Aprepitant’s Prophylactic Efficacy in Decreasing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

Background

Postoperative nausea and vomiting is a major cause of patient dissatisfaction towards surgery. For bariatric surgery, increased vomiting/retching is detrimental to surgical anastomosis. The present study evaluated the efficacy of aprepitant (neurokinin-1 inhibitor) as a prophylactic antiemetic in morbidly obese patients for laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Methods

After institutional review board approval, 125 morbidly obese patients were recruited into this double-blind placebo-controlled trial. On random division, the patients received a tablet of aprepitant (80 mg) in group A, or a similar-appearing placebo in group P, an hour prior to surgery. All patients received intravenous ondansetron (4 mg) intraoperatively. Postoperatively, the patients were evaluated for nausea and vomiting by a blinded evaluator at 30 min, 1, 2, 6, 24, 48, and 72 h.

Results

Both groups were evenly distributed for age, body mass index, type, and length of surgery. Cumulative incidence of vomiting at 72 h was significantly lower in group A (3 %) compared to group P (15 %; p?=?0.021). Odds ratio for vomiting in group P compared to group A was 5.47 times. On Kaplan–Meier plot, time to first vomiting was also significantly delayed in group A (p?=?0.019). A higher number of patients showed complete absence of nausea or vomiting in group A compared to group P (42.18 vs. 36.67 %). On the other hand, nausea scores were unaffected by aprepitant, and no significant difference between groups was found at any of the measured time points.

Conclusions

In morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery, addition of aprepitant to ondansetron can significantly delay vomiting episodes simultaneously lowering the incidence of postoperative vomiting.     

Management of Ulcerative Colitis in the Morbidly Obese Patient: Is Bariatric Surgery Indicated?

Ulcerative colitis and obesity share a systemic chronic inflammatory response manifested by increased inflammatory markers. There are data suggesting a benefit in both diseases after inflammatory markers are decreased. We present a 39-year-old morbidly obese male with a history of ulcerative colitis who manifested significant symptomatic improvement after an 86.8% excess weight loss following gastric bypass surgery. We believe that this result may have been due to a reduction of inflammatory markers secondary to considerable weight loss. Although to our knowledge there are no publications showing a direct relationship between symptomatic improvement of ulcerative colitis and weight loss in the obese patient, we believe that weight loss surgery could become a promising tool in the treatment of ulcerative colitis when associated with morbid obesity.     

Bariatric Surgery Provides a “Bridge to Transplant” for Morbidly Obese Patients with Advanced Heart Failure and May Obviate the Need for Transplantation

Background

In patients with advanced heart failure, morbid obesity is a relative contraindication to heart transplantation due to higher morbidity and mortality in these patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive morbidly obese patients with advanced heart failure who underwent bariatric surgery for durable weight loss in order to meet eligibility criteria for cardiac transplantation.

Results

Seven patients (4 M/3 F, age range 31–56 years) with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤25 % underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Median preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 42.8 kg/m² (range 37.5–50.8). There were no major perioperative complications in six of seven patients. Median length of hospital stay was 5 days. There was no mortality recorded during complete patient follow-up. At a median follow-up of 406 days, median BMI reduction was 12.9 kg/m² (p?=?0.017). Postoperative LVEF improved to a median of 30 % (interquartile range (IQR) 25–53 %; p?=?0.039). Two patients underwent successful cardiac transplantation. Two patients reported symptomatic improvement with little change in LV function and now successfully meet listing criteria. Three patients showed marked improvement of their LVEF and functional status, thus removing the requirement for transplantation.

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery can achieve successful weight loss in morbidly obese patients with advanced cardiac failure, enabling successful heart transplantation. In some patients, cardiac transplantation can be avoided through surgical weight loss.

     

The Outcome of Bariatric Surgery in Patients Aged 75 years and Older

Background

Bariatric surgery has been shown to be safe and effective in patients aged 60–75 years; however, outcomes in patients aged 75 or older are undocumented.

Methods

Patients aged 75 years and older who underwent bariatric procedures in two academic centers between 2006 and 2015 were studied.

Results

A total of 19 patients aged 75 years and above were identified. Eleven (58%) were male, the median age was 76 years old (range 75–81), and the median preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 41.4 kg/m² (range 35.8–57.5). All of the bariatric procedures were primary procedures and performed laparoscopically: sleeve gastrectomy (SG) (n?=?11, 58%), adjustable gastric band (AGB) (n?=?4, 21%), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (n?=?2, 11%), banded gastric plication (n?=?1, 5%), and gastric plication (n?=?1, 5%). The median operative time was 120 min (range 75–240), and the median length of stay was 2 days (range 1–7). Three patients (16%) developed postoperative atrial fibrillation which completely resolved at discharge. At 1 year, the median percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) was 18.4% (range 7.4–22.0). The 1-year %TWL varied among the bariatric procedures performed: SG (21%), RYGB (22%), AGB (7%), and gastric plication (8%). There were no 30-day readmissions, reoperations, or mortalities.

Conclusion

Our experience suggests that bariatric surgery in selected patients aged 75 years and older would be safe and effective despite being higher risk. Age alone should not be the limiting factor for selecting patients for bariatric surgery.

     

Zinc and Copper Serum Levels of Morbidly Obese Patients Before and After Biliopancreatic Diversion: 4?Years of Follow-up

Background

Zinc and copper are two essential trace elements. However, few studies have been conducted specifically to investigate these deficiencies in patients who underwent bariatric surgery. The aim of our work was to describe the influence of biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) on serum copper and zinc levels during 4 years.

Methods

We have analyzed a consecutive series of 65 patients who have been followed-up for 4 years after undergoing open BPD.

Results

The final (4 years) initial excess weight percent loss was 63.5%. A significant improvement of BMI, weight, waist circumference, and fat mass was detected. The preoperative average zinc (42.2?±?53.2 ??g/dl) and copper (61.3?±?58.6 ??g/dl) levels are under the lower limit of the normal values. These data show a deficient micronutrient status in morbidly obese patients, 73.8% of patients had low basal zinc values and 67.8% low basal copper values. Values of both micronutrients at different times (6 months, 1, 2, 3, and 4 years) were lower than basal value.

Conclusion

BPD is an effective method of sustainable weight loss. Otherwise, a high prevalence of zinc and copper basal deficiencies in morbidly obese seeking bariatric surgery was detected. These deficiencies of copper and zinc increased during the 4 years of follow-up after BDP.     

Bariatric Surgery in a Morbidly Obese Achondroplasic Patient – Use of the 6-Minute Walk Test to Assess Mobility and Quality of Life

A young woman with achondroplasia and morbid obesity (two disabling conditions) is presented. She underwent open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). We emphasize preoperative preparation by a multidisciplinary team and the use of the 6-minute walk test to follow and assess mobility and quality of life.     

Improvement of Physical Functioning of Morbidly Obese Patients Who Have Undergone a Lap-Band® Operation: One-Year Study

Background: The Netherlands has a population of 20,000 morbidly obese patients, an average of 350 of whom per year undergo a stomach reduction operation involving the surgical placement of a Lap-Band?. The quality of life (QOL) of a sample of female patients who underwent this operation was studied in a 1-year postoperative study. Methods: The Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 (MOS SF-36) was used to assess 1-year postoperative quality of life among a sample of 39 female patients aged 19-53 years. QOL was measured at most 20 h preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively using a randomized pretest/posttest design. Statistical data, after transformation, were analyzed with SPSS Version 7.5 for Windows 95. Results: The response rate of 92.9% of patients polled was good, in contrast to earlier findings with this measuring instrument. Mean body mass index (BMI) declined from 40.86 kg/m² preoperatively to 33.14 kg/m² 1 year postoperatively. QOL improved on all scores in the MOS SF-36. Internal consistency of the scales used was high. Conclusions: The response rate to the MOS SF-36 questionnaire was high. The surgical placement of a Lap-Band? resulted in a significant improvement of QOL (1 year postoperatively) on all scores used. The internal consistency of the scales used was high.     

ProSeal™ LMA Increases Safe Apnea Period in Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Surgery under General Anesthesia

Background

Morbidly obese patients are at risk of hypoxemia at the time of induction of anesthesia. The aim of this study was to assess the possible increase in the safe apnea time with the use of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) as a conduit prior to laryngoscope-guided intubation in morbidly obese patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia.

Methods

Hundred patients with BMI greater than 35 kg/m², undergoing surgery under general anesthesia, were randomly divided to receive either PLMA or facemask with oropharyngeal airway (FM) as the airway device. Following preoxygenation with 100 % oxygen with continuous positive airway pressure of 10 cm H₂O, in ramp position for 5 min the patients were made apneic. From start of apnea to the time to reach SpO2 to 92 % was recorded as safe apnea time. Ventilation was initiated and time to reach SpO2 of 100 % was recorded as recovery time.

Results

The mean safe apnea time was 205 (96–320)?s in FM vs. 337 (176–456) s in PLMA (P?=?0.0000). The mean recovery period was 49 (36–68)?s in FM vs. 42(30–56)?s in PLMA groups (P?=?0.0000). Arterial blood gas analysis showed significant difference in pO2 between the two groups.

Conclusion

The use of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway prior to laryngoscope-guided intubation is beneficial in increasing safe apnea period and achieving faster recovery from hypoxemia in morbidly obese patients.     

Long-term Follow-up After Anti-reflux Surgery in Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus

Background  

Factors associated with the risk of progression of Barrett’s esophagus remain unclear, and the impact of therapy on this risk remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess patients followed long-term after anti-reflux surgery for Barrett’s esophagus.     

Nutritional Deficiencies in Morbidly Obese Patients: A New Form of Malnutrition?

Even though in the Western world there is almost no limitation to a wide variety of food supply, nutritional deficiencies can be found in both normal-weight population and in the obese population. In this review, we examine the prevalence and manifestations of various mineral deficiencies in obese patients.     

Male Patients Above Age 60 have as Good Outcomes as Male Patients 50–59 Years Old at 1-Year Follow-up After Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that 25% of Americans older than 60 years are obese. Male gender and advanced age are indicators of increased risk for bariatric surgery. Good results have been shown in patients older than 50, but nearly all published studies include a large majority of females, and few include patients >60 years old. In this study, we examined the results of males over 60 years old. METHODS: We reviewed a prospective database of 107 consecutive patients who underwent bariatric surgery between April 2002 and June 2007 at the Palo Alto VA. Of these, 60 patients were males older than 50 and available for follow-up 12 months postoperatively. There were 47 males 50-59 years old (group I) and 13 males older than 60 years (group II). Data were analyzed using Student's t test. RESULTS: Mean preoperative body mass index was similar in both groups (49.4 vs. 47.5 kg/m(2); p = 0.468). Length of hospital stay was similar (3.2 vs. 3.5 days; p = 0.678), but early morbidity was higher in group II patients (30.8% vs. 8.5%; p = 0.037). Morbidity included urinary tract infection, cardiac arrhythmias, and early bowel obstruction. Excess weight loss after 1 year was not significantly different (63.6% vs. 60.6%; p = 0.565). Diabetes resolution or improvement was seen in 87% of group I patients and 90% of group II patients. CONCLUSION: Despite a higher early morbidity rate, obese males >/=60 years old perform as well as male patients 50-59 years old with respect to excess weight loss, mortality, length of stay, and improvement of diabetes, at 1 year postoperatively.     

Iodine Status After Bariatric Surgery—a Prospective 10-Year Report from the Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) Study

Context

Bariatric surgery can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Gastric by-pass (GBP) entails restriction and malabsorption, whereas, vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) is only restrictive.

Objective

The objective of this study is to study whether GBP-patients develop iodine deficiency from malabsorption, and if GBP- and VBG-patients develop lower 24-h urinary iodine excretion (24-UIE) than obese non-operated controls (OB-controls) due to lower iodine intake.

Design

The Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study is a prospective, non-randomized study of 4047 obese patients included 1987–2001, who chose bariatric surgery or non-surgical treatment. SOS-groups were compared at baseline, after 2 and 10 years and with population-based subsamples (MONICA-controls).

Patients

One hundred eighty-eight GBP-patients were matched with 188 VBG-patients and 188 OB-controls and with three subgroups from 412 MONICA-controls.

Main Outcome Measurements

Primary outcome was 24-UIE. Secondary outcomes were iodine intake, iodine supplementation, TSH, FT4, and thyroid morbidity.

Results

At baseline, median 24-UIE was higher in GBP-patients, VBG-patients and OB-controls than in MONICA-controls (214, 201, 203 and 137 μg/day, p < 0.001). At 10 years, 24-UIE in GBP-patients (161 μg/day) and VBG-patients (149 μg/day) was lower compared with baseline (p < 0.01) and OB-controls (189 μg/day, p < 0.01), but similar to 24-UIE in MONICA-controls (137 μg/day). The 10-year-dietary iodine intake was similar in GPB-patients and OB-controls, but higher in VBG-patients. Iodine supplementation was taken by 0–9% in SOS-groups.

Conclusion

After surgery, GBP- and VBG-patients did not suffer from iodine deficiency, but both groups had lower iodine status than OB-controls. Dietary supplements recommended after bariatric surgery do not need to include iodine, in iodine sufficient countries.

Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01479452

     

Does Epidural Morphine Loading in Addition to Thoracic Epidural Analgesia Benefit the Postoperative Management of Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Open Bariatric Surgery? A Pilot Study

Background

Insufficient data exist regarding postoperative thoracic epidural analgesia for morbidly obese patients undergoing open bariatric surgery. This study evaluated the effectiveness of morphine loading in a postoperative thoracic epidural analgesic regimen of patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) with levobupivacaine combined with continuously administered epidural morphine in this patient group.

Methods

In this prospective randomized controlled trial, 48 superobese patients (body mass index of ≥50 kg/m²) undergoing open bariatric surgery were randomly allocated to three groups of 16 patients each. Postoperatively, all groups received a continuous epidural morphine infusion of 0.2 mg/h with 0.1 % levobupivacaine via PCEA. Group A did not receive intraoperative epidural morphine loading, while groups B and C received an intraoperative 1- and 2-mg morphine bolus, respectively. Levobupivacaine consumption via PCEA (primary outcome), pain scores at rest and on cough, the time to return of bowel function and ambulation, and arterial blood gas levels (secondary outcomes) were recorded.

Results

The increase in perioperative morphine administration (groups B and C) led to a significantly prolonged return to normal bowel function and delayed ambulation (P?Conclusions Thoracic PCEA with 0.1 % levobupivacaine combined with continuous epidural morphine administration of 0.2 mg/h without morphine loading is an effective postoperative analgesic regimen that provides adequate pain control, early ambulation, and early return of bowel function in superobese patients, particularly those with OSA.     

Are there Predictive Factors of Severe Liver Fibrosis in Morbidly Obese Patients with Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis?

Background: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a clinicopathological entity characterized by the presence of steatosis and lobular and/or portal inflammation with or without fibrosis. Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver and fibrosis on liver biopsy have increased liver-related deaths. Methods: 181 wedge liver biopsies, taken at the time of bariatric surgery from patients with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 47, were studied. In all cases, the liver biopsy was performed without knowledge of the patient's clinical and biochemical data, which were then examined with univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Diagnosis of NASH was established in 105 patients (91%); 74 patients (70%) showed mild steatosis, 20 (19%) had moderate inflammation and fibrosis, and 11 (10%) had steatosis with severe fibrosis. None of the liver biopsies showed cirrhosis. Age was the only independent predictor of moderate and severe fibrosis (p=0.001). Conclusions: Since only age was a predictor of moderate or severe fibrosis, and no clinical or biochemical abnormalities detected slowly progressive hepatic fibrosis, liver biopsy is the only means of detecting progression to more advanced liver disease in a NASH patient.     

Bariatric Surgery Outcomes in Patients Aged 65 Years and Older at an American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence

Background  

Although morbid obesity rates in patients ≥65 years of age are increasing, few centers have reported weight loss surgery outcomes in elderly patients, resulting in a paucity of literature on perioperative mortality and morbidity.     

Bariatric Surgery for the Treatment of Severely Obese Patients in South Korea—Is it Cost Effective?

Background

In South Korea, the number of severely obese patients has increased. An economic study comparing bariatric surgery with nonsurgical interventions has not been published for Asia.

Objectives

This study was conducted to evaluate the cost effectiveness of bariatric surgery as compared to nonsurgical interventions for severe obese Korean people.

Methods

We used the Markov model to compare the lifetime expected costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) between bariatric surgery and nonsurgical interventions from Korean Healthcare system perspectives. Our target cohort consisted of severe obese people defined as having a body mass index of 30–<40 kg/m² in South Korea. The starting age of the cohort was 30 years old, and the cycle length was 1 year. Nonsurgical interventions included a physician visit, exercise, diet, and pharmacotherapy. A discount of 5 % was applied in cost and QALY. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of bariatric surgery compared to nonsurgery interventions was calculated.

Results

The cost-utility analysis study indicated that bariatric surgery had US$1,522 incremental costs and 0.86 incremental QALYs as compared to nonsurgical interventions. Through the base case analysis, ICER was US$1,771/QALY. The sensitivity analyses were performed using a variety of assumptions, and the robustness of the study results was also demonstrated.

Conclusion

The study indicated that bariatric surgery was a cost-effective alternative to nonsurgical interventions over a lifetime, providing substantial lifetime benefits for severely obese Korean people.     

Prophylactic Cholecystectomy,a Mandatory Step in Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass?

Background  

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of symptomatic gallstone disease requiring cholecystectomy (CCE) after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) and to identify the peri-operative risk factors associated with postoperative symptomatic gallstone disease.