Staple Line Reinforcement During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Absorbable Monofilament,Barbed Suture,Fibrin Glue,or Nothing? Results of a Prospective Randomized Study

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is associated with serious complications, such as staple line (SL) leaks and bleeding. In order to prevent the occurrence of these complications, surgeons have advocated the need to strengthen the staple line. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to compare the efficacy of three different ways of strengthening of the SL in LSG in preventing surgical post-operative complications.

Methods

Between April 2012 and December 2014, 600 patients (pts) scheduled for LSG were prospectively randomized into groups without SL reinforcement (group A) or with SL reinforcement including fibrin glue coverage (group B), or oversewn SL with imbricating absorbable (Monocryl?; group C) or barbed (V lock®) running suture (group D). Primary endpoints were post-operative leaks, bleeding, and stenosis, while secondary outcomes consisted of the time to perform the staple line reinforcement (SLR) and total operative time.

Results

Mean SLR operative time was lower for group B (3.4?±?1.3 min) compared with that for groups C (26.8?±?8.5 min) and D (21.1?±?8.4 min) (p?<?0.0001). Mean total operative time was 100.7?±?16.4 min (group A), 104.4?±?22.1 min (group B), 126.2?±?18.9 min (group C), and 124.6?±?22.8 (group D) (p?<?0.0001). Post-operative leaks, bleeding, and stenosis were recorded in 14 pts (2.3 %), 5 pts (0.8 %), and 7 pts (1.1 %), respectively, without statistical difference between the groups.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that SLR during LSG, with an imbricating or non-imbricating running suture or with fibrin glue, is an unrewarding surgical act with the sole effect of prolonging the operative time.

     

Reinforcing the Staple Line During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Prospective Randomized Clinical Study Comparing Three Different Techniques

Background

Gastric leak and hemorrhage are the most important challenges after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). In order to reduce these complications, the staple line can be reinforced by absorbable sutures or by the use of glycolide trimethylene carbonate copolymer onto the linear stapler (Gore Seamguard®; W.L. Gore &; Associates, Inc, Flagstaff, AZ). To our knowledge, there are no randomized studies showing the utility of staple line reinforcement during LSG. The purpose of this study was to randomly compare three techniques in LSG: no staple line reinforcement (group 1), buttressing of the staple line with Gore Seamguard® (group 2), and staple line suturing (group 3).

Methods

Between January 2008 and February 2009, 75 patients were prospectively and randomly enrolled in the three different techniques of handling the staple line during LSG. The patient groups were similar (NS).

Results

Mean operative time to perform the stomach sectioning was 15.9?±?5.9 min (group 1), 20.8?±?8.1 min (group 2), and 30.8?±?10.1 min (group 3) (p?p?=?0.02). Mean blood loss during stomach sectioning was 19.5?±?21.3 mL (group 1), 3.6?±?4.7 mL (group 2), and 16.7?±?23.5 mL (group 3) (p?p?=?0.03). Mean number of stapler cartridges used was 5.6?±?0.7 (group 1), 5.7?±?0.7 (group 2), and 5.8?±?0.6 (group 3) (NS). Postoperative leak affected one patient (group 1), two patients (group 2), and one patient (group 3) (NS). Mean hospital stay was 3.6?±?1.4 days (group 1), 3.9?±?1.5 days (group 2), and 2.8?±?0.8 days (group 3) (p?=?0.01).

Conclusions

In LSG, buttressing the staple line with Gore Seamguard® statistically reduces blood loss during stomach sectioning as well as overall blood loss. No staple line reinforcement statistically decreases the time to perform stomach sectioning and the total operative time. No significant difference is evidenced in terms of postoperative leak between the three techniques of LSG.

     

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass vs. Sleeve Gastrectomy in the Super Obese Patient: Early Outcomes of an Observational Study

Background

Super obesity [body mass index (BMI)?>?50 kg/m²] can yield to higher morbidity/mortality in bariatric surgery, this could be related to patient's characteristics and/or surgeon's experience. In morbid obesity, both techniques proved to have a positive impact and sometimes comparable outcomes during the first 2 years. This has not been clearly analyzed in the super obese patient.

Methods

Retrospective study comparing the records of 77 consecutive super obese patients (BMI: 50–59.9 kg/m²) submitted to either laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGBP, n?=?32) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG, n?=?45) between 2010 and 2012 at a single institution. The primary objective was to analyze baseline demographics, comorbidities, operative outcomes, and early complications (<30 days). Secondarily, weight loss [BMI and % excess weight loss (%EWL)] was also described and compared during the first year.

Results

Female sex comprised 72.7 % of all cases. Both groups had comparable BMI (52.7?±?2.1 kg/m² for LGBP vs. 53.87?±?2.8 kg/m² for LSG; p?=?0.087) and homogeneous baseline characteristics. Operative time was lower for the LSG group (113.1?±?35.3 vs. 186.9?±?39 min for LGBP; p?≤?0.001). Overall, early complications were observed in 16.8 % of patients (LGBP 9 % vs. LSG 22 %; p?=?0.217). There were four major complications (two in each group), with two reinterventions. Weight loss (%EWL) at 6, 9, and 12 months was significantly higher in the LGBP group (51.6?±?12.9 %, 56.5?±?13 %, 63.9?±?13.3 %, respectively) than in the LSG group (40?±?12.8 %, 45.1?±?15.5 %, 43.9?±?10.4 %, respectively).

Conclusions

Just like in morbid obesity, LGBP and LSG are effective and safe procedures in super obese patients. LGBP had better weight loss at 1 year.     

Is Resected Stomach Volume Related to Weight Loss After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was initially performed as the first stage of biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch for the treatment of super-obese or high-risk obese patients but is now most commonly performed as a standalone operation. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate outcomes after LSG according to resected stomach volume.

Methods

Between May 2011 and April 2013, LSG was performed in 102 consecutive patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Two patients were excluded, and data from the remaining 100 patients were analyzed in this study. Patients were divided into three groups according to the following resected stomach volume: 700–1,200 mL (group A, n?=?21), 1,200–1,700 mL (group B, n?=?62), and >1,700 mL (group C, n?=?17). Mean values were compared among the groups by analysis of variance.

Results

The mean percentage excess body weight loss (%EBWL) at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery was 37.68?±?10.97, 50.97?±?13.59, 62.35?±?11.31, and 67.59?±?9.02 %, respectively. There were no significant differences in mean %EBWL among the three groups. Resected stomach volume was greater in patients with higher preoperative body mass index and was positively associated with resected stomach weight.

Conclusions

Mean %EBWL after LSG was not significantly different among three groups of patients divided according to resected stomach volume. Resected stomach volume was significantly greater in patients with higher preoperative body mass index.     

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity: 5 Years Experience from an Asian Center of Excellence

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is emerging as a popular “stand-alone” bariatric procedure. We report our 5 years experience with LSG as a single-stage bariatric procedure with which to study the technical progress, learning curve, complications, and follow-up results.

Methods

Prospectively collected data of 228 patients (145 females and 83 males), who underwent LSG for morbid obesity, from February 2007 to March 2012, was retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The mean age was 34.68 years (range, 18–62 years) and the mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 37.42?±?4.75 kg/m² (range, 32.08–65.69 kg/m²). Mean operative time was 60.63?±?27.37 min. The mean BMI decreased to 26.15?±?3.71 kg/m² at 3 years (p?<?0.001) and to 27.94?±?4.08 kg/m² at 5 years (p?<?0.001). Mean percentage excess weight loss was 71.96?±?21.30 % at 3 years and 63.71?±?20.08 % at 5 years. The 30-day readmission rate was 3.07 %.Overall complication rate was 4.3 %, including strictures, leaks, peritonitis, gastrocutaneous fistula, and one (0.43 %) mortality. One patient with weight regain and another with stricture underwent conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Complication rates significantly decreased after the first 50 cases (p?=?0.022), suggesting an initial learning curve. Resolution of diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia was 66.67, 100, and 50 %, respectively, at 5 years.

Conclusions

LSG as a single-stage bariatric procedure is safe and durable, achieving weight loss and resolution of comorbidities up to 5 years. Adherence to technical details is pivotal in reducing complications associated with the initial learning phase.     

Influence of Eating Profile on the Outcome of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the eating profile of patients after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and its impact on weight loss.

Methods

One hundred ten patients who underwent LSG were interviewed using Suter questionnaire and revised Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns in follow-up visits. Eating patterns were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Patients were divided into six groups according to the timing point of assessment. Group 1 (n?=?10) included patients <3 months, group 2 (n?=?11) 3–6 months, group 3 (n?=?11) 6–12 months, group 4 (n?=?39) 1–2 years, group 5 (n?=?23) 2–3 years, and group 6 (n?=?16) >3 years. The excess weight loss (EWL) was correlated with the results.

Results

The total score of the Suter questionnaire was 15.0?±?5.87, 20.3?±?7.07, 26.2?±?1.54, 23.8?±?4.25, 24.65?±?2.8, and 23.43?±?4.14 for the groups 1–6, respectively (p?<?0.0001). No significant differences were denoted when long-term follow-up groups 3 to 6 were compared. No association was found between the preoperative eating pattern and EWL. Postoperatively, 91 patients modified their eating pattern. Postoperative eating pattern was significantly correlated with EWL (p?=?0.015). Patients with normal and snacking eating pattern achieve the best EWL (63.57?±?21.32 and 60.73?±?20.62, respectively). Binge eating disorder and emotional patterns had the worst EWL (42.84?±?29.42 and 34.55?±?19.34, respectively).

Conclusions

Better food tolerance is detected after the first postoperative year after LSG. The postoperative eating patterns seem to affect excessive weight loss.     

Efficacy of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Intensive Medical Management in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background

There are a dearth of studies comparing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and intensive medical treatment (IMT) in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. This study compares these modalities in terms of weight loss, metabolic parameters and quality of life (QOL) score.

Methods

We evaluated the efficacy of LSG (n?=?14) vs. IMT (n?=?17) comprising of low calorie diet, exenatide, metformin and if required insulin detemir in 31 obese T2DM patients with BMI of 37.9?±?5.3kg/m² and target HbA1c?<?7 %. The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 49.6?±?11.9 years and 74 % were women. The mean duration of diabetes was 8.5?±?6.1 years and mean HbA1c was 8.6?±?1.3 %. Primary end point was excess body weight loss (EBWL) at the final follow-up.

Results

The mean duration of follow-up was 12.5?±?5.0 (median 12) months. EBWL was 61.2?±?17.6 % and 27.4?±?23.6 % in LSG and IMT group respectively (p?<?0.001). Glycemic outcomes improved in both with mean HbA1c of 6.6?±?1.5 % in LSG and 7.1?±?1.2 % in IMT group. In LSG group, there was resolution of diabetes and hypertension in 36 and 29 % of patients respectively while none in the IMT group. HOMA-IR, hsCRP, ghrelin and leptin decreased while adiponectin increased significantly in LSG compared to IMT group. QOL score improved in LSG as compared to IMT.

Conclusions

In obese T2DM patients, LSG is superior to IMT in terms of weight loss, resolution of comorbidities and QOL score.     

Outcomes of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Patients Older than 60 Years

Background

Morbidity and mortality following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) occur at acceptable rates, but its safety and efficacy in the elderly are unknown.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of all patients aged >60 years who underwent LSG from 2008 to 2012. These patients were 1:2 matched, by gender and body mass index (BMI) to young patients, 18?<?age?<?50. Data analyzed included demographics, preoperative and postoperative BMI, postoperative complications, and improvement or resolution of obesity-related comorbidities.

Results

Fifty-two morbid obese patients older than 60 years underwent LSG (mean age, 62.9?±?0.3 years). These were matched to 104 young patients, age 18–50 years (mean age, 35.7?±?0.8 years). Groups did not differ in male gender (44 vs. 43 %, p?=?0.9), preoperative BMI (42.6?±?0.7 vs. 42.6?±?0.6, p?=?0.97), and length of follow-up (17?±?2 vs. 22?±?1.4 months, p?=?0.06). Obesity-related comorbidities were significantly higher in the older group (96 vs. 65 %, p?<?0.001). Excess weight loss (EWL) was higher in the younger group (75?±?2.4 vs. 62?±?3 %, p?=?0.001). Older patients had a significantly higher rate of a concurrent hiatal hernia repair (23 vs. 1.9 %, p?<?0.001). Overall postoperative minor complication rate was higher in the older group (25 vs. 4.8 %, p?<?0.001). This included atrial fibrillation (9.5 %), urinary tract infection (7 %), trocar site hernia (4 %), dysphagia, surgical site infection, bleeding, bowel obstruction, colitis, and nutritional deficiency (2 %, each). No perioperative mortality occurred. Comorbidity resolution or improvement was comparable between groups (88 vs. 80 %, p?=?0.13).

Conclusions

LSG is safe and very efficient in patients aged >60, despite higher rates of perioperative comorbidities.     

Impact of Extent of Antral Resection on Surgical Outcomes of Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity (A Prospective Randomized Study)

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a surgical technique that treats morbid obesity.

Methods

Consecutive patients with morbid obesity treated by LSG at our department were evaluated. Patients enrolled in the study were randomized into group I (LSG begins the division 2 cm from the pylorus) and group II (LSG begins the division 6 cm from the pylorus). The primary outcome measure was the percent of excess weight loss (% EWL); secondary outcomes included postoperative morbidity and mortality and improvement of comorbidity.

Results

One hundred five patients (79 (75.2 %) were females) were randomized into two groups of (GI) 52 patients and (GII) 53 patients. In group I, the mean % EWL was 51.8?±?13.9, 63.8?±?16.1 and 71.8?±?12; however, in group II, the mean % EWL was 38.3?±?10.9, 51.9?±?13.6 and 61?±?11.1 at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively (P?=?0.0001, 0.0001, 0.003). There was weight regain after 2 years in five patients in group II and only one patient in group I (P?=?0.09). There was no significant difference between both group as regards gastric leakage, vomiting or GER. There was significant improvement in comorbidity after LSG in both groups, but no significant difference between them. Hospital mortality occurred in group II in one case as a result of gastric leakage.

Conclusions

LSG is a safe and effective procedure with good short-term outcome. Increasing the size of the resected antrum is associated with better weight loss without increasing the rate of complications significantly.     

Survey on laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) at the Fourth International Consensus Summit on Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background

LSG has been increasingly performed. Long-term follow-up is necessary.

Methods

During the Fourth International Consensus Summit on LSG in New York Dec. 2012, an online questionnaire (SurveyMonkey®) was filled out by 130 surgeons experienced in LSG. The survey was submitted directly to the statisticians.

Results

The 130 surgeons performed 354.9?±?SD 453 LSGs/surgeon (median 175), for a total of 46,133 LSGs. The LSGs had been performed over 4.9?±?2.7 year (range 1–10). Of the 46,133 LSGs, 0.2?±?1.0 % (median 0, range 0–10 %) were converted to an open operation. LSG was intended as the sole operation in 93.1?±?14.8 %; in 3.0?±?6.3 %, a second stage became necessary. Of the 130 surgeons, 40 (32 %) use a 36F bougie, which was most common (range 32–50F). Staple-line is reinforced by 79 %; of these, 57 % use a buttress and 43 % over-sew. Mean %EWL at year 1 was 59.3 %; year 2, 59.0 %; year 3, 54.7 %; year 4, 52.3 %; year 5, 52.4 %; and year 6, 50.6 %. If a second-stage operation becomes necessary, preference was: RYGB 46 %, duodenal switch 24 %, re-sleeve 20 %, single-anastomosis duodenoileal bypass 3 %, sleeve plication 3 %, minigastric bypass 3 %, non-adjustable band 2 %, and side-to-side jejunoileal anastomosis 1 %. Complications were: high leak 1.1 %, hemorrhage 1.8 %, and stenosis at lower sleeve 0.9 %. Postoperative gastroesophageal reflux occurred in 7.9?±?8.2 % but was variable (0–30 %). Mortality was 0.33?±?1.6 %, which translates to ～152 deaths. Eighty-nine percent order multivitamins (including vitamin D, calcium, and iron) and 72 % order B_12. A PPI is ordered by 29 % for 1 month, 29 % for 3 months, and others for 1–12 months depending on the case.

Conclusions

LSG was relatively safe. Further long-term surveillance is necessary.     

Early Post-operative Complications: Incidence, Management, and Impact on Length of Hospital Stay. A Retrospective Comparison Between Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are the most common obesity surgeries. Their early complications may prolong hospital stay (HS).

Methods

Data for patients who underwent LRYGB and LSG in our clinic from 2009 through August 2012 were collected. Early post-operative complications prolonging HS (>5 days) were retrospectively analyzed, highlighting their relative incidence, management, and impact on length of HS.

Results

Sixty-six patients (4.9 %) after 1,345 LRYGB operations vs. 49 patients (7.14 %) after 686 LSG operations developed early complications. This difference is statistically significant (p?=?0.039). Male gender percentage was significantly higher in complicated LSG group vs. complicated LRYGB group [23 patients (46.9 %) vs. 16 patients (24.2 %)] (p?=?0.042). Mean BMI was significantly higher in the complicated LSG group (54.2?±?8.3) vs. complicated LRYGB group (46.8?±?5.7; p?=?0.004). Median length of HS was not longer after complicated LSG compared with complicated LRYGB (11 vs. 10 days; p?=?0.287). Leakage and bleeding were the most common complications after either procedure. Leakage rate was not higher after LSG (12 patients, 1.7 %) compared with LRYGB (22 patients, 1.6 %; p?=?0.304). Bleeding rate was significantly higher after LSG (19 patients, 2.7 %) than after LRYGB (10 patients, 0.7 %; p?=?0.004). Prolonged elevation of inflammatory markers was the most common presentation for complications after LSG (18 patients, 36.7 %) and LRYGB (31 patients, 46.9 %).

Conclusions

LSG was associated with more early complications. This may be attributed to higher BMI and predominance of males in LSG group.     

Early and late results of entire septal patch technique for post infarction ventricular septal rupture

Objectives

Surgical results for post-infarction ventricular septal rupture (VSR) remain poor, even today. The aim of this study was the establishment and clinical evaluation of a simple, standardized septal patch technique for this disease.

Methods

From 1999 to 2011, 16 consecutive patients with a mean age of 73.1?±?10.1 (range 55?C89) underwent emergency repair of VSR following anterior myocardial infarction. Entire septal patch technique, in which a large pericardial patch is fixed reciprocally between transmural sutures placed in the posterior free wall adjacent to the ventricular septum and anterior left ventriculotomy closing sutures, thus almost entirely covering the septal wall, was used in all cases.

Results

Mean interval between the onset of septal rupture and surgery was 1.3?±?0.6?(range 1?C3)?days. Eight patients presented cardiogenic shock and 14 patients underwent preoperative intra-aortic balloon pumping. Average operation, cardiopulmonary bypass, and aortic clamp time were 233?±?71?(145?C360), 128?±?51?(82?C240), and 46?±?15?(29?C76)?min, respectively. Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed concomitantly in five cases. Average intra-operative blood loss was 340?±?184?(123?C740)?g. Thirty-day mortality was 0?%, and in-hospital mortality was 13.3?% (2/16). Significant residual shunt occurred in one patient. All hospital survivors were followed up with a mean period of 44.5?±?40?(5?C131)?months. Five-year survival of all operated patients was 69?±?14?%.

Conclusions

Entire septal patch technique proved to be an easily reproducible method for anterior VSR that demonstrated stable early and late results.     

Impact of Restrictive (Sleeve Gastrectomy) vs Hybrid Bariatric Surgery (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass) on Lipid Profile

Background

Few studies have evaluated the impact of hybrid versus purely restrictive bariatric surgery on lipid profile, with the results being contradictory. The effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) on lipid profile was compared.

Methods

A nonrandomized prospective cohort study was conducted on severely obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Indication for the type of surgical procedure was based on clinical criteria. Patients on lipid-lowering drugs and those that could not be matched for age, sex, and body mass index were excluded. Finally, 51 patients who underwent LSG and 51 undergoing LRYGB completed this study.

Results

During the first year post-surgery, no differences in percentage of excess weight loss and triglyceride reduction were found between groups. After LRYGR, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations fell significantly (125.9?±?29.3 to 100.3?±?26.4?mg/dl, p?p?=?0.220). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increase was significantly greater after LSG (15.4?±?13.1?mg/dl) compared with LRYGB (9.4?±?14.0?mg/dl, p?=?0.032). Factors independently associated with LDL cholesterol reduction were higher baseline total cholesterol and undergoing LRYGB. A greater increase in HDL cholesterol was associated with LSG, older age, and baseline HDL cholesterol.

Conclusions

LRYGB produces an overall improvement in lipid profile, with a clear benefit in all lipid fractions. Although LSG does not alter LDL cholesterol levels, its effect on HDL cholesterol is comparable to or greater than that obtained with malabsorptive techniques.     

Volume of Resected Stomach as a Predictor of Excess Weight Loss After Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is gaining popularity for the treatment of obesity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the volume of the resected stomach (VRS) as a predictor of the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) 1 year after LSG.

Methods

This was a single-surgeon study of prospectively collected data of patients who underwent LSG at Jordan University Hospital (February 2009 to February 2012). The VRS was measured using a standardized technique. The %EWL was calculated at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The correlation between the VRS and %EWL was statistically evaluated.

Results

Ninety patients underwent LSG during the study period. Of these, 73 patients (57 female) completed at least 1 year of follow-up and were analyzed; their body mass index was 45?±?7.6 kg/m² (33–81). The VRS was 1,337.4?±?435.2 ml (600–2,800). The %EWL was 33.6?±?11.1 % at 3 months, 48.6?±?15.5 % at 6 months, and 56.8?±?18.9 % at 12 months. A significant correlation was observed between the VRS and %EWL at 1 year (p?=?0.003). Patients with a VRS of >1,100 ml (n?=?43) achieved significantly greater %EWL at 12 months than did those with a VRS of ≤1,100 (n?=?30). Removal of >1,100 ml of gastric volume was associated with a sensitivity and specificity of 75.5 and 46.2 %, respectively, for achieving a %EWL of ≥50 %.

Conclusion

The VRS can be used as an indicator of excess weight loss 1 year after LSG.     

Laparoscopic Removal of Poor Outcome Gastric Banding with Concomitant Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has a significant incidence of long-term failure, which may require an alternative revisional bariatric procedure to remediate. Unfortunately, there is few data pinpointing which specific revisional procedure most effectively addresses failed gastric banding. Recently, it has been observed that laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a promising primary bariatric procedure; however, its use as a revisional procedure has been limited. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LSG performed concomitantly with removal of a poor-outcome LAGB.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent LAGB removal with concomitant LSG at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia between September 2007 and April 2012. Patient body mass index (BMI), percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), duration of operation, length of hospital stay, complications after LSG, and indications for revisional surgery were all reviewed and compared to those of patients who underwent LSG as a primary procedure.

Results

Fifty-six patients (70 % female) underwent conversion of LAGB to LSG concomitantly, and 128 (66 % female) patients underwent primary LSG surgery. The revisional and primary LSG patients had similar preoperative ages (mean age 33.5?±?10.7 vs. 33.6?±?9.0 years, respectively; p?=?0.43). However, revisional patients had a significantly lower BMI at the time of surgery (44.4?±?7.0 kg/m² vs. 47.9?±?8.2; p?<?0.01). Absolute BMI postoperative reduction at 24 months was 14.33 points in the revision group and 18.98 points in the primary LSG group; similar %EWL was achieved by both groups at 24 months postoperatively (80.1 vs. 84.6 %). Complications appeared in two (5.5 %) revisional patients and in nine (7.0 %) primary LSG patients. No mortalities occurred in either group.

Conclusions

Conversion of LAGB by means of concomitant LSG is a safe and efficient procedure and achieves similar outcomes as primary LSG surgery alone.     

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.     

Morbidity Rates and Weight Loss After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass,Sleeve Gastrectomy,and Adjustable Gastric Banding in Patients Older Than 60 Years old: Which Procedure to Choose?

Background

As life expectancy increases, more elderly patients fit into the criteria for bariatric procedures. The aim of our study is to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in patients older than 60.

Material and Methods

Between January 2005 and December 2013, 68 LAGB, 73 LSG, and 212 RYGB patients were 60 years or older at the time of primary procedure. A retrospective review was performed in these patients.

Results

Mean age and body mass index (BMI) was 62.7?±?2.2, 64.1?±?2.9, and 62.6?±?2.3 years and 42.7?±?5.6, 44.0?±?7.0, and 45.2?±?6.7 kg/m² for LAGB, LSG, and RYGB at the time of procedure, respectively.Seven (10.3 %) patients from the LAGB, 3 (4.1 %) from the LSG, and 29 (13.8 %) from the RYGB group required readmissions. Reoperation rate was 10.3, 1.4, and 9.5 % in LAGB, LSG, and RYGB, respectively. The difference in reoperation rates was statistically significant (p?<?0.03) while that in readmission rates was not (p?>?0.58). Procedure-related mortality rate was 1.4 % in the RYGB group, while no mortality was observed in LSG and LAGB groups. At 6, 12, and 18 months postoperatively, mean percentage of excess weight loss were highest in the RYGB group, followed by LSG and LAGB group (p?<?0.01). Mean number of comorbidities at the last follow-up significantly decreased in LSG and RYGB patients.

Conclusions

LSG showed the lowest readmission and reoperation rate, and RYGB patients had the highest mortality rate. Weight loss and comorbidity resolution were effectively achieved in RYGB and LSG patients.

     

Pilot study comparing the leak pressure of the sleeved stomach with and without reinforcement

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) consists of a longitudinal resection of the stomach on the greater curvature, removing 75–80 % of the stomach approximately and creating a cylindrical “sleeve”-like conduit. However, LSG can be associated with significant morbidity, and staple-line failure with dehiscence and gastric leak is one of the most severe complications. The aim of this study was to compare three different methods of gastric closure in terms of staple-line strength and leak pressures of the sleeved stomach.

Methods

After performing standard stapled sleeve gastrectomies, the gastric specimens were carefully retrieved. Group 1 specimens were left with the staple line intact. In group 2, the staple line was reinforced with a 3-0 polypropylene running suture. The gastric remnants of group 3 were those in which the LSG was performed using Seamguard as the buttressing material. The burst-pressure was assessed using a portable gas sensor. The outcome parameters were: age of the patients, body mass index, buttress material (suture, Seamguard, etc.), leak pressure, volume infused, and leak site, among others.

Results

Thirty-six sleeve gastrectomies were included in the final analysis. Each group consisted of 12 gastric specimens. There were no differences between groups in terms of age, sex, body mass index, and patient comorbidities. The leak pressure was significantly higher in group 2 (35 ± 11.7 vs. 102 ± 21.4 vs. 47 ± 19.1; p = <0.0005). The volume of liquid required to cause the leak was much greater in the group 3 (p = <0.001).

Conclusions

Oversewing is the reinforcement method that increases better the staple-line strength. It is the least expensive method of reinforcement and does not increase operative times significantly.     

Three-dimensional stomach analysis with computed tomography after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: sleeve dilation and thoracic migration

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is frequently performed as a definitive bariatric procedure today. Quantitative data on the detailed anatomy of the stomach after LSG are yet sparse.

Methods

Thirty-two multislice computed tomography (MSCT) data sets acquired in 27 LSG patients (22 female, 5 male) with a dedicated examination protocol and post-processing were evaluated for gastric volume, stomach length, sleeve length, antrum length, staple line length, and maximum cross-sectional sleeve area. Obtained parameters were compared to time after surgery, weight loss, and the occurrence of postsurgical regurgitation.

Results

Mean gastric volume was 186.5?±?88.4?ml. Gastric volume correlated significantly with the time interval after surgery. Sleeve sizes of 105.3?±?30.2?ml during early follow-up confirmed correct primary sizing of the sleeve, whereas marked dilation to 196.8?±?84.3?ml was found in patients with a follow-up of 6?months and longer (p?=?0.038). Sleeve area and staple line length were also positively correlated with time after surgery. No correlation was found between gastric volume and excess weight loss. In ten patients an intrathoracic migration of the staple line could be noted, with four of these patients developing persistent regurgitation after LSG. Regurgitation was present in only 2 of 17 patients without sleeve herniation.

Conclusion

Multislice computed tomography allows for a comprehensive and quantitative evaluation of the anatomy after LSG and thus provides new insights in the process of sleeve dilation. Intrathoracic migration of the staple line could be identified as a possible cause of persistent regurgitation.