Preparation of extremely obese patients for laparoscopic gastric banding by gastric-balloon therapy

Treatment of massive super-obesity with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding

BACKGROUND

Controversy exists concerning the optimal treatment of patients with massive super-obesity (body mass index >60 kg/m(2)). The ideal surgical operation must balance optimal weight loss with minimal morbidity and mortality. We report our results for this patient population undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of all consecutive patients undergoing LAGB at our institution. Patients with a preoperative body mass index >60 kg/m(2) were identified and their charts were reviewed. Weight loss data were collected when the patients returned for band adjustments. All band adjustments were patient driven and performed under fluoroscopic guidance.

RESULTS

Between November 2001 and October 2004, 352 patients underwent LAGB. Of these, 53 had a preoperative body mass index >60 kg/m(2) (15%). The mean absolute weight and body mass index was 186.6 kg (range 139.6-250.6) and 66 kg/m(2) (range 60.0-79.8), respectively. The average follow-up was 12.5 months (range 1.3-31). The most prevalent co-morbidities were obstructive sleep apnea (64%), hypertension (42%), and diabetes mellitus (42%). Postoperative complications included one band removal for chronic obstruction, one band revision for slippage, and one nonfatal pulmonary embolism. The mean percentage of excess weight loss was 15% (-1.1 to 27.4) with <6 months of follow-up, 28.1% (range 1.9-44.5) with 6-12 months of follow-up, 35.1% (range 8.8-84.9) with 12-18 months of follow-up, and 42.9% (range 15.7-80.1) with >18 months of follow-up. Compared with our cohort of nonmassive super-obese patients, massive super-obese patients required a longer period of follow-up to accomplish a similar percentage of excess weight loss.

CONCLUSION

LAGB is an appropriate surgical option for the treatment of massive super-obesity. The procedure can be performed with minimal morbidity and mortality and leads to promising medium-term weight loss. Longer term follow-up of massive super-obese patients is necessary and may demonstrate even more successful results.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: recent advances from experimental models to clinical management

A condition defined as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is frequently found in humans. Deemed as a benign condition until recently, more emphasis is now put on the potential harmful evolution of the inflammatory form, that is, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), toward end-stage liver disease. This review highlights the major morphologic and pathophysiological features of NASH. The link between experimental biochemical findings in animal models and clinical and therapeutic approaches in humans is discussed. Once all the other causes of persistent elevation of serum transaminase levels have been excluded, the diagnosis of NASH can be only confirmed by liver histology. Other noninvasive diagnostic tools, however, are being investigated to assess specific subcellular functions and to allow the follow-up of patients at higher risk for major liver dysfunction. A better understanding of various pathogenic aspects of NASH will help in identifying potential therapeutic approaches in these patients.

Obesity surgery: evidence-based guidelines of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES)

BACKGROUND

The increasing prevalence of morbid obesity together with the development of laparoscopic approaches has led to a steep rise in the number of bariatric operations. These guidelines intend to define the comparative effectiveness and surrounding circumstances of the various types of obesity surgery.

METHODS

A consensus panel representing the fields of general/endoscopic surgery, nutrition and epidemiology convened to agree on specific questions in obesity surgery. Databases were systematically searched for clinical trial results in order to produce evidence-based recommendations. Following two days of discussion by the experts and a plenary discussion, the final statements were issued.

RECOMMENDATIONS

After the patient's multidisciplinary evaluation, obesity surgery should be considered in adults with a documented BMI greater than or equal to 35 and related comorbidity, or a BMI of at least 40. In addition to standard laboratory testing, chest radiography, electrocardiography, spirometry, and abdominal ultrasonography, the preoperative evaluation of obesity surgery patients also includes upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or radiologic evaluation with a barium meal. Psychiatric consultation and polysomnography can safely be restricted to patients with clinical symptoms on preoperative screening. Adjustable gastric banding (GB), vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) are all effective in the treatment of morbid obesity, but differ in degree of weight loss and range of complications. The choice of procedure therefore should be tailored to the individual situation. There is evidence that a laparoscopic approach is advantageous for LAGB, VBG, and GB (and probably also for BPD). Antibiotic and antithromboembolic prophylaxis should be used routinely. Patients should be seen 3 to 8 times during the first postoperative year, 1 to 4 times during the second year and once or twice a year thereafter. Outcome assessment after surgery should include weight loss and maintainance, nutritional status, comorbidities and quality-of-life.

Intragastric balloon in the treatment of patients with morbid obesity

BACKGROUND

Morbid obesity is a major health problem. This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of an intragastric balloon (IGB) for the treatment of morbid obesity.

METHODS

Sixty-nine IGBs were inserted endoscopically over a 3-year period in 63 consecutive patients (59 women; median age 41 (range 24-67) years). Median weight and body mass index were 124.5 (range 89.0-177.8) kg and 46.3 (range 36.2-72.4) kg/m(2) respectively. Significant coexistent disease was present in 34 patients. Median American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 3 (range 1-4). Data were recorded following retrospective review of patient case notes.

RESULTS

Mean operating time was 22 (range 15-30) min and median inpatient stay was 1 (range 1-6) day. Vomiting was the commonest early complication following 31 procedures and necessitated early removal of four IGBs. Of 58 patients with long-term follow-up, 18 suffered displacement of the IGB after at least 6 months in situ and three required a laparotomy for intestinal obstruction. Fifty patients (86 per cent) lost weight; median weight loss was 15.0 kg (P < 0.001). Median excess weight loss was 16.4 (range - 49.0 to + 4.8) and 18.7 (range - 51.5 to 12.6) per cent by 4 and 7 months after IGB insertion respectively.

CONCLUSION

The IGB represents a useful device for the treatment of morbid obesity, particularly in preparation for definitive antiobesity procedures. Early IGB replacement is essential to minimize complications.