Long-term effects of sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery on type 2 diabetes mellitus in morbidly obese subjects. Ann Surg. 2012;256:1023-1029. [PMID: 22968072 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0b013e318262ee6b]

Ileal glucose infusion leads to increased insulin sensitivity and decreased blood glucose levels in Wistar rats

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Rerouting of nutrients and/or increasing nutrient delivery to the small intestine after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass may have important potential as a diabetes treatment modality. However, it is still important question which part of the gastrointestinal tract is the most important for control of glycemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of different segments of the gastrointestinal tract on glucose metabolism in the physiological state.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty 12-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into the following four groups of 10 animals each: the gastrostomy group, the duodenostomy group, the jejunostomy group, and the ileostomy group. All rats were subjected to a glucose tolerance test by infusion of glucose via the surgically inserted tubes in the stomach (gastrostomy), in the duodenum (duodenostomy), in the jejunum (jejunostomy), or in the ileum (ileostomy). Plasma glucagon-like peptide-17-36 (GLP-17-36) and insulin levels during the glucose tolerance test were assayed and Matsuda index was calculated.

RESULTS

Ileostomy rats exhibited significantly lower glycemic excursions compared with gastrostomy, duodenostomy, and jejunostomy rats. Insulin and GLP-1 levels during the glucose tolerance test were significantly higher in duodenostomy and jejunostomy rats than in gastrostomy and ileostomy rats. Matsuda index was significantly higher in ileostomy rats than in duodenostomy and jejunostomy rats.

CONCLUSION

Ileal glucose infusion leads to increased insulin sensitivity, further decreasing blood glucose levels.

Diagnosis of diabetes remission after bariatic surgery may be jeopardized by remission criteria and previous hypoglycemic treatment

BACKGROUND

Controversy exists regarding type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission rates after bariatric surgery (BS) due to heterogeneity in its definition and patients' baseline features. We evaluate T2D remission using recent criteria, according to preoperative characteristics and insulin therapy (IT).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study from a cohort of 657 BS from a single center (2006-2011), of which 141 (57.4 % women) had T2D. We evaluated anthropometric and glucose metabolism parameters before surgery and at 1-year follow-up. T2D remission was defined according to 2009 consensus criteria: HbA1c <6%, fasting glucose (FG) <100 mg/dL, and absence of pharmacologic treatment. We analyzed diabetes remission according to previous treatment.

RESULTS

Preoperative characteristic were (mean ± SD): age 53.9 ± 9.8 years, BMI 43.7 ± 5.6 kg/m2, T2D duration 7.4 ± 7.6 years, FG 160.0 ± 54.6 mg/dL, HbA1c 7.6 ± 1.6%. Fifty-six (39.7%) individuals had IT. At 1-year follow-up, 74 patients (52.5%) had diabetes remission. Percentage weight loss (%WL) and percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) were associated to remission (35.5 ± 8.1 vs. 30.2 ± 9.5 %, p = 0.001; 73.6 ± 18.4 vs. 66.3 ± 22.8%, p = 0.037, respectively). Duration of diabetes, age, and female sex were associated to nonremission: 10.3 ± 9.4 vs. 4.7 ± 3.8 years, p < 0.001; 55.1 ± 9.3 vs. 51.2 ± 9.9 years, p = 0.017; 58.9 vs. 33.3%, p = 0.004, respectively. Prior treatment revealed differences in remission rates: 67.1 % in case of oral therapy (OT) vs. 30.4% in IT, p < 0.001. OR for T2D remission in patients with previous IT, compared to those with only OT, were 0.157-0.327 (p < 0.05), adjusting by different models.

CONCLUSIONS

Consensus criteria reveal lower T2D remission rates after BS than previously reported. Prior insulin use is a main setback for remission.

The role of bariatric surgery in the treatment of diabetes

The obesity epidemic contributes to approximately 44% of the world's type 2 diabetes burden. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with morbid obesity as it improves glycaemia, blood pressure, lipids and inflammation. This review describes the evidence supporting the addition of bariatric surgery to the treatment algorithms used by diabetologists. We emphasize the need to view bariatric surgery as an adjuvant therapy which should not be used instead of but rather together with best medical therapy.

Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a primary bariatric procedure

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been established as a reliable bariatric procedure, but questions have emerged regarding its long-term results. Our aim is to report the long-term outcomes of LSG as a primary bariatric procedure.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients submitted to LSG between 2005 and 2007 in our institution. Long-term outcomes at 5 years were analyzed in terms of body mass index (BMI), excess weight loss (EWL) and co-morbidities resolution. Surgical success was defined as %EWL>50%. Also, we compared long-term results according to preoperative BMI, using Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

A total of 161 LSG were analyzed, and 114 patients (70.8%) were women. The median age was 36 years old (range 16-65), median preoperative BMI was 34.9 kg/m(2) (interquartile range [IQR], 33.3-37.5). A total of 112 patients (70%) completed 5 years of follow-up. At the fifth year, median BMI and %EWL was 28.5 kg/m(2) (IQR: 25.8-31.9) and 62.9% (IQR: 45.3-89.6), respectively, with a surgical success of 73.2% of followed patients. According to preoperative BMI, surgical success was achieved in 80% of patients with BMI<35 kg/m(2), 75% of BMI 35-40 kg/m(2), and 52.6% of BMI>40 kg/m(2), with significant lower %EWL in patients with BMI>40 kg/m(2) (P = .001 and .004). Dyslipidemia and insulin resistance resolution was 80.7% and 84.7%, respectively. A total of 26.7% of patients reported new-onset gastroesophageal reflux symptoms at 5 years.

CONCLUSION

LSG as a primary procedure is a reliable surgery. We observed positive long-term outcomes of %EWL and co-morbidities resolution. In our series, best results are seen in patients with preoperative BMI<40 kg/m(2).

Long-term follow-up evaluation of endoscopic sclerotherapy for dilated gastrojejunostomy after gastric bypass

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sclerotherapy using sodium morrhuate has been used to treat patients with weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass whose presumed etiology is loss of restriction due to gastrojejunostomy dilation. Weight loss and stability have been demonstrated in several studies with short-term follow-up evaluation.

METHODS

This retrospective review evaluated all the patients who underwent sclerotherapy for a dilated gastrojejunostomy between 2007 and 2012.

RESULTS

The study identified 48 patients with a mean follow-up period of 22 months (range 12-60 months). The mean age of these patients was 47.5 ± 10.5 years, and 92 % were women. The average weight loss from the primary procedure was 132.5 ± 54.82 lb, and the average weight regain from the lowest weight to the maximum weight before sclerotherapy was 46 ± 40.32 lb. The median number of sclerotherapy sessions was two (range 1-4). The pre-procedure mean gastrojejunostomy diameter was 20 ± 3.6 mm, and the mean volume of sodium morrhuate injected per session was 12.8 ± 3.7 ml. The average weight loss from sclerotherapy to the final documented weight was 3.17 ± 19.70 lb, which was not statistically significant. The following variables in the multivariate analysis were not associated with statistically significant weight loss: volume of sodium morrhuate, patient age, gastrojejunostomy diameter, number of sclerotherapy sessions, decrease in gastrojejunostomy diameter between the first and second sessions, and number of follow-up years. Weight stabilization or loss was achieved by 58 % of our cohort, with a mean weight loss of 15.9 ± 14.6 lb in this subgroup.

CONCLUSION

The long-term follow-up evaluation of patients undergoing sclerotherapy of the gastrojejunostomy for weight regain after gastric bypass showed only a marginal weight loss, which was not statistically significant in our study population, although more than 50 % of the patients achieved weight loss or stabilization.

Weight loss and weight regain-5-year follow-up for circular- vs. linear-stapled gastrojejunostomy in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND

Weight regain (WR) occurs in some patients after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP). Loss of restriction due to dilation of the gastrojejunostomy (GJS) or the gastric pouch might be the main cause for WR. With different techniques available for the establishment of the GJS, the surgical technique might influence long-term success.

METHODS

We present a 5-year follow-up for weight loss and WR of a matched-pair study comparing circular stapled (CSA) to linear stapled (LSA) GJS in a series of 150 patients who underwent primary antecolic antegastric LRYGBP. Complete 5-year follow-up was obtained for 79 % of the patients.

RESULTS

Excess BMI loss (EBL) at 3 months was better with the CSA (p = 0.02) and comparable thereafter. The 5-year %EBL was 67.3 ± 23.2 vs. 73.3 ± 24.3 % (CSA vs. LSA, p = 0.19) WR of > 10 kg from nadir was found in 24 patients (16 %) with higher incidence in CSA than in LSA patients (20 % vs. 12 %). The %WR was comparable for both groups, 16 ± 13 vs. 15 ± 19 % (CSA vs. LSA, p = 0.345). Eleven patients underwent surgical re-intervention for WR by placement of a non-adjustable band (n = 2), adjustable band (n = 7) and conversion to distal gastric bypass (n = 2).

CONCLUSIONS

CSA and LSA lead to comparable weight loss in this 5-year follow-up. More patients in the CSA group had WR. Weight regain of more than 10 kg was found in one out of seven patients within 5 years postoperatively.

Change in levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum cortisol in morbidly obese patients after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

C-Reactive protein (CRP) has been associated with the macro- and microvascular effects of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Referring to serum cortisol, it has been proposed to contribute to the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, and it has been demonstrated that weight loss normalizes cortisol levels and improves insulin resistance. The aims of this study were to analyze CRP and cortisol levels pre- and postoperatively in morbidly obese patients undergoing a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and to correlate them with weight loss and parameters associated with cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

A prospective study of all the morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as bariatric procedure between October 2007 and May 2011 was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 40 patients were included in the study. CRP levels decreased significantly 12 months after surgery (median reduction of 8.9 mg/l; p = 0.001). Serum cortisol levels decreased significantly 6 months after surgery (median reduction of 34.9 μg/dl; p = 0.001). CRP values reached the normal range (<5 mg/l) 1 year after surgery. Referring to cortisol, a significant association was observed with the cardiovascular risk predictor (triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio) from the 6th month after surgery onward (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.559; p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

CRP levels are increased preoperatively and in the postoperative course up to 1 year after surgery. Serum cortisol levels remain elevated until the 6th month after surgery. From this moment onward, serum cortisol is associated with the cardiovascular risk predictor reflecting the cardiovascular risk decreasement during the weight loss.

Predictive factors of type 2 diabetes remission 1 year after bariatric surgery: impact of surgical techniques

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission after bariatric procedures has been highlighted in many retrospective and some recent prospective studies. However, in the most recent prospective study, more than 50 % of patients did not reach T2D remission at 1 year. Our aim was to identify baseline positive predictors for T2D remission at 1 year after bariatric surgery and to build a preoperative predictive score. We analysed the data concerning 161 obese operated on between June 2007 and December 2010. Among them, 46 were diabetic and were included in the study-11 laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), 26 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and 9 sleeve gastrectomy (SG). We compared anthropometric and metabolic features during 1 year of follow-up. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to predict T2D remission. RYGB and SG were similarly efficient for body weight loss and more efficient than LAGB; 62.8 % of patients presented with T2DM remission at 1 year, with no significant difference according to the surgical procedure. A 1-year body mass index (BMI) <35 kg m(-2) was predictive of T2DM remission whatever the procedure. The preoperative predictive factors of diabetes remission were baseline BMI ≤50 kg m(-2), duration of type 2 diabetes ≤4 years, glycated haemoglobin ≤7.1 %, fasting glucose <1.14 g/l and absence of insulin therapy. A short duration of diabetes and good preoperative glycaemic control increase the rate of T2DM remission 1 year after surgery. Preoperative metabolic data could be of greater importance than the choice of bariatric procedure.

Comparison of the effectiveness of four bariatric surgery procedures in obese patients with type 2 diabetes: a retrospective study

AIM

The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of four bariatric surgical procedures to induce diabetes remission and lower cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic obese patients. Moreover, the influence of surgery on weight evolution in the diabetic population was compared with that observed in a nondiabetic matched population.

METHODS

Among 970 patients who were operated on in our center since 2001, 81 patients were identified as type 2 diabetes. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (GB), intervention type Mason (MA), gastric bypass (RYGB), and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) were performed, respectively, in 25%, 17%, 28%, and 30% of this diabetic population.

RESULTS

The resolution rate of diabetes one year after surgery was significantly higher after SG than GB (62.5% versus 20%, P < 0.01), but not significantly different between SG and RYGB. In terms of LDL-cholesterol reduction, RYGB was equivalent to SG and superior to CGMA or GB. Considering the other cardiovascular risk factors, there was no significant difference according to surgical procedures. The weight loss was not statistically different between diabetic and nondiabetic matched patients regardless of the surgical procedures used.

CONCLUSION

Our data confirm that the efficacy of surgery to treat diabetes is variable among the diverse procedures and SG might be an interesting option in this context.

Can diabetes be surgically cured? Long-term metabolic effects of bariatric surgery in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the long-term effects of bariatric surgery on type 2 diabetes (T2DM) remission and metabolic risk factors.

BACKGROUND

Although the impressive antidiabetic effects of bariatric surgery have been shown in short- and medium-term studies, the durability of these effects is uncertain. Specifically, long-term remission rates following bariatric surgery are largely unknown.

METHODS

Clinical outcomes of 217 patients with T2DM who underwent bariatric surgery between 2004 and 2007 and had at least 5-year follow-up were assessed. Complete remission was defined as glycated hemoglobin (A1C) less than 6% and fasting blood glucose (FBG) less than 100 mg/dL off diabetic medications. Changes in other metabolic comorbidities, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetic nephropathy, were assessed.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 6 years (range: 5-9) after surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, n = 162; gastric banding, n = 32; sleeve gastrectomy, n = 23), a mean excess weight loss (EWL) of 55% was associated with mean reductions in A1C from 7.5% ± 1.5% to 6.5% ± 1.2% (P < 0.001) and FBG from 155.9 ± 59.5 mg/dL to 114.8 ± 40.2 mg/dL (P < 0.001). Long-term complete and partial remission rates were 24% and 26%, respectively, whereas 34% improved (>1% decrease in A1C without remission) from baseline and 16% remained unchanged. Shorter duration of T2DM (P < 0.001) and higher long-term EWL (P = 0.006) predicted long-term remission. Recurrence of T2DM after initial remission occurred in 19% and was associated with longer duration of T2DM (P = 0.03), less EWL (P = 0.02), and weight regain (P = 0.015). Long-term control rates of low high-density lipoprotein, high low-density lipoprotein, high triglyceridemia, and hypertension were 73%, 72%, 80%, and 62%, respectively. Diabetic nephropathy regressed (53%) or stabilized (47%).

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery can induce a significant and sustainable remission and improvement of T2DM and other metabolic risk factors in severely obese patients. Surgical intervention within 5 years of diagnosis is associated with a high rate of long-term remission.

Braun gastrointestinal bypass surgery exerts similar hypoglycemic effects, with minimal operation time and earlier functional recovery, than Roux-en-Y bypass in type 2 diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Despite the beneficial hypoglycemic and potentially curative effects in type 2 diabetes, large stomach volume deficits caused by Roux-en-Y gastrointestinal bypass (RYGB) surgery increase complications. Hypoglycemic effects of Braun surgery and RYGB surgery, both modified to maximally preserve stomach volume, were compared in rat type 2 diabetes models.

METHODS

Three-month-old, male Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats (n = 40) were randomly divided into equal groups and not treated (control) or treated with sham surgery (sham group), modified stomach-preserving Braun gastrointestinal bypass (Braun group), or modified RYGB (RYGB group). Pre- and postoperative body weight and water intake were recorded, along with operative and defecation times. Fasting blood glucose at 12 h, and blood glucose 180 min after intragastric glucose administration, were measured at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, and 11 along with glycosylated hemoglobin (preoperatively, week 11).

RESULTS

Statistically similar (P > 0.05) increased body weight and decreased water intake, fasting blood glucose, blood glucose after intragastric glucose administration, and glycosylated hemoglobin were observed in Braun and RYGB groups compared with control and sham groups (P < 0.05). By week 1, RYGB and Braun groups exhibited sustained reductions in fasting blood glucose from 13.0 ± 4.1 to 6.9 ± 1.4 mmol/L and 12.4 ± 4.4 to 7.3 ± 0.9 mmol/L, respectively (P < 0.05); mean operative times were 139.1 ± 4.9 and 81.6 ± 6.4 min, respectively; and postoperative defecation times were 74.3 ± 3.1 and 29.4 ± 4.1 h, respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Stomach volume-preserving Braun gastrointestinal bypass surgery was faster and produced hypoglycemic effects similar to RYGB bypass surgery, potentially minimizing metabolic disruption.

Bariatric procedures: an update on techniques, outcomes and complications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Obesity is a rising epidemic, and it is projected that over 700 million people will be obese by 2015. As the number of people with morbid obesity rises, so will the number of bariatric procedures performed. The goal of this article is to review current surgical and endoscopic options for weight loss in morbidly obese patients including their efficacy and complications.

RECENT FINDINGS

New bariatric surgical techniques have been developed with the goals of maximizing weight loss and metabolic outcomes, while minimizing complications. In addition, there is a role for therapeutic endoscopy in treating obesity as well as managing bariatric surgical complications. As the metabolic effects of bariatric surgery are better elucidated, bariatric surgeries may provide a role in treatment of metabolic syndrome in mildly obese individuals. For those with insufficient weight loss, revisional bariatric surgeries have been performed with varying success.

SUMMARY

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity and its comorbidities. Several bariatric surgeries are available, and a multidisciplinary approach is recommended for choosing the best procedure for the appropriate candidate, along with providing long-term follow-up care to maximize outcome.

Molecular mechanisms of incretin hormone secretion

Incretin peptides (glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)) are secreted from enteroendocrine cells in the intestinal epithelium, and help to coordinate metabolic responses to food ingestion. A number of molecular mechanisms have recently been defined that underlie carbohydrate, lipid and protein sensing in gut endocrine cells. Knockout mice lacking sodium glucose tranporter-1 (SGLT-1) or the short chain fatty acid sensing receptor FFAR2 (GPR43), for example, have highlighted the importance of these molecules in incretin secretion. This review outlines our current understanding of sensory pathways in incretin secreting cells and highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting them for the development of novel therapies for obesity and diabetes.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass vs sleeve gastrectomy for obese patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomised trial

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Bariatric surgery is gaining acceptance as a 'metabolic surgical intervention' for patients with type 2 diabetes. The optimal form of surgery and the mechanism of action of these procedures are much debated. We compared two bariatric procedures for obese patients with type 2 diabetes and evaluated their effects on HbA1c and glucose tolerance.

METHODS

We performed a parallel un-blinded randomised trial of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) vs sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in 41 obese patients with type 2 diabetes, who were bariatric surgery candidates attending the obesity clinic. HbA1c, body composition and glucose tolerance were evaluated at baseline, and at 3 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Of the 41 patients, 37 completed the follow-up (19 RYGB, 18 SG). Both groups had similar baseline anthropometric and biochemical measures, and showed comparable weight loss and fat:fat-free mass ratio changes at 12 months. A similar normalisation of HbA1c levels was observed as early as 3 months post-surgery (6.37 ± 0.71% vs 6.23 ± 0.69% for RYGB vs SG respectively, p < 0.001 in both groups for baseline vs follow-up).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

In this study, RYGB did not have a superior effect in comparison to SG with regard to HbA1c levels or weight loss during 12 months of follow-up.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00667706.

FUNDING

This work was supported by grant no. 3-000-8480 from the Israel Ministry of Health Chief Scientist, the Stephen Morse Diabetes Research Foundation and by Johnson & Johnson.

Relevance of beta-cell function for improved glycemic control after gastric bypass surgery

BACKGROUND

Residual beta-cell function and gastrointestinal hormones have been suggested as relevant determinants of improved glycemic control ensuing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The objective of this study was to compare the glycemic control up to 24 months after RYGB in C-peptide negative morbidly obese (MO) type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1 DM) women (n = 7) and C-peptide positive (>.6 ng/mL) MO women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM, n = 7) on basal-bolus insulin therapy. The glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucagon response to a mixed meal challenge were also compared between groups.

METHODS

Percent excess weight loss (%EWL), HbA1c, and daily insulin dose (DID) after RYGB were compared between groups. The GLP-1 and glucagon response (area under the curve 0-120 minutes) after a mixed meal at last follow-up visit were also compared.

RESULTS

At 24-months, marked %EWL was observed in women with T1 DM and women with T2 DM (mean±standard error, 82.6% ± 11.3% and 87.4% ± 30.5%, respectively; P = .722]. In women with T1 DM, HbA1c (4 months, P<.05) and DID improved transiently (P<.05, up to 8 months) but were comparable to baseline thereafter (HbA1c: baseline, 8.3 ± 1.2 and 24 months, 8.2 ± .9, P = 1.00; DID: baseline, .61 ± .17 and 24 months .62 ± .12 IU/kg/d, P = 1.00]. In contrast, in MO women with T2 DM, HbA1c decreased significantly throughout follow-up, with 2 patients presenting diabetes remission and all but one an HbA1c<7% at 24 months. The GLP-1 response was comparable between groups (P = .612), and was not accompanied by suppression of the glucagon response to meal intake.

CONCLUSIONS

In the absence of residual beta-cell, RYGB results in no significant benefit on glycemic control, despite a marked response of GLP-1 to meal intake.

Effects of sleeve gastrectomy and ileal transposition, alone and in combination, on food intake, body weight, gut hormones, and glucose metabolism in rats

Bariatric surgeries are hypothesized to produce weight loss and improve diabetes control by multiple mechanisms including gastric restriction and lower gut stimulation; the relative importance of these mechanisms remains poorly understood. We compared the effects of a typical foregut procedure, sleeve gastrectomy, (SG) with a primarily hindgut surgery, ileal transposition (IT), alone and together (SGIT), or sham manipulations, on food intake, body weight, gut hormones, glucose tolerance, and key markers of glucose homeostasis in peripheral tissues of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (450-550 g, n = 7-9/group). SG, IT, and SGIT surgeries produced transient reduction in food intake and weight gain; the effects of SG and IT on intake and body weight were nonadditive. SG, IT, and SGIT surgeries resulted in increased tissue expression and plasma concentrations of the lower gut hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 and peptide YY and decreased plasma glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, insulin, and leptin concentrations. Despite transient effects on intake and weight gain, the SG, IT, and SGIT surgeries produced a significant improvement in glucose tolerance. In support of glycemic improvements, the protein abundance of key markers of glucose metabolism (e.g., GLUT4, PKA, IRS-1) in muscle and adipose tissue were increased, whereas the expression of key gluconeogenic enzyme in liver (G-6-Pase) were decreased following the surgeries. Therefore, our data suggest that enhanced lower gut stimulation following SG, IT, and SGIT surgeries leads to transient reduction in food intake and weight gain together with enhanced secretion of lower gut hormones and improved glucose clearance by peripheral tissues.

Five-year results of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is gaining popularity, but studies reporting long-term results are still rare. The objective of this study was to present the 5-year outcome concerning weight loss, modification of co-morbidities, and late complications.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort with a minimal follow-up of 5 years. A total of 68 patients underwent LSG either as primary bariatric procedure (n = 41) or as redo operation after failed laparoscopic gastric banding (n = 27) between August 2004 and December 2007. At the time of LSG, the mean body mass index (BMI) was 43.0 ± 8.0 kg/m(2), the mean age 43.1 ± 10.1 years, and 78% were female. The follow-up rate was 100% at 1 year postoperatively, 97% after 2 years, and 91% after 5 years; the mean follow-up time was 5.9 ± 0.8 years.

RESULTS

The average excessive BMI loss was 61.5% ± 23.4% after 1 year, 61.1% ± 23.4% after 2 years, and 57.4% ± 24.7% after 5 years. Co-morbidities improved considerably; a remission of type 2 diabetes could be reached at 85%. The following complications were observed: 1 leak (1.5%), 2 incisional hernias (2.9%), and new-onset gastroesophageal reflux in 11 patients (16.2%). Reoperation due to insufficient weight loss was necessary in 8 patients (11.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

LSG was effective 5.9 years postoperatively with an excessive BMI loss of almost 60% and a considerable improvement or even remission of co-morbidities.

DiaSurg 2 trial--surgical vs. medical treatment of insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with a body mass index between 26 and 35 kg/m2: study protocol of a randomized controlled multicenter trial--DRKS00004550

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a disease with high prevalence, associated with severe co-morbidities as well as being a huge burden on public health. It is known that glycemic control decreases long-term morbidity and mortality. The current standard therapy for T2DM is medical treatment. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed in obese patients showed remission of T2DM after bariatric surgery. Recent RCTs have shown bariatric procedures to produce a similar effect in non-morbidly and non-severely obese, insulin-dependent T2DM patients suggesting procedures currently used in bariatric surgery as new therapeutical approach in patients with T2DM. This study aims at investigating whether Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is an efficient treatment for non-severely obese T2DM patients in terms of preventing long-term complications and mortality.

Methods

The DiaSurg 2 trial is a multicenter, open randomized controlled trial comparing RYGB including standardized medical treatment if needed to exclusive standardized medical treatment of T2DM (control group). The primary endpoint is a composite time-to-event endpoint (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, coronary bypass, percutaneous coronary intervention, non-fatal stroke, amputation, surgery for peripheral atherosclerotic artery disease), with a follow-up period of 8 years. Insulin-dependent T2DM patients aged between 30 and 65 years will be included and randomly assigned to one of the two groups. The experimental group will receive RYGB and, if needed, standardized medical care, whereas the control group will receive exclusive standardized medical care, both according to the national treatment guidelines for T2DM. Statistical analysis is based on Cox proportional hazards regression for the intention-to-treat population. Assuming a loss to follow-up rate of 20%, 200 patients will be randomly allocated to the comparison groups. A total sample size of n = 400 is sufficient to ensure 80% power in a two-tailed significance test at alpha = 5%.

Discussion

The DiaSurg2 trial will yield long-term data (8 years) on diabetes-associated morbidity and mortality in patients with insulin-dependent T2DM receiving either RYGB or standardized medical care.

Trial registration

The trial protocol has been registered in the German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00004550.

Bariatric surgery: a best practice article

Bariatric surgery can effectively reduce body weight and treat obesity associated metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. There are also benefits for an individual's functional status and psychological health. A multi-disciplinary evaluation should be offered to the individual as the first essential step in considering bariatric surgery as a treatment. This evaluation should include a thorough medical assessment, as well as psychological and dietetic assessments. In this best practice article, we outline the current recommendations for referral for bariatric surgery. We also present the data for pre-operative assessment before bariatric surgery, with particular reference to cardiovascular disease and obstructive sleep apnoea. We describe the literature on outcomes after bariatric surgery, including the results for mortality, weight loss, remission of diabetes and associated endocrine disorders such as hypogonadism. Within this review, we will illustrate the impact of bariatric surgery on self-image, psychological health and perceived health and functional status. Finally, we briefly detail the potential complications of bariatric surgery, and offer advice on post-operative care and surveillance.