Biliopancreatic Diversion for Severe Obesity: Long-Term Effectiveness and Nutritional Complications

Differential Efficacy of Weight Loss Interventions in Patients with Versus Without Diabetes

Obesity is both a major risk factor for diabetes and a serious comorbidity of the condition. The twin epidemics of obesity and diabetes have spread globally over the past few decades. Treatment of obesity in patients with diabetes provides a host of clinical benefits that encompass virtually all body systems. Despite this, multiple lines of evidence suggest that the efficacy of most therapies for weight loss is significantly reduced among patients with diabetes. With this background, we summarize the evidence of a differential effect of lifestyle, pharmacological, and surgical treatments for obesity in patients with existing diabetes, and explore the potential mechanisms involved in this phenomenon. This information is then used to formulate strategies to improve weight loss outcomes for patients with diabetes.

Long-term prevalence of vitamin deficiencies after bariatric surgery: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery can lead to short-mid-term vitamin deficiencies, but the long-term vitamin deficiencies is unclear. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis regarding the long-term prevalence (≥ 5 years) of vitamin deficiencies after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We searched the EMBASE, PubMed, and CENTRAL databases for clinical studies until June 2023. Meta-analysis, sensitivity, subgroup, and meta-regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 54 articles with follow-up duration ranging from 5 to 17 years. The most prevalent vitamin deficiencies after surgery were vitamin D (35.8%), followed by vitamin E (16.5%), vitamin A (13.4%), vitamin K (9.6%), and vitamin B12 (8.5%). Subgroup analyses showed that the prevalence of vitamin A and folate deficiencies increased with the follow-up time. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass had a higher rate of vitamin B12 deficiency than sleeve gastrectomy and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS). Studies conducted in Europe had higher vitamin A deficiency (25.8%) than in America (0.8%); Asian studies had more vitamin B12 but less vitamin D deficiency than European and American studies. Meta-regression analysis displayed that publication year, study design, preoperative age, BMI, and quality assessment score were not associated with vitamin A, B12, D, and folate deficiencies rate.

CONCLUSION

A high prevalence of vitamin deficiencies was found after bariatric surgery in the long-term follow-up, especially vitamin D, E, A, K, and B12. The variation in study regions, surgical procedures, and follow-up time are associated with different postoperative vitamin deficiencies; it is necessary to develop more targeted vitamin supplement programs.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Vitamin D Status of Patients with Severe Obesity in Various Regions Worldwide

INTRODUCTION

Managing nutritional deficiencies is an essential component in the treatment of severe obesity. Vitamin D deficiency is often reported in investigations in severely obese cohorts. However, no prior study has summarized findings on this topic. Consequently, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] status in individuals with severe obesity in different regions worldwide. We also evaluated levels of calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and magnesium as secondary outcome measures.

METHODS

We searched Medline, PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE for relevant observational studies published in English from 2009 to October 2021. The heterogeneity index among the studies was determined using the Cochran (Q) and I2 tests. Based on the heterogeneity results, the random-effect model was applied to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency.

RESULTS

We identified 109 eligible observational studies. Overall, 59.44% of patients had vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D <20 ng/mL], whereas 26.95% had vitamin D insufficiency [25(OH)D 20-30 ng/mL]. Moreover, the mean 25(OH)D level was 18.65 ng/mL in 96 studies. The pooled mean estimate of the serum calcium, PTH, and magnesium was 9.26 mg/dL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.19-9.32, I2 = 99.7%, p < 0.001), 59.24 pg/mL (95% CI: 54.98, 63.51, I2 = 99.7%, p < 0.001), and 0.91 mg/dL (95% CI: 0.84, 0.98, I2 = 100.0%, p < 0.001), respectively. The results of the subgroup analysis indicated that the mean estimates of 25(OH)D were highest in North America (21.71 ng/mL [19.69, 23.74], [I2 = 97.2%, p < 0.001]) and lowest in Southeast Asia (14.93 ng/mL [14.54, 15.33], [I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.778]).

CONCLUSION

The results obtained showed a significant prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among severely obese individuals in various geographical regions, whereas the highest and lowest mean estimates were reported for North America and Southeast Asia, respectively.

[Current evidence on loop length in intestinal bypass procedures]

BACKGROUND

Intestinal bypass procedures are well recognized for their long-term weight reduction and control of metabolic comorbidities. The selection of the length of the small bowel loop has a significant influence on the positive and also negative effects of the chosen procedure but national and international standardization are missing.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to give an overview of the current evidence on the various intestinal bypass procedures and the influence of the chosen small bowel loop length on the desired and adverse postoperative outcomes. The IFSO 2019 consensus recommendations on the standardization of bariatric surgery and metabolic procedures form the basis of these considerations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The current literature was searched for comparative studies addressing the question of different small bowel loop lengths in a Roux-en‑Y gastric bypass, one anastomosis gastric bypass, single anastomosis duodenoileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy and biliopancreatic diversion (with duodenal switch).

RESULTS

Due to the heterogeneity of currently available studies and interindividual differences in total small bowel lengths in humans, it is difficult to give definitive recommendations for the choice of small bowel loop lengths. The longer the biliopancreatic loop (BPL) or the shorter the common channel (CC), the higher is the risk of (severe) malnutrition. To prevent malnutrition, the BPL should not be longer than 200 cm and the CC should have a length of at least 200 cm.

CONCLUSION

The intestinal bypass procedures recommended in the German S3 guidelines are safe and show good long-term outcomes. As part of the postbariatric follow-up, the nutritional status of patients following an intestinal bypass has to be followed-up on the long term in order to avoid malnutrition preferably prior to a clinical manifestation.

First study on the outcomes of biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch in Chinese patients with obesity

Background

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) is a bariatric procedure used in the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. However, to date, the data on BPD-DS among Chinese patients with obesity is completely lacking.

Objective

This is the first study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BPD-DS in the treatment of Chinese patients with obesity.

Methods

Data from 12 patients undergoing BPD-DS between September 2019 and March 2020 were analyzed retrospectively to evaluate complications, weight loss, comorbidity resolution, and nutritional status.

Results

All patients completed the 1-year follow-up. There was no conversion to laparotomy or death. Mean operative time was 257.08 ± 29.27 min. The median length of stay was 7 days (ranging from 4-38 days). Complications occurred in three patients. The 1-year body mass index was 25.13 ± 4.71 kg/m² with a mean excess weight loss of 100.11 ± 33.29% and a mean total weight loss of 43.22 ± 7.71%. Remission was achieved in 100% (7/7 cases) for type 2 diabetes, in 83.3% (10/12 cases) for hypertension, and in 62.5% (5/8 cases) for hyperuricemia. At 1 year after BPD-DS, the prevalence of albumin deficiency was 16.7%, for iron deficiency was 16.7%, and for zinc deficiency was 50%. There were 8.3% of the patients who were anemic. High deficiency rates for vitamins were presented mainly in vitamin A and vitamin E: vitamin A in 58.3% of the patients and vitamin E in 50% of the patients. The prevalence of asymptomatic gallstones increased significantly from 0% preoperatively to 41.7% postoperatively.

Conclusion

BPD-DS had excellent weight loss and resolution of comorbidities among Chinese patients with obesity. However, high rates of nutritional deficiencies and complications were found after BPD-DS, especially for vitamin A and vitamin E.

Hypoalbuminemia as a risk factor for complications in revisional/conversional bariatric surgery: an MBSAQIP analysis

BACKGROUND

Hypoalbuminemia (HA) is a risk factor for serious complications after elective bariatric surgery. Patients undergoing revisional/conversional bariatric surgery may represent a higher-risk group who often have underlying co-morbid medical illnesses and more complex surgery.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the postoperative complications in patients with HA undergoing revisional/conversional bariatric surgery.

SETTING

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), years 2015-2019.

METHODS

The MBSAQIP database was used to evaluate patients undergoing non-banding revisional/conversional bariatric surgery between 2015 and 2019. Patients were categorized by serum albumin (≤3.5 g/dL). Variables were assessed via bivariate analysis and multivariable regression. Propensity score matching was conducted to compare gastric bypass (RYGB) to sleeve gastrectomy (VSG).

RESULTS

One hundred forty-seven thousand four hundred thirty patients underwent revisional/conversional procedures. After applied exclusions, 58,777 patients were available for analysis. The HA group had a significantly (P < .05) higher prevalence of being black (22.95% versus 17.76%), renal insufficiency (1.08% versus .36%), smoking history (9.47% versus 6.91%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (2.54% versus 1.33%), and history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (4.03% versus 2.3%). Postoperative complications associated with HA included perioperative blood transfusion (3.1% versus 1.27%; P < .001), 30day readmission (10.87 versus 6.77%; P < .001), 30day reoperation (4.9% versus 3.18%; P < .001), and 30day mortality (.40% versus .14%; P < .0001). HA was a significant predictor of 30day readmission in the RYGB versus VSG matched cohort (odds ratio [OR], 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], [1.14, 1.48]; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

HA is a risk factor requiring attention for patients undergoing revisional/conversional bariatric surgery and optimization of nutritional status or medical comorbidities associated with HA prior to bariatric surgery may help avoid postoperative complications.

Long-Term Outcomes of Revisional Malabsorptive Bariatric Surgery: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risk?

Purpose

To evaluate the long-term outcomes of revisional malabsorptive bariatric surgery.

Materials and Methods

Malabsorptive bariatric procedures are increasingly performed in the revisional setting. We collated and analysed prospectively recorded data for all patients who underwent a revisional Biliopancreatic diversion + / − duodenal switch (BPD + / − DS) over a 17-year period.

Results

We identified 102 patients who underwent a revisional BPD + / − DS. Median follow-up was 7 years (range 1–17). There were 21 (20.6%) patients permanently lost to follow-up at a median of 5 years postoperatively. Mean total weight loss since the revisional procedure of 22.7% (SD 13.4), 20.1% (SD 10.5) and 17.6% (SD 5.5) was recorded at 5, 10 and 15 years respectively. At the time of revisional surgery, 23 (22.5%) patients had diabetes and 16 (15.7%) had hypercholesterolaemia with remission of these occurring in 20 (87%) and 7 (44%) patients respectively. Nutritional deficiencies occurred in 82 (80.4%) patients, with 10 (9.8%) patients having severe deficiencies requiring periods of parenteral nutrition. Seven (6.9%) patients required limb lengthening or reversal procedures. There were 16 (15.7%) patients who experienced a complication within 30 days, including 3 (2.9%) anastomotic leaks. Surgery was required in 42 (41.2%) patients for late complications.

Conclusion

Revisional malabsorptive bariatric surgery induces significant long-term weight loss and comorbidity resolution. High rates of temporary and permanent attrition from follow-up are of major concern, given the high prevalence of nutritional deficiencies. These data question the long-term safety of malabsorptive bariatric procedures due to the inability to ensure compliance with nutritional supplementation and long-term follow-up requirements.

Graphical abstract

Key points

• Revisional bariatric surgery workload is increasing

• Revisional malabsorptive surgery is efficacious for weight loss and comorbidity resolution

• Revisional malabsorptive surgery is associated with high rates of nutritional deficiencies

• Attrition from follow-up in this specific cohort of patients is of particular concern due to the risk of undiagnosed and untreated nutritional deficiencies

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11695-022-06019-7.

Can we abandon foregut exclusion for an ideal and safe metabolic surgery?

Foregut (foregut exclusions) and hindgut (rapid transit of nutrients to the distal intestine) theories are the most commonly used explanations for the metabolic improvements observed after metabolic surgeries. However, several procedures that do not comprise duodenal exclusions, such as sleeve with jejunojejunal bypass, ileal interposition, and transit bipartition and sleeve gastrectomy were found to have similar diabetes remission rates when compared with duodenal exclusion procedures, such as gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, and diverted sleeve with ileal interposition. Moreover, the complete exclusion of the proximal intestine could result in the malabsorption of several important micronutrients. This article reviews commonly performed procedures, with and without foregut exclusion, to better comprehend whether there is a critical need to include foregut exclusion in metabolic surgery.

COMPLICATIONS AND LATE FOLLOW-UP OF SCOPINARO’S SURGERY WITH GASTRIC PRESERVATION: 1570 PATIENTS OPERATED IN 20 YEARS

Scopinaro-type biliopancreatic diversion (BPD-S) and its variations are the surgeries that offer the best immediate results in weight loss and regain in the late follow-up. It has a high rate of immediate complications and demands control with frequent laboratory tests.

Diabetes remission after malabsorptive bariatric surgery

Obesity and diabetes are two closely related disorders. Lifestyle changes and drug treatment do not achieve successful diabetes remission. A treatment option for these patients is bariatric surgery (BS). The partial and complete remission rates vary, depending on the type of technique used (restrictive or malabsorptive), with malabsorptive surgery being more effective in terms of both weight reduction and diabetes remission (DR). Different scales (DiaRem, Ad-DiaRem or 5y-Ad-DiaRem) predict the probability of DR after BS, particularly after gastric bypass surgery. Some studies report higher DR rates in surgery with a greater malabsorptive component. Our aim was to study the benefits of BS at one year and 5 years in terms of the weight and blood glucose profile in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus; assess percentage DR according to ADA criteria; determine the DR predictive capacity of different scores; and examine which variables predict DR at one and five years after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). Percentage overweight reduction and the decrease in both blood glucose and HbA1c were greater with BPD. Complete diabetes remission was approximately 80% at one and 5 years after BS. In general, the scores that determine the probability of DR show poor discriminative capacity in malabsorptive surgery. Presurgery HbA1c predicts DR at one and 5 years after BPD. The type of surgery performed should be individualized, based on the severity of diabetes and the specific characteristics of each patient.

Vitamin E status among bariatric surgery patients: a systematic review

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties, is thought to modulate enzymes involved in signal transduction, affect gene expression, and have immunomodulatory capabilities. Severe vitamin E deficiency is associated with neuronal disorders, impaired immune response, hemolytic anemia, and oxidative-based disorders. Patients who undergo bariatric surgery (BS), especially malabsorptive procedures, are at greater risk of developing fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies. Current data on vitamin E statuses among BS patients are limited. Therefore, this systematic review has summarized the scientific literature on vitamin E and examined its status among patients following different types of BS. Searches of the MEDLINE and Embase databases were performed, followed by hand-searching of reference lists from all relevant papers. Of the 671 initially identified articles, 24 met the inclusion criteria: 1 study on adjustable gastric banding patients (n = 21), 4 studies on sleeve gastrectomy patients (n = 173), 12 studies on Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients (n = 689) and 12 studies on biliopancreatic diversion with or without duodenal switch (n = 799) or single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy patients (n = 163). Results suggest that patients who undergo malabsorptive procedures are at higher risk of developing vitamin E deficiency, although clinical manifestations of vitamin E deficits following BS are rarely documented. The optimal dose of vitamin E supplementation required for prevention of deficiency or for treatment following BS has yet to be established. Future observational and intervention studies are needed to bridge the gaps in existing knowledge.

Long-term comparative study on open versus laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion

BACKGROUND

To date, bariatric surgery has been proposed as the most effective treatment to resolve morbid obesity, a multifactorial chronic disease with an epidemic and increasing tendency. The purpose of this study was to determinate the impact of the laparoscopy on weight loss parameters in morbid obese patients who underwent surgery according to Scopinaro's biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and evaluate early and late complications related to the open and laparoscopic approach of this technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a longitudinal retrospective study in consecutive patients undergoing BPD due to morbid obesity between 1999 and 2015. From 2006 the laparoscopic technique was introduced in our group for obesity surgery. In both approaches, open and laparoscopic surgery, the procedure performed consists of a proximal gastric section with a long Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The following variables were assessed in the two groups: intervention duration (min), estimated blood loss (mL), conversions to open approach (%), preoperative stay, postoperative and global stay (days). Complications were divided into early and late postoperative complications. The early surgical complications were catalogued according to the Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-seven patients were consecutively enrolled and divided in two groups: open BPD and laparoscopic BPD. There were no significant differences in the comparison of the two groups and the mean age was 43.9 years (19-60) with a mean BMI of 52.5 kg/m². A statistically significant reduction was observed in favor of the laparoscopic group with respect to the reduction in hospital stay and in the incidence of incisional hernia as a late complication. No statistically significant difference were found with respect to early postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic BPD is a safe technique that allows a shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery and that allows a drastic reduction in the incidence of incisional hernias.

Laparoscopic Duodenal Switch Versus Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass at a High-Volume Community Hospital: a Retrospective Cohort Study from a Rural Setting

BACKGROUND

The classic duodenal switch (DS) represents a minority of bariatric procedures due to its high complexity and potential for complications.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted on 100 laparoscopic DS cases from 2014 to 2018 at an accredited program in a rural community hospital and compared to 100 laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses (RYGB). Primary outcomes were 30-day morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes included anastomotic leak and remission of type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

There were more demographic risk factors for DS. The 30-day morbidity was higher for DS compared to RYGB (31% vs 13%, respectively; p = 0.0037). There was one mortality for DS and none for RYGB. There were statistically significant longer intraoperative times, greater EBL, and greater decrease in BMI for DS. The DS had a lower incidence of anastomotic ulcers (4% vs 13%, respectively; p = 0.0289), with a higher incidence of subsequent surgery beyond 30 days (21% vs 8%, respectively; p = 0.0160). There were 3 anastomotic leaks for DS and none for RYGB, although not statistically significant (p = 0.2463). The DS was more likely to eradicate hypertension, but the RYGB was more likely to eradicate GERD. There were no statistically significant differences for type 2 diabetes remission (92.1% vs 89.5%, respectively; p = 0.7239).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic DS offers greater weight loss and hypertension remission, with lower incidence of anastomotic ulcers, but at the expense of greater morbidity and need for subsequent surgery, with no significant differences in type 2 diabetes remission when compared to RYGB in a rural community hospital program.

Diabetes remission after malabsorptive bariatric surgery

Obesity and diabetes are two closely related disorders. Lifestyle changes and drug treatment do not achieve successful diabetes remission. A treatment option for these patients is bariatric surgery (BS). The partial and complete remission rates vary, depending on the type of technique used (restrictive or malabsorptive), with malabsorptive surgery being more effective in terms of both weight reduction and diabetes remission (DR). Different scales (DiaRem, Ad-DiaRem or 5y-Ad-DiaRem) predict the probability of DR after BS, particularly after gastric bypass surgery. Some studies report higher DR rates in surgery with a greater malabsorptive component. Our aim was to study the benefits of BS at one year and 5 years in terms of the weight and blood glucose profile in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus; assess percentage DR according to ADA criteria; determine the DR predictive capacity of different scores; and examine which variables predict DR at one and five years after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). Percentage overweight reduction and the decrease in both blood glucose and HbA1c were greater with BPD. Complete diabetes remission was approximately 80% at one and 5 years after BS. In general, the scores that determine the probability of DR show poor discriminative capacity in malabsorptive surgery. Presurgery HbA1c predicts DR at one and 5 years after BPD. The type of surgery performed should be individualized, based on the severity of diabetes and the specific characteristics of each patient.

Biliopancreatic Diversion in the Surgical Treatment of Morbid Obesity: Long-Term Results and Metabolic Consequences

PURPOSE

In the multidisciplinary therapeutic approach to obesity, bariatric surgery is considered the most effective treatment in weight reduction and the decrease in associated comorbidities. The objective of this work is to describe the long-term clinical and metabolic results in obese patients undergoing biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) according to Scopinaro's technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing surgery were followed by the same multidisciplinary team in a study period of 15 years (1999-2015). A retrospective study based on a prospective database was designed, where data on the evolution of obesity-related diseases and nutritional parameters were studied.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-seven patients were collected; 75.5% were women. The preoperative body mass index (BMI) decreased from 52.5 kg/m² to 34.9 kg/m² 10 years after surgery. A resolution or improvement of diabetes has been observed in 85.38% of the patients; a decrease in arterial hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were in 65.61% and 89.14%, respectively. Throughout the monitoring of the sample, protein malnutrition increased, from 1.8% after the first year of surgery to 4.5% 10 years after the operation.

CONCLUSION

Even if Scopinaro's technique is beginning to be replaced by other malabsorptive techniques, it can still be considered as an effective surgical procedure in terms of weight loss, quality of life, and evolution of obesity-related diseases. In order to avoid nutritional deficiencies, the operated patients need a strict follow-up and a supplementation adjusted to the technique.

Long-Term Outcomes After Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Weight Loss at 10 or More Years for All Bariatric Procedures and a Single-Centre Review of 20-Year Outcomes After Adjustable Gastric Banding

Introduction

Durability is a key requirement for the broad acceptance of bariatric surgery. We report on durability at and beyond 10 years with a systematic review and meta-analysis of all reports providing data at 10 or more years and a single-centre study of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) with 20 years of follow-up.

Methods

Systematic review with meta-analysis was performed on all eligble reports containing 10 or more years of follow-up data on weight loss after bariatric surgery. In addition, a prospective cohort study of LAGB patients measuring weight loss and reoperation at up to 20 years is presented.

Results

Systematic review identified 57 datasets of which 33 were eligible for meta-analysis. Weighted means of the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) were calculated for all papers included in the systematic review. Eighteen reports of gastric bypass showed a weighted mean of 56.7%EWL, 17 reports of LAGB showed 45.9%EWL, 9 reports of biliopancreatic bypass +/− duodenal switch showed 74.1%EWL and 2 reports of sleeve gastrectomy showed 58.3%EWL. Meta-analyses of eligible studies demonstrated comparable results. Reoperations were common in all groups. At a single centre, 8378 LAGB patients were followed for up to 20 years with an overall follow-up rate of 54%. No surgical deaths occurred. Weight loss at 20 years (N = 35) was 30.1 kg, 48.9%EWL and 22.2% total weight loss (%TWL). Reoperation rate was initially high but reduced markedly with improved band and surgical and aftercare techniques.

Conclusion

All current procedures are associated with substantial and durable weight loss. More long-term data are needed for one-anastomosis gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Reoperation is likely to remain common across all procedures.

Treatment of Severe Protein Malnutrition After Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

Severe protein malnutrition, with a serum albumin < 25 g/L, is one of the complications that may develop after bariatric surgery. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and requires timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent rapid clinical deterioration. However, evidence-based recommendations for a specific treatment approach are currently not available. The present study describes the efficacy of a newly developed treatment regimen for post-bariatric patients presenting with severe hypoalbuminemia.

METHODS

A single-centre, retrospective analysis of eleven post-bariatric patients presenting with severe hypoalbuminemia, treated with continuous 24 h nasal-jejunal tube feeding of a medium chain triglyceride (MCT) formulation in combination with pancreatic enzyme supplementation every 3 h.

RESULTS

Duration of tube feeding ranged from 25 to 156 days (median 64 days) and pancreatic enzyme was supplemented for 22-195 days (median 75 days). An increase in serum albumin levels of 5 g/L and 10 g/L was achieved after a median period of 20 (range 6-26 days) and 36 days (range 21-57 days), respectively. Albumin levels were > 35 g/L after a median period of 58 days (range 44-171 days).

CONCLUSION

In this case series, a continuous 24-h nasal-jejunal MCT tube feed combined with frequent pancreatic enzyme supplementation was effective in all patients presenting with severe post-bariatric hypoalbuminemia and was not associated with adverse effects.

Standardization of Bariatric Metabolic Procedures: World Consensus Meeting Statement

BACKGROUND

Standardization of the key measurements of a procedure's finished anatomic configuration strengthens surgical practice, research, and patient outcomes. A consensus meeting was organized to define standard versions of 25 bariatric metabolic procedures.

METHODS

A panel of experts in bariatric metabolic surgery from multiple continents was invited to present technique descriptions and outcomes for 4 classic, or conventional, and 21 variant and emerging procedures. Expert panel and audience discussion was followed by electronic voting on proposed standard dimensions and volumes for each procedure's key anatomic alterations. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement.

RESULTS

The Bariatric Metabolic Surgery Standardization World Consensus Meeting (BMSS-WOCOM) was convened March 22-24, 2018, in New Delhi, India. Discussion confirmed heterogeneity in procedure measurements in the literature. A set of anatomic measurements to serve as the standard version of each procedure was proposed. After two voting rounds, 22/25 (88.0%) configurations posed for consideration as procedure standards achieved voting consensus by the expert panel, 1 did not attain consensus, and 2 were not voted on. All configurations were voted on by ≥ 50% of 50 expert panelists. The Consensus Statement was developed from scientific evidence collated from presenters' slides and a separate literature review, meeting video, and transcripts. Review and input was provided by consensus panel members.

CONCLUSIONS

Standard versions of the finished anatomic configurations of 22 surgical procedures were established by expert consensus. The BMSS process was undertaken as a first step in developing evidence-based standard bariatric metabolic surgical procedures with the aim of improving consistency in surgery, data collection, comparison of procedures, and outcome reporting.

Ileal interposition coupled with duodenal diverted sleeve gastrectomy versus standard medical treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus obese patients: long-term results of a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that bariatric surgery is effective in obtaining remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in obese patients, yet no data exist in the literature from prospective studies with ileal interposition with duodenal diversion sleeve gastrectomy (II-DD-SG). The aim of this case-control study is to investigate if II-DD-SG is superior to medical treatment in T2DM obese patients.

METHODS

Thirty obese patients (BMI > 30) affected by T2DM were recruited for surgery (II-DD-SG) between 2008 and 2011 and were matched with an equal control group which received standard medical treatment. Anthropometric measures, glucose metabolism, cardiovascular risk factors were determined baseline and during follow-up. The primary end point was T2DM remission; reduction of body weight, BMI, and cardiovascular risk factors were secondary end-points.

RESULTS

Shortly after II-DD-SG, normalization of glucose plasma levels and glycated hemoglobin was observed followed by a significant decrease in body weight and BMI. At one-year follow-up, insulin resistance strongly declined as did insulin plasma levels. Complete remission was observed in 26 patients (86%); 2 (6.6%) had partial remission, and two (6.6%) were still diabetic. After 5 years, 17 of 25 patients on follow-up (68%) showed complete remission of T2DM and 56% had remission of cardiovascular risk factors. Only two patients receiving medical treatment showed complete remission of T2DM (p < 0.0001 versus II-DD-SG). No significant changes of anthropometric parameters and lipid metabolism were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

II-DD-SG is an effective surgical procedure, able to induce complete and prolonged remission of T2DM in obese patients as opposed to medical treatment.

Malnutrition secondary to gastrojejunal stricture after biliopancreatic diversion

CONTEXT

Bariatric surgery has beneficial effects on obesity and associated comorbidities such as glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and renal and hepatic function. Nevertheless, this surgery is not free of complications and possible side effects due to restrictive and/or malabsorptive related components.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We report the case of a 60-year-old woman whose past medical history included morbid obesity, hypertension and Scopinaro biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) with duodenal switch in 1998. In 2015, she attended the emergency department hypotensive with bad general condition and reporting chronic constitutional symptoms. A wide variety of tests were performed including endoscopic studies as her symptoms were not immediately correlated with the BPD surgery. Finally, she was diagnosed from gastrojejunal stricture which caused her severe malnutrition. The patient underwent successful surgical management.

DISCUSSION

BPD is one of the most effective surgical procedures for obesity, with an overall 5-year loss of excess body weight higher than 72%. Nonetheless, it is associated with long-term complications such as protein malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies due to malabsorption. Being surgically challenging, with high risk of nutritional complications and lifelong needed for the follow-up, BPD is rarely performed nowadays.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric Surgery is a well-known effective therapeutic measure to improve obesity and cardiovascular related disease. However, this case highlights the importance of robust multidisciplinary lifelong surgical and medical follow-up in all BPD patients. BPD complications can be minimised and recognised early with patient and healthcare staff education on the importance of lifetime follow-up and adherence to dietary and supplement regimes.

Long-term outcomes after biliopancreatic diversion with and without duodenal switch: 2-, 5-, and 10-year data

BACKGROUND

There are minimal long-term data on biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) with or without duodenal switch (BPD/DS).

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the long-term weight loss, co-morbidity remission, complications, and quality of life after BPD and BPD/DS.

SETTING

An academic, university hospital in the United States.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent BPD or BPD/DS between 1999 and 2011. Outcomes included weight loss measures at 2, 5, and 10-15 years postoperatively; co-morbidity remission; long-term complications; nutritional deficiencies; and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

One hundred patients underwent BPD (34%) or BPD/DS (64%). Mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 50.2 kg/m². Mean follow up was 8.2 years (range: 1-15 yr) with 72% of eligible patients in active follow up at 10-15 years postoperatively. Excess weight loss (EWL) was 65.1% at 2 years, 63.8% at 5 years, and 67.9% at 10-15 years. Approximately 10% higher %EWL was achieved for those with preoperative BMI<50 kg/m² versus≥50 kg/m² and patients who underwent BPD/DS versus BPD. Although co-morbidities improved, 37% of patients developed long-term complications requiring surgery. There were no 30-day mortalities; however, there was one mortality from severe malnutrition. Nutritional deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins, anemia, and secondary hyperparathyroidism were common. Overall, 94% of patients reported satisfaction with their choice of surgery.

CONCLUSION

This clinical experience supports the long-term positive safety profile and efficacy of BPD and BPD/DS at a single U.S. center. Higher levels of excess weight loss are achieved by patients with a lower preoperative BMI and BPD/DS. Although nutritional deficiencies and postoperative complications are common, patient satisfaction remains high.