Promising effects of 33 to 36 Fr. bougie calibration for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Surgical treatment strategies for gastroesophageal reflux after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Bariatric surgery has emerged as an effective therapeutic approach for combating obesity. As the most commonly performed bariatric surgery, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has a long-term and effective outcome in weight reduction. However, studies have reported an increased incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) among patients after LSG. For those who fail to respond to conventional oral acid-suppressing medication, surgical intervention comes into consideration. The most commonly performed revisional surgery for sleeve gastrectomy is the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, which can effectively alleviate the symptoms of reflux in patients and also continues to promote weight loss in patients who have not achieved satisfactory results or have experienced weight regain. In addition to this established procedure, innovative techniques such as laparoscopic magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) are being explored. MSA is less invasive, has good reflux treatment outcomes, and its safety and efficacy are supported by the literature, making it a promising tool for the future treatment of gastroesophageal reflux. This article also explores the role of endoscopic interventions for GERD treatment of post-sleeve gastrectomy patients. Although these methods have shown some therapeutic effect, their efficacy still requires further study due to a lack of support from more clinical data. For patients with preoperative hiatal hernia or gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, some experts now consider performing LSG combined with hiatal hernia repair or fundoplication to alleviate or prevent postoperative reflux symptoms. Both of these surgical approaches have demonstrated favorable outcomes; however, the addition of fundoplication requires further investigation regarding its long-term effects and potential postoperative complications. This article gathers and examines the current laparoscopic and endoscopic treatments for refractory gastroesophageal reflux following LSG, as well as the concurrent treatment of LSG in patients with preoperative gastroesophageal reflux or hiatal hernia.

Staple Line Reinforcement during Sleeve Gastrectomy with SeamGuard: Single-Center Retrospective Case-Control Study over a 5-Year Period

Introduction: Various techniques and reinforcements have been proposed over the years in order to prevent leaks and bleeding after sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare the staple line complication (SLC) rate in patients who underwent LSG with the use of bioabsorbable membrane (GORE® SEAMGUARD®, GoR) for staple line versus those who received no reinforcement. Methods: Data on all consecutive patients undergoing LSG between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: the GoR+ group if the SeamGuard (GoR) was used and the GoR- group if no reinforcement was applied on the staple line. Preoperative demographics and rate of SLC were compared between groups. All cases of SLC coming from other centers were also reviewed. Results: A total number of 626 LSGs were performed at our institution during the study period. GoR was applied in 450 (71.9%) cases (GoR+ group), while NR was used in 176 (28.1%) patients (GoR- group). Two (1.13%) cases of leaking and two (1.13%) cases of bleeding occurred in the GoR- group, while no SLC was recorded in patients who received GoR (p < 0.05). Thirteen cases of SLC coming from other institutions were treated at our hospital; all these cases were performed without any SLR. Conclusion: In our case series, the use of GoR reduced the rate of SLC after LSG. In all cases of SLC coming from other institutions, no reinforcement had been applied on the staple line during LSG.

Current Management and Treatment Paradigms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease following Sleeve Gastrectomy

Obesity is associated with serious comorbidities and economic implications. Bariatric surgery, most commonly Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, are effective options for weight loss and the improvement of obesity-related comorbidities. With the growing obesity epidemic, there has been a concomitant rise in bariatric surgeries, particularly in sleeve gastrectomy, which has been the most widely performed bariatric surgery since 2013. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is highly prevalent in obese individuals, can significantly impact quality of life and may lead to serious complications. Obesity and GERD both improve with weight loss. However, as the incidence of sleeve gastrectomy rises, recent data have revealed a risk of exacerbation of pre-existing GERD or the development of de novo GERD following sleeve gastrectomy. We performed a detailed review of GERD post-sleeve gastrectomy, including its overall incidence, pathophysiology and current treatment paradigms.

Do all roads lead to Rome? A retrospective analysis on surgical technique in sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

New York University Langone Health has three accredited bariatric centers, with 10 different bariatric surgeons. This retrospective analysis compares surgeon techniques in laparoscopic or robotic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) to identify associations with perioperative morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

All adults who underwent SG between 2017 and 2021 at NYU Langone Health were evaluated via EMR and MBSAQIP 30-day data. We also surveyed all 10 bariatric surgeons and compared their techniques and total adverse outcomes. Bleeding, SSI, mortality, readmission, and reoperation were specifically sub-analyzed via logistic regression.

RESULTS

86 (2.77%) out of 3,104 patients who underwent SG encountered an adverse event. Lower adverse outcomes were observed with a laparoscopic approach, 40-Fr bougie, buttressing, not oversewing the staple line, using hemostatic agents, stapling 3-cm from pylorus, and no routine UGI series. Lower bleeding rates were observed in a laparoscopic approach, 40-Fr bougie, buttressing, not oversewing the staple line, using hemostatic agents, stapling 3-cm from pylorus, no routine UGI series, and not proceeding with SG if hiatal hernia is present. Lower SSI rates were observed with ViSiGi™ bougie, no hemostatic agents, and routine EGD. Lower readmission rates were observed with 40-Fr bougie, buttressing, not oversewing, and stapling 3-cm from pylorus. Hemostatic agents had higher reoperation rates. It was not feasible to test for mortality given the low incidence.

CONCLUSION

Certain surgical techniques in SG among our bariatric surgeons had a significant effect on the rates of adverse outcomes, bleeding, readmission, reoperation, and SSI. Our findings warrant further investigation into these techniques via multivariate regression or prospective design.

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by its retrospective and univariate design. We did not account for interaction. The sample size was small, and follow-up of 30 days was relatively short. We did not include patient characteristics in the model or control for surgeon skill.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Obesity: Bariatric Surgery as Both the Cause and the Cure in the Morbidly Obese Population

Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic, highly prevalent condition in the United States. GERD can significantly impact quality of life and lead to complications including aspiration pneumonia, esophageal stricture, Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal cancer. Obesity is a risk factor for GERD, which often improves with weight loss and bariatric surgery. Though the incidence of bariatric surgery, in particular, minimally invasive sleeve gastrectomy, has risen in recent years, emerging data has revealed that the severity or new onset of GERD may follow bariatric surgery. We performed a literature review to provide a detailed analysis of GERD with an emphasis on bariatric surgery as both the cure and the cause for GERD in the morbidly obese population. We also describe the pathophysiological mechanisms, management approach and treatment strategies of GERD following bariatric surgery.

The role of the gastric fundus in glycemic control

PURPOSE

Ghrelin, one of the most studied gut hormones, is mainly produced by the gastric fundus. Abundant evidence exists from preclinical and clinical studies underlining its contribution to glucose regulation. In the following narrative review, the role of the gastric fundus in glucose regulation is summarized and we investigate whether its resection enhances glycemic control.

METHODS

An electronic search was conducted in the PubMed® database and in Google Scholar® using a combination of medical subject headings (MeSH). We examined types of metabolic surgery, including, in particular, gastric fundus resection, either as part of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or modified laparoscopic gastric bypass with fundus resection (LRYGBP + FR), and the contribution of ghrelin reduction to glucose regulation.

RESULTS

Fourteen human studies were judged to be eligible and included in this narrative review. Reduction of ghrelin levels after fundus resection might be related to early glycemic improvement before significant weight loss is achieved. Long-term data regarding the role of ghrelin reduction in glucose homeostasis are sparse.

CONCLUSION

The exact role of ghrelin in achieving glycemic control is still ambiguous. Data from human studies reveal a potential contribution of ghrelin reduction to early glycemic improvement, although further well-designed studies are needed.

Differences in Technical Aspects of Primary Sleeve Gastrectomy Prior to Redo Bariatric Surgery-A Multicenter Cohort Study (PROSS Study)

Background and Objectives: Although the technical simplicity of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is relatively well understood, many parts of the procedure differ according to bariatric surgeons. These technical variations may impact postoperative weight loss or the treatment of comorbidities and lead to qualification for redo procedures. Materials and Methods: A multicenter, observational, retrospective study was conducted among patients undergoing revision procedures. Patients were divided into three groups based on the indications for revisional surgery (insufficient weight loss or obesity-related comorbidities treatment, weight regain and development of complications). Results: The median bougie size was 36 (32-40) with significant difference (p = 0.04). In 246 (51.57%) patients, the resection part of sleeve gastrectomy was started 4 cm from the pylorus without significant difference (p = 0.065). The number of stapler cartridges used during the SG procedure was six staplers in group C (p = 0.529). The number of procedures in which the staple line was reinforced was the highest in group A (29.63%) with a significant difference (0.002). Cruroplasty was performed in 13 patients (p = 0.549). Conclusions: There were no differences between indications to redo surgery in terms of primary surgery parameters such as the number of staplers used or the length from the pylorus to begin resection. The bougie size was smaller in the group of patients with weight regain. Patients who had revision for insufficient weight loss were significantly more likely to have had their staple line oversewn. A potential cause could be a difference in the size of the removed portion of the stomach, but it is difficult to draw unequivocal conclusions within the limitations of our study.

Effect of omentopexy/gastropexy on gastrointestinal symptoms after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The increased prevalence of obesity worldwide and low incidence of postoperative complications make the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) a clear public choice for obese-related individuals. Pre-existing studies reported contentious outcomes regarding the association with gastrointestinal symptoms after adding omentopexy (Ome) or gastropexy (Gas) to LSG. The present meta-analysis attempted to evaluate the pros and cons of operating Ome/Gas after LSG concerning gastrointestinal symptoms.

METHODS

The data extraction and study quality assessment were independently performed by two individuals. The PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched up to October 1, 2022, using the keywords LSG, omentopexy, and gastropexy to identify randomized controlled trial studies.

RESULTS

Of the original 157 records, 13 studies with 3515 patients were included. LSG with Ome/Gas excels the LSG group in nausea (odds ratio [OR] = 0.57; 95% CI[0.46, 0.70]; P < .00001), reflux (OR = 0.57; 95% CI [0.46, 0.70]; P < .00001), vomiting (OR = 0.41; 95% CI [0.25, 0.67]; P = .0004) on gastrointestinal symptoms and bleeding (OR = 0.36; 95% CI [0.22, 0.59]; P < .0001), leakage (OR = 0.19; 95% CI [0.09, 0.43]; P < .0001), gastric torsion (OR = 0.23; 95% CI [0.07, 0.75]; P = .01) on post-LSG complications. Further, LSG with Ome/Gas was superior to LSG regarding the result of excess body mass index loss in 1 year after surgery (mean difference = 1.83; 95% CI [0.59, 3.07]; P = .004). However, no significant associations were shown between groups in wound infection and the resulting weight or body mass index 1 year after surgery. Of note, subgroup analysis indicated that gastroesophageal reflux disease can be alleviated by adding Ome/Gas post-LSG in those who used small bougies from 32 to 36 Fr (OR = 0.24; 95% CI [0.17, 0.34]; P < .00001) in contrast with large bougies over 36 Fr.

CONCLUSION

Most results elucidated the impact of adding Ome/Gas after LSG in reducing the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, more studies should be conducted to find the relations between other indicators in the present analysis due to the poor cases.

Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Metabolic Syndrome, Framingham Risk Scores and Thyroid Function during One-Year Follow-Up: A Saudi Retrospective Study

Bariatric surgery (BS) has been demonstrated to achieve sustained weight loss with significant metabolic improvement, including a reduction in cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The aim of this retrospective study is to measure the effect of BS on the Framingham risk score (FRS) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among patients who underwent bariatric surgery. Additionally, we determine the effect of BS on thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) among euthyroid obese patients. A retrospective follow-up study was conducted at King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 160 patients underwent BS and completed one-year follow-up visits. Medical history, anthropometric, biochemical, and hormonal parameters were evaluated at baseline and 3−12 months after BS. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria were used to diagnose MetS. There was a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), glycated hemoglobin (Hba1c), TSH, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and total cholesterol (p < 0.001). A significant decrease was seen in MetS, BMI, FRS, SBP, DBP, Hba1c, LDL, triglycerides, cholesterol, and liver enzymes, with a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein levels 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). At 12 months, the prevalence of MetS, DM, and HTN and the FRS significantly decreased from 72.5%, 43.1%, 78.1%, and 11.4 to 16.3%, 9.4%, 22.5%, and 5.4, respectively. In addition to achieving substantial weight loss, BS improves MetS prevalence and cardiovascular risk profiles.

Safety of biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch in patients with body mass index less than 50 kg/m2

INTRODUCTION

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) has often been reserved for patients with BMI > 50 kg/m². We aim to assess the safety of BPD-DS in patients with morbid obesity (BMI ³35 kg/m² and < 50 kg/m²) using a 150-cm common channel (CC), 150-cm Roux limb, and 60-fr bougie.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on patients with a BMI < 50 mg/k² who underwent a BPD-DS in 2016-2019 at a single institution. Limb lengths were measured with a laparoscopic instrument with minimal tension. Sleeve gastrectomy was created with 60-fr bougie. Variables were compared using paired t test, Chi-square analysis or repeated measures ANOVA where appropriate.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients underwent BPD-DS. CC lengths and Roux limb lengths were 158 ± 20 cm and 154 ± 18 cm, respectively. Preoperative BMI was 44.9 ± 2.3 kg/m² and follow-up was 2.7 ± 1.4 years. One patient required reoperation for bleeding and died from multiorgan failure and delayed sleeve leak. There was 1 (2.2%) readmission for contained anastomotic leak and 2 ED visits (4.5%) within 30 days. There were no marginal ulcers, limb length revisions, or need for parental nutrition. Percent excess weight loss was 67.2 ± 19.7%. 88.9% (N = 8), 86.6% (N = 13), and 55.5% (N = 5) of patients had resolution or improvement of their diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, respectively. 40% (N = 4) of patients had resolution of their gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and 11.4% (N = 5) developed de novo GERD. 32% (N = 14) of patients had vitamin D deficiency and 25% (N = 11) experienced zinc deficiency.

CONCLUSION

BPD-DS may be considered in patients with BMI < 50 kg/m² with 150-cm CC, 150-cm Roux limb, and a 60-fr bougie sleeve gastrectomy. There was sustained weight loss and no protein calorie malnutrition, but Vitamin D and zinc deficiency remained a challenge. Careful patient selection and proper counseling of the risks and benefits are necessary.