Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy: the Same Impact on IL-6 and TNF-α. Prospective Clinical Trial

Background

Due to the association between the quantity of adipose tissue and concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), this work aimed to assess the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) procedures on serum IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations.

Methods

This study evaluated serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels, as well as routine anthropometric and biochemical values, before and 1 year post-bariatric surgery. Fifty percent of patients (n?=?24) underwent RYGB, and 50 % (n?=?24) underwent SG. Prior to bariatric surgery, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expression levels in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were investigated in obese women.

Results

There was a significant reduction (p?<?0.05) in all anthropometric and routine biochemical measurements in patients in the RYGB and SG groups 1 year post-surgery. The serum concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α were reduced following surgery in both groups (p?<?0.05). No differences in the relative expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were found between SAT and VAT prior to bariatric surgery.

Conclusions

RYGB and SG procedures demonstrated a similar impact on adipokine levels in women 1 year post-surgery. Both techniques may improve the course of chronic diseases and the state of inflammation associated with obesity.     

Revisional surgery after failed adjustable gastric banding: institutional experience with 90 consecutive cases

Background

Revisional surgery may be required in a high percentage of patients (up to 30 %) after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). We report our institutional experience with revisional surgery.

Methods

From January 1996 to November 2011, 90 patients underwent revisional surgery after failed LAGB. Both Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) were proposed. In the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophageal dysmotility, hiatal hernia, or diabetes, RYGB was preferentially proposed.

Results

In two cases, revisional surgery was aborted due to local severe adhesions. Eighty-eight patients (74 females; mean age 42.79 ± 10.03 years; mean BMI 44.73 ± 6.19 kg/m²) successfully underwent revisional SG (n = 48) or RYGB (n = 40). One-stage surgery was performed in 29 cases. Follow-up rate was 78.2 % (n = 61) and 40.9 % (n = 36) at 12 and 24 months respectively. One major complication after SG (staple-line leakage) was observed. Overall postoperative excess weight loss (%EWL) was 31.24, 40.92, 52.41, and 51.68 % at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up respectively. There was a statistically significant higher %EWL at 1 year in patients <50 years old (55.9 vs. 41.5 % in patients >50 years old; p = 0.01), of female gender (55.22 vs. 40.73 % in male; p = 0.04), and in patients in which the AGB was in place for <5 years (57.09 vs. 47.43 % if >5 years p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Revisional surgery is safe and effective. Patients <50 years, of female gender, and with the AGB in place for <5 years had better %EWL after revisional surgery.     

Combination of Osteopontin with Peritumoral Infiltrating Macrophages is Associated with Poor Prognosis of Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Curative Resection

Background

Crosstalk between a tumor and the microenvironment plays a key role in tumor progression and metastasis. This study was performed to elucidate the prognostic significance of combining tumor-secreted osteopontin (OPN) with microenvironment-associated peritumoral macrophages (PTMs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially for those with early-stage disease.

Methods

Tissue microarray-based immunohistochemistry was used to investigate OPN and PTMs expression in two independent cohorts consisting of 374 patients with HCC who underwent radical resection. The prognostic value for the two factors alone or in combination was investigated in these patients.

Results

OPN combined with PTMs was an independent prognostic factor for both overall survival (OS; p < 0.0001) and time to recurrence (TTR; p = 0.003) from the learning cohort (n = 96). Their combined value for prognosis was validated in early-stage HCCs using another independent cohort (n = 278; OS, p < 0.001; TTR, p = 0.001). This combination remained significant in HCCs with low α-fetoprotein levels in both cohorts, and was predictive for early recurrence/death risk (<2 years) compared with a single marker. Only OPN+HCCs had a significant correlation of PTMs levels with OS (p = 0.01) or TTR (p = 0.011).

Conclusions

Tumor OPN combined with PTMs is a promising predictor of tumor recurrence and survival in patients with HCC, especially for those with early-stage disease. The interplay of OPN and PTMs represents a new insight into tumor progression and therapeutic targets for HCC.     

Improvement in Cardiovascular Indices After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity

Background

Morbidly obese patients display cardiac abnormalities which are partially reversed after weight loss. The aim of the present study was to assess the potential difference in cardiovascular disease indices between patients who underwent either gastric bypass surgery or sleeve gastrectomy.

Methods

Thirty-seven morbidly obese patients who underwent either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (n?=?14) or SG (n?=?23) were examined before, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Indices of cardiac autonomic nervous system activity were evaluated, namely baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and heart rate variability (HRV). A complete echocardiographic study was performed in a subgroup of 17 patients (RYGB 8, SG 9) preoperatively and 6 months after surgery, evaluating epicardial fat thickness, aortic distensibility, left ventricular (LV) Tei index, left atrium diameter, ejection fraction, and LV mass.

Results

All subjects experienced significant (p?<?0.001) and similar weight loss independently of the type of operation. BRS and HRV indices improved significantly and to the same degree after surgery in both groups. In the echocardiographic study, all parameters improved significantly at 6 months in comparison with the baseline values. In addition, the RYGB group displayed significantly greater reduction in epicardial fat thickness (p?=?0.007) and also tended to have a better LV performance as expressed by the lower values of the Tei index (p?=?0.06) compared to the SG group 6 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Both RYGB and SG exert comparable effects on weight loss and improvement of cardiovascular parameters. RYGB displays a more beneficial influence on epicardial fat thickness and left ventricular performance than SG.     

Effect of Sleeve Gastrectomy Plus Side-to-Side Jejunoileal Anastomosis for Type 2 Diabetes Control in an Obese Rat Model

Background

Sleeve gastrectomy plus side-to-side jejunoileal anastomosis (JI-SG), a relatively new approach to bariatric surgeries, has shown promising results for treating obesity and metabolic comorbidities. This study investigated the feasibility and safety of JI-SG in weight loss and diabetes remission compared with sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Methods

Forty 10-week-old male Zucker diabetic fatty rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control, SG, JI-SG, and RYGB. Their body weights, food intake, and levels of gut hormones (ghrelin, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)) and lipids were measured.

Results

Rats in the SG, JI-SG, and RYGB groups demonstrated lower food intake and more weight loss 2 weeks postoperatively compared with control rats. Furthermore, rats in the JI-SG group achieved more weight loss (mean 242.7?±?11.2 g) compared with those in the SG and RYGB groups (SG, 401.4?±?15.1 g and RYGB, 298?±?12 g, both P?<?0.01). All surgery groups demonstrated a decreased fasting insulin, serum glucose, lipid levels, and increased GLP-1 postoperatively. The JI-SG group had lower fasting ghrelin levels than the RYGB group (168?±?19.8 ng/L vs. 182?±?16.7 ng/L, P?<?0.01) and higher fasting GLP-1 levels than the SG group (1.99?±?0.11 pmol/L vs. 1.71?±?0.12 pmol/L, P?<?0.01) at 12 weeks postoperatively. Over the experimental period, the ghrelin levels slowly increased in all surgical groups but remained lower than the preoperative and control levels.

Conclusions

JI-SG induced higher ghrelin and GLP-1 levels and improved glycemic control in Zucker diabetic fatty rats. Compared with SG and RYGB, JI-SG appeared to be a simple, relatively safe, and more effective procedure for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity in this animal model.

     

Band removal and conversion to sleeve or bypass: are they equally safe?

Introduction

Patients who require laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) removal are often converted to sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The relative safety of these salvage bariatric procedures is unclear. We hypothesized that LAGB removal with conversion to SG (BSG) or RYGB (BRYGB) would be associated with higher morbidity and mortality compared to primary SG or RYGB.

Methods

National Surgical Quality Improvement Project data (2005–2011) were analyzed. Patients undergoing SG, RYGB, BRYGB, and BSG were identified. The incidence of major complications, as well as mortality was compared between groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify patient factors and operation types associated with major complications or mortality. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) with p value <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 51,609 patients were analyzed, consisting of primary RYGB (n = 46,153), BRYGB (495), primary SG (n = 4,831), and BSG (n = 130) patients. All groups had similar mean age (45 ± 11-years old). Salvage patients were more commonly female (89 vs. 79 %) and with lower body-mass index than primary bariatric patients (BMI 42 ± 8 vs. 46 ± 8 kg/m2). Major complication rates were 5.23 % (RYGB), 4.65 % (BRYGB), 3.95 % (SG) and 6.92 % (BSG), with 30-day mortality of 0.16 % (RYGB), 0.20 % (BRYGB), 0.08 % (SG) and 0.77 % (BSG). Multivariate analysis showed that compared to SG, RYGB, and BSG were independent predictors of major complications. Multivariate analysis of mortality showed BSG was an independent predictor of mortality compared to SG (OR 8.02, 95 % CI 1.08–59.34, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Band removal with conversion to RYGB is not associated with higher morbidity or mortality compared to primary RYGB. However, band removal with conversion to sleeve gastrectomy appears to be independently associated with a higher rate of major complications and mortality, and thus may not be the salvage procedure of choice.     

Effects of sleeve gastrectomy in high fat diet-induced obese mice: respective role of reduced caloric intake,white adipose tissue inflammation and changes in adipose tissue and ectopic fat depots

Background

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become a popular bariatric procedure. The mechanisms responsible for weight loss and improvement of metabolic disturbances have still not been completely elucidated. We investigated the effect of SG on body weight, adipose tissue depots, glucose tolerance, and liver steatosis independent of reduced caloric intake in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice.

Methods

C57BI/6 J mice fed a high fat diet (45 %) for 33 weeks were divided into three groups: sleeve gastrectomy (SG, 13 mice), sham-operated ad libitum fed (SALF, 13 mice) and sham-operated pair fed (PFS, 13 mice). The animals were humanely killed 23 days after surgery.

Results

In SG mice, food intake was reduced transiently, but weight loss was significant and persistent compared to controls (SG vs. PFS, P < 0.05; PFS vs. SALF, P < 0.05). SG mice showed improved glucose tolerance and lower levels of liver steatosis compared with controls (area under the curve, SG vs. PFS, P < 0.01; PFS vs. SALF, P < 0.05) (liver steatosis, SG vs. PFS, P < 0.05; PFS vs. SALF, P < 0.01). This was associated with a decrease in the ratios of the weight of pancreas, epididymal and inguinal adipose tissues to body weight, and an increase in the ratio of brown adipose tissue weight to body weight. Epididymal adipose tissue was also infiltrated by fewer activated T cells and by more anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells. Serum levels of fasting acyl ghrelin were still significantly decreased 3 weeks after surgery in SG mice compared to PFS mice (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Reduced white adipose tissue inflammation, modification of adipose tissue development (brown vs. white adipose tissue), and ectopic fat are potential mechanisms that may account for the reduced caloric intake independent effects of SG.     

Case-matched analysis comparing outcomes of revisional versus primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Background

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is one of the most common approaches used to revise post-bariatric patients with inadequate weight loss or significant weight regain. Previous studies have analyzed the outcomes of open revisional RYGB versus primary RYGB, but no case–control matched analysis comparing revisional LRYGB versus primary LRYGB has been performed.

Methods

Our cohort includes 37 consecutive patients who underwent revisional LRYGB because of unsatisfactory weight loss or weight regain matched in a 1:2 ratio with 74 control patients who underwent primary LRYGB. Matching included the following parameters: age, gender, preoperative body mass index and comorbidities (diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and hypertension).

Results

The revisional group had longer length of stay compared with the primary group (3.8 vs. 2.4 days, P = 0.02) and a higher conversion to laparotomy rate (10.8 vs. 0 %, P = 0.01). The revisional group had a higher 30-day morbidity compared with the primary group (27 vs. 8.1 %, P = 0.02). There were no deaths in both groups. The two groups had similar 30-day readmission and 30 day reoperation rates. At 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up, the revisional LRYGB group had significantly lower percent of excess weight loss (EWL) than the primary LRYGB group (3 months, 30 vs. 38.4, P = 0.001; 6 months, 36.3 vs. 52.9, P = 0.001; 12 months, 46.5 vs. 68.2, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Revisional LRYGB is characterized by lower EWL and higher morbidity than primary LRYGB. However, our data suggest that revisional LRYGB is still capable of providing significant weight loss in these high-risk patients.     

Core decompression and implantation of bone marrow mononuclear cells with porous hydroxylapatite composite filler for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Background

Implanted bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) may promote both osteogenesis and angiogenesis in the femoral head. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of core decompression and implantation of BMMCs with porous hydroxyapatite bone filler for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).

Methods

Patients with ONFH underwent core decompression and implantation of nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide bone filler with or without BMMCs. Primary outcomes were changes in Harris hip and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores. Secondary outcomes included radiological and clinical success rates, adverse events, and complications.

Results

Demographic/baseline characteristics were similar between groups (BMMC, n = 17 with 26 ONFH hips; control, n = 17 with 27 ONFH hips). Harris hip scores were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in both groups of patients after surgery (last follow-up). The magnitude of increase was significantly greater in the BMMC as compared with the control group (28.6 ± 0.5 vs. 18.4 ± 1.7 %, P < 0.001). VAS scores were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in both groups after surgery (last follow-up). The magnitude of decrease was significantly greater in the BMMC as compared with the control group (?66.3 ± 1.4 vs. ?51.7 ± 2.9 %, P < 0.001). Radiological and clinical success rates were significantly higher in the BMMC as compared with the control group (82.5 vs. 40.7 % and 75.4 vs. 37.0 %, respectively, P < 0.001). Postoperative collapse of the femoral head was less common in the BMMC as compared with the control group (17.5 vs. 59.3 %, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Both core decompression with or without implantation of BMMC are effective treatment for ONFH. However, core decompression with implantation of BMMCs and porous hydroxyapatite bone filler may be a more effective treatment for ONFH.     

Sonographic Characteristics Suggesting Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma According to Nodule Size

Purpose

To determine differences in ultrasonography (US) features suggesting papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) between nodules larger than 10 mm (large lesions) and nodules ≤10 mm in diameter (small lesions).

Methods

We included 1,238 nodules in 1,173 patients that were confirmed through cytology or histopathology between February 2007 and June 2007 in the study. Nodules were divided into large lesions (571 lesions) and small lesions (667 lesions). Sonographic features were defined as composition, echogenicity, margin, calcifications, shape, and vascularity. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the odds ratios (OR) of each feature to predict PTC.

Results

On multivariate analysis, irregular margin (OR = 37.788, P < 0.001), microcalcifications (OR = 17.799, P < 0.001), microlobulated margin (OR = 10.385, P < 0.001), and no vascularity (OR = 5.975, P < 0.001) were independent factors for PTC in the large lesions and irregular margin (OR = 7.185, P < 0.001), microlobulated margin (OR = 5.952, P < 0.001), microcalcifications (OR = 3.722, P < 0.001), marked hypoechogenicity (OR = 2.873, P = 0.004), and taller than wide shape (OR = 2.698, P < 0.001) were independent factors for PTC in the small lesions.

Conclusions

The OR of each US finding for predicting PTC is different between large and small lesions. Therefore, it would be helpful to weight certain US features according to nodule size when reporting thyroid nodules with different risks of PTC.     

Evolution of Glycolipid Profile After Sleeve Gastrectomy vs. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Results of a Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

Background

This study aims to report glycolipid changes after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in the setting of a prospective randomized clinical trial.

Methods

One hundred patients were randomly assigned to RYGB (n?=?45) and SG (n?=?55). Fasting glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c%), triglycerides, and serum cholesterol (total, HDL, and LDL) were evaluated at inclusion and after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The index for homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β cell function (HOMA-B) were assessed.

Results

Mean postoperative 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month excess weight loss was 25.39, 43.47, 63.75, and 80.38 % after RYGB and 25.25, 51.32, 64.67, and 82.97 % after SG, respectively. Mean fasting glucose and fasting serum insulin were similarly and statistically significantly reduced in both RYGB and SG. Mean HOMA-IR improved in both groups, particularly in case of high preoperative values, and mean HOMA-B improved at 1 year after RYGB. HbA1c% dropped from 5.66 % (SD?=?0.61) to 5.57 % (SD?=?0.32) after RYGB and from 5.64 % (SD?=?0.43) to 5.44 % (SD?=?0.43) after SG. Total cholesterol was significantly higher at 1 month (p?=?0.04), 3 months (p?=?0.03), and 1 year (p?=?0.005) after SG as compared to RYGB. LDL cholesterol decreased significantly after RYGB at 1 month (p?=?0.03), 3 months (p?=?0.0001), and 1 year (p?=?0.0004) as compared to SG. HDL cholesterol was increased at 1 year in the RYGB group but not in the SG group. Triglycerides decreased similarly in both groups.

Conclusions

Short-term glycemic control was comparable after SG and RYGB. An improved lipid profile was noted after RYGB in patients with abnormal preoperative values.     

Correlation Between Fluid–Fluid Levels on Initial MRI and the Response to Chemotherapy in Stage IIB Osteosarcoma

Background

The presence of fluid–fluid levels (FFLs) on osteosarcoma magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is underestimated as a nonspecific finding; however, we hypothesized that FFL in conventional osteosarcoma may be indicative of chemoresistance.

Methods

In 567 stage IIB osteosarcoma patients, we evaluated the following: the incidence of FFL and their correlation with other clinicopathological variables; tumor volume change after chemotherapy and survival according to the presence of FFL; and the relationship between survival and the extent of FFL.

Results

One hundred eight (19 %) tumors showed FFL on initial MRI. FFL were correlated with proximal humeral location (P = 0.017), osteolytic on plain radiographs (P < 0.001), tumor enlargement after chemotherapy (P < 0.001), and poor histological response (P = 0.005). Large tumor (P < 0.01), proximal tumor location (P = 0.01), and presence of FFL (P < 0.01) were independent predictors of poor survival. Compared to the extensive FFL (more than one third of the tumor), small foci of FFL (less than one third of the tumor) showed a high tendency for tumor enlargement after chemotherapy (P < 0.001), poor histologic response (P = 0.001), and worse survival (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

FFL on initial MRI could predict tumor progression after chemotherapy. Notably, tumors with small foci of FFL (less than one third of the tumor) have a high propensity for poor outcome. Patients with this finding should be considered for risk-adapted therapy.     

Effects of cinacalcet on bone mineral density and bone markers in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism

Background

Cinacalcet markedly reduces the serum intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) level of hemodialysis (HD) patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroidectomy also reduces the serum intact PTH level of HD patients and it increases their bone mineral density (BMD). However, there is little information about the effect of cinacalcet on BMD or on the associations between bone markers and BMD in HD patients.

Methods

We performed a 1-year cohort study of 25 HD patients who had a serum intact PTH level above 300 pg/ml during treatment by conventional therapies, such as with active vitamin D, and cinacalcet was prescribed for 14 of them. BMD of the femoral neck and the serum levels of two circulating bone markers, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), were measured before and after treatment. The other 11 HD patients without cinacalcet treatment were defined as control group.

Results

BMD significantly increased by 7.3 % during the 1 year of treatment in the cinacalcet group and decreased by 6.2 % during the same period in the control group, and cinacalcet therapy was independently associated with the changes in BMD after multiple regression analysis that included intact PTH (β = 7.57, P < 0.01). In the cinacalcet group, the serum ALP levels (R ² = 0.315, P < 0.05) and BSAP levels (R ² = 0.682, P < 0.01) levels were significantly negatively correlated with the changes in BMD, but the serum intact PTH levels were not significantly associated with the changes in BMD (R ² = 0.011, P = 0.72).

Conclusions

One year of treatment with cinacalcet increased the BMD of the femoral neck in the HD cohort, especially in the patients who had higher serum ALP and BSAP levels at baseline.     

Gender influence on long-term weight loss after three bariatric procedures: gastric banding is less effective in males in a retrospective analysis

Background

Identifying factors that influence weight loss after bariatric surgery is one way to predict a successful surgical outcome. Knowledge of the effect of gender on weight loss after bariatric surgery has not been well demonstrated in the literature despite being noted in every day practice. The aim of this study was to find the influence of gender on long-term weight loss after bariatric surgery.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of data retrieved from a prospectively maintained bariatric database was conducted.

Results

The study included 640 consecutive patients. Their mean age was 38 ± 10 years, mean preoperative body mass index was 44.9 ± 8.4 kg/m², and mean preoperative excess weight (EW %) was 108.3 ± 38.4 %. The mean of the average excess weight loss (EWL %) was 43.3 ± 42.4 %. Three procedures were utilized: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), and gastric banding (GB). Both VBG and RYGB induced significantly more EWL % than GB (d = 22.1 %, p < 0.001 and d = 16, p = 0.02, respectively). In patients who underwent VBG and GB, males had significantly lower preoperative EW % (Student t = ?4.86, p < 0.001, and Student t = 4.69, p < 0.001, respectively), and postoperative mean of the average EWL % (Student t = ?2.43, p = 0.016, and Student t = ?3.33, p = 0.002, respectively) than females. In patients who underwent RYGB, there were no differences in the preoperative EW % (t = ?1.03, p = 0.309) or the mean of the average EWL % (t = 0.406, p = 0.688). The simple linear regression model used to explain the variability in EWL %, accounted for by the variability in the preoperative EW %, was significant (F = 180, p < 0.001). Analysis of the residual errors in predicting the EWL % revealed no significant difference between males and females after VBG and after RYGB (t = 0.117, p = 0.907 and t = 1.052, p = 0.3, respectively), while it was significant after GB (t = ?2.999, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

From our experience, we suggest that GB not to be offered as a first choice for obese male patients.     

Patient-prosthesis mismatch in patients with aortic valve replacement

Objective

Patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) may affect clinical outcomes in patients with aortic valve replacement (AVR). We retrospectively examined the PPM in patients with isolated AVR in the Japan Adult Cardiovascular Surgery Database (JACVSD).

Methods

We examined all patients with isolated AVR between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009. The JACVSD data collection form has a total of 255 variables. We defined PPM as an effective orifice area index of ≤0.85 m²/cm².

Results

PPM was observed in 306 of 3,609 cases analyzed, PPM rate was 8.5 %. Body surface area was larger and body mass index was higher in the PPM group than the non-PPM group (P < 0.001). Patients with PPM were older (P = 0.001) and had a higher prevalence of diabetes (P = 0.004), dyslipidemia (P < 0.001), hypertension (P < 0.001), cerebrovascular disease (P = 0.031), old myocardial infarction (P = 0.006), previous percutaneous coronary artery intervention (P = 0.001), coronary artery disease (P = 0.018), and aortic valve stenosis (P < 0.001). Perioperative blood transfusion (P < 0.001) and dialysis (P = 0.005) were more frequent in the PPM group. Postoperative ventilation (P = 0.004) and intensive care unit stay (P = 0.004) were significantly longer in the PPM group.

Conclusions

Age, aortic valve stenosis, dyslipidemia, hypertension, old myocardial infarction, previous percutaneous coronary artery intervention, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, and high body mass index were the risk factors for PPM. PPM was not an independent risk factor for short-term mortality.     

Open versus robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy: a multicenter comparison study of perioperative results and complications

Purpose

To compare surgical results, morbidity and positive surgical margins rate of patients undergoing robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) versus open partial nephrectomy (OPN).

Methods

This is an observational multicenter study promoted by the “Associazione GIovani Laparoscopisti Endoscopisti” (AGILE) no-Profit Foundation, which involved six Italian urologic centers. All clinical, surgical, and pathological variables of patients treated with OPN or RPN for renal tumors were gathered in a prospectively maintained database. Tumor nephrometry was measured with PADUA score, and complications were stratified with modified Clavien system. Differences between RPN and OPN group were assessed with univariate analysis. Perioperative variables independently associated with complications were assessed with multivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 198 and 105 patients were enrolled in OPN and RPN group, respectively. Both had similar demographics, indications to surgery, tumor nephrometry, renal function, WIT (18.7 vs. 18.2 min; p = NS), positive margin rate (5.6 vs. 5.7 %; p = NS), intraoperative complications, and postoperative medical complications. Compared to OPN, RPN group was significantly more morbid (p = 0.04), included tumors with smaller size (p = 0.002), had longer operative time (p < 0.001), lower blood loss, surgical postoperative complications (5.7 vs. 21.2 %, p < 0.001), Clavien 3–4 surgical complications (1 vs. 9.1 %, p = 0.001), and shorter hospitalization. The surgical approach resulted independently correlated with surgical complications on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

In the present series, RPN was associated with a significant reduction of blood loss, surgical complications, including the reintervention rate for urinary fistula and postoperative bleeding, and with a shorter hospitalization.     

Patient safety and the diffusion of surgical innovations: a national analysis of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

Background

There are scant data on patient safety and the national diffusion of surgical innovations. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) provides an apt model for population-based analyses of patient safety and the propagation of complex surgical innovations.

Methods

In the nationwide inpatient sample, we identified patients undergoing partial nephrectomy for renal tumors from 1998 to 2009 and utilized patient safety indicators (PSI) to measure preventable adverse outcomes.

Results

Of the cases, 68,713 (87 %) were OPN and 9,842 (13 %) were LPN. The prevalence of LPN increased more than threefold from 2006 to 2009. Compared to open partial nephrectomy (OPN), LPN patients were more likely to be younger (p = 0.022), have lower Charlson comorbidity scores (p = 0.002), and undergo surgery at urban (p < 0.001) and teaching (p = 0.02) hospitals. On multivariate analysis, LPN was associated with a 28 % decreased probability of any PSI (adjusted odds ratio [OR_adj] 0.72, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.55–0.96, p = 0.025), although this benefit did not attain significance when comparing robot-assisted LPN to OPN (OR_adj 0.72, 95 % CI 0.44–1.16, p = 0.173). Overall mortality decreased from 0.9 % in 1998 to 0.1 % in 2009 (p < 0.001). There were no differences in adjusted mortality between LPN and OPN (p = 0.75).

Conclusions

During its initial national diffusion, LPN resulted in enhanced perioperative patient safety compared to OPN. Mortality for both LPN and OPN decreased over time. Further study is needed to elucidate and promote factors contributing to the safe diffusion of complex surgical innovations.     

Is Head and Neck Melanoma Different from Trunk and Extremity Melanomas with Respect to Sentinel Lymph Node Status and Clinical Outcome?

Background

Previous studies showed conflicting and inconsistent results regarding the effect of anatomic location of the melanoma on sentinel lymph node (SLN) positivity and/or survival. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effect of the anatomic locations of primary melanoma on long-term clinical outcomes.

Methods

All consecutive cutaneous melanoma patients (n = 2,079) who underwent selective SLN dissection (SLND) from 1993 to 2009 in a single academic tertiary-care medical center were included. SLN positive rate, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were determined. Kaplan-Meier survival, univariate, and multivariate analyses were performed to determine predictive factors for SLN status, DFS, and OS.

Results

Head and neck melanoma (HNM) had the lowest SLN-positive rate at 10.8 % (16.8 % for extremity and 19.3 % for trunk; P = 0.002) but had the worst 5-year DFS (P < 0.0001) and 5-year OS (P < 0.0001) compared with other sites. Tumor thickness (P < 0.001), ulceration (P < 0.001), HNM location (P = 0.001), mitotic rate (P < 0.001), and decreasing age (P < 0.001) were independent predictive factors for SLN-positivity. HNM with T3 or T4 thickness had significantly lower SLN positive rate compared with other locations (P ≤ 0.05). Also, on multivariate analysis, HNM location versus other anatomic sites was independently predictive of decreased DFS and OS (P < 0.001). By Kaplan-Meier analysis, HNM was associated significantly with the worst DFS and OS.

Conclusions

Primary melanoma anatomic location is an independent predictor of SLN status and survival. Although HNM has a decreased SLN-positivity rate, it shows a significantly increased risk of recurrence and death as compared with other sites.     

Gastric bypass specifically impairs liver parameters as compared with sleeve gastrectomy,independently of evolution of metabolic disorders

Background

Numerous studies have shown that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) differently affect metabolic disorders associated with obesity. While bariatric surgery has been shown to improve nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, very few studies have compared liver parameters after both procedures.