Obesity Surgery in Russia

Background: In Russia, 40% of the population are overweight, and 26% are obese. As was mentioned at the IFSO Symposium in Cancun, very little is known about obesity surgery in Russia. Methods: The authors undertook a literature search and interviewed surgeons who are known to perform bariatric procedures. Results: Jejunoileal bypass (JIB) was used in the 1970s but has been abandoned by most surgeons. Since 1977, 334 JIBs, of a total of 360 bariatric operations, have been performed at I Saint Petersburg Medical University. The remaining 26 operations included 14 gastric bandings, 6 horizontal and 4 vertical gastroplasties, and 2 gastric bypasses. Since 1984, 545 gastric banding procedures have been done at the Moscow Medical Academy, where the current approach is the lap-band type of gastric banding. The laparoscopic technique of adjustable gastric banding is beginning to be used. Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) was begun in the early 1990s. At the Russian Research Center of Surgery in Moscow, 48 Mason VBGs have been done. The other group in Moscow reported 28 VBGs without the creation of a window and including covering the stoma by polypropylene mesh. There are only a few known cases of gastric bypass procedures. No data on biliopancreatic diversion were found. Conclusions: Obesity surgery is not being performed enough to satisfy the requirements of the Russian population. Simple operations are more common than complex ones. The use of the laparoscopic approach has begun and probably will increase.     

Results of Bariatric Surgery for Morbid Obesity in Patients Older than 50 Years

Background: Surgery is increasingly used for weight loss in morbidly obese patients. The authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in patients older than 50 years. Methods: Prospective data on 62 consecutive patients (Male = 13, Female = 49) undergoing bariatric procedures between 1985-1994 were reviewed. Mean followup was 30 ± 2 months (3-48 months). All data are mean ± sem. Results: Age was 57 ± 1 year (range 50-71 years). Patients had a mean preoperative weight of 125 ± 4 kg (275 ± 9 lb) and 119 ± 6% excess body weight. A total of 68 procedures were performed: vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG = 23), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB = 43), and biliopancreatic diversion (BPD = 2). Six patients were converted to RYGB (5) and BPD (1) after failed VBG. Hospital mortality was nil. Complications were wound infection (5), pulmonary (4), gastric leak (2), abscess (1) and others (4). Mean weight loss at 3 years was 55 ± 7 and 33 ± 6% of percent excess body weight for RYGB and VBG, respectively. Postoperative use of medications for arthritis, diabetes mellitus and asthma was reduced by 23%, 62% and 100%, respectively. Satisfaction with the outcome of treatment and weight loss was reported by 81% of patients. Six patients that were converted from jejunoileal bypass (metabolic complications) to VBG gained weight. Conclusions: Bariatric surgery is safe and well tolerated in morbidly obese patients older than 50 years. Weight loss parallels that of younger populations and is greater in patients treated with RYGB in this subgroup. Age should not be a contraindication to bariatric surgery provided the patient has obesity-related medical morbidity. Control of obesity-related co-morbid conditions is improved by weight loss.     

Drug Distribution in Obesity and following Bariatric Surgery: A Literature Review

Background: The pharmacokinetic variables of drug clearance and volume of distribution are usually corrected for body weight or surface area. Only recently have the relationships which exist between body size, physiologic function and pharmacokinetic variables been evaluated in the obese population. These effects are not widely known, and data on this and the effects of bariatric surgical procedures are scantily documented in the surgical literature. Methods: Literature review. Results: Drugs with a low or moderate affinity for adipose tissue have a moderate increase in the volume of distribution (Vd), and this correlates with the increase in lean body mass (LBM). Highly lipophilic drugs, with some exceptions, show the expected increase in Vd and prolongation of elimination half-life, indicating a marked distribution into adipose tissue. Drug absorption, in general, is slowed by delayed gastric emptying and is normal when gastric emptying is normal or increased. Most drug absorption occurs in the small intestine where duration of drug/mucosal contact is the most important factor. Conclusions: Drugs whose distribution is restricted to LBM should utilize a loading dose based on ideal body weight (IBW). For those drugs which distribute freely into adipose tissue, the loading dose should be based on total body weight (TBW). Adjustment of the maintenance dose depends on clearance rates. In a few cases dosage adjustment depends on pharmacodynamic data, since drug clearance does not conform to these recommendations, for reasons which remain to be defined. Following bariatric surgery, in the absence of delayed gastric emptying or uncontrolled diarrhea, drug absorption rates are usually comparable to the non-operated patient.     

Obesity Surgery in Children

Background: There have been few articles about bariatric surgery for morbidly obese children. Nevertheless, children who suffer clinically severe obesity also suffer poor social acceptance and an inability to participate in sports or other life activities. Since 1983 the author has performed vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP), or biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) on 22 children, ages 8 - 18 years. Methods: This was a retrospective review of 22 children, 11 with sleep apnea and 11 without sleep apnea. There were nine males and 13 females. The procedures were VBG-5; RYGBP-14; and BPD-4. Results: There were no operative deaths, infections, or other serious immediate complications. Body mass index (BMI) in those with sleep apnea decreased from a mean of 67.8 preoperatively to 46.5 kg/m² at an average follow-up of 32 months. Likewise, for those without sleep apnea, BMI decreased from 56.4 preoperatively to 35.5 kg/m² at an average follow-up of 50 months. All patients with sleep apnea had this condition resolve with adequate weight loss. Furthermore, these patients have been able to stay awake in school and have made better grades. Postoperative complications included protein deficiency in three BPD patients, and Vitamin A and D deficiency, folic acid deficiency, gallstones, kidney stones, postoperative laryngeal edema, and incisional hernia in one patient each. There were two late deaths; one at 15 months and one at 3.5 years postoperatively. Conclusions: Clinically severely obese children can safely undergo bariatric operations usually offered to adults. Furthermore, most patients have sustained significant weight loss. Those patients with sleep apnea have had resolution of their sleep apnea. Complications can be minimized with adequate vitamin, mineral, and trace element supplementation. Long-term results are not yet known.     

Acceptance of Surgery for Obesity by Academic Surgeons in North America

BACKGROUND: Have surgeons in North America accepted operations for the treatment of severe obesity? This question was posed by organizers of the Ninth International Symposium on Obesity Surgery that met in Stockholm in September, 1995. Study design: In order to obtain opinions which might help to answer the question posed, a 1-page questionnaire was sent to 151 chairmen of academic departments of surgery in North America in December 1994 asking about the acceptance and use of surgical operations for the treatment of severe obesity. RESULTS: Answers, received from 112 or 74%, indicated that operative treatment should be used (74%), was effective (77%) and safe (71 %). However, only 65% of departments provided such operations. Operative treatment for obesity was available outside the department in 53%. The operations most frequently used were Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB) and vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG). A single operation was offered by 44 departments and a choice of two or more operations in 30 departments. RGB and VBG were equally in use. Gastric banding was used as an alternative to VBG in six departments. Other operations were in use in six departments either alone (three) or as alternatives to RGB and VBG (three). CONCLUSIONS: It appears that surgical treatment of obesity is accepted and available in the majority of academic departments of surgery.     

Long-Term Follow-up after Gastric Surgery for Morbid Obesity: Preoperative Weight Loss Improves the Long-Term Control of Morbid Obesity after Vertical Banded Gastroplasty

Background: Gastric restrictive surgery in a large non-university teaching hospital has been combined with preoperative weight loss by diet. The aims of preoperative dieting were to test patient motivation, to reduce perioperative morbidity, to accustom patients to the restriction of food intake after surgery, and to increase total weight loss. This study was performed to investigate the long-term results of this approach. Methods: 200 morbidly obese persons were operated on between 1978 and 1986 after they had lost more than 50% of their excess weight by diet. 100 Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses (RYGB) and, after 1983, 100 vertical banded gastroplasties (VBG) were performed. Data from medical records and data concerning present weight, complaints, food intolerance, nutritional deficiencies, and medical follow-up visits were obtained by questionnaire. Results: The lowest body weight was obtained 1 year after operation with an average excess weight loss (EWL) of 78% after RYGB and 75% after VBG. Body weight gradually increased, and 7 years after surgery the average EWL was 67% after RYGB and 63% after VBG. Ten patients had died (three postoperatively after RYGB). Preoperative dieting did not decrease perioperative morbidity and mortality in comparison with other reports. Conclusions: After combined preoperative dieting and VBG, weight loss is greater than after surgery alone. No additional weight loss after preoperative dieting was observed in RYGB patients. Most patients who underwent bariatric surgery still experience nutritional, physical, and cosmetic problems 7 years after surgery.     

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty Versus Standard or Distal Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Based on Specific Selection Criteria in the Morbidly Obese: Preliminary Results

Background: Predicting successful outcomes after bariatric surgical procedures has been difficult, and the establishment of specific selection criteria has been a subject of ongoing research. In an effort to choose the most appropriate surgical procedure for each patient, we have established a specific set of selection criteria for each procedure based on degree of obesity, preoperative dietary habits, eating behavior, and various metabolic features. Methods: From June 1994 to December 1998, 90 bariatric surgical procedures were performed at the authors' institution by a single surgeon (F.K.) based on specific selection criteria. Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) was performed in 35 patients, standard Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in 38 patients, and distal RYGB in 17 patients. All patients were monitored postoperatively 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and once per year thereafter, with an additional visit at 18 months in distal RYGB patients. Results: Early postoperative morbidity (<30 days) did not differ significantly between the three groups and averaged 9% of total patients. Long-term postoperative morbidity (>30 days) included 9 incisional hernias (2 in the VBG group, 5 after RYGB, and 2 in the distal RYGB group). There were 6 cases of staple-line disruption, 4 after VBG and 2 after standard RYGB, 1 of which resulted in stomal ulcer. Early postoperative mortality was 0%, and long-term mortality was 1.1%, which was due to pulmonary embolism in 1 standard RYGB patient on the 65th postoperative day. Average percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was 62% the first year, 61% the second year, and 50% the third year in VBG patients, and 63.6%, 65%, and 63.3%, respectively, in standard RYGB patients. In distal RYGB patients, where the patient number was significantly smaller, the %EWL at 1 and 2 years, respectively, was 51% and 53%. The most significant metabolic/nutritional complication was the appearance of hypoproteinemia (hypoalbuminemia) in 1 distal RYGB patient 20 months after surgery, which was corrected by total parenteral nutrition and subsequent increase in dietary protein intake. Significant improvement or resolution of pre-existing comorbid conditions was observed in all patient groups. The postoperative quality of eating, as evaluated by variety of food intake and frequency of vomiting, was significantly better in RYGB patients. Conclusions: These results show that selection of the bariatric surgical procedure to be performed in each patient based on specific criteria leads to acceptable weight loss, improvement in preexisting comorbid conditions, and a high degree of patient satisfaction in most patients. On the basis of our own observations as well as those of others, our selection criteria have become more strict over time and our selection of VBG as the operation of choice increasingly infrequent.     

A Psychological Profile of the Bariatric Patient with Implications for Treatment

Background: Psychological testing of the bariatric patient utilizing instruments such as the MMPI have not proven useful in predicting successful weight loss following bariatric surgery. This has led many physicians and professionals who treat bariatric patients to believe that psychological testing is of no value. This paper discusses three instruments and the psychological profile of the average bariatric patient that they provide, and how the profile may be of benefit to the bariatric patient and to professionals who treat them. Methods: The profile to be presented was obtained from the statistical analysis of the tests of 70 patients selected by random sample from a population of 695 patients. Results: Results suggest that the average bariatric patient is mentally healthy and free of any psychological disorders contraindicating surgery. Although mentally healthy, the results suggest that the average bariatric patient does have a number of attitudes, behaviors, and personality traits which may sabotage weight loss following surgery. Conclusions: The psychological profile obtained from the data provides valuable information toward the development of a comprehensive treatment program designed to improve these potentially sabotaging attitudes, behaviors, and personality traits, in order to facilitate successful weight loss following bariatric surgery.     

Obesity Surgery Results Depending on Technique Performed: Long-Term Outcome

Background  Many techniques have excellent results at 2 years of follow-up but some matters regarding their long-term efficacy have arisen. This is why bariatric surgery results must be analyzed in long-term follow-up. The aim of this study was to extend the analysis over 5 years, evaluating weight loss, morbidity, and mortality of the surgical procedures performed. Methods  This was a retrospective cohort study of the different procedures for morbid obesity practiced in our Department of Surgery for morbid obesity. The results have been analyzed in terms of weight loss, morbidity improvement, and postoperative morbidity (Bariatric Analysis And Reporting Outcome System). Results  One hundred twenty-five patients were operated on open vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), 150 patients of open biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) of Scopinaro, 100 patients of open modified BPD (common limb 75 cm; alimentary limb 225 cm), and 115 patients of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP). Mean follow-up was: VBG 12 years, BPD 7 years, and LRYGBP 4 years. An excellent initial weight loss was observed at the end of the second year of follow-up in all techniques, but from this time an important regain of weight was observed in VBG group and a discrete weight regain in LRYGBP group. Only BPD groups kept excellent weight results so far in time. Mortality was: VBG 1.6%, BPD 1.2%, and LRYGBP 0%. Early postoperative complications were: VBG 25%, BPD 20.4%, and LRYGBP 20%. Late postoperative morbidity was: protein malnutrition 11% in Scopinaro BPD, 3% in Modified BPD group, and no cases reported either in VBG group or LRYGBP group; iron deficiency 20% VBG, 62% Scopinaro BPD, 40% modified BPD, and 30.5% LRYGBP. A 14.5% of VBG group required revision surgery to gastric bypass or to BPD due to 100% weight regain or vomiting. A 3.2% of Scopinaro BPD with severe protein malnutrition required revision surgery to lengthen common limb to 100 cm. A 0.8% of LRYGBP required revision surgery to distal LRYGBP (common limb 75 cm) due to 100% weight regain. Conclusions  The most complex bariatric procedures increase the effectiveness but unfortunately they also increase morbidity and mortality. LRYGBP is safe and effective for the treatment of morbid obesity. Modified BPD (75–225 cm) can be considered for the treatment of superobesity (body mass index > 50 kg/m²), and restrictive procedures such as VBG should only be performed in well-selected patients due to high rates of failure in long-term follow-up.     

Surgery for Obesity - An Update of a Randomized Trial

Background: A prospective, randomized trial comparing vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) and gastric bypass (GB) was performed on 106 patients between 1987 and 1990. Methods and Results: Failures of these two operations (manifested by failure to lose weight, late weight gain or intolerance of adequate oral intake) were treated by means of a third operation, isolated gastric bypass (IGB), in which the small gastric pouch was isolated from the gastric fundus. The latter operation was significantly better than VBG or GB and achieved a 63% success rate, i.e. body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg m⁻² and less than 50% excess weight. During the year following this trial an additional 54 patients underwent IGB. When this operation was performed for morbid obesity and was the initial procedure, 96% of the patients achieved a successful result. If IGB was performed as a revision procedure or for super obesity (BMI > 50 kg m⁻²), the success rate was 63% with 100% follow-up at 40 months. Major morbidity occurred in six of the 160 patients who underwent 195 operations (the trial period and subsequent year). There were no deaths and follow-up was 98%. Conclusions: The ideal gastric operation based on this study emphasizes the following requirements: a small pouch (< 15ml) totally separated from the stomach, a pouch not dependent on staples, placed in the dependent position to prevent stasis, constructed without foreign material and with an anastomosis which permits ingestion of solid food.     

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty at More than 5 Years

Background: Optimal evaluation of the results of surgery for morbid obesity requires a long-term follow-up for at least 5 years. Methods: One hundred patients were operated by vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) and revised with a follow-up of no less than 5 years. Sixty patients were morbidly obese with a body mass index (BMI) of between 40 and 50 kg/m², and 40 were superobese with a BMI of >50 kg/m². Follow-up included 93 patients (93%). Results: Initial surgical mortality was nil. Twenty-five patients required surgery for complications related to the technique (25%) and one patient died due to pulmonary embolism after a re-stapling operation. The percentage excess weight loss was 54.3%, and the BMI was 33 kg/m² for the 84 patients followed to 5 years post VBG. Only 40 out of 92 patients (43.5%), obtained the weight loss benefit due to the operation. None of them is able to eat a regular diet, and the quality of food intake has been severely affected in some of them. Conclusions: VBG is, in our experience, a safe and technically simple operation, but the long-term results are questionable. The reoperation rate was high, and weight loss and quality of life are superior with other operations.     

Revisional Surgery for Severe Obesity with Fascia Banded Stoma Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The fascia banded stoma Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) has been effective both as a primary and revision operation for severe obesity or failure of another operation. Since May 1984, 361 primary and 100 revisional fascia banded RYGBP operations have been reported. Weight loss achieved a mean body mass index of 30 for primary and 31 for revision patients at most recent follow-up of 3-6 years (mean 4.3 years) postoperatively. Mean overweight was 28% for primary, and 34% for revision patients. Eighty percent of primary and 79% of revision patients were within 50% of ideal weight. Revision rates for these patients were 0 for primary and 1% for revision patients. Operative mortality was 0 for primary and 1% for revision patients. Since morbidity and mortality, although low, are higher for revision than primary surgery, it is important to use an effective primary operation.     

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty - Gastric Bypass in Mexican Patients with Severe Obesity: 1 Year Experience

Background: Different surgical alternatives for the treatment of severe obesity have been described. The two most common surgical procedures are the Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) and the Rouxen-Y Gastric Bypass (GBP). Methods: This work describes the results seen during the first 12 months after a surgical technique named Vertical Banded Gastroplasty-Gastric Bypass on 221 Mexican patients with severe obesity operated on between March 1993 and August 1996. Results: 73.3% of the patients were female with an average age of 33.4 years with a standard deviation (SD) of 10 years. The initial mean overweight was 62.2 kg (SD = 26.5 kg). The percentage of ideal weight was 202.3% (SD = 39.4%). The initial body mass index (BMI) was 44.9 kg/m² (SD = 9.1). The average of excess weight loss in a year was 81.2% (SD = 15.6%) and the BMI was lowered to 26.7 kg/m² (SD = 5.9). An interesting finding was that the greater the initial overweight, the lesser the resulting weight loss (r = 0.57, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The procedure was fairly easy to perform. The results were excellent in terms of weight loss and postoperative complications. It is an early experience and the long-term results are still inconclusive; regular check-ups should indicate the procedure's long-term effectiveness.     

Endoscopic and Histologic Findings of the Foregut in 426 Patients with Morbid Obesity

Background Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the most frequent bariatric operation. In this operation, the distal bypassed stomach is left in situ. We studied preoperative clinical, endoscopic and histologic findings in a consecutive group of morbidly obese patients prior to bariatric surgery. Methods A prospective study was conducted from August 1999 until May 2004, which consisted of 426 patients with morbid obesity. There were 94 men and 332 women, with mean age 39.5 years. In all patients prior to surgery, upper endoscopy was performed and biopsy samples were taken distal to squamo-columnar junction (cardiac biopsies), and in 232 of them also in at the antrum. Results Pathological findings at the esophagus were seen in 55% of the patients, mainly related to reflux esophagitis. Barrett’s esophagus was seen in 5.8%. In the stomach, pathological findings were seen in 32% of the patients. Active peptic ulcer was demonstrated in 2.6% of the cases. At the duodenum, pathologic findings were detected in 13.4% of the patients, showing an ulcer in 2.6%. At the stomach, chronic inactive gastritis and atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia were found in 8.6% and 6.5% respectively. Antral adenoma with low-grade dysplasia was found in 1 patient, and 1 carcinoid tumor. H. pylori was present in 53% of the patients, mainly in the antrum. Conclusion In candidates for bariatric surgery, upper endoscopy with biopsy samples and determination of H. pylori should be routinely performed. If present, H. pylorishould be eradicated. After surgery, if Barrett’s esophagus was present, endoscopic surveillance is recommended.     

Effect of Revisional Bariatric Surgery on Weight Loss and Frequency of Complications

Background: The relative risks and effectiveness of primary and revision operations done to produce weight loss are of interest both from a patient care and an economic perspective. The possibility that patients requiring revision surgery comprise a treatment resistant subgroup who are more likely to have post-operative complications is a valid concern. Methods: The records of all patients having bariatric procedures since January of 1970 were evaluated for weight loss and complications. Results: Most revisions were from jejunoileal bypass or a gastric restrictive procedure. Early complications were significantly more common following revision surgery (19%) than after primary procedures (6%), although late and combined early and late complication rates were similar. Operative mortality was lower following primary procedures (2/382) than revisions (1/75). Cholecystectomy was a common sequela following primary procedures but did not occur after revision procedures. Regardless of surgical category, weight loss after revision was equivalent to weight loss after primary procedures. Conclusions: Weight loss following revisional bariatric surgery is equivalent to weight loss following a primary operation of the same type. Although mortality and early complications are more common after revisional bariatric surgery, the frequency of late complications is not different. In all groups wound infections and hernias were relatively common complications and cholecystectomies are rare after revisional bariatric operations.     

Treatment of Morbid Obesity with Adjustable Gastric Band: Preliminary Report

Background: The goal of surgery for morbid obesity is to achieve a good and durable loss of weight and improve health. Previous studies have demonstrated a significant weight loss for the Swedish adjustable gastric band (SAGB). Patients and Methods: Between November 1996 and April 1998, 18 morbidly obese patients underwent SAGB laparoscopically. Their mean age at surgery was 35 years. The mean preoperative weight was 128 kg (range 89-163), and the mean body mass index was 50.4 ± 9. Comorbidity was present in 13 patients. Results: One gastric perforation occurred, and in one patient it was not possible to create the pneumoperitoneum. Regarding late morbidity, one intragastric migration and one slippage of the band occurred. There was no mortality. Conclusion: The low morbidity, the good results with weight loss, and the improvement in comorbidity lead the authors to believe that Swedish adjustable gastric banding for the treatment of morbidly obese patients is a successful means of losing weight and improving general health.     

Mechanisms of Weight Loss After Surgery for Clinically Severe Obesity

Surgical treatment of clinically severe obesity is becoming more established within the medical and lay communities, with a variety of procedures currently being performed. Little has been published concerning and comparing the metabolic effects produced by these procedures and the mechanisms by which they produce weight loss. This article reviews the physiology of weight loss induced by semi-starvation and other proposed mechanisms of surgically induced weight loss.