Bariatric Surgery Prior to Total Hip Arthroplasty Is Cost-Effective in Morbidly Obese Patients

BackgroundThe cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery to achieve weight loss prior to total hip arthroplasty (THA), and decrease the complications and costs associated with THA in the morbidly obese, is unknown. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery prior to THA for morbidly obese patients with end-stage hip osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsA state-transition Markov model was constructed to compare the cost-utility of 2 treatment protocols for patients with morbid obesity and end-stage hip OA: (1) immediate THA and (2) bariatric surgery 2 years prior to THA (combined protocol). The analysis was performed from both a payer and a societal perspective using direct and indirect costs over a 40-year time horizon. Utilities, associated costs, and probabilities for health state transitions were derived from the literature. One-way, 2-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the robustness of the base case results, using the standard willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/quality-adjusted life years.ResultsFrom the societal perspective, the combined protocol was more effective (13.16 vs 12.26) with less cost ($91,717 vs $92,684) and thus was the dominant strategy over immediate THA. These results were stable across broad ranges for independent model variables. Monte Carlo simulation with 100,000 samples demonstrated that bariatric surgery prior to THA was the preferred cost-effective strategy over 95% of the time from both a societal and payer perspective.ConclusionIn the morbidly obese patient with end-stage hip OA, bariatric surgery prior to THA is a cost-effective strategy for improving quality of life and decreasing societal and payer costs.Level of EvidenceII     

Prevalence of Defaecatory Disorders in Morbidly Obese Patients Before and After Bariatric Surgery

Background

The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide and has lately reached epidemic proportions in western countries. Several epidemiological studies have consistently shown that both overweight and obesity are important risk factors for the development of various functional defaecatory disorders (DDs), including faecal incontinence and constipation. However, data on their prevalence as well as effectiveness of bariatric surgery on their correction are scant. The primary objective of this study was to estimate the effect of morbid obesity on DDs in a cohort of patients listed for bariatric surgery. We also evaluated preliminary results of the effects of sleeve gastrectomy on these disorders.

Patients and methods

A questionnaire-based study was proposed to morbidly obese patients having bariatric surgery. Data included demographics, past medical, surgical and obstetrics histories, as well as obesity related co-morbidities. Wexner Constipation Score (WCS) and the Faecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) questionnaires were used to evaluate constipation and incontinence. For the purpose of this study, we considered clinically relevant a WCS ??5 and a FISI score ??10. The same questionnaires were completed at 3 and 6?months follow-up after surgery.

Results

A total of 139 patients accepted the study and 68 underwent sleeve gastrectomy and fully satisfied our inclusion criteria with a minimum follow-up of 6?months. Overall, mean body mass index (BMI) at listing was 47?±?7?kg/m² (range 35?C67?kg/m²). Mean WCS was 4.1?±?4 (range 0?C17), while mean FISI score (expressed as mean±standard deviation) was 9.5?±?9 (range 0?C38). Overall, 58.9% of the patients reported DDs according to the above-mentioned scores. Twenty-eight patients (20%) had WCS ??5. Thirty-five patients (25%) had a FISI ??10 while 19 patients (13.7%) reported combined abnormal scores. Overall, DDs were more evident with the increase of obesity grade: Mean BMI decreased significantly from 47?±?7 to 36?±?6 and to 29?±?4?kg/m² respectively at 3 and 6?months after surgery (p?p?=?0.02). Similarly, the FISI score decreased from 10?±?8 to 3?±?4 and to 1?±?2 respectively at 3 and 6?months (p?=?0.0001).

Conclusions

Defaecatory disorders are common in morbidly obese patients. The risk of DDs increases with BMI. Bariatric surgery reduces DDs, mainly faecal incontinence, and these findings correlated with BMI reduction.     

Development of Acute Gouty Attack in the Morbidly Obese Population after Bariatric Surgery

Background: Gout is associated with increased body weight. We evaluated the prevalence of gout and acute gouty attacks in the morbidly obese population who underwent bariatric surgery. Methods: The medical records and operative reports of 1,240 patients who underwent bariatric surgery were reviewed retrospectively for weight parameters, BMI, weight loss, medical history of gout, and onset of acute gouty attacks. Results: Of the 1,240 patients, 5 (0.4%) had been previously diagnosed with gout. 2 of these 5 had acute attacks during the postoperative period, and responded succesfully to intravenous colchicine. Conclusion: Although rare, gout must be considered a co-morbid illness in obese and morbidly obese patients. Surgeons should be familiar with the signs and symptoms of attacks in the postoperative period, and be knowledgeable in the management.     

Gastric Bypass Surgery in a Paraplegic Morbidly Obese Patient

The complications of spinal cord injury are exaggerated with obesity, and create complex medical and socioeconomic issues. Despite the well-documented advantages of bariatric surgery in reducing the morbidity of obesity, this option has not been routinely offered to obese patients with spinal cord injuries. We describe the first case of a morbidly obese male with a spinal cord injury who underwent a successful Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.     

Emotional Eating in a Morbidly Obese Bariatric Surgery-Seeking Population

Background The impact of presurgical eating patterns on postoperative outcomes is poorly understood. The results of previous studies are mixed regarding the impact of presurgical binge eating on weight loss after surgery. However, many patients describe other maladaptive eating patterns prior to surgery, such as eating in response to emotions.The goals of this study were to describe presurgical emotional eating patterns in morbidly obese individuals, determine whether these individuals were binge eaters, and assess the effect of this eating behavior on weight loss after surgery. Methods Prior to surgery, 144 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) patients completed the Questionnaire of Eating and Weight Patterns (QEWP) or QEWPRevised (QEWP-R) and the Emotional Eating Scale to assess eating patterns prior to surgery. Their eating behavior, levels of depression, and weight were assessed after surgery. Results High emotional eaters tended to have higher levels of depression, binge eating, and eating in response to external cues than low emotional eaters prior to surgery.However, there appeared to be a distinct group of individuals who were high emotional eaters but who did not engage in binge eating. At a mean of 8 months after surgery, High Emotional Eaters and Low Emotional Eaters were indistinguishable on these subscales and there were no differences in weight lost. Conclusions RYGBP has an equally positive impact on eating behavior and weight loss for both High Emotional Eaters and Low Emotional Eaters. Further replication is needed with longer follow-up times and larger samples.     

Bariatric Surgery in Morbidly Obese Patients in Wheelchairs

Two morbidly obese patients are presented. The first patient is a 38-year-old superobese female with BMI 56.2 in a wheelchair secondary to multiple sclerosis. The second patient is a 49-year-old female with BMI 47.7 confined to a wheelchair secondary to spinal cord transection due to a motor vehicle accident. Both patients underwent an open duodenal switch procedure, which provided significant weight loss and improved quality of life primarily for mobility with a wheelchair, as well as controlling comorbidities.     

Cefepime Dosing in the Morbidly Obese Patient Population

Proper dosing of specific antibiotics in morbidly obese patients has been studied inadequately. However, these data are beneficial as this patient population is at an increased risk to develop postoperative infections. Cefepime is an antibiotic used for the treatment of both gram-positive and especially gram-negative infections; administration of the appropriate dose in the morbidly obese population is crucial. We therefore examined the pharmacokinetics of cefepime in patients with body mass index >40 kg/m². Ten morbidly obese patients, with a mean [±SD] estimated glomerular filtration rate of 108.4 ± 34.6 mL/min, undergoing elective weight loss surgical procedures were administered cefepime in addition to standard prophylactic cefazolin and studied. Serial serum cefepime concentrations were analyzed after dosing using a validated high performance liquid chromatography method. Pharmacokinetics and duration above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were determined using a protein binding value of 15% and a MIC threshold of 8 μg/mL. Mean free cefepime concentrations for t = 30, 120, and 360 min were 69.6, 31.6, and 9.2 μg/mL, respectively. The dosing interval was calculated to maintain the free concentration above the MIC (fT > MIC) for 60% of the interval. This was determined to be 10.12 h, including time for infusion. There was no toxicity. Based on this analysis, an increased dose of 2 g every 8 h is necessary to maintain an adequate fT > MIC throughout the dosing interval. Further studies are necessary to determine the efficacy of this regimen in the settings of active infections and critical illness.     

Prevalence of Endocrine Diseases in Morbidly Obese Patients Scheduled for Bariatric Surgery: Beyond Diabetes

Background

Bariatric surgery allows stable body weight reduction in morbidly obese patients. In presurgical evaluation, obesity-related co-morbidities must be considered, and a multidisciplinary approach is recommended. Precise guidelines concerning the endocrinological evaluation to be performed before surgery are not available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of common endocrine diseases in a series of obese patients scheduled for bariatric surgery.

Methods

We examined 783 consecutive obese subjects (174 males and 609 females) aged 18?C65 years, who turned to the obesity centre of our department from January 2004 to December 2007 for evaluation before bariatric surgery. Thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal and pituitary function was evaluated by measurement of serum hormones. Specific imaging or supplementary diagnostic tests were performed when indicated.

Results

The overall prevalence of endocrine diseases, not including type 2 diabetes mellitus, was 47.4%. The prevalence of primary hypothyroidism was 18.1%; pituitary disease was observed in 1.9%, Cushing syndrome in 0.8%, while other diseases were found in less than 1% of subjects. Remarkably, the prevalence of newly diagnosed endocrine disorders was 16.3%.

Conclusions

A careful endocrinological evaluation of obese subjects scheduled for bariatric surgery may reveal undiagnosed dysfunctions that require specific therapy and/or contraindicate the surgical treatment in a substantial proportion of patients. These results may help to define the extent of the endocrinological screening to be performed in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery.     

Bone Mineral Density and Nutritional Profile in Morbidly Obese Women

Background  

Morbid obesity may be associated with malnutrition. Because it is important to assess the preoperative nutritional/metabolic status and bone mineral density of these patients, this study was designed aiming to evaluate bone metabolism/mineral density and nutritional profile in morbidly obese women.     

Nutritional Deficiencies in Bariatric Surgery Candidates

Background  

To assess the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies amongst people who suffer from morbid obesity and are candidates for bariatric surgery and to evaluate the relations between pre-operative nutritional deficiencies and demographic data and co-morbidities.     

Does Prior Bariatric Surgery Improve Outcomes Following Total Joint Arthroplasty in the Morbidly Obese? A Meta-Analysis

Background

There remains a controversy regarding the risks in subsequent total joint arthroplasty (TJA) with and without previous bariatric surgery (BS). We performed a meta-analysis based on the current evidence-based study to determine the influences of prior BS on the short-term and long-term outcomes following TJA.

Prevalence of Subclinical Hypothyroidism in a Morbidly Obese Population and Improvement after Weight Loss Induced by Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background:There are many studies concerning thyroid function in obesity, and some of them describe higher TSH levels in obese subjects. Few studies evaluated long-term changes in thyroid function caused by weight loss after bariatric surgery. Our aims were to evaluate the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) in a morbidly obese population and to analyze the effect of weight loss induced by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) on TSH and thyroid hormone (TH) levels. Methods: TSH, free thyroxine (fT4) and total triiodothyronine (T3) levels were analyzed before and 12 months after RYGBP in patients with grade III or grade II obesity with co-morbidities. Subjects taking TH and/or with positive antithyroid antibodies and/or with overt hypothyroidism were excluded. Results: 72 subjects (62F/10M), with mean age 39.6±9.8 years and mean BMI 53.0±10.4 kg/m² were studied. The prevalence of SH before RYGBP was 25% (n=18). There was a significant post-surgical decrease in BMI in the whole population, as well as in SH patients. In the SH group and normal TSH group, there was a decrease in TSH and T3, but not in fT4. TSH was not correlated with initial BMI or percent change in BMI. TSH concentrations reached normal values in all SH patients after RYGBP. Conclusion: Our data confirm that severe obesity is associated with increased TSH. The decrease in TSH was independent of BMI, but occurred in all SH patients. A putative effect of weight reduction on the improvement of SH in all patients may be an additional benefit of bariatric surgery.     

Bariatric Surgery vs Conventional Dieting in the Morbidly Obese

Weight loss and psychosocial events have been compared between low calorie conventional diet (n = 11) or following obesity surgery (n = 17). Interviews were ≥ 9 months following initiation of treatment. After surgery significantly less hunger was experienced (surgery 76% [13/17] vs diet 18% [2/11] p < 0.01) and less will-power was required to stop eating (surgery 88% [15/17] vs diet 27% [3/11] p < 0.001). More dieters stopped eating because of ‘figure and health’ (surgery 12% [2/17] vs diet 64% [7/11] p < 0.01) whereas postoperative patients stopped due to vomit avoidance (surgery 53% [9/17] vs diet 0% [0/11] p ≤ 0.05). More of the postoperative group were employed (surgery 76% [13/17] vs diet 18% [2/11] p < 0.005). Following surgery there were subjective appearance improvements (surgery 94% [15/16] vs diet 50% [5/10] p < 0.01) and fewer social limitations (surgery 69% [11/16] vs diet 27% [3/11] p ≤ 0.05). Physical activity improved (surgery 73% [11/15] vs diet 18% [2/11] p < 0.01). Although both groups continue to feel ‘fat’ at times, more dieters think other people view them as obese (surgery 35% [6/17] vs diet 91% [10/11] p ≤ 0.05). Satisfaction with weight control method was greater following surgery (surgery 100% [16/16] vs diet 33% [3/9] p < 0.005). Enforced behavior modification (vomit avoidance) is the mechanism of action of gastric restrictive surgery. Physical activity increases, and satisfaction with weight loss method is greater, after surgery. Employment is greater (probably self selection) in the post-surgical group. We found that comparing ≥9 months following surgery or beginning a conventional diet, the morbidly obese have a more positive response to surgery.     

Prevalence and Severity of Sleep Apnea in a Group of Morbidly Obese Patients

Background Obesity is the most important risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea. It is estimated that 70% of sleep apnea patients are obese. In the morbidly obese, the prevalence may reach 80% in men and 50% in women. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of sleep apnea in a group of morbidly obese patients, leading to bariatric surgery. Methods In a cross-sectional study developed in Bahia, northeastern Brazil. 108 patients (78 women and 30 men) from the Obesity Treatment and Surgery Center - “Núcleo de Tratamento e Cirurgia da Obesidade” underwent standard polysomnography. Patients with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5 events/hour were considered apneic. Results Mean ± SD for age and BMI were 37.1 ± 10.2 years and 45.2 ± 5.4 kg/m2, respectively. The calculated AHI ranged widely from 2.5 to 128.9 events/hour. Sleep apnea was detected in 93.6% of the sample, wherein 35.2% had mild, 30.6% moderate and 27.8% severe apnea. Oxyhemoglobin desaturation was directly related to the AHI and was more severe in men. Conclusion There was a high frequency of sleep apnea in this group of morbidly obese patients, for whom it was very important to request polysomnography, thus enabling therapeutic management and prognostication.     

Prevalence and Predictive Factors of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) in Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

Background: In patients with morbid obesity selected for bariatric surgery, previous studies have shown a prevalence of NASH varying from 2.6% to 91%. The prevalence of NASH and extensive fibrosis were studied in a prospective cohort of patients with morbid obesity requiring bariatric surgery, to identify predictive factors of NASH. Methods: From July 01 to Sept 02, every patient requiring bariatric surgery had a liver biopsy. The diagnosis of NASH was established using Lee's criteria. Results: 92 patients (85 women, age 38 ± SEM 11 years) were analyzed. Mean BMI was 45.7 ± 5.1 kg/m². 35 patients had lobular inflammation. 9 patients had steatosis associated with lobular necrotic and inflammatory foci and ballooning degeneration or pericellular fibrosis. No cirrhosis or extensive fibrosis was evidenced. The prevalence of NASH in this population was 9.8%. Waist/hips ratio and BMI were independent predictors of lobular inflammation, but only BMI was an independent factor of NASH in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: In this prospective cohort of patients at bariatric surgery, the prevalence of NASH was 9.8%. BMI was the only predictive factor for NASH.     

Metabolic Effects of Bariatric Surgery in Insulin-Sensitive Morbidly Obese Subjects

Background

The effects of bariatric surgery (BS) in metabolically healthy morbidly obese (MO) subjects are not well established. Against this background, we characterized the metabolic and inflammatory profiles of MO subjects with insulin sensitivity (IS) in the normal range, and evaluated the changes on these parameters following BS in this population.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in MO women undergoing BS between 2006 and 2010. Anthropometric, metabolic comorbidities, and inflammatory markers were compared at baseline and 12 months after BS, between 52 women (10.4 %) presenting with a HOMA-IR <2.94 (80th percentile reference population) (IS-MO group) and an age- and BMI-matched group of women (n?=?52) with HOMA-IR >2.94.

Results

The IS-MO women presented a more favorable metabolic and inflammatory profile as compared to the IR-MO group. However, an enlarged waist circumference (WC), a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) >3 mg/dL, and metabolic syndrome (MS) were present in 100 %, 90 %, and 51.9 % of the IS-MO group at baseline. At 12 months after surgery, all the MS components and hs-CRP improved in IS-MO subjects (p?<?0.01). The prevalence of the MS in the IS-MO group significantly decreased (11 %, p?<?0.05) despite WC and hs-CRP being abnormal respectively in 53.3 % and 20.0 % of women in this group.

Conclusions

In MO women, an IS in the normal range is associated with a limited protection from metabolic co-morbidities. Nonetheless, BS results in the amelioration of the altered metabolic and inflammatory profiles also in this group of subjects.     

Psychological Characteristics of Morbidly Obese Candidates for Bariatric Surgery

Background  

Morbid obesity has multiple negative consequences for psychological health. These patients are described as depressed, anxious, and impulsive, with low self-esteem and impaired quality of life. The severity of these psychological disorders has been related to the degree of obesity. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychopathological characteristics of obese candidates for bariatric surgery, determining differences and similarities in general and specific psychopathologic symptoms among patients with different degrees of obesity and normal-weight individuals.