Pregnancy Following Gastric Bypass Surgery for Morbid Obesity: Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes

Background The purpose of this study was to compare obstetric and neonatal outcomes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) to those in women without such surgery. Methods Women with RYGB (cases) were matched for maternal age and prior cesarean to the next two consecutive women delivering without prior bariatric surgery (controls). Pregnancy and newborn outcomes were compared by univariate analysis. Outcomes approaching or reaching statistical significance were evaluated by conditional logistic regression controlling for maternal body mass index (BMI). Results Despite gastric bypass, the 38 cases were heavier (BMI 33.4 ± 7.3 vs. 28.1 ± 6.7 kg/m², p < 0.001) and more often obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², 26/38 (68.4%) vs. 20/76 (26.3%), p < 0.001) than controls. Variables evaluated by logistic regression adjusted for BMI did not differ in cases versus controls, including hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 2.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66–10.50), preterm premature rupture of membranes (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.02–3.38), oligohydramnios (OR 2.39, 95% CI 0.66–8.61), and delivery ≥41 weeks (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.11–2.97). Discussion Obstetric and neonatal outcomes after RYGB are similar to those of our general obstetric population. Reprints unavailable.     

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Morbidly Obese Chinese Patients: Learning Curve,Advocacy and Complications

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) involves a combination of both restrictive and mal-absorptive mechanisms and has become the procedure of choice for patients with morbid obesity in Western countries. However, its efficacy remains uncertain in Asian populations. We report our pilot experience with LRYGB in a Chinese population. METHODS: Between August 2005 and February 2007, 100 morbidly obese patients received LRYGB. We evaluated the learning curve for the operation, its efficacy in weight reduction, and its postoperative complications. RESULTS: Surgical time reached a plateau after about 50 cases, decreasing from 216 min for the initial 50 patients to 105 min for the final 50. The conversion rate from laparoscopic to open surgery was 2%. The mean percent body mass index loss was 33.9% after 12 months. Twenty-four complications occurred in 18 patients, but most resolved with conservative treatment without mortality. Patients with advanced age (P = 0.04) or hypertension (P = 0.03) were at increased risk for complications leading to prolonged surgical times and hospital stays. The complication rate declined as technical expertise increased. CONCLUSION: In Chinese patients with morbid obesity, LRYGB is promising procedure because of its acceptable learning curve, good efficacy, and low complication rate.     

Laparoscopic Repair of a Staple-line Disruption after an Open Uncut Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The technique of gastric bypass has undergone an evolution over the last 20 years, although it is often individualized based on surgeon preference. Whereas many surgeons divide and separate the gastric pouch from the distal bypassed stomach, some surgeons choose to staple, but not cut and separate the pouch. Staple-line failure resulting in a gastrogastric fistula and weight regain is a worrisome complication. We discuss a case of a patient with an obvious staple-line failure, which resulted in complete weight regain. She underwent laparoscopic repair and was discharged on postoperative day 1. Laparoscopic repair of a staple-line disruption after an open uncut gastric bypass is feasible. Presented at the World Congress of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity, Sydney, Australia, August 31, 2006.     

Surgical Management of Gastro–Gastric Fistula After Divided Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity

Background Gastro–gastric fistula (GGF) formation is uncommon after divided laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) for morbid obesity. Optimal surgical management remains controversial. Methods A retrospective review was performed of a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing LRYGB from January 2001 to October 2006. Results Of 1,763 primary procedures, 27 patients (1.5%) developed a GGF and 10 (37%) resolved with medical management, whereas 17 (63%) required surgical intervention. An additional seven patients requiring surgical intervention for GGF after RYGB were referred from another institution. Indications for surgery included weight regain, recurrent, or non-healing gastrojejunal anastomotic (GJA) ulceration with persistent abdominal pain and/or hemorrhage, and/or recurrent GJA stricture. Remnant gastrectomy with GGF excision or exclusion was performed in 23 patients (96%) with an average in-hospital stay of 7.5 days (range, 3–27). Morbidity in six patients (25%) was caused by pneumonia, n = 2; wound infection, n = 2; staple-line bleed, n = 1; and subcapsular splenic hematoma, n = 1. There were no mortalities. Complete resolution of symptoms and associated ulceration was seen in the majority of patients. Conclusion Although uncommon, GGF formation can complicate divided LRYGB. Laparoscopic remnant gastrectomy with fistula excision or exclusion can be used to effectively manage symptomatic patients who fail to respond to conservative measures. This paper was presented at the SSAT Poster Presentation session on May 21st 2007 at the SSAT Annual Meeting at Digestive Disease Week, Washington (poster ID M1590).     

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A 7-year Retrospective Review of 3855 Patients

Background: 3855 patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity between 1988 and 1994 are presented. Methods: All patients were sent a standard questionnaire reflecting current weight, intervening complications and general health status and 1039 patients responded. Information gleaned from review of these questionnaires and a review of individual charts provided the data for this study. Results: Average weight loss at 1 year was 46 kg and at 5 years was 34.5 kg. Operative mortality was 0.18%. Surgical morbidity rate was 3.4%. Average length of stay for patients hospitalized in 1994 was 3.6 days. The average operating time during that same year was 78 min, and the average hospital charges were $7250. Conclusions: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass can be performed with relative safety and acceptable morbidity. There is a demonstrable weight loss benefit which is maintained in the majority of patients over a period greater than 5 years. The expense and consumption of provider services are modest, and this procedure remains an excellent alternative for weight control among morbidly obese individuals.     

Management of Anastomotic Leaks After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background Anastomotic leaks after bariatric surgery carry high morbidity and mortality. We aimed to describe our experience of the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal anastomotic leaks in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass in a single institution. Methods Of 1,200 patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with manual gastrojejunal anastomosis for morbid obesity from January 2002 to January 2007, we retrospectively analyzed 59 patients with anastomotic leak. The location of the leak, day of diagnosis, diagnostic methods, clinical manifestations, treatment modalities, associated complications, and length of hospital stay were analyzed. Results Leaks were located as follows: 67.8% in the gastrojejunostomy, 10.2% in the gastric pouch, 3.4% in the excluded stomach, 5.1% in the jejunojejunal anastomosis, 3.4% in the gastrojejunostomy plus pouch, 3.4% in the pouch plus excluded stomach, and 6.8% in undetermined sites. Routine upper gastrointestinal series revealed contrast extravasation in nine patients (15.3%). Leaks were asymptomatic at diagnosis in 29 patients (49.2%). Surgical reintervention was carried out in 23 patients, and conservative treatment was provided in the remaining 36. Transfer to the intensive care unit was required in 11 patients, with five deaths (0.4%). Conclusion In our experience, most anastomotic leaks can be managed with conservative measures alone. In many patients, abdominal drains are effective in the management of leaks, obviating the need for reintervention. Nasoenteral nutrition was effective in the non-operative management of gastrojejunal leaks in patients without signs of systemic toxicity.     

Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy as a Diagnostic Modality for Gastroparesis of the Bypassed Stomach after Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity

After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP), the excluded gastric remnant represents a challenge for the surgeon. Many diseases are reported to take place in that remnant, such as cancer, gastritis, and ulcer. On the other hand, diagnosing these pathological changes requires invasive intervention.We report the use of a noninvasive study to diagnose pathology in the bypassed stomach.     

Procedural Changes to Decrease Complications in Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

Methods:A retrospective review of all procedures performed by a fellowship-trained surgeon (MK) from December 1, 2000, to October 31, 2013, identified patients who underwent LRYGB. We evaluated perioperative outcomes in 1117 patients and examined the impact of modification of surgical techniques on complications. The patients were divided into 4 groups: cases 1–100 (group 1), cases 101–400 (group 2), cases 401–700 (group 3), and cases 701-1117 (group 4).Results:Operating time decreased significantly after the initial 100 cases, from 179.1 minutes for group 1 to 122.1 minutes for group 4. With experience, early complication rates improved from 25.0% to 5.0%, but the rates of early reoperation increased from 1.0% to 2.2% over the 4 case groups. Late complication and reoperation rates increased from 4.0% to 10.5%. However, rates of bleeding, early stricture, internal hernia, and wound infection all decreased after the modification of surgical techniques.Conclusions:Operating time and early complication rates decreased with operative experience, but late complication and early and late reoperation rates increased. However, after modifications of surgical technique, common complications of LRYGB decreased to rates lower than those reported in several gastric bypass case series in the literature. The findings in this study will be helpful to fellow bariatric surgeons who are refining their strategies for reducing morbidity related to LRGYB.     

Anastomotic Leak following Antecolic versus Retrocolic Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity

Background Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass(LRYGBP) is the most commonly performed operation for the treatment of morbid obesity in the United States. Previous reports suggest that postoperative complications may be influenced by Roux limb orientation (antecolic versus retrocolic), although thisremains controversial. The aim of this study was toanalyze our experience with anastomotic leaks following LRYGBP with an antecolic- versus retrocolicrouted Roux limb. Methods During the 2-year period of June 2003 to June 2005, 353 patients underwent a LRYGBP. 135 were antecolic and 218 retrocolic. All cases were performedby one of three bariatric surgeons. The decisionto perform antecolic versus retrocolic LRYGBP was left to the surgeon’s preference. The primary outcome measure was anastomotic leak. Results Mean follow-up was 28 weeks. There wereno perioperative deaths. Overall complication rate was 16.9%. 17 gastrojejunal leaks (4.8%) were identified, consisting of 12 intraoperative leaks (3.4%) and 5 postoperative leaks (1.4%). Postoperative gastrojejunal leak rate was higher in the antecolic group (P = 0.04). Conclusion Mortality and complication rates were consistent with reported benchmarks on the efficacy and safety of LRYGBP. Our review suggests that anastomotic leak may be more common after antecolic than after retrocolic LRYGBP for morbid obesity. A prospective randomized study is needed to determine whether antecolically-routed Roux limb is an independent predictor for anastomotic leak following LRYGBP.     

Internal Hernias and Nonclosure of Mesenteric Defects During Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background  Internal hernias have been described after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) as a major problem. Thus, many routinely close defects during LRYGB. In our technique, we do not close any defects. We hypothesize that not closing the defects would not cause a significant internal hernia rate diagnosed during reoperations. Methods  Patients who were reoperated after LRYGB were included in this study. Only patients who had a laparoscopic or open exploration focused on inspecting for internal hernias are reported here. The LRYGB technique that was utilized included an antecolic, antegastric gastrojejunostomy, minimal division of the small bowel mesentery, a long jejunojejunostomy performed with three staple lines, adequate division of the omentum, and placement of the jejunojejunostomy above the colon in the left upper quadrant. Results  There were a total of 387 patients who had LRYGB from 2002 to 2007 utilizing this particular technique. Fifty-four patients had a reoperation at an average of 24 (Range: 1–60) months postoperatively. The procedures were abdominoplasty, cholecystectomy, diagnostic laparoscopy, and lysis of adhesions. While two patients had a defect present, no patient had an internal hernia despite aggressive attempts to diagnose one. Conclusions  Internals hernias are not common after our particular method of LRYGB. Before adopting and advocating routine closure, surgeons should consider the surgical technique and the true associated incidence of internal hernias. We do not recommend routine closure of these defects with our technique. Presented in part at International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity annual meeting; August 2006; Sydney, Australia.     

A Preliminary Comparison of the Psychological Impact of Laparoscopic Gastric Banding and Gastric Bypass Surgery for Morbid Obesity

Background: Laparoscopic gastric banding has introduced a new element into weight reduction surgery. The authors compared subjects who had undergone a laparoscopic gastric banding (lap-band) procedure with those who had undergone a gastric bypass operation on relevant psychological and behavioral parameters. Methods: A self-report questionnaire developed by the researchers was used. It included questions about aspects of food and eating as well as attitudinal items relating to the outcome of the surgery. Results: There were significant differences between the lap-band group and the gastric bypass group in their distance from their desired weight, their eating, and their attitudes. Conclusion: 9 months after surgery, gastric bypass surgery appears to be the superior procedure on several parameters. The surgery induction process may be critical. Evaluation at later stages is vital.     

Pregnancy Following Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity: Effect of Surgery-to-Conception Interval on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes

Background  Conception is discouraged during the period of maximal weight loss following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) because of speculative maternal and fetal concerns. We therefore performed a retrospective cohort study of obstetrical and neonatal outcomes by surgery-to-conception interval. Methods  Women with RYGB were stratified into two groups by surgery-to-conception interval of ≤18 or >18 months. Pregnancy and newborn outcomes excluding miscarriages were compared using the chi-square or unpaired t-test for dichotomous and continuous variables, respectively. Results  Twenty subjects conceived ≤18 months (11.4 ± 5.0) and 32 conceived >18 months (47.5 ± 41) after RYGB, p < .05. Maternal age, parity, body mass index, and weight gain were similar by group. There were no statistically significant differences in adverse obstetrical outcomes (preterm premature membrane rupture, gestational diabetes, oligohydramnios, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm or post-term delivery) or adverse newborn outcomes (5-min Apgar score < 7, intensive care admission, or birth defect). Conclusion  Obstetrical and neonatal outcomes are similar in women conceiving during or after the period of maximal weight loss following RYGB.     

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery on Morbidly Obese Patients with Hypothyroidism

Background It is well known that obesity is accompanied by changes in thyroid function. Hypothyroidism is associated with increased body weight. The aim of this study was to evaluate the operative outcomes, weight loss, and the effect of weight loss on thyroid function in morbidly obese patients with hypothyroidism who undergo laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) surgery. Methods A retrospective review of 20 morbidly obese female patients with hypothyroidism and on thyroid replacement therapy who underwent LRYGB between January 2003 and August 2006. Results Mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 47.6 kg/m² (range 38–58.5 kg/m²). Average patient age was 44.5 years (range 21–66 years). There was one early complication (pneumonia). Late complications included one death, three anastomotic strictures, and one small bowel obstruction. The patients were followed for a mean of 13.5 months (range 3–24 months). Their mean excess body weight loss was 13 kg (22%), 24.4 kg (39.4%), 33.2 kg (63.3%), 38.4 kg (65%), 41.7 kg (70%), and 43 kg (73%) at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Change in a mean BMI was the same regardless of the patient preoperative and postoperative thyroxine dose. Hypothyroidism resolved in 5(25%) patients, improved in 2(10%) patients, unchanged in 8(40%) patients, and worsened in 5 (25%) patients. Most of the five whose hypothyroidism worsened had thyroid autoimmune disease. Conclusions Hypothyroidism appears to improve in the vast majority of morbidly obese patients who undergo LRYGB, except for those whose thyroid disease is autoimmune in nature.     

Retrograde Intussusception After Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity

Intussusception after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure (RYGBP) is a rare complication that typically presents late after open or laparoscopic procedures with intermittent partial or complete bowel obstruction. It may be antegrade (peristaltic) or retrograde (antiperistaltic) and usually the common channel is affected. We describe an unusual case of retrograde intussusception that occurred 2 years after a laparoscopic RYGBP in which the proximal common channel had invaginated into the distal anastomotic site and the distal Roux limb.     

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding for Morbid Obesity in a Patient with Situs Inversus Totalis

Laparoscopic surgery with situs inversus may pose particular challenges to the surgeon. We discuss a case of undiagnosed situs inversus totalis in a morbidly obese patient undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). The patient was a 29-year-old male with a body mass index (BMI) of 56. There was no prior knowledge of his situs inversus totalis, which was only discovered during laparoscopy at the time of surgery. The operative challenges are discussed. LAGB was performed successfully without complication. Postoperative imaging confirmed dextrocardia and situs inversus totalis, as well as correct gastric band position. However, there has been subsequent gastric band erosion and eventual band removal. We discuss the appropriateness of LAGB in this group of patients.     

Three-Year Follow-Up Study of Retrocolic versus Antecolic Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background Since 1994, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) has gained popularity for the treatment of morbid obesity. In analogy to open surgery, the operation was initially performed in a retrocolic fashion. Later, an antecolic procedure was introduced. According to short-term studies, the antecolic technique is favorable. In this study, we compared the retrocolic vs the antecolic technique with 3 years of follow-up. We hypothesized that the antecolic technique is superior to the retrocolic in terms of operation time and morbidity. Methods 33 consecutive patients with retrocolic technique and 33 patients with antecolic technique of LRYGBP were compared, using a matched-pair analysis. Data were extracted from a prospectively collected database. The matching criteria were: BMI, age, gender and type of bypass (proximal or distal). The end-points of the study were: operation time, length of hospital stay, incidence of early and late complications, reoperation rates and weight loss in the followup over 36 months. Results In the retrocolic group, operation time was 219 min compared to 188 min in the antecolic group (P = 0.036). In the retrocolic group, 3 patients (9.1%) developed an internal hernia and 4 patients (12.1%) suffered from anastomotic strictures. In the antecolic group, 2 patients (6.1%) developed internal hernias and in 3 patients (9.1%) anastomotic strictures occurred. Median hospital stay in the retrocolic group was 8 days compared to 7 days in the antecolic group. In the antecolic group, the mean BMI dropped from 46 kg/m2 to 32 kg/m2 postoperatively after 36 months. This corresponds to an excess BMI loss of 66%. In the retrocolic group, we found a similar decrease in BMI from preoperative 45 kg/m2 to 34 kg/m2 after 36 months (P = 0.276). Conclusion The results of our study demonstrate a reduction of operation time and hospital stay in the antecolic group compared to the retrocolic group. No differences between the two groups were found regarding morbidity and weight loss. Taken together, the antecolic seems to be superior to the retrocolic technique.     

Factors Affecting Morbidity and Mortality of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Clinically Severe Obesity: An Analysis of 1,000 Consecutive Open Cases by a Single Surgeon

Introduction Determinants of perioperative risk for RYGB are not well defined. Methods Retrospective analysis of comorbidities was used to evaluate predictors of perioperative risk in 1,000 consecutive patients having open RYGB by univariate analyses and logistic regression. Results One hundred forty-six men, 854 women; average age 38.3 ± 11.2 years; mean BMI 51.8 ± 10.5 (range 24–116) were evaluated. Average hospital stay (LOS) was 3.8 days; 87% <3 days. 91.3% of procedures were without major complication. The most common complications were incisional hernia 3.5%, intestinal obstruction 1.9%, and leak 1.6%. 31 patients required reoperation within 30 days (3.1%). A 30-day mortality was 1.2%. Logistic regression evaluating predictors of operative mortality correlated strongly with coronary artery disease (CAD) (p < 0.01), sleep apnea (p = 0.03), and age (p = 0.042). BMI > 50 (0.6 vs 2.3%, p = 0.03) and male sex were associated with increased mortality (1.3 vs. 4.0%, p = 0.02). Sex-specific logistic regression demonstrated males with angiographically proven CAD were more likely to die (p = 0.028) than matched cohorts. Age (p = 0.033) and sleep apnea (p = 0.040) were significant predictors of death for women. Conclusion Perioperative mortality after RYGB appears to be affected by sex, BMI, age, CAD, and sleep apnea. Strategies employing risk stratification should be developed for bariatric surgery. Presented in part at the Annual Meeting of the SSAT, Orlando, FL, May 2003     

New Approach in Surgical Treatment of Morbid Obesity: Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

Background: gastric banding has been performed for morbid obesity, with the last nine patients having a laparoscopic approach. Materials: forty-five patients who had undergone primary operations for morbid obesity between 1986 and 1993 were selected for retrospective analysis. All patients had undergone gastric banding. Average pre-operative BMI was 50.9 (kg m⁻²) and average pre-operative weight was 135.1 kg. Results: the 3-year mean post-operative BMI reached 28.7 and the 3-year mean post-operative weight loss was 55.7 kg. Blood pressure significantly decreased from the mean 151/96 mmHg to 132/90 mmHg at 1-year follow-up. There were no significant changes noted in the levels of RBC, electrolytes and transaminase. There were post-operative wound-healing complications in 18.1% of the patients, wound discharge in 8.8% and incisional hernia in 8.8% of the patients. In 1993 we commenced laparoscopic gastric banding which enabled us to shorten the hospital stay and decrease post-operative complications. Conclusion: we are achieving the same good weight-loss results with the laparoscopic technique as after ‘open’ laparotomy gastric banding.