Common channel length predicts outcomes of biliopancreatic diversion alone and with the duodenal switch surgery

BACKGROUND: The optimal common channel (CC) length for malabsorptive weight loss surgeries is unknown even though these surgeries were developed in the 1970s (biliopancreatic diversion [BPD]) and the 1990s (biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch [BPD DS]). We hypothesized that the length of the CC correlates with a successful weight loss result. METHODS: We evaluated 3 groups of patients based on the length of the CC whose duration of follow-up evaluation was at least 1 year. We reviewed all patients who had either an open BPD (5 patients) or a BPD DS (119 patients) from August 1998 to October 2003, for which D.B.M. was the participating surgeon. RESULTS: Group I comprised 15 patients: their preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 53.9 kg/m(2); 73.3% of patients had a BMI more than 50, and the CC length was 150 cm. Group II comprised 76 patients: their preoperative BMI was 54.25 kg/m(2); 73.3% of patients had a BMI more than 50, and the CC length was 100 cm. Group III comprised 33 patients: their preoperative BMI was 60.1 kg/m(2); 84% of patients had a BMI more than 50, and the CC length was 80 to 90 cm. The mean weight loss in group I was 45 kg (44% mean excess weight loss). The mean weight loss in groups II and III was 55.8 and 61.5 kg, respectively (a 57% and 54.8% mean excess weight loss, respectively) (all P < .05 by analysis of variance). A weight loss of greater than 50% of excess body weight occurred in 40% of patients in group I versus 63% of patients in groups II and III combined (P < .01 by chi(2)). CONCLUSIONS: The length of the CC contributes significantly to successful excess weight loss in BPD and BPD DS patients. In general, the length of the CC should not exceed 100 cm.     

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: does bougie size affect mean %EWL? Short-term outcomes

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been increasingly offered to high-risk bariatric patients as the first-stage procedure before gastric bypass or biliopancreatic diversion or as the primary weight loss procedure. The bougie size has varied by surgeon during LSG. The aim of this study was to determine whether short-term weight loss correlates with the bougie size used during creation of the sleeve. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data from all patients who had undergone LSG at our institution between 2003 and 2006. Revision LSG for failed bariatric procedures was excluded. The data analyzed included preoperative age, body mass index (BMI), bougie size, and percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL). RESULTS: A total of 135 patients underwent LSG during the 4-year period. Most of these patients (79%) underwent LSG as part of a 2-stage operation (either gastric bypass or duodenal switch within a mean of 11 months). The mean preoperative age and BMI was 43.5 years and 60.1 kg/m(2), respectively. The mean BMI and %EWL at 6 months was 47.1 kg/m(2) and 37.9%, respectively. The mean BMI and %EWL at 12 months was 44.3 kg/m(2) and 47.3%, respectively. When stratifying the %EWL by bougie size (40F versus 60F), we did not find a significant difference at 6 months (38.8% versus 40.6%, P = NS) or 12 months (51.9% versus 45.4%, P = NS). CONCLUSION: LSG results in significant weight loss in the short term. When stratifying outcomes by bougie size, our results suggested that a bougie size of 40F compared with 60F does not result in significantly greater weight loss in the short term. However, longer follow-up of the primary LSG group is required to determine whether a difference becomes evident over time.     

Laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

The biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch combines a sleeve gastrectomy with a duodenoileal switch to achieve maximum weight loss. Consistent excess weight loss between 70% to 80% is achieved with acceptable decreased long-term nutritional complications. With a higher entry weight, the super obese patient (body mass index [BMI] >50 kg/m(2)) benefits the greatest from a procedure that produces a higher mean excess weight loss. The laparoscopic approach to this procedure has successfully created a surgical technique with optimum benefit and minimal morbidity, especially in the super obese patient.     

Conversion of failed gastric banding into four different bariatric procedures

BackgroundThe most common bariatric operation in Europe, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), is reported to have a high incidence of long-term complications. Also, insufficient weight loss is reported. The optimal conversion technique is unknown. Our objective was to report our experience in the conversions of failed laparoscopic gastric banding procedures to 4 different bariatric procedures at a university hospital.MethodsFrom March 2006 to December 2010, 630 bariatric operations were performed. Of these patients, 45 underwent conversion of failed LAGB (n = 38) and nonadjustable gastric banding (n = 7). Using a prospectively collected database, we analyzed these procedures.ResultsThe 45 patients underwent laparoscopic conversion of failed LAGB (n = 38) and nonadjustable gastric banding (n = 7) to 4 different procedures. Of the 45 patients, 18 underwent conversion to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, 18 to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, 7 to laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, and 2 to laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion. All conversions but 1 were completed laparoscopically. The mean operating time and hospital stay for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, and biliopancreatic diversion was 111 ± 28 minutes and 4.3 ± 1.4 days, 195 ± 59 minutes and 3.9 ± 1.5 days, 248 ± 113 minutes, and 5.9 ± 2.6 days, and 203 minutes and 6.5 days, respectively. No patient died. Perioperative complications occurred in 4 patients (9.8%). The mean body mass index decreased from 41.5 ± 8 kg/m² to 31.3 ± 6.8 kg/m² during a mean follow-up period of 13.7 ± 9.6 months. Although laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with and without duodenal switch had the greatest preoperative body mass index, they achieved the greatest excess weight loss.ConclusionConversion of LAGB or nonadjustable gastric banding to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with or without duodenal switch is feasible and effective to treat the complications of LAGB and to further reduce the weight of morbidly obese patients.     

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch or gastric bypass for failed gastric banding: retrospective study from two institutions with preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Of patients who have undergone gastric banding, 11-25% will require a major reoperation with band removal and conversion to another bariatric procedure after they have failed to lose sufficient weight or have developed dysphagia or reflux. The aim of this study was to evaluate the respective benefits of Roux-en-Y gastric band (RYGB) or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) after failed gastric banding and whether 1 of the 2 procedures might be a better procedure for such cases. METHODS: RYGB or BPD-DS was performed according to the institutional protocols with synchronous band removal, irrespective of the reason for failure. RESULTS: Of the 53 patients, 32 underwent laparoscopic RYGB for a body mass index (BMI) of 43.1 +/- 6.4 kg/m(2) (BMI 45.8 +/- 6.4 kg/m(2) before laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding) and 21 underwent BPD-DS for a BMI of 46.0 +/- 5.5 kg/m(2) (BMI 49.6 +/- 5.2 kg/m(2) before laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding). BPD-DS required significantly longer operative times (239.7 +/- 55.8 versus 135 +/- 26.7 minutes) and resulted in more complications (62% versus 12.5%; P <.002). No patients died postoperatively. The 2 groups of patients had a similar BMI at 12 and 18 months after revision (BMI 33.4 +/- 5.6 kg/m(2) and 31.4 +/- 3.5 kg/m(2)). The weight loss was greater after BPD-DS than after RYGB compared with the prerevision weight loss (66.2% versus 58.8% excess weight loss) or initial weight (73% versus 61.8%), although this was not significant. CONCLUSION: Despite an excessive rate of complications that were, in part, related to the learning curve in this series, BPD-DS resulted in greater weight loss compared with RYGB. However, both procedures were successful after failed gastric banding. A more accurate definition of failure could help to determine the respective indications for revisional surgery.     

Duodenal switch provides superior weight loss in the super-obese (BMI > or =50 kg/m2) compared with gastric bypass

OBJECTIVES: Although weight loss following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is acceptable in patients with preoperative body mass index (BMI) between 35 and 50 kg/m, results from several series demonstrate that failure rates approach 40% when BMI is > or =50 kg/m. Here we report the first large single institution series directly comparing weight-loss outcomes in super-obese patients following biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (DS) and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB). METHODS: All super-obese patients (BMI > or =50 kg/m) undergoing standardized laparoscopic and open DS and RYGB between August 2002 and October 2005 were identified from a prospective database. Two-sample t tests were used to compare weight loss, decrease in BMI, and percentage of excess body weight loss (% EBWL) after surgery. chi analysis was used to determine the rate of successful weight loss, defined as achieving at least 50% loss of excess body weight. RESULTS: A total of 350 super-obese patients underwent DS (n = 198) or RYGB (n = 152) with equal 30-day mortality (DS,1 of 198; RYGB, 0 of 152; P = not significant). The % EBWL at follow-up was greater for DS than RY (12 months, 64.1% vs. 55.9%; 18 months, 71. 9% vs. 62.8%; 24 months, 71.6% vs. 60.1%; 36 months, 68.9% vs. 54.9%; P < 0.05). Total weight loss and decrease in BMI were also statistically greater for the DS (data not shown). Importantly, the likelihood of successful weight loss (EBWL >50%) was significantly greater in patients following DS (12 months, 83.9% vs. 70.4%; 18 months, 90.3% vs. 75.9%; 36 months, 84.2% vs. 59.3%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Direct comparison of DS to RYGB demonstrates superior weight loss outcomes for DS.     

Comparison of rates of resolution of diabetes mellitus after gastric banding, gastric bypass, and biliopancreatic diversion

BACKGROUND: Bariatric operation is the most effective treatment for diabetes mellitus in the morbidly obese. The purpose of this study is to compare the rate of resolution of diabetes mellitus after three common laparoscopic bariatric procedures: laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and biliopancreatic diversion with or without duodenal switch (BPD/DS). STUDY DESIGN: All data were prospectively collected and entered into an electronic registry. Characteristics evaluated for this study included preoperative age, body mass index, duration of diabetes, race, gender, operative time, length of stay, percent excess weight loss, oral hypoglycemic requirements, and insulin requirements. RESULTS: A total of 282 bariatric patients with diabetes mellitus were analyzed (218 LAGB, 53 RYGB, and 11 BPD/DS). Preoperative age (46 to 50 years), body mass index (46 to 50; calculated as kg/m(2)), race and gender breakdown, and baseline oral hypoglycemic (82% to 87%) and insulin requirements (18% to 28%) were comparable among the three groups (p = NS). Percent excess weight loss at 1, 2, and 3 years was: 43%, 50%, and 45% for LAGB; 66%, 68%, and 66% for RYGB; and 68%, 77%, and 82% for BPD/DS (p < 0.01 LAGB versus RYGB and LAGB versus BPD/DS at all time intervals). At 1 and 2 years, the proportion of patients requiring oral hypoglycemics postoperatively was 39% and 34% for LAGB; 22% and 13% for RYGB; and 11% and 13% for BPD/DS (p = NS). At 1 and 2 years, the proportion of patients requiring insulin postoperatively was 14% and 18% for LAGB; 7% and 13% for RYGB; and 11% and 13% for BPD/DS (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the disparity in percent excess weight loss between LAGB, RYGB, and BPD/DS, the rate of resolution of diabetes mellitus is equivalent.     

A clinical and nutritional comparison of biliopancreatic diversion with and without duodenal switch

OBJECTIVE: To compare biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) without duodenal switch (DS) and with duodenal switch (BPDDS). BACKGROUND: A reduction of 70% of excess body weight can be achieved after BPD, but there is a risk of malnutrition and diarrhea. This risk may be reduced by pyloric preservation with BPDDS. METHODS: BPD was performed until 1999, when BPDDS was introduced, both with a common channel of 50 cm. At their latest clinic visit, patients filled in a questionnaire regarding weight loss, dietary history, gastrointestinal symptoms, obesity-related comorbidity, and medication including dietary supplements and underwent a serum nutritional screen. RESULTS: BPD was performed in 73 patients and BPDDS in 61 patients, with a median preoperative body mass index (BMI) of 44.8 kg/m and a median follow-up of 28 months. There were no significant differences between BPD and BPDDS with regards to age, sex, BMI, or morbidity. Median excess weight loss and BMI at 12, 24, and 36 months was 64.1, 71.0, and 72.1% and 33.1, 31.5, and 31.5 kg/m, respectively; there were no significant differences between BPD and BPDDS. There were no significant differences between BPD and BPDDS with regards to meal size, fat score, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or nutritional parameters. However, 18% of patients were hypoalbuminemic, 32% anemic, 25% hypocalcemic, and almost half had low vitamin A, D, and K levels, despite more than 80% taking vitamin supplementation. CONCLUSION: DS does not improve weight loss or lessen the gastrointestinal or nutritional side effects of BPD.     

Sleeve gastrectomy with wrapping using polytetrafluoroethylene to prevent gastric enlargement in a porcine model

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy followed by biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch for morbid obesity has been well established. We previously recommended 2-stage laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch for super-super obese patients. In the 2-stage version, these patients undergo laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a first-stage procedure, followed by laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch as the second stage for more definitive treatment of their obesity. However, short-term weight regain may occur owing to gastric dilation after initial laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The aim of this study was to prevent gastric dilation after sleeve gastrectomy. We designed a sleeve gastrectomy with wrapping using polytetrafluoroethylene dual mesh. METHODS: Eleven Yorkshire pigs weighing 20-25 kg underwent sleeve gastrectomy with wrapping using polytetrafluoroethylene dual mesh (wrapping group) or sleeve gastrectomy only (control group) to compare the weight loss. The animals were weighed weekly postoperatively. Necropsy was performed 8 weeks postoperatively to confirm the wrapping by pathologic report. RESULTS: Four pigs died because of staple line failure or strangulation; no perioperative complications occurred in the other pigs. The operative time for the control group was 198 +/- 60 minutes and for the wrapping group was 181 +/- 86 minutes (P = NS). The average weight of the removed stomach was 123.3 +/- 5.8 g in the control group and 140.3 +/- 69.9 g in the wrapping group (P = NS). The postoperative weight gain at 8 weeks was significantly slower in the wrapping group than in the control group (P <.0001). The pathologic necropsy report noted that the mesh was well attached to the stomach wall at 9 days postoperatively, with no unexpected deaths. CONCLUSION: Sleeve gastrectomy with wrapping using polytetrafluoroethylene dual mesh is feasible, and weight gain was reduced in the porcine model.     

Safety of Primary Versus Revisional Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch in Patients with Super Obesity Using the MBSAQIP database

Obesity Surgery - For patients with super obesity (BMI?&gt;?50&nbsp;kg/m2), biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch (BPD/DS) can be an effective bariatric operation. Technical...     

Distal gastric bypass: 2-m biliopancreatic limb construction with varying lengths of common channel

BackgroundLong-term durability after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is challenging in the super-obese population. Although lengthening of biliopancreatic limb (BPL) is associated with higher rates of weight loss, shortening of common limb (CL) is related to higher risk of malabsorption.ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed at evaluating the importance of the total alimentary limb length by creating a 2-m BPL diversion with varying CL lengths.SettingHigh-volume bariatric center, Norway.MethodsThree groups of patients (N = 187) with different limb lengths were included in this retrospective cohort-analysis as follows: group 1 (n = 69; Roux limb = 150 cm, BPL = 60 cm), group 2 (n = 88; BPL = 200 cm, CL = 150 cm), and group 3 (n = 30; BPL = 200 cm, CL = 200 cm). Weight loss, regain, and failure were analyzed along with malabsorption issues.ResultsPreoperative body mass index (BMI) was higher in group 2 (58.5, P < .001) and 3 (57.4) versus group 1 (54.6, P = .011). No other clinically significant differences between the groups were noted. Follow-up rate was 95% at year 2, 74% at year 5, and 52% at year 10. At 10-year follow-up, excess weight loss and total weight loss was higher in group 2 (70.4%; 40.3%) and 3 (64.0%; 35.9%) compared with group 1 (55.9%; 29.2%). Excess weight loss failure was higher in group 1 versus 2 (30% versus 8.3%, P < .001). No difference in short- or long-term complications was seen except higher occurrence of internal hernia in distal Roux-en-Y gastric bypass groups (11.4%, 6.7%). Vitamin and mineral deficiencies occurred more frequently the shorter the CL was.ConclusionSustainable weight loss in a long-term follow-up is achieved by shortening the total alimentary limb length with a 2-m BPL diversion that should not be attached <200 cm from the ileocecal junction owing to higher rates of internal hernia and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.     

Is transit bipartition a better alternative to biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch for superobesity? Comparison of the early results of both procedures

BackgroundDuring the past years, 2 alternatives to the powerful but side-effect-prone biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) were developed: one-anastomosis duodenal switch (OADS) and sleeve gastrectomy with transit bipartition (TB).ObjectivesTo compare the 1-year results of TB and BPD-DS aiming at reducing the risk of protein malnutrition while keeping a similar weight loss for body mass index (BMI) ≥50 kg/m².SettingPrivate hospital, single-surgeon practice in a bariatric surgery center.MethodsAfter a change in practice in 2017, the last 71 primary BPD-DS and the first 71 TB in patients with a BMI ≥50 kg/m² were retrospectively compared. Postoperative course, side effects, nutritional status, and need for revision and weight outcomes were reviewed. Weight was expressed as BMI, percentage of excess BMI lost, and percentage of total weight lost.ResultsTB was faster to perform (92 versus 149 min, P < .0001) with a comparable 30-day complication rate of 4.3% and 5.7%. TB patients had a shorter hospital stay (2.3 ± 1 versus 4.5 ± 3.4 d, P < .0001). At 1 year, weight loss was significantly lower after TB compared with BPD-DS with percentage of excess BMI loss of 83.7 ± 12.2% versus 78.6 ± 14.7% (P = .0023). Two patients were lost to follow-up after BPD-DS and 6 after TB. Seven BPD-DS patients were treated for protein malnutrition, whereas only 2 patients had severe side effects after TB. Only 7% of the TB patients experienced >3 stools a day compared with 33% after BPD-DS (P = .016). There was no significant difference in terms of co-morbidity improvement at 1 year: 81.8% and 61.9% of patients had remission of blood hypertension, 9% and 14.3% had improvement, type 2 diabetes was in remission in 90% and 88%, and obstructive sleep apnea in 84% and 78% of the TB and BPD-DS patients, respectively.ConclusionsAlthough 1-year weight loss was significantly lower when BMI was ≥50, the real benefit of TB is the reduction of the side effects and protein malnutrition compared with BPD-DS. TB represents a much simpler alternative to BPD-DS for treating superobesity with less risk of major complications, but prospective studies and longer follow-up are required to confirm the maintenance of the weight loss in the long term.     

Bowel Habits after Gastric Bypass Versus the Duodenal Switch Operation

Background  One of the perceived disadvantages of the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch operation is diarrhea. The aim of this study was to compare the bowel habits of patients after duodenal switch operation or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Methods  A prospective comparative case series design was used. Forty-six patients who underwent duodenal switch (n = 28) or gastric bypass (n = 18) were asked to complete a daily diary for 14 days after losing least 50% of their excess body weight. Data were collected on number of bowel episodes, incontinence, urgency, stool consistency, and awakening from sleep to defecate. Background variables were recorded from the medical files. Results  The duodenal switch group was heavier (body mass index 53.5 vs 47.0 kg/m², p = 0.03) and older (47.5 vs 41.0 years, p = NS) than the gastric bypass group. Median time to 50% excess body weight loss was 22 months in the duodenal switch group compared to 10.0 months in the gastric bypass group (p = 0.001). Patients after duodenal switch surgery reported a median of 23.5 bowel episodes over the 14-day study period compared to 16.5 in the gastric bypass group (p = NS). There was no between-group differences in any of the other bowel parameters studied. Conclusions  Although duodenal switch is associated with more bowel episodes than gastric bypass, the difference is not statistically significant. Bowel habits are similar in patients who achieve 50% estimated body weight loss with duodenal switch surgery or gastric bypass.     

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: 5-year results of a prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: To perform a prospective, randomized comparison of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). METHODS: LAGB, using the pars flaccida technique, and standard LRYGB were performed. From January 2000 to November 2000, 51 patients (mean age 34.0 +/- 8.9 years, range 20-49) were randomly allocated to undergo either LAGB (n = 27, 5 men and 22 women, mean age 33.3 years, mean weight 120 kg, mean body mass index [BMI] 43.4 kg/m(2); percentage of excess weight loss 83.8%) or LRYGB (n = 24, 4 men and 20 women, mean age 34.7, mean weight 120 kg, mean BMI 43.8 kg/m(2), percentage of excess weight loss 83.3). Data on the operative time, complications, reoperations with hospital stay, weight, BMI, percentage of excess weight loss, and co-morbidities were collected yearly. Failure was considered a BMI of >35 at 5 years postoperatively. The data were analyzed using Student's t test and Fisher's exact test, with P <.05 considered significant. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 60 +/- 20 minutes for the LAGB group and 220 +/- 100 minutes for the LRYGB group (P <.001). One patient in the LAGB group was lost to follow-up. No patient died. Conversion to laparotomy was performed in 1 (4.2%) of 24 LRYGB patients because of a posterior leak of the gastrojejunal anastomosis. Reoperations were required in 4 (15.2%) of 26 LAGB patients, 2 because of gastric pouch dilation and 2 because of unsatisfactory weight loss. One of these patients required conversion to biliopancreatic diversion; the remaining 3 patients were on the waiting list for LRYGB. Reoperations were required in 3 (12.5%) of the 24 LRYGB patients, and each was because of a potentially lethal complication. No LAGB patient required reoperation because of an early complication. Of the 27 LAGB patients, 3 had hypertension and 1 had sleep apnea. Of the 24 LRYGB patients, 2 had hyperlipemia, 1 had hypertension, and 1 had type 2 diabetes. Five years after surgery, the diabetes, sleep apnea, and hyperlipemia had resolved. At the 5-year (range 60-66 months) follow-up visit, the LRYGB patients had significantly lower weight and BMI and a greater percentage of excess weight loss than did the LAGB patients. Weight loss failure (BMI >35 kg/m(2) at 5 yr) was observed in 9 (34.6%) of 26 LAGB patients and in 1 (4.2%) of 24 LRYGB patients (P <.001). Of the 26 patients in the LAGB group and 24 in the LRYGB group, 3 (11.5%) and 15 (62.5%) had a BMI of <30 kg/m(2), respectively (P <.001). CONCLUSION: The results of our study have shown that LRYGB results in better weight loss and a reduced number of failures compared with LAGB, despite the significantly longer operative time and life-threatening complications.     

Comment on: “Experience of excess skin after gastric bypass or duodenal switch in patients with super obesity”

BackgroundThere is a lack of knowledge about the patient’s experience of excess skin after bariatric surgery in patients with body mass index, (BMI)>50 kg/m². The objective of this study was to evaluate experience of excess skin after laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and explore possible gender differences. Another aim was to analyze possible correlation between the reported experiences of excess skin with changes in weight, BMI, and hip and waist circumference after surgery.MethodsOne and/or 2 years after gastric bypass or duodenal switch surgery 57 patients responded to a specific questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions about the amount of excess skin and how much discomfort it caused. Furthermore, the patients were measured concerning weight and waist and hip circumference.ResultsOne year after surgery, a majority of the patients experienced excess skin scored as>2 (“a lot of” or “very much”). The patients in the BPD/DS group experienced significantly more excess skin compared to patients in the LRYGB group. Women experienced more excess skin and discomfort on several body parts than men. The correlations between changes in BMI and the reported experience and discomfort of excess skin were low. There was a low to moderate correlation between changes in waist and hip circumference measures and the experience of excess skin on stomach and buttocks.ConclusionWeight loss after LRYGB and BPD/DS in super-obese patients is associated with substantial discomfort from excess skin. Women reported more discomfort and experienced more excess skin than men. There was a low correlation between experience of excess skin and changes in weight, BMI, and circumference measures.     

Distal Gastric Bypass/Duodenal Switch Procedure, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Biliopancreatic Diversion in a Community Practice

Background: Hybrid procedures combining purely restrictive and purely malabsorptive components to achieve stable long-term weight reduction have evolved since the 1970s. In a solo surgical community-based practice over the period 1984-1997, three different hybrid procedures were utilized as primary operations in patients who had not had prior bariatric surgery. Methods: Restrospective comparison of 32 patients who underwent biliopancreatic diversion (BPD), 138 patients who underwent distal gastric bypass Roux-en-Y (RGB) and 105 patients undergoing distal gastric bypass/duodenal switch procedure (DS) with 2-4 year follow-up in 37 DS patients. Results: Height, initial weight and initial body mass index (BMI) were similar in the three groups. The DS patients were older. Mean BMI at 2 years fell from 49 to 29 kg/m² in both DS and RGB. Mean percentage maximum preoperative weight lost was 40% in both the DS and RGB groups. Two-year mean percentage excess weight lost in DS was 78%, compared to 74% in RGB. There were no operative deaths and no ulcers in the DS group. Conclusion: DS is an important new option for primary treatment of morbid obesity. It can be performed safely, with up to 4 year follow-up showing stable weight loss.     

Comparative Analysis of Vertical Banded Gastroplasty and Duodenal Switch at Five Years Follow-Up

Background: Bariatric surgery is the only effective long-term treatment for morbid obesity. We compared long-term results of the vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (DS). Quality of life (QoL), weight loss (WL), and reoperation were evaluated. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 85 of 129 patients with VBG and 49 of 743 patients with DS, with follow-up >5 years. Mean preoperative BMI of the VBG patients was 48.8 kg/m² and for the DS patients was 50.3 kg/m². Results: Percent excess weight loss (%EWL) at 5 years for VBG patients was 56.4% and for DS patients 70.6% (P<0.0001). 8 VBG patients (9.4%) and 1 DS patient (2.0%) required re-operation due to failure of the technique. None of the VBG patients could eat a normal diet, while 80% of the DS had no restriction in the quality of their intake. Conclusions: At 60 months follow-up, only the DS patients fullfilled the ASBS requirements of %EWL >50 in over 75% of the patients.     

Laparoscopic Reoperative Sleeve Gastrectomy for Poor Weight Loss after Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch

Background: The revisional surgery for patients with inadequate weight loss after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) is controversial. It has not yet been determined whether a common channel should be shortened or gastric pouch volume reduced. Since the revision of the distal anastomosis remains technically difficult and associated with possible complications, we turned our attention to the reduction of gastric sleeve volume. This operation is more feasible and potential complications are less probable. Patient and Method: We present the case of a 47-year-old women with a life-long history of morbid obesity. She was operated on in January 2000 with a laparoscopic BPD/DS with 100 ml gastric pouch, 150 cm of alimentary limb and 100 cm of common channel. Before this operation, her weight was 170 kg, with BMI 64 kg/m². She lost most of her excess weight within 17 months after surgery and was regaining weight at 77 kg and BMI 29 kg/m². Upper GI series showed a markedly dilated gastric pouch. Her second surgery consisted of a laparoscopic sleeve partial gastrectomy along the greater curvature using endo GIA staplers with bovine pericardium for reinforcement of the stapler line. Results: No postoperative complications occurred. The patient was discharged on the first postoperative day. Significant further weight reduction was noted, and at 10 months after surgery, her weight is 61 kg with BMI 22. Conclusion: A repeat laparoscopic gastric sleeve resection was performed for inadequate weight loss after BPD/DS, and resulted in further weight reduction.     

Insulin resistance in morbid obesity: reversal with intramyocellular fat depletion.

Obesity is a frequent cause of insulin resistance and poses a major risk for diabetes. Abnormal fat deposition within skeletal muscle has been identified as a mechanism of obesity-associated insulin resistance. We tested the hypothesis that dietary lipid deprivation may selectively deplete intramyocellular lipids, thereby reversing insulin resistance. Whole-body insulin sensitivity (by the insulin clamp technique), intramyocellular lipids (by quantitative histochemistry on quadriceps muscle biopsies), muscle insulin action (as the expression of Glut4 glucose transporters), and postprandial lipemia were measured in 20 morbidly obese patients (BMI = 49 +/- 8 [mean +/- SD] kg x m(-2)) and 7 nonobese control subjects. Patients were restudied 6 months later after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD; n = 8), an operation that induces predominant lipid malabsorption, or hypocaloric diet (n = 9). At 6 months, BPD had caused the loss of 33 +/- 10 kg through lipid malabsorption (documented by a flat postprandial triglyceride profile). Despite an attained BMI still in the obese range (39 +/- 8 kg x m(-2)), insulin resistance (23 +/- 3 micromol/min per kg of fat-free mass; P < 0.001 vs. 53 +/- 13 of control subjects) was fully reversed (52 +/- 11 micromol/min per kg of fat-free mass; NS versus control subjects). In parallel with this change, intramyocellular-but not perivascular or interfibrillar-lipid accumulation decreased (1.63 +/- 1.06 to 0.22 +/- 0.44 score units; P < 0.01; NS vs. 0.07 +/- 0.19 of control subjects), Glut4 expression was restored, and circulating leptin concentrations were normalized. In the diet group, a weight loss of 14 +/- 12 kg was accompanied by very modest changes in insulin sensitivity and intramyocellular lipid contents. We conclude that lipid deprivation selectively depletes intramyocellular lipid stores and induces a normal metabolic state (in terms of insulin-mediated whole-body glucose disposal, intracellular insulin signaling, and circulating leptin levels) despite a persistent excess of total body fat mass.     

Laparoscopic revisional surgery after malabsorptive procedures in bariatric surgery, more specifically after duodenal switch

Laparoscopic revisional surgery for both biliopancreatic diversion and duodenal switch is not a frequent event, and literature is sparse. Nevertheless, like any other weight loss surgical procedures, weight gain is possible or aggressive weight loss combined with micronutrients malnutrition may oblige surgeons to revise these original procedures. Reintervention strategies may include surgical improvements, conversion to other surgical procedures, or reversal. Revisions after duodenal switch are usually around 5% and may involve performing a re-sleeve or an elongation of the common channel at the expense of the biliopancreatic limb.