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

Long-Term Results of Linear Versus Circular Stapled Gastrojejunostomy in Gastric Bypass Surgery: A Propensity Score-Adjusted Analysis of Weight Loss and Morbidity

BACKGROUND

Different techniques are used to create a gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJ) in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). This study compares long-term weight loss and technique-related morbidity between circular (CSA) GJ and linear (LSA) stapled GJ.

METHODS

The clinical data of LRYGB patients prospectively registered in a database were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoints were long-term excess weight loss (EWL) and excess BMI loss (EBL). The risk factors were adjusted via propensity score matching (PSM), and the long-term morbidity rates of the procedures were compared as time-to-event-data using hazard ratios (HR).

RESULTS

Two hundred forty-three patients underwent surgery between 2012 and 2014 (CSA n = 109; LSA n = 134). No significant differences in weight development were shown during 6 years postoperatively between CSA and LSA. A mixed effects regression analysis before and after PSM revealed that CSA performed better than LSA after 6 years (potentially biased by low follow-up rates for this period). CSA was associated with higher overall morbidity (LSA 26.1% vs. CSA 38.8%, HR = 1.58, p = 0.048), incisional hernia (LSA 0.7% vs. CSA 6.4%, HR = 10.0, p = 0.006), and GJ stenosis rates (LSA 0% vs. CSA 17.4%, p < 0.001). LSA was associated with marginal ulcers (LSA 8.2% vs. CSA 0.9%, HR = 5.5, p = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

Marginal ulcers have been linked to LSA, while CSA has been associated with higher rates of overall morbidity, stenosis of the GJ, and incisional hernia. No difference terms of weight loss were observed between the CSA and LSA groups during the initial six postoperative years. After 6 years, CSA may offer benefits in terms of sustained weight loss; however, the clinical relevance of these differences appears minimal.

Comparison of Sleeve Volume Between Banded and Non-banded Sleeve Gastrectomy: Midterm Effect on Weight and Food Tolerance-a Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Sleeve dilatation after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) causes weight regain (WR). Banded sleeve gastrectomy (BSG) was proposed to prevent dilatation and reduce WR.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study on patients who underwent BSG and LSG and completed 4 years of follow-up from 2016 to 2021 was included. Body mass index (BMI), percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), percentage of total weight loss (%TWL), and FT scores were calculated at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years. The sleeve volume was estimated at 6 months, 1 year, and 4 years. Multi-variate analysis was conducted to assess correlations between covariates. WR was calculated as weight gain > 10%, > 10 kg above the nadir, or BMI increase of ≥ 5 kg/m 2 above the nadir.

RESULTS

This study included LSG 1279 patients and BSG 132 patients. Mean %EWL at 1 year was 83.87 ± 17.25% in LSG vs. 85.71 ± 7.92% in BSG and was 83.47 ± 18.87% in LSG and 85.54 ± 7.48% in BSG at 4 years. Both had significant weight loss over time (p. < 0.001) with no significant main effect of surgery (p.0.438). Mean sleeve volume at 6 months was 102.32 ± 9.88 ± 10.28 ml in LSG vs. 101.89 ± 10.019 ml in BSG and at 4 years was 580.25 ± 112.25 ml in LSG vs. 157.94 ± 12.54 ml in BSG (p. < 0.001). WR occurred in 136 (10.6%) and 4 (3.1%) (p.0.002) in LSG and BSG patients, 90 (7%) vs. zero (0%) (p.0.002) and 31 (2.4%) vs. zero (0%) (p.0.07) using the > 10%, > 10 kg increase above the nadir and the ≥ 5 kg/m 2 BMI increases above the nadir formulas, respectively.

CONCLUSION

BSG had significantly lower sleeve volume, significantly lower WR, and significantly lower FT scores than LSG after 4 years from surgery; however, volume changes were not correlated with weight loss.

Linear and circular stapled gastrojejunal anastomoses in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: stomal diameter at onset and at long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

In the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure, the gastrojejunal stoma is constructed with either a circular (CSD) or a linear stapling device (LSD). The diameter of the stoma following stapling with the 21 mm CSD is expected to be approximately 12 mm (diameter of the anvil). Measuring the stoma diameter after linear stapling is a little more complex since the remaining opening in the linear anastomosis is closed by hand. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to follow up on changes in the diameter of gastrojejunal stomata after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass using either a CSD or an LSD between that at construction and at a long-term follow-up of 12-72 months later.

METHODS

Twenty patients were randomly assigned to gastrojejunostomy with either a 21 mm CSD or a 45 mm LSD. Directly after completion of the surgery, the diameter of the gastrojejunal stoma was measured using a Fogarty occlusion catheter and again at follow-up 12-72 months later.

RESULTS

Five patients were lost for follow-up, and 15 patients remained. The mean diameter of the CSD stomata at construction was 19.3 ± 5.3 mm (mean ± SD) and increased to 26.4 ± 6.6 mm at follow-up after a mean of 46 months (P = 0.02). The corresponding figures for the LSD stomata were 26.2 ± 4.1 mm, increasing to 32.7 ± 3.0 mm also after a mean follow-up of 46 months (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The mean diameter of the circular stapled gastrojejunostomy stomata at construction was 20 mm, that is, considerably larger than the 12 mm expected. After a mean of 5 years, the mean diameter had increased by 37%. The mean diameter of the linear stapled stomata increased by 25%.

Comparison of Linear versus Circular-Stapled Gastroenterostomy in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

Background

When performing a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), the gastroenterostomy can be constructed with a circular stapled or linear stapled technique. The size of the gastroenterostomy depends on the stapling method and this may affect weight loss outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the stapling technique on weight loss outcomes after RYGB.

Methods

This is a nationwide population-based cohort study of patients that received a RYGB. Data were derived from the Dutch Audit of Treatment of Obesity. Primary outcome was the impact of stapling technique on the rate of non-response defined as significant weight regain (≥20% of a patients’ lost weight) 2–4 years post-surgery, after initial successful weight loss (≥20% total weight loss, TWL). Secondary outcomes were the rate of response, defined as successful weight loss (≥20% TWL) within 1.5 years post-surgery, the incidence of complications and the progression of comorbidities.

Results

In a cohort of 12,468 patients, non-response was equally distributed between both groups (circular 18.0% vs. linear 17.6%). No differences in response rate (circular 97.0% vs. linear 96.5%) or %TWL were observed up to 4 years post-surgery. Patients in the circular stapled group experienced more complications, specifically major bleedings (2.4% vs. 1.2%; p=0.002) within 30 days postoperatively. No differences were found in deteriorated comorbidities, neither in de novo developed comorbidities.

Conclusion

When comparing stapling technique in RYGB, weight loss outcomes did not differ during a 4-year follow-up period. The linear stapled gastroenterostomy could pose an advantage due to its lower complication rate.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11695-021-05436-4.

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass with Fundectomy and Gastric Remnant Exploration (LRYGBfse): Results at 5-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND

The laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is the gold standard treatment for morbid obesity. After LRYGB, the endoscopic access to the gastric remnant and pancreaticobiliary system is challenging. The laparoscopic gastric bypass with fundectomy and exploration of the gastric remnant (LRYGBfse) was introduced in an attempt to overcome this limitation. The purpose of this study was to analyze the medium-term outcomes and safety of LRYGBfse.

METHODS

Observational prospective single-arm multicenter cohort study. Patients with BMI > 35 kg/m² were included. Previous open abdominal surgery was an exclusion criterion. Postoperative 1, 2, 3, and 5-year weight loss, BMI decrease, and percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) were recorded. Wilcoxon signed rank sum test was used for paired data.

RESULTS

Among 653 enrolled patients, 229 completed the 5-year follow-up. Preoperative median body weight (kg) and BMI (kg/m²) were 133.4 kg (interquartile range (IQR) = 12.0) and 48.2 kg/m² (IQR = 10.1), respectively. Median 5-year body weight, BMI, and %EWL were 83.7 (IQR = 17.3), 31.2 (IQR = 7.7), and 74.8 (IQR = 23.4), respectively, all significantly improved compared to baseline (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, and p = 0.012, respectively). Comorbid improvement or resolution was observed in 88% of the patients. No major intraoperative complications were reported. Postoperative overall morbidity and mortality rates were 1 and 0%, respectively. Banding removal was necessary in one patient 62 months after the index operation.

CONCLUSIONS

The LRYGBfse seems safe and effective with durable results at 5-year follow-up. Endoscopic exploration of the gastric remnant is an additional valuable tool.

Predictors of Excess Weight Loss in Obese Patients After Gastric Bypass: a 60-Month Follow-up

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to analyze the factors associated with change in body mass index (BMI) and with percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The following factors were analyzed: sex, age, surgical access (laparotomy vs. laparoscopy), preoperative BMI, waist circumference (WC), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study using a convenience sample of 2070 patients of both sexes, aged 18 to 65 years, undergoing RYGB between 2000 and 2013. The outcomes of interest were BMI and %EWL at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, and 60 months after RYGB.

RESULTS

After 36, 48, and 60 months, approximately 50 % of patients had BMI >30 kg/m(2). As for %EWL, 60-month results were poor for 17 % of patients (%EWL <50 %), good for 40 % of patients (%EWL 50-75 %), very good for 24 % of patients (%EWL from >75-90 %), and excellent for 19 % of patients (%EWL >90 %). The four most significant predictors of BMI change 60 months after RYGB (in descending order of magnitude) were preoperative BMI, preoperative WC, surgical access, and age; and of %EWL, surgical access, preoperative BMI, preoperative WC, and age.

CONCLUSIONS

After 60 months of follow-up, the most relevant predictors of weight loss after RYGB were lower preoperative BMI and WC, videolaparoscopy as surgical access, and younger age. Further studies must be carried out to elucidate the impact of these factors on RYGB outcomes.

The bariatric surgery and weight losing: a meta-analysis in the long- and very long-term effects of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on weight loss in adults

BACKGROUND

Several studies have been investigated to find the long-term effect of bariatric surgery on weight loss; nevertheless, a meta-analysis can detailedly demonstrate the effect of bariatric surgery on weight in morbidly obese patients. This study aimed to assess the long- and very long-term effects of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on weight loss in adults.

METHODS

An electronic search using PubMed, Scopus, and Google scholar databases was performed for all English-language articles up to May 15, 2016 with no publication date restriction. Outcome was long-term (≥5-10 years) and very long-term (≥10 years) weight reduction that reported as the mean %EWL and changes in BMI from baseline.

RESULTS

Eighty articles with 87 arms were included in this meta-analysis. The excess weight loss percentage (%EWL) was 47.94% and 47.43% after LAGB at ≥5 and ≥10 years, respectively. After LRYGB the %EWL was 62.58% at ≥5 years and 63.52% at ≥10 years. It was 53.25% at ≥5 years after LSG. Results of subgroup analyses have indicated that LRYGB leads to higher %EWL in America and Asia compared with Europe. Meta-regression analyses have shown that there is no significant association between %EWL and baseline age, BMI and length of follow-up after three procedures. However, there is a positive association between gender and %EWL after LRYGB (β = 1.24). No publication bias was found.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that LRYGB is an effective procedure in morbidly obese patients that leads to sustainable weight loss over the long- and very long-term periods in compared with LAGB and LSG.

Maintaining weight loss after bariatric surgery: when the spectator role is no longer enough

Bariatric (weight loss) surgery is the gold standard treatment for severe obesity. Concern exists that patients are regaining weight in the longer term. Success and cost-effectiveness of surgery are threatened due to the re-emergence of related conditions such as diabetes. This exploratory qualitative study investigates patients' expectations and experiences of weight regain (WR) 2 years or more after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Ten participants (two men and eight women) who experienced WR were interviewed between 2 and 6 years following surgery. Findings highlight that participants reacted to initial weight loss as passive spectators and were unprepared for subsequent WR. Their tolerability of WR reduced as the amount of regain increased, suggesting a 'line of tolerance' for WR. WR was influenced by a new vulnerability arising from weight loss over time, and participants struggled to manage their own weight actively as surgical effects waned. They considered self-management skills, and carer and professional support to be limited at the time when WR was most likely to occur. Degrees of tolerability are noted in individuals regaining weight after RYGB. More studies are needed to further understand these problems. Pre- and post-operative support and teaching patients self-management skills may be helpful to minimize WR.

Metabolic profile and psychological variables after bariatric surgery: association with weight outcomes

PURPOSE

This study aims to examine associations between metabolic profile and psychological variables in post-bariatric patients and to investigate if metabolic and psychological variables, namely high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1c), impulsivity, psychological distress, depressive and eating disorder symptoms are independently associated with percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty bariatric patients (BMI = 33.04 ± 5.8 kg/m(2)) who underwent to bariatric surgery for more than 28.63 ± 4.9 months were assessed through a clinical interview, a set of self-report measures and venous blood samples. Pearson's correlations were used to assess correlations between %EWL, metabolic and psychological variables. Multiple linear regression was conducted to investigate which metabolic and psychological variables were independently associated with %EWL, while controlling for type of surgery.

RESULTS

Higher TG blood levels were associated with higher disordered eating, psychological distress and depression scores. HDL-C was associated with higher depression scores. Both metabolic and psychological variables were associated with %EWL. Regression analyses showed that, controlling for type of surgery, higher % EWL is significantly and independently associated with less disordered eating symptoms and lower TG and HbA_1c blood concentrations (R (2) aj = 0.383, F (4, 82) = 14.34, p < 0.000).

CONCLUSION

An association between metabolic and psychological variables, particularly concerning TG blood levels, disordered eating and psychological distress/depression was found. Only higher levels of disordered eating, TG and HbA_1c showed and independent correlation with less weight loss. Targeting maladaptive eating behaviors may be a reasonable strategy to avoid weight regain and optimize health status post-operatively.

Primary banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a systematic review

Primary banding of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass remains controversial. Though there are surgeons who believe it should be the standard practice as it results in superior weight loss and prevents weight regain in the long term, there are others who are concerned about the risk of food intolerance and complications related to band. This review investigates published English language literature systematically to find out the advantages and disadvantages of primary banding of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

What makes a gastric bypass a good gastric bypass? Opinion and hypothesis

Gastric bypass is widely accepted as the gold standard bariatric operation. It was first reported 1967 and has been the subject of many technical alterations and variations since that time. Each of these variations has the potential to confer different outcomes, in terms of such things as weight loss, ease of surgery, risk, complications and durability of weight loss. All variations being performed these days should be accomplished with high levels of safety, in which case the primary interest of those undergoing surgery is the degree of weight loss that can be expected and the durability of that weight loss. Broadly speaking these two features will also determine the degree to which all co-morbidities are improved, which is also a goal of those undergoing surgery. In this article the authors describe the features of the Fobi Pouch gastric bypass which make it the most predictable and reliable variant of gastric bypass and report such evidence in the literature as exists for their contentions.

Circular Versus Linear Versus Hand-Sewn Gastrojejunostomy in Roux-en-Y-Gastric Bypass Influence on Weight Loss and Amelioration of Comorbidities: Data Analysis from a Quality Assurance Study of the Surgical Treatment of Obesity in Germany

Background: Since January 1 2005, the outcomes of bariatric surgeries have been recorded in Germany. All data are registered prospectively in cooperation with the Institute of Quality Assurance in Surgery at Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg.

Methods: Data are collected in an online data bank. Data collection began in 2005 for the results of Roux-en-Y-Gastric Bypass (RYGB). In addition to primary bariatric operations, data regarding the complications and the amelioration of comorbidities have been analyzed. Participation in the quality assurance study is required for all certified centers in Germany.

Results: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is the most popular bariatric operation in Germany. There were 5115 operations performed from 2005 to 2010. A circular anastomosis was performed in 1587 patients, and a linear anastomosis was performed in 2734 patients. In 783 patients, the hand-sewn technique was used. The leakage rate for the linear technique is 1.6%, and the leakage rate is 1.2% for circular anastomosis, and 1.4% for hand-sewn technique.

Conclusion: Roux-en-Y-Gastric Bypass is a popular procedure in Germany. The complication rate has decreased since 2005. The amelioration of comorbidities is not influenced by the anastomosis technique. Additional data are necessary to evaluate the long-term effect of linear versus hand-sewn and versus circular-stapled gastrojejunal anastomosis regarding pouch dilatation, small bowel dilatation, and consecutive weight loss.

Aspiration therapy leads to weight loss in obese subjects: a pilot study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Obese patients rarely achieve long-term weight loss with only lifestyle interventions. We evaluated the use of endoscopic aspiration therapy for obesity. Aspiration therapy involves endoscopic placement of a gastrostomy tube (A-Tube) and the AspireAssist siphon assembly (Aspire Bariatrics, King of Prussia, PA) to aspirate gastric contents 20 minutes after meal consumption.

METHODS

We performed a pilot study of 18 obese subjects who were randomly assigned (2:1) to groups that underwent aspiration therapy for 1 year plus lifestyle therapy (n = 11; mean body mass index, 42.6 ± 1.4 kg/m(2)) or lifestyle therapy only (n = 7; mean body mass index, 43.4 ± 2.0 kg/m(2)). Lifestyle intervention comprised a 15-session diet and behavioral education program.

RESULTS

Ten of the 11 subjects who underwent aspiration therapy and 4 of the 7 subjects who underwent lifestyle therapy completed the first year of the study. After 1 year, subjects in the aspiration therapy group lost 18.6% ± 2.3% of their body weight (49.0% ± 7.7% of excess weight loss [EWL]) and those in the lifestyle therapy group lost 5.9% ± 5.0% (14.9% ± 12.2% of EWL) (P < .04). Seven of the 10 subjects in the aspiration therapy group completed an additional year of therapy and maintained a 20.1% ± 3.5% body weight loss (54.6% ± 12.0% of EWL). There were no adverse effects of aspiration therapy on eating behavior and no evidence of compensation for aspirated calories with increased food intake. No episodes of binge eating in the aspiration therapy group or serious adverse were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

In a pilot study, aspiration therapy appears to be a safe and effective long-term weight loss therapy for obesity.