Long-term outcome of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB): results of a Swiss single-center study of 405 patients with up to 18 years' follow-up. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2017;13:1313-1319. [PMID: 28602794 DOI: 10.1016/j.soard.2017.04.030]

Intra-jejunal migration with intestinal obstruction and perforation after gastric banding: A case report

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is an approved procedure in bariatric surgery. However, serious complications due to band erosion have been reported. There have been few reports of intestinal obstruction and perforation caused by gastric banding invading the gastric wall and migrating to the jejunum. Case introduction: A 56-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with right lower abdominal pain ten years after LAGB surgery. An intraoperative gastric band showed erosion of the gastric wall and movement down to the jejunum, resulting in intestinal obstruction and jejunal perforation. Conclusion: Patients should undergo regular outpatient gastroscopic follow-up after gastric band surgery to prevent serious complications.

Secondary Bariatric Surgery-Does the Type of Index Procedure Affect Outcomes After Conversion?

BACKGROUND

Although revisions account for 17% of cases performed at bariatric centers of excellence, scarce data exists on whether index operation type influences outcomes after secondary operations.

OBJECTIVE

We designed a study investigating the effect of primary procedure type on weight loss and perioperative complications after conversion bariatric surgery.

SETTING

Tertiary Referral Hospital, USA.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing conversion from sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or adjustable gastric band (AGB) to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) from 2009 to 2019. Post-operatively, we measured short- and medium-term complications and changes in body weight at various time points. Univariate and regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Forty-two (SG) patients and 116 (AGB) patients underwent conversion to RYGB, most commonly for GERD (57.1%) in SG patients vs. weight regain (77.6%) in AGB patients. Mean pre-conversion BMI was 36.7 kg/m² (SG) vs 43.8 kg/m² (AGB). Mean time to conversion (months) was 52.9 (SG) vs 94.7 (AGB). Complication rate was 9.5% (SG) vs 6% (AGB) at 30 days (p = 0.48) and 31%(SG) vs 14.5% (AGB) (p = 0.02) at 2 years. Mean post conversion %TWL was 11.6% (SG) vs 24.6% (AGB) in patients with GERD/dysphagia (p = 0.014) and 20.7% (SG) vs 27.6% (AGB) in patients converted for weight-related reasons (p = 0.027) at 1 year. Overall mean %TWL was 13.2% (SG) vs 24.7% (AGB) at 2 years (p < 0.0035).

CONCLUSION

After conversion to RYGB, patients with AGB experience better short- and medium-term weight loss than those with SG, even after accounting for conversion indications. SG to RYGB conversions have a higher resolution of reflux disease.

Adjustable Gastric Banding Conversion to One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass: Data Analysis of a Multicenter Database

INTRODUCTION

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) has been proposed as a rescue technique for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) poor responders.

AIM

We sought to analyze, complications, mortality, and medium-term weight loss results after LAGB conversion to OAGB.

METHODS

Data analysis of an international multicenter database.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-nine LAGB-to-OAGB operations were retrospectively analyzed. Eighty-seven (46.0%) were converted in one stage. Patients operated on in two stages had a higher preoperative body mass index (BMI) (37.9 vs. 41.3 kg/m², p = 0.0007) and were more likely to have encountered technical complications, such as slippage or erosions (36% vs. 78%, p < 0.0001). Postoperative complications occurred in 4.8% of the patients (4.6% and 4.9% in the one-stage and the two-stage group, respectively). Leak rate, bleeding episodes, and mortality were 2.6%, 0.5%, and 0.5%, respectively. The final BMI was 30.2 at a mean follow-up of 31.4 months. Follow-up at 1, 3, and 5 years was 100%, 88%, and 70%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Conversion from LAGB to OAGB is safe and effective. The one-stage approach appears to be the preferred option in non-complicate cases, while the two-step approach is mostly done for more complicated cases.

Understanding the pathophysiologic pathways that underlie obesity and options for treatment

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial condition with devastating health consequences. It was thought that obesity could be controlled with discipline and lifestyle changes, but we now know that the underlying pathophysiology is a dysregulation of the body's energy balance system, controlled by a complex interplay of neural, hormonal, and metabolic pathways. Recognizing obesity as a chronic disease places a greater responsibility on all health care professionals to screen and identify patients at risk and develop long-term tailored treatment plans.

AREAS COVERED

This narrative review describes the central and peripheral pathways regulating obesity, the factors contributing to its development and how to effectively manage this disease.

EXPERT OPINION

Obesity is a disease with pathophysiologic mechanisms and should be treated accordingly to reduce the significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Lifestyle interventions remain the cornerstones of treatment; however, these measures alone are rarely enough for long-term maintenance of weight loss. Additional interventions, such as pharmacotherapy or bariatric surgery, are indicated for many patients and should be recommended. Treatment considerations should include assessment of comorbidities or risk factors, as many anti-obesity agents and bariatric surgeries also have beneficial effects on other weight-associated comorbidities.Plain language summary: This plain language summary highlights information from a recent scientific article about obesity. Obesity is a disease that leads to excess accumulation of body fat that may negatively affect health. People can check if they have obesity by measuring their body mass index (BMI for short). The BMI is a screening tool to see if you are at risk of obesity. Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher with lower cut-offs in Asian populations. Obesity is a chronic health condition that leads to a shorter life span. People with obesity have a higher chance of having other health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, heart disease, kidney problems, osteoarthritis, and some types of cancer. It can be hard for people with obesity to lose weight for various reasons. The aim of this article is to help doctors who treat people with obesity understand more about the causes for obesity, as well as the available treatment options, which include lifestyle changes, medicines, and for some people, weight loss surgery.[Figure: see text][Figure: see text][Figure: see text][Figure: see text].

Is there an indication left for gastric band? A single center experience on 178 patients with a follow-up of 10 years

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) has been widely performed in the past at our university bariatric center. Aim of this study was to retrospectively assess long term outcomes of LAGB at our university hospital, with special regard to non-response (EWL < 25%) and rate of band removal.

METHODS

Retrospective search of prospectively maintained database of our university bariatric center was carried out to find all consecutive patients that had undergone LAGB at our department with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. Collected data were sex, age, body mass index (BMI), obesity related diseases remission, complications and weight loss.

RESULTS

After 10 years, patients with the band (n = 144) in place had a BMI of 35.2 ± 7.5 kg/m2, while %EWL and % TWL were 40.8 ± 52.4 and 18.9 ± 20.7. Seventy-four (41.6%) achieved a success (%EWL > 50), while 38 (21.3%) were non-responders (%EWL < 25), 32 (18%) had an insufficient weight loss (25 < %EWL < 50) and 34 (19.1%) underwent band removal. Among these, 6 (3.4%) were removed for complications and 28 (15.7%) for insufficient weight loss. Weight regain occurred in 38 out of 144 (26.4%) subjects with the band in place at 10 years. Only one case of early vomiting with readmission for medical treatment was recorded. Slippage, erosion/migration and port/tube complications occurred in 4 (2.2%), 2(1.1%) and 9(5%) cases respectively.

CONCLUSION

LAGB is a safe and moderately effective bariatric procedure but it showed disappointing rates of removal, non-response and remission from comorbidities. However, LAGB could still be proposed for selected/motivated patients.

Role of Imaging in Bariatric Surgery: A Review of the Various Surgical Techniques and Their Complications

According to the World Health Organization, obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, with at least 2.8 million people dying each year as a result of being overweight or obese. Bariatric surgery is being increasingly used as a form of treatment, particularly in those patients where lifestyle modifications are deemed insufficient. With the role of radiologists transitioning from a medical to a surgical evaluation in obesity, it is becoming increasingly important to familiarize oneself with the various imaging techniques used in the preoperative and postsurgical evaluation in such cases. This article aims to review the various surgeries performed, their normal imaging appearance, and the various complications that could be encountered.

Unexpected Gastrointestinal Tract injury years following Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

INTRODUCTION

Band migration is a late complication of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding insertion, although rare it could be life threatening presenting as peritonitis secondary to gastro-intestinal tract injuries. A case of an unexpected extension of severe gastro-intestinal tract injuries secondary to intra-gastric migration and distal band dislocation is reported.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 53 years old male, with a history of laparoscopic gastric banding 15 years before and known erosion of the band into the gastric lumen was admitted for abdominal pain and raised serum amylase. Imaging revealed dislocation of the band down to the jejunum. Endoscopy and exploratory surgery showed severe decubitus pressure on the gastric antrum up to the duodenum as well as on the pancreas due to rod-like effect of the gastric band catheter and multiple sites of perforation on distal duodenum and small bowel proximal to the band, which migrated within the lumen until 90 cm distal to the Treitz ligament. Extended distal gastrectomy and resection of distal duodenum and small bowel extended to the proximal affected small bowel were necessary. Digestive tract was restored by a gastro-jejunostomy and duodeno-jejunostomy in a Roux-En-Y configuration with duodenal stump closure on tube duodenostomy. A post-operative leakage from the duodenal stump was treated conservatively and the patient was discharged on post-operative day 21.

DISCUSSION

Erosion and migration of the band within the digestive lumen is one of the less frequent late complications occurring after LAGB, furthermore, the amount of extensive damage reported in this case presentation has yet to be reported in literature.

CONCLUSION

Migration of the band should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal complain in patients with adjustable gastric banding. Such a complication could be severe, and lesions may have unexpected extension requiring complex surgical approach.

Metabolic syndrome and liver disease in the era of bariatric surgery: What you need to know!

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is defined as the constellation of obesity, insulin resistance, high serum triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high blood pressure. It increasingly affects more and more people and progressively evolves into a serious issue with widespread healthcare, cost, and quality of life associated consequences. MS is associated with increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular or chronic liver disease. Conservative treatment, which includes diet, exercise, and antidiabetic agents, is the mainstay of treatment, but depends on patient compliance to medical treatment and adherence to lifestyle modification recommendations. Bariatric surgery has recently emerged as an appropriate alternative treatment with promising long-term results. Sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass constitute the most commonly performed procedures and have been proven both cost-effective and safe with low complication rates. Liver transplantation is the only definitive treatment for end-stage liver disease and its utilization in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis has increased more than fivefold over the past 15 years. In this review, we summarize current state of evidence on the surgical treatment of MS.

Conversion of Adjustable Gastric Banding to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in One or Two Steps: What Is the Best Approach? Analysis of a Multicenter Database Concerning 832 Patients

BACKGROUND

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is often the preferred conversion procedure for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) poor responders. However, there is controversy whether it is better to convert in one or two stages. This study aims to compare the outcomes of one and two-stage conversions of LAGB to RYGB.

METHODS

Retrospective review of a multicenter prospectively collected database. Data on conversion in one and two stages was compared.

RESULTS

Eight hundred thirty-two patients underwent LAGB conversion to RYGB in seven specialized bariatric centers. Six hundred seventy-three (81%) were converted in one-stage. Patients in the two-stage group were more likely to have experienced technical complications, such as slippage or erosions (86% vs. 37%, p = 0.0001) and to have had a higher body mass index (BMI) (41.6 vs. 39.9 Kg/m², p = 0.005). There were no differences in postoperative complications and mortality rates between the one-stage and two-stage groups (13.5% vs. 10.8%, and 0.7% vs. 0.0% respectively, p = ns). Mean final BMI and %total weight loss (%TWL) for the one-stage and the two-stage groups were 31.6 vs. 32.4 Kg/m² (p = ns) and 30.4 vs. 26.8 (p = 0.017) after a mean follow-up of 33 months. Follow-up at 1, 3, and 5 years was 98%, 75%, and 54%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

One-stage conversion of LAGB to RYGB is safe and effective. Two-stage conversion carries low morbidity and mortality in the case of band slippage, erosion, or higher BMI patients. These findings suggest the importance of patient selection when choosing the appropriate conversion approach.

Outcome of revisional bariatric surgery for insufficient weight loss after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: an observational study

BACKGROUND

Insufficient weight loss or secondary weight regain with or without recurrence of comorbidity can occur years after laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). In selected patients, increasing restriction or adding malabsorption may be a surgical option after conservative measures failed.

OBJECTIVES

Evaluation of short and long term results of revisional surgery for insufficient weight loss or weight regain after LRYGB.

SETTING

Tertiary hospital.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from a cohort of 1150 LRYGB patients. Included were patients, who underwent revisional bariatric surgery after LRYGB for insufficient weight loss with a follow-up of minimal 1 year.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients were included in the analysis. After an interdisciplinary evaluation, patients with insufficient weight loss, signs of dumping syndrome, and lacking restriction were offered a nonadjustable band around the pouch (banded group, n = 34) and patients with sufficient restriction, excellent compliance, and adherence were offered a revision to laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion (BPD group, n = 20). The revisional procedure was performed 3.3 ± 2.3 years after LRYGB in the banded-group and after 6.4 ± 4.3 years in the BPD group (P = .001). Mean body mass index at the time of the primary bariatric procedure was 41.7 ± 6.2 kg/m² in the banded group and 45.2 ± 8.2 kg/m² in the BPD group (P = .08); minimal body mass index between both operations was 29.1 ± 4.7 kg/m² in the banded group and 36.5 ± 9.4 kg/m² in the BPD group, and, at the time of revisional surgery, 31.4 ± 5.5 kg/m² in the banded group and 40.8 ± 6.7 kg/m² in the BPD group (P = .0001). The mean body mass index difference 1 year after revisional surgery was 1.3 ± 3.0 kg/m² in the banded group and 6.7 ± 4.5 kg/m² in the BPD group (P = .01). In the banded group, 11 patients (32.4%) needed removal of the band, 4 patients (11.8%) needed an adjustment, and 4 patients (11.8%) were later converted to BPD. In the BPD group, 2 (10.0%) patients needed revision for severe protein malabsorption.

CONCLUSIONS

Insufficient weight loss or secondary weight regain after LRYGB is a rare indication for revisional surgery. Banded bypass has modest results for additional weight loss but can help patients suffering from dumping. In very carefully selected cases, BPD can achieve additional weight loss with acceptable complication rate but higher risk for reoperation. Future "adjuvant medical treatments," such as glucagon-like peptide 1 analogues and other pharmacologic treatment options could be an alternative for achieving additional weight loss and better metabolic response.

The fate of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band removal

Background

Long-term complications and lack of weight loss have caused a surge in laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) removal. This study reviews the trend of LAGB removal and examines outcomes of patients undergoing subsequent revision bariatric surgery at a single tertiary care centre in Canada.

Methods

All LAGB removals performed between January 2008 and December 2016 were reviewed. A subset of patients who underwent revision surgery was then analyzed for patient demographics, weight, body mass index and postoperative complications.

Results

During the study period, 211 patients underwent LAGB removal (87.7% female). Most bands were inserted out of province. Reasons for band removal included dysphagia, band slip and weight recidivism. Fifty-nine patients (28%) underwent revision surgery at a mean of 12.8 ± 9.3 (range 0–55) months after LAGB removal. Mean age was 47 ± 9.7 (range 26–63) years, and mean pre-LAGB weight was 131.0 ± 30.0 kg. Following LAGB, the mean weight decreased to 120.5 ± 26.4 kg, but most regained weight after removal to a mean prerevision weight of 125.1 ± 27.0 kg. The lowest mean weight was achieved 12 months after revision surgery (98.7 ± 30.2 kg). The mean percent total weight loss was not significantly different after revision laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass compared with revision laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (22.8 ± 9.6% v.17.5 ± 6.5%, p = 0.179). The overall revision surgery 30-day complication rate was 18.6% and increased to 23.7% long-term. No deaths occurred.

Conclusion

The number of LAGB removals is increasing. Revision bariatric surgery leads to improved weight loss; however, revision surgery is associated with complications.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, the past, the present and the future

The laparoscopic implantation of an adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) was first described in 1993. Thereafter, the LAGB underwent to a lot of modifications, revision and refinements to become as it is currently defined. This procedure quickly became one of the most common bariatric surgical operations in the world in the first decade of the 2000s but, over the last few years, it has turned into the fourth more common procedure. A series of more or less clear reasons, led to this decrease of LAGB. The knowledge of the history of the LAGB, of its evolution over the years and its limitations can be the key-point to recognize the reasons that are leading to its decline. The adjustability and the absolute reversibility characteristic of LAGB, make this surgical procedure a “bridge treatment” to allow the specific goal of eradicating obesity.

Long-Term Outcomes After Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Weight Loss at 10 or More Years for All Bariatric Procedures and a Single-Centre Review of 20-Year Outcomes After Adjustable Gastric Banding

Introduction

Durability is a key requirement for the broad acceptance of bariatric surgery. We report on durability at and beyond 10 years with a systematic review and meta-analysis of all reports providing data at 10 or more years and a single-centre study of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) with 20 years of follow-up.

Methods

Systematic review with meta-analysis was performed on all eligble reports containing 10 or more years of follow-up data on weight loss after bariatric surgery. In addition, a prospective cohort study of LAGB patients measuring weight loss and reoperation at up to 20 years is presented.

Results

Systematic review identified 57 datasets of which 33 were eligible for meta-analysis. Weighted means of the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) were calculated for all papers included in the systematic review. Eighteen reports of gastric bypass showed a weighted mean of 56.7%EWL, 17 reports of LAGB showed 45.9%EWL, 9 reports of biliopancreatic bypass +/− duodenal switch showed 74.1%EWL and 2 reports of sleeve gastrectomy showed 58.3%EWL. Meta-analyses of eligible studies demonstrated comparable results. Reoperations were common in all groups. At a single centre, 8378 LAGB patients were followed for up to 20 years with an overall follow-up rate of 54%. No surgical deaths occurred. Weight loss at 20 years (N = 35) was 30.1 kg, 48.9%EWL and 22.2% total weight loss (%TWL). Reoperation rate was initially high but reduced markedly with improved band and surgical and aftercare techniques.

Conclusion

All current procedures are associated with substantial and durable weight loss. More long-term data are needed for one-anastomosis gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Reoperation is likely to remain common across all procedures.

Long-term outcomes and frequency of reoperative bariatric surgery beyond 15 years after gastric banding: a high band failure rate with safe revisions

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) has had encouraging early results. However, intermediate and late results were discouraging, and LAGB is presently being replaced by stapled procedures. There is still ongoing debate whether LAGB should be abandoned altogether.

OBJECTIVE

To present our outcomes beyond 15-year follow-up after LAGB.

SETTING

Private hospital, Bern, Switzerland.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of patients receiving LAGB between 1997 and 2002 with minimum 15-year follow-up. Patient characteristics, co-morbidities, reoperative bariatric surgery (RBS), and weight trends were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 387 LAGB patients were identified. Of them, 342 (88.4%) had a minimum of 15 years of follow-up (range, 15-21 yr). There were 270 (78.9%) women with a mean age of 40.3 years (range, 15-62 yr) and body mass index (BMI) of 43.1 kg/m² (range, 30.0-60.1 kg/m²) and 72 (21.1%) men with a mean age of 41.2 years (range, 16-61 yr) and BMI of 43.6 kg/m² (range, 33.0-72.5 kg/m²). During follow-up, 283 (82.7%) patients underwent a mean of 3.3 reoperative bariatric operations (range, 1-5), with 224 (65.5%) converted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). At the end of the study period, 96 (28%) patients still had a band in place. No deaths were recorded. At most recent follow-up after LAGB, mean excess BMI loss was 65.4% (range, -9.4% to 134.5%) with significant decrease in co-morbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

Only 28% of patients had sufficient weight loss outcomes after LAGB alone and predictive selection criteria are lacking. The majority of LAGB operations fail even with close structured follow-up. RBS can be performed safely.

Standardization of Bariatric Metabolic Procedures: World Consensus Meeting Statement

BACKGROUND

Standardization of the key measurements of a procedure's finished anatomic configuration strengthens surgical practice, research, and patient outcomes. A consensus meeting was organized to define standard versions of 25 bariatric metabolic procedures.

METHODS

A panel of experts in bariatric metabolic surgery from multiple continents was invited to present technique descriptions and outcomes for 4 classic, or conventional, and 21 variant and emerging procedures. Expert panel and audience discussion was followed by electronic voting on proposed standard dimensions and volumes for each procedure's key anatomic alterations. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement.

RESULTS

The Bariatric Metabolic Surgery Standardization World Consensus Meeting (BMSS-WOCOM) was convened March 22-24, 2018, in New Delhi, India. Discussion confirmed heterogeneity in procedure measurements in the literature. A set of anatomic measurements to serve as the standard version of each procedure was proposed. After two voting rounds, 22/25 (88.0%) configurations posed for consideration as procedure standards achieved voting consensus by the expert panel, 1 did not attain consensus, and 2 were not voted on. All configurations were voted on by ≥ 50% of 50 expert panelists. The Consensus Statement was developed from scientific evidence collated from presenters' slides and a separate literature review, meeting video, and transcripts. Review and input was provided by consensus panel members.

CONCLUSIONS

Standard versions of the finished anatomic configurations of 22 surgical procedures were established by expert consensus. The BMSS process was undertaken as a first step in developing evidence-based standard bariatric metabolic surgical procedures with the aim of improving consistency in surgery, data collection, comparison of procedures, and outcome reporting.

Is the Morbidity Increased for Gastric Band Removal When the Band Is Placed Around the Esophagus?

Introduction: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) procedures declined worldwide in the recent years. In the majority of the national registers, the numbers of gastric band removal and revisions following LAGB have surpassed the implants. Still a good knowledge of different techniques is important for young bariatric surgeons to diminish the morbidity of revisional surgery. Methods: From January 2015 to December 2016, a total of 139 patients were retrospectively reviewed after undergoing a gastric band removal. The study included all consecutive patients who underwent a gastric band removal in this period of time with no exclusion criteria. Sixteen patients (18.8%) received the perigastric technique, 57 patients (67.1%) received the pars flaccid technique, 54 patients (38.8%) received bands with periesophageal technique, and for 12 patients (14.1%), the operative reports did not allow to identify the techniques used. In the present study, the operative times and the reported complications of the three main bands techniques were compared. Results: There were 124 women (89.2%) and 15 men (10.8%), with a median age of 44 years (range: 24-71). The overall mean preoperative body mass index was 34 ± 7.6 kg/m² (range: 22-52 kg/m²), and the mean preoperative weight was 93.7 ± 24.9kg (range: 49-165 kg). One hundred and seventeen patients (84.2%) had procedures performed on an out-patient basis. The overall mean operative time was 23.9 ± 13.7 minutes (range: 7-83 minutes). We recorded three cases of bleeding with one conversion to laparotomy. The overall percentage of complications in the entire series was 6.5%. No mortality was recorded. Conclusions: Our study regarding the band removal revealed that no correlation was found for operative morbidity among the three different types of bands. The only proven difference was the operative time, which was greater for periesophageal approach. For the latter one, a particular attention should be paid to the risk of injury for diaphragmatic or left suprahepatic vein.

Long-Term (over 10 Years) Retrospective Follow-up of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) placements have progressively decreased in recent years. This is related to poor long-term weight loss outcomes and necessity for revision or removal of these bands. Long-term outcome results following LAGB are limited. The aim of our study was to determine the long-term outcome after LAGB at our institution.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of our study was to determine the long-term outcome after LAGB at our institution.

SETTING

The setting of this is Academic Center, Israel.

METHODS

Patients who underwent LAGB between 1999 and 2004 were reviewed. Patient comorbidities and weight loss parameters were collected preoperatively and at defined postoperative periods. Improvement in weight loss was defined as percent excess weight lost, and improvement in comorbidities was defined based on standardized reporting definitions.

RESULTS

In total, 74 (80%) patients who underwent LAGB met inclusion criteria. The mean age at LAGB placement was 50.5 ± 9.6 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 45.5 ± 4.8 kg/m². Preoperative comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (13.5%), hypertension (32%), hyperlipidemia (12.1%), obstructive sleep apnea (5.4%), joints disease (10.8%), mood disorders (5.4%), and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms (8.1%). The mean follow-up was 162.96 ± 13.9 months; 44 patients (59.4%) had their band removed, and 22 (30%) had another bariatric surgery. The follow-up BMI was 35.7 ± 6.9 (p < 0.001), and the % total weight loss was 21.0 ± 0.13. There was no improvement in any of the comorbidities. GERD symptoms worsened at long-term follow-up (p < 0.001). Undergoing another bariatric procedure was associated with a higher weight loss (OR 12.8; CI 95% 1.62-23.9; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

LAGB required removal in the majority of our patients and showed poor resolution of comorbidities with worsening of GERD-related symptoms. Patients who go on to have another bariatric procedure have more durable weight loss outcomes.

Current and future impact of clinical gastrointestinal research on patient care in diabetes mellitus

The worldwide rise in the prevalence of obesity supports the need for an increased interaction between ongoing clinical research in the allied fields of gastrointestinal medicine/surgery and diabetes mellitus. There have been a number of clinically-relevant advances in diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome emanating from gastroenterological research. Gastric emptying is a significant factor in the development of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. However, it is not the only mechanism whereby such symptoms occur in patients with diabetes. Disorders of intrinsic pacing are involved in the control of stomach motility in patients with gastroparesis; on the other hand, there is limited impact of glycemic control on gastric emptying in patients with established diabetic gastroparesis. Upper gastrointestinal functions related to emptying and satiations are significantly associated with weight gain in obesity. Medications used in the treatment of diabetes or metabolic syndrome, particularly those related to pancreatic hormones and incretins affect upper gastrointestinal tract function and reduce hyperglycemia and facilitate weight loss. The degree of gastric emptying delay is significantly correlated with the weight loss in response to liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analog. Network meta-analysis shows that liraglutide is one of the two most efficacious medical treatments of obesity, the other being the combination treatment phentermine-topiramate. Interventional therapies for the joint management of obesity and diabetes mellitus include newer endoscopic procedures, which require long-term follow-up and bariatric surgical procedure for which long-term follow up shows advantages for individuals with diabetes. Newer bariatric procedures are presently undergoing clinical evaluation. On the horizon, combination therapies, in part directed at gastrointestinal functions, appear promising for these indications. Ongoing and future gastroenterological research when translated to care of individuals with diabetes mellitus should provide additional options to improve their clinical outcomes.

Gastric Banding: Complications Identified by CT

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) used to be a common procedure at the turn of the century and is still frequently encountered on CT scans in common clinical practice. Our aim is to present the frequency and spectrum of complication associated with LAGB, as observed in CT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After approval of our institutional review board, a retrospective search for LAGB in CT interpretations using the term "band" between December 2011 and April 2017 was conducted. CT scans were reviewed to identify complications. The findings were divided into two groups: symptomatic, in which the complications caused acute symptoms for which CT scans were conducted, and incidental, in which complications were incidentally identified. The frequency of complications was calculated.

RESULTS

We identified 160 patients who underwent LAGB and performed a CT scan. Complications were identified in 69/160 (43.1%) patients, with a total of 83 findings: 47/160 (29.4%) esophageal dilatation, 13/160 (8.2%) pulmonary complications, 6/160 (3.8%) abdominal abscesses, 5/160 (3.1%) small bowel obstructions, 4/160 (2.5%) intragastric band erosions, 4/160 (2.5%) tube disconnections, 3/160 (1.9%) port site and tube course infections, and 1/160 (0.6%) small pouch bezoars. When compared with patients' referral notes, 38/83 (45.8%) of the findings were associated with acute symptoms, whereas 45/83 (54.2%) of the findings were incidental. Eighteen percent of the incidental complications were clinically important.

CONCLUSION

Complications were found in 43% of CT scans of patients who underwent LAGB; less than half of the findings were symptomatic. Some of the incidentally identified complications had substantial clinical importance.

Imaging following bariatric surgery: roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy

Morbid obesity is an increasing health problem, and bariatric surgery is a popular treatment option. Radiologists must be familiar with performing and interpreting studies in this patient population. The typical post-operative findings of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) procedures on upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series and computerized tomography (CT) are presented. An overview of the potential complications is provided in addition to a description of potential pitfalls in interpreting these studies.

Utilization of Public System for Gastric Bands Placed by Private Providers: a 4-Year Population-Based Analysis in Ontario, Canada

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) placement remains a common bariatric procedure. While LAGB procedure is performed within private clinics in most Canadian provinces, public health care is often utilized for LAGB-related reoperations. We identified 642 gastric band removal procedures performed in Ontario from 2011 to 2014 using population-level administrative data. The number of procedures performed increased annually from 101 in 2011 to 220 in 2014. Notably, 54.7% of the patients required laparotomy, and 17.6% of patients underwent a subsequent bariatric surgery. Our findings demonstrated that LAGB placement in private clinics resulted in a large number of band removal procedures performed within the public system. This represents a significant public health concern that may result in significant health care utilization and patient morbidity.

Deep brain stimulation as a therapeutic option for obesity: A critical review

Despite a better understanding of obesity pathophysiology, treating this disease remains a challenge. New therapeutic options are needed. Targeting the brain is a promising way, considering both the brain abnormalities in obesity and the effects of bariatric surgery on the gut-brain axis. Deep brain stimulation could be an alternative treatment for obesity since this safe and reversible neurosurgical procedure modulates neural circuits for therapeutic purposes. We aimed to provide a critical review of published clinical and preclinical studies in this field. Owing to the physiology of eating and brain alterations in people with obesity, two brain areas, namely the hypothalamus and the nucleus accumbens are putative targets. Preclinical studies with animal models of obesity showed that deep brain stimulation of hypothalamus or nucleus accumbens induces weight loss. The mechanisms of action remain to be fully elucidated. Preclinical data suggest that stimulation of nucleus accumbens reduces food intake, while stimulation of hypothalamus could increase resting energy expenditure. Clinical experience with deep brain stimulation for obesity remains limited to six patients with mixed results, but some clinical trials are ongoing. Thus, drawing clear conclusions about the effectiveness of this treatment is not yet possible, even if the results of preclinical studies are encouraging. Future clinical studies should examine its efficacy and safety, while preclinical studies could help understand its mechanisms of action. We hope that our review will provide ways to design further studies.