Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a revisional procedure for failed gastric banding: lessons from 300 consecutive cases

BackgroundLaparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a common bariatric procedure associated with a high rate of weight loss failure and/or complications in the long term. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the conversion of failed LAGB into laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is not associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications and leads to weight loss results that are comparable to those obtained with a primary LSG.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the results of a prospective series of 1360 LSG regarding patient demographics, the indication for revision morbidity, the percentage of excess weight loss, and the rate of postoperative complications.ResultsThe primary LSG group contained 1060 patients and the LAGB to LSG group contained 300 patients. The rate of postoperative complications was 4.5% in the primary LSG group and 2% in the LAGB to LSG group. Two patients died in the LSG group (1 pulmonary embolus, 1 myocardial infarction). There was no significant difference with respect to the rate of leak, which was 1% in the LAGB to LSG group and 1.6% in the primary LSG group. There was a greater weight loss after primary LSG, mean % excess weight loss of 75.9%±21.4 at a mean interval of 29±19.8 months, versus 62.6%±22.2 at a mean interval of 35±24 months after LAGB to LSG (P = .008). There were 72.1% and 59.2% of patients available for follow-up after primary LSG at 24 and 60 months respectively, versus 69.3% and 55.4% after LAGB to LSG.ConclusionThis study indicates that the risk of leak after LSG was not increased after conversion failed LAGB into LSG when performed as a 2-step procedure.     

Two-step conversion surgery after failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Comparison between laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic gastric sleeve

BackgroundDespite its worldwide popularity, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) requires revisional surgery for failures or complications, in 20–60% of cases. The purpose of this study was to compare in terms of efficacy and safety, the conversion of failed LAGB to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. (LSG).MethodsThe bariatric database of our institution was reviewed to identify patients who had undergone conversion of failed LAGB to LRYGB or to LSG, from November 2007 to June 2012.ResultsA total of 108 patients were included. Of these, 74 (68.5%) underwent conversion to LRYGB and 34 to LSG. All of the procedures were performed in 2-stage and laparoscopically. The mean follow-up for the LRYGB group was 29.1±17.9 months while for the LSG patients was 24.2±14.3 months. The mean body mass index (BMI) prior LRYGB and LSG was 45.6±7.8 and 47.5±5.6 (P = .09), respectively. Postoperative complications occurred in 16.2% of the LRYGB patients and in 2.9% of the LSG group (P = .04). Mean percentage of excess weight loss was 59.9%±16.2% and 70.2%±16.7% in LRYGB, and it was 52.2%±11.4% and 59.9%±14.4% in LSG at 12 months (P = .007) and 24 months (P = .01) after conversion.ConclusionIn this series, LRYGB and LSG are both effective and adequate revisional procedure after failure of LAGB. While LRYGB seems to ensure greater weight loss at 24 months follow-up, LSG is associated with a lower postoperative morbidity.     

腹腔镜下管状胃切除术和可调节胃绑带术对肥胖患者的影响

目的 比较腹腔镜下管状胃切除术（LSG）和腹腔镜下可调节胃绑带术（LAGB）两种手术方式对于肥胖患者的减肥效果以及对于伴随肥胖而产生的2型糖尿病（T2DM）患者的改善情况,探讨何种方式具有优势.方法 检索PubMed、Embase、万方、知网数据库从2000年1月1日-2012年8月17日公开发表的关于LSG和LAGB的文献,采用RevMan 5.0统计软件进行分析,比较通过这两种手术方式后6个月和12个月患者体重的减轻程度以及对T2DM的改善情况,通过选择计算相对危险度（95％ CI）作为效应尺度指标来评估这两种方式的有效性.结果 11篇关于腹腔镜下管状胃切除术和腹腔镜下可调节胃绑带术的比较的研究符合要求,共计1 004例患者.Meta分析显示,对于LAGB,6个月的平均的促进体重减轻（EWL）（年）百分比是33.9％,12个月的EWL（年）百分比是37.8％.对于LSG,6个月的平均EWL为50.6％,而12个月的EWL则达到了51.8％.68例T2DM患者中有42例（61.8％）在经过LAGB手术后病情得到改善或治愈,80例行LSG的T2DM患者中有66例（82.5％）得到改善或治愈.结论 相对于LAGB,LSG是一个更加有效的方式,在改善病态肥胖和T2DM上具有更加良好的效果.     

Comparison of cholecystectomy cases after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass,sleeve gastrectomy,and gastric banding

BackgroundRapid weight loss after bariatric surgery has been a factor of inducing gallstones postoperatively. Many studies have reported increased gallstone formation after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). However, not many studies have compared symptomatic gallstone frequencies between LRYGB, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). The aim of our study is to evaluate symptomatic cholelithiasis cases requiring cholecystectomy after each bariatric procedure.MethodsBetween January 2009 and August 2011, a total of 937 patients underwent bariatric surgery at our institution. Of these patients, 598 had primary LRYGB, 197 had LSG, and 142 had LAGB. We excluded patients with previous cholecystectomy or concomitant cholecystectomy at the time of bariatric procedure. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed for all patients.ResultsOf 367 LRYGB patients, 5.7% (n = 21) had symptomatic gallstones. Of 115 LSG patients, 6.1% (n = 7) required cholecystectomy, and of 104 LAGB patients, .0% (n = 0) developed symptomatic gallstones. The differences in the occurrences of symptomatic gallstones between LRYGB and LSG were not statistically significant (P>.88). However, statistical significance was present between LRYGB and LAGB (P<.02), as well as between LSG and LAGB (P<.02). Mean percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 24 months was 85.7%, 58.8%, and 38.3% in LRYGB, LSG, and LAGB patients, respectively. There was no complication related to the cholecystectomy procedure.ConclusionsFrequency of symptomatic gallstones after LRYGB and LSG was not significantly different and after LAGB was significantly lower. Slow and less amount of weight loss would have contributed to the low rate of symptomatic gallstone formation in the LAGB patients. (Surg Obes Relat Dis 2013;0:000–00.) © 2013 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. All rights reserved.     

Trends in bariatric surgery from 2008 to 2012

Background

Obesity is a global epidemic that has been increasing in prevalence. The only treatment method for durable weight loss is bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to observe trends in usage and outcomes of bariatric operations used in the United States from 2008 to 2012.

Methods

Analysis was performed on bariatric surgery admissions from 2008 to 2012 based off of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Data were selected from using International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision codes correlating to bariatric procedures for the purpose of obesity. Annual estimates and trends were reviewed for patient demographics, procedure type, patient outcomes, and length of stay (LOS).

Results

A total of 598,756 bariatric procedures were examined. Laparoscopic gastric bypass was the most commonly used surgical method in 2008 (58.2%). A decreasing trend in its use, and the use of laparoscopic gastric banding (LGB), was equipoised with increasing use of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Use of LSG accounted for 8.2% of procedures in 2011 and 39.6% in 2012. LGB and LSG had the lowest rates of complications, in-hospital morbidity and mortality, and the shortest LOS whereas open bypass and duodenal switch had the highest rates of complications, in-hospital morbidity and mortality, and longest LOSs. Overall rates of venous thromboembolism increased from .08% in 2008 to .215% in 2012. Respiratory complications decreased from 6.1% to 3.9%. There were no observed trends in rates of renal complications, visceral injury, bleeding, and infections. In-hospital morbidity decreased, whereas mortality rates were stable at .1%.

Conclusions

The utilization of bariatric procedures has reached a plateau in the United States. Changes in the composition of procedural types suggest that LSG has become a popular alternative to gastric bypass and LGB.     

Gastric band conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass shows greater weight loss than conversion to sleeve gastrectomy: 5-year outcomes

Background

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are often used as revisional surgeries for a failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB). There is debate over which procedure provides better long-term weight loss.

Early-phase insulin hypersecretion associated with weight loss outcome after LSG: a prospective cohort study in Asian patients with BMI ≥28 kg/m2

BackgroundObesity has become a global problem that poses a serious threat to human health. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an effective long-term treatment. However, the weight loss of some patients after LSG is still insufficient. It is necessary to investigate the factors associated with inadequate weight loss after LSG.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to explore whether preoperative insulin secretion could be associated with weight loss after LSG in patients with obesity.SettingThis is a single-center prospective cohort study conducted in a university hospital.MethodsPatients from a prospective database who underwent LSG were analyzed. All 178 participants underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to assess preoperative insulin and c-peptide secretion before LSG. The areas under the curve (AUCs) for glucose, insulin, and c-peptide were determined in the OGTT. The percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) and the percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) were used to estimate the effect of weight loss after LSG. Regression models were used to assess the correlation between preoperative insulin and c-peptide secretion with %EWL ≥75% and TWL ≥35% at 12 months after LSG.ResultsThe AUCs of insulin and c-peptide were significantly lower in the %EWL ≥75% and %TWL ≥35% groups at 0–30 minutes, 0–60 minutes, and 0–120 minutes during the OGTT. At 30, 60, and 120 minutes during the OGTT, c-peptide levels were significantly lower in the %EWL ≥75% group and %TWL ≥35% group. The preoperative c-peptide level at 30 minutes during the OGTT (C₃₀) was significantly negatively correlated with %EWL (β = ?.37, P < .001) and %TWL (β = ?.28, P = .011). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative C₃₀ was associated with %EWL ≥75% and %TWL ≥35% after LSG. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, patients with a low preoperative C₃₀ had an 8-fold higher %TWL ≥35% after LSG than those with a high C₃₀ (odds ratio: 8.41 [95% confidence interval: 1.46–48.58], P = .017). Similarly, patients with a low preoperative C₃₀ had a 7-fold higher EWL% ≥75% after LSG than patients with a high C₃₀ (odds ratio: 7.25 [95% confidence interval: 1.11–47.50], P = .039).ConclusionsThe rate of weight loss after LSG is low among patients with preoperative hyperinsulinemia. The preoperative c-peptide level at 30 minutes during the OGTT is associated with weight loss after LSG.     

Predictors of remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus after laparoscopic gastric banding and bypass

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with obesity and results in considerable morbidity and mortality. Our objectives were to evaluate the effect of laparoscopic bariatric surgery on the control of T2DM in morbidly obese patients in a U.K. population and to determine the predictors of T2DM remission after bariatric surgery. The study was performed at teaching university hospitals and affiliated private hospitals.

Methods

Of 487 patients who underwent laparoscopic bariatric procedures from 2002 to 2007, 74 patients (15.2%) had established T2DM. The results are presented as the mean values. Multivariate analysis was used to identify the factors predictive of remission of T2DM after bariatric surgery.

Results

The body mass index before laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB; n = 48) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB; n = 26) were comparable (52 versus 51 kg/m², P = .508). At a mean follow-up of 16.9 months, 41% had remission and 59% had experienced improvement in T2DM. Although the duration of follow-up was significantly longer for the patients who had undergone LAGB than for those who had undergone LGB (23 versus 13.4 months, P = .001), the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was significantly greater after LGB than after LAGB (59.4% versus 48.8%, P = .031), with an associated greater remission rate of T2DM (50% versus 24%, P = .034). Multivariate analysis revealed a greater %EWL and younger age to be independent predictors of postoperative remission of T2DM, and LGB, longer follow-up, and female gender were independent predictors of a greater %EWL.

Conclusion

The %EWL was the only predictor of remission of T2DM that was influenced by the choice of bariatric procedure. In our study, LGB offered greater weight loss and a chance of remission of T2DM compared with LAGB and within 2 years of surgery.     

Conversion of failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: Sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass?

BackgroundIn the literature, late complications and treatment failures in laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) have been reported. When the patient presents with failure of LAGB, surgeons have the option to convert it to a different procedure. The aim of our study is to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of converting LAGB to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB).MethodsBetween March 2008 and October 2012, a total of 54 patients underwent conversion of LAGB at our institution. Of these patients, 41 (75.9%) were converted to LRYGB, and 13 (24.1%) patients were converted to LSG. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed, noting the outcomes and complications of the procedure.ResultsMean body mass index at the time of conversion was 41.8±6.5 kg/m² in LRYGB and 39.0±6.6 kg/m² in LSG. Mean percentage of excess weight loss was 57.4%±17.0% and 62.4%±19.6% in LRYGB, and it was 47.7%±4.2% and 65.6%±34.5% in LSG at 12 months (P>.34) and 24 months (P>.79) after conversion. Of LRYGB patients, 7 (17.5%) were readmitted as a result of abdominal pain, dehydration, and nausea/vomiting, and 4 (10.0%) patients required reoperation. One LSG patient (8.3%) was readmitted for new-onset severe reflux and underwent hiatal hernia repair. She was converted to LRYGB 32 months after the LSG procedure. Readmission rate (P>.61) and reoperation rate (P>.63) did not show statistical difference between the 2 procedures.ConclusionConverting LAGB to LSG and LRYGB both seem feasible and resulted in substantial further weight loss.     

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy versus laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for the treatment severe obesity in high risk patients

Background:

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has emerged as an alternative restrictive bariatric procedure to the most popular laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). We analyze and compare the clinical and weight loss outcomes of LSG versus LAGB for the treatment of severe obesity in high-risk patients.

Methods:

Forty severely obese veterans (20/group) received either LSG or LAGB and were followed prospectively for 2 years. Outcome measures included operating room (OR) time, estimated blood loss (EBL), length of hospital stay (LOS), morbidity, mortality, reoperations, readmission rates, and weight loss over time.

Results:

The cohort primarily comprised high-risk and older male veterans. Patient''s baseline demographics were similar between groups. LSG was associated with prolonged OR time (116±31 vs. 94±28min), higher EBL (34±28 vs. 17±19mL), and LOS (2±.9 vs. 1±.4days) when compared with LAGB. Minor morbidity and readmissions were similar between groups, while no major morbidity, reoperations, or mortality occurred. Total weight and BMI decreased significantly after surgery in both groups (LSG: 302±52 to 237lbs and 45±5 to 36±5kg/m² vs. LAGB: 280±36 to 231±29lbs and 43±5 to 36±5kg/m², respectively). Total weight loss was superior in the LSG vs. LAGB group at 2 years (TWL=65±24 vs. 49±28 lbs (P=.03); %EWL=51±20 vs. 46±23%; %EBMI loss=48±22 vs. 45±23%, and %BWL = 21±8 vs. 17±9%, respectively).

Conclusion:

In severely obese and high-risk patients, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy provides superior total weight loss at 2 years.     

Risk factors of perioperative morbimortality after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a club coelio multicenter study

Objectives: Postoperative complications after Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) can dramatically compromise patient’s outcome. The aim of this study is to analyze the per- and postoperative short-term outcomes after LSG and to assess predictive risk factors of complications.

Methods: The study group consisted of 790 patients (610 women and 180 men) who underwent LSG In 2014. All interventions were performed by 18 experienced surgeons members of the Club Coelio. Data about preoperative work-up, surgical techniques, 30-days postoperative morbidity and mortality were collected. Endpoints were perioperative morbidity and mortality and assessment of potential risk factors for complications.

Results: Mean age and body mass index were respectively 39 years and 41.5kg/m². Ninety-one patients (11.5%) had previous bariatric surgery. Morbidity rate was 4.7% (37/790) including 16 leaks (2.0%) and 9 bleedings (1.1%) and no deaths. Risk factors for leak were: previous adjustable banding (p?=?.0051), with no difference between removal of the banding and LSG in 1 or 2 steps, and type of endostapler (p?=?.0129).

Conclusions: Leakage after Sleeve was rare but still observed even in experienced hands. The leak rate is particularly high when LSG is performed after adjustable gastric banding removal.     

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the pediatric population: a MBSAQIP analysis

BackgroundThe growing prevalence of childhood obesity has resulted in an increased number of children and adolescents who undergo bariatric surgery. The safety of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) remains controversial in the pediatric population.ObjectiveTo assess the safety of LSG compared with LRYGB in patients aged ≤21 years.SettingA retrospective analysis of the 2016 to 2017 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database.MethodsPatients aged ≤21 years who underwent LSG or LRYGB were identified in the 2016 to 2017 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database. A logistic regression model was used to create a 1:1 propensity-score matched cohort adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and obesity-related co-morbidities. Unmatched and propensity-score matched analyses were performed to compare baseline characteristics and outcome data between LSG and LRYGB procedure groups. Primary outcomes of interest included 30-day major complications, such as death, reoperation, and anastomotic leak.ResultsOf 3571 patients included in our study, 2911 (81.52%) underwent LSG and 660 (18.48%) underwent LRYGB. Patients who underwent LRYGB had an increased body mass index and a higher rate of obesity-related co-morbidities. The LRYGB group had a significantly increased rate of major complications within the first 30 days in both the unmatched cohort (4.55% versus 1.34%, P < .001) and the propensity-score matched cohort (4.57% versus .91%, P < .001).ConclusionsLSG and LRYGB are both relatively safe to perform in the pediatric population with acceptable complication rates and low mortality. However, LSG demonstrated a significantly decreased rate of major complications in the first 30 days compared with LRYGB.     

Gastroesophageal reflux–related physiologic changes after sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a prospective comparative study

BackgroundThe development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a major concern as it affects the quality of life of the patients and potentially exposes them to the complications of GERD. The reported incidence of GERD after LSG is up to 35%. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is considered the procedure of choice for patients with morbid obesity with GERD but objective evidence based on physiologic studies for the same are limited.ObjectiveThe objectives of the study were to determine the physiologic changes related to gastroesophageal reflux based on symptoms index, 24-hour pH study, impedance, and manometry after LSG and LRYGB.SettingsTertiary care teaching hospital, India.MethodsThis registered study (CTRI/2017/06/008834) is a prospective, nonrandomized, open-label clinical trial comparing the incidence of GERD after LSG and LRYGB. In this study, non-GERD patients were evaluated for GERD based on clinical questionnaires, 24-hour pH study, and impedance manometry preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively.ResultsThirty patients underwent LSG, and 16 patients underwent LRYGB. The mean DeMeester score increased from 10.9 ± 11.8 to 40.2 ± 38.6 (P = .006) after LSG. The incidence of GERD after LSG was 66.6%. The increase in DeMeester score from 9.5 ± 4.6 to 12.2 ± 17.2 after LRYGB was not significant (P = .7). There was a significant increase in the nonacid reflux both after LSG and LRYGB.ConclusionThe incidence of GERD after LSG is high, making it a contraindication for LSG. LRYGB remains the preferred procedure for patients with GERD. However, more studies are needed to understand the physiologic changes in patients with preexisting GERD.     

Comparison Between Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding for Morbid Obesity: a Meta-analysis

Bariatric surgery is now widely accepted for treatment of morbid obesity. This study compared the effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) on excess weight loss (EWL) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). PubMed and Embase were searched for publications concerning LAGB and LSG from 2000 to 2012, with the last search on August 17, 2012. EWL and T2DM improvement over 6 and 12 months were pooled and compared by meta-analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences were calculated with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Eleven studies involving 1,004 patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared with LAGB, LSG achieved greater EWL. The mean percentage EWL for LAGB was 33.9 % after 6 months in six studies and 37.8 % after 12 months in four studies; for LSG, EWL was 50.6 % after 6 months and 51.8 % after 12 months in the same studies. LSG was also superior to LAGB in treating T2DM. In five studies, T2DM was improved in 42 of 68 (61.8 %) patients after LAGB and 66 of 80 (82.5 %) after LSG, representing a pooled OR of 0.34 (95 % CI 0.16–0.73) and pooled mean differences of ?12.55 (95 % CI ?15.66 to ?9.43) and ?4.97 (95 % CI ?7.58 to ?8.36), respectively. LSG is more effective than LAGB in morbid obesity, with higher percentage EWL and greater improvement in T2DM.     

Safety and effectiveness of 1-stage conversion of adjustable gastric band-to-sleeve gastrectomy: a single-institution case–control study

BackgroundPatients are increasingly referred for conversion of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG). The safety of a 1- versus 2-stage approach to this revision is debated.ObjectivesWe examined the safety and efficacy of 1-stage conversion of LAGB to SG at our institution.SettingUniversity hospital.MethodsAn institutional database was used to retrospectively identify patients who underwent single-stage LAGB-to-SG conversion between 2010 and 2018. Patients were matched 1:1 for age, sex, and body mass index with primary SG patients during this same period. Primary endpoints were operative time, complication rate, length of hospital say, and weight loss 12 months from surgery.ResultsTwo-hundred and twenty-nine patients undergoing conversion of LAGB to SG were identified. Median postoperative length of hospital stay was 2 days. Two patients (.8%) developed surgical site infection. One patient (.4%) developed a postoperative myocardial infarction. There were 4 total readmissions (1.7%) and 1 reoperation within 30 days (.4%). There were no statistically significant differences in 30-day complication rates between groups. Weight loss at 12 months was significantly different: Median body mass index loss for conversion patients was 5.1 kg/m² compared with 8.85 kg/m² for patients in the primary SG group (P < .0001).ConclusionSingle-stage conversion of LAGB to SG is safe and effective. Patients may not experience the same extent of weight loss as those with primary SG. Our findings represent the largest single-institutional experience to date and support a 1-stage approach whenever feasible.     

Differences in the effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on gut hormones: systematic and meta-analysis

BackgroundLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) procedures are becoming more popular in the world of bariatric surgery.ObjectivesThis study investigates how LSG and LRYGB affect gut hormones and examines their differences.SettingSystematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsThe literature was retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library database before April 2020.ResultsWe included 53 articles in our meta-analysis. After bariatric surgery, the patients’ ghrelin, fasting acyl-ghrelin, fasting peptide YY (PYY), and their AUC in the LSG group were significantly lower than those in LRYGB group. Fasting ghrelin levels were significantly reduced in patients who received LSG. After LRYGB, the postoperative fasting PYY was higher than at baseline, and the results were statistically significant. Additionally, we found an increase in fasting ghrelin levels after LRYGB. Lastly, insulin levels were both reduced after LSG and LRYGB with no significant difference.ConclusionsIn terms of gut hormones, ghrelin decreased significantly after LSG, while PYY increased after LRYGB. However, the impacts caused by the change in gut hormones after undergoing either LSG and LRYGB on patients are complicated, therefore, the results should be interpreted cautiously.     

Does ERAS impact outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in adolescents?

BackgroundEnhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been successfully implemented in several surgical fields; however, the application of ERAS in the pediatric population is still limited.ObjectivesThe aim was to determine if implementation of an ERAS protocol can improve outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in adolescents.SettingUniversity Hospital, United States.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 112 adolescent patients who underwent LSG from February 2011 to July 2019 was conducted. An ERAS protocol was instituted in June 2016. Conventional care patients (n = 51) were compared with ERAS patients (n = 61). Comparisons were made using Χ² tests or Fisher’s exact for categoric data and Wilcoxon-rank sum tests for continuous data. Multiple linear regression was used to adjust length of stay for patient characteristics.ResultsThe 2 cohorts were similar in age, sex, race, number of co-morbidities, and preoperative body mass index. The volume of intraoperative fluid, intraoperative and postoperative opioids were significantly reduced in the ERAS group (P < .0001). The number of ERAS elements received per patient increased from a median of 9 to 15 (P < .0001). ERAS group had more discharges on postoperative day 1 (48% versus 6 %, respectively). Length of stay was significantly lower in the ERAS group (2.34 versus 2.04 median d, respectively). Difference was still significant after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, payor status, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, preoperative body mass index, and the duration of surgery (P < .0001). There were no differences in postoperative complications and 30-day readmissions.ConclusionsAn LSG ERAS protocol is associated with significant reduction in perioperative opioid use and length of stay with no increase in complications or readmission rates.     

How frequently and when do patients undergo cholecystectomy after bariatric surgery?

BackgroundRapid weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with gallstone formation, and cholecystectomy is required in up to 15% of patients. Prophylactic cholecystectomy or prophylactic ursodiol administration in the postoperative period have been suggested to address this problem. The objectives of this study were to investigate the frequency and timing of cholecystectomies after bariatric surgery and to determine the associated risk factors in patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB), or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).MethodsData prospectively collected in an institutional database were analyzed. Differences among the 3 procedures and the effects of ursodiol administration, patient demographic characteristics, postoperative weight loss, and individual surgeon practices on cholecystectomy rates were examined. Survival analysis and proportional hazard models were used.ResultsOf 1398 patients, 109 (7.8%) underwent cholecystectomy with a median follow-up of 49 (range 12–103) months. Cholecystectomy frequency was 10.6% after LRYGB, significantly higher than 2.9% after LAGB (P<.001), and 3.5% after LSG (P = .004). The frequency was highest within the first 6 months (3.7%), but declined over time to<1% per year after 3 years. Ursodiol administration did not affect cholecystectomy rates (P = .97), and significant intersurgeon variability was noted. Excess weight loss (EWL)>25% within the first 3 months was the strongest predictor of postoperative cholecystectomy (P<.001). Cox hazards model revealed 1.25 odds ratio per 10% EWL within 3 months, and odds ratio .77 per decade of life. In addition, white patients had 1.45 times higher cholecystectomy rates than did black patients. Preoperative body mass index, gender, and surgeon did not affect cholecystectomy rates.ConclusionBariatric surgery is associated with a low frequency of postoperative cholecystectomy, which is highest early after surgery and mainly determined by the amount of EWL within the first 3 months. The results of the present study do not support routine prophylactic cholecystectomy at the time of bariatric surgery in asymptomatic patients.     

Plasma Ghrelin Modulation in Gastric Band Operation and Sleeve Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND: Gastric band operation and sleeve gastrectomy are increasingly popular bariatric surgeries for weight loss. The purpose of this study is to investigate the changes in plasma ghrelin levels and hypothalamic ghrelin receptor expression with weight loss achieved through these surgeries. METHODS: Twenty-four high fat diet-induced obese rats were used to investigate the effects of gastric band and sleeve operation on Body Mass Index, fat mass, plasma ghrelin levels, and hypothalamic growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R 1a) protein expression in hypothalamus. In comparison, data of patients who received laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in our hospital in 2005 were also summarized. RESULTS: Body weights and fat mass decreased significantly in rats that received operation. Plasma ghrelin concentrations in the sleeve group were 0.4-fold of control rats and about 2-fold of control in the gastric band group. GHS-R1a protein expression in hypothalamus was 1.5-fold in the sleeve group compared with control group, while it was only 0.9-fold in the gastric band group. Clinical data showed that patients in the LSG group lost 60% excess body weights in 2 years follow-up. After operation, fasting plasma ghrelin concentrations in LAGB was significantly higher than the LSG group. CONCLUSION: Both LAGB and LSG can decrease patients' excess body weights and fat mass. Plasma ghrelin levels are down-regulated with LSG operation but up-regulated with LAGB operation. Hypothalamic GHS-R1a expression is elevated in sleeve gastrectomy.     

Has Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery been Accepted in Japan? The Experience of a Single Surgeon

Background  Obesity is steadily increasing in Asia due to factors such as a lack of exercise, adoption of a more Western diet, changing lifestyles, environments, or stresses. Even in Japan, this tendency is notable, and metabolic syndrome has become widely recognized. However, bariatric surgery is still uncommon in Japan. There are no adequate data regarding the experience and outcome of bariatric surgery in Asia. Here, we report on the current status of morbid obesity and the outcomes of bariatric surgery by a single surgeon in Japan. Methods  Between February 2002 and January 2008, we have performed laparoscopic bariatric surgery for morbid obesity in 178 cases. They consisted of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) in 105 cases, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in 26 cases, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal jejunal bypass (LSG/DJB) in 14 cases, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in 13 cases, and laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch in one case under the same protocol of follow up. The first author of this paper performed all procedures. Results  One hundred and thirty-eight patients with a follow-up of over 3 months after surgery were enrolled. LRYGBP accounted for 72% of all bariatric procedures. The reduction of weight and body mass index (BMI) in LRYGBP and LSG showed similar results. These outcomes were superior to those of LAGB. Percentage of excess BMI loss (%EBMIL) of LRYGBP showed greater reductions at follow-ups 6, 9, 12, and 18 months after surgery compared to that of LRYGBP and LAGB. All procedures resulted in over 50% of %EBMIL after 18 months of follow-up. There was no postoperative mortality within 30 days after surgery. Preoperative comorbidity including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were resolved or improved after surgery in most patients. Conclusion  In bariatric surgery, LRYGBP is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, while LAGB has a low risk of postoperative complications. LSG is also a safe procedure for supermorbidly obese patients. We expect that bariatric surgery will be a common procedure for patients with morbid obesity in Japan.