Can Omentopexy Reduce the Incidence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Efficacy of Omentopexy on Complications of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a commonly performed type of bariatric surgery. Early complications of LSG include bleeding, leakage, pulmonary embolism, and surgical site infections. Most surgeons try to implement preventive methods, such as omentopexy. Staple line-imbrication, which has a difficult learning curve, often prevents complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of omentopexy on patients with imbricated LSG.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study applied a retrospective data analysis design to patients who underwent LSG between 2020 and 2023. All patients' staple lines were imbricated, and patients were then divided into two groups: omentopexy group and control group. Patients' demographic features, such as age, gender, height, weight, body mass index(BMI), bleeding, leakage, and reoperations, were recorded and examined retrospectively.

RESULTS

A total of 1356 patients were included in the study (540 in omentopexy, 816 in control), of which the mean age was 37.9 ± 10.5 years, 82.3% were women, and mean BMI was 40.9 ± 5.8 kg/m2. The mean bleeding rate was 1.0% (1.3-0.7%), the mean leakage rate was 0.2% (0.2-0.2%, respectively), and the mean reoperation rate was 0.6% (0.7% and 0.5%, respectively). No statistically significant differences were observed.

CONCLUSION

Omentopexy is a technique that is widely used to prevent staple line complications. According to our study, omentopexy applied to an imbricated stapler line increased the operation time but did not affect bleeding or leakage ratios. This is the first study to evaluate the effect of omentopexy on imbricated staple lines. The findings of the study indicate that omentopexy has no additional benefit on early complications when using staple-line imbrication.

The effect of omentoplasty in various surgical operations: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Omentoplasty is commonly used in various surgeries. However, its effectiveness is unsure due to lack of convincing data and research. To clarify the impact of omentoplasty on postoperative complications of various procedures, this systematic review and meta-analysis was performed.

METHODS

A systematic review of published literatures from four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase before 14 July 2022. The authors primarily included publications on five major surgical operations performed in conjunction with omentoplasty: thoracic surgery, esophageal surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, pelvi-perineal surgery, and liver surgery. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO.

RESULTS

This review included 25 273 patients from 91 studies ( n =9670 underwent omentoplasty). Omentoplasty was associated with a lower risk of overall complications particularly in gastrointestinal [relative risk (RR) 0.53; 95% CI: 0.39-0.72] and liver surgery (RR 0.54; 95% CI: 0.39-0.74). Omentoplasty reduced the risk of postoperative infection in thoracic (RR 0.38; 95% CI: 0.18-0.78) and liver surgery (RR 0.39; 95% CI: 0.29-0.52). In patients undergoing esophageal (RR 0.89; 95% CI: 0.80-0.99) and gastrointestinal (RR 0.28; 95% CI: 0.23-0.34) surgery with a BMI greater than 25, omentoplasty is significantly associated with a reduced risk of overall complications compared to patients with normal BMI. No significant differences were found in pelvi-perineal surgery, except infection in patients whose BMI ranged from 25 kg/m 2 to 29.9 kg/m 2 (RR 1.25; 95% CI: 1.04-1.50) and anastomotic leakage in patients aged over 60 (RR 0.59; 95% CI: 0.39-0.91).

CONCLUSION

Omentoplasty can effectively prevent postoperative infection. It is associated with a lower incidence of multiple postoperative complications in gastrointestinal and liver surgery.

Omentopexy versus no omentopexy in sleeve gastrectomy: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with omentopexy (O-LSG) has been compared to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with no-omentopexy (NO-LSG) in terms of postoperative outcomes and one-year anthropometric results. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to compare the utility of omentopexy in sleeve gastrectomy. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis according to PRISMA 2020 and AMSTAR 2 guidelines. We included studies that systematically searched electronic databases and compared the O-LSG with the NO-LSG conducted through 1st March 2023. The bibliographic research yielded 13 eligible studies. These studies included 5514 patients. The O-LSG is associated with lower leakage (OR = 0.22; 95% CI [0.08, 0.55], p = 0.001), bleeding (OR = 0.33; 95% CI [0.19, 0.57], p < 0.0001), vomiting (OR = 0.50; 95% CI [0.28, 0.89], p = 0.02), twist (OR = 0.09; 95% CI [0.02, 0.39], p = 0.001), and shorter hospital stay (MD = - 0.33; 95% CI [- 0.61, - 0.05], p = 0.02) compared with NO-LSG. The O-LSG is associated with longer operative time (MD = 8.15; 95% CI [3.65, 12.64], p = 0.0004) than the NO-LSG. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of postoperative GERD (OR = 0.53; 95% CI [0.27, 1.02], p = 0.06), readmission (OR = 0.60; 95% CI [0.27, 1.37], p = 0.23), and one-year total weight loss (MD = 2.06; 95% CI [- 1.53, 5.65], p = 0.26). In the subgroup analysis including only RCTs, postoperative GERD was lower in the O-LSG (OR = 0.26; 95% CI [0.11, 0.63], p = 0.003). Our systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that omentopexy in sleeve gastrectomy is feasible and safe It reduced leakage, bleeding, and twist. It probably increased the operative time. It may reduce vomiting, GERD, and hospital stay. We don't know if it led to an additional readmission rate or one-year total weight loss.Registration The protocol was registered in PROSPERO with the ID CRD42022336790.

Updates in Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective long-term treatment for morbid obesity as well as type-2 diabetes mellitus. The field of metabolic and bariatric surgery has seen tremendous growth over the past decade with dramatically reduced risks. This article aims to provide an update on bariatric surgery, highlighting the latest outcomes, improvements, and challenges in the field. Recently, the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) released a major update to the indications for bariatric surgery at BMI ≥35 kg/m2 regardless of co-morbidities and 30-34.9 kg/m2 with obesity-related comorbidities. Sleeve gastrectomy has emerged as the most popular bariatric procedure in the last 10 years with its remarkable efficacy and safety profile. The implementation of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have significantly improved the quality of care for all bariatric patients. The recent introduction and FDA approval of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists for chronic obesity has garnered significant media coverage and popularity, but no guidelines exist regarding its use in relation to bariatric surgery. This update underscores the need for tailored approaches, ongoing research, and the integration of evidence-based medicine and innovations to enhance patient care.

Does Omentopexy Make a Difference in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Obesity Treatment? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the comparative outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with omentopexy (LSGO) versus conventional laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for obesity treatment. A systematic online search was conducted using the available online databases, and Revman software was used for data analysis. Twenty-two eligible comparative studies were included (n = 9,321). LSGO showed a significantly lower rate of gastric leak (P = 0.0001), staple line bleeding (P = 0.00001), and gastric torsion (P = 0.002) in comparison to the LSG group. Operative time was significantly shorter in the LSG group (P = 0.00001); however, the length of hospital stay was in favour of the LSGO (P = 0.00001). Compared to LSG without omentopexy, LSG with omentopexy provides a significantly lower rate of postoperative complications and shorter LOS at the expense of operative time.

Omentopexy/Gastropexy (OP/GP) Following Sleeve Gastrectomy Might be an Effective 2-in-1 Method (Reinforcement and Fixation): A Meta-Analysis of 14 Studies and a Call for Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can lead to dangerous complications as leaks and hemorrhage. In addition, it can lead to gastric twist/torsion, prolonged postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and de novo gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We aimed to study the efficacy of omentopexy/gastropexy (OP/GP) in the prevention of these postoperative complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed and Google Scholar were queried in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data was analyzed using the Review Manager (RevMen) 5.4.1 software. Mantel-Haenszel statistical method and random effects analysis model were used in all meta-analyses. The odds ratio was used for dichotomous data. Subgroup analysis was done according to bougie size. Subgroup analysis according to the distance between the starting point of gastric transection and pylorus was not possible (limitation). Odds ratio and control event rate across studies were used to calculate the number needed to treat (NNT) with OP/GP for an additional beneficial outcome (prevention of adverse outcome) to occur.

RESULTS

The initial search identified 442 records; 371 were found irrelevant after screening and were excluded. The remaining 71 reports were retrieved and assessed for eligibility. An additional 57 reports were excluded following an in-depth assessment. The remaining 14 studies were included in this meta-analysis; 8 were nonrandomized studies (NRSs) while 6 were randomized controlled trials. Most studies originated from a single country (limitation). A statistically significant decrease in favor of OP/GP was observed for all outcomes (bleeding, leaks, gastric twist/torsion, prolonged PONV 1 month postoperatively, and postoperative de novo GERD). Data was consistent across studies (low I2 ), and subgroup analysis according to bougie size revealed no subgroup differences. However, this study had 3 limitations that does not allow for strong conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the current literature lacks strong scientific evidence, this study suggests that omentopexy/gastropexy (OP/GP) may offer protection against bleeding and leaks as a staple line reinforcement method, as well as against gastric twist/torsion, prolonged postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and de novo gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as a staple line fixation method. Therefore, it is worthwhile to proceed with large-scale, multicenter, randomized controlled trials to reevaluate our findings. Furthermore, conducting a comparison between OP/GP and other staple line reinforcement techniques would be beneficial.

Reconstruction of the phreno-esophageal ligament (R-PEL) prevents the intrathoracic migration (ITM) after concomitant sleeve gastrectomy and hiatal hernia repair

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is the most attractive bariatric procedure, but the postoperative intrathoracic gastric migration (ITM) and "de novo" GERD are major concerns. The main objective of our study was to evaluate the efficiency of the concomitant HHR with or without partial reconstruction of phreno-esophageal ligament (R-PEL) to prevent ITM after LSG. The secondary objectives focused on procedure's metabolic and GERD-related outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Consecutive patients who underwent primary LSG and concomitant HHR were included in a single-center prospective study. According to the HHR surgical technique, two groups were analyzed and compared: Group A included patients receiving crura approximation only and Group B patients with R-PEL. The patients' evolution of co-morbidities, GERD symptoms, radiologic, and endoscopic details were prospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-three patients undergoing concurrent HHR and LSG were included in the study (Group A and B, 146 and 127 patients) The mean age and BMI were 42.6 ± 11.3 and 43.4 ± 6.8 kg/m2. The 12-month postoperative ITM was radiologically found in more than half of the patients in Group A, while in group B, the GEJ's position appeared normal in 91.3% of the patients, meaning that R-PEL reduced 7 times the rate of ITM. The percentage of no-improvement and "de novo" severe esophagitis (Los Angeles C) was 4 times higher in group A 3.4% vs. 0.8% with statistical significance, and correlated to ITM. The GERD symptoms were less frequent in Group B vs Group A, 21.3% vs 37%, with statistical significance. No Barrett's esophagus and no complication were recorded in any of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent LSG and HHR by crura approximation only has a very high rate of ITM in the first postoperative year (over 50%). R-PEL is an innovative technique which proved to be very efficient in preventing the ITM after HHR.

Effect of omentopexy/gastropexy on gastrointestinal symptoms after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The increased prevalence of obesity worldwide and low incidence of postoperative complications make the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) a clear public choice for obese-related individuals. Pre-existing studies reported contentious outcomes regarding the association with gastrointestinal symptoms after adding omentopexy (Ome) or gastropexy (Gas) to LSG. The present meta-analysis attempted to evaluate the pros and cons of operating Ome/Gas after LSG concerning gastrointestinal symptoms.

METHODS

The data extraction and study quality assessment were independently performed by two individuals. The PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched up to October 1, 2022, using the keywords LSG, omentopexy, and gastropexy to identify randomized controlled trial studies.

RESULTS

Of the original 157 records, 13 studies with 3515 patients were included. LSG with Ome/Gas excels the LSG group in nausea (odds ratio [OR] = 0.57; 95% CI[0.46, 0.70]; P < .00001), reflux (OR = 0.57; 95% CI [0.46, 0.70]; P < .00001), vomiting (OR = 0.41; 95% CI [0.25, 0.67]; P = .0004) on gastrointestinal symptoms and bleeding (OR = 0.36; 95% CI [0.22, 0.59]; P < .0001), leakage (OR = 0.19; 95% CI [0.09, 0.43]; P < .0001), gastric torsion (OR = 0.23; 95% CI [0.07, 0.75]; P = .01) on post-LSG complications. Further, LSG with Ome/Gas was superior to LSG regarding the result of excess body mass index loss in 1 year after surgery (mean difference = 1.83; 95% CI [0.59, 3.07]; P = .004). However, no significant associations were shown between groups in wound infection and the resulting weight or body mass index 1 year after surgery. Of note, subgroup analysis indicated that gastroesophageal reflux disease can be alleviated by adding Ome/Gas post-LSG in those who used small bougies from 32 to 36 Fr (OR = 0.24; 95% CI [0.17, 0.34]; P < .00001) in contrast with large bougies over 36 Fr.

CONCLUSION

Most results elucidated the impact of adding Ome/Gas after LSG in reducing the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, more studies should be conducted to find the relations between other indicators in the present analysis due to the poor cases.

Association of Hypercholesterolemia With Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia, Findings After Sleeve Gastrectomy Pathology Review

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the relationship between comorbidities associated with obesity, body mass index (BMI), and development of intestinal metaplasia (IM) after vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All VSG specimens performed at an academic center between 2011 and 2018 were reviewed. All specimens underwent histopathologic assessment, while those with findings suspicious for IM underwent additional immunohistochemical work up. Baseline patient characteristics and demographic data were obtained from Iran National Obesity Surgery Database by retrospective review.

RESULTS

A total of 862 adult individuals underwent VSG during the study period and specimens were histopathologically examined. All patients had preoperative upper endoscopy. The most common histopathologic diagnosis was miscellaneous findings (57.8%) followed by no pathologic finding (36.7%). The minority of patients (5.5%) had IM. Although 40.5% of patients had positive Helicobacter pylori infection preoperatively, just 13.8% had still positive infection postoperatively. A significant association was found between IM and hypercholesterolemia (odds ratio: 1.95; 95% confidence interval: 1.1, 3.5).

CONCLUSION

This study found a correlation between histopathologic changes in patients with IM and hypercholesterolemia. Prospective research studies are recommended to further examine this correlation.

Surgical Management Algorithm for Intrathoracic Sleeve Migration: A Retrospective Series and Literature Review

Background: With the increase in utilization of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), intrathoracic sleeve migration (ITSM) has introduced a novel challenge for bariatric surgeons. Despite being an underreported complication, effective and safe solutions for ITSM are being sought. The aim of this study is to present our center's experience as well as a comprehensive review of the literature on ITSM. Accordingly, we propose an algorithm for the surgical management of ITSM. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 4000 patients who underwent LSG at our center. ITSM was clinically suspected with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and/or epigastric pain resistant to proton pump inhibitors. Diagnosis of ITSM was confirmed in all patients by three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) volumetry. Several corrective procedures were offered based on the findings of the 3D-CT volumetry, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and the diaphragmatic pillars' condition: cruroplasty with gastropexy, one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) with or without re-sleeve gastrectomy, omentopexy, or ligamentum teres augmentation. We conducted a literature review of ITSM using several databases. Results: Fifteen patients were diagnosed with postoperative ITSM. The most common presenting complaint was severely worsened GERD symptoms not responding to medical treatment. The mean time interval between the primary operation and diagnosis of ITSM was 38.8 ± 29.1 months. Three patients had re-sleeve gastrectomy and gastropexy, 5 patients had OAGB, and 7 patients had RYGB. The mean postoperative body mass index was 31.2 ± 4.9 kg/m². No case of recurrent ITSM was detected during follow-up. Our electronic database search yielded 19 studies to be included in our review, which included 201 patients. Conclusion: A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose ITSM. CT volumetry with 3D reconstruction may be the most sensitive diagnostic modality. ITSM management should depend on the results of the diagnostic workup and the condition of the diaphragmatic pillars during surgery.

Omentopexy Effect on the Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms and the Esophagogastroduodenoscopy Findings in Patients Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has gained acceptance worldwide. However, SG has its own complications that need a specialized management. Omentopexy is a technique in which the sleeved part of the stomach is fixed to the greater omentum.

Aim of the Study

The present work aimed to investigate the potential effect of omentopexy on the upper GIT disturbances in patients with severe obesity and undergoing LSG.

Patients and Methods

This study included patients who were recruited for LSG in our institution from June 2019 to October 2020. Patients having no upper GIT symptoms, no esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) GERD signs, and no hiatus hernia were eligible for the study. Patients were randomly enrolled into the omentopexy group (underwent LSG with omentopexy) and the non-omentopexy group (underwent LSG only). Patients were followed up 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year after the operation. EGD was performed at the 1-year follow-up.

Results

Forty-five patients constituted the omentopexy group and forty-six constituted the non-omentopexy group. Omentopexy was associated with significant reduction in the early post LSG upper GIT symptoms, and less EGD evident reflux esophagitis at the 1-year follow-up (statistically non-significant).

Conclusion

The current work adds a new evidence of the omentopexy benefits in patients undergoing sleeve gastrostomy, with an overall better outcome in regard to the upper GIT upset and GERD compared to LSG alone.

Graphical abstract

Assessment of the Role of Omentopexy in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Tertiary Center Experience

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most common bariatric procedures due its high success and low complication rates. However, acid reflux and food intolerance remain drawbacks of the procedure, with high frequency of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and eating disorders reported by previous studies. Omentopexy is not a standard technique in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and showed promising results in preventing these sequelae. The present study aimed to evaluate whether omentopexy would decrease the incidence of postoperative GERD, food intolerance, and gastric volvulus without increasing additional complications rates in comparison with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) without omentopexy. Patients and Methods: Our study included all the patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in our bariatric unit, who were divided into two groups. Group II had the added step of omentopexy. Comparison between both groups was done regarding incidence of acid reflux, food tolerance, and postoperative complications. Results: Omentopexy decreased the incidence of acid reflux, gastric kink, volvulus, and intrathoracic migration. Moreover, food tolerance significantly improved in patients, which in turn led to higher compliance with the postoperative dietary plan and better outcome with regard to weight loss. In addition, omentopexy showed lower incidence of postoperative leakage. Conclusion: Omentopexy is a valuable step in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, which should be considered a standard step in all cases.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy with Omentopexy: Is It Really a Promising Method?-A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

Purpose

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedure worldwide. Omentopexy during LSG is a novel variation of this well-established technique. There are no clear conclusions on indications for this procedure, safeness, and effects of such a method. We aimed to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) with omentopexy (OP) and without omentopexy.

Materials and Methods

We searched the Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus databases up-to June 2020. Full-text articles and conference abstracts were included for further analysis. This review follows the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Of initial 66 records, only 4 studies (N = 1396 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. Our findings showed that LSG with omentopexy had significantly lowered overall morbidity compared to LSG without omentopexy (RR = 0.38; 95% CI [0.15, 0.94]; p=0.04). Gastric leakage rate (RR = 0.17; 95% CI [0.04, 0.76]; p = 0.02) was also significantly lower in LSG with omentopexy. There were no significant differences between groups in length of hospital stay.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis showed that LSG with omentopexy may be a feasible procedure for decreasing morbidity and gastric leak rate. However, despite promising results, the procedure needs to be researched more in randomized controlled studies to draw solid conclusions.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11695-021-05327-8.