Deciphering the Sleeve: Technique,Indications, Efficacy,and Safety of Sleeve Gastrectomy

Some institutions perform sleeve gastrectomy (SG) as the initial operation for high-risk, high body mass index patients planning a definitive weight loss operation in 12–18 months. Other institutions consider SG a viable alternative to other bariatric operations. SG is frequently debated among the bariatric surgeons. Many questions remain about the current state of SG. Should it be performed as a definitive weight loss procedure or as a bridge for another bariatric procedure? Is there a specific BMI at which point SG should be encouraged? Is the weight loss comparable to other bariatric procedures? Is there a higher risk of gastric leak? What is the appropriate sleeve size? What are the hormonal benefits? Does SG predispose to gastroesophageal reflux disease? What is the mechanism of weight loss? Are long-term results available? And what are the complications? We conducted an extensive literature review aiming to resolve these commonly asked questions.     

Indications and Short-Term Outcomes of Revisional Surgery After Failed or Complicated Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is an upcoming primary treatment modality for morbid obesity. The aim of this study was to report the indications for and the outcomes of revisional surgery after SG.

Methods

Four hundred sixteen individuals underwent a SG between August 2006 and July 2010 with a minimum follow-up of 12?months. The patients that needed revision were identified from our prospective registry. Patients were subdivided in a first group undergoing revision as part of a two-step procedure, a second group with failure of a secondary SG, and a third group with failure of a primary SG.

Results

Twenty-three patients (5.5?%) had an unplanned revision. Fourteen (3.4?%) had a two-step procedure because of super obesity. A significant additional weight loss was achieved after revision; no complications occurred in this group. Five patients with failure of a secondary SG had no significant additional weight loss after revision. Reflux disease was cured. Eighteen patients in the third group showed significant additional weight loss and remission of diabetes and hypertension. Both reflux disease and dysphagia did not heal in all affected patients after revision. The early complication rate in the whole cohort was 23.4?%; staple line leakage was 5.4?%, and bleeding was 8.1?%. Revision-related mortality was 0?%.

Conclusion

In a large series of sleeve gastrectomies, the unplanned revision rate was 5.5?%. Revision of a sleeve gastrectomy is feasible in patients that do not achieve sufficient weight loss and in those patients developing complications after the initial sleeve gastrectomy.     

Sleeve Gastrectomy as Sole and Definitive Bariatric Procedure: 5<Emphasis Type="Bold">-</Emphasis>Year Results for Weight Loss and Ghrelin

Background  

Due to excellent efficacy for weight loss in the short-term follow-up, sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has gained enormous popularity as bariatric procedure, not only as first step in high-risk or super-obese patients but mainly as a sole and definitive operation in morbidly obese. In contrast to a large number of short and intermediate-term results, no series of SG with a follow-up of 5 years or more has been published so far.     

Review of long-term weight loss results after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has gained enormous popularity both as a first-stage procedure in high-risk super-obese patients and as a stand-alone procedure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term weight loss results after SG published in the literature and compare them with the well-documented short-term and mid-term weight loss results. A detailed search in PubMed using the keywords “sleeve gastrectomy” and “long-term results” found 16 studies fulfilling the criteria of this study. A total of 492 patients were analyzed, with a follow-up of at least 5 years after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) (373 at 5 years, 72 at 6 years, 13 at 7 years, and 34 at 8 or more years). Of the total number of patients, 71.1% were women (15 studies, n = 432 patients). Mean patient age was 45.1 years (15 studies, n = 432 patients). Mean preoperative body mass index in all 16 studies was 49.2 kg/m². The mean percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) was 62.3%, 53.8%, 43%, and 54.8% at 5, 6, 7, and 8 or more years after LSG, respectively. The overall mean %EWL (defined as the average %EWL at 5 or more years after LSG) was 59.3% (12 studies, n = 377 patients). The overall attrition rate was 31.2% (13 studies). LSG seems to maintain its well-documented weight loss outcome at 5 or more years postoperatively, with the overall mean %EWL at 5 or more years after LSG still remaining>50%. The existing data support the role of LSG in the treatment of morbid obesity.     

Combined Liver Transplantation and Gastric Sleeve Resection for Patients With Medically Complicated Obesity and End‐Stage Liver Disease

Obesity is increasingly common before and after liver transplantation (LT), yet optimal management remains unclear. Our aim was to analyze the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary protocol for obese patients requiring LT, including a noninvasive pretransplant weight loss program, and a combined LT plus sleeve gastrectomy (SG) for obese patients who failed to lose weight prior to LT. Since 2006, all patients referred LT with a BMI > 35 were enrolled. There were 37 patients who achieved weight loss and underwent LT alone, and 7 who underwent LT combined with SG. In those who received LT alone, weight gain to BMI > 35 was seen in 21/34, post‐LT diabetes (DM) in 12/34, steatosis in 7/34, with 3 deaths plus 3 grafts losses. In patients undergoing the combined procedure, there were no deaths or graft losses. One patient developed a leak from the gastric staple line, and one had excess weight loss. No patients developed post‐LT DM or steatosis, and all had substantial weight loss (mean BMI = 29). Noninvasive pretransplant weight loss was achieved by a majority, though weight gain post‐LT was common. Combined LT plus SG resulted in effective weight loss and was associated with fewer post‐LT metabolic complications. Long‐term follow‐up is needed.     

胃袖状切除术加空肠-回肠旁路术对肥胖合并糖尿病大鼠体重和代谢调节作用研究

目的 研究胃袖状切除术（SG）加空肠-回肠旁路术（JIB）对大鼠体重及糖代谢的影响及其机制。方法 于2018年9-11月在复旦大学附属浦东医院完成研究。将12只肥胖合并2型糖尿病（ZDF,fa/fa）大鼠随机等分为两组,分别行SG+JIB（SG+JIB组）和SG+假手术（SG+Sham组）。另有5只ZDF（fa/+）大鼠作为正常对照组。检测术前及术后2、4周大鼠的体重、空腹血糖、摄食量、口服糖耐量试验（OGTT）以及血浆胰高血糖素样肽-1（GLP-1）水平的变化。结果 SG+JIB组与SG+Sham组大鼠术前基线差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。与SG+Sham组相比,SG+JIB组术后2周（17.3 mmol/L vs. 8.7 mmol/L）、4周（21.4 mmol/L vs. 11.9 mmol/L）空腹血糖均显著降低（P<0.0001）,口服糖耐量也明显改善,两组血糖曲线下面积（180 min总和）在术后2周分别为4221和2964（P<0.0001）,术后4周分别为4104和3388（P<0.01）。同时,术后4周时SG+JIB组GLP-1水平显著高于SG+Sham组（64.6 pmol/L vs. 30.5 pmol/L,P<0.001）。SG+JIB组大鼠每日摄食量和体重仅在术后2周较SG+Sham组减少,术后4周两组差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论 SG+JIB手术可进一步增强SG手术的代谢调节作用,然而对于体重并无显著的额外减轻,建议将SG+JIB手术推荐给需要进一步增强代谢调节的病人,而不建议推荐给以额外降低体重为目的的病人。     

Comparison of weight loss outcomes between Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in a racially mixed urban patient population

BackgroundNational data show a trend favoring laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) over Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Published data demonstrating the differences in weight loss between the two procedures are mixed.ObjectiveIn this retrospective study using clinical data from 2010 to 2020, we compared the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients undergoing either SG or RYGB to evaluate their long-term weight loss outcomes.SettingUniversity hospital in the United States.MethodsA total of 3329 patients were identified in our institutional Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement database using Current Procedural Terminology codes for either RYGB or SG. A general linear model was used for baseline characteristics. Logistic regression was used for factors favoring RYGB versus SG. A multivariable linear mixed model was used for weight-trajectory analysis. Cox regression was used for a cumulative hazard ratio of 10% weight regained from nadir.ResultsFactors favoring RYGB were diagnoses of type 2 diabetes and gastroesophageal reflux disease, Hispanic ethnicity, and surgeon’s preference. SG was favored among Black patients and smokers. RYGB was associated with more weight loss at all time points. The risk of weight regain was significantly higher after SG versus RYGB.ConclusionsThe bariatric procedure choice is significantly influenced by race, medical history, and surgeon’s experience. RYGB results in a significantly more durable weight loss compared with SG regardless of race or other stratification factors.     

Midterm results of revisional bariatric surgery postsleeve gastrectomy: resleeve versus bypass

BackgroundBariatric surgery has been shown to produce the most predictable weight loss results, with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) being the most performed procedure as of 2014. However, inadequate weight loss may present the need for a revisional procedure.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of laparoscopic resleeve gastrectomy (LRSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in attaining successful weight loss.SettingPublic hospital following SG.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on all patients who underwent SG from 2008–2019. A list was obtained of those who underwent revisional bariatric surgery after initial SG, and their demographic characteristics were analyzed.ResultsA total of 2858 patients underwent SG, of whom 84 patients (3%) underwent either a revisional laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (rLRYGB) or LRSG. A total of 82% of the patients were female. The mean weight and body mass index (BMI) before SG for the LRSG and rLRYGB patients were 136.7 kg and 49.9 kg/m² and 133.9 kg and 50.5 kg/m², respectively. The mean BMI showed a drop from 42.0 to 31.7 (P < .001) 1 year post revisional surgery for the LRSG group and 42.7 to 34.5 (P < .001) for the rLRYGB group, correlating to an excess weight loss (EWL) of 61.7% and 48.1%, respectively. At 5 years post revisional surgery, LRSG patients showed an increase in BMI to 33.8 (EWL = 45.3%), while those who underwent rLRYGB showed a decrease to 34.3 (EWL = 49.2%). Completeness of follow-up at 1, 3, and 5 years for rLRYGB and LRSG were 67%, 35%, and 24% and 45%, 21%, and 18%, respectively.ConclusionsRevisional bariatric surgery is a safe and effective method for the management of failed primary SG. LRSG patients tended to do better earlier on; however, it leveled off with those who underwent rLRYGB by 5 years.     

Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy for Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Outcomes

Bariatric surgery is effective in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity; however, it is not clear whether Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most effective procedure. This review compared T2D remission and weight loss in patients with T2D after GBP or SG. All human SG or GBP studies published in English between 1 Jan 2007 and 30 April 2012 reporting on BMI and T2D outcomes were included. Analyses were performed separately for the most frequent distinct time points reported after surgery. A total of 21 prospective (three randomised control trials) and 12 retrospective studies, involving 1375 patients met eligibility criteria. T2D remission defined by hemoglobin A1_c of <6.5 % for GBP and SG respectively was 67 and 56 % at 3 months, 76 and 68 % at 12 months, and 81 and 80 % at 36 months. Greater percent excess BMI loss occurred at 12 months (72.5 % after GBP and 66.7 % after SG) compared with 3 months (45.9 % after GBP and 25.9 % after SG). There was no significant difference in either T2D remission or weight loss with GBP compared with SG. Both GBP and SG result in similar early remission of T2D in 67 and 56 % of patients at 3 months respectively with modest additional T2D remission with time, although weight loss with both procedures increase substantially between 3 and 12 months post-operatively. Further randomised controlled trials comparing SG and GBP in patients with T2D using comparable definitions of diabetes remission with long-term follow-up are needed to evaluate relative benefits.     

Three-year weight outcomes from a bariatric surgery registry in a large integrated healthcare system

BackgroundA registry was created for patients having procedures for weight loss from 2004 to the present time at a large integrated healthcare system. The objective of this study was to compare findings to the literature and national quality monitoring databases and present 3-year weight loss outcomes.MethodsPatients are passively enrolled in the registry with the following characteristics: a bariatric procedure for weight loss after January 1, 2004 and actively enrolled in the health plan at the time of surgery.ResultsCompared to national surgical quality databases, the registry (n = 20,296) has a similar proportion of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB; 58%), more vertical sleeve gastrectomy (SG; 40%), fewer banding (2%) procedures, more Hispanic patients (35%), and higher rates of 1 year follow-up (78%). RYGB patients lost more weight at every time point up to 3 years after surgery compared with SG patients (P<.001). Non-Hispanic white RYGB patients had a higher percent excess weight loss than non-Hispanic black (P<.001) and Hispanic (P<.001) RYGB patients. There were no differences between SG racial/ethnic groups in percent excess weight loss throughout the 3-year follow-up period.ConclusionWe are one of the first groups to publish comparison weight outcomes for RYGB and SG in a diverse patient population, showing that the responses to RYGB and not SG vary by race/ethnicity.     

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as first stage or definitive intent in 300 consecutive cases

Background  

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) was originally used as a bridge to definitive surgery in high-risk patients. Recently it has been considered as a stand-alone procedure due to its effectiveness on weight loss and comorbidities resolution. This study was designed to evaluate the results of SG on complications, body mass index (BMI), and comorbidities resolution in 300 consecutive obese patients and to analyze the lesson learned from this experience.     

Quality of life after sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding

BackgroundWith the addition of laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (SG) to the bariatric surgery procedural toolkit, patients desiring a restrictive bariatric procedure often choose between adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and SG. One study compared quality of life after these 2 procedures and found no difference. The purpose of our study was to re-evaluate the postoperative quality of life in LAGB and SG patients at a military teaching hospital in the United States.MethodsA retrospective review of 108 consecutive laparoscopic restrictive bariatric procedures performed within 15 months at a Department of Defense hospital was conducted. Of these 108 patients, 69 had undergone laparoscopic vertical SG and 39 LAGB. A validated quality of life questionnaire (Bariatric Quality of Life) was conducted a mean of 9.3 ± 3.2 months (range 5–16) postoperatively. The weight loss and standard laboratory parameters were measured at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.ResultsThe quality of life assessment revealed significantly better scores after SG than after LAGB (66.5 versus 57.9, P = .0002). The excess weight loss and excess body mass index loss at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively were significantly greater in the laparoscopic SG group. The patients demonstrated a clear preference over time for SG once it was offered.ConclusionEarly postoperative quality of life was superior after SG than after LAGB. SG also resulted in superior early excess weight loss. In a practice not constrained by reimbursement, these findings were associated with increased patient choice of SG after it began to be offered.     

Revisional bariatric surgery for inadequate weight loss

When behavioral or anatomic issues are not present, revisional surgery should be approached with a goal of treating malnutrition or enhancing excess weight loss. Unfortunately, no randomized controlled trials currently exist to help the practicing bariatric surgeon choose which revisional procedure to perform. A review of the available literature was undertaken and compared with our standard practices to see if any guidelines could be devised. At our institution, patients who have failed jejunal-ileal bypass are reversed in the setting of malnutrition and converted to a sleeve gastrectomy (SG) followed by duodenal switch (DS) as a second stage procedure in the setting of inadequate weight loss. After failed vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), patients are converted to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). After failed adjustable gastric band (AGB) placement, we perform RYGBP. In the super-obese, we leave the band in place or convert to a DS with band removal. In patients with failed RYGBP, we convert our patients to DS, but placement of an AGB may be an acceptable option.     

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Feasible for Bariatric Revision Surgery

Bariatric revision surgery is associated with several complications that can be attributed to decreased quality of tissue and complexity of the surgery. A laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a simple technique with potential advantages. Therefore, the results of this procedure were evaluated as a revisional option. Fifty-one patients underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Indications for the LSG were insufficient weight loss (34 patients, group 1) or vomiting (17 patients, group 2) following a laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) or vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG). Patient and procedure characteristics as well as outcome were collected prospectively. From October 2006 to June 2010, 51 patients with a failed prior bariatic procedure (VBG or LAGB) were converted to (L)SG. The conversion rate was zero. The median procedure time was 99 min (range 54–221) and hospital stay was 3 days (range 2–38). There was no mortality after 30 days. Complications included bleeding (six) and leakage of the staple line (seven). Mean follow-up was 13.8 (2–46) months. LSG as revision surgery for insufficient weight loss resulted in extra weight loss of 52.7%, and the overall extra weight loss was 49.3%. When LSG was performed because of vomiting, 82% was able to eat solid food at follow-up. Of the 65 pre-existent co-morbidities, 21 were resolved and 18 improved. LSG as a revision procedure is feasible. An additional weight loss and further resolution of co-morbidity seem achievable, however, at the cost of a high number of complications. Therefore, revision bariatric surgery should be limited to expert tertiary bariatric centers.     

Efficacy of sleeve gastrectomy as sole procedure in patients with clinically severe obesity (BMI ≤50 kg/m2)

BackgroundSleeve gastrectomy (SG) is increasingly indicated as a stand-alone procedure for the treatment of clinically severe obesity. Our objective was to present the outcomes of SG in relation to weight loss, resolution of co-morbidities, and procedural morbidity/mortality for ≤5 years postoperatively. The study was conducted at a university hospital, bariatric referral center.MethodsFrom January 2005 to December 2010, 208 patients underwent SG at our institution. Per standard protocol, SG was the sole surgery indicated for weight reduction in patients with a body mass index of ≤50 kg/m² who were not “sweet-eaters” and had no symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The study endpoints were weight loss, perioperative and late morbidity/mortality, and clinical improvement in co-morbidities and consequential nutritional deficiencies.ResultsSG was performed laparoscopically in 203 of the patients. The mean age and body mass index was 34.3 ± 10.3 years and 43.2 ± 2.8 kg/m², respectively. No deaths were recorded. Early morbidity (≤30 d) was 9.6%, chiefly owing to staple line closure leaks, and late morbidity was 4.8%. A mean excess weight loss of 71.1% was documented in 90 (89.4%) of 106 patients, available for follow-up after 3 years. The excess weight loss slowly declined to 57.6% in 21 (77.7%) of 27 patients at 5 years of follow-up. No major metabolic deficiencies were apparent. Statistically significant improvements in pre-existing hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia were achieved. After laparoscopic SG, gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms developed in 9.8% of patients within the first postoperative year but lessened over time to 7.4% at the 5-year mark.ConclusionsSG is a reproducible procedure associated with significant weight reduction, resolution of obesity-related co-morbidities, and minor nutritional deficits at 5 years of follow-up. Laparoscopic SG can thus be safely used as the sole surgical treatment of clinically severe obesity (body mass index ≤50 kg/m²). The chief complication of postoperative leakage can be managed nonoperatively in most patients.     

Indications and Mid-Term Results of Conversion from Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is currently considered as a primary bariatric surgery. This is because of its relative simplicity and satisfactory results. As observed with other bariatric procedures, surgeons are confronted with insufficient weight loss or weight regain, insufficient resolution of metabolic disorders, and intractable severe reflux. A retrospective analysis of conversion from SG to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) was performed to assess weight loss, diabetes resolution, and relief of reflux symptoms. The mean interval between the two procedures was almost 24 months. Eighteen patients underwent conversion from SG to RYGBP for insufficient weight loss (n?=?9), severe reflux (n?=?6), and persistence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (n?=?3). The median follow-up was 15.5 months. Weight loss was significantly improved with a mean percentage of excess of body mass index loss at 64.6 % after conversion versus 47.1 % before conversion. All reflux symptoms were immediately relieved without any medication at the end of the follow-up. The three patients who had an operation for persistence of T2DM are now free of medication. Only one postoperative complication was observed as a small bowel injury, which was treated surgically. Conversion from SG to RYGBP is safe. Severe reflux is definitely treated and is an incontestable indication with this procedure. Additionally, weight loss and diabetes are clinically improved. Our results appear to be similar to those with a primary RYGBP.     

Factors influencing long-term weight loss after bariatric surgery

BackgroundBariatric surgery provides sustained weight loss and improves comorbidities. However, long term data has shown that patients gradually regain weight after 1 year. Several factors have been associated with poor weight loss after bariatric surgery.ObjectiveOur goal is to investigate factors associated with poor weight loss following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).SettingMilitary academic medical center.MethodsRetrospective review of 247 patients who underwent laparoscopic SG or RYGB between 2010–2012 at Eisenhower Army Medical Center and followed for 5 years postoperatively. Factors of age, type of surgery, sex, hypertension, depression, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are analyzed in univariate and multivariate analysis with percent total weight loss (%TWL) and Body Mass Index (BMI) change as primary endpoints measured at 3 and 5 years.ResultsAverage BMI change are maximized at 1 year and decreased at 3 and 5 years post-surgery. Age, diabetes, hypertension and type of surgery significantly influenced weight loss at 3 and 5 years on univariate analysis. However, patients with diabetes, hypertension and sleeve gastrectomy were significantly older than comparable control group. Multivariable analysis showed that age and type of surgery, not diabetes or hypertension, were associated with poor %TWL and BMI change at 3 and 5 years.ConclusionWhile presence of hypertension and diabetes initially appeared to be associated with weight recidivism, their impacts were negligible on multivariable analysis. However, age and sleeve gastrectomy are independent risk factors. Our data can be used to counsel patients on expected weight loss after bariatric surgery.     

Sleeve Gastrectomy Model in Wistar Rats

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has been used for the surgical treatment of morbid obesity, as a first step or as a definitive treatment. The objective of this pilot study was to establish an animal model for SG in Wistar rats. METHODS: 12 male Wistar rats were operated on. 8 of them underwent a SG, with a hand-sewn invaginating suture, and 4 underwent a laparotomy and stomach manipulation (control group). Sterilized materials, prophylactic antibiotics and nutritional supplementation were used. The animals' weight was checked on the operation day and on a weekly basis, for 7 weeks. RESULTS: The experimental SG model was possible due to careful procedures in the pre- and postoperative period. The average weight loss in the sleeve gastrectomy group was 49.6 g (43 to 60 g) until the 4th week, whereas in the control group average weight loss was 15 g (10 to 25 g) but the weight loss was achieved in the 1st week. After the 7th week, there was weight gain in both groups. However, in the SG group, this gain was significantly lower than in the control group. CONCLUSION: It has been possible to obtain a SG experimental model. The effects of this SG appear to be beneficial in weight loss. Biochemical and molecular mechanisms may also be investigated based on this model.     

Conversion from Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass—Indications and Outcome

Background  

Due to excellent weight loss success in the short-time follow-up, sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has gained popularity as sole and definitive bariatric procedure. In the long-term follow-up, weight loss failure and intractable severe reflux can necessitate further surgical intervention.