Counterregulatory responses to postprandial hypoglycemia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BackgroundPostbariatric hypoglycemia (PBH) is a potentially serious complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and impaired counterregulatory hormone responses have been suggested to contribute to the condition.ObjectivesWe evaluated counterregulatory responses during postprandial hypoglycemia in individuals with PBH who underwent RYGB.SettingUniversity hospital.MethodsEleven women with documented PBH who had RYGB underwent a baseline liquid mixed meal test (MMT) followed by 5 MMTs preceded by treatment with (1) acarbose 50 mg, (2) sitagliptin 100 mg, (3) verapamil 120 mg, (4) liraglutide 1.2 mg, and (5) pasireotide 300 μg. Blood was collected at fixed time intervals. Plasma and serum were analyzed for glucose, insulin, glucagon, epinephrine, norepinephrine, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), and cortisol.ResultsDuring the baseline MMT, participants had nadir blood glucose concentrations of 3.3 ± .2 mmol/L. At the time of nadir glucose, there was a small but significant increase in plasma glucagon. Plasma epinephrine concentrations were not increased at nadir glucose but were significantly elevated by the end of the MMT. There were no changes in norepinephrine, PP, and cortisol concentrations in response to hypoglycemia. After treatment with sitagliptin, 8 individuals had glucose nadirs <3.2 mmol/L (versus 4 individuals at baseline), and significant increases in glucagon, PP, and cortisol responses were observed.ConclusionsIn response to postprandial hypoglycemia, individuals with PBH who underwent RYGB only had minor increases in counterregulatory hormones, while larger hormone responses occurred when glucose levels were lowered during treatment with sitagliptin. The glycemic threshold for counterregulatory activation could be altered in individuals with PBH, possibly explained by recurrent hypoglycemia.     

Gastrostomy tube placement in gastric remnant at gastric bypass: a rat model for selective gut stimulation

BackgroundRoux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery achieves high remission rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus in obese diabetic patients. It has been hypothesized that the changes in bowel nutrient exposure after RYGB results in altered release of gut hormones and improved glucose homeostasis. Our objective was to assess the feasibility of, and report on, our technique and initial experience with selective gut stimulation in a gastric bypass rat model at an academic medical center in the United States.MethodsWe performed RYGB with simultaneous placement of a gastrostomy tube in the excluded gastric remnant in 8 obese Sprague-Dawley rats. A second group of 8 obese Sprague-Dawley rats underwent gastrostomy tube placement without gastric bypass and served as the controls. Each rat was tested for oral glucose tolerance preoperatively. On postoperative days 14 and 28, glucose tolerance was re-evaluated using the oral and gastrostomy tube routes.ResultsThe gastrostomy tubes were successfully inserted in all the rats with no tube-related complications. The area under the curve after oral glucose gavage decreased significantly after gastric bypass (P = .01 at 14 d and P = .003 at 28 d). The gastric remnant glucose gavage after RYGB essentially reversed the effects of surgery on glucose metabolism. The areas under the curve showed no significant differences in the control group between the preoperative and postoperative oral or tube results.ConclusionPlacing a gastrostomy tube into the gastric remnant at RYGB in a rat model is technically feasible. Our initial findings support the role of duodenal exclusion in improving glucose metabolism after RYGB.     

Laparoscopic reversal of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: Technique and utility for treatment of endocrine complications

BackgroundThe anatomic and physiologic changes with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) may lead to uncommon but occasionally difficult to treat complications such as hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia with neuroglycopenia and recalcitrant hypocalcemia associated to hypoparathyroidism. Medical management of these complications is challenging. Laparoscopic reversal of RYGB anatomy with restoration of pyloric function and duodenal continuity is a potential treatment. The objective of this study was to present the indications, surgical technique, and clinical outcomes of laparoscopic reversal of RYGB.MethodsProspective study of consecutive patients offered laparoscopic reversal of RYGB.ResultsFive patients with remote laparoscopic RYGB underwent laparoscopic reversal of RYGB to normal anatomy (n = 2) or modified sleeve gastrectomy (n = 3). Indications were medically refractory hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia with neuroglycopenia (n = 3), recalcitrant hypocalcemia with hypoparathyroidism (n = 1), and both conditions simultaneously (n = 1). Before reversal, all patients had a gastrostomy tube placed in the excluded stomach to document improvement of symptoms. Laparoscopic reversal was accomplished successfully in all patients. Three postoperative complications occurred: bleeding that required transfusion, gallstone pancreatitis, and a superficial trocar site infection. Average length of stay was 3 days. At a mean follow-up of 12 months (range 3 to 22), no additional episodes of neuroglycopenia occurred, average number of hypoglycemic episodes per week decreased from 18.5±12.4 to 1.5±1.9 (P = .05), and hypocalcemia became responsive to oral replacement therapy in both patients.ConclusionsLaparoscopic reversal of RYGB to normal anatomy or modified sleeve gastrectomy is feasible and may be a therapeutic option for selected patients with medically refractory hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia and/or recalcitrant hypocalcemia associated with hypoparathyroidism.     

Postbariatric hypoglycemia: symptom patterns and associated risk factors in the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery study

BackgroundPostbariatric hypoglycemia (PBH) can be a devastating complication for which current therapies are often incompletely effective. More information is needed regarding frequency, incidence, and risk factors for PBH.ObjectivesTo examine hypoglycemia symptoms following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and baseline and in-study risk factors.SettingMulticenter, at 10 US hospitals in 6 geographically diverse clinical centers.MethodsA prospective, longitudinal cohort study of adults undergoing RYGB or LAGB as part of clinical care between 2006 and 2009 were recruited and followed until January 31, 2015, with baseline and annual postoperative research assessments. We analyzed baseline prevalence and post-operative incidence and frequency of self-reported hypoglycemia symptoms as well as potential preoperative risk factors.ResultsIn all groups, postoperative prevalence of hypoglycemia symptoms was 38.5%. Symptom prevalence increased postoperatively from 2.8%–36.4% after RYGB in patients without preoperative diabetes (T2D), with similar patterns in prediabetes (4.9%–29.1%). Individuals with T2D had higher baseline hypoglycemia symptoms (28.9%), increasing after RYGB (57.9%). Hypoglycemia symptoms were lower after LAGB, with 39.1% reported hypoglycemia symptoms at only 1 postoperative visit with few (4.0%) having persistent symptoms at 6 or more annual visits. Timing of symptoms was not restricted to the postprandial state. Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia were reported in 2.6–3.6% after RYGB. The dominant risk factor for postoperative symptoms was preoperative symptoms; additionally, baseline selective serotonin (SSRI) and serotonin-norepinephrine (SNRI) reuptake inhibitor use was also associated with increased risk in multivariable analysis. Weight loss and regain were not related to hypoglycemia symptom reporting.ConclusionHypoglycemia symptoms increase over time after RYGB, particularly in patients without diabetes. In a small percentage, symptoms can be persistent or severe and require hospitalization. Preoperative hypoglycemia symptoms and SSRI/SNRI use in RYGB patients without diabetes is associated with increased risk of symptoms.     

Possible relation between partial small bowel obstruction and severe postprandial reactive hypoglycemia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BackgroundAlthough dietary treatment ameliorates symptoms in most patients with postbariatric hypoglycemia (PBH), there is a subgroup with severe symptoms that do not respond sufficiently to either diet or drugs. A clinical observation showed that those patients additionally experienced postprandial abdominal discomfort or pain.ObjectivesThis report describes patients with severe PBH following laparoscopic Roux-en Y gastric bypass undergoing corrective surgery to alleviate partial small bowel obstruction (kink, adhesions, dysfunctional anastomosis) and the subsequent outcome regarding symptoms of PBH.SettingSahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden.MethodsRetrospective analysis regarding hypoglycemic symptoms from medical records and a complementary telephone interview.ResultsOut of 80 patients treated for severe PBH at our tertiary academic surgical unit over the last 4 years, 38 underwent corrective surgery (adhesiolysis and/or a reconstructed jejuno-jejunostomy). Out of 21 patients using medications to control hypoglycemia before corrective surgery, 19 (90.5%) discontinued the medication, and 5 of 19 (26%) no longer needed to use a blood glucometer or a continuous glucose monitor. Although patients after surgical correction still could experience PBH, symptoms were less frequent and less severe. Postprandial abdominal symptoms decreased, and patients reported improved eating quality. Patient interviews revealed that 8% became entirely free of PBH symptoms after surgery and 71% experienced significant relief.ConclusionsWe propose a possible association between severe hypoglycemic symptoms after laparoscopic Roux-en Y gastric bypass and partial small bowel obstruction. Patients with PBH not responding adequately to diet and drug treatment may benefit from assessment and intervention for partial small bowel obstruction.     

Algorithm to diagnose etiology of hypoglycemia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity: case series and review of the literature

BackgroundGastric bypass is a proven treatment option for weight loss and the reduction of medical co-morbid conditions in the obese population. Severe refractory and/or recurrent hypoglycemia can occur, especially in postoperative patients who do not comply with the guidelines for oral glucose consumption. In a very small number of patients, the cause is not dietary indiscretions but, instead, factitious insulin administration or nesidioblastosis. The optimal evaluation and management for these diagnoses is not completely lucid yet important for bariatric surgeons and physicians alike to be familiar. Our objectives were to review the appropriate evaluation and treatment options for etiologies of hypoglycemia after gastric bypass and to create an algorithm that biochemically assesses the etiology of hypoglycemia. The setting was a university hospital in the United States.MethodsWe present the cases of 3 patients who developed symptomatic hypoglycemia from distinct etiologies after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. We also reviewed the current data regarding diagnosis and treatment.ResultsEach patient's evaluation and management is elaborated in detail. We propose a novel algorithm for the biochemical evaluation of hypoglycemia after gastric bypass according to our experience and the review of the literature.ConclusionMost cases of symptomatic hypoglycemia that develop in gastric bypass patients are associated with dietary indiscretions. However, a small subset of patients can develop refractory, recurrent, hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia from factitious insulin administration or nesidioblastosis.     

Cronkhite–Canada syndrome causing pouch outlet obstruction 5 years after roux-en-y gastric bypass

Objective: We present the case of a 57-year-old man with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and colonic polyps who presented with an upper gastrointestinal obstruction based on massive stomach polyposis in the pouch.

Methods: Two months prior to this acute admission, he had undergone resection of the gastric remnant due to massive refractory intraluminal bleeding from a polypoid mass. Ten years earlier, right colectomy was performed due to hypertrophic polyposis unsuitable for endoscopic polypectomy.

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a polypoid mass in the pouch causing obstruction. Benign biopsies were obtained. A resection of the stomach pouch with esophagojejunostomy was performed. Macroscopic evaluation of the pouch lumen showed massive polyposis with a sharp demarcation near the Z-line and at the gastrojejunostomy. On clinical examination, the presence of atrophic nail changes, alopecia, and palmar hyperpigmentation was noticed.

Results: Postoperative course was uneventful and feeding was restarted successfully. Histological analysis revealed hyperplastic polypoid tissue, which resembled the polyps in the stomach remnant and colon. Together with the ectodermal changes, the diagnose of Cronkhite–Canada syndrome was established.

Conclusion: Diffuse polyposis in Cronkhite–Canada syndrome is a rare cause for pouch obstruction after RYGB. Clinical examination should focus on dermatologic findings.     

Effect of single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy on glucose tolerance test: comparison with other bariatric procedures

BackgroundNo data have been reported regarding the risk of hyperinsulinemic response and reactive hypoglycemia after single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S). Furthermore, comparative studies with other bariatric procedures are lacking.ObjectivesTo compare response to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in patients who underwent SADI-S, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and biliopancreatic diversion (BPD).SettingFondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome.MethodsConsenting, nondiabetic patients matched for age, sex, and preoperative body mass index, who underwent SADI-S, RYGB, SG, and BPD, were recruited. A 75 g OGTT was performed pre and postoperatively. Plasma insulin and glucose (pGlu–mg/dL) were measured at baseline, and at +30, +60, +90, +120, +150, and +180 minutes. Severe hypoglycemia was defined as pGlu concentration <55 mg/dL.ResultsThirty-five patients were recruited: 9 SADI-S, 11 RYGB, 7 SG, and 8 BPD. Comparing preoperative and postoperative responses to OGTT, all procedures improved the glycemic control with better early results after SADI-S and BPD compared with RYGB and SG. No patients showed severe hypoglycemia. Significantly more patients who underwent RYGB and SG showed asymptomatic pGlu <70 mg/dL during OGTT compared with SADI-S and BPD (63.6% and 57.1% vs 22.2% and 12.5%, respectively, P < .05).ConclusionsSimilar to BPD, SADI-S seems to be associated to insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis improvement, together with a reduced risk of hyperinsulinemia and, consequently, to hypoglycemia, often associated with RYGB and SG.     

The effect of selective gut stimulation on glucose metabolism after gastric bypass in the Zucker diabetic fatty rat model

BackgroundPotential mechanisms underlying the antidiabetic effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) include altered nutrient exposure in the gut. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of selective gut stimulation on glucose metabolism in an obese diabetic rat model.MethodsSixteen male Zucker diabetic fatty rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: RYGB with gastrostomy tube (GT) insertion into the excluded stomach or a control group with GT insertion into the stomach. An insulin tolerance test (ITT), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) were performed before and 14–28 days after surgery. A glucose tolerance test via GT (GTT-GT) and MMTT via GT were performed postoperatively.ResultsPostoperatively, the RYGB group had significant decreases in weight and food intake. Both the ITT and OGTT tests revealed significantly improved glucose tolerance after RYGB. The GTT-GT showed a reversal of the improved glucose tolerance in the RYGB group. In response to meal stimulation, postoperatively, the RYGB group increased glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secretion via the oral route and peptide YY secretion by both oral and GT routes.ConclusionWhen foregut exposure to nutrients was reversed after RYGB, the improvement in glucose metabolism was abrogated. This model can be extended to identify the role of gut in glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetes.     

Unraveling,contributing factors to the severity of postprandial hypoglycemia after gastric bypass surgery

BackgroundDespite the increasing prevalence of postbariatric hypoglycemia (PBH), a late metabolic complication of bariatric surgery, our understanding of its diverse manifestations remains incomplete.ObjectivesTo contrast parameters of glucose-insulin homeostasis in 2 distinct phenotypes of PBH (mild versus moderate hypoglycemia) based on nadir plasma glucose.SettingUniversity Hospital (Bern, Switzerland).MethodsTwenty-five subjects with PBH following gastric bypass surgery (age, 41 ± 12 years; body mass index, 28.1 ± 6.1kg/m²) received 75g of glucose with frequent blood sampling for glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP)-1. Based on nadir plasma glucose (</≥50mg/dL), subjects were grouped into level 1 (L1) and level 2 (L2) PBH groups. Beta-cell function (BCF), GLP-1 exposure (λ), beta-cell sensitivity to GLP-1 (π), potentiation of insulin secretion by GLP-1 (PI), first-pass hepatic insulin extraction (HE), insulin sensitivity (SI), and rate of glucose appearance (Ra) were calculated using an oral model of GLP-1 action coupled with the oral minimal model.ResultsNadir glucose was 43.3 ± 6.0mg/dL (mean ± standard deviation) and 60.1 ± 9.1mg/dL in L2- and L1-PBH, respectively. Insulin exposure was significantly higher in L2 versus L1 (P = .004). Mathematical modeling revealed higher BCF in L2 versus L1 (34.3 versus 18.8 10^-91min^-1; P = .003). Despite an increased GLP-1 exposure in L2 compared to L1 PBH (50.7 versus 31.9pmol1L^-11min110²; P = .021), no significant difference in PI was observed (P = .204). No significant differences were observed for HE, Ra, and SI.ConclusionsOur results suggest that higher insulin exposure in PBH patients with lower postprandial nadir glucose values mainly relate to a higher responsiveness to glucose, rather than GLP-1.     

Intragastric single-port surgery (IGS) accesses the gastric remnant and allows ERCP for common bile duct stones after RYGB: a simple solution for a difficult problem

BackgroundPatients who have undergone a Roux-en-Ygastric bypass (RYGB) and suffer from choledocholithiasis postoperatively pose a medical dilemma. Treatment of the cholestasis can be complicated because of the altered anatomy in these patients. The gastric remnant and duodenum are isolated from the pancreaticobiliary limb, making endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERCP) challenging and often impossible.ObjectiveTo describe a method for safe introduction of the endoscope into the gastric remnant through intragastric single-port surgery (IGS), thus allowing for simultaneous cholecystectomy.SettingPilot clinical study.MethodsThe present study is a nonrandomized clinical series describing our preliminary results using a transgastric inserted single-port device for ERCP after RYGB. The series includes 8 patients who underwent IGS ERCP after RYGB.ResultsThe technique was successfully applied for intraoperative ERCP through a transgastric inserted single-port device (Gelpoint Mini, Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA). Papilotomy was easily achieved without complications. Average operative time was 144.75 minutes. The patients recovered without complications and could be discharged after a mean of 4.38 days.ConclusionsThe novel IGS technique is safe and effective and can be applied to perform ERCP in patients with RYGB anatomy. Transgastric single port ERCP was simple to perform, achieved excellent results, and allowed for endoscopic treatment and cholecystectomy to be performed in a single procedure. The technique can be indicated in patients with complicated gallstone obstruction under altered anatomy after RYGB.     

Micropouch Gastric Bypass: Indications for Gastrostomy Tube Placement in the Bypassed Stomach

Background: Since 1994 we have performed the "micropouch" gastric bypass (MGB) procedure for morbid obesity. In our MGB operation, the transected gastric reservoir is limited to the cardia of the stomach. The Roux and biliopancreatic limbs measure 200 and 150 cm, respectively; radiographic or endoscopic access to the bypassed stomach is therefore excluded. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 1,120 MGB operations revealed that 33 patients (2.9%) developed a potentially life-threatening postoperative complication requiring emergency re-operation or prolonged hospitalization. Complications included anastomotic leaks, fascial dehiscence, gastroenteric obstructions, peptic ulcers, and pancreatitis. Each complication was analyzed to determine if gastrostomy tube (G-tube) placement at the time of gastric bypass could have affected complication outcome or obviated the need for repeat laparotomy. Results: In 19 patients (1.6% of total cohort), G-tube placement would have significantly affected complication outcome. In four instances, it would have prevented emergency re-operation. Conclusions: Routine gastrostomy tube placement at the time of gastric bypass is not necessary in all patients. For patients who are at high risk for a gastro-enteric obstruction or an anastomotic leak, G-tube placement is recommended and is often therapeutic.     

Linitis plastica of the bypassed stomach 7 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a case report

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is currently the preferred surgical procedure to treat morbid obesity. It has proven its effects on excess weight loss and its positive effect on comorbidities. One of the main issues, however, is the post-operative evaluation of the bypassed gastric remnant. In literature, cancer of the excluded stomach after RYGB is rare. We describe the case of a 52-year-old woman with gastric linitis plastica in the bypassed stomach after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, diagnosed by means of laparoscopy and Single-Balloon enteroscopy, and it is clinical importance. Linitis plastica of the excluded stomach after RYGB is a very rare entity. This case report shows the importance of long-term post-operative follow-up, and the importance of single-balloon enteroscopy for visualization of the bypassed stomach remnant, when other investigations remain without results. This case report is only the second report of a linitis plastica in the bypassed stomach after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.     

Contribution of glycemic variability to hypoglycemia,and a new marker for diabetes remission after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery

BackgroundDiabetes remission after bariatric surgery was reported to be characterized by increased risk of hypoglycemia.ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the contribution of glycemic variability (GV) to the risk of hypoglycemia, and the suitability of time in range (TIR), an emerging glycemic marker, to define diabetes remission after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).SettingA single referral center in China.MethodsThis retrospective study included 175 individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity who underwent RYGB. Subjects were classified as remission/nonremission according to the current standard. Each participant underwent continuous glucose monitoring both before and 1 year after RYGB. GV was measured by glucose coefficient of variation (CV), and hypoglycemia was assessed by time below range (TBR).ResultsComplete remission was achieved in 88 of the 175 participants following RYGB. In the remission group, significant correlations between postoperative CV and TBRs (r = .353–.442, both P ≤ .001) were found. Excess hypoglycemia (TBR_{<54 ,} ≥1%, TBR_<70, ≥4%) increased with ascending CV quintiles (both P for trend <.05) and was significantly more frequent in subjects with glucose CV >32.2% (both P <.05). Compared with glycated hemoglobin A1C, TIR showed stronger correlation with glucose CV and risk of hypoglycemia.ConclusionIncreased glycemic variability was linked to excess risk of hypoglycemia after RYGB. Furthermore, TIR may serve as a new metric, in addition to HbA1C, for defining diabetes remission.     

Reversal of Roux en Y gastric bypass: largest single institution experience

BackgroundThere is a paucity of literature on patients who have undergone reversal of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) to normal anatomy. We present the largest single institution experience with reversal of RYGB for serious chronic complications.ObjectiveTo describe our experience including indications, outcomes, and complications of RYGB reversal.SettingAcademic-affiliated private practice.MethodsRetrospective review of 48 patients who underwent laparoscopic reversal of RYGB between 2012 and 2016.ResultsNinety-six percent (n = 46) of patients were female, and the mean age was 48.6 (range, 23–72). Indications for reversal of RYGB included marginal ulcer (n = 25, 12 of whom were malnourished and 17 had coexisting substance abuse), malnutrition alone (n = 11), chronic pain and nausea (n = 7), and postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (n = 5). Overall 30-day complication rate was 29% (n = 14), including gastrogastric anastomotic leak (n = 5), sepsis (n = 5), and bleeding requiring transfusion (n = 3). Weight gain after surgery increased in all patients, especially those patients deemed severely malnourished. All patients reported resolution of symptoms leading to reversal of RYGB, although 58% of patients were lost to follow-up at 1 year after surgery.ConclusionsLaparoscopic reversal of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a complex revisional operation that can be safely performed in a select group of patients with serious complications. The main indications for reversal of RYGB included malnutrition with and without recalcitrant marginal ulcers. Weight gain and resolution of malnutrition occurred soon after reversal of gastric bypass. Because the complication rates are high, reversal should be considered only after all salvage attempts have failed. Reversal to normal anatomy carries high morbidity, including sepsis, leaks and bleeding, high reoperative rates, and readmission. Although reversal of RYGB has a role in the treatment of a select group of patients, it should be undertaken by surgeons with considerable experience in RYGB revision.     

Ten-year outcome of one-anastomosis gastric bypass with a biliopancreatic limb of 150 cm versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a single-institution series of 940 patients

BackgroundLong-term outcomes of one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) need to be compared with those of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).ObjectiveThe present study evaluates the long-term outcomes at 10-year follow-up of OAGB with a biliopancreatic limb of 150 cm versus RYGB.SettingPrivate practice, France.MethodsData of patients who underwent OAGB or RYGB as primary or secondary procedures between 2010 and 2011 at a referral center were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively.ResultsA total of 940 patients underwent OAGB (n = 405) or RYGB (n = 535). Operative time was significantly shorter in the OAGB group. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 17.2% of patients after RYGB versus 8.1% after OAGB (P ≤ .0001). Patients in the RYGB group had a significantly higher rate of kinking of the jejuno-jejunal anastomosis, stenosis of the gastrojejunal anastomosis, and dysphagia for early ulcers. At long term, no differences were found in the rate of severe malnutrition. Cumulated morbidity was significantly higher after RYGB, with higher incidence of internal hernia, anastomotic ulcer, blind-loop syndrome, and hypoglycemia. Conversion to RYGB and laparoscopic exploration for chronic pain were more frequent after OAGB. Surgery for weight regain was significantly more frequent after RYGB. Patients in the OAGB group had significantly lower weight, body mass index, and greater percentage excess, and total weight losses at 120 months. No significant differences were detected in co-morbidity outcomes.ConclusionAfter 10 years, both RYGB and OAGB are effective procedures. However, OAGB is associated with shorter operative times and better results in short- and long-term morbidity and weight loss outcomes.     

Continuous Glucose Monitoring After Gastric Bypass to Evaluate the Glucose Variability After a Low-Carbohydrate Diet and to Determine Hypoglycemia

Background

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) alters glucose metabolism and can cause postprandial hypoglycemia. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has been proposed as an evaluation tool in hypoglycemic RYGB individuals. The objective of this study is to investigate the use of CGM in clinical decision-making including diagnosing hypoglycemia and evaluating treatment effects. Furthermore, we aim to assess its accuracy in RYGB-operated individuals.

Methods

Thirteen RYGB individuals with symptomatic hypoglycemia and 13 asymptomatic RYGB individuals underwent CGM for 5 days. During this period, a mixed-meal test with concomitant plasma glucose (PG) measurements was performed. Furthermore, the RYGB individuals followed a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) for 1 day and maintained their ordinary diet (OD) for the rest of the period.

Results

LCD reduced the CGM-determined glycemic variability of the mean interstitial fluid glucose (IFG) significantly compared to OD (p < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis confirmed that low blood glucose index (e.g., the frequency and amplitude of hypoglycemic events) is the most reliable parameter related to the development of symptomatic hypoglycemia, with a sensitivity of 0.91 (confidence interval [CI] 0.59; 1.00) and a specificity of 0.77 (CI 0.46; 0.95). However, CGM, measuring the IFG in the subcutaneous adipose tissue, overestimated the minimum glucose levels by 1.1?±?0.9 mmol/l compared with PG.

Conclusions

CGM was a good method for demonstrating increased glycemic variability among RYGB individuals and for displaying dietary effects on reducing this glycemic variability, including hypoglycemic events. In RYGB individuals, CGM-measured IFG overestimated the real glucose value by about 1 mmol/l in the hypoglycemic range. This should be taken into consideration if CGM is used to diagnose hypoglycemia after RYGB.

     

Early glycemic control and incretin improvement after gastric bypass: the role of oral and gastrostomy route

BackgroundPatients with obesity have a suppressed incretin effect and a consequent imbalance of glycemic homeostasis. Several studies have shown improved type 2 diabetes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The mechanisms of early action are linked to caloric restriction, improvement of insulin resistance, pancreatic beta cell function, and the incretin effect of glycogen-like protein 1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide, but reported data are conflicting.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate glycemic metabolism, including the oral glucose tolerance test and enterohormonal profile in the early postoperative period in severely obese patients who underwent RYGB with gastrostomy, comparing the preoperative supply of a standard bolus of nutrient against the postoperative administration through an oral and a gastrostomy route.SettingClinics Hospital of University of São Paulo, Brazil.MethodsEleven patients with obesity and diabetes underwent RYGB with a gastrostomy performed in the excluded gastric remnant. Patients were given preoperative assessments of glycemic and enterohormone profiles and an oral glucose tolerance test; these were compared with early postoperative assessments after oral and gastrostomy route administrations.ResultsThe mean preoperative body mass index of the group was 44.1 ± 6.6 kg/m², mean fasting blood glucose of 194.5 ± 62.4 mg/dL, and glycated hemoglobin 8.7 ± 1.6%. In 77.7% of the patients, there was normalization of the glycemic curve in the early postoperative period as evaluated by the oral glucose tolerance test. Significant decreases in glycemia, insulinemia, and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance were also observed, regardless of the route of administration. There was significant increase in glycogen-like protein 1 by the postoperative oral route and reduction of gastric inhibitory polypeptide in both routes. Ghrelin did not change.ConclusionGlycemia and peripheral insulin resistance reductions were observed in early-postoperative RYGB, independent of the oral or gastrostomy route. Incretin improvement, mediated by glycogen-like protein 1 increased was observed only in the postoperative oral route, while GIP reduced for both routes.     

Percutaneous computed tomography-guided gastric remnant access after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: The bypassed portion of the stomach is difficult to access and evaluate after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Access to the excluded stomach may be needed for nutritional support or decompression owing to acute distension and obstruction. We report our experience with percutaneous, computed tomography (CT)-guided gastrostomy tube placement into the gastric remnant after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). METHODS: Of 569 consecutive LRYGB procedures performed, 9 patients underwent successful percutaneous, CT-guided gastrostomy placement. One additional patient was referred from another facility. We reviewed the indications, interval from surgery to the intervention, interval to removal, complications, and success or outcome of the procedure in our patient population. RESULTS: Ten patients underwent percutaneous, CT-guided gastric remnant gastrostomy tube placement. The indications included distended gastric remnant in 6, nutritional access in 4, and remnant drainage after leak in 1. Of the 10 patients, 2 had undergone previous gastric operations. The attempt at percutaneous gastrostomy was unsuccessful in 1 additional patient, who subsequently required laparoscopic gastrostomy (success rate 91%). CONCLUSION: In selected patients after LRYGB, CT-guided gastrostomy tube placement is safe and efficient. It may be used to manage complications of LRYGB, serve as a bridge to definitive surgery, or offer a convenient route for enteral nutritional support.     

Laparoscopic management of severe reflux after sleeve gastrectomy using the LINX® system: Technique and one year follow up case report

IntroductionManagement of severe reflux after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) usually requires converting to Roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB). We present a case of managing this problem using the LINX^® system.Presentation of caseIn February 2015, we performed a laparoscopic placement of LINX^® system to treat severe reflux after sleeve gastrectomy on a 25-year-old female. The operative time was 47 min. There were no intra or postoperative complications. The hospital stay was one day. The postoperative UGI showed no reflux. Ten days after surgery her Quality of life score (QOL) changed from 64/75 to 7/75 after the LINX^® placement. One year later the patient continued to enjoy no reflux and stayed off medication.DiscussionReflux after sleeve gastrectomy is usually managed by conversion to RYGB by most surgeons. This case report opens the door for an alternative management of this problem while maintaining the original sleeve gastrectomy. This technique is reasonably easy to perform in comparison to the conversion to RYGB with less potential post-operative complications. A one year follow up showed good control of reflux without medication.ConclusionLaparoscopic placement of the LINX^® system to correct severe reflux after sleeve gastrectomy is a safe alternative procedure to conversion to a RYGB.