The Type of Bariatric Surgery Impacts the Risk of Acute Pancreatitis: A Nationwide Study

Demographic Factors Associated with Postoperative Complications in Primary Bariatric Surgery: A Rapid Review

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is highly effective for the management of severe obesity, but its safety profile is not completely understood. This review aimed to synthesise evidence linking demographic factors to postoperative complications and mortality following primary bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We searched Medline for observational studies of adult patients linking demographic factors to postoperative complications of primary bariatric surgery published from 2017 to 2022. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated and pooled using random effect meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was quantified using the I2 statistic and tested for statistical significance using the Q-statistic. Sensitivity analyses were used to explore potential sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

A total of 71 observational studies (69 cohort, 2 case-control) were reviewed and appraised. Older age was consistently associated with increased risks of postoperative mortality (RR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.63-4.23, I2 = 42.04%), serious complications (RR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.09-2.82, I2 = 93.24%), anastomotic leak (RR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.04-2.58, I2 = 61.09%), and haemorrhage (RR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.07-1.94, I2 = 45.25%). Male sex was associated with increased anastomotic leak (RR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.04-1.87, I2 = 72.36%). Sensitivity analyses did not identify sources of bias. Socioeconomic factors, including Black/African American race, low financial status, and marital status (mixed results), were linked to higher complication risks in some studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Older age and certain demographic factors (male sex, Black/African American race, low financial status, marital status) were associated with increased risks of postoperative complications following primary bariatric surgery.

Incidence, Burden, and Predictors of 11-Month Readmission in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery (BSx) is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the USA. Nonetheless, data regarding 11-month period after BSx remain limited.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study using the 2016 National Readmission Database. Adult patients admitted for BSx in January were included. The follow-up period was 11 months (February-December). The primary outcome was all-cause 11-month readmission. Secondary outcomes were index admission (IA) and readmission in-hospital mortality rate and healthcare resource use associated with readmission. Multivariate regression was performed to identify independent risk factors for readmission.

RESULTS

A total of 13,278 IA were included. The 11-month readmission rate was 11.1%. The mortality rate of readmission was 1.4% and 0.1% for IA (P < 0.01). The most common cause of readmission was hematemesis. Independent predictors were Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score ≥ 3 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.34; P = 0.05), increasing length of stay (aHR 1.01; P < 0.01), transfer to rehabilitation facilities (aHR 5.02; P < 0.01), undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (aHR 1.71; P = 0.02), adjustable gastric band (aHR 14.09; P < 0.01), alcohol use disorder (2.10; P = 0.01), and cannabis use disorder (aHR 3.37; P = 0.01). Private insurance as primary payer (aHR 0.65; P < 0.01) and BMI 45-49 kg/m² (aHR 0.72; P < 0.01) were associated with less odds of readmission. The cumulative total hospitalization charges of readmission were $69.9 million.

CONCLUSIONS

The 11-month readmission rate after BSx is 11.1%. Targeting modifiable predictors of readmission may help reduce the burden of readmissions on our healthcare system.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Is Impacted by Sex and Type of Surgery After Bariatric Surgery

PURPOSE

Sex differences exist in the associations between obesity and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, limited data exist on how sex affects CRC risk after bariatric surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used the 2012-2020 MarketScan database. We employed a propensity-score-matched analysis and precise coding to define CRC in this nationwide US study. Adjusted hazards ratio (HR) assessed CRC risk ≥ 6 months. In a restricted analysis, logistic regression with adjusted odds ratios (OR) examined CRC risk ≥ 3 years.

RESULTS

Our sample included 327,734 controls with severe obesity and 88,630 patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). The odds of cessation of diabetes mellitus medications, a surrogate for diabetes remission, were higher post-surgery vs. controls, especially in RYGB and males. In females, CRC risk decreased post-RYGB compared to controls (HR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.18-0.87, p = 0.02). However, VSG was not associated with lower CRC risk in females. Paradoxically, in males compared to controls, CRC risk trended toward an almost significant increase, especially after 3 years or more from surgery (OR = 2.18, 95%CI: 0.97-4.89, p = 0.06). Males had a higher risk of CRC, particularly rectosigmoid cancer, than females after bariatric surgery (HR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.35-5.38, p < 0.001). Furthermore, diabetes remission was not associated with a lower CRC risk post-surgery.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest an increased risk of CRC in males compared to females after bariatric surgery. Compared to controls, there was a decrease in CRC risk in females' post-RYGB but not VSG. Mechanistic studies are needed to explain these differences.

Management of biliary stones in bariatric surgery

Morbidly obese and post-bariatric surgery patients are at increased risk for biliary stones formation. The complications related to biliary stones may impose complexity on their management. This study aimed to review the management of biliary conditions in obese and bariatric patients. In this study, a narrative review was performed of the medical, surgical, and endoscopic procedures for the management of biliary stones and their related complications. Knowing the main prophylactic and therapeutic interventions options is essential for clinicians to properly manage the biliary stones in patients candidates or submitted to bariatric surgery.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Attenuates the Severity of Cerulein-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in Obese Rats

PURPOSE

Obesity is one of the most important risk factors for acute pancreatitis. Based on the effect of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on improving body weight and blood lipids, we investigated whether SG is beneficial in improving pancreatitis in obese rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two studies were used to evaluate the effect of SG on the first onset of pancreatitis and acute episodes of recurrent pancreatitis in obese rats. A high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks resulted in obesity in rats. Study 1: Obese rats were treated with SG and sham surgery. Pancreatitis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of cerulein at 6 weeks after surgery. The severity of pancreatitis was assessed by histological examination, cytokines, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Study 2 performed the same procedure as in study 1, except that rats were intraperitoneally injected with a small dose of cerulein three times a week for 6 weeks before surgery to induce recurrent pancreatitis.

RESULTS

The body weight, food intake, and blood lipids of SG rats in study 1 and study 2 were significantly lower than those of sham rats during the 6 weeks after surgery. Compared with sham rats, SG rats in both studies had fewer inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory cell infiltration, and pathological injury in the pancreas after cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis.

CONCLUSION

SG reduces the severity of the first onset of pancreatitis and the seriousness of acute episodes of recurrent pancreatitis. The improvement of lipid metabolism and body weight by SG may play an important role in this effect.

Comparison of the incidence of cholelithiasis after sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery could increase the risk of cholelithiasis, although it is unclear whether the incidence rates of cholelithiasis are similar after different bariatric procedures.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the incidence rates of cholelithiasis after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in people with obesity.

SETTING

Meta-analysis of cohort studies.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed and Web of Science databases for relevant studies before December 2020, and estimated the summary odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random-effects model or fixed-effects model, according to the heterogeneity.

RESULTS

In total, 8 cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis, and 94,855 and 106,844 participants received SG and RYGB, respectively. Compared with those receiving RYGB, the summary results showed that participants receiving SG had a 35% lower rate of cholelithiasis (OR, .65; 95% CI, .49-.86). Also, the participants receiving SG had a significantly lower incidence of cholecystectomy than those receiving RYGB (OR, .54; 95% CI, .30-.99). In a subgroup analysis, SG was associated with a significantly lower incidence of subsequent cholelithiasis than RYGB in both Western and non-Western countries. SG led to a significantly lower incidence of cholelithiasis than RYGB only when the follow-up was <2 years instead of over 2 years.

CONCLUSION

Participants receiving SG had a significantly lower incidence of cholelithiasis than those receiving RYGB, particularly within the first 2 years after the bariatric surgery.

Effectiveness of Ursodeoxycholic Acid in the Prevention of Cholelithiasis After Sleeve Gastrectomy

PURPOSE

The use of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to prevent gallstone formation after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is still debated. Furthermore, no study has assessed the effectiveness of UDCA on gallstone formation after the first postoperative year. Our aim was to compare the incidence of cholelithiasis (CL) at 1 and 3 years after SG between patients treated or not treated with UDCA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2008, a postoperative ultrasound monitoring was scheduled for all patients who underwent SG in our institution. Patients with a preoperative intact gallbladder who performed at least one ultrasound at 1 year after SG were included. We compared the incidence of CL between patients operated before October 2013 who did not receive UDCA and those operated from October 2013 who received UDCA 500 mg once daily for 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The incidence of CL at 1 year after SG was 28% in the 46 non-treated and 3.5% in the 143 treated patients (p < 0.001). UDCA reduced the proportion of cholecystectomies from 11% to 1.4% (p = 0.012). Thus, the number of patients needed to treat to avoid a cholecystectomy was about 10. Only 2 patients (1.4%) stopped UDCA for adverse effects. No gallstone appeared at 3 postoperative years in the 61 patients who performed an ultrasound at this time.

CONCLUSION

UDCA 500 mg once daily for 6 months postoperatively is effective and well tolerated to prevent CL at midterm after SG. We recommend UDCA treatment in all patients after SG with an intact preoperative gallbladder. However, large randomized studies are needed to establish guidelines for prevention of gallstone formation after SG.

Pattern of Biliary Disease Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Adolescents

OBJECTIVE

The use of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has risen steadily as a treatment for adolescents with obesity. This study determined whether obstructive biliary complications after rapid, LSG-related weight loss occur similarly in adolescents compared with adults.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2019, 309 patients underwent LSG. Demographics and clinical factors, including pre- and perioperative BMI and weight changes, were included.

RESULTS

Overall, 21 patients (7%) had post-LSG biliary disease (BD), of whom 13 presented with acute pancreatitis (AP) and 8 with biliary colic. No differences existed between those with BD (n = 21) and the remaining cohort (n = 288). Patients with BD were 16.3 (SD 2.4) years of age at LSG, with a preoperative BMI of 49.3 (SD 6.7) kg/m² . Preoperative excess BMI loss was 7.1% (SD 11.3%). An ultrasound revealed gallstones (71%) and sludge or crystals (12%). Eighteen patients underwent cholecystectomy between 4 weeks and 29 months after LSG.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric patients present with BD at a similar rate after LSG compared with adults. The majority of adolescents, however, manifest with AP. Thus, pancreatitis should be high on the differential diagnosis list when evaluating post-LSG abdominal symptoms. Additional studies are warranted to elucidate the pathophysiology of post-LSG AP for prevention in the future because its etiology may or may not be solely related to BD.