Risk Factors for Prolonged Length of Hospital Stay and Readmissions After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

An Ongoing Dilemma Amid Obesity Pandemic: Is Obesity Surgery Feasible in Turkish Adolescents? A Multicenter Study

Background: A significant percentage of the adolescent population suffers from obesity and its related comorbidities in the modern era. However, the alteration of intestinal anatomy, lack of scientific evidence regarding its safety and efficacy, and various ethical obstacles make surgical intervention to treat obesity in this age group controversial. To address the short-term efficacy and safety of bariatric surgery in adolescent patients, we present the results of 170 adolescent patients with obesity in this study. Materials and Methods: The clinical data of 170 adolescent patients who underwent various bariatric surgeries from March 2012 to January 2020 were evaluated. The presented data include demographics, preoperative and postoperative 6-month body mass index (BMI), excess weight loss (EWL), total weight loss (TWL), comorbidities, pre- and postoperative medications, length of hospital stay (LoHS), and complications. Results: The mean age of the patients was 17 years. The mean BMI was 43.9. In addition, 21.2% of the patients had an obesity-related comorbidity. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was the most preferred surgical method (94.1%). The LoHS ranged between 3 and 12 days, with an average of 4 days, and no patients required intensive care unit admission. The mean postoperative 6-month BMI, EWL, and TWL were 30.17 kg/m2, 77.7% [17.5%-139.1%], and 31.32% [7.6%-55.8%], respectively. The change in mean BMI values was found to be statistically significant (P < .05). Perioperative and postoperative complications occurred in 1.8% of the patients. Conclusion: Obesity surgery can be safely performed in adolescents, yielding desirable short-term outcomes and acceptable perioperative complication rates when conducted by adult bariatric and metabolic surgeons.

Innovative Approaches to Managing Postoperative Complications in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Scoping Review

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an effective surgical intervention for obesity, but managing complications post LSG remains crucial. Given the global prevalence of obesity, innovative approaches are needed to improve patient outcomes. Objective: This scoping review aimed to comprehensively map the existing literature on innovative approaches for managing complications in adult patients undergoing LSG to treat morbid obesity. This management strategy may include surgical techniques, perioperative care, nutritional support, or other relevant strategies. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted to identify relevant studies. The prespecified inclusion criteria were applied through a two-stage screening process. Studies involving adult patients who underwent LSG for morbid obesity (body mass index > 35) and those investigating interventions related to complications were included. The scoping review process adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. The results were summarized using a narrative approach. Results: This review included 31 studies with 4547 participants, showing diverse study designs, patient demographics, and surgical locations. Among them, 6 were case reports, 18 were randomized controlled trials, and 7 were retrospective studies. Complications of LSG include staple-line leaks, stenosis, hemorrhage, infection, gastric volvulus, and nutrient malabsorption. Innovative interventions, such as staple-line reinforcement, plication methods, and the Over-the-Scope Clip system, have been investigated for effective management. Conclusion: This scoping review provides valuable insights into innovative interventions for managing complications post LSG. This review highlights the need for further research to explore long-term outcomes, compare different interventions, and address the existing gaps in the literature.

Is It Possible to Predict Difficulties During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy? A Single Centre Experience

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a widely performed bariatric surgery across the globe. Understanding preoperative risk factors for possible intraoperative complications can aid in predicting surgical outcomes and shaping the approach to the procedure. This study aimed to identify and analyze potential risk factors associated with intraoperative difficulties during LSG.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The analysis encompassed consecutive patients who underwent LSG from 2017 to 2020. Patients who encountered intraoperative difficulties during the procedure were categorized into Group 1, whereas those who did not experience such complications were placed in Group 2. To identify potential risk factors for intraoperative challenges, a thorough evaluation of demographic characteristics was conducted, including variables such as age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, and previous surgical history.

RESULTS

Group 1 included 37 patients (11.71%), while Group 2 comprised 279 patients (88.29%). Apart from higher rates of diabetes, pulmonary disease, and sleep apnea in Group 1, no significant differences were observed between the groups regarding demographic parameters. A univariate logistic regression analysis identified several risk factors associated with intraoperative difficulties, including a body mass index (BMI) greater than 50 kg/m2 (OR 2.15, 95%, CI 1.05-4.39, p = 0.0362), the experience of the operating surgeon (OR 9.22, 95% CI 4.31-19.72, p = 0.0058), the presence of diabetes (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.19-4.98, p = 0.0146), and pulmonary disease (OR 12.22, 95% CI 1.97-75.75, p < 0.0001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the surgeon's experience (OR 8.61, 95% CI 3.75-19.72, p < 0.0001) remained a significant factor influencing intraoperative difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS

The sole significant factor influencing the occurrence of intraoperative difficulties was the level of the surgeon's experience.

American society for metabolic and bariatric surgery: intra-operative care pathway for minimally invasive Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND

Clinical care pathways help guide and provide structure to clinicians and providers to improve healthcare delivery and quality. The Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Committee (QIPS) of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) has previously published care pathways for the performance of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and pre-operative care of patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

OBJECTIVE

This current RYGB care pathway was created to address intraoperative care, defined as care occurring on the day of surgery from the preoperative holding area, through the operating room, and into the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).

METHODS

PubMed queries were performed from January 2001 to December 2019 and reviewed according to Level of Evidence regarding specific key questions developed by the committee.

RESULTS

Evidence-based recommendations are made for care of patients undergoing RYGB including the pre-operative holding area, intra-operative management and performance of RYGB, and concurrent procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

This document may provide guidance based on recent evidence to bariatric surgeons and providers for the intra-operative care for minimally invasive RYGB.

Patient and operative factors influence delayed discharge following bariatric surgery in an enhanced recovery setting

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs have been widely adopted in bariatric surgery. However, not all patients are successfully managed in the ERAS setting and there is currently little way of predicting the patients who will deviate from the program. Early identification of these patients could allow for more tailored protocols to be implemented preoperatively to address the issues, thereby improving patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to elucidate the factors which preclude discharge by comparing patients who were successfully discharged by the end of the first postoperative day (POD 0/1) to those who stayed longer, including revisional surgery in this analysis.

SETTING

A tertiary, high-volume Bariatric Centre, United Kingdom.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients undergoing bariatric surgery in a single centre in 1 year. Multivariate analyses compared patient and operative variables between patients who were discharged on POD 0/1 and those who stayed longer.

RESULTS

A total of 288 bariatric operations were performed: 78% of operations performed were laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; 22% laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Of these cases, 13% were revisional operations. Four patients returned to theatre on the index admission. 81% of patients were discharged by POD 0/1. A re-presentation within 30 days was seen in 6% of patients. There was no significant difference in length of stay for the type of operation performed (P = .86). Patients who had a revisional procedure were not more likely to stay longer. Length of stay was also independent of age, BMI, and comorbidities. Caucasian patients were more likely to be discharged on POD 0/1 than those of other ethnicities (90% versus 78%; P = .02). Operations performed by trainee surgeons, under consultant supervision, were significantly more likely to be discharged on POD 0/1 (P = .03). However, a logistic regression analysis was unable to predict patients who had a prolonged stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient length of stay is independent of BMI, operation, and comorbidities and these factors do not need special consideration in ERAS pathways. Patients undergoing revisional procedures can be managed in the same way as those having primary procedures, with a routine POD 0/1 discharge. However, the impact of individual patient factors, and their interaction, is complex and cannot predict overstay.

Safety and cost of performing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with same day discharge at a large academic hospital

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most common surgical treatment for morbid obesity. While certain specialized ambulatory surgery centers offer LSG on an outpatient basis, patients undergoing LSG at most academic centers are admitted to hospital for initial postoperative convalescence and monitoring. Our institution has begun to offer LSG with same-day discharge (SDD) in select patients. We aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes and costs for patients undergoing LSG with inpatient admission versus SDD.

METHODS

All patients enrolled in the SDD program from December 2020 through July 2022 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Patients enrolled in this pathway were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis even if ultimately admitted postoperatively. Propensity scoring was used to match these patients 1:1 to those with planned inpatient recovery based on age, BMI, and ASA classification.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients were enrolled in the LSG with SDD program during the study period. Among these, 62 patients (82.7%) had successful immediate postoperative discharge. Reasons for cancelation of planned SDD included anxiety (n = 5), pain (n = 3), nausea (n = 2), and one patient each with hypotension, urinary retention, and bleeding. After matching, there were no differences in age, BMI, or ASA classification in a comparison group of patients with planned inpatient recovery. There were no differences in perioperative complications. There were no readmissions or requirements for outpatient intravenous fluids among patients with SDD, compared to n = 3 (4.0%) and n = 2 (2.7%) in the inpatient cohort, respectively. The total perioperative cost for patients undergoing LSG with planned SDD was 6.8% less than those with inpatient recovery.

CONCLUSION

With appropriate protocols, LSG with same-day discharge can safely be performed at large academic surgery centers without increased morbidity or need for additional services in the perioperative period. SDD may be associated with decreased costs and allows for more efficient hospital bed allocation.

The length of hospital stay following bariatric surgery in Australia: the impact of patient, procedure, system and surgeon

BACKGROUND

The length of a patient's stay (LOS) in a hospital is one metric used to compare the quality of care, as a longer LOS may flag higher complication rates or less efficient processes. A meaningful comparison of LOS can only occur if the expected average length of stay (ALOS) is defined first. This study aimed to define the expected ALOS of primary and conversion bariatric surgery in Australia and to quantify the effect of patient, procedure, system, and surgeon factors on ALOS.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study of prospectively maintained data from the Bariatric Surgery Registry of 63 604 bariatric procedures performed in Australia. The primary outcome measure was the expected ALOS for primary and conversion bariatric procedures. The secondary outcome measures quantified the change in ALOS for bariatric surgery resulting from patient, procedure, hospital, and surgeon factors.

RESULTS

Uncomplicated primary bariatric surgery had an ALOS (SD) of 2.30 (1.31) days, whereas conversion procedures had an ALOS (SD) of 2.71 (2.75) days yielding a mean difference (SEM) in ALOS of 0.41 (0.05) days, P < 0.001. The occurrence of any defined adverse event extended the ALOS of primary and conversion procedures by 1.14 days (CI 95% 1.04-1.25), P < 0.001 and 2.33 days (CI 95% 1.54-3.11), P < 0.001, respectively. Older age, diabetes, rural home address, surgeon operating volume and hospital case volume increased the ALOS following bariatric surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings have defined Australia's expected ALOS following bariatric surgery. Increased patient age, diabetes, rural living, procedural complications and surgeon and hospital case volume exerted a small but significant increase in ALOS.

STUDY TYPE

Retrospective observational study of prospectively collected data.

Predicting readmission after bariatric surgery using machine learning

BACKGROUND

While bariatric surgery is an effective method for achieving long-term weight loss, postoperative readmissions are associated with negative clinical outcomes and significant costs.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to use machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict readmissions and compare results to logistic regression.

SETTING

Hospitals participating in the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, United States.

METHODS

Patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch between 2016 and 2020 were selected from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database. Patient variables reported by the MBSAQIP database were analyzed by ML algorithms random forest (RF), gradient boosting (XGB), and deep neural networks (NN), and the results of the predictive models were compared to logistic regression using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

RESULTS

Our study included 863,348 patients, of which 39,068 (4.52%) were readmitted. AUROC scores were XGB .785 (95% CI .784-.786), RF .785 (95% CI .784-.785), and NN .754 (95% CI .753-.754), compared with .62 (95% CI .62-.621) for logistic regression (LR) (P < .001). The sensitivity and specificity for XGB, the best performing model, were 73.81% and 70%, compared with 52.94% and 70% for logistic regression. The most important variables were intervention or reoperation prior to discharge, unplanned ICU admission, initial procedure, and the intraoperative transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

ML demonstrates significant advantages over logistic regression when predicting 30-day readmission following bariatric surgery. With external validation, models could identify the best candidates for early discharge or targeted postdischarge resources.

Perioperative Nutritional Management in Enhanced Recovery after Bariatric Surgery

Obesity is a crucial health problem because it leads to several chronic diseases with an increased risk of mortality and it is very hard to reverse with conventional treatment including changes in lifestyle and pharmacotherapy. Bariatric surgery (BS), comprising a range of various surgical procedures that modify the digestive tract favouring weight loss, is considered the most effective medical intervention to counteract severe obesity, especially in the presence of metabolic comorbidities. The Enhanced Recovery After Bariatric Surgery (ERABS) protocols include a set of recommendations that can be applied before and after BS. The primary aim of ERABS protocols is to facilitate and expedite the recovery process while enhancing the overall effectiveness of bariatric procedures. ERABS protocols include indications about preoperative fasting as well as on how to feed the patient on the day of the intervention, and how to nourish and hydrate in the days after BS. This narrative review examines the application, the feasibility and the efficacy of ERABS protocols applied to the field of nutrition. We found that ERABS protocols, in particular not fasting the patient before the surgery, are often not correctly applied for reasons that are not evidence-based. Furthermore, we identified some gaps in the research about some practises that could be implemented in the presence of additional evidence.

Initial experience with laparoscopic revisional single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (SADI-S) after failed sleeve gastrectomy

Introduction

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is currently the most commonly performed bariatric operation, but re-do surgery may be necessary in up to half of the patients. Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (SADI-S) is quickly gaining recognition as a revisional procedure after failed SG.

Aim

To discuss the surgical technique and analyze initial outcomes after introduction of SADI-S after SG with 1-year follow-up.

Material and methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent re-do bariatric surgery - revisional SADI-S - in 2021 at a secondary referral public hospital. All patients' follow-up was completed 1 year after.

Results

14 consecutive patients, 6 (43%) males and 8 females, were included. Median maximal body mass index (BMI) was 52.29 (47.96-77.16) kg/m2, BMI before SADI-S was 43.09 (41.64-48.99) kg/m2. No perioperative morbidity was recorded. Four (28%) patients reported recurrent abdominal crampy pain and diarrhea that required dietary advisement and pharmacological therapy in the postoperative period. No reoperations, mortality or readmissions were recorded during 1-year follow-up. SADI-S was associated with further weight loss, resulting in median BMI of 37.55 (36.29-39.43) kg/m2 1 year after SADI-S. Observed additional percentage total weight loss (%TWL) 1 year after SADI-S was 18.65% (17.25-21.89%), while additional percentage excess body mass index loss (%EBMIL) was 35.88% (29.18-41.92%). There was 1 case of diabetes mellitus type 2 remission and improvement in glycemic control in 1 patient. 4/6 patients (66.67%) had improvement in control of hypertension.

Conclusions

SADI-S is promising re-do surgery after SG with low postoperative morbidity. Additional %TWL 1 year after SADI-S is ~19%, while additional %EBMIL is ~36%, with significant improvement of obesity-related comorbidities.

Mid-term Results of an ERAS Program of Bariatric Surgery in a Tertiary Referral Center

BACKGROUND

To identify preoperative risk factors for discharge failure beyond postoperative day two (POD-2) in bariatric surgery ERAS program in a tertiary referral center.

METHODS

all consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic bariatric treated in accordance with ERAS protocol between January 2017 and December 2019 were included. Two groups were identified, failure of early discharge (> POD-2) (ERAS-F) and success of early discharge (≤ POD-2) (ERAS-S). Overall postoperative morbidity, unplanned readmission rates were analyzed at POD-30 and POD-90, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the independent risk factors for LOS > 2 days (ERAS-F).

RESULTS

A total of 697 consecutive patients were included, 148 (21.2%) in ERAS-F group and 549 (78.8%) in ERAS-S group. All postoperative complications at POD 90, whether medical or surgical were significantly more frequent in ERAS-F group than in ERAS-S group. Neither readmission nor unplanned consultations rates at POD 90 were significantly different between both groups. History of psychiatric disorder (p = 0.01), insulin-dependent diabetes (p < 0.0001), use of anticoagulants medicine (p < 0.00001), distance to the referral center > 100 km (p = 0.006), gallbladder lithiasis (p = 0.02), and planned additional procedures (p = 0.01) were independent risk factors for delayed discharge beyond POD-2.

CONCLUSIONS

One in five patients with bariatric surgery failed to discharge earlier despite the ERAS program. Knowledge of these preoperative risk factors would allow us to identify patients who need more recovery time and a tailored approach to the ERAS protocol.

Efficacy and safety of enhanced recovery after surgery protocol on minimally invasive bariatric surgery: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), a multidisciplinary and multimodal perioperative care protocol, has been widely used in several surgical fields. However, the effect of this care protocol on patients receiving minimally invasive bariatric surgery remains unclear. This meta-analysis compared the clinical outcomes of the ERAS protocol and standard care (SC) in patients who underwent minimally invasive bariatric surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were systematically searched to identify literature reporting the effects of the ERAS protocol on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing minimally invasive bariatric surgery. All the articles published until 01 October 2022, were searched, followed by data extraction of the included literature and independent quality assessment. Then, pooled mean difference (MD) and odds ratio with a 95% CI were calculated by either a random-effects or fixed-effects model.

RESULTS

Overall, 21 studies involving 10 764 patients were included in the final analysis. With the ERAS protocol, the length of hospitalization (MD: -1.02, 95% CI: -1.41 to -0.64, P <0.00001), hospitalization costs (MD: -678.50, 95% CI: -1196.39 to -160.60, P =0.01), and the incidence of 30-day readmission (odds ratio =0.78, 95% CI: 0.63-0.97, P =0.02) were significantly reduced. The incidences of overall complications, major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3), postoperative nausea and vomiting, intra-abdominal bleeding, anastomotic leak, incisional infection, reoperation, and mortality did not differ significantly between the ERAS and SC groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The current meta-analysis indicated that the ERAS protocol could be safely and feasibly implemented in the perioperative management of patients receiving minimally invasive bariatric surgery. Compared with SC, this protocol leads to significantly shorter hospitalization lengths, lower 30-day readmission rate, and hospitalization costs. However, no differences were observed in postoperative complications and mortality.

Enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery: an Italian consensus statement

Background

Enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery (ERABS) is an approach developed to improve outcomes in obese surgical patients. Unfortunately, it is not evenly implemented in Italy. The Italian Society for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Diseases and the Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation and Intensive Care joined in drafting an official statement on ERABS.

Methods

To assess the effectiveness and safety of ERABS and to develop evidence-based recommendations with regard to pre-, intra-, and post-operative care for obese patients undergoing ERABS, a 13-member expert task force of surgeons and anesthesiologists from Italian certified IFSO center of excellence in bariatric surgery was established and a review of English-language papers conducted. Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Grade Definitions were used to grade the level of evidence and the strength of recommendations, respectively. The supporting evidence and recommendations were reviewed and discussed by the entire group at meetings to achieve a final consensus.

Results

Compared to the conventional approach, ERABS reduces the length of hospital stay and does not heighten the risk of major post-operative complications, re-operations, and hospital re-admissions, nor does it increase the overall surgical costs. A total of 25 recommendations were proposed, covering pre-operative evaluation and care (7 items), intra-operative management (1 item, 11 sub-items), and post-operative care and discharge (6 items).

Conclusions

ERABS is an effective and safe approach. The recommendations allow the proper management of obese patients undergoing ERABS for a better outcome.

Efficacy of a Bariatric Surgery Clinic-Based Pharmacist

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of a bariatric clinic-based pharmacist on inpatient length of stay, medication errors, and patient experience.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study comparing patients who received a pre-operative pharmacist consultation to historical cases without pre-operative pharmacist consultation prior to admission for bariatric surgery. A patient experience survey was administered post-operatively to the intervention group. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included corrected medication errors on reconciliation, pharmacist interventions, adverse drug event (ADE) prevention, and patient satisfaction.

Results

With 68 patients in the intervention group and 67 patients in the control group, the majority were female (76%) and received either laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (53%) or sleeve gastrectomy (47%). The median LOS in the intervention group was 55.5 h, which did not significantly differ from the median 57.9 h in the control group (p = 0.56). The clinic-based pharmacist made an average of 13 interventions per patient. Surveys were distributed to 73 patients with a 60% response rate. High overall satisfaction with the pre-operative pharmacist consultation was reported by 97% of patients.

Conclusion

Although hospital LOS did not significantly differ between groups, pre-operative pharmacist consultation prevented potential ADEs, and provided strong patient satisfaction. Having pharmacists as part of a multidisciplinary approach to bariatric surgery patient care can prevent medication-related adverse events and improve patient satisfaction.

Graphic Abstract

Anesthesia and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in Bariatric Surgery

The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society published guidelines for bariatric surgery reviewing the evidence and providing specific care recommendations. These guidelines emphasize preoperative nutrition, multimodal analgesia, postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis, anesthetic technique, nutrition, and mobilization. Several studies have since evaluated these pathways, showing them to be safe and effective at decreasing hospital length of stay and postoperative nausea and vomiting. This article emphasizes anesthetic management in the perioperative period and outlines future directions, including the application of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery principles in patients with extreme obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disease and standardization of the pathways to decrease heterogeneity.

Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Bariatric Surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society Recommendations: A 2021 Update

Background

This is the second updated Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society guideline, presenting a consensus for optimal perioperative care in bariatric surgery and providing recommendations for each ERAS item within the ERAS® protocol.

Methods

A principal literature search was performed utilizing the Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane databases and ClinicalTrials.gov through December 2020, with particular attention paid to meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials and large prospective cohort studies. Selected studies were examined, reviewed and graded according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. After critical appraisal of these studies, the group of authors reached consensus regarding recommendations.

Results

The quality of evidence for many ERAS interventions remains relatively low in a bariatric setting and evidence-based practices may need to be extrapolated from other surgeries.

Conclusion

A comprehensive, updated evidence-based consensus was reached and is presented in this review by the ERAS® Society.

ERAS reduces postoperative hospital stay and complications after bariatric surgery: A retrospective cohort study

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal, multidisciplinary approach for caring surgical patients. The present study aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic bariatric surgery between patients with ERAS and those with conventional care.The clinical data of all patients undergoing primary laparoscopic bariatric surgery between January 2014 and June 2017 were retrospectively collected and reviewed. Patients were managed with conventional care during 2014 to 2015 (conventional care group) and with ERAS protocols during 2016 to 2017 (ERAS group). The 2 groups were compared in terms of postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) and postoperative day 1 discharge rate.A total of 435 consecutive patients were included with 198 patients in the conventional care group and 237 patients in the ERAS group. The ERAS group had significantly shorter LOS (2.2 ± 0.9 vs 4.0 ± 2.6 days, P < .01) and significantly higher day 1 discharge rate (15.2% vs 1%, P < .01) compared with the conventional care group. During postoperative 30 days, the ERAS group had significantly less complications (2.1% vs 8.6%, P < .01) and readmissions (1.3% vs 4.5%, P = .02) compared with the conventional care group.Compared with conventional care, ERAS significantly reduces postoperative LOS, complications, and readmissions in patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with and without antrectomy in severely obese subjects. Evidence from randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has been proven safe and effective in achieving weight loss. However, the distance from the pylorus where resection should begin has been debated.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic SG with antrum resection (AR) versus preservation (AP) for bariatric purposes by conducting a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT).

SETTING

Academic hospital, United States.

METHODS

PubMed and Cochrane Library were queried for RCTs from establishment to August 2020. The following key search terms were used: "sleeve gastrectomy" AND ("antrectomy" OR "antrum") AND ("randomized" OR "random"). The following data were extracted: author, publication year, country, sample size, follow-up duration, and clinical outcomes, including weight-related: excess weight loss (EWL), total weight loss (TWL), body mass index (BMI), operation time, length of hospital stay, complication rates, and resolution of obesity-related comorbidities.

RESULTS

A total of 9 unique RCTs including 492 AR and 385 AP patients were screened and included in the final quantitative analysis. Patients who underwent SG with AR showed higher EWL and TWL at 6 months (EWL: P < .001; TWL: P = .006), and 1 year (EWL: P = .013; P < .001) postoperatively. The BMI was also lower in the AR group 3 months (P = .013) and 6 months (P = .003) postoperatively. However, the EWL and BMI at 2 years were comparable between both groups (P = .222 and P = .908, respectively). No statistical significance was observed in terms of operating time, staple line disruption, bleeding, complications with a Clavien-Dindo Grade >III, resolution of comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, arthritis/back pain), and de novo gastroesophageal reflux disease (P > .05). AP was associated with a slightly shorter postoperative hospital stay (4.0 versus 3.1 days, P = .039).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic SG with AR is associated with superior weight loss in the short-term compared with AP. However, mid-term follow-up beyond 1 year showed no significant differences in BMI or incidence of de novo gastroesophageal reflux disease.

An analysis of readmission trends by urgency and race/ethnicity in the MBSAQIP registry, 2015-2018

BACKGROUND

Large-scale analyses stratifying bariatric surgery readmissions by urgency are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

Identify predictors of urgent/nonurgent readmission among "ideal" bariatric candidates, using a national registry.

SETTING

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) national database.

METHODS

We extracted an "ideal" patient cohort from the 2015-2018 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) registry, characterized by only typical weight-related comorbidities (hypertension [HTN], obstructive sleep apnea [OSA], gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD], and diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM] and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM]) undergoing primary bariatric surgery with an uneventful postoperative course. Readmissions were classified as "urgent" (UR; e.g., leak, obstruction, bleeding) or "nonurgent" (NUR; e.g., dehydration, nonspecific abdominal pain). χ² or t test analyses were used for bivariate significance testing. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to assess independent predictors of readmission.

RESULTS

The cohort (N = 292,547) comprised 38.5% of all MBSAQIP patients (mean age [standard deviation] = 43.2 [11.7]; body mass index [BMI] = 44.9 [6.6]; 81% female; 62% White, 17% Black, 14% Hispanic). Total readmission rates were 2.75% (n = 8046) and decreased from 2015-2018 (3.00%-2.63%; P < .001). Independent predictors of readmissions included Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.97, p < .001), Black (OR = 1.46, P < .001) and Hispanic race (OR = 1.14, P < .001), GERD (OR = 1.27, P < .001), HTN (OR = 1.08, P = .003), and IDDM (OR = 1.39, P < .001). NUR and UR readmission rates were 1.27% (n = 3702) and 1.06% (n = 3090), respectively. NURs decreased over time (1.42%-1.16%, P < .001), with no change in Urs (1.01%-1.06%, P = .51); this trend persisted in multivariate analysis (2017: NUR OR = .85, P < .001; 2018: NUR OR = .82, p < .001). Independent predictors of both URs and NURs included Black (NUR OR = 1.71, p < .001; UR OR = 1.27, p < .001) and Hispanic (NUR OR = 1.15, P < .001; UR OR = 1.19, P < .001) race, RYGB (NUR OR = 1.84, P < .001; UR OR = 2.34, P < .001), and GERD (NUR OR = 1.39, p < .001; UR OR = 1.17, P < .001). Female sex (NUR OR = 1.64, P < .001), age (NUR OR = .98, P < .001), HTN (NUR OR = 1.22, P < .001), and IDDM (NUR OR = 1.41, P < .001) predicted NURs, while higher BMI (UR OR = 1.01, P < .001), and OSA (UR OR = 1.10, P = .02) predicted URs.

CONCLUSION

Readmission rates for "ideal" bariatric patients improved over time, driven by reductions in non-urgent etiologies. Racial disparities persist for both urgent and non-urgent causes of readmission.

Utility of a Novel Scale to Assess Readiness for Discharge After Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

The safe release of a patient from hospital care after bariatric surgery depends upon the achievement of satisfactory health status. Here, we describe a new objective scale (the Readiness for Discharge, RFD Scale) to measure the patient's suitability for hospital discharge after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, observational analysis of data collected in a randomized clinical trial of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy from 3/15/2018 to 1/12/2019. Nursing staff assessed 122 patients every 4-8 h after surgery using a checklist to document 5 components: ambulation, vital signs, pain, nausea, and oral intake of clear fluid. Satisfaction of each component was scored as "1" (satisfactory) or "0" (not satisfactory). Scores were summed and analyzed for patterns. RFD = 5 marked the patient as ready for discharge.

RESULTS

Sufficient intake of clear liquid was the last RFD component satisfied in 87% of patients. Two overall response patterns emerged: "Steady Progressors" (n = 51) whose RFD score rose steadily from 0 to 5 without reversion to a lower score; and "Oscillators" (n = 71) who had at least one temporary decrease in RFD score on the way to attaining 5, or showed a simultaneous oscillation of components without change in RFD.

CONCLUSIONS

The RFD checklist allows objective scoring of medical readiness for discharge after LSG and has the potential to improve clinical communication.

External validation of predictive scores for diabetes remission after metabolic surgery

PURPOSE

Bariatric surgery has proven to be the most efficient treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Despite detailed qualification, desirable outcome after an intervention is not achieved by every patient. Various risk prediction models of diabetes remission after metabolic surgery have been established to facilitate the decision-making process. The purpose of the study is to validate the performance of available risk prediction scores for diabetes remission a year after surgical treatment and to determine the optimal model.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis comprised 252 patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) between 2009 and 2017 and completed 1-year follow-up. The literature review revealed 5 models, which were subsequently explored in our study. Each score relationship with diabetes remission was assessed using logistic regression. Discrimination was evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve, whereas calibration by the Hosmer-Lemeshow test and predicted versus observed remission ratio.

RESULTS

One year after surgery, 68.7% partial and 21.8% complete diabetes remission and 53.4% excessive weight loss were observed. DiaBetter demonstrated the best predictive performance (AUROC 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71-0.90; p-value > 0.05 in the Hosmer-Lemeshow test; predicted-to-observed ratio 1.09). The majority of models showed acceptable discrimination power. In calibration, only the DiaBetter score did not lose goodness-of-fit in all analyzed groups.

CONCLUSION

The DiaBetter score seems to be the most appropriate tool to predict diabetes remission after metabolic surgery since it presents adequate accuracy and is convenient to use in clinical practice. There are no accurate models to predict T2DM remission in a patient with advanced diabetes.

Smoking in bariatric surgery: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of smoking among patients undergoing bariatric surgery has been reported to be as high as 40%. The effect of smoking in the perioperative period has been extensively studied for various surgical procedures, but limited data are available for bariatric surgery. The objective of this study is to review the existing literature to assess: (1) the impact of smoking on postoperative morbidity and mortality after bariatric surgery, (2) the relationship between smoking and weight loss after bariatric surgery, and (3) the efficacy of smoking cessation in the perioperative period among bariatric surgery patients.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from 1946 to February 2020 was performed to identify relevant articles. Following an initial screen of 940 titles and abstracts, 540 full articles were reviewed.

RESULTS

Forty-eight studies met criteria for analysis: five structured interviews, three longitudinal studies, thirty-two retrospective studies and eight prospective studies. Smoking within 1 year prior to bariatric surgery was found to be an independent risk factor for increased 30-day mortality and major postoperative complications, particularly wound and pulmonary complications. Smoking was significantly associated with long-term complications including marginal ulceration and bone fracture. Smoking has little to no effect on weight loss following bariatric surgery, with studies reporting at most a 3% increased percentage excess weight loss. Rates of smoking recidivism are high with studies reporting that up to 17% of patients continue to smoke postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although current best practice guidelines recommend only a minimum of 6 weeks of abstinence from smoking prior to bariatric surgery, the findings of this review suggest that smoking within 1 year prior to bariatric surgery is associated with significant postoperative morbidity. More investigation is needed on strategies to improve smoking cessation compliance among bariatric surgery patients in the perioperative period.

Utility of Inflammatory Markers in Detection of Perioperative Morbidity After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, and One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass-Multicenter Study

Background

The most commonly performed bariatric operations are laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and bypass surgeries (laparoscopic one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB)), and predicting perioperative morbidity is crucial for early, safe patient discharge. We aimed to determine whether C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood count (WBC) measured on the first postoperative day predicts perioperative morbidity in the first 30-days after LSG and bypass surgeries.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data for 1400 patients who underwent bariatric surgery in seven bariatric centers from 2014 to 2018. Patients were divided into a complicated group (patients with postoperative complications) and a non-complicated group. We also performed separate analyses for LSG and bypass surgeries.

Results

Patients were 929 women (66%) and 471 men (34%) with a median age of 42 years (range, 35–51 years); 1192 patients underwent LSG (85%), 120 underwent LRYGB (9%), and 80 underwent OAGB (6%). We performed ROC analyses to set cut-off points, followed by multivariate logistic regressions. CRP > 33.32 mg/L increased the odds ratio (OR) of perioperative complications after LSG 2.27 times, while WBC > 12.15 × 10³/μL on postoperative day 1 was associated with a 3.34-times greater or of developing complications. WBC > 13.78 × 10³/μL was associated with a 13.34-times higher or of perioperative morbidity in patients undergoing bypass surgeries.

Conclusion

Even slightly elevated CRP and WBC on postoperative day 1 should alert surgeons to the potential risk of perioperative morbidity.

Is It Possible to Predict Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery?-External Validation of Predictive Models

Background

Bariatric surgery is the most effective obesity treatment. Weight loss varies among patients, and not everyone achieves desired outcome. Identification of predictive factors for weight loss after bariatric surgery resulted in several prediction tools proposed. We aimed to validate the performance of available prediction models for weight reduction 1 year after surgical treatment.

Materials and Methods

The retrospective analysis included patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) who completed 1-year follow-up. Postoperative body mass index (BMI) predicted by 12 models was calculated for each patient. The correlation between predicted and observed BMI was assessed using linear regression. Accuracy was evaluated by squared Pearson’s correlation coefficient (R²). Goodness-of-fit was assessed by standard error of estimate (SE) and paired sample t test between estimated and observed BMI.

Results

Out of 760 patients enrolled, 509 (67.00%) were women with median age 42 years. Of patients, 65.92% underwent SG and 34.08% had RYGB. Median BMI decreased from 45.19 to 32.53kg/m² after 1 year. EWL amounted to 62.97%. All models presented significant relationship between predicted and observed BMI in linear regression (correlation coefficient between 0.29 and 1.22). The best predictive model explained 24% variation of weight reduction (adjusted R²=0.24). Majority of models overestimated outcome with SE 5.03 to 5.13kg/m².

Conclusion

Although predicted BMI had reasonable correlation with observed values, none of evaluated models presented acceptable accuracy. All models tend to overestimate the outcome. Accurate tool for weight loss prediction should be developed to enhance patient’s assessment.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11695-021-05341-w.

Characterization of urgent versus nonurgent early readmissions (<30 days) following primary bariatric surgery: a single-institution experience

BACKGROUND

Studies on early postoperative readmissions after bariatric surgery (BS) have examined readmissions as a single entity, regardless of urgency. Strategies to lower nonurgent readmissions would reduce unnecessary hospital utilization.

OBJECTIVES

To identify predictors of urgent readmissions (UR) versus nonurgent readmissions (NUR) at 30 days post-BS.

SETTING

Single academic institution.

METHODS

Patients undergoing primary BS over 2 years (n = 589) were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline demographic, medical, and hospitalization data were compared between readmitted patients, stratified by urgency, and nonreadmitted patients. Multivariate regression models of UR and NUR were created using variables with a P value ≤ .2 on univariate analyses. A P value ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

There were 39 documented instances of 30-day readmissions, of which 44% (n = 17) were NUR; NUR patients were more likely to be female (100% versus 78.2% male; P = .03) and trended toward being younger, experiencing ≥2 perioperative complications, and having a longer index hospital length of stay (LOS). Patients with URs had a higher baseline BMI (52.5 ± 11.4 kg/m² versus 48.7 ± 8.3 kg/m², respectively; P = .04), were more likely to have sleep apnea (77.3% versus 56.1%, respectively; P = .05), had a longer LOS (3 versus 2 d, respectively; P = .007), and were more likely to have ≥2 postoperative complications (46% versus 17.0%, respectively; P = .003) compared with those with an NUR. Independent predictors of NUR included public insurance (odds ratio [OR] = 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-11.67; P = .03), younger age (OR = 1.05; 95% CI, 1-1.01; P = .04), and female sex, while URs were independently predicted by LOS (OR = 1.3; 95% CI, 1.04-1.5; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Public insurance appears to be associated with NURs, while LOS predicts URs after BS. This suggests an important dichotomy within readmissions based on urgency, which has important implications for targeted quality initiatives.

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS): a Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) in Bariatric Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to conduct an up-to-date systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the benefits and harms of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme in bariatric surgery.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library were searched for RCTs on ERAS versus standard care (SC) until April 2020. The primary endpoint was the length of hospital stay (LOS).

RESULTS

Five RCTs included a total of 610 procedures. ERAS adoption is capable of significantly reducing LOS (MD of - 0.51; 95% CI - 0.92 to - 0.10; P = 0.01) and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.95; P = 0.04). No significant differences in terms of adverse events and readmissions.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of ERAS in bariatric surgery produces a significant reduction in LOS and PONV.

Endoscopic management of early GI tract bleeding in a group of bariatric patients undergoing a fast track protocol

Introduction

Enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery (ERABS) and other fast track protocols are currently being implemented in bariatric surgery. This approach has several benefits. However, early complications may occur and require urgent re-hospitalization and management. Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding following bariatric surgery remains one of the most serious complications requiring endoscopic treatment.

Aim

To evaluate the potential influence of early endoscopic intervention on bariatric patients’ management.

Material and methods

A clinical database was searched for patients undergoing endoscopic treatment because of GI tract bleeding following bariatric surgery under the ERABS protocol. 14 out of 1431 patients operated on were identified and their data were extracted for the purposes of this study. Patients readmitted to the hospital due to developing GI tract bleeding (group 2) were compared with patients undergoing endoscopic intervention during the initial stay (group 1), for the same purpose.

Results

We found no statistically significant differences in hemoglobin level or length of hospital stay before endoscopy between groups. Based on the analyzed data, the percentage of GI bleeding in patients operated on under the ERABS protocol in our center is 0.97% (n = 14). The rate of early (up to 30 days) readmissions due to GI tract bleeding is 0.4% (n = 5) with an overall early readmission rate of 0.91% (n = 13) in the study period since the ERABS protocol was implemented.

Conclusions

Long-term effects (% total weight loss, %TWL) of bariatric surgery do not depend on the need of early endoscopic intervention and rehospitalization. Endoscopic intervention is a safe treatment modality, not associated with risk of reoperation or complications.

Rates and Predictors of 30-Day Readmissions in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery in the US: a Nationwide Study

BACKGROUND

Among various therapeutic options for morbid obesity, bariatric surgery (BS) is now considered one of the most effective methods of weight loss. We decided to perform an analysis to look at 30-day all-cause readmission and independent predictors of readmission in patients undergoing BS.

METHODS

We queried the 2017 Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) using ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes to identify all adult patients who underwent BS from January 1 to November 30, 2017. Outcomes assessed were 30-day readmission rates, mortality, length of stay (LOS) and hospitalization costs, and independent predictors of readmission.

RESULTS

A total of 182,848 adult patients underwent BS during hospitalization in 2017, with in-hospital mortality rate of 0.52% (951). Of the patients discharged, 4.99% (9088) patients were readmitted within 30 days. The most common primary diagnosis at readmission was "Other complications of other bariatric surgery". When compared with index admission, readmitted patients had higher in-hospital mortality (0.52% vs 2.06%, p < 0.01), increased mean LOS (2.94 days vs 5.94 days, p < 0.01) but lower mean hospitalization charges ($67,763 vs $66,065, p < 0.01). Increasing age (HR 1.01, 95% CI: 1.006-1.014, p < 0.01), longer LOS (HR 1.01, 95% CI: 1.008-1.014, p < 0.01), higher comorbidity score (HR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.12-1.18, p < 0.01), CHF (HR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.01-1.42, p < 0.05), and AKI (HR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.34-2.02, p < 0.01) were independently associated with increased likelihood of 30-day readmission.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that almost 5% patients undergoing bariatric surgery are readmitted within 30 days of discharge in the US. Further studies are needed to assess the high-risk populations to understand the reasons predisposing to early readmission.

Does the Implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Guidelines Improve Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery? A Propensity Score Analysis in 464 Patients

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) guidelines according to Thorell and co. in our tertiary referral bariatric center might improve post-operative outcomes.

METHODS

ERAS program was introduced in our center since January 1, 2017. Retrospective review of a prospectively collected database identified patients who underwent laparoscopic primary and revisional bariatric surgeries from October 2005 to January 2018. Patients exposed to ERAS program ("ERAS group") were matched in a 1:1 ratio with patients exposed to conventional care (control group) using a propensity score based on age, gender, preoperative body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, and the type of procedures. The primary outcome was total hospital length of stay (LOS) and the secondary outcomes included the post-operative complications and readmission rates.

RESULTS

During the study period, 464 patients were included, 232 in each group. Implementation of the ERAS protocol was significantly associated with a reduction of LOS (2.47 ± 1.7 vs 5.39 ± 1.9 days, p < 0.00001). One-third of patients was discharged (77/232, 33%) on the first postoperative day (POD) and more than three quarter of patients on POD 2 (182/232, 77%). At the opposite, no patients of the control group were discharged on POD 2. Overall 30-day and 90-day morbidity and readmission rates were the same in both groups. There was no death in each group.

CONCLUSIONS

This large case-matched study using a propensity score analysis suggests that implementation of ERAS program significantly reduced length of hospital stay without significant increases on overall morbidity, and readmission rates.

Is routine post-sleeve gastrografin needed? Profile of 98 cases

Objective

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures. Some surgeons still perform routine post-sleeve gastrografin (RSG) study believing that it would detect post-LSG complications, especially leak. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of RSG by considering the cost of the study, length of hospital stay and complications-related costs RSG could prevent.

Results

A total of 98 eligible patients were included. Of them, 54 patients underwent RSG and 44 did not. Excluding the cost of LSG procedure, the average cost for those who underwent RSG and those who did not in Saudi Riyal (£) was 5193.15 (1054.77) and 4222.27 (857.58), respectively. The average length of stay (ALOS) was practically the same regardless of whether or not the patient underwent RSG. 90.8% (n = 89) of all patients stayed for 3 days. None of the patients developed postoperative bleeding, stenosis or leak. The mean weight, body mass index (BMI) and percentage weight loss (PWL) 6 months postoperatively were found to be 87.71 kg (SD = 17.51), 33.89 kg/m² (SD = 7.29) and 26.41% (SD = 9.79), respectively. The PWL 6 months postoperatively was 23.99% (SD = 8.47) for females and 30.57 (SD = 10.6) for males (p = 0.01).

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Perioperative Nutrition, Metabolic, and Nonsurgical Support of Patients Undergoing Bariatric Procedures - 2019 Update: Cosponsored by American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology, The Obesity Society, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Obesity Medicine Association, and American Society of Anesthesiologists

OBJECTIVE

The development of these updated clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) was commissioned by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), The Obesity Society (TOS), American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Boards of Directors in adherence with the AACE 2017 protocol for standardized production of CPGs, algorithms, and checklists.

METHODS

Each recommendation was evaluated and updated based on new evidence from 2013 to the present and subjective factors provided by experts.

RESULTS

New or updated topics in this CPG include: contextualization in an adiposity-based chronic disease complications-centric model, nuance-based and algorithm/checklist-assisted clinical decision-making about procedure selection, novel bariatric procedures, enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery protocols, and logistical concerns (including cost factors) in the current health care arena. There are 85 numbered recommendations that have updated supporting evidence, of which 61 are revised and 12 are new. Noting that there can be multiple recommendation statements within a single numbered recommendation, there are 31 (13%) Grade A, 42 (17%) Grade B, 72 (29%) Grade C, and 101 (41%) Grade D recommendations. There are 858 citations, of which 81 (9.4%) are evidence level (EL) 1 (highest), 562 (65.5%) are EL 2, 72 (8.4%) are EL 3, and 143 (16.7%) are EL 4 (lowest).

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric procedures remain a safe and effective intervention for higher-risk patients with obesity. Clinical decision-making should be evidence based within the context of a chronic disease. A team approach to perioperative care is mandatory, with special attention to nutritional and metabolic issues.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Bariatric Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass

BACKGROUND

Few investigations have been conducted that compared blood glucose in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM2) and morbid obesity who had undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or gastric bypass (LRYGB). We aimed to compare the effects of these procedures using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

METHODS

We prospectively studied patients that had qualified for LSG or LRYGB. The inclusion criteria were DM2 of ≤ 5 years, for which patients were taking oral anti-diabetic drugs, or no glucose metabolism disorder; and morbid obesity. CGM was performed between admission and the 10th postoperative day.

RESULTS

We studied 16 patients with DM2 and 16 without. Eighteen patients underwent LSG and 14 underwent LRYGB. The median hemoglobin A1c was 5.5% (5.4-5.9%) in DM2 patients, which did not differ from control (p = 0.460). Preoperative mean daily glucose concentration was similar between DM2 and control patients (p = 0.622). For patients with DM2, LRYGB was associated with more frequent low glucose status, and these episodes lasted longer than in DM2 patients that underwent LSG (p = 0.035 and 0.049, respectively). DM2 patients that underwent LRYGB demonstrated lower glucose concentrations from third postoperative day than those that underwent LSG. Patients without DM2 did not demonstrate differences in daily mean glucose concentrations, or in incidence nor duration of hypoglycemia throughout the observation period.

CONCLUSION

A significantly larger reduction in interstitial glucose concentration is present from third day in patients with DM2 who undergo LRYGB vs. LSG, accompanied by a lower incidence and shorter duration of low glucose episodes.

Fast Track Program in Conversion Bariatric Surgery, as Safe as in Primary Bariatric Surgery?

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the safety of fast track (FT) surgery program in patients undergoing primary and revisional bariatric surgery (conversion from one procedure to another); identify limiting factors for early discharge and predictive factors for readmission.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of 730 consecutive morbidly obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery between January 2016 and December 2017. Fast track protocol was applied on all patients. Target discharge was after one-night stay. The primary end point is length of stay. The secondary end point is frequency of hospital contact after discharge, readmissions and reinterventions within 30 days.

RESULTS

Primary procedures (n = 633) were banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (BRYGB, 79.3%), sleeve gastrectomy (10.7%), gastric band (4.7%) and others (5.3%). Mean age (± SD) was 44.32 ± 11.26 years, and mean BMI (± SD) was 43.58 ± 6.12 kg/m². Conversion procedures (n = 97) were gastric band to BRYGB (40.2%), or to adjustable BRYGB (39.2%), Mason to BRYGB (11.3%), sleeve to BRYGB (4.1%) and others (5.2%). Mean age (± SD) was 47.22 ± 9.1 years, and mean BMI (± SD) was 37.9 ± 7.27 kg/m². Mean LOS in primary patients was 1.3 ± 0.99, and that in conversion patients was 1.5 ± 1.4. Successful discharge at one night or less was achieved in 650 cases (573 primary and 77 conversion). After one-night discharge, incidence of contact to the hospital, readmission and reintervention was 23.9%, 5.9% and 1.9%, in the primary group and 31.2%, 13% and 5.2% in the conversion group.

CONCLUSION

One-night discharge in FT managed conversion procedures is safe, compared to primary procedures. It is associated with higher readmission rates; however, the postdischarge hospital contacts and surgical complications were not statistically significant different.

Clinical practice guidelines for the perioperative nutrition, metabolic, and nonsurgical support of patients undergoing bariatric procedures - 2019 update: cosponsored by American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology, The Obesity Society, American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, Obesity Medicine Association, and American Society of Anesthesiologists

OBJECTIVE

The development of these updated clinical practice guidelines (CPG) was commissioned by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, The Obesity Society, the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the Obesity Medicine Association, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists boards of directors in adherence to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists 2017 protocol for standardized production of CPG, algorithms, and checklists.

METHODS

Each recommendation was evaluated and updated based on new evidence from 2013 to the present and subjective factors provided by experts.

RESULTS

New or updated topics in this CPG include contextualization in an adiposity-based, chronic disease complications-centric model, nuance-based, and algorithm/checklist-assisted clinical decision-making about procedure selection, novel bariatric procedures, enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery protocols, and logistical concerns (including cost factors) in the current healthcare arena. There are 85 numbered recommendations that have updated supporting evidence, of which 61 are revised and 12 are new. Noting that there can be multiple recommendation statements within a single numbered recommendation, there are 31 (13%) Grade A, 42 (17%) Grade B, 72 (29%) Grade C, and 101 (41%) Grade D recommendations. There are 858 citations, of which 81 (9.4%) are evidence level (EL) 1 (highest), 562 (65.5%) are EL 2, 72 (8.4%) are EL 3, and 143 (16.7%) are EL 4 (lowest).

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric procedures remain a safe and effective intervention for higher-risk patients with obesity. Clinical decision-making should be evidence-based within the context of a chronic disease. A team approach to perioperative care is mandatory with special attention to nutritional and metabolic issues.

Analysis of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Learning Curve and Its Influence on Procedure Safety and Perioperative Complications

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become an attractive bariatric procedure with promising treatment effects yet amount of data regarding institutional learning process is limited.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective study included patients submitted to LSG at academic teaching hospital. Patients were divided into groups every 100 consecutive patients. LSG introduction was structured along with Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) treatment protocol. Primary endpoint was determining the LSG learning curve's stabilization point, using operative time, intraoperative difficulties, intraoperative adverse events (IAE), and number of stapler firings. Secondary endpoints: influence on perioperative complications and reoperations. Five hundred patients were included (330 females, median age of 40 (33-49) years).

RESULTS

Operative time in G1-G2 differed significantly from G3-G5. Stabilization point was the 200th procedure using operative time. Intraoperative difficulties of G1 differed significantly from G2-G5, with stabilization after the 100th procedure. IAE and number of stapler firings could not be used as predictor. Based on perioperative morbidity, the learning curve was stabilized at the 100th procedure. The morbidity rates in the groups were G1, 13%; G2, 4%; G3, 5%; G4, 5%; and G5, 2%. The reoperation rate in G1 was 3%; G2, 2%; G3, 2%; G4, 1%; and G5, 0%.

CONCLUSION

The institutional learning process stabilization point for LSG in a newly established bariatric center is between the 100th and 200th operation. Initially, the morbidity rate is high, which should concern surgeons who are willing to perform bariatric surgery.

The impact of self-efficacy and health literacy on outcome after bariatric surgery in Sweden: a protocol for a prospective, longitudinal mixed-methods study

INTRODUCTION

A person-centred approach, to know about a person's individual weaknesses and strengths, is warranted in today's healthcare in Sweden. When a person suffers from obesity, there are not only risks for comorbidities but also increased risk for decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL). After bariatric surgery, there are also risks for complications; however, healthcare service expects the person to have sufficient ability to handle recovery after surgery. The need is to investigate how a person's self-efficacy and health literacy(HL) skills are important to determine their effect on recovery as well as HRQoL after bariatric surgery. It can, involve the person in the care, improve shared decision-making, and perhaps decrease complications and readmissions.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

This is a prospective, longitudinal mixed-methods study with the intent of including 700 patients from three bariatric centres in Sweden (phase 1); 20 patients will be included in a qualitative study (phase 2). Inclusion criteria will be age >17 years, scheduled primary bariatric surgery and ability to read and understand the Swedish language in speech and in writing. Inclusion criteria for the qualitative study will be patients who reported a low self-efficacy, with a selection to ensure maximum variation regarding age and gender. Before bariatric surgery patients will answer a questionnaire including 20 items. Valid and reliable instruments will be used to investigate general self-efficacy (10 items) and functional and communicative and critical HL (10 items). This data collection will then be merged with data from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry. Analysis will be performed 30 days, 1 year and 2 years after bariatric surgery. One year after bariatric surgery the qualitative study will be performed. The main outcomes are the impact of a person's self-efficacy and HL on recovery after bariatric surgery.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has received approval from the ethical review board in Uppsala, Sweden (number 2018/256). The study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations to the scientific community and social media.

Laparoscopic Gastric Plication versus Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: An Up-to-Date Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction

A meta-analysis was conducted in order to provide an up-to-date comparison of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic gastric plication (LGP) for morbid obesity.

Materials and Methods

The PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions were used for the conduction of this study. A systematic literature search was performed in the electronic databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science and Scopus). The fixed effects or random effects model was used according to the Cochran Q test.

Results

Totally, 12 eligible studies were extracted. LSG displayed a statistically significant lower rate of overall complications (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.68; p=0.002) and a sustainable higher %EWL through all time endpoints (OR: 4.86, p=0.04; OR: 7.57, p < 0.00001; and OR: 13.74; p < 0.00001). There was no difference between the two techniques in terms of length of hospital stay (p=0.16), operative duration (p=0.81), reoperation rate (p=0.51), and cost (p=0.06).

Conclusions

LSG was demonstrated to have a lower overall complications and a higher weight loss rate, when compared to LGP. Further RCTs of a higher methodological quality level, with a larger sample size, are required in order to validate these findings.

The Type of Bariatric Surgery Impacts the Risk of Acute Pancreatitis: A Nationwide Study

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) have a differential impact on post-operative risk of acute pancreatitis (AP).

METHODS

This retrospective study uses the 2012-2014 National Readmission Database. We compared morbidly obese patients who underwent VSG (n = 205,251), RYGB (n = 169,973), and hernia repair (HR) control (n = 16,845). Our main outcome was rates of AP within 6 months post- vs. 6 months pre-surgery in VSG, RYGB, and HR. We also investigated risk factors and outcomes of AP after bariatric surgery.

RESULTS

The rates of AP increased post- vs. pre-VSG (0.21% vs. 0.04%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.16, P < 0.05) and RYGB (0.17% vs. 0.07%; aOR = 2.26, P < 0.05) but not post-HR. VSG was associated with a significantly greater increase in AP risk compared to RYGB (aOR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.10, 4.73). Furthermore, when compared to HR controls, only VSG was associated with a higher AP risk (aOR = 7.58; 95% CI: 2.09, 27.58). Developing AP within 6 months following bariatric surgery was mainly associated with younger age (18-29 years old: aOR = 3.76 for VSG and aOR: 6.40 for RYGB, P < 0.05) and gallstones (aOR = 85.1 for VSG and aOR = 46 for RYGB, P < 0.05). No patients developed "severe AP" following bariatric surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

More patients develop AP within 6 months after VSG compared to RYGB and controls. This risk is highest for younger patients and those with gallstones. Prospective studies examining mechanisms and prevention are warranted.