Endolumenal revision obesity surgery results in weight loss and closure of gastric-gastric fistula

Evaluation of endoscopic gastrojejunostomy revision after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for treatment of dumping syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Gastrojejunostomy stomal dilation is a frequent cause of weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and may be a contributing cause of dumping syndrome. This study aims to evaluate the long-term durability of endoscopic gastrojejunostomy revision (EGJR) to resolve dumping syndrome.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of patients undergoing EGJR at a single institution from January 1, 2013 to December 1, 2018. The primary endpoint, dumping symptom resolution, was measured at 1 month and at the most recent postoperative follow-up. Continuous data are reported as mean and standard deviations and categorical data as percentages. The Fisher exact test was used to assess associations between categorical variables.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients underwent EGJR for dumping syndrome. Mean patient age was 51 years (standard deviation [SD], 9.9), and mean body mass index (BMI) was 36.2 kg/m² (SD, 7.1), with most patients (53%) presenting with BMIs ≥35 kg/m². Thirty-two patients (32%) reported severe dumping (≥3 symptoms). All patients were followed-up for 1 month, and 83% had a long-term follow-up at a mean of 3.45 years (SD, 1.7) after EGJR. In addition, 88% had initial symptom resolution at 1 month, and 85% reported symptom resolution 3 years postoperatively. Patients with GERD had a statistically significant improvement in dumping syndrome at 3 years compared with those without GERD (69% vs 62%, P = .03). Long-term weight loss averaged 2.1 pounds after EGJR.

CONCLUSIONS

EGJR is associated with effective and durable resolution of dumping syndrome at 3 years postoperatively, with a minimal long-term impact on weight loss. The presence of GERD preoperatively correlates with a statistically significant resolution of dumping syndrome.

Endoscopic Treatment of Weight Regain Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure. Despite its high efficacy, some patients regain part of their lost weight. Several endoscopic therapies have been introduced as alternatives to treat weight regain, but most of the articles are relatively small with unclear long-term data. To systematically assess the efficacy of endoscopic therapies for weight regain after RYGB. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, OVID, CINAHL/EBSCo, LILACS/Bireme, and gray literature. Primary outcomes were absolute weight loss (AWL), excess weight loss (EWL), and total body weight loss (TBWL). Thirty-two studies were included in qualitative analysis. Twenty-six described full-thickness (FT) endoscopic suturing and pooled AWL, EWL, and TBWL at 3 months were 8.5 ± 2.9 kg, 21.6 ± 9.3%, and 7.3 ± 2.6%, respectively. At 6 months, they were 8.6 ± 3.5 kg, 23.7 ± 12.3%, and 8.0 ± 3.9%, respectively. At 12 months, they were 7.63 ± 4.3 kg, 16.9 ± 11.1%, and 6.6 ± 5.0%, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that all outcomes were significantly higher in the group with FT suturing combined with argon plasma coagulation (APC) (p < 0.0001). Meta-analysis included 15 FT studies and showed greater results. Three studies described superficial-thickness suturing with pooled AWL of 3.0 ± 3.8, 4.4 ± 0.07, and 3.7 ± 7.4 kg at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Two articles described APC alone with mean AWL of 15.4 ± 2.0 and 15.4 ± 9.1 kg at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Full-thickness suturing is effective at treating weight regain after RYGB. Performing APC prior to suturing seems to result in greater weight loss. Head-to-head studies are needed to confirm our results. Few studies adequately assess effectiveness of other endoscopic techniques.

Revision of Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass for Weight Regain: a Systematic Review of Techniques and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Weight regain has led to an increase in revision of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgeries. There is no standardized approach to revisional surgery after failed RYGB. We performed an exhaustive literature search to elucidate surgical revision options. Our objective was to evaluate outcomes and complications of various methods of revision after RYGB to identify the option with the best outcomes for failed primary RYGB.

METHOD

A systematic literature search was conducted using the following search tools and databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Clinical Trials Database, Cochrane Review Database, EMBASE, and Allied and Complementary Medicine to identify all relevant studies describing revision after failed RYGB. Inclusion criteria comprised of revisional surgery for weight gain after RYGB.

RESULTS

Of the 1200 articles found, only 799 were selected for our study. Of the 799, 24 studies, with a total of 866 patients, were included for a systematic review. Of the 24 studies, 5 were conversion to Distal Roux-en-y gastric bypass (DRYGB), 5 were revision of gastric pouch and anastomosis, 6 were revision with gastric band, 2 were revision to biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch (BPD/DS), and 6 were revision to endoluminal procedures (i.e., stomaphyx). Mean percent excess body mass index loss (%EBMIL) after revision up to 1 and 3-year follow-up for BPD/DS was 63.7 and 76 %, DRYGB was 54 and 52.2 %, gastric banding revision 47.6 and 47.3 %, gastric pouch/anastomosis revision 43.3 and 14 %, and endoluminal procedures at 32.1 %, respectively. Gastric pouch/anastomosis revision resulted in the lowest major complication rate at 3.5 % and DRYGB with the highest at 11.9 % when compared to the other revisional procedures. The mortality rate was 0.6 % which only occurred in the DRYGB group.

CONCLUSION

All 866 patients in the 24 studies reported significant early initial weight loss after revision for failed RYGB. However, of the five surgical revision options considered, BPD/DS, DRYGB, and gastric banding resulted in sustained weight loss, with acceptable complication rate.

Endoscopic Approach for Major Complications of Bariatric Surgery

As lifestyle and diet patterns have become westernized in East Asia, the prevalence of obesity has rapidly increased. Bariatric surgeries, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), are considered the first-line treatment option in patients with severe obesity. However, postoperative complications have increased and the proper management of these complications, including the use of endoscopic procedures, has become important. The most serious complications, such as leaks and fistulas, can be treated with endoscopic stent placement and injection of fibrin glue, and a novel full-thickness closure over-the-scope clip (OTSC) has been used for treatment of postoperative leaks. Stricture at the gastrojejunal (GJ) anastomosis site after RYGB or incisura angularis in SG can be managed using stents or endoscopic balloon dilation. Dilation of the GJ anastomosis or gastric pouch may lead to failure of weight loss, and the use of endoscopic sclerotherapy, novel endoscopic suturing devices, and OTSCs have been attempted. Intragastric migration of the gastric band can be successfully treated using various endoscopic tools. Endoscopy plays a pivotal role in the management of post-bariatric complications, and close cooperation between endoscopists and bariatric surgeons may further increase the success rate of endoscopic procedures.

Outcomes following 50 consecutive endoscopic gastrojejunal revisions for weight gain following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a comparison of endoscopic suturing techniques for stoma reduction

BACKGROUND

Approximately 20-30 % of morbidly obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) will experience significant weight regain in the years following surgery. Endoscopic gastrojejunal revision (EGJR) has been shown to be a safe, effective and less invasive alternative to revisional surgery, with promising weight loss outcomes. However, minimal data exist regarding how to perform the procedure most effectively and what factors may predict good outcomes. We compared weight loss outcomes between patients undergoing endoscopic stoma revision by one of two full-thickness suturing techniques.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients undergoing EGJR between 06/2012 and 09/2015 was performed. Included patients were adults 18-74 years of age who had experienced weight regain ≥2 years after initial RYGB with stoma dilation ≥15 mm in diameter. Revision was done with either an interrupted (IRT) or purse-string (PST) suture technique. A linear mixed effects model was constructed to predict postoperative weight loss.

RESULTS

Fifty revisions (IRT = 36, PST = 14) were performed in 47 patients (92 % female, mean age of 50.9 ± 10.9 years and body mass index of 41.4 ± 7.1 kg/m²). Technical success (stoma diameter ≤10 mm) was achieved in all cases. Final diameter was significantly smaller in the PST group, 6.6 ± 2.2 mm versus 4.8 ± 1.8 mm (p < 0.01), resulting in a significantly greater % stoma reduction (76.8 ± 8.5 % vs. 84.2 ± 5.1 %, p < 0.01) versus the IRT group. PST resulted in greater % excess weight loss over time compared to IRT. Sixteen comorbid conditions resolved among 12 patients. No major complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic revision of the gastric outlet results in meaningful weight loss and comorbidity resolution in select patients experiencing weight regain following RYGB. A PST revision likely results in higher and more sustainable weight loss when compared to IRT.

The cooperation between endoscopists and surgeons in treating complications of bariatric surgery

The results of lifestyle interventions and pharmacotherapy are disappointing in severe obesity which is characterised by premature death and many obesity-associated co-morbidities. Only surgery may achieve significant and durable weight losses associated with increased life expectancy and improvement of co-morbidities. Bariatric surgery involves the gastrointestinal tract and may therefore increase gastrointestinal complaints. Bariatric surgery may also result in complications which in many cases can be solved by endoscopic interventions. This requires a close cooperation between surgeons and endoscopists. This chapter will concentrate on the most commonly performed operations such as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the adjustable gastric banding and the sleeve gastrectomy, in the majority of cases performed by laparoscopy. Operations such as the vertical banded gastroplasty and the biliopancreatic diversion with or without duodenal switch will not be discussed at length as patients with these operations will not be encountered frequently and their management can be found under the headings of the other operations.

Early experience with the Incisionless Operating Platform™ (IOP) for the treatment of obesity : the Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal (POSE) procedure

BACKGROUND

We report our initial experience and 6-month outcomes in a single center using the per-oral Incisionless Operating Platform™ (IOP) (USGI Medical) to place transmural plications in the gastric fundus and distal body using specialized suture anchors (the Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal [POSE] procedure).

METHODS

A prospective observational study was undertaken with institutional Ethics Board approval in a private hospital in Barcelona, Spain. Indicated patients were WHO obesity class I-II, or III, where patients refused a surgical approach.

RESULTS

Between February 28, 2011 and March 23, 2012, the POSE procedure was successfully performed in 45 patients: 75.6 % female; mean age 43.4 ± 9.2 SD (range 21.0-64.0). At baseline: mean absolute weight (AW, kg), 100.8 ± 12.9 (75.5-132.5); body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)), 36.7 ± 3.8 (28.1-46.6). A mean 8.2 suture-anchor plications were placed in the fundus, 3.0 along the distal body wall. Mean operative time, 69.2 ± 26.6 min (32.0-126.0); patients were discharged in <24 h. Six-month mean AW was 87.0 ± 10.3 (68.0-111.5); BMI decreased 5.8 to 31.3 ± 3.3 (25.1-38.6) (p < 0.001); EWL was 49.4 %; TBWL, 15.5 %. No mortality or operative morbidity. Minor postoperative side effects resolved with treatment by discharge. Patients reported less hunger and earlier satiety post procedure. Liquid intake began 12 h post procedure with full solids by 6 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

At 6-month follow-up of a prospective case series, the POSE procedure appeared to provide safe and effective weight loss without the scarring, pain, and recovery issues of open and laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Long-term follow-up and further study are required.

Early experience with the Incisionless Operating Platform™ (IOP) for the treatment of obesity : the Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal (POSE) procedure

BACKGROUND

We report our initial experience and 6-month outcomes in a single center using the per-oral Incisionless Operating Platform™ (IOP) (USGI Medical) to place transmural plications in the gastric fundus and distal body using specialized suture anchors (the Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal [POSE] procedure).

METHODS

A prospective observational study was undertaken with institutional Ethics Board approval in a private hospital in Barcelona, Spain. Indicated patients were WHO obesity class I-II, or III, where patients refused a surgical approach.

RESULTS

Between February 28, 2011 and March 23, 2012, the POSE procedure was successfully performed in 45 patients: 75.6 % female; mean age 43.4 ± 9.2 SD (range 21.0-64.0). At baseline: mean absolute weight (AW, kg), 100.8 ± 12.9 (75.5-132.5); body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)), 36.7 ± 3.8 (28.1-46.6). A mean 8.2 suture-anchor plications were placed in the fundus, 3.0 along the distal body wall. Mean operative time, 69.2 ± 26.6 min (32.0-126.0); patients were discharged in <24 h. Six-month mean AW was 87.0 ± 10.3 (68.0-111.5); BMI decreased 5.8 to 31.3 ± 3.3 (25.1-38.6) (p < 0.001); EWL was 49.4 %; TBWL, 15.5 %. No mortality or operative morbidity. Minor postoperative side effects resolved with treatment by discharge. Patients reported less hunger and earlier satiety post procedure. Liquid intake began 12 h post procedure with full solids by 6 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

At 6-month follow-up of a prospective case series, the POSE procedure appeared to provide safe and effective weight loss without the scarring, pain, and recovery issues of open and laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Long-term follow-up and further study are required.