Reversing One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Surgery due to Severe and Refractory Hypoalbuminemia

Post-Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Cirrhosis and the Role of Liver Transplantation: A Report from a Referral Transplant Center

BACKGROUND

Despite their benefits, metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) has been associated with rare but severe complications, including liver failure (LF) and the need for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The exact mechanisms underlying MBS-related cirrhosis remain unclear, and comprehensive data on this topic are scarce.

METHOD

This retrospective study analyzed 10 patients who underwent OLT after MBS due to decompensated LF. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected and analyzed, including pre- and post-MBS body mass indexes (BMI), liver function tests, and MELD scores.

RESULTS

Mean age was 42.9 years with the female percentage of 40%. Except for two patients who had 110 and 120 months between the MBS and OLT, remaining eight cases had a mean 19.6 months interval between the MBS and OLT. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) being the most common procedures, two of them reported consumption of alcohol, one died afterwards. Four patients died due to different reasons through the study (Two sleeve (SG), and one for each RYGB and one-anastomosis gastric bypass). There were significant correlations between overall survival (OS) and age (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (r) = 0.85, p = 0.002), bilirubin (r = - 0.74, p = 0.013), and MELD score (r = - 0.69, p = 0.026). Survival with log rank test was only significant for MBS types (p = 0.035). COX regression was significant when compare RYGB vs. SG (Exp(B) = 0.069, p = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

MBS-related cirrhosis is rare but potentially life-threatening and OLT is the final step with a noticeable risk of mortality. Comprehensive preoperative liver assessment, careful selection of MBS procedures, and close postoperative monitoring are crucial for mitigating risks.

Long-Term Weight Loss Outcomes of One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass: Assessment of 1971 Patients with 5-9-Year Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

While OAGB shows promise in the short to medium term, its long-term durability, weight trends, blood levels of metabolic factors and nutrients, and potential complications require further exploration through larger, longer-term studies. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence by reporting on the long-term outcomes of patients with severe obesity who underwent OAGB.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

A retrospective study on prospectively collected data was conducted on a sample of 1917 patients who underwent OAGB between 2010 and 2019 and had a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2. The data required for the study were obtained from our national registry database of obesity surgery (INOSD).

RESULTS

In total, 1971 patients were included, with 1474 (74.8%) female predominance. The mean age and BMI before surgery were 40.31 ± 11.21 years (range 18 to 75 years) and 46.68 ± 6.7 kg/m2 (range 35-86.57 kg/m2), respectively. The mean biliopancreatic limb length was 185.02 ± 15.61 cm. Our follow-up rate was 96.19% and 75.85% in 24 and 60 months after OAGB, respectively. %TWL and %EWL reached the maximum 18 months after the operation (36.49 ± 7.77, 81.54 ± 19.18, respectively). Suboptimal initial weight loss (SIWL) 2 years after surgery was 2.9%, and TWL less than 20% and EWL less than 50% were calculated at 5-year follow-up, which was 10.2% and 14.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that OAGB has acceptable long-term effects on weight loss and the remission or improvement of obesity-related medical conditions.

Pros and cons of partial reversal with gastro-gastrostomy in patients with refractory hypoalbuminemia following one-anastomosis gastric bypass

PURPOSE

Hypoalbuminemia following One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) surgery remains a major concern among bariatric surgeons. This study aims to assess the outcome of partial reversal to normal anatomy with gastro-gastrostomy alone in patients with refractory hypoalbuminemia following OAGB surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent partial reversal surgery with gastro-gastrostomy alone due to refractory hypoalbuminemia post-OAGB surgery, using data from the Iran National Obesity Surgery Database, from 2013 to 2022.

RESULTS

Of 4640 individuals undergoing OAGB, 11 underwent gastro-gastrostomy due to refractory hypoalbuminemia. The median time from OAGB to partial reversal was 16.6 months and the BPL length ranged from 155 to 200 cm. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 7 years. The mean BMI was 27.3 (7.5) kg/m² before partial reversal. The mean BMI post-reversal was 30.9 (4.2) kg/m² after 1 year and 33.3 (3.8) kg/m² after 2 years. Serum albumin levels significantly increased from 3.0 (0.4) g/dL to 4.0 (0.5) g/dL following gastro-gastrostomy (p-value < 0.001). Serum liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, ALP) significantly decreased post-gastro-gastrostomy (p-value < 0.05). Nine individuals (81.8%) achieved resolution of hypoalbuminemia after gastro-gastrostomy with maintenance of ≥ 20% TWL and ≥ 50% EWL. No cases of anastomotic stricture, leak, bleeding, or major complications were reported after gastro-gastrostomy.

CONCLUSION

Gastro-gastrostomy appears to be a safe and efficacious technique for addressing refractory hypoalbuminemia following OAGB. The procedure preserves the weight loss achieved following OAGB without significant complications. However, further studies are required to validate these findings.

Midterm outcomes of one anastomosis gastric bypass for patients with BMI < 35 kg/m2 from a large single center

BACKGROUND

One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is gaining more attention in patients with severe obesity and recently is used for patients with body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m2. In this 5-year single center experience we aim to report our outcomes of using OAGB for patients with BMI < 35 kg/m2.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data recorded in to our national obesity registry database. Variables including age, sex, weight, BMI, any associated disease, blood levels of metabolic markers, nutrients, and vitamins before and after surgery were extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

173 patients with mean age and BMI of 41 ± 10 years and 33 ± 1 kg/m2 underwent OAGB and at least one of the obesity-associated medical problems was found in 88 (50.5%) of them preoperatively. The mean duration of surgery and length of hospital stay were 60.7 ± 7.4 min and 1.3 ± 1.4 days. 78% and 70% of patients had available data at 24 and 60 months, respectively. The mean BMI was 23.9 ± 2.2 kg/m2 1 year after surgery and each year after that till 5 years was 24 ± 2, 24.4 ± 2.6, 25.1 ± 2.7, and 25.5 ± 2.7 kg/m2. Significant improvement in levels of fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, and liver enzymes were observed.

CONCLUSION

OAGB for BMI < 35 kg/m2 has significant effects in weight loss, helps remit diabetes and hypertension in the majority of cases, improves lipid profile, and has no increased burden of postoperative problems or deficiency in nutritional factors rather than what is known and predictable.

Remnant Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass: A Systematic Review of Indications and Outcomes of Resectional Gastric Bypass

BACKGROUND

In this systematic review, we aim to evaluate the reasons and outcomes behind remnant gastrectomy with or after gastric bypass procedures.

RESULTS

A total of 66 studies examining 1918 patients were included in this study with 70% of female predominance. Twenty studies reported RGB on 1751 patients and 46 studies reported remnant gastrectomy after gastric bypass in 167 patients. The most common etiology of RGB was related to the in situ remnant stomach neoplasia in 10 studies on 981 patients; mostly for preventive intentions in high prevalence areas. Remnant gastrectomy after gastric bypass was performed to treat a complication such as GGF, retrograde bile reflux gastritis, cancer mostly adenocarcinoma. Studies revealed that RGB has similar weight loss in comparison to standard Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Technical Variations and Considerations around OAGB in IFSO-APC and IFSO-MENAC Chapters, an Expert Survey

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the technical variations of one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) among IFSO-APC and MENAC experts.

BACKGROUND

The multitude of technical variations and patient selection challenges among metabolic and bariatric surgeons worldwide necessitates a heightened awareness of these issues. Understanding different perspectives and viewpoints can empower surgeons performing OAGB to adapt their techniques, leading to improved outcomes and reduced complications.

METHODS

The scientific team of IFSO-APC, consisting of skilled bariatric and metabolic surgeons specializing in OAGB, conducted a confidential online survey. The survey aimed to assess technical variations and considerations related to OAGB within the IFSO-APC and IFSO-MENAC chapters. A total of 85 OAGB experts participated in the survey, providing their responses through a 35-question online format. The survey took place from January 1, 2024, to February 15, 2024.

RESULTS

Most experts do not perform OAGB for children and adolescents younger than 18 years. Most experts create the gastric pouch over a 36-40-F bougie and prefer to create a gastrojejunostomy, at the posterior wall of the gastric pouch. An anti-reflux suture during OAGB is performed in all patients by 51.8% of experts. Most experts set a common limb length of > 4 m in revisional and conversional OAGBs to prevent nutritional complications.

CONCLUSION

The ongoing debate among metabolic and bariatric surgeons regarding the technical variations and patient selection in OAGB remains a significant point of discussion. This survey demonstrated the variations in technical aspects and patient selection for OAGB among MBS surgeons in the IFSO-APC and IFSO-MENAC chapters. Standardizing the OAGB technique is crucial to ensure optimal safety and efficacy in this procedure.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on GERD after OAGB: rate, treatments, and success

INTRODUCTION

This review aims to investigate the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as one of the important concerns for both surgeons and patients after one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB).

METHOD

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane were reviewed by the end of the 2021 with keywords relating to GERD, OAGB, and their equivalents. Data regarding OAGB, number of patients with GERD, treatment for GERD, endoscopy findings, the interval between GERD and OAGB were retrieved by two independent investigators. The primary effect/effect size measure was prevalence.

RESULTS

40 studies examining 17,299 patients were included revealing that 2% of patients experience GERD following OAGB. Reflux after revisional OAGB is six times higher than primary OAGB. Despite being unclear, medical and surgical treatments for GERD after OAGB were used in 60% and 41% of patients with estimated success rate of 85% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Based on how GERD was identified after OAGB, its rate ranged from 0 to 55%; the pooled rate of 2% is near to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. GERD symptoms can be mild to be tolerated without medical treatment, moderate that respond to acid-reducing agents, or severe enough that are categorized as interactable and would need a surgical intervention.

What About My Weight? Insufficient Weight Loss or Weight Regain After Bariatric Metabolic Surgery

Context

This review study aimed to investigate the definition, etiology, risk factors (RFs), management strategy, and prevention of insufficient weight loss (IWL) and weight regain (WR) following bariatric metabolic surgery (BMS).

Evidence Acquisition

Electronic databases were searched to retrieve relevant articles. The inclusion criteria were English articles with adult participants assessing the definition, prevalence, etiology, RFs, management strategy, and prevention of IWL/WR.

Results

Definition: The preferred definition for post-BMS IWL/WR are the terms "Lack of maintenance of total weight loss (TWL)>20%" and "weight change in percentage compared to nadir weight or weight loss". Prevalence: The exact prevalence of IWL/WR is still being determined due to the type of BMS and various definitions. Etiology: Several mechanisms, including hormonal/metabolic, dietary non-adherence, physical inactivity, mental health, and anatomic surgical failure, are possible etiologies of post-BMS IWL/WR. Risk factors: Preoperative body mass index (BMI), male gender, psychiatric conditions, comorbidities, age, poor diet, eating disorders, poor follow-ups, insufficient physical activity, micronutrients, and genetic-epigenetic factors are the most important RFs. Management Strategy: The basis of treatment is lifestyle interventions, including dietary, physical activity, psychological, and behavioral therapy. Pharmacotherapy can be added. In the last treatment line, different techniques of endoscopic surgery and revisional surgery can be used. Prevention: Behavioral and psychotherapeutic interventions, dietary therapy, and physical activity therapy are the essential components of prevention.

Conclusions

Many definitions exist for WR, less so for IWL. Etiologies and RFs are complex and multifactorial; therefore, the management and prevention strategy is multidisciplinary. Some knowledge gaps, especially for IWL, exist, and these gaps must be filled to strengthen the evidence used to guide patient counseling, selection, and improved outcomes.

Conversion of One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Results of a Retrospective Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) may expose the patient to certain specific complications. Here, we report the results of conversion of OAGB to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in terms of outcomes and weight loss.

METHODS

Between January 2009 and January 2019, all patients undergoing conversion of OAGB to RYGB because of complications due to OAGB (n = 23) were included. The primary efficacy endpoint was the effectiveness of converting OAGB to RYGB. The secondary endpoints were overall mortality and morbidity during the first 3 postoperative months, specific morbidity, reoperation, length of hospitalization, weight loss, and progression of comorbidities related to obesity at 2-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Indications for conversion were bile reflux (n = 14; 60.9%), severe malnutrition (n = 3; 13%), gastro-gastric fistula (n = 4; 17.4%), and anastomotic leak (n = 2; 8.7%). The median time interval between OAGB and conversion to RYGB was 34 months (0-158). At the time of RYGB, median body mass index (BMI) was 28.0 kg/m² (18.2-50.7), representing a median BMI change of 14.0 (- 1.7-43.5). Fifteen surgeries (65.1%) were completed laparoscopically. Five complications (21.7%) were recorded, including 2 major ones (8.7%). Reoperation rate was 4.3% (n = 1). At 24 months of follow-up (n = 18; 78.3%), median BMI was 28.7 kg/m² (19.4-35.4), representing a median BMI change of 19.5 (12.2-43.1). No patient complained of bile reflux or persistent malnutrition.

CONCLUSION

RYGB performed as revisional surgery for complications after OAGB is an effective procedure with no major weight regain at 2 years of follow-up.

Areas of Non-Consensus Around One Anastomosis/Mini Gastric Bypass (OAGB/MGB): A Narrative Review

PURPOSE

One anastomosis/mini gastric bypass (OAGB/MGB) is now an established bariatric and metabolic surgical procedure with good outcomes. Despite two recent consensus statements around OAGB/MGB, there are some issues which are not accepted as consensus and need more long-term data and research.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

After identifying the topic of non-consensus from the two recent OAGB/MGB consensuses, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane were searched for articles published by November 2020.

RESULTS

In this study, we evaluated these non-consensus topics around OAGB/MGB and all related articles on these topics were assessed by authors to have an argument on these items.

CONCLUSION

There is enough evidence to include OAGB/MGB as an accepted standard bariatric and metabolic surgical procedure. However, long-term data and more research are needed to have a consensus in all aspects including these non-consensus topics.

Pregnancy Less Than 1 Year After the Bariatric Surgery: Is It Really Safe?

PURPOSE

The time interval between bariatric surgery and pregnancy is controversial. In this study, we report and compare the outcomes of pregnancy from two groups of bariatric surgery (BS) patients who became pregnant less than 12 months (early) and above 12 months (late) after surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For this retrospective study, women of reproductive age who became pregnant after BS between 2010 and 2019 were reviewed, allocated into two groups, and compared. Perinatal care was provided as standards and continued at monthly intervals by a gynecologist. Demographic data, pregnancy-related events, results of any screening tests in each trimester, the reports of all ultrasonographies, and lab data were extracted from their medical documents. Chi-square and t-test were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Four hundred seventy-seven out of 1046 participants were of reproductive age. 12 and 37 women were put in early and late pregnancy groups, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the rate of maternal complications, outcomes of pregnancies, and the rate of fetal and neonatal problems in pregnancies conceived during the first vs. second year postbariatric surgery. 91.6% of the patients with early pregnancy had at least one perinatal/neonatal finding. Mean neonatal birth weight was 2610 ± 152 and 2881 ± 315 g in early and late pregnancy groups, respectively. Patients with early pregnancy were not at significantly higher odds for any pregnancy-related or neonatal complications.

CONCLUSION

The rate of maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications in pregnancies conceived during the first vs. second postbariatric year were indifferent.

Comparative Effectiveness of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass vs. One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass on Kidney Function

PURPOSE

Obesity and its associated medical problems increase risk of kidney function decline while prior studies suggest that bariatric surgery may improve kidney outcomes. However, little is known about the comparative effectiveness of different types of bariatric surgery on kidney function. In this study, we compare the effects of laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass (LOAGB) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) on kidney function one year after surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The patients' demographic, medical, and surgical data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, body mass index (BMI), and kidney function tests were obtained before and one year after surgery. Kidney function was evaluated by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and spot urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR). Changes in eGFR and ACR were compared between LRYGB vs. LOAGB after adjustment for confounders (age, sex, remission of associated medical problems, preoperative BMI, and percentage of excess BMI loss) using ANCOVA model.

RESULTS

Both surgical techniques significantly decreased the post-surgery presence of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia (p < 0.001 for all paired comparisons). The eGFR level significantly increased and the ACR level significantly decreased in both groups (p < 0.001 for all paired comparisons before and after adjustment). However, eGFR and ACR mean differences between LRYGB and LOAGB were not significantly different after adjustment for confounding variables (p = 0.9 and 0.4, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Both LOAGB and LRYGB improved 1-year eGFR and ACR equally independently from weight loss and other confounders.

One Anastomosis/Mini-Gastric Bypass (OAGB/MGB) as Revisional Surgery Following Primary Restrictive Bariatric Procedures: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB/MGB) has gained popularity in the past decade. International databases were searched for articles published by September 10, 2020, on OAGB/MGB as a revisional procedure after restrictive procedures. Twenty-six studies examining a total of 1771 patients were included. The mean initial BMI was 45.70 kg/m2, which decreased to 31.52, 31.40, and 30.54 kg/m2 at 1, 3, and 5-year follow-ups, respectively. Remission of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) following OAGB/MGB at 1-, 3-, and 5-year follow-up was 65.16 ± 24.43, 65.37 ± 36.07, and 78.10 ± 14.19%, respectively. Remission/improvement rate from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Also, 7.4% of the patients developed de novo GERD following OAGB/MGB. Leakage was the most common major complication. OAGB/MGB appears to be feasible and effective as a revisional procedure after failed restrictive bariatric procedures.