Five-year weight loss in primary gastric bypass and revisional gastric bypass for failed adjustable gastric banding: results of a case-matched study

Effectiveness of conversional metabolic and bariatric surgery on dyslipidemia and the cost of lipid-lowering medications over 4 years: a French nationwide study

BACKGROUND

The need for conversional metabolic and bariatric surgery (CMBS) is still growing. No large-scale prospective cohort studies have assessed changes in lipid-lowering treatment (LLT) after CMBS.

OBJECTIVES

This study assesses and compares the effectiveness of the 4 main CMBS sequences after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and adjustable gastric banding (AGB) on reimbursement and cost of LLT.

SETTING

France.

METHODS

This nationwide observational population-based cohort study analyzed data from the French National Health Insurance database. It included all patients who had undergone primary SG and AGB in France between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2014, and followed until December 31, 2020. The study assessed LLT reimbursement evolution and costs across 4 different CMBS sequences.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 6396 patients underwent the 4 CMBS sequences: SG-RYGB (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) (n = 2400), AGB-SG (n = 2277), AGB-RYGB (n = 1173), and SG-SG (n = 546), with a rate of LLT reimbursement of 9.8%, 3.6%, 6.6%, and 7.9%, respectively, in the year before CMBS. The rates of discontinuation of treatment at 2 and 4 years were 41.9%, 35.4%, 45.6%, 20.5% and 45.6%, 31.3%, 64.3%, 31.6%, respectively. At 4 years, the median [interquartile range] annual costs (euros) per patient were significantly lower (P < .01) than the costs in the year before CMBS for each sequence: 86.8 [57.3; 136.1] versus 38.0 [.0; 64.6], 79.1 [50.5; 120.1] versus 50.4 [15.6; 64.1], 89.0 [66.5; 139.6] versus .0 [.0; 58.8], and 89.8 [66.1; 121.4] versus 63.1 [.0; 93.4].

CONCLUSIONS

Our study underlines the effectiveness of CMBS in significantly reducing the need and associated costs of LLT for patients with dyslipidemia over a 4-year period.

Evaluating the impact and costs of conversional or revisional metabolic bariatric surgery on obstructive sleep apnea: Insights from a French nationwide cohort

BACKGROUND

This study assesses the effectiveness of 5 main conversional or revisional metabolic bariatric surgery sequences after sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding and gastric bypass on reimbursement and cost of continuous positive airway pressure therapy, the first line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, in France.

METHODS

This nationwide observational population-based cohort study analyzed data from the French National Health Insurance database. It included all patients who had undergone primary metabolic bariatric surgery in France between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2014, and followed until December 31, 2020. The study assessed continuous positive airway pressure therapy reimbursement discontinuation and costs of reimbursed continuous positive airway pressure therapy across 5 different conversional or revisional metabolic bariatric surgery sequences.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 6,396 patients underwent the following sequences: sleeve gastrectomy-gastric bypass (n = 2,400), adjustable gastric banding-sleeve gastrectomy (n = 2,277), adjustable gastric banding-gastric bypass (n = 1,173), sleeve gastrectomy-sleeve gastrectomy (n = 546), and gastric bypass-others (n =332), with a rate of obstructive sleep apnea of 15.2%, 12.4%, 15.5% 12.8%, and 9.9% in the year before conversional or revisional metabolic bariatric surgery. The rates of patients who had a discontinuation of continuous positive airway pressure were at 2 and 4 years: 41.1%, 41.9%, 46.4%, 29.3%, and 33.3%; 62.3%, 57.0%, 78.2%; 57.5%, and 44.4%, respectively. At 4 years, the mean annual costs (euros) of obstructive sleep apnea treatment per patient were significantly lower (P < .01) than the costs in the year before conversional or revisional metabolic bariatric surgery for each sequence: 526.9 ± 414.4 vs 257.4 ± 349.7; 368.0 ± 247.5 vs 230.9 ± 288.4; 433.7 ± 326.0 vs 116.8 ± 238.3; 540.7 ± 275.3 vs 248.0 ± 308.4 and 501.2 ± 254.0 vs 281.1 ± 287.0, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study underscore the effectiveness of conversional or revisional metabolic bariatric surgery in significantly reducing the need and associated costs of continuous positive airway pressure therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea postprimary metabolic bariatric surgery over a 4-year period.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy as revisional bariatric procedures after adjustable gastric banding: a retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The frequency of revisional bariatric surgery is increasing, but its effectiveness and safety are not yet fully established. The aim of our study was to compare short-term outcomes of primary (pRYGB and pSG) and revisional bariatric surgeries (rRYGB and rSG).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study assessing all patients submitted to primary and revisional (after a failed AGB) RYGB and SG in 2019. Each patient was followed-up at 6 months and 12 months after surgery. We compared pRYGB vs. rRYGB, pSG vs. rSG and rRYGB vs. rSG on weight loss, surgical complications, and resolution of comorbidities.

RESULTS

We assessed 494 patients, of which 18.8% had undergone a revisional procedure. Higher weight loss at 6 and 12 months was observed in patients undergoing primary vs. revisional procedures. Patients submitted to rRYGB lost more weight than those with rSG (%EWL 12 months = 82.6% vs. 69.0%, p < 0.001). Regarding the resolution of obesity-related comorbidities, diabetes resolution was more frequent in pRYGB than rRYGB (54.2% vs. 25.0%; p = 0.038). Also, 41.7% of the patients who underwent rRYGB had dyslipidemia resolution vs. 0% from the rSG group (p = 0.035). Dyslipidemia resolution was also more common in pSG vs. rSG (68.6% vs. 0.0%; p = 0.001). No significant differences in surgical complications were found.

CONCLUSION

Revisional bariatric surgery is effective and safe treating obesity and related comorbidities after AGB. Primary procedures appear to be associated with better weight loss outcomes. Further prospective studies are needed to better understand the role of revisional bariatric surgery.

Long-term outcomes of revisional one anastomosis gastric bypass post laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

PURPOSE

Revisional bariatric surgeries following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) have demonstrated a dramatic increase worldwide. Recently, one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) has become a contender as an appropriate revisional procedure; however, no long-term data currently exist on the effectiveness of it as a revisional surgery post-LSG.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients who underwent LSG at a public hospital in Kuwait from 2008 to 2017. A list was obtained of those who underwent revisional OAGB surgery after initial LSG, after which a phone survey was performed and demographics were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 29 patients underwent revisional OAGB post-initial LSG, of which 89.7% were female. Prior to LSG, the mean weight of the patients was 127.5 kg, and the mean BMI was 49.0 kg/m2. The mean weight loss after initial LSG was 43.8 kg, while the average duration until patients underwent revisional OAGB was 5.3 years. The cause for revision was weight regain (86.2%) or inadequate weight loss (13.8%). Prior to undergoing revisional OAGB, the weight and BMI of the patients was 110.9 kg and 42.4 kg/m2, respectively. Revisional OAGB demonstrated a %excess weight loss of 14.5%, 31.9%, 48.0%, 56.3%, 57.2%, and 54.7% at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 4 years, and 5 years, respectively. Twelve morbidities were reported during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Revisional bariatric surgery is technically demanding and may be associated with a high complication rate. However, OAGB as a revisional procedure has proven to be safe and effective in the long-term outcomes of revisional OAGB patients post-LSG.

Resizing a large pouch after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: comparing the effect of two techniques on weight loss

BACKGROUND

Insufficient weight loss or weight regain has many causes including a large gastric pouch. A large gastric pouch may be due to the surgical technique or can be patient related (dilation). Resizing the gastric pouch may lead to additional weight loss. Currently, there is no gold standard for the revisional surgical technique. Therefore this study was performed to determine which surgical technique for revisional bariatric surgery (BS) has superior outcomes in terms of weight loss: sleeve resection of the gastrojejunostomy and gastric pouch (SGP), or resection of the gastrojejunostomy with resizing of the pouch and creation of a new anastomosis (RGJ).

METHODS

All patients who underwent revisional BS for insufficient weight loss or weight regain as a result of an enlarged pouch after LRYGB from April 2014 to June 2018 in our hospitals were included in this observational cohort study. Outcomes were measured in percentage total weight loss (%TWL).

RESULTS

A total of 37 patients who underwent SGP and 21 patients who underwent RGJ as revisional BS were included in this study. The median body mass index before revisional BS was 37.6 kg/m² versus 35.7 kg/m² (SGP vs RGJ, respectively, P = 0.115). There was no significant difference in %TWL between the two cohorts 1 and 2 years after revisional BS, respectively; SGP 14.5% vs RGJ 11.0%, P = 0.885 and SGP 12.3% vs RGJ 10.8%, P = 0.604. Comparing %TWL based on weight at LRYGB, there was also no significant difference two years after revisional BS (SGP 22.0% vs RGJ 22.2%, P = 0.885). The average use of surgical disposables for the SGP technique were lower compared to the RGJ technique.

CONCLUSIONS

Resizing a large pouch leads to additional weight loss. Both techniques have comparable outcomes in terms of weight loss. However, based on average surgical costs, the SGP technique may be preferable.

Pharmacotherapies for Post-Bariatric Weight Regain: Real-World Comparative Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare outcomes of treatment strategies for weight regain after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of 207 individuals treated for post-bariatric weight regain at an academic center from January 1, 2014, through November 25, 2019. Percentage body weight loss was compared after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of treatment among an intensive lifestyle modification (ILM) group, a non-glucagon-like-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1-RA)-based weight-loss pharmacotherapy (WLP) group, and a GLP-1-RA-based WLP group (the latter two groups in conjunction with ILM).

RESULTS

The percentage body weight loss was significantly different between groups after 3 months (1.4% vs. 2.2% vs. 4.5% [P < 0.001] for ILM, non-GLP-1-RA-based WLP, and GLP-1-RA-based WLP groups, respectively), 6 months (0.8% vs. 2.9% vs. 6.7% [P < 0.001]), and 9 months (-1.6% vs. 5.6% vs. 6.9% [P = 0.007]). There was a significant difference in the percentage of individuals achieving ≥5% weight loss after 3, 6, and 9 months, with most occurring in the GLP-1-RA-based WLP group. In a multiple regression analysis including bariatric surgery type, treatment group was the only significant predictor of percentage weight change.

CONCLUSIONS

GLP-1-RA-based WLP therapies were found to be more effective for treating post-bariatric weight regain than non-GLP-1-RA-based WLP or ILM, regardless of surgery type.

Is Revisional Gastric Bypass as Effective as Primary Gastric Bypass for Weight Loss and Improvement of Comorbidities?

BACKGROUND

Revisional gastric bypass (R-RYGB) surgery is utilized for the management of inadequate weight loss or weight regain observed after some cases of bariatric surgeries. Data on the mid-term effectiveness of primary gastric bypass (P-RYGB) compared with R-RYGB (e.g., post sleeve gastrectomy/gastric banding) are controversial.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of all patients who received P-RYGB and R-RYGB (January 2011-June 2015) at our center. One hundred twenty patients who underwent P-RYGB and 34 R-RYGB who completed 18 months follow-up were included. We compared the effectiveness of P-RYGB with R-RYGB by assessing four anthropometric, two glycemic, and four lipid parameters, as well as the control of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), hypertension, dyslipidemia (remission, improvement, persistence, relapse, de novo), mortality and complications rates.

RESULTS

A comparison of the effectiveness of P-RYGB with R-RYGB at 18 months revealed no significant differences in patients' age, gender, and preoperative BMI between groups. However, patients who received P-RYGB had lower mean weight (P = 0.001) and BMI (P < 0.001), reflected by a higher mean delta BMI (P = 0.02), total weight loss percentage (TWL%) (P < 0.0001) and excess weight loss percentage (EWL%) (P < 0.0001). No differences in glycemic parameters, lipid profiles, control of T2DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were observed. No death is reported and complication rates were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

Although R-RYGB effectively addressed inadequate weight loss, weight regain, and recurrence of comorbidities after restrictive bariatric surgery, R-RYGB resulted in inferior weight loss compared with P-RYGB. Neither procedure differed in their clinical control of T2DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Both procedures exhibited comparable complication rates.

Weight Loss After Sleeve Gastrectomy: Does Type 2 Diabetes Status Impact Weight and Body Composition Trajectories?

INTRODUCTION/ PURPOSE

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG), the most frequently performed bariatric procedure, induces marked weight-loss, but with high inter-individual variability. Since type 2 diabetes (T2D) negatively impacts weight-loss outcomes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), we herein aimed to evaluate whether and how T2D status may influence weight-loss and body composition changes in individuals with or without T2D after SG.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively included individuals with obesity operated from SG and prospectively followed at our center: 373 patients including 152 with T2D (40%). All subjects' clinical characteristics were collected before and during 4 years of follow-up post-SG. Linear mixed models were applied to analyze weight-loss trajectories post-surgery.

RESULTS

Compared to individuals with obesity but no T2D, those with T2D before SG displayed lower weight-loss at 1 year (21 vs. 27% from baseline, p < 10^-3). This difference was accentuated in patients with poorer glucose control (HbA1c > 7%) at baseline. Furthermore, patients with T2D underwent less favorable body composition changes at 1-year post-SG compared to individuals without T2D (% fat mass reduction: 28 vs. 37%, p < 10^-3 respectively).

CONCLUSION

When undergoing SG, subjects with obesity and T2D who have poor pre-operative glycemic control display reduced weight-loss and less improvement in body composition compared to patients with obesity but without T2D. This result suggests that glycemic control prior to surgery is important to take into account for the outcome of bariatric surgery.

Primary Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Results in Greater Weight Loss at 15-Year Follow-Up Compared with Secondary Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass After Failure of Gastric Band or Mason McLean Vertical Gastroplasty

PURPOSE

The aim of the study is to compare the outcomes of patients treated with secondary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) after adjustable gastric banding (AGB) or vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) with those of patients having primary RYGB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing secondary RYGB after AGB or VBG between 1997 and 2004 with a minimal follow-up of 15 years were matched using a propensity score (according to gender, age, BMI, duration of follow-up) with comparable patients who underwent primary RYGB.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 16.50 years in the secondary RYGB group (N = 32) versus 16.33 years in the primary RYGB group (N = 32). Early postoperative complications rate was 6.25% in the secondary RYGBs versus 9.38% in the primary RYGBs (P = 1). Late postoperative complications and additional surgical procedures were 56.25% and 37.5% in the secondary and primary RYGB group, respectively (P = 0.21). Long-term (at 16-20 years) %TWL and %EWL were significantly lower (P < 0.01 and P = 0.013, respectively) after secondary RYGB (%TWL = 7.56%; %EWL = 17.15%) than after primary RYGB (%TWL = 24.51%; %EWL = 55.61%). Remission of obesity-related comorbidities was comparable (P > 0.05). Gastroesophageal reflux was more frequent after secondary RGYB-43.75% versus 25%, P < 0.05. Quality of life-Morehead-Ardelt II score (0.02 in secondary RYGB versus 0.69 in primary RYGB, P = 0.13), general self-assessment of health status and weight satisfaction were comparable.

CONCLUSION

Secondary RYGB after AGB or VBG is less efficient at weight loss, GERD remission and energy expenditure at 15 years after conversion. However, it is as effective for improvement/resolution of obesity-related comorbidities and is associated with similar QoL scores.

Midterm results of revisional bariatric surgery postsleeve gastrectomy: resleeve versus bypass

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery has been shown to produce the most predictable weight loss results, with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) being the most performed procedure as of 2014. However, inadequate weight loss may present the need for a revisional procedure.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of laparoscopic resleeve gastrectomy (LRSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in attaining successful weight loss.

SETTING

Public hospital following SG.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients who underwent SG from 2008-2019. A list was obtained of those who underwent revisional bariatric surgery after initial SG, and their demographic characteristics were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 2858 patients underwent SG, of whom 84 patients (3%) underwent either a revisional laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (rLRYGB) or LRSG. A total of 82% of the patients were female. The mean weight and body mass index (BMI) before SG for the LRSG and rLRYGB patients were 136.7 kg and 49.9 kg/m² and 133.9 kg and 50.5 kg/m², respectively. The mean BMI showed a drop from 42.0 to 31.7 (P < .001) 1 year post revisional surgery for the LRSG group and 42.7 to 34.5 (P < .001) for the rLRYGB group, correlating to an excess weight loss (EWL) of 61.7% and 48.1%, respectively. At 5 years post revisional surgery, LRSG patients showed an increase in BMI to 33.8 (EWL = 45.3%), while those who underwent rLRYGB showed a decrease to 34.3 (EWL = 49.2%). Completeness of follow-up at 1, 3, and 5 years for rLRYGB and LRSG were 67%, 35%, and 24% and 45%, 21%, and 18%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Revisional bariatric surgery is a safe and effective method for the management of failed primary SG. LRSG patients tended to do better earlier on; however, it leveled off with those who underwent rLRYGB by 5 years.

Revisional Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Safe Surgical Opportunity? Results of a Case-Matched Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of revisional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) after adjustable gastric banding (AGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) compared with primary RYGB, in regard to early and late morbidity, weight, and resolution of obesity-related comorbidities.

METHODS

The group of patients undergoing revisional RYGB was matched in a 1:1 ratio with control patient who underwent a primary RYGB, based on age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) score, preoperative body mass index (BMI), and diabetes mellitus. Demographics, anthropometrics, preoperative work-up, and perioperative data were retrieved.

RESULTS

One hundred fifteen patients (16 males and 99 females) with a mean age of 45.5 ± 1.5 years underwent revisional RYGB following either LAGB in 82 patients (71.3%) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in 33 patients (28.7%). There was no conversion and no mortality in either group. Revisional RYGB was associated with similar early (16.5 vs 15.6%, ns) and late (42.6% vs 32.2%, ns) morbidity rates with a mean follow-up of 25.3 ± 16.6 months compared to primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The revisional RYGB group had significantly less weight loss (mean %EWL 67.4 ± 20.7 vs 72.7 ± 22.9, p = 0.023 and mean %EBMI 68.1 ± 22 vs 78.3 ± 25.7, p = 0.01) at the time of 1 year. Improvement of comorbidities including hypertension (62.5 vs 70.5%; p > 0.05), diabetes (73.7 vs 79%; p > 0.05), and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (100 vs 97%; p > 0.05) was similar.

CONCLUSION

This large case-matched study suggests that conversion of SG or AGB to RYGB is feasible with early and late comparable morbidity in an accredited center; even weight results might be inferior.

Revisional Gastric Bypass Is Inferior to Primary Gastric Bypass in Terms of Short- and Long-term Outcomes-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose

Although Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the main primary bariatric procedure, it has also been utilized as revisional bariatric surgery. Our aim is to compare revisionary gastric bypass with primary gastric bypass through systematic review with meta-analysis.

Methods

Available literature was searched for eligible studies up to December 2017. Inclusion criteria were reports on morbidity, %EWL, or diabetes remission. Secondary outcomes involved mortality, anastomotic leakage, operative time, and length of hospital stay. Random effect meta-analyses were undertaken.

Results

Initial search yielded 1164 references. Final meta-analysis involved 21 studies and revealed significant differences in terms of morbidity (RR1.54, p < 0.001) and EWL (WMD-19.9, p < 0.001). There were no differences in diabetes remission.

Conclusion

Revisionary RYGB has worse weight loss effect with greater morbidity rate than primary RYGB.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s11695-018-3300-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Human Obesity: Impact of Bariatric Surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review, we summarize what is currently described in terms of gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis modification post-bariatric surgery (BS) and their link with BS-induced clinical improvement. We also discuss how the major inter-individual variability in terms of GM changes could impact the clinical improvements seen in patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

The persisting increase in severe obesity prevalence has led to the subsequent burst in BS number. Indeed, it is to date the best treatment option to induce major and sustainable weight loss and metabolic improvement in these patients. During obesity, the gut microbiota displays distinctive features such as low microbial gene richness and compositional and functional alterations (termed dysbiosis) which have been associated with low-grade inflammation, increased body weight and fat mass, as well as type-2 diabetes. Interestingly, GM changes post-BS is currently being proposed as one the many mechanism explaining BS beneficial clinical outcomes. BS enables partial rescue of GM dysbiosis observed during obesity. Some of the GM characteristics modified post-BS (composition in terms of bacteria and functions) are linked to BS beneficial outcomes such as weight loss or metabolic improvements. Nevertheless, the changes in GM post-BS display major variability from one patient to the other. As such, further large sample size studies associated with GM transfer studies in animals are still needed to completely decipher the role of GM in the clinical improvements observed post-surgery.

Multicentre cohort study of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy cessation after bariatric surgery

Background

Few studies have assessed changes in antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy after bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the 6-year rates of continuation, discontinuation or initiation of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy after bariatric surgery compared with those in a matched control group of obese patients.

Methods

This nationwide observational population-based cohort study used data extracted from the French national health insurance database. All patients undergoing gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy in France in 2009 were matched with control patients. Mixed-effect logistic regression models were used to analyse factors that influenced discontinuation or initiation of treatment over a 6-year interval.

Results

In 2009, 8199 patients underwent primary gastric bypass (55·2 per cent) or sleeve gastrectomy (44·8 per cent). After 6 years, the proportion of patients receiving antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy had decreased more in the bariatric group than in the control group (antihypertensives: –40·7 versus –11·7 per cent respectively; lipid-lowering therapy: –53·6 versus –20·2 per cent; both P &lt; 0·001). Gastric bypass was the main predictive factor for discontinuation of therapy for hypertension (odds ratio (OR) 9·07, 95 per cent c.i. 7·72 to 10·65) and hyperlipidaemia (OR 11·91, 9·65 to 14·71). The proportion of patients not receiving treatment at baseline who were subsequently started on medication was lower after bariatric surgery than in controls for hypertension (5·6 versus 15·8 per cent respectively; P &lt; 0·001) and hyperlipidaemia (2·2 versus 9·1 per cent; P &lt; 0·001). Gastric bypass was the main protective factor for antihypertensives (OR 0·22, 0·18 to 0·26) and lipid-lowering medication (OR 0·12, 0·09 to 0·15).

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery is associated with a good discontinuation of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy, with gastric bypass being more effective than sleeve gastrectomy.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or one anastomosis gastric bypass as rescue therapy after failed adjustable gastric banding: a multicenter comparative study

BACKGROUND

To date, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding remains the third most commonly performed surgical procedure for weight loss. Some patients fail to get acceptable outcomes and undergo revisional surgery at rates ranging from 7% to 60%. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are among the most common salvage options for failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcomes of converting failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding to RYGB, OAGB, or SG.

METHODS

Data collected from 7 experienced bariatric centers around the world were retrospectively collected, reviewed, and analyzed. Final body mass index (BMI), change in BMI, percentage excess BMI loss, and major complications with particular attention to leaks, hemorrhage, and mortality were reported.

RESULTS

Of 1219 patients analyzed, 74% underwent RYGB, 16% underwent OAGB, and 10% underwent SG after banding failure. The mean age was 38 years (±10 yr), and 82% of patients were women. The mean follow-up was 33 months. The follow-up rate was 100%, 87%, and 52% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. At the latest follow-up, percentage excess BMI loss >50% was achieved by 75% of RYGB, 85% of OAGB, and 67% of SG patients. Postoperative complications occurred in 13% of patients after RYGB, 5% after OAGB, and 15% after SG.

CONCLUSION

Our data show that it is possible to achieve or maintain significant weight loss with an acceptable complication rate with all 3 surgical options.

Prevalence of All-Cause Mortality and Suicide among Bariatric Surgery Cohorts: A Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Prior meta-analysis has reported mortality rates among post-operative bariatric patients, but they have not considered psychiatric factors like suicide contributing to mortality.

OBJECTIVES

The current meta-analysis aims to determine the pooled prevalence for mortality and suicide amongst cohorts using reported suicides post bariatric surgery. It is also the aim of the current meta-analytical study to determine moderators that could account for the heterogeneity found.

RESULTS

In our study, the pooled prevalence of mortality in the studies which reported suicidal mortality was 1.8% and the prevalence of suicide was 0.3%. Mean body mass index (BMI) and the duration of follow-up appear to be significant moderators.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the prevalence of suicide post bariatric surgery, it is highly important for bariatric teams to consider both the medical and psychiatric well-being of individuals pre- and post-operatively.

Three-Year Outcomes of Revisional Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass after Failed Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Case-Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

While previous studies suggest laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) as a reasonable treatment approach to address weight loss failure after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), data focusing on long-term outcomes are still lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate weight and comorbidity outcomes comparing revisional LRYGB (rLRYGB) with primary LRYGB (pLRYGB).

METHODS

Retrospective single-centre case-matched analysis was conducted at a bariatric tertiary referral centre. Between January 2009 and July 2013, 239 patients were entered into a prospective database, and 32 patients undergoing rLRYGB (cases) were matched with 32 patients undergoing pLRYGB (controls) for sex, age and BMI. The end point was data at 3 years of follow-up. Thirty-one patients (12.9%) were lost to follow-up during the study period.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in patient demographics or median BMI (kg/m²) for pLRYGB or rLRYGB (42.8 ± 12.1 vs. 42.3 ± 11.5, respectively; p = 0.748). Coexisting comorbidities were rated similarly in both groups. At 3 years, the percentage of excess weight loss (74.4 ± 23.3 vs 52.0 ± 26, respectively; p = 0.007) was higher for pLRYGB than rLRYGB, while similar improvements of coexisting comorbidities could be observed.

CONCLUSION

rLRYGB is a feasible and practical surgical approach that allows effective weight loss at 3 years of follow-up and alleviates refractory reflux symptoms. Although weight loss is lower compared to pLRYGB, resolution or improvement of coexisting comorbidities appears similar. Therefore, rLRYGB seems to be a reliable procedure to address failure after LSG.

Impact of super obesity on perioperative outcomes after hepatectomy: The weight of the risk

BACKGROUND

We evaluated perioperative outcomes in super obese patients (body mass index >50 kg/m²) undergoing liver resection using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

METHODS

Patients undergoing hepatectomy recorded in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataset from 2005 to 2015 were analyzed. Out of 21,228 hepatectomies in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataset, 146 were performed on super obese patients.

RESULTS

Seventy-two percent of the super obese patients were female with a median age of 50.6 years, and 10% were classified as American College of Surgeons Class ≥III. In this group, 69.2% were hypertensive, 38.4% were diabetics, and 17.8% had dyspnea. The median operation time was 248 minutes in the super obese group, greater than any other body mass index class. Twenty-two percent of these patients required perioperative transfusion, although 74% underwent partial hepatectomies. Body mass index >50 kg/m² significantly increased morbidity in patients undergoing hepatectomies, almost 2-fold. Infectious complications increased by 86%, and the risk of developing critical care complications increased by 63%.

CONCLUSION

Our data show that super obesity (body mass index >50 kg/m²) is the strongest independent predictor of perioperative morbidity. These patients also are at much greater risk of infectious complications and critical care complications. Future studies should be conducted using weight loss strategies in extreme obese patients to reduce their risk of life-threatening complications after hepatectomy.

The FAT Score, a Fibrosis Score of Adipose Tissue: Predicting Weight-Loss Outcome After Gastric Bypass

CONTEXT

Bariatric surgery (BS) induces major and sustainable weight loss in many patients. Factors predicting poor weight-loss response (PR) need to be identified to improve patient care. Quantification of subcutaneous adipose tissue (scAT) fibrosis is negatively associated with post-BS weight loss, but whether it could constitute a predictor applicable in clinical routine remains to be demonstrated.

OBJECTIVE

To create a semiquantitative score evaluating scAT fibrosis and test its predictive value on weight-loss response after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

METHODS

We created a fibrosis score of adipose tissue (FAT score) integrating perilobular and pericellular fibrosis. Using this score, we characterized 183 perioperative scAT biopsy specimens from severely obese patients who underwent RYGB (n = 85 from a training cohort; n = 98 from a confirmation cohort). PR to RYGB was defined as <28% of total weight loss at 1 year (lowest tertile). The link between FAT score and PR was tested in univariate and multivariate models.

RESULTS

FAT score was directly associated with increasing scAT fibrosis measured by a standard quantification method (P for trend <0.001). FAT score interobserver agreement was good (κ = 0.76). FAT score ≥2 was significantly associated with PR. The association remained significant after adjustment for age, diabetes status, hypertension, percent fat mass, and interleukin-6 level (adjusted odds ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.8 to 7.2; P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

The FAT score is a new, simple, semiquantitative evaluation of human scAT fibrosis that may help identify patients with a potential limited weight-loss response to RYGB.

Long-term follow-up after bariatric surgery in a national cohort

BACKGROUND

Lifelong medical follow-up is mandatory after bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the 5-year follow-up after bariatric surgery in a nationwide cohort of patients.

METHODS

All adult obese patients who had undergone primary bariatric surgery in 2009 in France were included. Data were extracted from the French national health insurance database. Medical follow-up (medical visits, micronutrient supplementation and blood tests) during the first 5 years after bariatric surgery was assessed, and compared with national and international guidelines.

RESULTS

Some 16 620 patients were included in the study. The percentage of patients with at least one reimbursement for micronutrient supplements decreased between the first and fifth years for iron (from 27.7 to 24.5 per cent; P < 0.001) and calcium (from 14·4 to 7·7 per cent; P < 0·001), but increased for vitamin D (from 33·1 to 34·7 per cent; P < 0·001). The percentage of patients with one or more visits to a surgeon decreased between the first and fifth years, from 87·1 to 29·6 per cent (P < 0·001); similar decreases were observed for visits to a nutritionist/endocrinologist (from 22·8 to 12·4 per cent; P < 0·001) or general practitioner (from 92·6 to 83·4 per cent; P < 0·001). The mean number of visits to a general practitioner was 7·0 and 6·1 in the first and the fifth years respectively. In multivariable analyses, male sex, younger age, absence of type 2 diabetes and poor 1-year follow-up were predictors of poor 5-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Despite clear national and international guidelines, long-term follow-up after bariatric surgery is poor, especially for young men with poor early follow-up.

Revisional Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Systematic Review of Comparative Outcomes with Respective Primary Procedures

Though primary bariatric surgery is now firmly established as the first-line treatment for morbid obesity, this is not the case with revisional bariatric surgery. Despite proven benefits and patient demand, revisional bariatric surgery continues to attract controversy. Even though it is widely believed to be riskier and less effective than primary bariatric surgery, there is currently no systematic review in literature addressing this point. This review aims to establish outcomes after revisional bariatric surgery in comparison with those after primary bariatric surgery. Since Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy is currently the commonest anatomy achieved after revisional bariatric surgery, this review focuses on the outcome of revisional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and revisional sleeve gastrectomy in comparison with respective primary procedures.

pH monitoring of gastro-oesophageal reflux before and after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common obesity-related co-morbidity that is assessed objectively by 24-h pH monitoring. Some concerns have been raised regarding the risk of de novo GORD or exacerbation of pre-existing GORD after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Here, 24-h pH monitoring was used to assess the influence of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on postoperative GORD in obese patients with or without preoperative GORD.

METHODS

From July 2012 to September 2014, all patients scheduled for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were invited to participate in a prospective follow-up. Patients who underwent preoperative 24-h pH monitoring were asked to repeat the examination 6 months after operation. GORD was defined as an oesophageal pH < 4 for at least 4·2 per cent of the total time recorded.

RESULTS

Of 89 patients, 76 had preoperative pH monitoring for GORD evaluation and 50 had postoperative reassessment. Patients without (group 1, 29 patients) or with (group 2, 21 patients) preoperative GORD were similar regarding age, sex ratio and body mass index. In group 1, the median (i.q.r.) total time at pH < 4 was significantly higher after surgery than before: 5·6 (2·5-9·5) versus 1·6 (0·7-2·9) per cent (P < 0·001). Twenty of the 29 patients experienced de novo GORD as determined by 24-h pH monitoring (P < 0·001). In group 2, total time at pH < 4 after surgery was no different from the preoperative value: 5·9 (3·9-10·7) versus 7·7 (5·2-10·3) per cent (P = 0·296).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was associated with de novo GORD in over two-thirds of patients, but did not seem to exacerbate existing GORD.