GLP-1 responses but only SG suppressed ghrelin levels.     

Single and dual anastomosis duodenal switch for obesity treatment: a single-center experience

BackgroundBiliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) is the most effective bariatric surgery in super-obese patients, although technically complex and time consuming. As a primary surgery, single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) is similar to BPD/DS in terms of short-term outcomes, but long-term and comparative data are lacking.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients submitted to SADI-S and BPD/DS.SettingPublic hospital.MethodsObese patients (n = 112) submitted to SADI-S (n = 83) and BPD/DS (n = 29) for obesity treatment were prospectively compared.ResultsThe mean preoperative body mass indexes (BMIs) were 53.41 ± .93 for BPD/DS and 50.61 ± .52 kg/m² for SADI-S. Follow-up of 48 months was achieved in 18% (n = 21) of patients, with a nonsignificant difference in the percentage of excess BMI loss (%EBMIL; 81.20 ± 3.71 for BPD/DS; 74.82 ± 3.45 for SADI-S). Operative time (164.30 ± 7.78 minutes for BPD/DS; 132.70 ± 7.19 minutes for SADI-S; P = .006) and hospital stay (4.90 ± 1.10 days for BPD/DS; 4.35 ± .70 days for SADI-S; P = .006) were significantly shorter for SADI-S. There was no significant difference in the 30-day postoperative complication rate. No mortality was reported. After surgery, significant improvements were observed in glucose and lipid profiles for both groups. The type 2 diabetes remission rate was 100% for BPD/DS and ranged from 60 to 80% for SADI-S across follow-up times. Dyslipidemia remission followed a similar pattern. Protein deficiency was observed in up to 50% of patients after BPD/DS and 20% after SADI-S, without statistically significances.ConclusionSADI-S and BPD/DS as primary surgery for obesity treatment result in no significant differences in %EBMIL, improvement in obesity-related diseases, nutritional deficiencies, and postoperative morbidity. Nevertheless, there was greater total weight loss after BPD/DS. SADI-S, being less time consuming and technically simpler, can represent an advantage over BPD/DS.     

The duodenal switch for morbid obesity: modification of cardiovascular risk markers compared with standard bariatric surgeries

BackgroundObesity is associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as lipid levels and increased levels of C-reactive peptide (CRP). We hypothesized that duodenal switch (DS) would show equivalent or superior risk reduction compared with standard bariatric surgeries.MethodsPatients underwent DS, sleeve gastrectomy (SG), or gastric bypass (GB) over a 2-year period. Body mass index (BMI), lipid panel, and CRP were measured preoperatively and then 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.ResultsA total of 130 patients were identified; 42 underwent DS, 40 underwent SG, and 48 underwent GB. All groups had similar sex and comorbidity profiles, but the mean preoperative BMI was greatest in the DS group (mean = 52). At all intervals weight loss was greater in the DS group (P < .01), with a final BMI of 31 for the DS group, 31 for the SG group, and 28 for the GB group. Cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein showed significantly greater improvement at all time points with DS compared with SG and GB (P < .01). Baseline CRP levels among DS patients were double that of SG and GB, but rapidly declined to equivalent levels by 3 months and normalized in 79%.ConclusionsThe DS procedure resulted in a superior reduction in cardiovascular and proinflammatory risk markers compared with GB and SG.     

Changes in fat-free mass and muscle mass at 6 and 12 months after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch surgery

BackgroundBariatric surgery is associated with concomitant loss in both fat and muscle masses. Literature on muscle composition/quality after bariatric surgery is limited.ObjectivesTo measure and compare the changes in fat-free mass with the changes in muscle composition after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch surgery (BPD/DS).SettingBariatric surgery is associated with concomitant loss in both fat and muscle masses. Literature on muscle composition/quality after bariatric surgery is limited.MethodsForty patients underwent BPD/DS and 22 patients are considered as controls. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (body composition) and computed tomography scan at the midthigh and abdominal levels (muscle composition) were performed at baseline, 6, and 12 months.ResultsAt 6 and 12 months, the BPD/DS group displayed significant reduction in weight (12 months: −46.6 ± 13.5 kg) and fat-free mass (12 months: −8.2 ± 4.4 kg; both P < .001). A significant reduction in abdominal (−15 ± 8%, P < .001) and midthigh muscle areas (−18 ± 7%, P < .001) was observed during the first postoperative 6 months, followed by a plateau after 6 months (abdominal: −1 ± 5%, midthigh: −1 ± 4%, both P > .05). At 6 months, both midthigh fat-infiltrated muscle (−22 ± 10%, P < .001) and normal-density muscle (−16 ± 9%, P < .001) areas decreased. Further reduction at 12 months was only observed in the fat-infiltrated muscle (−11 ± 8%, P < .001) in comparison with an increase in the normal-density muscle area (5 ± 8%, P = .001). There was no significant change for the control group.ConclusionsReduction in muscle, assessed with computed tomography scans, occurs mostly during the first 6 months postoperatively after BPD/DS. Focus on muscle quantity as well as quality, using precise imaging methods, instead of quantifying total body lean mass, is likely to provide better assessment in body content modulation after BPD/DS.     

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy followed by duodenal switch in selected patients versus single-stage duodenal switch for superobesity: case–control study

BackgroundThe prevalence of superobesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥50 kg/m²) has increased steadily during the past decade, and the most suitable surgical strategy for these patients is still controversial. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that in selected superobese patients, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) followed by laparoscopic duodenal switch (DS) might reduce the rate of postoperative complications and the need for the second step duodenal switch. The setting was a university hospital in France.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed of a prospective database of 110 consecutive patients with a BMI of ≥50 kg/m² undergoing the staged approach and matched for age, gender, and BMI with 110 consecutive patients undergoing single-stage DS. The excess weight loss (EWL), co-morbidity improvement, and incidence of postoperative complications were compared between the 2 groups.ResultsOne patient died in the staged strategy group (mortality rate .9%). The postoperative complication rate was 8.2% in the staged strategy group (110 patients) and 15.5% in the single-stage DS group (110 patients; P = 1). Multivariate analysis showed that single-stage DS surgery is the only variable significantly associated with the occurrence of postoperative complications (odds ratio 2.36; 95% confidence interval 1.001–5.61). In the staged strategy group, at a mean follow-up of 36.4 ± 13 months, 39 patients (35.5%) required the second-stage procedure. The mean %EWL was 50.8% ± 17.5% for SG alone (35% failed to maintain 50% EWL after SG), 61.5% ± 19.3% for the staged strategy, 72.7% ± 14.1% for 2-step DS (3.3% failed to maintain 50% EWL after 2-step DS), and 73.3% ± 17.6% for single-stage DS (7.3% failed to maintain 50% EWL after single-stage DS).ConclusionsAt 3 years of follow-up, staged DS surgery avoided biliopancreatic diversion in 72.7% of the patients. Single-stage DS increases the risk of postoperative complications but not of anastomotic leak.     

Improvement in gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms after various bariatric procedures: Review of the Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Database

BackgroundThe prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the morbidly obese population is as high as 45%. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of various bariatric procedures in the improvement of GERD.MethodsThe Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Database is a prospective database of patients who undergo bariatric surgery by a participant in the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence program. GERD is graded on a 6-point scale, from 0 (no history of GERD) to 5 (prior surgery for GERD). Patients with GERD severe enough to require medications (grades 2, 3, and 4) from June 2007 to December 2009 are identified; the resolution of GERD is noted based on 6-month follow-up.ResultsOf a total of 116,136 patients, 36,938 patients had evidence of GERD preoperatively. After excluding patients undergoing concomitant hiatal hernia repair or fundoplication, there were 22,870 patients with 6-month follow-up. Mean age was 47.6±11.1 years, with an 82% female population. Mean BMI was 46.3±8.0 kg/m². Mean preoperative GERD score for patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) was 2.80±.56, and mean postoperative score was 1.33±1.41 (P<.0001). Similarly, adjustable gastric banding (AGB, 2.77±.57 to 1.63±1.37, P<.0001) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG, 2.82±.57 to 1.85±1.40, P<.0001) had significant improvement in GERD score. GERD score improvement was best in RYGB patients (56.5%; 7955 of 14,078) followed by AGB (46%; 3773 of 8207) and SG patients (41%; 240 of 585).ConclusionAll common bariatric procedures improve GERD. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is superior to adjustable gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy in improving GERD. Also, the greater the loss in excess weight, the greater the improvement in GERD score.     

The Decrease in Plasma Ghrelin Concentrations following Bariatric Surgery Depends on the Functional Integrity of the Fundus

Background: Gastric bypass surgery, which involves the production of a reduced stomach pouch,has been shown to markedly suppress circulating ghrelin concentrations. Since bypassing the ghrelin-producing cell population may be relevant to the disruption of fundic-derived factors participating in food intake signaling, the effect of weight loss induced by either adjustable gastric banding (AGB), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) or biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) was studied. Methods: 16 matched obese patients [35.0 + 2.4 years; initial body weight 124.8 ± 5.7 kg; body mass index (BMI) 47.1 ± 2.2 kg/m²] in whom similar weight loss had been achieved by either AGB (n=7), RYGBP (n=6) or BPD (n=3) were studied. Blood was obtained for biochemical and hormonal analyses. Body composition was assessed by air-displacement-plethysmography. Results: Comparable weight loss (AGB: 26.1 ± 5.1 kg; RYGBP: 32.1 ± 5.0; BPD: 31.7 ± 6.1; P=NS) and decrease in percentage body fat (AGB: 10.0 ± 1.5%; RYGBP: 14.2 ± 2.8; BPD: 10.3 ± 1.0; P=NS) induced by bariatric surgery exerted significantly different (P=0.004) effects on plasma ghrelin concentrations, depending on the surgical procedure applied (AGB: 480 ± 78 pg/ml; RYGBP: 117 ± 34; BPD: 406 ± 86). Without significant differences in BMI, body fat, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, insulin and leptin levels, patients who had undergone the RYGBP exhibited statistically significant diminished circulating fasting plasma ghrelin concentrations compared with the other two bariatric techniques which conserve direct contact of the fundus with ingested food (P=0.003 vs AGB and P=0.020 vs BPD). Conclusion: Fasting circulating ghrelin concentrations in patients undergoing diverse bariatric operations depend on the degree of dysfunctionality of the fundus.     

Sleeve gastrectomy versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in patients Aged ≥65 years: a comparison of short-term outcomes

BackgroundBariatric surgery in the elderly population has been reported as feasible and safe. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) seems to have fewer complications than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) even in the 65 years of age population. We analyzed the difference in weight loss between SG and RYGB in patients age 65 years.ObjectivesTo analyze and compare outcomes between SG and RYGB in patients 65 years of age and older.SettingAcademic hospital, United States.MethodsAfter internal review board approval, we retrospectively reviewed 2486 patients who underwent either SG or RYGB between 2005 and 2018 at our institution. Basic demographics, preoperative body mass index (BMI), and co-morbidities were described. We identified all patients age ≥65 years and subsequently divided them into 2 groups based on type of bariatric procedure performed. Analysis and comparison of outcomes between these groups were completed. Postoperative BMI was reviewed at 6, 12, and 24 months and percent excess BMI loss (%EBMIL, as defined by the ASMBS clinical committee) was calculated accordingly. The t test and χ² analysis were performed for nominal and categorical variables, respectively.ResultsFrom 2486 patients reviewed, 22.7% (n = 565) were aged ≥65 years. From these, 43.1% (n = 244) underwent SG and 56.8% (n = 321) underwent RYGB. White and female patients were predominant in both groups. Mean age was similar for both populations (SG: 71.1 ± 4.0, RYGB: 71.7 ± 4.5; P = .12). Pre-procedure mean BMI for both groups was close in value, but the difference was statistically significant (40.5 ± 5.5 for SG versus 43.7 ± 7.2 for RYGB; P < .0001). Postoperative follow-up rates were similar in both groups at 12 and 24 months (SG: 51.2% and 31.6%; RYGB: 48.3% and 34.3%; P = .49 and P = .5). The %EBMIL at 6, 12, and 24 months was higher for the RYGB group than the SG group (59.3 ± 27.9, 72.1 ± 29.5, 77.4 ± 26.1 versus 50.2 ± 21.9, 55.2 ± 25.6, 43.9 ± 32.2; P < .01, P < .01, and P < .01, respectively). Complication rates were significantly higher in RYGB versus SG (27.7% versus 9.4%; P < .01). We observed significantly higher anastomotic ulcer and stricture rates for RYGB versus SG (7.2% and 5.9 versus 0% and 0%; P < .01 and P < .01, respectively). RYGB had a higher rate for gastrointestinal obstruction requiring intervention (2.2% versus .4%; P = .07). A similar de novo gastroesophageal reflux disease rate was noted in both procedures (3.7% versus 3.7%; P = .98). No leaks were reported in either group.ConclusionsBoth SG and RYGB are effective weight loss procedures for patients aged ≥65 years. RYGB seems to have higher %EBMIL at 1 and 2 years; however, when compared with SG, complication rates appear to be almost 3 times higher.     

Duodenal switch improved standard biliopancreatic diversion: a retrospective study

BackgroundThis was a retrospective study, performed 10 years after surgery, to compare the results between biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) with distal gastrectomy (DG) versus BPD with duodenal switch (DS).MethodsComplete follow-up data were available for 96% of patients, allowing a comparison of weight loss, revision, side effects, and complications at 10 years.ResultsAfter BPD-DS, weight loss was 25% greater than after BPD-DG (46.8 ± 21.7 kg versus 37.5 ± 22 kg, respectively; P <.0001). The need for revision decreased from 18.5% to 2.7% (P <.0001), and the prevalence of vomiting during the previous month was 50% less (23.7–50.6%, P <.0001) after BPD-DS compared with after BPD-DG. Late complications were the same for both procedures. Blood analysis showed that, after BPD-DS, the levels of calcium, iron, and hemoglobin were significantly greater and the parathyroid hormone level was lower than after BPD-DG (71.3 ± 44.2 versus 103.0 ± 64.0 ng/L, respectively; P <.0001).ConclusionThe DS greatly improved the BPD, as it was initially proposed. The use of the DS increased weight loss, decreased the need for revision, resulted in fewer side effects, and improved the absorption of nutrients.     

Is it worth it? Determining the health benefits of sleeve gastrectomy in patients with a body mass index <35 kg/m2

BackgroundCriteria for undergoing sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is restricted among patients with a body mass index (BMI) <35 kg/m².ObjectivesTo determine if low-BMI patients experience similar health benefits after SG compared with patients with a BMI ≥35 kg/m².SettingTeaching and nonteaching hospitals in Michigan.MethodsPatients with a BMI <35 kg/m² at the time of primary SG were identified between 2006 and 2018 (n = 1073, 2.4%). Patient characteristics, 30-day risk-adjusted complication rates, and patient reported outcomes were compared with all patients who underwent SG with a BMI ≥35 kg/m² (n = 44,511, mean BMI 46.7 kg/m²).ResultsLow-BMI patients were more likely to be older (50.7 versus 45.4 yr, P < .0001), have diabetes (36.7 versus 30.9%, P < .0001), hypertension (54.2% versus 51.0%, P = .0372), and hyperlipidemia (57.1% versus 44.8%, P < .0001). Both groups had comparable rates of discontinuation of medications for hypertension (59.7% versus 54.1%, P = .0570), hyperlipidemia (54.3% versus 52.2%, P = .5537), and diabetes (oral, 79.2% versus 78.1%, P = .7294; insulin, 64.2% versus 62.2%, P = .7438). However, low-BMI patients were more likely to achieve a healthy BMI (i.e., BMI ≤25 kg/m²; 36.3% versus 6.01%, P < .0001), and had higher body image scores (50.6 versus 42.4, P < .0001).ConclusionsDespite being older and with higher rates of metabolic disease, low-BMI patients reported high-resolution rates for diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia (>50%) and were more likely to achieve a healthy weight after SG. Abolishing the BMI threshold for SG among patients with metabolic disease should be considered.     

Benefits of multidisciplinary team management of obese patients with intragastric balloon placement: an analysis of 159 cases at a single center

BackgroundIntragastric balloon placement is an ideal weight loss method for those unfit or unwilling to undergo surgery. It is not known if multidisciplinary team management helps these patients the way it does with those who enroll in bariatric surgery programs.ObjectivesThe primary objective was to assess the efficacy of intragastric balloon on weight loss after a 6-month follow-up and the secondary objective was to assess the impact of multidisciplinary team intervention (psychological consultation, nutritional follow-up, and regular physical activity) on weight loss in the study patients.SettingReferral military tertiary care center, Mexico.MethodsRetrospective study of 159 patients treated with intragastric balloon between June 2011 and December 2016 in a single institution with aims of assessing its efficacy and the impact of regular exercise, supervised diet, and psychological consultation during the intervention.ResultsOne hundred fifty-nine patients were enrolled. There were no drop-offs nor patients lost to follow-up. The mean initial weight was 92.6 ± 12.6 kg with a decrease to a mean of 80.7 ± 12.4 kg at 6 months with a mean reduction of 11.9 kg (P < .0001). The initial mean body mass index (BMI) of the population was 33.8 ± 2.8 kg/m², which decreased to a mean of 29.5 ± 3.3 kg/m² of BMI. The mean BMI units lost was 4.3 kg/m² (P < .0001). A 50.8 ± 33.8% excess weight loss was observed (P < .0001), and a mean 12.6 ± 7.6% of total weight loss was found (P < .0001). Significant interventions on BMI at 6 months were psychological consultation associated with a mean BMI reduction of 6.0 ± 3.0 kg/m² versus a mean BMI reduction of 4.1 ± 1.9 kg/m² of those who did not (P < .0001) and physical activity with a mean BMI reduction of 4.8 ± 2.3 kg/m² for those who did exercise versus a mean BMI reduction of 4.1 ± 2.0 kg/m² for those who did not (P = .041).ConclusionsIntragastric balloon managed patients get additional benefit on weight loss with psychological follow-up and exercise during the intervention. Given the retrospective nature of the study, further studies are needed to definitive conclusions.     

Conversion of gastric sleeve to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch: safe and viable options

BackgroundSleeve gastrectomy (SG) remains the most performed bariatric surgery. As numbers of SG increase, so do the numbers of patients requiring conversion for insufficient weight loss or weight regain. However, the literature has cited complication rates as high as 30%for reoperative bariatric surgery.ObjectiveWith the recent inclusion of conversion surgery variables in the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database, we compared the safety and efficacy of SG conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) versus biliopancreatic diversion and duodenal switch (BPD/DS).SettingMBSAQIP database.MethodsAnalysis of the 2020 MBSAQIP Participant Use Files revealed 6020 patientswho underwent SG conversion to RYGB (5348) and BPD/DS (672). We examined 30-day outcomes including death, anastomotic leak, readmission, any complication, dehydration, and weight loss.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in mortality (.12% versus 0%) or; complication rate (6.5% versus 5.1%) with SG conversion to RYGB or BPD/DS. There was a statistically significant difference in anastomotic leak (.5% versus 1.2%, P = .024).Interestingly, BPD/DS was less likely to require dehydration treatments (4.2% versus 2.2%, P = .009) and had fewer readmissions within 30 days (7.3% versus 5.4%, P = .043).ConclusionsComplication rates after conversion of SG to RYGB or BPD/DS may be significantly lower than previously reported and only slightly higher than after primary weight loss surgery. SG conversion to either RYGB or BPD/DS remain safe, viable options forpatients who had insufficient weight loss or regain, and BPD/DS may be the better option in the appropriate patient.     

Exocrine pancreatic function and dynamic of digestion after restrictive and malabsorptive bariatric surgery: a prospective,cross-sectional,and comparative study

BackgroundGastrointestinal anatomical changes after restrictive and malabsorptive bariatric surgery lead to important disturbances in the process of digestion and absorption of nutrients and could lead to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to evaluate and to compare pancreatic function and the dynamic of digestion and absorption of nutrients after restrictive and malabsorptive bariatric surgical procedures.SettingUniversity Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.MethodsA prospective, observational, cross-sectional, comparative study of patients after sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) was carried out. Patients with obesity who did not undergo surgery were included as control group. Pancreatic function and the dynamic of digestion and absorption of nutrients were evaluated by the ¹³C-mixed triglyceride (¹³C-MTG) breath test. Six-hour ¹³C-cumulative recovery rate (¹³C-CRR), ¹³C exhalation peak, and 1-hour maximal ¹³C-CRR were calculated.ResultsOne-hundred five patients were included (mean age, 49.8 yr; 84 women). Six-hour ¹³C-CRR was significantly reduced after BPD/DS (P < .001) but not after SG and RYGB. EPI was present in 75% of patients after BPD/DS, 8.3% of patients after RYGB, and 4.3% of patients after SG. Compared with the control group who did not undergo surgery, digestion and absorption of nutrients tended to occur earlier after SG, whereas it was delayed after RYGB and mainly after BPD/DS (P < .001).ConclusionBariatric surgery significantly alters the dynamic of the digestive process. EPI is very common after BPD/DS, frequent after RYGB, and less frequent after SG. This information is clinically relevant since EPI is a treatable condition associated with symptoms, nutritional deficiencies, and complications.     

Long-term outcome after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch: a single-center experience with up to 20 years follow-up

BackgroundBiliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) is the most effective standard bariatric procedure in terms of weight loss and remission of co-morbidities but carries the risk of severe long-term side effects.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze the long-term effects of BPD/DS in terms of morbidity, weight loss, remission of associated medical problems, deficiencies, and reoperations.SettingAcademic teaching hospital, Switzerland.MethodsThis is a retrospective, single-center study of prospectively collected data of all patients who underwent BPD/DS from 1999 to 2011 with a minimal follow-up (FU) of 10 years.ResultsA total of 116 patients (83.6% female) underwent BPD/DS with a mean initial body mass index (BMI) of 47 ± 6.5 kg/m2. Of these, 68% of the procedures were performed in open technique and 32% laparoscopically. The majority (76.7%) of patients had laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding before BPD/DS. The mean FU time was 14 ± 4.4 years and the FU rate at 5, 10, and 14 years was 95.6% (n = 108), 90% (n = 98), and 75.3% (n = 70), respectively. The mean excess BMI loss at 5, 10, and 14 years was 78% ± 24.1%, 76.5% ± 26.7%, and 77.8% ± 33.8%, respectively. Complete (n = 22) or partial remission (n = 4) of type 2 diabetes was observed in 92.8% of patients. Forty reoperations were necessary in 34 patients (29.3%) because of malnutrition or refractory diarrhea (n = 13), insufficient weight loss or weight rebound (n = 7), reflux or stenosis (n = 10), and various/combined indications (n = 10). The mean time to reoperation was 7.7 ± 5 years. There were no procedure-related deaths in the short or long term.ConclusionsBPD/DS offers sustainable long-term weight loss but is associated with important side effects that may be acceptable in selected patients with a high initial BMI (>50 kg/m²) and/or for nonresponders after primary restrictive procedures. Regular FU is necessary to detect and treat malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.     

Outcome of revisional bariatric surgery for insufficient weight loss after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: an observational study

BackgroundInsufficient weight loss or secondary weight regain with or without recurrence of comorbidity can occur years after laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). In selected patients, increasing restriction or adding malabsorption may be a surgical option after conservative measures failed.ObjectivesEvaluation of short and long term results of revisional surgery for insufficient weight loss or weight regain after LRYGB.SettingTertiary hospital.MethodsRetrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from a cohort of 1150 LRYGB patients. Included were patients, who underwent revisional bariatric surgery after LRYGB for insufficient weight loss with a follow-up of minimal 1 year.ResultsFifty-four patients were included in the analysis. After an interdisciplinary evaluation, patients with insufficient weight loss, signs of dumping syndrome, and lacking restriction were offered a nonadjustable band around the pouch (banded group, n = 34) and patients with sufficient restriction, excellent compliance, and adherence were offered a revision to laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion (BPD group, n = 20). The revisional procedure was performed 3.3 ± 2.3 years after LRYGB in the banded-group and after 6.4 ± 4.3 years in the BPD group (P = .001). Mean body mass index at the time of the primary bariatric procedure was 41.7 ± 6.2 kg/m² in the banded group and 45.2 ± 8.2 kg/m² in the BPD group (P = .08); minimal body mass index between both operations was 29.1 ± 4.7 kg/m² in the banded group and 36.5 ± 9.4 kg/m² in the BPD group, and, at the time of revisional surgery, 31.4 ± 5.5 kg/m² in the banded group and 40.8 ± 6.7 kg/m² in the BPD group (P = .0001). The mean body mass index difference 1 year after revisional surgery was 1.3 ± 3.0 kg/m² in the banded group and 6.7 ± 4.5 kg/m² in the BPD group (P = .01). In the banded group, 11 patients (32.4%) needed removal of the band, 4 patients (11.8%) needed an adjustment, and 4 patients (11.8%) were later converted to BPD. In the BPD group, 2 (10.0%) patients needed revision for severe protein malabsorption.ConclusionsInsufficient weight loss or secondary weight regain after LRYGB is a rare indication for revisional surgery. Banded bypass has modest results for additional weight loss but can help patients suffering from dumping. In very carefully selected cases, BPD can achieve additional weight loss with acceptable complication rate but higher risk for reoperation. Future “adjuvant medical treatments,” such as glucagon-like peptide 1 analogues and other pharmacologic treatment options could be an alternative for achieving additional weight loss and better metabolic response.     

Two-Year Results on Morbidity, Weight Loss and Quality of Life of Sleeve Gastrectomy as First Procedure, Sleeve Gastrectomy After Failure of Gastric Banding and Gastric Banding

Background

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is an alternative to gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (GB).

Methods

From January 2004 to January 2006, 111 patients with a follow-up longer than 24 months were prospectively followed. Three treatment groups were defined. Sleeve gastrectomy as first procedure (SGFP; n?=?50), sleeve gastrectomy after failure of GB (SG after GB; n?=?9) and GB (n?=?52). We compared morbidity, mortality, length of stay, number of procedures under general anaesthesia, excess weight loss (EWL) and quality of life.

Results

Mean initial body mass index (BMI) was 50.4 (SG), 50.8 (SG after GB) and 43.8 (GB; p?=?0.000001). Mean operating time was 97.1 min (SGFP), 122.2 min (SG after GB) and 69.8 min (GB; p?<?0.0001). The reoperation rate under general anaesthesia was 2% (SGFP), 11% (SG after GB) and 30.76% (GB; p?=?0.00001).The fistula rate was 2% (SGFP), 0% (SG after GB) and 0% (GB). BMI at 24 months was 33.8 (SGFP), 35.3 (SG after GB) and 33.2 (GB; NS). EWL at 24 months was 67.4 (SGFP), 60.3 (SG after GB) and 58.6 (GB; NS). In the SGFP group and in the SG after GB group, the mean quality-of-life score was 1.1. In the GB group, the mean score was 0.95 (NS).

Conclusions

Initial BMI was significantly higher in the SG group but was no longer significantly different from the BMI of the GB group at 12 and 24 months. Excess BMI loss was higher after SG than after GB. This reduction of BMI was considered to be a success for GB. Thus, results of SG should be considered as a success. Quality of life was not significantly different between the three groups. These results validated SG as first procedure or after failure of GB.     

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.     

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding with Duodenal Switch for Morbid Obesity: Technique and Preliminary Results

Background: The procedure of choice for morbid obesity remains controversial. One of the most effective treatments is the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS), which is, however, associated with a significant morbidity rate. Adjustable gastric banding (AGB) by the laparoscopic approach is an easier procedure with the intent to reduce complication rates. It replaced the sleeve gastrectomy in this study. The objective was to assess the feasibility and safety of this new laparoscopic treatment. Methods: AGB with duodenal switch (DS) was performed laparoscopically with 7 trocars. A gastric band was appropriately placed below the gastroesophageal junction, followed by BPD/DS with a 250-cm alimentary channel and a 100-cm common channel. Results: All 5 patients were women, with mean preoperative BMI 52.2 kg/m² (40.6 to 64.4). The operations were performed via laparoscopy in a mean of 206 ± 35 minutes. There was no postoperative complication, infection or conversion. Mean hospital stay was 8.8 days (8-11). At 12 months, mean BMI is 35.8 kg/m² (26.1-46.0), with continuing weight loss and no hypoalbuminemia. Conclusions: These data suggest that laparoscopic AGB/DS is feasible, with a low morbidity rate. This technique could combine the long-term weight loss of malabsorptive procedures, with a low-morbidity, adjustable, restrictive procedure. This technique could be used in selected patients, but requires a larger study with longer follow-up.