Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Bariatric Surgery for Morbid Obesity

Background

In the USA, three types of bariatric surgeries are widely performed, including laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). However, few economic evaluations of bariatric surgery are published. There is also scarcity of studies focusing on the LSG alone. Therefore, this study is evaluating the cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery using LRYGB, LAGB, and LSG as treatment for morbid obesity.

Methods

A microsimulation model was developed over a lifetime horizon to simulate weight change, health consequences, and costs of bariatric surgery for morbid obesity. US health care prospective was used. A model was propagated based on a report from the first report of the American College of Surgeons. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) in terms of cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained were used in the model. Model parameters were estimated from publicly available databases and published literature.

Results

LRYGB was cost-effective with higher QALYs (17.07) and cost ($138,632) than LSG (16.56 QALYs; $138,925), LAGB (16.10 QALYs; $135,923), and no surgery (15.17 QALYs; $128,284). Sensitivity analysis showed initial cost of surgery and weight regain assumption were very sensitive to the variation in overall model parameters. Across patient groups, LRYGB remained the optimal bariatric technique, except that with morbid obesity 1 (BMI 35–39.9 kg/m²) patients, LSG was the optimal choice.

Conclusion

LRYGB is the optimal bariatric technique, being the most cost-effective compared to LSG, LAGB, and no surgery options for most subgroups. However, LSG was the most cost-effective choice when initial BMI ranged between 35 and 39.9 kg/m².

     

Effect of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on fasting gastrointestinal and pancreatic peptide hormones: A prospective nonrandomized trial

Background

Changes in gastrointestinal and pancreatic hormones may play a role in promoting long-term weight reduction and improved glucose metabolism after sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. However, few studies have examined the metabolic and endocrine effects of these procedures in Mainland China.

The effects on oxidative DNA damage of laparoscopic gastric band applications in morbidly obese patients

Background

Obesity may induce oxidative stress, causing oxidative damage of DNA. We examined associations between decreasing serum and urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels and weight loss in morbidly obese patients before and 6 months after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB).

Methods

We compared patients who had surgery for morbid obesity with healthy, nonobese controls. Urine and fasting blood samples were collected once from the controls and from the morbidly obese patients before and 6 months after the LAGB. The serum and urinary 8-OHdG levels were evaluated in these groups using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

Results

We included 20 patients who had surgery for morbid obesity (8 men, 12 women, mean body mass index [BMI] 46.82 ± 4.47) and 20 healthy, nonobese people (10 men, 10 women, mean BMI 22.52 ± 2.08) in our study. There was no significant difference in serum 8-OHdG levels between the groups, whereas urinary 8-OHdG levels were significantly higher in morbidly obese patients than in controls. Weight, BMI and serum and urinary 8-OHdG levels were significantly decreased in morbidly obese patients 6 months after LAGB.

Conclusion

The LAGB provides efficient weight loss in patients with morbid obesity. The systemic oxidative DNA damage was increased by the morbid obesity, but this increase was not related to weight gain, and it was more evident in serum than urine samples. After LAGB for morbid obesity, the oxidative DNA damage declined both in serum and urine.     

Clinical Efficacy of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy vs Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Patients: a Retrospective Comparison

Background

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are performed in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study is to evaluate retrospectively the clinical efficacy of RYGB and SG in two groups of obese T2DM patients.

Methods

From the hospital database, we extracted the clinical records of 31 obese T2DM patients, of whom 15 (7 F/8 M) had undergone laparoscopic SG (LSG) and 16 (7 F/9 M) laparoscopic RYGB (LRYGB) in the period 2005?C2008. The groups were comparable for age (range 33?C59?years) and BMI (range 38?C57?kg/m²). LRYGB alimentary limb was 150?cm, and biliopancreatic limb was 150?cm from the Treitz ligament. LSG vertical transection was calibrated on a 40-Fr orogastric bougie. Data were analysed at 6, 12 and 18?C24?months with reference to weight loss and remission of comorbidities.

Results

The reduction in body weight was comparable in the two groups. At 18?C24?months the percent BMI reduction was 29?±?8 and 33?±?11?% in LSG and LRYGB, respectively. Percent excess weight loss was 53?±?16 and 52?±?19?% in LSG and LRYGB, respectively. Thirteen patients in LSG and 14 patients in LRYGB discontinued their hypoglycaemic medications. Five (55?%) patients in LSG and eight (89?%) in LRYGB discontinued antihypertensive drugs. Three out of five patients in LSG and one out of two patients in LRYGB withdrew lipid-lowering agents.

Conclusions

LSG and LRYGB are equally effective in terms of weight loss and remission of obesity-related comorbidities. Controlled long-term comparisons are needed to establish the optimal procedure in relation to patients?? characteristics.     

Early results of a Canadian laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy experience

Background

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a relatively new bariatric procedure with a number of advantages compared with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. However, SG also has a number of disadvantages and associated risks. We sought to examine perioperative complications and outcomes of laparoscopic SG (LSG) in a single major Canadian bariatric surgery centre (Victoria, BC).

Methods

Since June 2008, LSG has been performed at our centre and we reviewed the cases of all patients. We conducted a retrospective chart review in April 2010.

Results

Thirty-four patients had LSG, and none was lost to follow-up. Indications for LSG over other bariatric procedures were patient preference (n = 28), severe obesity with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 60 kg/m² (n = 5) and severe upper abdominal adhesions (n = 1). All but 1 of the cohort were women, and the average age was 48 (standard deviation [SD] 11) years. Preoperatively, the average BMI was 50.3 (SD 7.7) kg/m². Preoperative obesity-related comorbidity rates were 56% (n = 19) for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 50% (n = 17) for hypertension, 32% (n = 11) for dyslipidemia, 62% (n = 21) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), 62% (n = 21) for knee and/or hip pain and 44% (n = 15) for depression and/or anxiety. The mean duration of surgery was 74 (SD 21) minutes. There were 2 major perioperative complications: 1 staple line leak and 1 staple line hemorrhage. The median stay in hospital was 1 day. Postoperative upper gastrointestinal imaging studies were conducted in 11 patients; 1 was positive for staple line leak. Histopathology on the excised gastric segments revealed chronic helicobacter pylori gastritis in 2 patients and small gastrointestinal stromal tumours in 1 patient. The mean postoperative follow-up interval was 10 months. Weight loss averaged 27.4 (SD 9.0) kg. Overall weight loss was 3.3 (SD 1.8) kg/month. Resolution occurred in 74% of patients with T2DM, 53% with hypertension, 45% with dyslipidemia, 76% with OSA, 38% with joint pain and 20% with depression/anxiety. Overall satisfaction was rated as excellent by 68% of patients, good by 29% and poor by 3% of patients.

Conclusion

Preliminary analysis of our experience with LSG indicates that this is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of obesity.     

A Technique for Simultaneous Cholecystectomy During Bariatric Surgery

Background and Objectives:

Cholecystectomy performed during bariatric surgery is technically demanding. Herein is described a technique we term the Glissonian approach along with an evaluation of its effectiveness and safety.

Methods:

From April 1, 2009, through February 28, 2014, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in 38 patients with proven cholecystopathy on diagnostic imaging. Perioperative outcomes were compared between the patients operated on with the Glissonian approach and those who underwent conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Results:

The Glissonian approach was adopted in 13 patients—11 during LRYGB and 2 during LSG—and the conventional operation was performed on 16 patients during LRYGB and 9 during LSG. Mean body mass indexes were 40.1 kg/m² in the Glissonian-approach group and 37.6 kg/m² in the conventional group. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy by the Glissonian approach saved a mean operative time of 7 minutes compared with the operative time of the conventional operation. No surgical complications related to cholecystectomy were noted in either group.

Conclusion:

This simple technique can be performed safely in morbidly obese patients, with low resultant morbidity and acceptable operation times.     

Increased Metabolic Benefit for Obese,Elderly Patients Undergoing Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass vs Sleeve Gastrectomy

Purpose

We sought to assess outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) vs laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in a cohort of morbidly obese, elderly patients.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective review was conducted of all patients age 60 years or greater undergoing LSG or LRYGB at our institution between 2007 and 2014.

Results

A total of 134 patients who underwent LSG (n = 65) or LRYGB (n = 69) were identified. Groups were similar with respect to age (64 years, range 60–75 years), BMI (44.0 ± 6.1), and ASA score (91% ≥ ASA 3). There were no differences in major post-operative complications (3, 4.7% LSG vs 4, 5.8% LRYGB, p = 0.75). Median follow-up was 39 months (IQR 14–64 months) with no patients lost to follow-up. Patients undergoing LRYGB had improvement in each of diabetes mellitus 2 (DM2), hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemia (HL), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as well as a significant decrease in insulin use (16/47, 34.0% pre-operatively vs 7/47, 15.2% post-operatively; p = 0.03). Patients undergoing LSG had improvement in DM2 and HTN but not in HL or GERD; there was no reduction in insulin dependence. Weight loss was not significantly different between groups; mean percent total weight loss at 36 months was 26.9 ± 9.0% in the LSG group and 23.9 ± 9.3% in the LRYGB group, p = 0.24.

Conclusions

Both LSG and RYGB can be safely performed on morbidly obese, elderly adults. At intermediate follow-up, there is an increased metabolic benefit for elderly patients undergoing LRYGB over LSG.

     

Changes in the lipid profile 5 years after bariatric surgery: laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Background

Few studies have compared mid-term results of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) versus laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and none have focused on lipid profile.

Impact of Different Criteria on Type 2 Diabetes Remission Rate After Bariatric Surgery

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) achieve similar type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission rates. Since a great variability exists in defining T2DM remission, an expert panel proposed partial and complete remission criteria that include the maintenance of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) objectives for at least 1 year. The 2-year T2DM remission rate and time needed to reach it after LSG or LRYGB were compared using different remission criteria.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of 55 T2DM subjects operated on with LSG (n?=?21) or LRYGB (n?=?34). Four models for defining remission were used: Buchwald criteria (FPG <100 mg/dl or A1c <6 %), American Diabetes Association (ADA) complete (FPG <100 mg/dl plus A1c <6 % maintained for at least 1 year), ADA partial (FPG <125 mg/dl with A1c <6.5 % maintained for at least 1 year), and ADA complete without time requirement.

Results

Both groups were comparable, except for higher A1c levels in the LSG group. The remission rate ranged from 43.6 % using ADA complete remission to 92.7 % with Buchwald criteria, with no differences between surgical procedures. Differences were found in the time to achieve remission only when ADA complete remission criteria (5.1?±?2.9 months LRYGB and 9.0?±?3.8 months LSG, p?=?0.014) and ADA without time requirement criteria (4.9?±?2.7 months LRYGB and 8.4?±?3.9 months LSG, p?=?0.005) were used.

Conclusions

T2DM remission rate varies widely depending on the criteria used for its definition. Remission occurred sooner after LRYGB when the strictest criteria to define remission were used.     

Reduction in obesity-related comorbidities: is gastric bypass better than sleeve gastrectomy?

Background

Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective treatment for morbid obesity. It provides not only substantial weight loss, but also resolution of obesity-related comorbidities. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has rapidly been gaining in popularity. However, there are limited data on the reduction of obesity-related comorbidities for LSG compared to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of laparoscopic LSG versus LRYGB for the treatment of obesity-related comorbidities.

Methods

A total of 558 patients who underwent either LSG or LRYGB for morbid obesity at the Westchester Medical Center between April 2008 and September 2010 were included. Data were collected prospectively into a computerized database and reviewed for this study. Fisher’s exact test analyses compared 30-day, 6-month, and 1-year outcomes of obesity-related comorbidities.

Results

A total of 558 patients were included in the analysis of obesity-related comorbidity resolution; 200 underwent LSG and 358 underwent LRYGB. After 1 year, 86.2 % of the LSG patients had one or more comorbidities in remission compared to 83.1 % LRYGB patients (P = 0.688). With the exception of GERD (?0.09 vs. 50 %; P < 0.001), similar comorbidity remission rates were observed between LSG and LRYGB for sleep apnea (91.2 vs. 82.8 %; P = 0.338), hyperlipidemia (63 vs. 55.8 %; P = 0.633), hypertension (38.8 vs. 52.9 %; P = 0.062), diabetes (58.6 vs. 65.5 %; P = 0.638), and musculoskeletal disease (66.7 vs. 79.4 %; P = 0.472).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy markedly improves most obesity-related comorbidities. Compared to LRYGB, LSG may have equal in reducing sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disease. LRYGB appears to be more effective at GERD resolution than LSG.     

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: perioperative outcomes,weight loss and impact on type 2 diabetes mellitus over 2 years

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an increasingly performed operation for morbid obesity worldwide. To date there has been limited experience in Canada. We report our intermediate results, assessing whether LSG can be safely performed at a Canadian academic teaching hospital and whether it is effective as a bariatric procedure and as metabolic therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent LSG at our institution from Sept. 1, 2007, to June 30, 2011.

Results

We included 166 patients (mean age 44 yr, 82% female) in our study. The mean preoperative body mass index was 49.61. At baseline, 87 (52%) patients had type 2 diabetes. For this subgroup, mean preoperative HbA1c and AC glucose were 7.6% and 8.3 mmol/L, respectively. The mean duration of surgery was 93 minutes. Major complications included 1 staple line leak (0.6%), and 2 patients required reintervention for bleeding (1.2%). The mean hospital stay was 2.6 days. Two patients required readmission (1.2%). Seven minor complications occurred (4%). Postoperative excess weight loss was 49.3% at 6 months, 54.2% at 12 months and 64.4% at 24 months. In the type 2 diabetes subgroup, resolution occurred in 78% and improvement in 7% of patients at 12 months.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can be safely performed at Canadian teaching hospitals. It is effective both as a bariatric procedure and as a therapeutic intervention for type 2 diabetes mellitus.     

The bariatric surgery and weight losing: a meta-analysis in the long- and very long-term effects of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding,laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on weight loss in adults

Background

Several studies have been investigated to find the long-term effect of bariatric surgery on weight loss; nevertheless, a meta-analysis can detailedly demonstrate the effect of bariatric surgery on weight in morbidly obese patients. This study aimed to assess the long- and very long-term effects of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on weight loss in adults.

Methods

An electronic search using PubMed, Scopus, and Google scholar databases was performed for all English-language articles up to May 15, 2016 with no publication date restriction. Outcome was long-term (≥5–10 years) and very long-term (≥10 years) weight reduction that reported as the mean %EWL and changes in BMI from baseline.

Results

Eighty articles with 87 arms were included in this meta-analysis. The excess weight loss percentage (%EWL) was 47.94% and 47.43% after LAGB at ≥5 and ≥10 years, respectively. After LRYGB the %EWL was 62.58% at ≥5 years and 63.52% at ≥10 years. It was 53.25% at ≥5 years after LSG. Results of subgroup analyses have indicated that LRYGB leads to higher %EWL in America and Asia compared with Europe. Meta-regression analyses have shown that there is no significant association between %EWL and baseline age, BMI and length of follow-up after three procedures. However, there is a positive association between gender and %EWL after LRYGB (β?=?1.24). No publication bias was found.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that LRYGB is an effective procedure in morbidly obese patients that leads to sustainable weight loss over the long- and very long-term periods in compared with LAGB and LSG.

     

Midterm outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a stand-alone procedure in super-obese patients

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been gaining popularity as a safe and effective bariatric procedure for patients with morbid obesity. However, the long-term outcomes of LSG alone in patients with body mass index over 50 kg/m², or super obesity, have not been analyzed in comparison to those of other bariatric procedures.

Biphasic changes in angiopoietin-like 8 level after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and type 2 diabetes remission during a 1-year follow-up

Background

Angiopoietin-like 8 (ANGPTL8) a hepatic protein, is implicated by several studies with a role in promoting pancreatic β-cell proliferation and improving glucose tolerance. Although a matter of controversy, a growing number of reports support ANGPTL8’s potential, yet unclear, role in type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Effects of Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Chinese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Different Levels of Obesity: Outcomes After 3 Years’ Follow-Up

Background

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) has been proven to be effective on treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in severely obese patients, but whether LRYGB surgery should be performed in obese class I patients is controversial.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study of 3-year bariatric and metabolic outcomes in different obese class T2DM patients who underwent LRYGB was conducted to compare the effectiveness of LRYGB in obese class I patients with that in obese class II/III patients in a Chinese T2DM population.

Results

Totally, 58 patients with class I obesity and 45 patients with class II/III obesity were enrolled in this study. Major complications included two cases of incomplete intestinal obstructions and one anastomotic leak. The remission rates of T2DM were 70.6% in obese class I group and 77.8% in obese class II/III group at 1 year after surgery and 55.6 versus 64.3% at 3 years (all P > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that higher waist circumference, lower fasting plasma glucose, and higher FCP at 2 h of OGTT were independently associated with diabetes remission at 1 year after surgery. At 1 year and thereafter, the percentage of excess weight loss was significantly greater in obese class II/III patients. At 3 years, body mass index was not significantly different between the two groups, and the obese class I patients had high recurrence rates of hypertension and hyperuricemia.

Conclusions

LRYGB surgery is feasible, safe, and effective in Chinese obese class I patients with T2DM.

     

Safety of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in elderly patients – analysis of the MBSAQIP

Background

An increase in the prevalence of obesity and longer life expectancy has resulted in an increased number of candidates over the age of 60 who are pursuing a bariatric procedure.

Resolution of metabolic syndrome and related metabolic disorders after bariatric surgery: comparison of sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass

Background

The effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) on metabolic syndrome (MS) in morbidly obese patients have not been well studied.

Not All Leaks Are Created Equal: a Comparison Between Leaks After Sleeve Gastrectomy and Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass

Introduction

It is commonly stated in bariatric surgical forums that leaks following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are more difficult to manage than those following laparoscopic roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). However, no previous study has provided a thorough comparison of leak management following these two operations.

Methods

Our database was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with leak following LSG and LRYGB performed between January 2007 and December 2017.

Results

Postoperative leak was diagnosed in 16/2132 (0.75%) LSG and 9/595 (1.5%) LRYGB patients. More of the LRYGB leaks had undergone revisional surgeries (66.7 vs. 6.3%, p?<?0.001), and were diagnosed in the index admission (77.8 vs. 18.7%, p?=?0.002). The mean time between the bariatric operation and the diagnosis of leak was 6.0 days in LRYGB and 26.2 days in LSG patients (p?=?0.097). Approximately two thirds of each group were initially treated with laparoscopic exploration and drainage. Subsequent endoscopy was utilized more commonly in LSG patients (87.5 vs. 22.2%, p?<?0.001). Drainage alone (laparoscopic or percutaneous) eventually led to leak resolution in more LRYGB patients (66.7 vs. 18.8%, p?=?0.02), while endoscopic intervention led to resolution in more LSG patients (37.5 vs. 0%, p?=?0.04). The mean time between leak diagnosis and its resolution was 57.8 and 44.2 days, for LSG and LRYGB patients, respectively.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of leak tends to be earlier in LRYGB patients. Endoscopic therapies are more frequently required in the management of leaks following LSG, while in those following LRYGB, drainage alone leads to resolution of leak in the majority of cases.

     

Role of ursodeoxycholic acid in the prevention of gallstone formation after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Purpose

Postoperative cholelithiasis (CL) is a latent complication of bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in the prevention of CL after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of the prospectively collected data of patients with morbid obesity who underwent LSG. Patients were subdivided into two groups: Group I, which did not receive prophylactic treatment with UCDA after LSG; and Group II, which received UCDA therapy for 6 months after LSG. Patients’ characteristics, operation duration, weight loss data, and incidence of CL at 6 and 12 months postoperatively were collected.

Results

A total of 406 patients (124 males, 282 females) with a mean age of 32.1 ± 9.4 years were included. The mean baseline body mass index (BMI) was 50.1 ± 8.3 kg/m². Group I comprised 159 patients, and Group II comprised 247 patients. The two groups showed comparable demographics, % excess weight loss (EWL), and decrease in BMI at 6 and 12 months after LSG. Eight patients (5%) developed CL in Group I, whereas no patients in Group II did (P = 0.0005). Preoperative dyslipidemia and rapid loss of excess weight within the first 3 months after LSG were the risk factors that significantly predicted CL postoperatively.

Conclusion

The use of UCDA effectively reduced the incidence of CL after LSG in patients with morbid obesity. Dyslipidemia and rapid EWL in the first 3 months after LSG significantly predisposed patients to postoperative CL.

     

Is laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy safer than laparoscopic gastric bypass? a comparison of 30-day complications using the MBSAQIP data registry

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become popular due to its technical ease and excellent short-term results. Understanding the risk profile of LSG compared with the gold standard laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is critical for patient selection.