Review of Metabolic Surgery for Type 2 Diabetes in Patients with a BMI < 35 kg/m(2)

OAGB with shortened excluded ileal loop as an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus in the cases of Caucasian men and women with obesity of the first degree (BMI 30-35 kg/m2)

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study is to assess the effect of shortening the excluded loop of the small intestine to 150 cm on the effectiveness of one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) in remission of type 2 diabetes with Io obesity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 25 patients with a body mass index (BMI) 30-35 kg/m2, with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM), and undergoing OAGB with excluded 150 cm of the small intestine.

RESULTS

There were no deaths in the study group, bleeding during the postoperative period requiring reoperation, anastomotic leakage/leakage throught mechanical stitching. The mean a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) level 12 months after surgery was 6.16 ± 0.96%, corresponding to a 2.29 ± 3.3% decrease. In more than 85% of the patients taking insulin before surgery, the insulin was discontinued in the postoperative period. Additionally, the level of glycaemia was assessed in patients on the day of surgery (163 ± 58 mg/dl) and on the day of discharge from the hospital (4.7 ± 1.3 days)-it was lower by over 18% (133 ± 39.2 mg). Over the period of 12 months following OAGB, there was a reduction in the mean BMI value from 33.5 ± 2 to 25.5 ± 2.5 kg/m2 and improvement in lipid parameters and mean values of blood pressure.

CONCLUSION

OAGB with excluded 150 cm of the small intestine has beneficial effect on the remission of T2DM in patients with a BMI of 30-35kg/m2 and is associated with an acceptable level of complications. The achieved weight loss after surgery is satisfactory.

Copper Deficiency-Induced Neuropathy After Bariatric Surgery Disguised as Demyelinating Disease: A Case Report

Neuropathy may arise from many different etiologies - from diabetes and nerve compression to viral infections and chemotherapy side effects; many patients suffer from neuropathic symptoms. While some etiologies produce irreversible neuropathy, others, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, lead to a possibly reversible disease process once treated. General clinicians should strive for early and prompt diagnosis of copper deficiency neuropathy whenever possible, especially in patients with normal vitamin B12 levels who present with a subacute gait disorder or prominent sensory ataxia. We present a case of a 73-year-old female with a surgical history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) 20 years prior, who presented with difficulty with ambulation due to sensory ataxia and bilateral, ascending, sensory neuropathy, who was diagnosed with acquired copper deficiency-induced myeloneuropathy.

Preoperative Nutritional Deficiencies in Bariatric Surgery Candidates in Korea

BACKGROUND

All bariatric surgical procedures may compromise the nutritional status of patients, but nutritional deficiencies vary by region and culture. However, there are no preoperative nutritional guidelines for bariatric patients in East Asia. Here, we aimed to evaluate the preoperative nutritional status of East Asian bariatric surgical patients.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 215 consecutive patients who underwent bariatric surgery between January and December 2019 at a single tertiary institution in Korea. Medical background evaluation, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory tests were performed before surgery.

RESULTS

Vitamin D deficiency was identified in 80.0% of participants and 13.8% had insufficiency. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency and the mean vitamin D concentration did not significantly differ between the sexes. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency was the second most common deficiency (18.3%), followed by folate (14.2%), iron (11.8%), and zinc (7.6%) deficiencies. The prevalence of anemia did not significantly differ between the sexes (1.3% in men vs. 7.4% in women, p=0.10), but the prevalence of iron deficiency was significantly higher in women (1.3% vs. 17.9%, p<0.001). The prevalences of copper (2.3%) and selenium (3.2%) deficiencies were low, and none of the participants had vitamin B12 or magnesium deficiency.

CONCLUSION

There were high prevalences of vitamin D, folate, vitamin B1, and iron deficiencies in bariatric patients in Korea. Nutritional deficiencies should be corrected prior to surgery to prevent subsequent further depletion. Routine analysis of vitamin B12, magnesium, copper, and selenium before surgery should be considered and studied in more detail.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy with Duodenojejunal Bypass for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenojejunal bypass (LSG-DJB), which has been positioned as a novel bariatric procedure, is the combination of vertical sleeve gastrectomy and proximal intestinal bypass and is theoretically expected to have strong anti-diabetic effect. Also, preserving the pylorus, a physiological valve, leads to less occurrence of dumping syndrome and anastomotic stenosis which are often problematic after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), a gold standard. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical effects of LSG-DJB on obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

Consecutive 75 obese patients (female 44/male 31) associated with T2DM who underwent LSG-DJB and were followed up for at least 1 year were analyzed. The mean age was 45.5 ± 8.6 years, and the mean preoperative body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) were 108.4 ± 21.4 kg and 39.6 ± 7.3 kg/m(2), respectively. The mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at the first visit was 9.0 ± 1.9 %, and the duration of T2DM from diagnosis was 7.2 ± 6.2 years. Thirty-six out of the 75 patients (48 %) were treated with insulin preoperatively. All patients were evaluated and managed under a strict multidisciplinary team approach. The follow-up rate at 1 year was 89 %.

RESULTS

At 1 year, the mean BW and BMI significantly dropped to 74.6 ± 16.9 kg and 27.5 ± 5.7 kg/m(2), respectively. The mean percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) and percent of total body weight loss (%TWL) were 99.4 ± 42.4 and 31.6 ± 8.8 %, respectively. Consequently, 68.7 % of the patients achieved HbA1c less than 6 %, and 82.1 % of them achieved HbA1c less than 6.5 % without diabetes medications. Glycemic control of HbA1c less than 7 % was achieved in 91.0 % of the patients. The percentage of patients who satisfied the American Diabetes Association (ADA)-defined composite endpoints for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor control increased from 0 % (at baseline) to 31 % (at 1 year). A meal tolerance test revealed significant reduction of glucose area under the curve (AUC) and increase of insulin AUC postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

LSG-DJB for obese patients with T2DM has strong anti-diabetic effect in the short-term; however, a larger number of patients with a longer follow-up period are needed for definitive conclusions.

Bariatric surgery may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's diseases through GLP-1 mediated neuroprotective effects

Obesity and diabetes are associated with deficits in multiple neurocognitive domains and increased risk for dementia. Over the last two decades, there has been a significant increase in bariatric and metabolic surgery worldwide, driven by rising intertwined pandemics of obesity and diabetes, along with improvement in surgical techniques. Patients undergoing bariatric surgery achieve a significant decrease in their excess weight and a multitude of sequela associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is an intestinal peptide that has been implicated as one of the weight loss-independent mechanisms in how bariatric surgery affects type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 improves insulin secretion, inhibits apoptosis and induce pancreatic islet neogenesis, promotes satiety, and can regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Moreover, numerous studies have demonstrated potential neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects of GLP-1. Increased GLP-1 activity has been shown to increase cortical activity, promote neuronal growth, and inhibit neuronal degeneration. Specifically, in experimental studies on Alzheimer's disease, GLP-1 decreases amyloid deposition and neurofibrillary tangles. Furthermore, recent studies have also suggested that GLP-1 based therapies, new class of antidiabetic drugs, have favorable effects on neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. We present a hypothesis that bariatric surgery can help delay or even prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease in long-term by increasing the levels of GLP-1. This hypothesis has a potential for many studies from basic science projects to large population studies to fully understand the neurological and cognitive consequences of bariatric surgery and associated rise in GLP-1.

Effects of bariatric surgery on gout incidence in the Swedish Obese Subjects study: a non-randomised, prospective, controlled intervention trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess the long-term effect of bariatric surgery on the incidence of gout and hyperuricaemia in participants of the Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study.

METHODS

This report includes 1982 subjects who underwent bariatric surgery and 1999 obese controls from the SOS study, a prospective intervention trial designed to assess the effect of bariatric surgery compared with conventional treatment. None of the subjects had gout at baseline. An endpoint on gout incidence was created based on information on gout diagnosis and use of gout medications through national registers and questionnaires. Median follow-up for the incidence of gout was about 19 years for both groups. Moreover, the incidence of hyperuricaemia over up to 20 years was examined in a subgroup of participants having baseline uric acid levels <6.8 mg/dL.

RESULTS

Bariatric surgery was associated with a reduced incidence of gout compared with usual care (adjusted HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.75, p<0.001). The difference in absolute risk between groups was 3 percentage points at 15 years, and the number of subjects needed to be treated by bariatric surgery to prevent one incident gout event was 32 (95% CI 22 to 59). The effect of bariatric surgery on gout incidence was not influenced by baseline risk factors, including body mass index. During follow-up, the surgery group had a lower incidence of hyperuricaemia (adjusted HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.58, p<0.001). The difference in absolute risk between groups was 12 percentage points at 15 years, and the number of participants needed to be treated by bariatric surgery to prevent hyperuricaemia was 8 (95% CI 6 to 13).

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery prevents gout and hyperuricaemia in obese subjects.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01479452; Results.

Single-Anastomosis Pylorus-Preserving Bariatric Procedures: Review of the Literature

Single-anastomosis pylorus-preserving procedures (SAPPP) were recently introduced into bariatric surgery in order to combine the physiologic advantages of a post-pyloric reconstruction with the technical advantages of an omega loop. Surgery consists of a sleeve gastrectomy that is performed first, followed by a duodeno-enterostomy. Two main variants exist: proximal and distal SAPPP, with duodeno-jejunostomy and duodeno-ileostomy, respectively. This review describes the SAPPP reported in the literature and analyzes their outcomes in comparison with the most frequently performed bariatric techniques. Preliminary results appear as promising in terms of both safety and effectiveness on weight loss and comorbidities improvement.

Bariatric Surgery in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review

Bariatric surgery is recognised as an effective treatment strategy for obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. An increasing number of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus also suffer with obesity and obesity-associated comorbidities but the role of bariatric and metabolic surgery in this group of patients is unclear. This systematic review investigates published English language scientific literature to understand the results of bariatric surgery in obese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. We found that these patients can experience significant weight loss and comorbidity resolution with bariatric surgery. Though most patients also see a decline in total insulin requirement, glycaemic control remains difficult. Most of the patients reported in literature have undergone gastric bypass but data is insufficient to recommend any particular procedure.

Downgrading of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after obesity surgery: duration and severity matter

BACKGROUND

There is overwhelming evidence for the antidiabetic effect of obesity surgery, but few reports involve objective longitudinal measurements of severity of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study applies a grading scheme and analyses the prognostic impact of routine clinical factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective study includes 77 obese diabetic patients with a preoperative BMI of 48.9 ± 7.8 kg/m(2) who underwent gastric banding (n = 4), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 57), or sleeve gastrectomy (n = 16) between 2007 and 2013. A 6-point scoring system graded the level of antidiabetic therapy. Downgrading was calculated from the difference between pre- and postoperative grades.

RESULTS

Downgrading reached its maximum at 3 months well before maximal weight loss: one grade in 6 (8 %) patients, two grades in 36 (47 %) patients, and three or more grades in 20 (26 %) patients. Age, gender, and preoperative weight had no impact on downgrading. There were no significant differences between gastric banding (median 1; 0-2), gastric bypass (median 2; 0-5), and sleeve gastrectomy (median 2; 0-4). Preoperative duration of T2DM and its severity grade were independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis. The rate of patients who could discontinue insulin was more than 80 % when the duration of preexisting T2DM was less than 5 years as compared to 62 % when the duration was more than 5 years.

CONCLUSION

The severity of T2DM downgrades in most patients within the initial period of postoperative weight loss. Downgrading increases with shorter duration and lower severity grade of pre-existing T2DM.

Bariatric Surgery for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with BMI <30 kg/m2: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The role of bariatric surgery in non-obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) remains unclear, and its use in clinical practice is controversial. We conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis to investigate the metabolic changes after surgical treatment in diabetic patients with body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m2.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and the Cochrane Library of published articles from January 2000 to April 2013 reporting the clinical outcome changes in various metabolic outcomes in diabetic patients with BMI <30 kg/m2.

RESULTS

Ten prospective studies including 290 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Bariatric surgery led to an overall 2.79 kg/m2 [95%CI 2.05~3.53, P<0.00001] reduction in BMI, a 1.88%[95%CI 1.32~2.43, P<0.00001] reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin, a 3.70 mmol/L [95%CI, 1.93~5.47, P<0.00001] reduction in fasting blood glucose, a 6.69 mmol/L [95%CI, 2.29~11.08, P=0.003] reduction in postprandial glucose, anda 3.37 [95%CI 0.55~6.18, P=0.02] reduction in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). After surgical treatment, 76.2% of the patients were insulin free, and 61.8% patients were off medication. In total, 90(42.4%), 10(37%) and 34(37.2%) patients had post-surgical HbA1c levels of <6%,<6.5% and<7%, respectively. No deaths were observed in the included studies, and the major complication rate was 6.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the currently available data, bariatric surgery might improve glycemic control and weight loss in a very limited range with a doubled surgical complication rate in drug-refractory T2DM patients with BMI <30 kg/m2. It remains too premature to suggest bariatric surgery for non-obese T2DM patients.

Metabolic surgery: roux-en-Y gastric bypass and variables associated with diabetes remission in patients with BMI <35

Metabolic results of bariatric surgery have determined an expansion of its traditional indications, being increasingly performed in non-severely obese patients, especially in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our aim is to determine the effectiveness of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in T2DM remission in patients with body mass index (BMI) below 35 kg/m(2) and the variables associated with T2DM remission after surgery. Retrospective analysis of diabetic patients with BMI <35 kg/m(2) who underwent LRYGB in our center between 2002 and 2010 was done. We analyzed patient's demographics, comorbidities, BMI, excess weight loss percentage (EWLp), complications, and metabolic results at 3 years. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine variables associated with T2DM remission. One hundred patients were included. Sixty patients (60 %) were women; median age was 48 years old (interquartile range (IQR) 42-54), and median preoperative BMI was 32.7 kg/m(2) (IQR 31.6-34.1). Median preoperative duration of T2DM was 4 years (IQR 2-7), with 49, 30, 2, and 18 % on treatment with one, two, and three hypoglycemic agents and insulin, respectively. Ninety-four percent achieved 36-month follow-up, and at this time, median EWLp was 93 % (IQR 67-121). A total of 53.2, 9.6, 25.5, and 11.7 % achieved a T2DM complete remission, partial remission, improvement, and no improvement, respectively. T2DM remission only was associated with non-insulin use in multivariate analysis, with an OR = 15.1 (2.8-81.2) and p = 0.002. LRYGB is a reliable and effective treatment in diabetic patients with a BMI <35 kg/m(2) at 3 years. T2DM remission's best results are observed in non-insulin diabetic patients.

The effect of long Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy in gastric cancer patients with type 2 diabetes and body mass index < 35 kg/m(2): preliminary results

Purpose

We applied a long Roux-en-Y (RY) gastrojejunostomy (bypassed jejunum over 100 cm) as a reconstruction method for diabetes control to gastric cancer patients with type 2 diabetes and body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m². The effect of this procedure on diabetes control was assessed.

Methods

We prospectively performed modified RY gastrojejunostmy after curative radical distal gastrectomy. Thirty patients had completed a 1-year follow-up. Patients were followed concerning their diabetic status. The factors included in the investigation were length of bypassed jejunum, BMI and its reduction ratio, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose, and duration of diabetes. Diabetic status after surgery was assessed in three categories: remission, improvement, and stationary. In evaluation of surgical effects on diabetes control, remission and improvement groups were regarded as effective groups, while stationary was regarded as an ineffective group.

Results

At postoperative one year, statistical significance was observed in the mean BMI and HbA1c. Diabetes control was achieved in 50% of the patients (remission, 30%; improvement, 20%). BMI reduction ratio, preoperative HbA1c, and duration of diabetes were correlated to the status of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The preoperative HbA1c was the most influential predictor in diabetic control.

Conclusion

The effect of long RY gastrojejunostomy after gastrectomy for diabetes control could be contentious but an applicable reconstruction method for diabetes control in gastric cancer patients with type 2 diabetes and BMI < 35 kg/m². Diabetes remission is expected to be higher in patients with greater BMI reduction, short duration of diabetes, and lower preoperative HbA1c.

Could the improvement of obesity-related co-morbidities depend on modified gut hormones secretion?

Obesity and its associated diseases are a worldwide epidemic disease. Usual weight loss cures - as diets, physical activity, behavior therapy and pharmacotherapy - have been continuously implemented but still have relatively poor long-term success and mainly scarce adherence. Bariatric surgery is to date the most effective long term treatment for morbid obesity and it has been proven to reduce obesity-related co-morbidities, among them nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and mortality. This article summarizes such variations in gut hormones following the current metabolic surgery procedures. The profile of gut hormonal changes after bariatric surgery represents a strategy for the individuation of the most performing surgical procedures to achieve clinical results. About this topic, experts suggest that the individuation of the crosslink among the gut hormones, microbiome, the obesity and the bariatric surgery could lead to new and more specific therapeutic interventions for severe obesity and its co-morbidities, also non surgical.

Effect of the ingestion of the palm oil and glutamine in serum levels of GLP-1, PYY and glycemia in diabetes mellitus type 2 patients submitted to metabolic surgery

Background

Incretins are hormones produced by the intestine and can stimulate the secretion of insulin, helping to diminish the post-prandial glycemia. The administration of an emulsion of palm oil can help in the maintenance of the weight, and can increase circulating incretins levels. Glutamine increases the concentration of incretins in diabetic people. Both can help in metabolic syndrome.

Aim

To analyze the effects of ingestion of palm oil and glutamine in glycemia and in incretins in patients with diabetes submitted to surgical duodenojejunal exclusion with ileal interposition without gastrectomy.

Methods

Eleven diabetic type 2 patients were included and were operated. They were called to laboratory follow-up without eating anything between eight and 12 hours. They had there blood collected after the stimulus of the palm oil and glutamine taken in different days. For the hormonal doses were used ELISA kits.

Results

The glycemia showed a meaningful fall between the fast and two hours after the stimulus of the palm oil (p=0,018). With the glutamine the GLP-1 showed an increase between the fast and one hour (p=0,32), the PYY showed an important increase between the fast and one hour after the stimulus (p=0,06), the glycemia showed a meaningful fall after two hours of the administration of the stimulus (p=0,03).

Conclusion

Palm oil and glutamine can influence intestinal peptides and glucose

[Patient selection as the key to success of metabolic surgery]

BACKGROUND

The indications for bariatric interventions consist of the objectives to improve the quality of life and to prolong survival by remission of obesity-associated comorbidities. Until now the selection criteria for patients to undergo surgery which allow a prediction of therapeutic success are obscure.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to identify the prerequisites for selection of overweight and obese patients to undergo bariatric surgery.

RESULTS

Obesity per se is a proven indication for bariatric surgery due to the associated increase in mortality; however, not all obese patients can be considered for weight reduction surgery. A decisive factor for patient selection is the evidence of behavioral change regarding nutrition, composition and frequency of meals as well as increased ambulation. In patients with psychiatric diseases and behavioral disorders responsible for obesity a specific therapy is mandatory as well as intensive counseling and adherence to a lifelong follow-up.

DISCUSSION

It seems that therapeutic success on a long-term basis is only guaranteed by behavioral changes. Preoperative multimodal therapy does not influence the outcome but it seems possible that such treatment may contribute to increased adherence to the behavior necessary for therapeutic success. Nevertheless, such treatment must not constitute a barrier against bariatric surgery. However, patients who are not willing to change their pathological behavior do not qualify for weight-reducing surgery because otherwise therapeutic success is questioned.

Outcome after curative surgery for gastric cancer patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery has been adapted to the management of morbid obesity, leading to not only loss of body weight but also improvement of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The goal of our study was to evaluate the effect of gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients with type 2 DM.

METHODS

From 1989 to 2011, a total of 69 gastric cancer patients receiving curative surgery were enrolled in this study. They were diagnosed with type 2 DM preoperatively and all are alive without tumor recurrence. The clinical characteristics were compared between groups with improved or unimproved DM, and groups were also analyzed based on the extent of gastrectomy and different reconstruction methods.

RESULTS

Of the 69 patients, 58 received subtotal gastrectomy and 11 received total gastrectomy. The frequency of DM improvement was significantly higher after total gastrectomy than subtotal gastrectomy (81.8 vs. 36.2 %; p = 0.007). Patients with DM duration of less than 5 years tended to experience DM improvement after surgery more frequently than patients with DM duration of more than 5 years (p = 0.028). Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy (R-Ye) led to a higher rate of DM improvement than did R-Y gastrojejunostomy (R-Yg), especially in patients with DM duration more than 5 years. Among patients receiving duodenal bypass after gastrectomy, R-Ye was associated with a higher frequency of DM improvement than R-Yg and B-II.

CONCLUSIONS

The extent of gastrectomy rather than the reconstruction method played an important role in DM improvement after curative surgery for gastric cancer.

Efficacy of metabolic surgery on HbA1c decrease in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with BMI <35 kg/m2--a review

High glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is strongly correlated with developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complications; this study reviews the efficacy of various types of metabolic surgeries in reducing HbA1c levels in type 2 diabetics with BMI <35 kg/m(2). An electronic search of MEDLINE databases using terms 'metabolic surgery', type 2 diabetes mellitus, BMI <35 kg/m(2), and related keywords for studies published between 1987 and 2013. Data from 53 articles with 2,258 patients were selected for this review. The weighted mean change in HbA1c was -2.8 % (95 % CI -2.8 to -2.7, p < 0.01) and weighted mean BMI change was -5.5 kg/m(2) (95 % CI -5.6 to -5.4, p < 0.01). There was a strong correlation between weighted percentage mean change in HbA1c and BMI. Adjustable gastric banding and duodenal jejunal bypass were inferior to other surgeries in reducing BMI and HbA1c in BMI <35 kg/m(2). Metabolic surgery significantly decreases HbA1c in T2DM patients with BMI <35 kg/m(2) and that the magnitude of HbA1c change may be a useful surrogate of DM control.

Beyond BMI: the need for new guidelines governing the use of bariatric and metabolic surgery

Bariatric surgery use is largely governed worldwide by a 1991 National Institutes of Health consensus statement that advocates BMI as the primary operative criterion and restricts surgery to severely obese patients. These guidelines have been enormously valuable in standardising practice, thereby facilitating accumulation of a copious database of information regarding long-term surgical benefits and risks, from vast clinical experience and research. However, the National Institutes of Health recommendations had important limitations from the outset and are now gravely outdated. They do not account for remarkable advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques or the development of entirely new procedures. In the two decades since they were crafted, we have gained far greater understanding of the dramatic, weight-independent benefits of some operations on metabolic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes, and of the inadequacy of BMI as a primary criterion for surgical selection. Furthermore, there is now a substantial and rapidly burgeoning body of level-1 evidence from randomised trials comparing surgical versus non-surgical approaches to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic diseases, including among only mildly obese or merely overweight patients. Herein, we present arguments to impel the development of new guidelines for the use of bariatric and so-called metabolic surgery to inform clinical practice and insurance compensation.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for nonobese type II diabetes mellitus in Asian patients

BACKGROUND

The beneficial role of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM) in morbidly obese patients has been established; however, there is scant evidence supporting its effectiveness in nonobese T2 DM Asian patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of LRYGB in nonobese T2 DM patients and elucidate the predictors of DM remission after one year follow-up.

METHODS

Between June 2009 and May 2011, twenty-nine nonobese (body mass index (BMI)<27 kg/m(2)) Asian patients with T2 DM who underwent LRYGB were enrolled. All patients were prospectively followed up for one year. Baseline demographic characteristics, diabetic status, and clinical and biochemical data were collected preoperatively and one year after LRYGB. DM remission was defined as those with hemoglobin A1 c (HbA1 c)<6.5% without oral hypoglycemic drugs (OHA)/insulin. Outcomes in the DM remission group were compared with the nonremission group and analyzed.

RESULTS

All clinical and biochemical parameters, except uric acid, were significantly improved. DM remission was achieved in eleven patients (37.9%) of whom five (45.5%) were male. Blood glucose, HbA1 c, c-peptide, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-%B), and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol were the significant variables in patients with DM remission; however, multiple logistic regression showed that only preoperative HOMA-%B (odds ratio (OR) = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.03-1.24) was a predictor for DM remission. Though no mortality was seen, the complication rate was 20.7%, of which 17.3% was related to marginal ulcers.

CONCLUSION

LRYGB resulted in significant clinical and biochemical improvements in nonobese Asian patients, with HOMA-%B indicating β-cell function as the main predictor of T2 DM remission. Appropriate patient selection with better β-cell function and evidence from long-term follow-up may justify this therapeutic approach.

Can Bariatric Surgery be Considered Standard Therapy to Treat Type 2 Diabetes?

With the rapid increase in obesity there has been a pronounced increase in obesity-related metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidaemia and hypertension. Bariatric surgery is a highly effective treatment for achieving long-term weight loss and is increasingly recognised to have benefits in diabetes treatment and cause improvement in other metabolic factors. Recent small randomised trials reported better glycaemic control after surgical intervention compared to pharmacological therapy. Physiological studies suggest a surgery-specific, weight-independent effect on glucose homeostasis. Long-term efficacy is to be proven. Consensus on definition of diabetes and diabetes remission must be achieved. Larger multicentre, randomised trials need to be done to clarify the place of metabolic surgery in diabetes treatment algorithms.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy compared with other bariatric surgical procedures: a systematic review of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

The evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been mostly based on the data derived from nonrandomized studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of LSG and to present an up-to-date review of the available evidence based on the recent publications of new randomized, controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched until November 2012 for RCTs on LSG.

RESULTS

Fifteen RCTs, comprising a total of 1191 patients, of whom 795 had undergone LSG, were included. No patient required conversion to open surgery for LSG, laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB), or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) procedures. There were no deaths, and the complication rate was 12.1% (range 10%-13.2%) in the LSG group versus 20.9% (range 10%-26.4%) in the LGB group, and 0% in the LAGB group (only 1 RCT). The complications included leakage, bleeding, stricture, and reoperation that occurred with rates of .9%, 3.3%, 0%, and 2.1%, respectively, in the LSG group and rates of 0%, 5%, 0%, and 4%, respectively, in the LGB group. The average operating time in the LSG group was 106.5 minutes versus 132.3 minutes in the LGB group. The percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) ranged from 49% to 81% in the LSG group, from 62.1% to 94.4% in the LGB group, and from 28.7% to 48% in the LAGB group, with a follow-up ranging from 6 months to 3 years. The type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission rate ranged from 26.5% to 75% in the LSG group and from 42% to 93% in the LGB group.

CONCLUSIONS

LSG is a well-tolerated, feasible procedure with a relatively short operating time. Its effectiveness in terms of weight loss is confirmed for short-term follow-up (≤ 3 years). The role of LSG in the treatment of T2DM requires further investigation.

Metabolic surgery for type 2 diabetes with BMI <35 kg/m(2) : an endocrinologist's perspective

Is bariatric surgery as primary therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with body mass index (BMI) <35 kg/m(2) justified? Open-label studies have shown that bariatric surgery causes remission of diabetes in some patients with BMI <35 kg/m(2). All such patients treated had substantial weight loss. Diabetes remission was less likely in patients with lower BMI than those with higher BMI, in patients with longer than shorter duration and in patients with lesser than greater insulin reserve. Relapse of diabetes increases with time after surgery and weight regain. Deficiencies of data are lack of randomized long-term studies comparing risk/benefit of bariatric surgery to contemporary intensive medical therapy. Current data do not justify bariatric surgery as primary therapy for T2DM with BMI <35 kg/m(2).

Evaluation of current eligibility criteria for bariatric surgery: diabetes prevention and risk factor changes in the Swedish obese subjects (SOS) study

OBJECTIVE

Patients with a BMI <35 kg/m(2) and patients with a BMI between 35 and 40 kg/m(2) without comorbidities are noneligible by current eligibility criteria for bariatric surgery. We used Swedish obese subjects (SOS) to explore long-term outcomes in noneligible versus eligible patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The SOS study involved 2,010 obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery (68% vertical-banded gastroplasty, 19% banding, and 13% gastric bypass) and 2,037 contemporaneously matched obese controls receiving usual care. At inclusion, the participant age was 37-60 years and BMI was ≥34 kg/m(2) in men and ≥38 kg/m(2) in women. The effect of surgery was assessed in patients that do (n = 3,814) and do not (n = 233) meet current eligibility criteria. The date of analysis was 1 January 2012. The follow-up time was up to 20 years, with a median of 10 years.

RESULTS

Cardiovascular risk factors were significantly improved both in noneligible and eligible individuals after 10 years of follow-up. Surgery reduced the diabetes incidence in both the noneligible (adjusted hazard ratio 0.33 [95% CI 0.13-0.82], P = 0.017) and eligible (0.27 [0.22-0.33], P < 0.001) groups. We could not detect a difference in the effect of surgery between the groups (adjusted interaction P value = 0.713).

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery drastically reduced the incidence of type 2 diabetes both in noneligible and eligible patients and improved cardiovascular risk factors in both groups. Our results show that strict BMI cutoffs are of limited use for bariatric surgery prioritization if the aim is to prevent diabetes and improve cardiovascular risk factors.

Bariatric surgery: the challenges with candidate selection, individualizing treatment and clinical outcomes

Obesity is recognized as a global health crisis. Bariatric surgery offers a treatment that can reduce weight, induce remission of obesity-related diseases, and improve the quality of life. In this article, we outline the different options in bariatric surgery and summarize the recommendations for selecting and assessing potential candidates before proceeding to surgery. We present current data on post-surgical outcomes and evaluate the psychosocial and economic effects of bariatric surgery. Finally, we evaluate the complication rates and present recommendations for post-operative care.