Detection of asymptomatic adenocarcinoma at endoscopy prior to gastric banding justifies routine endoscopy

Preoperative Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and the Effect on Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Preoperative oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) in bariatric surgery remains a controversial topic, with a large variety in practice globally. An electronic database search of Medline, Embase and PubMed was performed in an aim to categorise the findings of preoperative endoscopies in bariatric patients. A total of 47 studies were included in this meta-analysis resulting in 23,368 patients being assessed. Of patients assessed, 40.8% were found to have no novel findings, 39.7% had novel findings which did not affect surgical planning, 19.8% had findings that affected their surgery and 0.3% were ruled to not be suitable for bariatric surgery. Preoperative OGD is altering surgical planning in one-fifth of patients; however, further comparative studies are required to determine if each patient should undergo this procedure especially if asymptomatic.

IFSO Position Statement on the Role of Esophago-Gastro-Duodenal Endoscopy Prior to and after Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Procedures

One of the roles of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) is to provide guidance on the management of patients seeking surgery for adiposity-based chronic diseases. The role of endoscopy around the time of endoscopy is an area of clinical controversy. In 2018, IFSO commissioned a task force to determine the role of endoscopy before and after surgery for the management of adiposity and adiposity-based chronic diseases. The following position statement is issued by the IFSO Endoscopy in Bariatric/Metabolic Surgery Taskforce. It has been approved by the IFSO Scientific Committee and Executive Board. This statement is based on current clinical knowledge, expert opinion, and published peer-reviewed scientific evidence. It will be reviewed regularly.

Barrett's Oesophagus and Bariatric/Metabolic Surgery-IFSO 2020 Position Statement

The International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) has been playing an integral role in educating both the metabolic surgical and the medical community at large about the importance of surgical and/or endoscopic interventions in treating adiposity-based chronic diseases. The occurrence of chronic conditions following bariatric/metabolic surgery (BMS), such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and columnar (intestinal) epithelial metaplasia of the distal oesophagus (also known as Barrett's oesophagus (BE)), has long been discussed in the metabolic surgical and medical community. Equally, the risk of neoplastic progression of Barrett's oesophagus to oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and the resulting requirement for surgery are the source of some concern for many involved in the care of these patients, as the surgical alteration of the gastrointestinal tract may lead to impaired reconstructive options. As such, there is a requirement for guidance of the community.The IFSO commissioned a task force to elucidate three aspects of the presenting problem: First, to determine what the estimated incidence of Barrett's oesophagus is in patients presenting for BMS; second, to determine the frequency at which Barrett's oesophagus may develop following BMS (with a particular focus on the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)); and third, to determine if regression of Barrett's oesophagus may occur following BMS given the close relationship of obesity and the development of BE/EAC. Based on these findings, a position statement regarding the management of this pathology in the context of BMS was developed. The following position statement is issued by the IFSO Barrett's Oesophagus task force andapproved by the IFSO Scientific Committee and Executive Board. This statement is based on current clinical knowledge, expert opinion and published peer-reviewed scientific evidence. It will be reviewed regularly.

Perioperative screening, management, and surveillance of Barrett's esophagus in bariatric surgical patients

Obesity is a strong risk factor for Barrett's esophagus (BE), the only proven precursor lesion to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Bariatric surgery is currently the only reliable treatment that achieves long-term sustained weight loss; however, it can markedly affect the development of de novo BE, and the progression or regression of existing BE. Bariatric procedures may also have implications on future surgical management of any consequent EAC. In this review, we examine the current evidence and published guidelines for BE in bariatric surgery. Current screening practices before bariatric surgery vary substantially, with conflicting recommendations from bariatric societies. If diagnosed, the presence of BE may alter the type of bariatric procedure. A selective screening approach prevents unnecessary endoscopy; however, there is poor symptom correlation with disease. Studies suggest that sleeve gastrectomy predisposes patients to gastroesophageal reflux and de novo BE. Conversely, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is associated with decreased reflux and potential improvement or resolution of BE. There are currently no guidelines addressing the surveillance for BE following bariatric surgery. BE is an important consideration in the management of bariatric surgical patients. Evidence-based recommendations are required to guide procedure selection and postoperative surveillance.

Is Routine Preoperative Esophagogastroduodenoscopy Prior to Bariatric Surgery Mandatory? Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 10,685 Patients

BACKGROUND

This systematic review and meta-analysis searched, retrieved and synthesized the evidence as to whether preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (p-EGD) should be routine before bariatric surgery (BS).

METHODS

Databases searched for retrospective, prospective, and randomized (RCT) or quasi-RCT studies (01 January 2000-30 April 2019) of outcomes of routine p-EGD before BS. STROBE checklist assessed the quality of the studies. P-EGD findings were categorized: Group 0 (no abnormal findings); Group 1 (abnormal findings that do not necessitate changing the surgical approach or postponing surgery); Group 2 (abnormal findings that change the surgical approach or postpone surgery); and Group 3 (findings that signify absolute contraindications to surgery). We assessed data heterogeneity and publication bias. Random effect model was used.

RESULTS

Twenty-five eligible studies were included (10,685 patients). Studies were heterogeneous, and there was publication bias. Group 0 comprised 5424 patients (56%, 95% CI: 45-67%); Group 1, 2064 patients (26%, 95% CI: 23-50%); Group 2, 1351 patients (16%, 95% CI: 11-21%); and Group 3 included 31 patients (0.4%, 95% CI: 0-1%).

CONCLUSION

For 82% of patients, routine p-EGD did not change surgical plan/ postpone surgery. For 16% of patients, p-EGD findings necessitated changing the surgical approach/ postponing surgery, but the proportion of postponements due to medical treatment of H Pylori as opposed to "necessary" substantial change in surgical approach is unclear. For 0.4% patients, p-EGD findings signified absolute contraindication to surgery. These findings invite a revisit to whether p-EGD should be routine before BS, and whether it is judicious to expose many obese patients to an invasive procedure that has potential risk and insufficient evidence of effectiveness. Further justification is required.

Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy prior to Bariatric Surgery-Mandatory or Expendable? An Analysis of 801 Cases

BACKGROUND

Upper gastrointestinal pathologies are common in bariatric patients. Preoperative esophagogastroduodenal endoscopy (EGD) should detect and treat pathologies that might alter the type of bariatric surgery. However, clinical consequences of these findings are often insignificant. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of preoperative endoscopy in our cohort and its clinical consequences.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of endoscopic findings in patients under evaluation for bariatric surgery. Endoscopic findings were compared to preoperative risk factors as well as postoperative complications, and its clinical consequences were analyzed.

RESULTS

Data was available for 801 patients. Abnormal endoscopic findings were found in 65.7% of all patients. The most common conditions were gastritis (32.1%) and gastroesophageal reflux (24.8%). Malignancies were observed in 0.5% of all patients. We observed early-stage adenocarcinoma of the esophagus in two patients through our routine preoperative evaluation. Helicobacter pylori infections were detected in preoperative biopsies in only 3.7% of all patients. Patients who reported reflux symptoms had a higher rate of pathological EGDs (74.2 vs. 64.9%, p .019). We did not find any other risk factors for a pathological endoscopy. The postoperative complication rate was 11.2%. Leakage rate was 1.1%. Mortality rate was 0.4%. We did not find any correlation between the incidence of postoperative complications and preoperative endoscopic findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Relevant findings in routine preoperative endoscopy are rare but have significant influence on decision-making in bariatric patients and should be assessed as a necessary diagnostic tool.

Esophagectomy After Weight-Reduction Surgery

Obesity is now epidemic worldwide, and an increasing number of patients have undergone a weight-loss procedure. Although obesity is a risk factor for esophageal cancer, there are few reports on esophagectomy after bariatric procedures. Careful understanding of the patient's gastroesophageal anatomy as a result of the bariatric procedure and attention to the creation of the esophageal replacement conduit are fundamental for the success of esophagectomy after bariatric surgery.

Laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy for esophageal adenocarcinoma identified at laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

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Preoperative endoscopy is indicated bariatric patients with history of gastroesophageal reflux.

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Laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy can be safely performed in patient with history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

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The gastric remnant provides a good conduit for reconstruction following esophagectomy in patients with a previous Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Introduction

More than one third of Americans are obese. Obesity is a risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA). The only durable treatment for morbid obesity and its comorbid conditions is bariatric surgery. There is no consensus among bariatric surgeons, however, regarding the role of preoperative screening upper endoscopy in bariatric surgery.

Presentation of case

Two cases of incidental EA were identified by completion EGD following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). EGD was done for anastomotic surveillance and provocative leak testing. Esophageal masses were identified and biopsies demonstrated adenocarcinoma. In both cases a laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (LTHE) was completed using the gastric remnant as conduit; the biliopancreatic limb was divided proximal to the jejunojejunostomy and anastomosed to the proximal roux limb to complete the reconstruction.

Discussion

Obesity is a risk factor for GERD and EA. The role of EGD prior to bariatric surgery is unclear. Studies have demonstrated routine EGD prior to bariatric surgery may diagnose foregut pathology; however, few of the findings alter the planned treatment. The cost effectiveness of this strategy is questionable. There are reports of EA developing after bariatric surgery; however, we found no previous case reports of EA identified at LRYGB.

Conclusion

Our institution has opted for selective preoperative endoscopy in patients with preoperative gastrointestinal symptoms. In post gastric bypass patients LTHE can be performed with good results.

Usefulness of Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms as a Driver to Prescribe Gastroscopy in Obese Patients Candidate to Bariatric Surgery. A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

Before bariatric surgery, the necessity of routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is controversial, and guidelines recommend endoscopy in symptomatic cases. However, impaired visceral sensation occurring in obese patients may be misleading. The purpose of the study is to evaluate prospectively the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms, endoscopic findings, and the relation between symptoms and endoscopic findings in obese patients before surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred forty-two consecutive patients candidate to primary bariatric surgery filled out the validated Rome III symptomatic questionnaire and performed endoscopy.

RESULTS

With a median age of 41 years and BMI of 44 Kg/m(2), 83% were females. Symptoms were referred by 43% of patients: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (27.9%) and dyspepsia (24.6%), subdivided in postprandial distress (PDS) (66.7%) and epigastric pain (33.3%) syndromes. Of GERD patients, 19.7% presented concomitantly PDS. Belching was present in 8.2% and nausea and/or vomiting in 1.6% of patients. At endoscopy, one or more lesions were present in 47.1% of the patients: erosive esophagitis (5.6%), hiatal hernia (23.2%), gastroduodenal erosions (6.3%), and peptic ulcers (3.5%). At histology, 24% of patients have Helicobacter pylori infection, and its prevalence in gastroduodenal erosions and ulcers was 22.2 and 60%, respectively. Surprisingly, in patients with peptic lesions H. pylori-negative, no chronic use of NSAIDs was reported. Analyzing the coexistence of symptoms and lesions, these resulted equally distributed beyond the presence of symptoms, being present in 44.2 and 49.4% of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of symptoms cannot be considered as a valuable guide to indicate endoscopy since the majority of endoscopic lesions were asymptomatic and not H. pylori-related.

The role of routine preoperative upper endoscopy in bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The necessity of routine preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) before bariatric surgery is controversial. European guidelines recommend routine EGD while North American guidelines recommend a selective approach.

OBJECTIVE

Perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the proportion and scope of clinical findings discovered at preoperative EGD.

SETTING

Academic hospital, Canada.

METHODS

A search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases included MeSH terms "bariatric surgery," "endoscopy," and "preoperative." Inclusion criteria were any case series, cohort study, or clinical trial describing results of preoperative EGD for any bariatric surgery. Exclusion criteria were studies with<10 patients, patients<18 years of age, or revisional operations. Changes in surgical and medical management and proportions of pathologic findings were extracted and combined in a meta-analysis using the random effects model.

RESULTS

Initial search identified 532 citations. Forty-eight were included after full text review. Included studies comprised 12,261 patients with a mean (SD) age of 40.5 (1.3) years and body mass index of 46.3 (1.5) kg/m(2). The majority of patients (77.1%) were female. The proportion of EGDs resulting in a change in surgical management was 7.8%. After removing benign findings with controversial impact on management (hiatal hernia, gastritis, peptic ulcer), this was found to be .4%. Changes in medical management were seen in 27.5%, but after eliminating Helicobacter pylori eradication, this was found to be 2.5%.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative EGD in average-risk, asymptomatic bariatric surgery patients should be considered optional, as the proportion of EGDs that resulted in important changes in management was low.

Gastric carcinoid and obesity: association or coincidence? Report of two cases and literature review

Bariatric surgery is a prevalent procedure due to the high incidence of obesity and comorbidities. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is one of the procedures used to evaluate the patient before surgery. However, its role is questionable. The incidental findings during endoscopy are variable including inflammatory diseases, and ulcers, and epithelial and stromal tumors. Herein a report of two obese sisters with incidental gastric carcinoids was diagnosed in prebariatric surgery endoscopy. Case Summary. 35- and 41-year-old female patients presented with obesity and BMI of 102 and 46 kg/m², respectively. Both patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy as part of presurgical evaluation. Multiple polyps were indentified in both patients, and biopsy was taken. Histological examination revealed tumors that were formed by nests of epithelial cells. The cells have eosinophilic cytoplasm and monomorphic nuclei, typical morphology of neuroendocrine tumors. Conclusions. (1) Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is an important procedure for prebariatric surgery evaluation. (2) Gastric carcinoid is a rare tumor with higher incidence among obese patients.