Intraoperative lidocaine infusion and 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery

BackgroundBariatric surgery is the most effective long-term treatment for obesity. Opioid-sparing anesthesia and multimodal analgesia such as lidocaine infusion have been recommended in these patients to reduce opioid-related complications. However, evidence supporting its use for bariatric surgery population is limited.ObjectiveTo investigate whether intraoperative lidocaine infusion is associated with decreasing opioid consumption in laparoscopic bariatric surgery.SettingA university hospital, California, USA.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, outcomes among consecutive obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery between January 2016 to December 2018 were evaluated to determine the impact of adjunctive intraoperative lidocaine infusion on 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes, including opioid consumption during hospitalization, length of stay, and postoperative complications were determined. Post hoc analyses were performed exploring possible dose effects and drug-drug interactions. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors associated with opioid consumption.ResultsAmong 345 patients, 54 (15.7%) received intraoperative lidocaine infusion (L+) whereas 291 (84.3%) did not receive intraoperative lidocaine infusion (L−). Both L+ and L− groups shared similar demographic characteristics. The 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption was 17.6% lower in L+ (95% confidence interval −28.4 to −5.2, P = .007), but nonsignificantly lower in the multivariate model (12.8%, 95% confidence interval −24.4 to .5, P = .06). Opioid consumption during hospitalization, length of stay, and other clinically significant outcomes did not differ. However, subgroup analysis restricted to opioid-naïve patients indicated significantly reduced opioid consumption in the L+ group. Post hoc analysis suggested interaction between lidocaine and ketamine in decreasing 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption.ConclusionsIntraoperative lidocaine infusion was not significantly associated with decreasing 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery.     

The effect of bariatric surgery on opioid consumption in patients with obesity: a registry-based cohort study

BackgroundMisuse of opioid medication has become a major health crisis in several countries. A significant number of patients with obesity use opioid medications, mostly to alleviate symptoms due to obesity-related co-morbidities.ObjectiveTo compare patterns of opioid drug usage before and after bariatric surgery in this population, hypothesizing that weight loss and improvement of obesity-related co-morbidities could reduce opioid consumption.SettingThe Ontario Bariatric Registry (Ontario, Canada).MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, the Ontario Bariatric Registry was used to compare opioid consumption in adult patients undergoing bariatric surgery between 2010 and 2021. The primary outcome was the number of patients using opioid medication at 1 year after surgery. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential predictors of opioid consumption.ResultsData of 11,179 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 45.7 ± 10.2 years, mean baseline body mass index was 48.9 ± 8 kg/m², and 83.6% of patients were female. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was performed in the majority of patients (85.6%), followed by sleeve gastrectomy (14.2%). At baseline, opioids were used by 7.7% and nonopioid pain medications by 42.3% of patients. At 1 year after surgery, these numbers significantly decreased (Δ–1.9% and Δ–18.0%, respectively). The decrease in the consumption of nonopioid pain medication needs to be interpreted in the context of the contraindication to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, which was the most commonly performed procedure. Presence of musculoskeletal pain and use of nonopioid pain medication at baseline were identified as independent predictors of opioid consumption at 1 year after surgery.ConclusionsAt 1 year after bariatric surgery, a significant decrease in opioid and nonopioid pain medication consumption was seen among patients with obesity. Aggressive management of excess weight, especially with bariatric surgery, can potentially reduce the impact of the opioid crisis in this population.     

Preoperative thiamine deficiency in obese population undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND: Nutritional deficiencies are a recognized complication of bariatric surgery. Thiamine deficiency has been reported as a possible consequence of both restrictive and malabsorptive bariatric procedures. Most of the reported cases occurred after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery; fewer were described after biliopancreatic diversion, vertical banded gastroplasty, or duodenal switch. Adults who have a high carbohydrate intake derived mainly from refined sugars and milled rice are at greater risk of developing thiamine deficiency, because thiamine is absent from fats, oils, and refined sugars. Currently, no reports have evaluated the preoperative thiamine status of bariatric patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of thiamine deficiency in obese patients before bariatric surgery at our institution. METHODS: The medical records of consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic RYGB or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding at our institution between March 2003 and February 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were selected for this study on the basis of predetermined criteria. Preoperative thiamine levels were retrospectively recorded. Excluded from this study were patients who had been taking multivitamins or other nutritional supplements before surgical intervention, had a history of frequent alcohol consumption, any malabsorptive diseases, or previous restrictive-malabsorptive surgical interventions, such as RYGB, biliopancreatic diversion, or adjustable gastric banding, according to the initial evaluation and questionnaire. RESULTS: Of 437 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic RYGB or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, 303 were included in the study. Forty-seven patients (15.5%) presented with low preoperative thiamine levels. The mean age and body mass index of these patients was 46 years and 60 kg/m(2), respectively. Male patients presented with greater mean preoperative thiamine levels (3.2 microg /dL) than female patients (2.4 microg/dL). CONCLUSION: Obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery may have significant thiamine deficiency before surgery.     

Outcomes of bariatric surgery in patients with obesity and compensated liver cirrhosis

BackgroundObesity is a major health burden worldwide and is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can lead to cirrhosis. Bariatric surgery is increasingly being used to treat obesity, and the number of patients with obesity and cirrhosis undergoing bariatric surgery is also rising. However, the safety and feasibility of bariatric surgery in patients with obesity and cirrhosis are controversial.ObjectivesIn this meta-analysis, we compared postoperative complications, mortality, and weight loss between patients with and without cirrhosis undergoing bariatric surgery.SettingAn electronic search of Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL).MethodsPatient morbidity and mortality odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were assessed. Intraoperative and overall complications, length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, long-term mortality, and total weight loss were recorded.ResultsThe literature search yielded 2977 articles. Eight studies were included in the analysis. Meta-analysis showed that the overall complications (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.47–3.00; P < .0001), postoperative bleeding (OR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.95–2.54; P < .00001), length of hospital stay (MD: .68; 95% CI: .14–1.19; P = .01), and in-hospital/90-day mortality (OR: 3.59; 95% CI: 2.84–4.54; P < .00001) were significantly higher in patients with compensated cirrhosis than in patients without cirrhosis. Intraoperative complications, operation time, major complications, and long-term mortality were similar between the groups. Total weight loss was also not significantly different between the groups.ConclusionBariatric surgery can be considered only in highly selected patients with obesity and compensated cirrhosis.     

Fat mass,but not fat-free mass,predicts increased foot pain with obesity,independent of bariatric surgery

Background

Foot pain is a common manifestation of obesity.

Real-world retrospective analysis of outcomes in patients undergoing bariatric surgery with class 1 obesity

BackgroundNIH-established indications for bariatric surgery were set close to 3 decades ago.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes in patients undergoing bariatric surgery with class I obesity, a class that does not fall into current indications.SettingUniversity Hospital.MethodsDe-identified records from a clinic system’s Electronic Health Record database were accessed to identify adult patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (n = 566) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) (n = 730). Patients were compared in terms of resolution of co-morbidities and weight loss outcomes at 3 years following surgery. A mixed effects model was used, adjusting for the type of surgery, the number of quarters after the surgery when the averaged measurements were taken, and the interaction between these two variables.ResultsPatients lost up to 20% of their initial body mass index (BMI). Being of younger age, female, and having an obesity-related co-morbidity were associated with greater weight loss. At around 2 years after the surgery, the likelihood of being in remission from type 2 diabetes reached 45%. Remission probabilities for hypertension are 60% for RYGB and 50% for SG, 3 years after the surgery. On the other hand, the probabilities of remission from hyperlipidemia are close to 50% and 25% for RYGB and SG at 2 years. There was no difference between the BMI trajectories and remission from type 2 diabetes (T2D) when comparing the 2 groups.ConclusionsBariatric surgery is effective in weight loss and resolution of comorbidities in patients with class I obesity. This data further supports the need to revisit the current indication criteria.     

Suicides following bariatric surgery for the treatment of obesity

The proportion of the United States population living with bariatric surgery has increased exponentially since the mid 1990s. It is pertinent to study and understand the mortality patterns of this emergent population cohort and determine the role bariatric surgery may play in these mortality patterns. We present the forensic and clinical characteristics of three cases of suicide following bariatric surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity. The clinical history in each case included recurrent major depressive disorder before and after surgery. Surgery-suicide intervals were 12 months, 27 months and 26 months, respectively. Pre-surgery and pre-mortem body mass indices were 37.7 and 22.2 kg/m(2); 42.0 and 25.0 kg/m(2); 39.5 and 29.4 kg/m(2). Depressive disorder may persist in the bariatric surgery patient despite successful surgical control of obesity.     

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with obesity undergoing bariatric care

BackgroundPatients with obesity are at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19. The pandemic has caused delays in preoperative preparation, progression, and completion of bariatric surgeries.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on bariatric surgery patients and assess their concern of COVID-19 as they continue the preoperative process.SettingPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaMethodsA questionnaire was administered to patients to assess the impact of COVID-19 on their weight loss goals, physical activity, and diet. Time points assessed were initial bariatric consultation (T1), as well as the beginning (T2), and the end (T3) of lockdown restrictions in the region.ResultsSeventy-four participants were invited and 50 completed the survey, for a response rate of 67.6%. The average age of participants was 44.1 years. Two-thirds of patients reported significant concern that COVID-19 would affect their weight loss goals. Patients reported significant improvements in their diet from T1 to T2 (P < .01). However, at T3, some patients returned to behaviors held at T1, with snacking behaviors significantly increasing between T2 and T3 (P < .01). Physical activity decreased in 60% of patients between T2 to T3. The vast majority (90%) wanted to have their surgery as soon as possible; 56% reported low levels of concern for COVID-19 infection.ConclusionBariatric patients were highly motivated to proceed with bariatric surgery despite the risks imposed by the pandemic.     

Plasma short-chain fatty acid changes after bariatric surgery in patients with severe obesity

BackgroundObesity has reached epidemic dimensions in recent decades. Bariatric surgery (BS) is one of the most effective interventions for weight loss and metabolic improvement in patients with obesity. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are gut microbiota-derived metabolites with a key role in body weight control and insulin sensitivity. Although BS is known to induce significant changes in the gut microbiota composition, its impact on the circulating levels of certain metabolites produced by the gut microbiota such as SCFA remains poorly understood.ObjectiveTo determine the impact of BS on the circulating SCFA levels in patients with severe obesity.SettingUniversity hospital.MethodsAn observational, prospective study was performed on 51 patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Plasma samples were collected at baseline (1 day before surgery) and at 6 and 12 months after BS. Plasma SCFA levels were determined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.ResultsThe results revealed significant changes in the circulating levels of SCFA after BS. A marked increase in propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, and isovalerate levels and a decrease in acetate, valerate, hexanoate, and heptanoate levels were observed 12 months after BS. Furthermore, the changes in the levels of propionate, butyrate, and isobutyrate negatively correlated with changes in body mass index, while those of isobutyrate correlated negatively with changes in the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance index.ConclusionThese results suggest that propionate, butyrate, and isobutyrate levels could be related to weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in patients with severe obesity after BS.     

Nutrient deficiencies in patients with obesity considering bariatric surgery: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundNutritional deficiencies are common after bariatric surgery, but few studies have examined them preoperatively. The objective of this study was to evaluate several vitamins, nutrients, and nutritional markers and their determinants in patients with obesity considering bariatric surgery.MethodsPreoperative values of fasting plasma glucose, insulin, lipid profile, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, calcium, phosphate, albumin, magnesium, total proteins, liver function tests, iron, ferritin, folate, vitamin A, vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc were evaluated in 267 Caucasian outpatients (74.2% women, aged 40.5±12.6 years) who were considering bariatric surgery. The determinants of nutrient variability were analyzed by linear regression for nutrients with a prevalence of deficiency>10%, i.e., serum 25(OH)D, iron, phosphate, magnesium, and vitamin A.ResultsPrevalence of inadequate concentrations was high for 25(OH)D (67.9% with values≤20 ng/mL), magnesium (35.4%), phosphate (21.6%), iron (18.8%), and vitamin A (16.9%). Multiple deficiencies were common; 28.5%, 12.1%, and 6.3% of patients had 2, 3, and 4 deficiencies, respectively. In multivariate analyses, metabolic characteristics had an important impact on deficiencies, with lower values of 25(OH)D and vitamin A with increasing body mass index, lower values of 25(OH)D and magnesium with increasing fasting plasma glucose, and a positive correlation between vitamin A and triglycerides. Elevated TSH was associated with low iron concentrations.ConclusionAt all ages, micronutrient deficiencies were common, with high prevalence of concentration inadequacies for 25(OH)D, magnesium, phosphate, iron, and vitamin A. High body mass index and high fasting plasma glucose increased the risk of deficiencies, particularly for 25(OH)D. Preoperative screening and correction of deficiencies should be advised.     

The effects of bariatric surgery on cognition in patients with obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Obesity impairs cognition. Bariatric surgery can result in substantial weight loss in patients with severe obesity; however, the impact of bariatric surgery on cognitive function remains controversial. To quantify the effect of bariatric surgery on cognition in patients with severe obesity, we performed a meta-analysis of 20 studies retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase. Of these, 6 cohort studies found that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass leads to better performance for immediate verbal memory function (standardized mean difference [SMD] = .56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: .30–.82, P < .0001; I2 = 0%) and delayed memory function (SMD = .64; 95% CI: .38–.90, P < .00001; I² = 0%) during in the short term. Similarly, positive impacts on immediate verbal memory function (SMD = .46; 95% CI: .09–.83, P < .00001) and delayed memory function (SMD = .84; 95% CI: .46–1.22, P < .0001) were identified during a long-term follow-up. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass group showed no improvements in attention, cognitive speed, and executive function compared with the control obese group. In 14 longitudinal studies (12 single-arm pre-post comparison studies and 2 cohort studies whose control group had no follow-up cognitive data), patients performed better postoperatively than preoperatively in all cognitive domains during repeated assessments. The analysis for the 20 operative groups showed that individuals treated with bariatric surgery had higher scores after repeated assessment of most neuropsychological tests except for animal fluency and letter fluency than baseline scores. These findings suggest that patients with severe obesity may obtain immediate verbal and delayed memory function benefits from Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.     

Comparison of two low-molecular-weight heparin dosing regimens for patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery

Background  Venous thromboembolic events (VTE) are a morbidity and mortality concern for patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Although VTE prophylaxis is recommended in bariatric surgery, data with regard to monitoring and appropriate dosing of low-molecular-weight heparin are limited. Enoxaparin prophylactic doses ranging from 30 to 60 mg every 12 h have been used for this population. The authors hypothesized that higher prophylactic enoxaparin doses (60 mg) would yield more appropriate heparin antifactor Xa (anti-Xa) concentrations than the 40-mg dosage for bariatric surgery patients. Methods  Patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery by two surgeons during a 5-month period at one institution received enoxaprin 40 or 60 mg every 12 h. Anti-Xa levels were obtained 4 h after the first and third doses. Therapeutic levels were defined as 0.18 to 0.44 U/ml. Paired and unpaired t-tests and chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis as appropriate. Results  The first-dose mean anti-Xa concentration was 0.173 U/ml in the 40-mg group and 0.261 U/ml in the 60-mg group (p < 0.005), compared with the third-dose mean anti-Xa levels of 0.21 and 0.43 U/ml, respectively (p < 0.001). After the third dose of enoxaparin, the percentage of patients with anti-Xa concentrations who remained subtherapeutic showed a statistically significant difference: 44% in the 40-mg group versus 0% in the 60-mg group (p = 0.02). However, no supratherapeutic anti-Xa concentrations were observed in the 40-mg group, whereas 57% of the third-dose levels in the 60-mg group were supratheraputic. The highest anti-Xa level was 0.54 U/ml, but none of the patients with this level experienced bleeding events. Conclusions  Enoxaparin 60-mg every 12 h was superior to a dosage of 40 mg every 12 h in achieving therapeutic anti-Xa concentrations and avoiding subtherapeutic anti-Xa levels. However, the 60-mg group had a number of supratherapeutic levels. Future studies evaluating the relationship of anti-Xa concentrations and outcomes with larger numbers of morbidly obese patients are needed. Presented at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) 2008 annual meeting at Philadelphia, PA.     

Parental attitudes toward bariatric surgery in adolescents with obesity

BackgroundParental underestimation of the severity and risks of their child’s obesity and parents’ potential implicit weight bias contribute to the reluctance to consider bariatric surgery for their adolescent children with obesity. Despite evidence for safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in adolescents, pediatric providers may be hesitant or uncomfortable to discuss the benefits and refer patients for surgical evaluation. Understanding these barriers is an essential step toward effective long-term care in this patient population.ObjectivesWe hypothesized that parental views on bariatric surgery are primarily influenced by personal experiences with bariatric surgery, their implicit bias, understanding of health risks of obesity, and counseling by pediatric providers.SettingData were collected and analyzed at an academic medical center in the United States.MethodsAfter a retrospective chart review of 192 adolescents with obesity, a telephone survey of patients’ parents was conducted.ResultsParents of 71.4% of patients who received outpatient weight loss counseling had accurate recollection of that event. Only 12.8% of parents who were referred to lifestyle programs successfully enrolled. Neither prior personal exposure to bariatric surgery nor enrollment of the child in a lifestyle program increased parents’ likelihood to consider bariatric surgery for their child (P = .10 and .70, respectively). Most parents (84.6%) who were counseled by their pediatric provider about bariatric surgery would consider it, compared with only 34.5% of the parents who did not receive counseling (P < .001).ConclusionsCounseling by pediatric providers, not involvement in lifestyle programs or exposure to bariatric surgery, increased parents’ willingness to consider bariatric surgery for their child. Given the current recommendations to incorporate bariatric surgery as a treatment modality in severe adolescent obesity, earlier counseling about the role of surgery by pediatric providers is essential. More detailed provider education on the current state of bariatric surgery in the treatment of severe adolescent obesity is also necessary.     

极度肥胖合并阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停患者减重代谢手术围术期管理流程

在拟行减重代谢手术（MBS）的肥胖患者尤其是极度肥胖患者（体质量指数≥50 kg/m²）中,阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停（OSA）最常见、最危重的合并症之一,在减重人群中发病率高达35.0%~93.6%。MBS是唯一能够长期有效治疗极度肥胖同时缓解OSA病情的治疗手段,但OSA也会显著增加MBS围术期呼吸、心血管系统并发症发生率和病死率。为降低MBS围术期风险,针对OSA的围术期管理关键措施在于应在多学科诊治（MDT）基础上及时准确诊断和评估OSA,将OSA的诊疗和监测融入MBS围术期管理流程,规范个性化的精准治疗。本文结合相关文献和笔者单位临床经验,从术前、术中和术后管理三个方面介绍极度肥胖合并OSA的围术期管理流程,为精准评估最有效、安全的治疗方案提供线索和意见。     

Plasma progranulin levels in obese patients before and after Roux-en-Y gastric bariatric surgery: a longitudinal study

BackgroundBariatric surgery stands out as the most effective long-term intervention for sustainable weight loss and metabolic improvement in patients with severe obesity. Progranulin was recently identified as an adipokine related to obesity and inflammation, revealing a metabolic function and proinflammatory properties.ObjectiveTo evaluate plasma progranulin levels before and after 6 months of bariatric surgery in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).SettingTertiary referral hospital, southern Brazil.MethodsThis was a prospective longitudinal study, including 23 obese patients who underwent RYGB. Demographic and clinical characteristics, body composition, and resting energy expenditure were evaluated. Plasma progranulin was determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in a peripheral blood sample collected before and 6 months after the surgical procedure.ResultsThe participants were mostly women (78.3%), with a mean age of 42.3 ± 10.8 years and baseline body mass index of 48.8 ± 10.4 kg/m². Regarding the anthropometric parameters, there were differences in the pre- and post-RYGB values, with reduction of weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, and cervical and abdominal circumferences. All laboratory parameters improved, such as lipid profile and fasting glycemia, and resting energy expenditure values decreased significantly. Plasma progranulin levels decreased from 47.6 ± 13.5 ng/mL before RYGB to 40.4 ± 9.9 ng/mL after 6 months of surgery (P = .005). The reduction of progranulin did not correlate with body composition or laboratory data.ConclusionsPlasma progranulin levels significantly reduced 6 months after RYGB, but it could not be explained by changes in anthropometry, body composition, or glycemic or lipid profile.     

Options in bariatric surgery: modeled decision analysis supports Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy as the treatments of choice

Background

Obesity is a chronic disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Bariatric surgery has been shown to significantly reduce both morbidity and mortality. Numerous surgical strategies exist, but the most frequently used worldwide are adjustable gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). It is not clear which of these strategies provides the optimal quality-of-life pay-off.

The male patient with obesity undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery: changes in testosterone levels correlate with weight loss after one-anastomosis gastric bypass and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BackgroundMale obesity secondary hypogonadism (MOSH) is a common disease among men with obesity and can be associated with metabolic syndrome and a variety of metabolic problems ultimately leading to androgen deficiency. Metabolic and bariatric surgery is a well-established treatment option associated with significant weight loss and reduction in metabolic co-morbidities.ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of surgery on plasma levels of sexual hormones and their effect on weight loss comparing 2 surgical methods (one-anastomosis gastric bypass [OAGB] and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [RYGB]) in male patients with obesity.SettingUniversity hospital, Austria.MethodsPatients undergoing OAGB and RYGB between 2012 and 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Follow-up in this study was up to 24 months. Systemic levels of sexual hormones (luteinizing hormone [LH]), follicle stimulating hormone [FSH], total testosterone [TT], sexual hormone binding globin [SHBG], 17 beta-estradiol [17bE], androstenedione [AS]) were retrieved at each visit. A linear mixed model was used to assess the correlation between changes in testosterone levels and percent excess weight loss (%EWL).ResultsIn 30.8% of all patients, MOSH was present preoperatively. A significant increase of TT was observed postoperatively that led to a complete resolution of hypogonadism within the period observed. Bioavailable testosterone (bTT) and FSH levels significantly increased each month of follow-up after surgery (all P < .01). Levels of 17bE did not change significantly after surgery. The overall change of TT, comparing preoperative and 1-year postoperative TT levels (ΔTT), significantly correlated with %EWL. Changes in TT levels were not affected by the choice of surgical method.ConclusionsSerum plasma testosterone levels rise significantly after metabolic and bariatric surgery in male patients. The change of testosterone levels seems to play a role in continued weight loss after surgery. This is true irrespective of the surgical method used.     

Prehabilitation of overweight and obese patients with dysglycemia awaiting bariatric surgery: Predicting the success of obesity treatment

Bariatric surgery offers the best health results in overweight and obese patients but is not a risk and/or complication-free treatment. In cases with additional hyperglycemia, the burden of surgery can be even higher and alter both short-term and long-term outcomes. Although bariatric surgery offers glycemic improvements and in the case of early onset diabetes disease remission, weight loss results are lower than for obese patients without diabetes. Different multimodal programs, usually including interventions related to patients’ performance, nutritional and psychological status as well as currently available pharmacotherapy before the surgery itself might considerably improve the immediate and late postoperative course. However, there are still no clear guidelines addressing the prehabilitation of obese patients with dysglycemia undergoing bariatric surgery and therefore no unique protocols to improve patients’ health. In this minireview, we summarize the current knowledge on prehabilitation before bariatric surgery procedures in patients with obesity and dysglycemia.     

Short-term rapid weight loss induced by bariatric surgery improves ventricular ejection fraction in patients with severe obesity and heart failure

BackgroundObesity is a major risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome, coronary artery disease, and heart failure (HF). Rapid weight loss following bariatric surgery can significantly improve outcomes for patients with these diseases.ObjectivesTo assess whether bariatric surgery improves ventricular ejection fraction in patients with obesity who have heart failure.SettingPrivate practice, United States.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of echocardiographic changes in systolic functions in patients with obesity that underwent bariatric surgery at our institution. Patients were divided into 2 groups, those (1) without known preoperative HF and (2) with preoperative HF. We compared the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) before and after bariatric surgery in both groups. Common demographics and co-morbidities were also analyzed.ResultsA total of 68 patients were included in the analysis: 49 patients in group 1 and 19 in group 2. In group 1, 59.2% (n = 29) of patients were female, versus 57.9% (n = 11) in group 2. The excess body mass index lost at 12 months was 52.06 ± 23.18% for group 1 versus 67.12 ± 19.27% for group 2 (P = .0001). Patients with heart failure showed a significant improvement in LVEF, from 38.79 ± 13.26% before to 48.47 ± 14.57% after bariatric surgery (P = .039). Systolic function in patients from group 1 showed no significant changes (59.90 ± 6.37 mmHg) before and (59.88 ± 7.85 mmHg) after surgery (P = .98).ConclusionRapid weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with a considerable increase in LVEF and a significant improvement of systolic function.