When do leaks occur? An analysis of the metabolic and bariatric surgery accreditation and quality improvement program

First-in-Human Linear Magnetic Compression Gastro-Ileostomy: Feasibility and Early Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Conventional surgical stapling/suturing requires tissue fixation with retained, potentially inflammatory materials. A novel minimally invasive magnetic compression anastomosis system that requires no fixation, enterotomy closure, or permanent implant appears to mitigate major complications associated with stapling/suturing.

OBJECTIVE

As an option for revision of clinically suboptimal sleeve gastrectomy (SG), technical feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of magnetic gastro-ileostomy bipartition (MagGI procedure) were evaluated in a first-in-human case series.

METHODS

In a prospective single-center study, adults with body mass index (BMI) ≥30.0 to ≤50.0kg/m2 who were candidates for SG revision underwent the MagGI procedure. A distal magnet was delivered endoscopically with laparoscopic assistance to the ileum; a proximal magnet was positioned endoscopically in the gastric antrum; magnets were aligned in order to gradually fuse, forming a gastro-ileal bipartition. Primary safety endpoint: minimal incidence of device- and procedure-related severe adverse events (SAEs) (Clavien-Dindo [CD]). Primary efficacy endpoint: technical feasibility. Secondary endpoints: reduction of weight and metabolic parameters.

RESULTS

Between 11-27-23 and 5-27-24, 7 patients (mean BMI 38.8±0.9kg/m2) underwent revisional MagGI. Feasibility was demonstrated and patent gastro-ileal anastomoses confirmed in 100.0% with 0.0% device-related events, 1 SAE with a CD-III mild rating. No anastomotic leak, bleed, obstruction, infection, or stricture (0.0%). Total and excess weight loss, 18.9±3.9% and 52.4±11.0%; BMI reduction of 7.4kg/m2 (P<.05). Mild nutritional concerns were treated.

CONCLUSIONS

At 6-month interim evaluation, the MagGI procedure to revise clinically suboptimal SG was technically straightforward, incurred no major complications, and renewed clinically meaningful weight loss in a small cohort.

MINI ABSTRACT

In this first-in-human study, patients with obesity underwent magnetic gastro-ileostomy bipartition for weight loss. The procedure was feasible, safe, and required no stapling/suturing or retained foreign materials. 100% of patients formed patent anastomoses resulting in clinically meaningful total and excess weight loss (18.9%; 52.4%) with 0.0% major complications.

CLINICALTRIALS

GOV IDENTIFIER: #NCT06073457.

[Treatment and prevention of suture failure and bleeding after various bariatric interventions]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the incidence, treatment and prevention of leakage, as well as bleeding after various types of bariatric interventions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 3.107 various bariatric interventions between 2020 and 2024 including 1.403 (45.2%) laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomies (LSG), 1.622 (52.2%) laparoscopic mini/one anastomosis gastric bypass procedures (MGB-OAGB) and 82 (2.6%) laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgeries (RYGB). The incidence of intraperitoneal and intraluminal bleeding, suture failure and incidence of complications depending on intraoperative prevention were evaluated. Efficacy of endoscopic VAC system (vacuum-assisted closure) for suture failure after LSG, MGB-OAGB and RYGB was evaluated.

RESULTS

The overall complication rate between 2020 and 2024 was 1.64% (51 patients), suture failure - 0.45% (14 patients), bleeding - 0.71% (22) cases. Ten (71.4%) patients with suture failure were treated using VAC system. In 9 patients, the defect recovered without external gastric fistula. In 5 patients, defect closure was primary, in 4 patients - secondary, i.e. through ulcerative defect. In 1 patient after LSG, the defect did not heal despite VAC therapy for 21 days, and external gastric fistula occurred. Double treatment of stapler line for prevention of postoperative bleeding and leakage reduced the incidence of leaks by 2.5 times, intra-abdominal bleeding by 23 times, intraluminal bleeding from 0.95% to 0%.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic VAC system is effective for suture failure after bariatric interventions. Double treatment of stapler suture line can significantly reduce the incidence of bleeding and leakage after LSG, MGB-OAGB and RYGB.

Magnetic single-anastomosis side-to-side duodeno-ileostomy for revision of sleeve gastrectomy in adults with severe obesity: 1-year outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Uncomplicated surgical approaches that minimize anastomotic complications while improving revisional metabolic/bariatric surgical (MBS) outcomes are needed.

METHODS

This prospective single-center study assessed the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the novel linear magnetic anastomosis system (LMAS [3 cm]) in performing a side-to-side duodeno-ileostomy (MagDI) bipartition to revise clinically suboptimal primary sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Patients with severe obesity with/without type 2 diabetes (T2D) with suboptimal weight loss, regain, and/or T2D recurrence post SG underwent revisional MagDI. A distal and proximal magnet were delivered endoscopically to the ileum and duodenum and aligned via laparoscopic assistance. Gradual magnet fusion formed a DI bipartition.

PRIMARY ENDPOINTS

technical feasibility, safety (Clavien-Dindo [CD] severe adverse event classification) at 1 year. Secondary endpoints: MBS weight and T2D reduction.

RESULTS

July 29, 2022-March 28, 2023, 24 patients (95.8% female, mean age 44.9 ± 1.5 years, and body mass index [BMI] 39.4 ± 1.3 kg/m2) underwent MagDI. Feasibility was attained via correct magnet placement (mean operative time 63.5 ± 3.3 min), patent anastomoses created, and magnet passage per anus in 100.0% of patients. There were 4 CD-III mild or moderate severe AEs, 0.0% associated with the LMAS or MagDI: 0.0% anastomotic leakage, obstruction, bleeding, infection, reintervention, or death. Mean BMI reduction was 2.1 kg/m2 (p < 0.05); total weight loss 5.3%, excess weight loss 16.4%; and the patient with T2D improved.

CONCLUSION

The single-anastomosis MagDI procedure using the novel 3-cm LMAS to revise clinically suboptimal SG was technically straightforward, incurred no major complications, mitigated weight regain, and renewed clinically meaningful weight loss.

CLINICALTRIALS

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT05322122.

Evaluating the incidence, risk factors and postoperative complications associated with leaks following duodenal switch procedures: an analysis of the MBSAQIP

BACKGROUND

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS) is the most effective management for patients with obesity and weight-related medical conditions. Duodenal switch (DS) is a recent MBS procedure with increasing attention in recent years, however the risk of anastomotic or staple line leaks and the lack of efficient surgical expertise hinders the procedure from becoming fully adopted.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the 30-day predictors of leaks following DS and explore their association with other 30-day postoperative complications.

SETTING

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database.

METHODS

Patients who underwent a primary biliopancreatic diversion with DS or single-anastomosis duodenoileostomy with sleeve procedure, categorized as DS, were assessed for 30-day leaks. A multivariable logistic regression was constructed to identify the predictors of leaks. The assessment of postoperative complications arising from leaks was also performed.

RESULTS

A total of 21,839 DS patients were included, of which 177 (.8%) experienced leaks within 30 postoperative days. The most significant predictor of leaks was steroid immunosuppressive use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.56-5.13], P < .001) and age, with each decade of life associated with a 26% increase in risk (aOR = 1.26, 95% CI [1.09-1.45], P = .001). Operative length was also associated with leaks, with every additional 30 minutes increasing the odds of a leak by 23% (aOR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.18-1.29], P < .001). The occurrence of leaks was correlated with postoperative septic shock (Crude Odds Ratio [COR] = 280.99 [152.60-517.39]) and unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admissions (COR = 79.04 [56.99-109.59]). Additionally, mortality rates increased 17-fold with the incidence of leaks (COR = 17.64 [7.41-41.99]).

CONCLUSIONS

Leaks following DS are a serious postoperative complication with significant risk factors of steroid use, prolonged operative time and advanced age. Leaks are also associated with other severe complications, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and intervention along with additional studies to further validate our results.

Bariatric surgery: trends in utilization, complications, conversions and revisions

BACKGROUND

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) increased in popularity after 2010 but recent data suggest it has concerning rates of gastroesophageal reflux and need for conversions. This study aims to evaluate recent trends in the utilization of bariatric procedures, associated complications, and conversions using an administrative claims database in the United States.

METHODS

We included adults who had bariatric procedures from 2000 to 2020 with continuous enrollment for at least 6 months in the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database. Index bariatric procedures and subsequent revisions or conversions were identified using CPT codes. Baseline comorbidities and postoperative complications were identified with ICD-9-CM and ICD-10 codes. Cumulative incidences of complications were estimated at 30-days, 6-months, and 1-year and compared with stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighted Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 349,411 bariatric procedures and 5521 conversions or revisions. The sampled SG volume appeared to begin declining in 2018 while Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) remained steady. Compared to RYGB, SG was associated with lower 1-year incidence [aHR, (95% CIs)] for 30-days readmission [0.65, (0.64-0.68)], dehydration [0.75, (0.73-0.78)], nausea or vomiting [0.70, (0.69-0.72)], dysphagia [0.55, (0.53-0.57)], and gastrointestinal hemorrhage [0.43, (0.40-0.46)]. Compared to RYGB, SG was associated with higher 1-year incidence [aHR, (95% CIs)] of esophagogastroduodenoscopy [1.13, (1.11-1.15)], heartburn [1.38, (1.28-1.49)], gastritis [4.28, (4.14-4.44)], portal vein thrombosis [3.93, (2.82-5.48)], and hernias of all types [1.36, (1.34-1.39)]. There were more conversions from SG to RYGB than re-sleeving procedures. SG had a significantly lower 1-year incidence of other non-revisional surgical interventions when compared to RYGB.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall volume of bariatric procedures within the claims database appeared to be declining over the last 10 years. The decreasing proportion of SG and the increasing proportion of RYGB suggest the specific complications of SG may be driving this trend. Clearly, RYGB should remain an important tool in the bariatric surgeon's armamentarium.

Rare Complications Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the most effective and durable therapeutic intervention for patients with obesity. In recent years, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become the most commonly performed primary MBS procedure owing to its technical feasibility and excellent short-term outcomes. Despite these favorable results and perceived advantages, SG is associated with several unique complications. Complications such as a postoperative leak or bleeding have been more commonly observed and reported than others, and their management approaches are well described. However, other complications following SG are far less familiar to surgeons, which may delay recognition and result in poor patient outcomes. Of these complications, we describe splenic injuries; esophageal perforation; staple line malformations; stapling of intraluminal devices; phytobezoar formation; gastro-colic, gastro-pleural and gastro-bronchial fistula; pancreatic leak; and portomesenteric venous thrombosis. It is paramount for surgeons to be aware of these underreported issues and have the resources to learn how to recognize and manage them when they arise. This review aims to describe rare (i.e., reported incidence <1%) and underdescribed complications after SG, focusing on causes, clinical presentation, prevention strategies, and management.

Side-to-side magnetic duodeno-ileostomy in adults with severe obesity with or without type 2 diabetes: early outcomes with prior or concurrent sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Conventional metabolic/bariatric surgical anastomoses with sutures/staples may cause severe adverse events (AEs).

OBJECTIVES

The study aim was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of primary and revisional side-to-side duodeno-ileostomy (DI) bipartition using a novel magnetic compression anastomosis device (Magnet Anastomosis System [MS]).

SETTING

Multicenter: private practices and university hospitals.

METHODS

In patients with body mass index ([BMI, kg/m2] ≥35.0 to ≤50.0 with/without type 2 diabetes [T2D] glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1C > 6.5 %]), two linear MS magnets were delivered endoscopically to the duodenum and ileum with laparoscopic assistance and aligned, initiating magnet fusion and gradual DI (MagDI). The MagDI-after-SG group had undergone prior sleeve gastrectomy (SG); the MagDI + SG group underwent concurrent SG. AEs were graded by Clavien-Dindo Classification (CDC).

RESULTS

Between November 22, 2021 and May 30, 2023, 43 patients (88.0% female, mean age 43.7 ± 1.3 years) underwent the study procedures. The MS met feasibility criteria of magnet device placement, creation of patent anastomoses confirmed radiologically, and magnet passage in 100.0% of patients. There were 64 AEs, most were CDC grade I and II, significantly fewer in the MagDI-after-SG group (P < .001). No device-related AEs including anastomotic leakage, bleeding, obstruction, infection, or death. The MagDI-after-SG group experienced 6-month mean weight loss of 8.0 ± 2.5 kg (P < .01), 17.4 ± 5.0% excess weight loss (EWL). The MagDI + SG group had significantly greater weight loss (34.2 ± 1.6 kg, P < .001), 66.2 ± 3.4% EWL. All patients with T2D improved.

CONCLUSIONS

In early results of a multicenter study, the incisionless, sutureless Magnet System formed patent, complication-free anastomoses in side-to-side DI with prior or concurrent SG.

The Role of Endoscopy in the Management of Adolescent Bariatric Patients: A Primer For Pediatric Gastroenterologists

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity in the United States has reached alarming levels, necessitating effective interventions such as bariatric surgery. This article reviews the current state of bariatric surgery in the adolescent population, highlighting the common complications encountered in post-bariatric patients. Furthermore, it outlines the pivotal role of endoscopy in both the prevention and management of these bariatric complications.

RECENT FINDINGS

Though only a minority of eligible adolescent patients undergo bariatric surgery the number of cases continues to increase. Sleeve gastrectomy has emerged as the preferred type of surgery, with the best balance of safety and efficacy. However, only a small number of pediatric surgeons have additional bariatric training and a number of technical aspects of the surgery itself impact the risk for post-surgical complications. Gastric sleeve stenosis, anastomotic leaks and gastroesophageal reflux are the most common of these complications. Ability to perform dilation of sleeve stenosis, closure of anastomotic leaks and evaluation of reflux are critical tools in the endoscopic toolbox necessary for the management of these complicated patients. Bariatric surgery remains the most effective treatment available for management of morbid obesity in adolescents but has significant associated complications. Pediatric gastroenterologists must be familiar in the endoscopic management of these complications and are crucial in creating a high functioning adolescent bariatric program.

Revisional Procedures after Sleeve Gastrectomy for Weight Recurrence or Inadequate Weight Loss: An Analysis of the MBSAQIP Database

INTRODUCTION

The safety of conversional bariatric procedures after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) for weight recurrence (WR) or inadequate weight loss (IWL) is debated due to limited evidence. Conversion options include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (SADI), and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS). We aimed to compare serious complications and mortality rates between these procedures within 30 days.

METHODS

Using the 2020 and 2021 MBSAQIP databases, we identified patients who underwent a conversion from SG to RYGB, SADI, or BPD-DS. We performed a multivariable logistic regression to assess predictors of 30-day complications and mortality.

RESULTS

Among 7388 patients (77.6% RYGB, 8.7% SADI, 13.7% BPD-DS), those undergoing SADI and BPD-DS had higher preoperative body mass index. Conversion reasons included WR (63.0%) and IWL (37.0%). SADI and BPD-DS patients had longer operative times (p < 0.001) and higher leak rates (p = 0.001). Serious complications, reoperations, readmissions, and 30-day mortality were similar across groups. Conversion procedure type was not an independent predictor of complications.

CONCLUSION

RYGB was the most performed conversional procedure after SG. The study indicated a similar safety profile for revisional RYGB, SADI, and BPD-DS, with comparable 30-day complications and mortality rates. However, SADI and BPD-DS patients had longer operative time and higher leak rates.