The role of endoscopic stents in the management of chronic anastomotic and staple line leaks and chronic strictures after bariatric surgery

BackgroundThe use of endoluminal stents has been proposed for the management of fistulas and anastomotic strictures after bariatric surgery. The objective of our study was to determine the success of endoscopically placed, self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) in bariatric patients specifically with either chronic persistent anastomotic or staple line leaks/fistulas or chronic, persistent anastomotic strictures.MethodsWe treated 21 patients including 5 with chronic staple line leaks/fistulas (4 from the gastric sleeve after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch [BPD/DS] and 1 after removal of an eroding laparoscopic adjustable gastric band) and 16 with chronic anastomotic strictures (15 at the gastrojejunostomy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 1 at the duodenoileal anastomosis after BPD/DS). Patients with early leaks or anastomotic strictures were excluded.ResultsAll but one of these patients had been referred to our institution after chronic treatment elsewhere was unsuccessful with prior stent placement for fistulas or multiple endoscopic dilations for strictures. Their bariatric operations had been performed a mean of 386 days beforehand. Stent placement was performed successfully in all patients without complications but was successful in only 4 of 21 patients (19%)—2 with chronic fistulas and 2 with chronic anastomotic strictures. Stent migration occurred in 10 patients (47%); the migrated stents were removed/replaced endoscopically in 7 patients but required elective operative removal in 3 with concomitant correction of the leak, fistula, or anastomotic stricture; none were operated emergently.ConclusionOnly 4 of 21 patients with a chronic persistent leak or anastomotic stricture were treated definitively using a SEMS. Although endoluminal stents may not lead to resolution of a chronic leak or stricture, SEMS may suppress ongoing sepsis and allow patients to undergo nutritional resuscitation orally before operative correction.     

Gastrojejunal strictures following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity

Background Gastrojejunal strictures following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) present with dysphagia, nausea, and vomiting. Diagnosis is made by endoscopy and/or radiographic studies. Therapeutic options include endoscopic dilation and surgical revision.Methods Of 369 LRYGBP performed, 19 patients developed anastomotic stricture (5.1%). One additional patient was referred from another facility. Pneumatic balloons were used for initial dilation in all patients. Savary-Gilliard bougies were used for some of the subsequent dilations.Results Flexible endoscopy was diagnostic in all 20 patients allowing dilation in 18 (90%). Two patients did not undergo endoscopic dilation because of anastomotic obstruction and ulcer. The median time to stricture development was 32 days (range: 17–85). Most patients (78%) required more than two dilations. The complication rate was 1.6% (one case of microperforation). At a mean follow-up of 21 months, all patients were symptom-free.Conclusions Gastrojejunostomy stricture following LRYGBP is associated with substantial morbidity and patient dissatisfaction. Based on our experience, we propose a clinical grading system and present our strategy for managing gastrojejunal strictures.Presented as a poster of distinction at the 12th Congress of the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery, Barcelona, Spain, June 2004     

全覆膜自膨胀金属支架治疗胆胰管良性狭窄的现状与进展

全覆膜自膨胀金属支架（FCSEMS）治疗肝移植术后胆管吻合口狭窄和慢性胰腺炎等因素导致的胆管良性狭窄的初步结果令人鼓舞,但在FCSEMS完全取代塑料支架成为胆管良性狭窄的治疗首选之前,应充分评估支架移位、胆道感染、胰腺炎和支架无法移除等并发症的发生率.对于良性的主胰管狭窄,FCSEMS是一种有效的治疗方法,但支架移位率较高,需要更好顺应性和末端喇叭口的支架设计.理论上讲,FCSEMS会堵塞分支胰管导致胰管感染,但目前并没有这些并发症的报道.由于FCSEMS治疗主胰管狭窄的长期有效性和安全性尚不清楚,FCSEMS使用应限制在治疗复发性和有症状的胰管良性狭窄.     

Gastrojejunal anastomotic strictures following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: analysis of 1291 patients

BACKGROUND: The development of an anastomotic stricture at the site of the gastrojejunostomy following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is associated with substantial morbidity. Various techniques are available for creating the gastrojejunal anastomosis, including hand-sewing and using a circular or linear stapler, to reduce complication rates. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of gastrojejunal anastomotic strictures in patients who underwent antecolic antegastric Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (AA-RYGBP) with the use of a linear stapler and to evaluate the outcomes of endoscopic pneumatic dilatation as a treatment option for patients with anastomotic stricture. METHODS: All patients who met the National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria for bariatric surgery and underwent AA-RYGBP using a linear stapler technique between July 2000 and November 2004 were included in the study. Following Institutional Review Board approval, the medical records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. Two surgeons performed all of the surgical procedures in this series using a standardized surgical protocol. RESULTS: Between July 2000 and November 2004, 1291 patients (1016 females [79%] and 275 male [11%]) underwent AA-RYGBP. The patients' mean age was 43 years (range, 19-75 years), and mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 49.6 kg/m2 (range, 34-97.5 kg/m2). Out of 1291 procedures, 1265 were performed laparoscopically (98.3%), with the reminder performed by laparotomy. A linear stapler was used to create the gastrojejunal anastomosis in all of the procedures. A total of 405 (31%) complications occurred, with gastrojejunal anastomotic strictures the most common complication, found in 94 (7.3%) patients more than 30 days after the procedure. All of these cases of stricture were treated by endoscopic pneumatic dilatation with a through the scope (TTS) balloon, requiring between one and four dilatory sessions. Of the 94 patients (2.1%) who underwent balloon dilatation, 2 developed perforation, only 1 of whom required surgical intervention. The mean postoperative hospital stay for the 94 patients was 4.2 days (range, 2-24 days); there was no perioperative patient mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that AA-RYGBP can attain a relatively low complication rate and no mortality. Gastrojejunal anastomotic strictures were the most common complication and were diagnosed 30 days after the procedure. Endoscopic balloon dilatation can be offered as a first-line treatment for gastrojejunal anastomotic strictures. Perforation is a potential complication of this treatment and may necessitate surgical intervention.     

腹腔镜下Roux-en-Y胃空肠转流术治疗肥胖型2型糖尿病14例

目的探讨腹腔镜下Roux-en-Y胃空肠转流术(LRYGB)对肥胖型2型糖尿病的临床疗效。方法以14例肥胖型2型糖尿病患者作为研究对象,实施LRYGB,观察患者术前及术后体重指数(BMI)、空腹血糖(FBG)、餐后2小时血糖(2hPBG)、C肽(C-P)及糖化血红蛋白(HbA1C)的变化情况,分析手术预后的相关因素。结果 14例患者手术顺利,均无术中并发症的发生及中转开腹。术后随访3个月。1例出现腹泻,经饮食调整及口服药物改善,术后3月BMI、FBG、2hPBG、HbA1C均较术前明显降低(P<0.05);C-P在术后1个月开始下降,术后3月明显,但术后3个月与术前比较无明显差异(P=0.08)。结论腹腔镜Roux-en-Y胃空肠转流术治疗肥胖型2型糖尿病近期疗效明显,远期疗效有待进一步观察研究。     

胃转流术治疗2型糖尿病的机制

胃转流术是目前2型糖尿病外科治疗的主流术式之一,但其治疗2型糖尿病的相关机制并不完全清楚.现有的相关研究表明,胃转流术对2型糖尿病的治疗作用可能通过如下机制：摄入受限和吸收不良、胰岛素抵抗的改善和胰岛β细胞功能的恢复、胃肠道激素水平的变化等.此外,脂肪因子以及血清胆汁酸水平的变化也可能发挥了一定作用.下一步的研究需要进一步明确胃转流术对于机体神经内分泌系统的影响机制,并探讨胃转流术消化道重建方式对于相关激素的影响情况.     

A comparison of open and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery for morbid and super obesity: a decision-analysis model

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LGBP) with open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (OGBP) to determine which approach resulted in better clinical outcomes and cost effectiveness in patients with morbid obesity. METHODS: A decision-analysis model was constructed to evaluate outcomes of LGBP versus OGBP in patients with body mass index (BMI) ranges of 35 to 49, 50 to 60, and greater than 60. Baseline assumptions for the model were derived from published reports. Sensitivity and cost-effectiveness analyses were performed to determine the optimal strategy. Success was defined as no major procedure-related complications and no long-term complications over a 1-year period after surgery. Failure of therapy was defined as either recurrent symptoms or death attributed to a surgical complication. RESULTS: In patients with a BMI of 35 to 49, LGBP failed in 14% and OGBP failed in 18% of patients, favoring LGBP alone as the dominant strategy. Mortality in the OGBP group was 1.3 times that of the LGBP group. For a BMI of 50 to 60, LGBP was dominant with an overall success rate of 82% as compared with OGBP (77%). Mortality in the OGBP group was 1.3 times that of the LGBP group. For a BMI of greater than 60, LGBP was the dominant strategy with an overall success rate of 67% compared with OGBP (63%). Sensitivity and cost-effective analysis showed that LGBP was the dominant strategy in terms of greater success and less overall morbidity and mortality for all 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis suggests that for all BMI ranges evaluated, LGBP is preferable to OGBP. These conclusions are limited by potential selection and publication bias in the trials assessed for this analysis. These limitations can be resolved only by randomized control trials.     

Banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for the treatment of morbid obesity

BackgroundLaparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity. The additional benefit of placing a nonadjustable band around the pouch remains to be determined. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes between banded and nonbanded LRYGB patients in a single bariatric center.MethodsA matched cohort analysis was performed between patients who had undergone banded and nonbanded (standard) LRYGB. In the banded bypass cohort, an 8 F, 6.5 cm silastic ring was placed around the proximal gastric pouch. Both cohorts were matched for age, body mass index (BMI), and anastomotic technique. Endpoints included percentage excess weight loss (%EWL), postoperative morbidity, and band-related complications.ResultsBetween January 2007 and July 2010, 134 banded LRYGB were performed (55% female, mean age 45 years). They were compared with a matched cohort of 134 concurrent nonbanded LRYGB patients (67% female, mean age 45.4 years). Mean preoperative BMI was 54.6 and 52.8 kg/m², respectively (P = .084). At 24 months postoperatively, the average %EWL was 58.6% in banded bypass patients and 51.4% in the nonbanded group (P = .015). The difference in EWL was more pronounced in super-obese patients than in those with BMI<50 (among super-obese, 57.5% versus 47.6%, P = .003; among those with BMI<50, 62.9% versus 57.9%, P = .406]. There was no difference in early (19.4% versus 19.4%) or late complications (10.4% versus 13.4%, P = .451) between banded and nonbanded LRYGB patients.ConclusionBanding the pouch during LRYGB can be performed safely and may provide better weight loss, particularly in super-obese patients. Further prospective and long-term comparative studies of this technique are warranted.     

Comparison of one-anastomosis gastric bypass and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for treatment of obesity: a 5-year study

BackgroundRoux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the gold standard in bariatric surgery. One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) has been reported to have equivalent or better weight loss, with added advantages of being technically easy, amenable to reintervention/reversal, and offering better food tolerance.ObjectiveThis study was undertaken to compare weight loss, metabolic syndrome outcome, complications, and long-term nutritional outcomes between the 2 procedures.SettingsA high-volume, private-practice bariatric surgery center in India.MethodThis retrospective study is based on prospectively maintained data in a cohort of patients who had either RYGB or OAGB in 2012 at a single institution by a single surgeon. Patients were all eligible for 5-year follow-up.ResultsOn hundred twenty-two patients had RYGB and 90 had OAGB. The mean age was 44 and 46.4 years, body mass index was 45.8 and 42, percentage of total weight loss was 36.4 and 25.9, and percentage of excess weight loss was 81.6 and 66.7 for OAGB and RYGB groups, respectively. Resolution of type 2 diabetes was 79%, hypertension 57%, dyslipidemia 56%, and sleep apnea 94.54% in OAGB patients compared with type 2 diabetes of 61%, hypertension of 43%, dyslipidemia of 53%, and sleep apnea of 90.74% in RYGB patients. OAGB patients had more nutritional deficiencies than RYGB patients: anemia 44% versus 17%, hypoalbuminemia 32% versus 15%, and hypocalcemia 19% versus 8%, and other complications 7.8% versus 1.6%, respectively. There were no deaths in this study.ConclusionOAGB is associated with more weight loss and better resolution of co-morbid conditions. However, it is also associated with more nutritional deficiencies. There is a need for long-term follow-up and multicenter reports to confirm these findings.     

Open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for the morbidly obese in the era of laparoscopy

BACKGROUND: Roux-En-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been the preferred operative treatment for morbid obesity. Recently, laparoscopic RYGB has been described. We reviewed our data and believe that open RYGB is still the better option. METHODS: One hundred three consecutive cases were retrospectively reviewed for preoperative conditions, perioperative outcomes, and postoperative complications with weight/health changes. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 5 months. The mean percent excess body weight loss was 33%. Comorbidities improved 50% of the time. The mean operative time was 117 minutes with blood loss averaging 208 cc. The mean intensive care unit stay was 1.3 days, with a total hospital stay of 4.4 days. There was an 8% major complication rate and a 1% mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: The health improvement and complication rates are comparable to published series on laparoscopic RYGB. With the technical complexity of the laparoscopic technique, open RYGB should remain the current standard of care, in most centers.     

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for treatment of symptomatic paraesophageal hernia in the morbidly obese: medium-term results

BackgroundThe ideal surgical approach for treatment of symptomatic paraesophageal hernias (PEH) in obese patients remains elusive. The objective of this study was to assess the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of combined laparoscopic PEH repair and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for the management of symptomatic PEH in morbidly obese patients.MethodsFourteen patients with symptomatic PEH and morbid obesity (body mass index [BMI]>35 kg/m²) underwent laparoscopic PEH repair with RYGB between 2008 and 2011. Demographic characteristics and preoperative and perioperative details were analyzed. Patients were contacted in October 2013 for follow-up. BMI, reflux symptoms, and disease-specific quality of life (QoL) data were obtained.ResultsThere were 11 females (79%). Median age and preoperative BMI were 48 years and 42 kg/m², respectively. Mean operative time was 180 minutes, with median length-of-stay of 4 days. There were no perioperative deaths, and 5 patients experienced postoperative complications including 1 gastrojejunostomy leak. Complete follow-up with a median follow-up interval of 35 months was available in 9 (64%) patients. The median % excess weight loss was 67.9%. Thirty-three percent required antisecretory medications for reflux control, compared to 89% preoperatively. Seventy-eight percent of patients reported good to excellent QoL outcomes assessed by the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire. Overall, 89% of patients were satisfied with their operation and would undergo the procedure again.ConclusionCombined laparoscopic PEH repair and RYGB is a safe, feasible, and effective treatment option for morbidly obese patients with symptomatic PEH, and offers good to excellent disease-specific quality-of-life outcomes at medium-term follow-up. To date, this is the largest series with the longest follow-up in this unique patient population.     

Conversion of sleeve gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for complications: outcomes from a tertiary referral center in the Middle East

BackgroundComplications after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) unfortunately lead a subset of patients to require revisional surgery, including conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).ObjectivesWe aimed to describe the indications for conversion and perioperative outcomes in this subset of patients.SettingAcademic hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.MethodsAll patients undergoing conversion from SG to RYGB from September 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent conversion solely for weight recidivism were excluded from analysis.ResultsForty-seven patients underwent conversion to RYGB due to complications from SG. The cohort was 76.5% female with a mean age of 39 years and median body mass index of 34 kg/m². The median time between SG and RYGB was 36 months. Indications warranting conversion included mechanical complications (n = 24, 51.1%), intractable reflux (n = 21, 44.7%), and fistula (n = 2, 4.2%). Preoperative mechanical abnormalities included hiatal hernia (n = 13, 27.7%), helical twist (n = 10, 21.3%), sleeve stenosis/stricture (n = 5, 10.6%), fistula (n = 2, 4.2%), and leak (n = 1, 2.1%). Each conversion was completed with a laparoscopic approach, with a median length of stay of 3 days. Four patients (8.5%) experienced complications within 30 days, including 2 patients (4.2%) with superficial surgical site infection, 1 patient each (2.1%) with gastrointestinal hemorrhage and anastomotic leak. There were no mortalities at a median follow-up of 17 months.ConclusionIn this series, representing the largest reported single-center experience in the Middle East, conversion of SG to RYGB was safe and effective for the treatment of symptoms and mechanical complications after SG.     

Preoperative nutritional status of patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity

Few data exist concerning preoperative nutritional status in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. We retrospectively analyzed the preoperative values of serum albumin, calcium, 25-OH vitamin D, iron, ferritin, hemoglobin, vitamin B₁₂, and thiamine in 379 consecutive patients (320 women and 59 men; mean body mass index 51.8±10.6 kg/m²; 25.8% white, 28.4% African American, 45.8% Hispanic) undergoing bariatric surgery between 2002 and 2004. Preoperative deficiencies were noted for iron (43.9%), ferritin (8.4%), hemoglobin (22%; women 19.1%, men 40.7%), thiamine (29%), and 25-OH vitamin D (68.1%). Low ferritin levels were more prevalent in females (9.9% vs. 0%; P=0.01); however, anemia was more prevalent in males (19.1% vs. 40.7%; P<0.005). Patients younger than 25 years were more likely to be anemic than patients over 60 years (46% vs. 15%; P<0.005). This correlated with iron deficiency, which was more prevalent in younger patients (79.2% vs. 41.7%; P<0.005). Whites (78.8%) and African Americans (70.4%) had a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency than Hispanics (56.4%), P=0.01. Whites were the least likely group to be thiamine deficient (6.8% vs 31.0% African Americans and 47.2% Hispanics; P<0.005). Nutritional deficiencies are common in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and these deficiencies should be detected and corrected early to avoid postoperative complications. Presented at the Forty-Fifth Annual Meeting of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, New Orleans, Louisiana, May 15–19, 2004.     

Robotic platform for gastric bypass is associated with more resource utilization: an analysis of MBSAQIP dataset

Background

The current literature comparing robot-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RA-RYGB) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is limited to single center retrospective series.

Utility of Divided Omentum for Preventing Complications Associated with Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

Background Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has emerged as a standard surgical treatment for morbid obesity. However, prevention of postoperative complications associated with bariatric surgery is an important consideration. Methods To reduce postoperative complications and achieve adequate body weight loss, we introduce a simple procedure using a divided omentum during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The actual aim of this procedure is to prevent leakage from the gastric pouch or anastomosis and the gastro-gastric fistula because of reentry of the alimentary tract. Between February 2002 and April 2007, we performed laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity in 94 patients. In the most recent 83 cases, our simple procedure using a divided omentum was employed. Results These patients comprised 20 males and 63 females, with a mean age of 38 years, and a mean body mass index of 44.1 kg/m². At surgery, the omentum is routinely divided using laparoscopic coagulating shears before performing gastrojejunostomy to reduce the tension on the anastomosis caused by the route of reconstruction. After performing hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy, the left side of the divided omentum is moved cranially and interposed between the gastric pouch and the excluded stomach. The omentum is then sutured from the posterior aspect of the gastric pouch to the anterior side of the anastomosis. Conclusion Our procedure using a divided omentum during bariatric surgery is feasible and safe for obtaining better outcomes without artificial materials. Although the long-term outcome of this technique is still unclear, we believe that it will contribute to decreasing the particular complications related to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity.     

Operative management of recalcitrant marginal ulcers following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity: a systematic review

One of the short- and long-term complications following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for morbid obesity is the development of marginal ulcers (MUs). Although chronic and recalcitrant/recurrent marginal ulcers (rMUs) are common, there is no consensus on their optimal management. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the elective operative management of rMUs. A systematic search of the literature was conducted. Relevant databases were searched up to May 16, 2020. Articles were included if they met the following inclusion criteria: (1) bariatric patients were included as the study population, (2) laparoscopic RYGB was performed as the index operation, (3) study patients developed rMUs, and (4) MUs required elective operative (surgical, endoscopic) interventions. Quality of articles was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The search identified 3470 citations; of these, 16 observational studies were included. Elective management of rMUs consisted of endoscopic (oversewing ± stents) and surgical interventions (gastrojejunostomy revision, vagotomy, conversion to sleeve gastrectomy, subtotal/total gastrectomy, reversal to normal anatomy). Quality of the studies as assessed by the GRADE system was low to very low. Recalcitrant/recurrent MUs are challenging complications both for bariatric patients and for their treating surgeons. There are no established algorithms for the management of rMUs, and the currently available evidence in the literature is limited both in quantity and in quality. Future multicentre, multisurgeon, randomized, controlled trials are needed to address this issue.     

Long-term outcomes of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus medical therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundRoux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been widely used for type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with overweight or obesity. However, the long-term outcomes of RYGB versus medical therapy have not been well compared.ObjectivesTo evaluate the long-term outcomes of RYGB versus medical therapy for patients with T2D.SettingUniversity-affiliated hospital, China.MethodsFour electronic databases—PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov—were searched for articles published through February 2021. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials.ResultsOf 7 randomized controlled trials (15 articles), 477 patients were included: 239 were randomly divided into RYGB groups and 238 to medical therapy groups. Statistically higher rates of T2D remission were observed in RYGB groups at 1 year (relative risk [RR], 18.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.53– 71.70; P < .0001), 3 years (RR, 29.58; 95% CI, 5.92–147.82; P < .0001), and 5 years (RR, 16.92; 95% CI, 4.15–69.00; P < .0001). Meanwhile, statistically higher rates of achieving the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA’s) treatment goal were observed in RYGB groups at 1 year (RR, 3.99; 95% CI, 1.01–15.82; P = .05), 2 years (RR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.62– 5.48; P = .0004), 3 years (RR, 3.16; 95% CI, 1.33–7.49; P = .009), and 5 years (RR, 6.18; 95% CI, 1.69–22.68; P = .006).ConclusionThis meta-analysis indicated that RYGB led to higher rates of T2D remission than medical therapy at 1, 3, and 5 years, as well as higher rates of achieving ADA’s composite goal at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years.     

Predictive value of upper gastrointestinal studies versus clinical signs for gastrointestinal leaks after laparoscopic gastric bypass

Background The utility of routine upper gastrointestinal (UGI) studies after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is a matter of great debate. Because the morbidity and mortality rates associated with an unrecognized postoperative leak are high after LRYGB, diagnosis of a postoperative leak earlier would be of benefit. Clinical signs, however, may predict the diagnosis of a postoperative leak more often. This study explored the hypothesis that UGI studies are more predictive than clinical signs for the early diagnosis of a postoperative leak after LRYGB. Methods All patients who underwent LRYGB at the authors’ institution were included in this study. Charts were reviewed to examine immediate clinical signs (heart rate, temperature, and white blood cell count within the first 24 h), UGI studies, and clinical course. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and efficiency of clinical signs and UGI studies were calculated. Results This study included 245 patients with a 3% rate of leak. The positive and negative predictive value of UGI studies were 67% and 99%, respectively. Only an elevated white blood count had a better predictive value (100% for negative predictive value). The efficiency of UGI studies (98%) was better than that of heart rate (83%), white blood count (8%), or temperature (95%). Conclusions According to our data, UGI studies are the most predictive of an early leak diagnosis. Clinical signs alone may not be as useful in predicting leaks early after laparoscopic gastric bypasses. Routine early postoperative UGI studies are a reasonable approach to predicting leaks after LRYGB.     

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are the mainstays of bariatric surgery in recent years. In addition, there has been an increased interest in the quality of life (QoL) of obese patients after surgery. This study examined the QoL of patients who had undergone either LSG or LRYGB. We retrieved the literature from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library database before November 2019. A total of 10 articles and 2327 obese patients were included in our meta-analysis. The QoL scoring tools included in the statistical analysis are the following: the gastrointestinal quality of life index, 36-items short-form health survey, bariatric analysis and reporting outcome system, and the Moorehead-Ardelt quality of life questionnaire II. Although the QoL score of the LRYGB group was higher than that of the LSG group in the bariatric analysis and reporting outcome system subgroup, statistical analysis showed no difference in the postoperative QoL of LSG and LRYGB. In our study, no difference was found in the QoL between LSG and LRYGB. Therefore, in terms of postoperative QoL, surgical methods should be selected on the basis of the patients’ condition and level of understanding of the surgeries.