The role of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a treatment for morbid obesity; review of outcomes

The effect of protein supplements on weight loss, body composition, protein status, and micronutrients post laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG): A Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT)

Background

Low protein intake post-bariatric surgery can result in protein malnutrition, and muscle mass loss. Authors aim to assess the effect of protein supplements on weight loss, body composition, and micronutrient status following LSG.

Methods

This is a double-blinded RCT conducted between February/2017 to January/2018. Eligible post LSG patients were randomized into the intervention group who received daily protein supplements containing 20 g of protein and placebo group received zero protein supplements. Both groups received a standardized diet. Weight loss, body composition, and micronutrient status were analyzed at 1, 3, and 6 months.

Results

48 participants were included in the final analysis (intervention: 21 and placebo:27). Excess weight loss percentage (EWL%) at 6 months was comparable between both groups (69.44 ± 21.99% and 71.40 ± 19.27% respectively). No significant difference observed in the anthropometric parameters. There was an increase in muscle mass and a decrease in muscle mass loss in the intervention group throughout the study period. However, these changes were not statistically significant. There was a significant increase in total protein (P=0.027) and magnesium (P=0.008) in the intervention group at 3 months. Albumin and iron levels were significantly higher at 6 months in the intervention group (P=0.036 & P=0.028 respectively). Other micronutrients did not differ at any time point between both groups.

Conclusion

Protein supplements resulted in significant improvement in total protein, albumin, magnesium, and iron levels post LSG. Although not significant, protein supplements helped in maintaining the muscle mass and preventing muscle mass loss.

Original article

This RCT is an original article and provides a level 2 evidence.

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Low protein intake post-bariatric surgery results in protein malnutrition & muscle mass loss. Protein supplements may be of benefit.

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Eligible post LSG patients were randomized into the intervention group who received daily 20 g protein supplements & placebo group.

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No significant difference in weight, BMI, BMI change, EWL%, TWL%, and absolute weight loss. No statistically significant changes in the muscle mass.

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Percentage of muscle mass loss was noticeably higher in the control group over the 3 timelines. Fat percentages were less in the intervention group.

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Total protein and Albumin showed a significant increase in the intervention group.

Changes in Antihypertensive Medication Following Bariatric Surgery

Obesity is a leading cause of hypertension (i.e., high blood pressure [BP]). While hypertension can be managed with antihypertensive medication, substantial weight loss can also lower BP, reducing the need for antihypertensive medication. Articles in this review (n = 60) presented data on antihypertensive medication use among adults pre- and postoperatively. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was the most studied surgical approach followed by Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. Antihypertensive medication was discontinued in a large proportion of patients after surgery, and the mean number of antihypertensive medications decreased by approximately one. In almost a third of the studies, over 75% of participants experienced hypertension remission. All articles aside from two reported a decrease in systolic BP, with about 40% reporting a decrease of ≥ 10 mm Hg.

Initial radiologic appearance rather than management strategy predicts the outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy leaks

BACKGROUND

Initial radiologic appearance rather than management strategy predicts the outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy leaks.

OBJECTIVE

Multiple modalities have been advocated for the treatment of sleeve gastrectomy leak, and there remains no consensus on the best treatment paradigm. For more than 10 years, we have variably attempted luminal occlusive therapies and repeated endoscopic debridement as treatment options. By evaluating the outcomes from these approaches, we aimed to determine whether the first management strategy is superior to the second in terms of outcomes.

METHODS

Patients were analyzed by group (luminal occlusive therapy versus repeated endoscopic debridement). Leaks were then stratified by radiologic appearance on computed tomography, defined as phlegmon, collection, contrast medium leak, or fistula. The primary outcome was length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes were comprehensive complication index and the need for resection.

RESULTS

There were 54 patients, with 22 in the luminal occlusion group and 32 in the repeated debridement group. There was no difference in LOS (59.8 ± 41.6 versus 46.5 ± 51.2 days, P = .179) and no difference in the requirement for resection (4 versus 3 resections, p = .425). Subset analysis suggested that patients who underwent operative versus conservative management (P = .006) had a longer LOS. Excluding management strategy, radiologic appearance on admission significantly predicted LOS (P = .0053). Patients presenting with fistula (84 ± 25.4 days) and contrast medium leak (64.1 ± 40 days) had a significantly longer LOS than those diagnosed with phlegmon (13.5 ± 5.5 days). Radiologic appearance was predictive of complication severity (P < .0001) and salvage resection (P = .008).

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference in outcomes between patients treated with intraluminal occlusion or repeated debridement. Initial radiologic appearance was predictive of LOS and complication severity. This highlights the need for routine use of a validated classification system in studies reporting outcomes and treatment of sleeve leaks.

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.

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.

Oral Contraceptives after Bariatric Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Bariatric surgery offers a highly effective mode of treatment for obese patients. Some procedures such as bypass cause an alteration in normal gastrointestinal tract with possible consequences for the uptake of orally administered drugs.

METHODS

We assessed the literature to ascertain whether the use of oral drugs and especially oral contraceptives is effective and adequate after bariatric surgery.

RESULTS

The bioavailability of drugs could be affected by the solubility and pH of the modified medium after bariatric surgery and by the loss of gastrointestinal transporters. Bariatric surgery could potentially result in a transient change in the absorption of drugs such as analgesics, antibiotics, antiarrhythmics, anticoagulants, psychotropic, and oral contraceptive drugs. Effective contraception is especially critical in the postoperative period, and implants might be representing a safe contraceptive method in women undergoing bariatric surgery.

CONCLUSION

Each drug will have to be evaluated with respect to its site of absorption and its mechanism of absorption, with special attention on parameters influencing the effectiveness of the absorption processes.