Implementation of enhanced recovery programs for bariatric surgery. Results from the Francophone large-scale database

Background

The feasibility, safety, and efficacy of programs for enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery (ERABS) are now well established. However, data concerning their large-scale implementation remain insufficient.

Postoperative sepsis after primary bariatric surgery: an analysis of MBSAQIP

BackgroundIdentifying patients at higher risk of postoperative sepsis (PS) may help to prevent this life-threatening complication.ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify the rate and predictors of PS after primary bariatric surgery.SettingAn analysis of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) 2015-2017.MethodsPatients undergoing elective sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) were included. Exclusion criteria were revisional, endoscopic, and uncommon, or investigational procedures. Patients were stratified by the presence or absence of organ/space surgical site infection (OS-SSI), and patients who developed sepsis were compared with patients who did not develop sepsis in each cohort. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of PS.ResultsIn total, 438,752 patients were included (79.4% female, mean age 44.6±12 years). Of those, 661 patients (.2%) developed PS of which 245 (37.1%) developed septic shock. Out of 892 patients with organ/space surgical site infections (OS-SSI), 298 (45.1%) developed sepsis (P <.001). Patients who developed PS had higher mortality (8.8% versus .1%, P < .001), and this was highest in patients without OS-SSI (11.8% versus 5%, P = .002). The main infectious complications associated with PS in patients without OS-SSI were pneumonia and urinary tract infection. Independent predictors of PS in OS-SSI included RYGB versus SG (OR, 1.8), and age ≥50 years (OR, 1.4). Independent predictors of PS in patients without OS-SSI were conversion to other approaches (OR, 6), operation length >2 hours (OR, 5.7), preoperative dialysis (OR, 4.1), preoperative therapeutic anticoagulation (OR, 2.8), limited ambulation most or all of the time (OR, 2.4), preoperative venous stasis (OR, 2.4), previous nonbariatric foregut surgery (OR, 2), RYGB versus SG (OR, 2), hypertension on medication (OR, 1.5), body mass index ≥50 kg/m²(OR, 1.4), age ≥50 years (OR, 1.3), obstructive sleep apnea (OR, 1.3).ConclusionDevelopment of OS-SSI after primary bariatric surgery is associated with sepsis and increased 30-day mortality. Patients without OS-SSI who develop PS have a significantly higher mortality rate compared with patients with OS-SSI who develop PS. Early identification and intervention in patients with PS, including those without OS-SSI, may improve survival in this high-risk group.     

Nephrolithiasis after bariatric surgery: A comparison of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy

IntroductionLaparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is known to increase risk for calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis due to hyperoxaluria; however, nephrolithiasis rates after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are not well described. Our objective was to determine the rate of nephrolithiasis after LRYGB versus LSG.MethodsThe electronic medical records of patients who underwent LRYGB or LSG between 2001 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.Results1,802 patients were included. Postoperative nephrolithiasis was observed in 133 (7.4%) patients, overall, and 8.12% of LRYGB (122/1503) vs. 3.68% of LSG (11/299) patients (P < 0.001). Mean time to stone formation was 2.97 ± 2.96 years. Patients with a history of UTI (OR = 2.12, 95%CI 1.41–3.18; P < 0.001) or nephrolithiasis (OR = 8.81, 95%CI 4.93–15.72; P < 0.001) were more likely to have postoperative nephrolithiasis.ConclusionThe overall incidence of symptomatic nephrolithiasis after bariatric surgery was 7.4%. Patients who underwent LRYGB had a higher incidence of nephrolithiasis versus LSG. Patients with a history of stones had the highest risk of postoperative nephrolithiasis.     

Risk factors for postoperative bleeding in bariatric surgery

BackgroundPostoperative bleeding remains a relatively common complication following bariatric surgery and may lead to morbidity and even mortality.ObjectiveTo develop a prediction model to identify patients at risk for postoperative bleeding.SettingRode Kruis Ziekenhuis, Beverwijk, the Netherlands. Based on Dutch nationwide obesity audit data.MethodsPatients undergoing primary bariatric surgery were selected from January 2015 to December 2020 from the Dutch Audit for Treatment of Obesity. The primary outcome was postoperative bleeding within 30 days. Assessed predictors included patient factors and operative data. A prediction model was developed using backward stepwise logistic regression. Internal validation was performed using bootstrapping techniques.ResultsA total of 59,055 patients were included; 13,399 underwent a sleeve gastrectomy, and 45,656 underwent a gastric bypass procedure. Postoperative bleeding occurred in 1.5%. The following predictors were identified: male patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21–1.63), patients >45 years of age (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.29–1.76), body mass index <40 kg/m² (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.06–1.41), cardiovascular disease (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.17–1.57), and sleeve gastrectomy (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.24–1.67). Area under the curve for the model was .612. Following bootstrapping for internal validation, a correction of .9817 was applied.ConclusionA clinical decision rule was designed to assess the risk of postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. If 3 or more risk factors are present, there is an increased risk for postoperative bleeding. The model can aid in clinical decision-making: implementing extra preventative measures in high-risk patients. External validation is needed to further develop the model.     

Revisional bariatric surgery in a transplant patient

IntroductionA BMI of over 35–45 kg/m2 is deemed the upper limit for considering a patient for a renal transplant. Voluntary weight loss attempts are a major concern for patients while on hemodialysis, however, bariatric surgeries have opened up a new door to notable weight loss results, even demonstrating significant improvements of patients’ diabetic profile and hypertension.Case reportCase of a 52-year-old male with a BMI of 42 in end-stage renal disease, that needed a kidney transplant but was ineligible to be placed on the waiting list due to his weight. A laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was performed to aid with his weight loss. He also showed major improvements in his hypertension and diabetes profiles. The patient started gaining weight as well as showing deterioration in his diabetic control. He underwent the renal transplant 1.5 years post LSG, after which he showed improvements in his blood results, diabetic and hypertensive control. However, his weight began to increase again, for which he underwent gastric bypass. Since then, the patients' glucose, BUN and creatinine have normalized and his weight continued to drop, reaching a BMI of 31.83 kg/m2 2 years post bypass.ConclusionBariatric surgery is a safe and effective procedure to assist renal transplant patients in losing weight. In addition, it has proven to be effective in the management of the co-morbidities that are associated with renal failure. Our study was also able to prove that converting form an SG to a bypass in a transplant patient is a safe and feasible option.     

An enhanced recovery program for bariatric surgical patients significantly reduces perioperative opioid consumption and postoperative nausea

Background

Patients frequently remain in the hospital after bariatric surgery due to pain, nausea, and inability to tolerate oral intake. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) concepts address these perioperative complications and therefore improve length of stay for bariatric surgery patients.

Low overall mortality during 10 years of bariatric surgery: nationwide study on 63,469 procedures from the Scandinavian Obesity Registry

BackgroundBariatric surgery results in an improvement in quality of life, co-morbid diseases, and an increased life expectancy. However, to obtain these benefits perioperative mortality rates need to be low.ObjectivesEvaluate 90-day and 1-year mortality after bariatric surgery in Sweden from 2008 to 2017.SettingNational quality register.MethodsData on applicable patients from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry, including 63,469 patients (85.1% gastric bypass, 12.5% sleeve gastrectomy, .8% duodenal switch, .5% minor revisions, and 1.1% other procedures), were retrieved and matched to the Cause of Death registry.ResultsDuring the 10-year period, 36 patients died within 90 days, resulting in a .06% overall mortality. The 1-year mortality rate was .19% (n = 111). Both mortality rates decreased over the study period. In a multivariate analysis, depression (odds ratio [OR] 2.38, [95% confidence interval 1.48–3.84]), leakage (OR 9.32 [4.85–17.94]), and thromboembolic events (OR 7.60 [1.63–35.37]) increased mortality risks at both 90 days and 1 year, whereas age (OR 1.03 [1.01–1.06] per increased year of age) and abdominal circumference (OR 1.03 [1.01–1.05] per cm) were also associated with increased mortality at 1 year. The predictive value of the Obesity Surgery Mortality Risk Score was confirmed.ConclusionsThe low 90-day and 1-year mortality, .06% and .19%, respectively, demonstrates that bariatric surgery in Sweden is safe. The use of antidepressants and 2 serious postoperative complications were the most significant risk factors for early deaths, while increased age and preoperative abdominal circumference also contributed at 1 year.     

Surgeon and hospital volume outcomes in bariatric surgery: a population-level study

BackgroundOutcomes after bariatric surgery are tied to surgical volume; however, this relationship is not clearly established for each procedure.ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of surgeon/hospital volumes on morbidity after bariatric surgery and identify volume cutoffs.SettingMulti-centric population-level study, province of Quebec, Canada.MethodsWe studied a population-based cohort of all morbidly obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery in Quebec, Canada during 2006 to 2012. We evaluated only the most common procedures in North America, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Multilevel, cross-classified logistic regressions were used to test the effects of annual surgeon volume (SV) and hospital volume (HV) on a composite 90-day postoperative outcome. Receiver operator curve was used to identify volume thresholds.ResultsOverall, 821 patients had RYGB and 1802 underwent SG by 34 surgeons in 15 centers. For RYGB, 10-case increase in SV was associated with adjusted odds ratio of .82 (95% confidence interval: .71–.94). Similar increase in HV resulted in odds ratio of .86 (95% confidence interval: .77–.96). Annual SV threshold of 21 RYGBs and HV of 25 cases were identified (area under the curve = .60 and .61, respectively). For SV, being in the higher volume category translated into an absolute risk reduction of 12.5% for 90-day major morbidity. For SG, annual 10-case increase in SV and HV was not significantly associated with a decrease in 90-day postoperative morbidity.ConclusionSV and HV are significant independent predictors of 90-day major morbidity after RYGB. This study further supports establishing minimum surgical volume requirements for more complex anastomotic procedures like RYGB. However, the role of volume targets in SG remains unclear.     

Factors implicated in discharge disposition following elective bariatric surgery

BackgroundCurrent bariatric surgery studies have focused on traditional outcomes such as mortality and morbidity and have thus far have neglected an important marker of surgical care- discharge destination.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to 1) characterize the prevalence of and clinical characteristics of patients who undergo bariatric surgery with respect to discharge disposition and to 2) evaluate factors which predict alternate care facility (ACF) discharge.SettingParticipating Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) centers.MethodsData was extracted from the MBSAQIP data registry from 2015 to 2018. All primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) procedures were included while prior revisional surgeries and emergency surgeries were excluded. Our primary objective was to characterize the prevalence of and clinical characteristics of patients who undergo bariatric surgery and are discharged to an alternate care facility (ACF). Our secondary outcome was to identify predictors of discharge to an ACF using multivariable logistic regression modeling.ResultsMost patients (n = 588,256; 99.6%) were discharged home while only a small proportion were discharged to an ACF (n = 1502; .4%). Patients discharged to an ACF were older (51.5 ± 13.5 yr versus 44.4 ± 12.0 yr; P < .0001), of increased body mass index (49.7 ± 11.9 kg/m² versus 45.3 ± 7.8 kg/m²; P < .0001), and more likely to be of male sex (26.8% versus 20.4%; P < .0001). Patients with hypertension (65.2% versus 47.9%; P < .0001), dyslipidemia (40.1% versus 23.7%; P < .0001), sleep apnea (52.7% versus 38.1%; P < .0001), and medication-dependent diabetes (39.5% versus 26.3%; P < .0001) were more likely to be discharged to an ACF. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that partially dependent and dependent functional status were the single greatest preoperative predictors of ACF discharge with an 8- and 7-fold respective increase in odds of ACF versus patients of independent functional status.ConclusionImpaired functional status was the single greatest independent preoperative predictor of ACF discharge, providing evidence against the current use of a strict age cut-off criteria and support for implementation of a more patient-centered functional approach in selection of surgical candidates.     

30-day Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) after elective bariatric surgery: the development and validation of the Bari-MACE clinical predictive tool

BackgroundMajor adverse cardiac events (MACEs) after bariatric surgery are poorly understood yet are thought to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality.ObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence and clinical impact of short-term, 30-day MACE and to develop a pragmatic clinical predictive MACE scoring tool.SettingThis retrospective study was conducted using all the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP)–accredited center data from 2015 to 2019.MethodsPrimary Roux-en-Y and sleeve gastrectomy procedures were included, and prior revisional surgeries and emergency surgeries were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to examine the risk factors associated with 30-day MACE. Using forward regression, a Bari-MACE clinical prediction model was generated.ResultsA total of 750,498 patients were included in our analysis of which 959 (.1%) experienced a MACE. MACE patients were older (54.0 ± 11.5 yr versus 44.4 ± 12.0 yr, P < .0001), and comprised a higher proportion of males (36.3% versus 20.4%, P < .0001) and patients of White racial status (74.0% versus 71.6%, P < .0001). The MACE cohort also had a higher body mass index (46.6 ± 9.7 kg/m² versus 45.2 ± 7.8 kg/m², P < .0001), higher rates of sleep apnea (56.8% versus 38.2%, P < .0001), and a higher proportion of insulin-dependent diabetes (26.1% versus 8.4%, P < .0001) than non-MACE patients. Derivation of our clinical predictive Bari-MACE scoring model revealed 12 variables associated with development of MACE with a specificity of 97.8% using a 55-point threshold.ConclusionThirty-day major adverse cardiac events after elective bariatric surgery are rare, occurring in approximately .1% of all patients, but are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Using the MBSAQIP, we developed a Bari-MACE clinical predictive tool to risk-stratify patients with the aim to better guide perioperative care and foster improved surgical outcomes.     

Perioperative and 1-year outcomes of bariatric surgery in septuagenarians: implications for patient selection

BackgroundAlthough bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity, utilization of bariatric procedures in older adults remains low. Previous work reported higher morbidity in older patients undergoing bariatric surgery. However, the generalizability of these data to contemporary septuagenarians is unclear.ObjectivesWe sought to evaluate differences in 30-day outcomes, 1-year weight loss, and co-morbidity remission after bariatric surgery among 3 age groups as follows: <45 years, 45–69 years, and ≥70 years.SettingStatewide quality improvement collaborative.MethodsUsing a large quality improvement collaborative, we identified patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) between 2006 and 2018. We used multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate the association between age cohorts and 30-day outcomes, 1-year weight loss, and co-morbidity remission.ResultsWe identified 641 septuagenarians who underwent SG (68.5%) or RYGB (31.5%). Compared with 45–69 year olds, septuagenarians had higher rates of hemorrhage (5.1% versus 3.1%; P = .045) after RYGB and higher rates of leak/perforation (.9% versus .3%; P = .044) after SG. Compared with younger patients, septuagenarians lost less of their excess weight, losing 64.8% after RYGB and 53.8% after SG. Remission rates for diabetes and obstructive sleep were similar for patients aged ≥70 years and 45–69 years.ConclusionsBariatric surgery in septuagenarians results in substantial weight loss and co-morbidity remission with an acceptable safety profile. Surgeons with self-imposed age limits should consider broadening their selection criteria to include patients ≥70 years old.     

Postoperative pneumonia after bariatric surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program study

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, surgical centers had to weigh the benefits and risks of conducting bariatric surgery. Obesity increases the risk of developing severe COVID-19 infections, and therefore, bariatric surgery is beneficial. In contrast, surgical patients who test positive for COVID-19 have higher mortality rates.ObjectiveThis study investigates the national prevalence of postoperative pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic in the bariatric surgery population.SettingThe American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study using the ACS-NSQIP database. The population of concern included patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures. Information was extracted on rate of postoperative pneumonia and other 30-day complications between 2018 and 2020.ResultsAll baseline characteristics were similar among patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2018 and 2020. However, there was a 156% increase in postoperative pneumonia in 2020 compared with the previous year. Furthermore, despite the similar postoperative complication rates across the years, there was a statistically significant increase in all-cause mortality in 2020. The multivariate analysis showed that having surgery in 2020 was a statistically significant risk factor for pneumonia development postoperatively.ConclusionsThis study showed a statistically significant increase in the prevalence of postoperative pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic among bariatric surgery patients. Surgical centers must continuously evaluate the risks associated with healthcare-associated exposure to COVID-19 and weigh the benefits of bariatric surgery.     

Determining the incidence of postbariatric surgery emergency department utilization: an analysis of a statewide insurance database

BackgroundPrior studies have found rates of emergency department (ED) visits after bariatric surgery approach 15% with the majority (>60%) not requiring admission. The timeframe for which ED utilization remains elevated postoperatively remains unknown. We hypothesize that ED utilization following bariatric surgery remains elevated for months after surgery with the majority of visits not requiring admission.ObjectiveNo study has determined the impact bariatric surgery has on health care resource utilization in the two years following surgery. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of ED visitation in the 2 years following bariatric surgery.SettingsDatabase study, single state-wide insurance database.MethodsWe queried the Colorado All Payers Claim Database. Patients with data 1 year before and 2 years after surgery were included. Primary outcomes of interest were ED visits or readmissions during the 2-year period. Bariatric surgeries were identified using CPT codes. Diagnoses for an ED visit or readmission were determined by ICD codes.ResultsA total of 5399 patients underwent bariatric surgery from January 2013–November 2017. Of these, 59% underwent sleeve gastrectomy, 38% Roux-en-Y, 2% gastric band, and 1% another surgery. Median age was 44 (IQR 35–54) years, and 82% were female. Overall, 3103 patients (57%) visited the ED at least once with a total of 12,988 visits, 1267 of which (9.8%) resulted in admission. ED use was highest in the 30 days following surgery (17%) but remained above presurgery baseline for 8 months (7.4% at 8 mo compared with baseline mean 6.4% [95% CI 6.0%–6.8%]).ConclusionsED visits remain elevated for 8 months post bariatric surgery with over 90% of visits not requiring an admission. Interventions that prevent emergency department utilization should be key focus of quality improvement projects to limit health care resource utilization following bariatric surgery.     

腹横肌平面阻滞联合右美托咪定复合舒芬太尼静脉镇痛对肝部分切除术后早期康复的影响

目的评估腹横肌平面阻滞(transversus abdominis plane block,TAPB)联合舒芬太尼、右美托咪定用于肝部分切除患者术后镇痛的效果和安全性,探讨其对患者术后早期康复的影响。方法选择择期行肝部分切除术患者60例,男31例,女29例,年龄20～65岁,BMI 18～25kg/m~2,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级。采用随机数字表法分为两组,术后自愿行静脉自控镇痛,A组舒芬太尼2μg/kg;B组右美托咪定1μg/kg+舒芬太尼2μg/kg。两组均行超声引导下TAPB,给予0.375%罗哌卡因20ml。记录术后48h内VAS疼痛评分和Ramsay镇静评分,术后肠道恢复通气时间、术后进食时间、术后住院时间及并发症发生情况等。结果与A组比较,B组术后12、24h静息VAS评分及术后12、48h运动VAS评分明显降低(P0.05);B组术后首次排气时间、术后进食时间、术后住院时间明显缩短(P0.05)。两组术后Ramsay镇静评分及恶心、呕吐、低血压、心动过缓、呼吸抑制、肺部感染等发生率差异无统计学意义。结论对于行肝部分切除手术的患者,TAPB联合右美托咪定复合舒芬太尼用于术后镇痛可加速患者术后早期康复。     

Utilization of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for pediatric metabolic and bariatric surgery

IntroductionEnhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for pediatric metabolic and bariatric surgery are limited. In 2018, an ERAS protocol for patients undergoing robotically assisted vertical sleeve gastrectomy (r-VSG) was instituted. This study's aim was to compare outcomes before and after ERAS initiation.MethodsA single institution retrospective review of patients undergoing r-VSG from July 2015 to July 2021 was performed. The multimodal ERAS protocol focused on limiting post-operative nausea and narcotic utilization. Subjects were categorized into non-ERAS (July 2015–July 2018) and ERAS (August 2018–July 2021) groups. In-hospital and 30-day outcomes were compared.Results110 subjects (94 females) with a median age of 17.6 years (range 12.5–22.0 years) were included (60 non-ERAS, 50 ERAS). Demographics were similar except for a higher proportion of females in the non-ERAS group (97% vs 72%, p < 0.001). A significant decrease in narcotic use (p < 0.001) and higher utilization of acetaminophen (p < 0.001) and ketorolac (p < 0.001) was observed in the ERAS group. Additionally, median time to oral intake, a proxy for postoperative nausea and vomiting [2:00 h (1:15, 2:30) vs. 3:22 h (2:03, 6:15), p < 0.001] and hospital length of stay (LOS) [1.25 days (1.14, 1.34) vs. 2.16 days (1.48, 2.42), p < 0.001] were shorter in the ERAS group. Eleven subjects (10%; ERAS = 5, non-ERAS = 6) experienced post-discharge dehydration, prompting readmission 8 times for 7 (6%) individuals.ConclusionUtilization of ERAS led to a significant decrease narcotic utilization, time to first oral intake, and hospital LOS with no change in adverse events following pediatric metabolic and bariatric surgery. Larger studies, including comparative analysis of health care utilization, should be carried out.Level of evidenceIII.Type of studyTreatment Study.