Elective cholecystectomy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: why should asymptomatic gallstones be treated differently in morbidly obese patients?

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder management in bariatric surgery varies. Some surgeons perform routine cholecystectomy with bariatric surgery, and others selectively base that decision on routine preoperative ultrasound findings. Both approaches treat bariatric patients differently than the normal-weight population in whom cholecystectomy is not performed in asymptomatic patients. We hypothesized that it is possible to apply the commonly used indications for cholecystectomy in the nonobese population safely to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass cohort. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively and retrospectively on consecutive patients at our center undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass from April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2004. Asymptomatic patients underwent neither preoperative gallbladder ultrasonography nor concomitant cholecystectomy. Age, body mass index, gender, length of follow-up, compliance to ursodiol therapy for 6 months, need for subsequent cholecystectomy, complications, and pathologic diagnoses were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 692 primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures were performed, of which 661 (95.5%) were completed laparoscopically. Complete data were collected on 417 patients (60.3%). A total of 98 patients (23.5%) had had prior or concomitant cholecystectomy and were excluded from additional study. Of the remaining 319 patients, 47 (14.7%) required subsequent cholecystectomy and 272 (85.3%) did not. The risk of subsequent cholecystectomy correlated inversely with the duration of ursodiol prophylaxis. All pathologic specimens had cholecystitis but gallstones were present in only 48.8%. Two complications (abscess and port-site bleed) occurred, but no common duct stones developed and no patient died. The mean follow-up was 7.5 months (range 13-25). CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic gallstones in bariatric patients may be treated safely with secondary cholecystectomy. After a 6-month regimen of ursodiol prophylaxis, 14.7% will require subsequent cholecystectomy. Asymptomatic gallstones in the bariatric patient may be safely managed identically to those in the nonobese population.     

Sensitivity and Specificity of Postoperative Upper GI Series Following Gastric Bypass

Background: Routine postoperative GI series has been common before discharging gastric bypass patients. 78,000 operations were performed in the USA in 2002. At $75 each, the total annual expenditure for the upper GI series approaches 6 million dollars. This study examines the value of performing routine upper GI series. Materials and Methods: From 1996 to 2000, 396 open gastric bypass procedures were performed by one surgeon at the University Medical Center. 242 randomly selected charts were retrospectively reviewed for signs and symptoms possibly related to leak or obstruction. Radiology reports were compared with clinical findings. Results: 82% of patients (192/242) were discharged following unremarkable postoperative courses and normal x-rays. 18% (44/242) exhibited one or more clinical signs suspicious of leak or obstruction. These included fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, inordinate pain, elevated white cell count or GI hemorrhage. Leak was reported in 5, and obstruction in 5. 4 patients with reported leaks were re-operated: 2 were positive for unconfined leak requiring surgical treatment; 2 had negative laparotomies. The 2 patients (0.82%) with free leakage had dramatic clinical deterioration, and x-rays were confirmatory rather than diagnostic. 1 patient with a minimal confined leak was treated non-operatively. 8 films were misread as showing a leak when none was present: 2 underwent negative laparotomy, the others being correctly interpreted after review. 8 of 10 initial interpretations were falsely positive. Conclusion: Routine postoperative GI series following gastric bypass is not beneficial. All true leaks are demonstrated when x-rays are indicated. We recommend GI series only when clinically indicated. GI series had low positive predictive value for leak.     

Analysis of stone disease in morbidly obese patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recent studies have demonstrated a higher incidence of nephrolithiasis in the morbidly obese. Nephrolithiasis also has been described as a potential outcome after gastric bypass surgery. This is the first study to our knowledge that examines the incidence of nephrolithiasis in the morbidly obese in the setting of gastric bypass surgery at a tertiary referral center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric Roux-en-Y bypass surgery for morbid obesity at our institution for the incidence of nephrolithiasis preoperatively, de novo stones postoperatively, and both preoperative and postoperative stone formation. RESULTS: Of the 972 patients who underwent a laparoscopic gastric bypass for the treatment of morbid obesity between 1990 and the present, 85 (8.8%) were found to have upper urinary-tract calculi preoperatively, and 32 (3.2%) had de novo stones postoperatively. Of those 85 who had stones preoperatively, 26 (31.4%) developed recurrent stones postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: These results support findings in the current literature that nephrolithiasis has a higher incidence in the morbidly obese population. The combination of preoperative stone history and gastric bypass surgery may place patients at a higher risk of future stone formation. This latter group of patients should be screened for postoperative stone formation.     

Retrospective review of the preoperative biliary and gastrointestinal evaluation for gastric bypass surgery

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the frequency and results of preoperative biliary and gastrointestinal (GI) evaluation of patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). METHODS: Retrospective review of the preoperative evaluation of 144 consecutive RYGB patients. RESULTS: Cholecystectomy had already been performed in 43 (30%) patients; 22% of those patients with an intact gallbladder had cholelithiasis. Ten patients (7%) had an upper GI x-ray (UGI), and 94 patients (65%) had an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Abnormalities were found in 40% of the UGIs and 84% of the EGDs. A total of 96 patients (67%) were tested for Helicobacter pylori; 11% were positive. Twenty-one patients (15%) underwent preoperative colonoscopy; 48% were abnormal, but most of the abnormalities were not clinically significant. Three patients had barium enema x-ray, which was normal in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative biliary and GI evaluation of bariatric surgery patients should include a routine ultrasound of the gallbladder. Routine preoperative EGD will detect a significant number of abnormalities that should be treated, but should rarely alter the bariatric surgical procedure or result in denial of bariatric surgery. Many abnormalities will be asymptomatic. Patients should be routinely screened for H. pylori and, if positive, treated before bariatric surgery. Lower GI evaluation should be performed selectively based on the patient's symptoms, physical findings, and guidelines for colorectal cancer and polyp screening.     

Endoscopy of the partitioned stomach.

Fiberoptic endoscopy is an important diagnostic modality for evaluation of the patient with upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract symptoms following gastric bypass and gastroplasty. During a 3-year period, 182 patients underwent gastric partitioning procedures and 22 patients (12%) developed upper GI symptoms requiring endoscopic evaluation. Eight patients had undergone Mason vertical banded gastroplasty, 12 patients had undergone Gomez gastroplasty, and two patients had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. In four of five patients with abdominal pain, gastritis of the proximal pouch was observed. Of the two patients with symptoms of obstruction of the proximal gastric outlet, one patient was found to have a cherry pit occluding the channel. Intraoperative endoscopy was performed in one patient who developed upper GI bleeding after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the pylorus was scarred and stenotic and multiple superficial ulcerations were seen in the excluded distal stomach. In eight patients with symptoms suggestive of channel stenosis, four were found to have a stenotic channel and underwent endoscopic dilation of the channel. Upper GI endoscopy was performed in eight patients with Gomez gastroplasty to confirm suspected dilatation of the channel between the upper and lower gastric pouches. Upper GI contrast studies did not estimate accurately the diameter of the channel as determined during endoscopy. No complications were observed following any of the endoscopic procedures. As the collective experience with gastric partitioning procedures increases, the need for endoscopic examinations of the upper GI tract will also increase. Endoscopists should be familiar with the altered gastric anatomy and with the spectrum of upper GI lesions that develop following these operations.     

Is Routine Preoperative Upper Endoscopy in Gastric Banding Patients Really Necessary?

Background: Preoperative evaluation for bariatric surgery is complex. Our investigation focused on the necessity for upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy as a routine procedure before performing gastric banding. Methods: A consecutive series of 145 patients underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Gastroscopy was performed routinely before LAGB. All patients were interviewed before gastroscopy regarding gastroesophageal symptoms. Gastroscopic findings and the results of the interview were blinded and set in comparison. Furthermore, we analyzed whether upper GI symptoms, BMI, age or gender were predictive parameters for pathological findings on gastroscopy. Small hiatal hernia was not considered a clinically relevant finding. Results: Gastroscopy yielded abnormal findings in only 15 patients (10%). There were 8 patients with hiatal hernia, 4 patients with esophagitis, 1 gastric ulcer, 1 erosive gastritis, and 1 gastric polyp. Abnormal findings on gastroscopy did not correlate with age, BMI, or gender. The 18 patients who reported gastroesophageal symptoms were more likely to have abnormal gastroscopic findings (P<0.001). Gastroesophageal symptoms had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 98% in the prediction of a GI abnormality. Conclusions: The data suggest that it may not be necessary to continue performing gastroscopy in all patients preparing for gastric banding. The data collected support the policy of a selective use of gastroscopy, only focusing on patients suffering from gastroesophageal symptoms. By following this strategy, the rate of preoperative gastroscopies can be reduced safely by 80%.     

Routine preoperative upper endoscopy for laparoscopic gastric bypass: is it necessary?

Upper endoscopy is often performed in patients undergoing bariatric procedures. Various pathologies may be found during upper endoscopy that may change treatment plans for these patients. This study tested the hypothesis that routine use of upper endoscopy is necessary before laparoscopic gastric bypass. All patients in a 6-month period who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass for the treatment of morbid obesity were reviewed. Demographic data, body mass index (BMI), operative reports, upper endoscopies, and Helicobacter pylori results were reviewed. Documentation of polyps, ulcerations, and hiatal hernias were noted. Hiatal hernias were further classified as small (3.5 to 4.0 cm), medium (4.0 to 4.5 cm), and large (>4.5 cm). All patients (N = 102) had preoperative upper endoscopy. There were 87 female and 15 male patients. BMI ranged from 38.2 to 63.2 (mean, 48.2) and weight ranged from 93 to 232 kg (mean, 133 kg). Hiatal hernia incidences were small, 36.3 per cent; medium, 27.5 per cent; and large, 26.5 per cent. All of these hernias were verified and repaired at time of surgery. Distal esophagitis was noted in 24 per cent of patients. Other pathology (gastric polyps, duodenitis, Schatzki ring) was observed in 5 per cent of patients. Overall, 91 per cent of patients had some type of pathology seen on upper endoscopy. Of the patients tested, 20 per cent were positive for H. pylori and were medically treated. Routine use of preoperative upper endoscopy revealed significant pathology in many patients before laparoscopic gastric bypass. The pathology found modified treatment in many cases. Bariatric surgeons should adopt the routine use of preoperative upper endoscopy during the workup for bariatric surgery.     

Prevalence of hiatal hernia in the morbidly obese

BackgroundMorbidly obese patients commonly have gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and associated hiatal hernias. As such, some surgeons routinely perform a concomitant hiatal hernia repair during bariatric surgery. However, the intraoperative inspection for a hiatal hernia based on laparoscopic visualization can be misleading. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hiatal hernias in morbidly obese patients based on preoperative upper gastrointestinal (GI) contrast study.MethodsData on 181 patients who underwent routine upper GI contrast study as part of a preoperative workup for bariatric surgery were reviewed. The upper GI studies were examined for the presence of hiatal hernias and GERD. Hiatal hernias were categorized by size as small (≤2 cm), moderate (2–5 cm), or large (>5 cm). GERD was based on radiologic evidence and categorized as mild, moderate, or severe.ResultsThe mean age of the cohort was 44 years, with a mean body mass index of 43 kg/m². Of the 181 patients overall, based on the upper GI contrast study, the prevalence of hiatal hernia was 37.0% and of GERD was 39.8%; the prevalence of moderate or large hiatal hernia was 4.4%, and the prevalence of moderate or severe GERD was 13.3%.ConclusionsBased on upper GI contrast study, we identified the presence of a hiatal hernia in nearly 40% of morbidly obese patients. The results from this study suggest that surgeons should evaluate the morbidly obese patient for the presence of hiatal hernias and perform concomitant repair at the time of the bariatric procedure, particularly in patients undergoing gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy, while less so in the gastric bypass patient.     

Current Indications for Preoperative Inferior Vena Cava Filter Insertion in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Morbid Obesity

Background: Pulmonary embolus is a potentially lethal complication in patients undergoing surgery for morbid obesity. In a select group of patients at high risk for venous thromboembolic events (VTE), we have chosen to prophylactically insert inferior vena cava filters via a jugular percutaneous approach. We propose guidelines for preoperative insertion of inferior vena cava filters in patients with clinically significant obesity. Methods: All patients who underwent preoperative insertion of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters as prophylaxis for pulmonary emboli were reviewed. Data regarding body mass index (BMI), prior history of venous thromboembolism, current anticoagulant usage, as well as other patient data were compiled and analyzed. Additionally, all operative notes were reviewed, and operative data were analyzed and compared. Results: 14 patients underwent preoperative IVC filter placement before gastric bypass. Mean patient age was 49.1 ± 1.52 years and mean BMI was 56.5 ± 4.45 kg/m². No complications occurred due to preoperative filter placement, and no pulmonary emboli occurred in this group. Indications for preoperative IVC filter insertion included prior pulmonary embolus (6), prior deep venous thrombosis (7), and lower extremity venous stasis (1). Conclusions: Vena caval filter placement in the preoperative period can be undertaken safely in bariatric patients. We recommend that routine preoperative vena caval filter placement should be undertaken in all bariatric patients with prior pulmonary embolus, prior deep venous thrombosis, evidence of venous stasis, or known hypercoagulable state. Possible roles for IVC filter placement in this patient population are expanding as more data is acquired.     

Back to basics – clinical diagnosis in bariatric surgery. Routine drains and upper GI series are unnecessary

Background The routine use of closed suction drains and upper GI (UGI) series has been used to aid in the diagnosis and management of gastrojejunal leak after gastric bypass as well as diagnose intra-abdominal bleeding. Materials and Methods 352 consecutive laparoscopic gastric bypass procedures were performed without the use of routine drains or post-operative UGI series. Results There were no adverse events related the lack of routine drains or UGI studies. Five patients (1.4%) did have a drain placed at the time of surgery, at the surgeon’s discretion, due to a particularly difficult gastrojejunal anastomosis although none developed an anastomotic leak. UGI series were ordered post-operatively in seven patients all for unexplained tachycardia, none of who had abnormal radiographic findings. Two patients with tachycardia and normal UGIs had a negative diagnostic laparoscopy to rule out a leak. No UGI series demonstrated a leak although one tachycardic patient with a normal UGI did have a leak diagnosed at laparoscopy. Five patients had clinical signs of a severe gastrojejunal obstruction. Three resolved completely within 48 hours, and two patients required endoscopic intervention without the need for UGI. Six patients (1.7%) required a blood transfusion; all developed tachycardia and five were from bleeding in the GI tract. Conclusions Routine use of drains and UGI series were not necessary for the safe management of gastric bypass patient in our series. In this small series, clinical indicators for leak, obstruction or bleeding were obvious without the additional data from a drain or UGI.     

Postoperative CPAP and BiPAP use can be safely omitted after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in the morbidly obese population. The need for routine preoperative testing for OSA has been debated in bariatric surgery publications. Most investigators have advocated the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) in the postoperative setting; however, others have reported pouch perforations or other gastrointestinal complications as a result of their use. From a review of our experience, we present an algorithm for the safe postoperative treatment of patients with OSA without the use of CPAP or BiPAP. METHODS: From January 2003 to December 2007, 1095 laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses were performed at our institution. Preoperative testing for OSA was not routinely performed. A prospective database was maintained. The data included patient demographics, co-morbidities (including OSA and CPAP/BiPAP use), perioperative events, complications, and follow-up information. Patients with known OSA were not given CPAP/BiPAP after surgery. They were observed in a monitored setting during their inpatient stay, ensuring continuous oxygen saturation of >92%. All patients used patient-controlled analgesia, were trained in the use of incentive spirometry, and ambulated within a few hours of surgery. The outcomes were compared between the OSA patients using preoperative CPAP/BiPAP versus those with OSA without preoperative CPAP/BiPAP versus patients with no history of OSA. RESULTS: A total of 811 patients were included in the study group with no known history of OSA. Of the 284 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of OSA, 144 were CPAP/BiPAP dependent. Statistically significant differences were present in age distribution and gender, with men having greater CPAP/BiPAP dependency. No significant differences were found in body mass index, length of stay, pulmonary complications, or deaths. One pulmonary complication occurred in the OSA, CPAP/BiPAP-dependent group, three in the OSA, non-CPAP group, and six in the no-known OSA group. No anastomotic leaks or deaths occurred in the series. CONCLUSION: Postoperative CPAP/BiPAP can be safely omitted in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients with known OSA, provided they are observed in a monitored setting and their pulmonary status is optimized by aggressive incentive spirometry and early ambulation.     

Late gastrointestinal hemorrhage after gastric bypass

Background: Hemorrhage from the excluded gastric segment or duodenum after gastric bypass is an uncommon late complication and poses both diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. We describe 4 cases of late gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage after gastric bypass. Methods: 4 patients who underwent previous Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) presented for management of severe GI hemorrhage.Their history, diagnostic work-up, management, and surgical pathology are reviewed. Results: In all 4 patients, preoperative diagnostic evaluation including nuclear scintigraphy, endoscopy, and angiography failed to localize the source of bleeding. Intraoperative endoscopy of the gastric remnant and subtotal gastrectomy were performed in all 4 patients. The mean time interval between RYGBP operation and gastrectomy was 15.5 years (range 13-17 years). In 3 of 4 patients, the source of bleeding was documented on pathologic examination of the resected gastric remnant and duodenum. At a mean follow-up of 15 months, none of the patients developed recurrent GI hemorrhage. Conclusion: GI hemorrhage after RYGBP can be a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Intraoperative endoscopy of the excluded stomach and subtotal gastrectomy should be considered when the source of bleeding is not identified by conventional diagnostic techniques.     

Comparison of pulmonary function and postoperative pain after laparoscopic versus open gastric bypass: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND: Impairment of pulmonary function is common after upper abdominal operations. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative pulmonary function and analgesic requirements in patients undergoing either laparoscopic or open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP). STUDY DESIGN: Seventy patients with a body mass index of 40 to 60 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to undergo laparoscopic (n = 36) or open (n = 34) GBP. The two groups were similar in age, gender, body mass index, pulmonary history, and baseline pulmonary function. Pulmonary function studies were performed preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 2, 3, and 7. Oxygen saturation and chest radiographs were performed on both groups preoperatively and on postoperative day 1. Postoperative pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale and the amount of narcotic consumed was recorded. Data are presented as mean +/- standard deviation. RESULTS: Laparoscopic GBP patients had significantly less impairment of pulmonary function than open GBP patients on the first three postoperative days (p < 0.05). By the 7th postoperative day, all pulmonary function parameters in the laparoscopic GBP group had returned to within preoperative levels, but only one parameter (peak expiratory flow) had returned to preoperative levels in the open GBP group. On the first postoperative day, laparoscopic GBP patients used less morphine than open GBP patients (46 +/- 31 mg versus 76 +/- 39 mg, respectively, p < 0.001), and visual analog scale pain scores at rest and during mobilization were lower after laparoscopic GBP than after open GBP (p < 0.05). Fewer patients after laparoscopic GBP than after open GBP developed hypoxemia (31% versus 76%, p < 0.001) and segmental atelectasis (6% versus 55%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic gastric bypass resulted in less postoperative suppression of pulmonary function, decreased pain, improved oxygenation, and less atelectasis than open gastric bypass.     

Accuracy of upper gastrointestinal swallow study in identifying strictures after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery

BACKGROUND: Stricture at the gastrojejunal anastomosis after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a significant sequela that often requires intervention. The diagnosis of stricture is usually established by a recognized constellation of symptoms, followed by contrast radiography or endoscopy. The purpose of this report was to evaluate the accuracy of contrast swallow studies in excluding the diagnosis of gastrojejunal stricture. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the charts of 119 patients who had undergone laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, representing 41 upper gastrointestinal (GI) swallow studies, was conducted. Of those patients who underwent GI swallow studies, 30 then underwent definitive upper endoscopy to confirm or rule out stricture. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value of the swallow studies were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 30 patients who underwent upper endoscopic examination for symptoms of stricture after laparoscopic gastric bypass, 20 were confirmed to have a stricture. The sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value of the upper GI swallow study in this group was 55%, 100%, and 53%, respectively. The demographics of the patients with strictures were similar to those of the study group as a whole. CONCLUSION: The results of our study have shown that a positive upper GI swallow study is 100% specific for the presence of stricture. However, the sensitivity and negative predictive value of upper GI swallow studies were poor, making this modality unsatisfactory in definitively excluding the diagnosis of gastrojejunal stricture.     

Is Routine Invasive Monitoring Indicated in Surgery for the Morbidly Obese?

Background: Morbid obesity is generally considered to be a surgical and anesthetic risk. Some surgeons have advised the routine use of invasive monitoring for morbidly obese individuals undergoing surgery. The purpose of this study was to identify morbidly obese individuals undergoing primary gastric bypass procedures who required central or other forms of invasive monitoring for their management. Methods: We reviewed a series of 521 morbidly obese individuals undergoing consecutively performed primary vertical banded gastroplasty-gastric bypasses, a form of gastric bypass (performed at two community hospitals), for patients who had central, arterial, or urinary catheters placed during their hospital course for monitoring purposes. The patient population was also analyzed for age, preoperative co-morbidities, body mass index, length of operation, and for whether technical complications were encountered intraoperatively. Results: At one of the two hospitals, 10% of patients had arterial catheters placed intraoperatively. In each case, the catheters were removed in the recovery room. At the second hospital, no patient had invasive monitoring intraoperatively. In the entire study group, only five patients required the use of invasive monitoring postoperatively. In each of these patients, technical perioperative complications occurred. The five patients and two hospital groups did not differ significantly in age, sex, number of co-morbidities or preoperative BMI from the study group as a whole. Conclusion: Morbid obesity itself is not an indication for invasive monitoring. The majority of morbidly obese individuals can be safely managed through primary gastric bypass procedures without invasive monitoring.     

Radiologic evaluation before gastric bypass for morbid obesity

During a 4 year period, 69 patients received gastric bypass with stapling and Roux-Y gastrojejunostomy for morbid obesity. The results of 67 preoperative radiologic evaluations of the gastrointestional tract were analyzed. Of these patients, 17.9 percent (12 of 67) had previous cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis; 14.6 percent (10 of 67) had cholelithiasis found on preoperative evaluation. This gave an overall incidence of gallbladder disease of 32.8 percent. The upper gastrointestinal examination revealed four patients with hiatal hernia, three with reflux, and one with evidence of reflux esophagitis. Two patients had one duodenal diverticulum each. Ten small bowel follow-through examinations were performed, six of which revealed no abnormalities and four of which were consistent with previous jejunoileal bypass. Results of air-contrast barium enema showed 1 patient with a cecal mass which was subsequently found to be a fatty iliocecal valve and 16 patients had diverticulosis without evidence of diverticulitis. The remainder of the findings of all studies were unremarkable. When all is considered, including radiation dose, difficulty in performing examinations, and cost, we conclude that because of the low incidence of significant abnormalities, routine preoperative evaluation of these patients should only include radiographic or sonographic evaluation of the gallbladder. Other examinations should be obtained if the patients have current symptoms or previous gastrointestinal disease or gastric surgery.     

Value of Preoperative Esophagogastroduodenoscopy in Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background : Roux-en-Y gastric bypass hinders post-operative endoscopic evaluation of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Our aims were to determine the prevalence of preoperative endoscopic findings in morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and to determine the proportion of patients in which these findings changed surgical management.

Methods : We retrospectively evaluated electronic medical records of patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with routine antral biopsy for Helicobacter pylori (HP) detection, prior to LRYGB between January 2003 and January 2010 at our institution. The prevalence of all endoscopic findings was determined.

Results : 652 underwent preoperative endoscopy prior to LRYGB. The mean age was 39.5 ± 11.3 years and mean body mass index was 42.8 ± 5.0 kg/m². Abnormalities were found in 444 patients (68.1%). Findings at EGD were hiatal hernia 24.3% (n = 159), esophagitis 30.8% (n = 201), Barrett’s esophagus 0.8% (n = 5), gastritis 36.2% (n = 236), gastric or duodenal ulcers 7.5% (n = 49) and 2 cases of gastric cancer. The prevalence of HP infection was 17.6% (n = 115). In 51 patients (7.8%), endoscopic findings led to postponement of surgery: in 49 patients, gastric or duodenal ulcer had to be treated prior to surgery, in 2 patients, gastric cancer led to changement in surgical approach.

Conclusions : Routine preoperative EGD detects different abnormalities which need a specific approach prior to bariatric surgery. EGD with routine biopsies for HP detection should be included in the preoperative workup prior to LRYGB. Positive EGD findings led to a change in medical treatment in a quarter (24.3%) of patients. Postponement of surgery due to the EGD findings was less frequent (7.8%).     

Routine upper GI series after gastric bypass does not reliably identify anastomotic leaks or predict stricture formation

Background Many surgeons who perform Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for morbid obesity routinely obtain an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series in the early postoperative period to search for anastomotic leaks and signs of stricture formation at the gastrojejunostomy. We hypothesized that this practice is unreliable. Methods We analyzed 654 consecutive RYGBs, of which 63% were completed laparoscopically. An upper GI series was obtained in 634 (97%) patients. The radiographic findings (leak or delayed emptying) were compared with clinical outcomes (leak or stricture formation) to calculate the sensitivity and specificity. Univariate analysis identified risk factors for leaks or stricture formation; events were too few for multivariate analysis. Results Of 634 routine upper GI series, anastomotic leaks at the gastrojejunostomy were diagnosed in 5 (0.8%); 2 of these 5 were later reinterpreted as artifacts. Four leaks were not seen on the initial upper GI series, yielding an overall sensitivity of 43% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 60%. Univariate analysis showed that cases done early (odds ratio [OR] 5.4 for the first 100 cases, p = 0.02) and prolonged operating time (OR 7.8 for cases ≥ 300 min, p = 0.01) were associated with leaks. Emptying into the Roux-en-Y limb was delayed in 127 (20%) of the upper GI series. Strictures requiring dilatation developed in 16 (2.4%) patients. The PPV of delayed emptying for stricture formation was 6%. Risk factors for stricture formation included stapled anastomosis (OR 7.8, p = 0.002), surgeon inexperience (OR 2.9 for first 50 cases, p = 0.04), and delayed emptying (OR 3.3; p = 0.02). Conclusions Because the incidence of anastomotic complications and the sensitivity of upper GI series were both low, routine upper GI series did not reliably identify leaks or predict stricture formation. A selective approach, whereby imaging is reserved for patients with clinical evidence of a leak or stricture, may be more appropriate. Accepted for oral presentation, 2006 SAGES Resident and Fellow Scientific Session, April 28, 2006. Abstract ID:13321     

Selective use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to facilitate laparoscopic cholecystectomy without cholangiography

Background: The aim of this study was to show that laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely without routine intraoperative cholangiography. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 1139 consecutive patients (376 men and 763 women with an average age of 51.4 years) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy between 1991 and 1999. In all, 227 patients (20%) were selected to undergo preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) on the basis of four criteria for risk of stones. Results: ERCP allowed us to make a diagnosis of biliary stones in 53.3% of the selected patients. Extraction of the stones was successful in 97% of the cases. In 14% of cases, ERCP was normal; in 32.7%, some useful diagnostic information was obtained. There were three complications (pancreatitis) following endoscopy (complication rate, 1.3%). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was successful in 92% of patients. The postoperative morbidity rate was 3.2% (major complications, 0.5%). There were no deaths. During a follow-up period ranging from 3 to 97 months, six patients (0.6%) were found to have residual biliary stones. Conclusion: This study confirms the hypothesis that laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely without routine intraoperative cholangiography.     

Report on Bariatric Surgery in the Ukraine

Background: Morbid obesity (MO) is a problem internationally, including in the Ukraine.We present the surgical treatment of MO in the Ukraine over the last 15 years, during which intestinal bypasses and various gastric reduction procedures were performed. Methods: 198 patients with MO underwent: jejunoileal (JI) bypass 64, non-adjustable gastric banding (NGB) 34, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) 1, horizontal gastroplasty 1, vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) 2, and abdominal lipectomy 96.The 96 men and 102 women weighed 160-290 kg (mean 210±SD18 kg). Mean body mass index was >60 kg/m2. These patients had a high incidence of hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, menstrual disorders, impotency in men and infertility in women. Results: At 1 year, after JI bypass 61 patients lost a mean of 62±17 kg and after NGB 11 kg. After JI bypass, 1 patient died in the early postoperative period from acute respiratory insufficiency and 2 died in the first year from acute liver insufficiency. The JI bypass was reversed in 2 patients due to uncontrollable malabsorption syndrome; 1 year after reversal, the weight of these patients exceeded their preoperative weight. In the early postoperative period, 1 patient died after NGB and 1 after RYGBP, from acute respiratory insufficiency. Postoperative weight loss was associated with decrease in the co-morbidities of MO, but after JIB, there was a high incidence of bypass enteritis, excessive malabsorption, formation of renal stones and gallstones. After NGB, no complications have been identified. Isolated lipectomy was performed in 44 patients, lipectomy combined with a bariatric operation in 31, and lipectomy after loss of the excess body weight in 21. Conclusions: Bariatric surgery was very effective in weight loss, accompanied by reduction or disappear ance of the co-morbidities of MO, with considerable improvement in quality of life.