First-in-Human Side-to-Side Magnetic Compression Duodeno-ileostomy with the Magnet Anastomosis System

PURPOSES

Classical gastrointestinal anastomoses are formed with sutures and/or metal staples, resulting in significant bleeding and leak rates. This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of the novel magnet anastomosis system (MS) to create a side-to-side duodeno-ileal (DI) diversion for weight loss and type 2 diabetes (T2D) resolution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with severe obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2 with/without T2D (HbA1C ≥ 6.5%)) underwent the study procedure, a side-to-side MS DI diversion, with a standard sleeve gastrectomy (SG). A linear magnet was delivered by flexible endoscopy to a point 250 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve; a second magnet was positioned in the first part of the duodenum; the bowel segments containing magnets were apposed, initiating gradual anastomosis formation. Laparoscopic assistance was used to obtain bowel measurements, obviate tissue interposition, and close mesenteric defects.

RESULTS

Between November 22 and 26, 2021, 5 female patients (mean weight 117.6 ± 7.1 kg, BMI (kg/m2) 44.4 ± 2.2) underwent side-to-side MS DI + SG. All magnets were successfully placed, expelled without re-intervention, and formed patent durable anastomoses. Total weight loss at 12 months was 34.0 ± 1.4% (SEM); excess weight loss, 80.2 ± 6.6%; and BMI reduction, 15.1. Mean HbA1C (%) dropped from 6.8 ± 0.8 to 4.8 ± 0.2; and glucose (mg/dL), from 134.3 ± 17.9 to 87.3 ± 6.3 (mean reduction, 47.0 mg/dL). There was no anastomotic bleeding, leakage, obstruction, or infection and no mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Creation of a side-to-side magnetic compression anastomosis to achieve duodeno-ileostomy diversion in adults with severe obesity was feasible and safe, achieved excellent weight loss, and resolved type 2 diabetes at 1-year follow-up.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT05322122.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Acid and Bile Reflux Esophagitis Prevention by Modified Fundoplication of the Excluded Stomach in One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass: 1-Year Results of the FundoRing Trial

BACKGROUND

The advantages and disadvantages of one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) with primary modified fundoplication using the excluded stomach ("FundoRing") is unclear. We aimed to assess the impact of this operation in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and answer the next questions: (1) What the impact of wrapping the fundus of the excluded part of the stomach in OAGB on protection in the experimental group against developing de novo reflux esophagitis? (2) If preoperative RE could be improved in the experimental group? (3) Can preoperative acid reflux as measured by PH impedance, be treated by the addition of the "FundoRing"?

METHODS

The study design was a single-center prospective, interventional, open-label (no masking) RCT (FundoRing Trial) with 1-year follow-up. Endpoints were body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) and acid and bile RE assessed endoscopically by Los Angeles (LA) classification and 24-h pH impedance monitoring. Complications were graded by Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC).

RESULTS

One hundred patients (n = 50 FundoRingOAGB (f-OAGB) vs n = 50 standard OAGB (s-OAGB)) with complete follow-up data were included in the study. During OAGB procedures, patients with hiatal hernia underwent cruroplasty (29/50 f-OAGB; 24/50 s-OAGB). There were no leaks, bleeding, or deaths in either group. At 1 year, BMI in the f-OAGB group was 25.3 ± 2.77 (19-30) vs 26.48 ± 2.8 (21-34) s-OAGB group (p = 0.03). In f-OAGB vs s-OAGB groups, respectively, acid RE was seen in 1 vs 12 patients (p = 0.001) and bile RE in 0 vs 4 patients (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Routine use of a modified fundoplication of the OAGB-excluded stomach to treat patients with obesity decreased acid and prevented bile reflux esophagitis significantly more effectively than standard OAGB at 1 year in a randomized controlled trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04834635.

Side-to-side magnet anastomosis system duodeno-ileostomy with sleeve gastrectomy: early multi-center results

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal anastomoses with classical sutures and/or metal staples have resulted in significant bleeding and leak rates. This multi-site study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and preliminary effectiveness of a novel linear magnetic compression anastomosis device, the Magnet System (MS), to form a side-to-side duodeno-ileostomy (DI) diversion for weight loss and type 2 diabetes (T2D) resolution.

METHODS

In patients with class II and III obesity (body mass index [BMI, kg/m²] ≥ 35.0- ≤ 50.0 with/without T2D [HbA1C > 6.5%]), two linear MS magnets were delivered endoscopically to the duodenum and ileum with laparoscopic assistance and aligned, initiating DI; sleeve gastrectomy (SG) was added. There were no bowel incisions or retained sutures/staples. Fused magnets were expelled naturally. Adverse events (AEs) were graded by Clavien-Dindo Classification (CDC).

RESULTS

Between November 22, 2021 and July 18, 2022, 24 patients (83.3% female, mean ± SEM weight 121.9 ± 3.3 kg, BMI 44.4 ± 0.8) in three centers underwent magnetic DI. Magnets were expelled at a median 48.5 days. Respective mean BMI, total weight loss, and excess weight loss at 6 months (n = 24): 32.0 ± 0.8, 28.1 ± 1.0%, and 66.2 ± 3.4%; at 12 months (n = 5), 29.3 ± 1.5, 34.0 ± 1.4%, and 80.2 ± 6.6%. Group mean respective mean HbA1_C and glucose levels dropped to 1.1 ± 0.4% and 24.8 ± 6.6 mg/dL (6 months); 2.0 ± 1.1% and 53.8 ± 6.3 mg/dL (12 months). There were 0 device-related AEs, 3 procedure-related serious AEs. No anastomotic bleeding, leakage, stricture, or mortality.

CONCLUSION

In a multi-center study, side-to-side Magnet System duodeno-ileostomy with SG in adults with class III obesity appeared feasible, safe, and effective for weight loss and T2D resolution in the short term.

Side-to-side duodeno-ileal magnetic compression anastomosis: design and feasibility of a novel device in a porcine model

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive metabolic/bariatric surgery (MBS) may be further advanced by magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) technology. The study aimed to develop a magnet sized to create a patent duodeno-ileostomy (DI) and verify its effectiveness in a porcine model.

METHODS

Developmental study phase: magnets with 4 different flange-offset dimensions were tested to identify a design that would successfully form a compression anastomosis. Verification phase: evaluation of the selected design's efficacy. In each 6-week phase (4 pigs/phase), one magnet was inserted laparoscopically in the jejunum, one placed gastroscopically in the duodenum. Magnets were aligned, gradually fused, formed an anastomosis, and then detached and were expelled. At necropsy, MCA sites and sutured enterotomy sites were collected and compared.

RESULTS

Developmental phase: the linear BC42 magnet with a 2.3-mm flange offset design was selected. Verification phase: in 4 swine magnets were mated at the target location, confirmed radiographically. Mean time to magnet detachment 16.0 days (12-22), to expulsion 24.5 days (17-33). MCA was achieved in all animals at time of sacrifice. Animals gained a mean 9.5 kg (3.9-11.8). Specimens revealed patent anastomoses of ≥ 20 mm with smooth mucosa and minimal inflammation and fibrosis compared to sutured enterotomies. One pig underwent corrective surgery for a mesenteric hernia without sequelae.

CONCLUSION

In a large-animal model, gross and histopathologic examination confirmed that the linear MCA device created a patent, well-vascularized, duodeno-ileal anastomosis. The novel MCA device may be appropriate for use in human MBS procedures.

Original contribution: sleeve gastrectomy reduces soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (sLOX-1) levels in patients with morbid obesity

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with morbid obesity is important. We investigated the effects of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on serum soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (sLOX-1), oxidized LDL (oxLDL), and other metabolic and inflammatory parameters associated with atherosclerosis in patients with morbid obesity.

METHODS

Body mass index (BMI) measurements and assays of metabolic and inflammatory markers were taken in patients in an SG surgery group and a healthy control group and compared at baseline and 12 months after SG. Correlations with changes in these parameters and variations in sLOX-1 were analyzed.

RESULTS

Metabolic and inflammatory marker values in the surgery (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups were significantly different at baseline (p < 0.001). The majority of surgery group biomarker levels significantly decreased with mean BMI loss (- 11.8 ± 9.0, p < 0.001) at 12 months, trending toward control group values. Baseline albumin level as well as percentage reductions in oxLDL and the cholesterol retention fraction (CRF) were found to be significantly correlated with percentage reduction in sLOX-1 at 12 months following SG.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers elevated at baseline significantly decreased after SG weight loss. Weight loss induced by SG may limit endothelial damage by reducing levels of oxLDL and LOX-1 as assessed by sLOX-1. These findings suggest that sLOX-1 may function as a marker of atherosclerotic disease states in patients with morbid obesity and that metabolic/bariatric surgery can play a meaningful role in CVD prevention.

Stapleless vs Stapled Gastric Bypass vs Hypocaloric Diet: a Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial of Body Mass Evolution with Secondary Outcomes for Telomere Length and Metabolic Syndrome Changes

BACKGROUND

Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) reduce life expectancy and are challenging to resolve. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) of patients with obesity and MetS undergoing surgical vs nonsurgical treatment compared changes in BMI, and secondarily, telomere length (as a biomarker of life expectancy) and changes in MetS components (insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension).

METHODS

Study design was a single-center, prospective, three-arm RCT. Group 1 patients underwent novel unstapled laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass with an obstructive stapleless pouch and anastomosis (LOAGB-OSPAN); Group 2, stapled laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass-one anastomosis gastric bypass (LMGB-OAGB); and Group 3, nonsurgical weight loss therapy via a hypocaloric diet with energy restriction (HDER). The primary outcome measure was change in BMI; secondary outcome measures included change in leukocyte telomere length and other MetS components.

RESULTS

Of 96 participants screened, 60 were randomly allocated to 3 groups: LOAGB-OSPAN group (n = 20), LMGB-OAGB group (n = 20), and HDER group (n = 20). At post-treatment month 12, respective BMI changes: BMI -12.13 (-8.34, -15.93); -16.04 (-11.7, 20.37); -2,76 (-3.84, -9.36) (p < 0.01). The two surgical groups experienced significant change in telomere length: LOAGB-OSPAN 2.02 (1.61, 2.41), p = 0.001; LMGB-OAGB 2.07 (1.72, 2.43), p = 0.001; and HDER 0.28 (0.22, 0.78), p = 0.26. The surgical groups were also more effective in treating MetS components. There were no deaths. Adverse events: LOAGB-OSPAN (n = 2) (Clavien-Dindo grade II); LMGB-OAGB (n = 8) (grade I (n = 6) and grade II (n = 2).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with hypocaloric diet therapy, both bariatric procedures resulted in greater BMI loss, and secondarily, a significant increase in telomere length, and greater MetS resolution.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03667469, registered on 11 September 2018.

Executive Summary: Collected Papers of the American College of Surgeons Metabolic Surgery Symposium

On August 9-10, 2017, the American College of Surgeons hosted a symposium on metabolic surgery, with 12 follow-on papers published serially in the Bulletin of the College. The current synopsis outlines the varied contents of these papers, often in the original words of their authors, who are cited within their topic sections. Topics covered include the following: history and definition of metabolic surgery, bariatric surgery, international bariatric surgery, mechanisms of metabolic surgery, diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, frontiers of metabolic surgery, institutional collaborations, accreditations and quality initiatives, professional training, the role of the National Institutes of Health, and advocacy. Based on these insights, an enthusiastic affirmation for the future of metabolic surgery is warranted.

PART 3 Bypassing TBI: Metabolic Surgery and the Link Between Obesity and Traumatic Brain Injury-a Review

Obesity is a common outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that exacerbates principal TBI symptom domains identified as common areas of post-TBI long-term dysfunction. Obesity is also associated with increased risk of later-life dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Patients with obesity and chronic TBI may be more vulnerable to long-term mental abnormalities. This review explores the question of whether weight loss induced by bariatric surgery could delay or perhaps even reverse the progression of mental deterioration. Bariatric surgery, with its induction of weight loss, remission of type 2 diabetes, and other expressions of the metabolic syndrome, improves metabolic efficiency, leads to reversal of brain lesions seen on imaging studies, and improves function. These observations suggest that metabolic/bariatric surgery may be a most effective therapy for TBI.

Part 2: Bypassing TBI-Metabolic Surgery and the Link Between Obesity and Traumatic Brain Injury-A Review

Obesity is a common outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that exacerbates principal TBI symptom domains identified as common areas of post-TBI long-term dysfunction. Obesity is also associated with increased risk of later-life dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Patients with obesity and chronic TBI may be more vulnerable to long-term mental abnormalities. This review explores the question of whether weight loss induced by bariatric surgery could delay or perhaps even reverse the progression of mental deterioration. Bariatric surgery, with its induction of weight loss, remission of type 2 diabetes, and other expressions of the metabolic syndrome, improves metabolic efficiency, leads to reversal of brain lesions seen on imaging studies, and improves function. These observations suggest that metabolic/bariatric surgery may be the most effective therapy for TBI.

Bypassing TBI: Metabolic Surgery and the Link between Obesity and Traumatic Brain Injury-a Review

Obesity is a common outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that exacerbates principal TBI symptom domains identified as common areas of post-TBI long-term dysfunction. Obesity is also associated with increased risk of later-life dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Patients with obesity and chronic TBI may be more vulnerable to long-term mental abnormalities. This review explores the question of whether weight loss induced by bariatric surgery could delay or perhaps even reverse the progression of mental deterioration. Bariatric surgery, with its induction of weight loss, remission of type 2 diabetes, and other expressions of the metabolic syndrome, improves metabolic efficiency, leads to reversal of brain lesions seen on imaging studies, and improves function. These observations suggest that metabolic/bariatric surgery may be a most effective therapy for TBI.

Laparoscopic One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass with Band-Separated Gastric Pouch (OAGB-BSGP): a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

One-anastomosis gastric bypass with band-separated gastric pouch (OAGB-BSGP) is a novel "staplerless" version of OAGB. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared 2-year outcomes for OAGB-BSGP and standard OAGB.

METHODS

The parallel-group RCT randomly allocated patients to group A, staplerless OAGB-BSGP, or group B, stapled OAGB.

RESULTS

Respective mean values for groups A and B (n = 40 each): baseline body mass index (BMI, kg/m²), 40.6 ± 5.6 vs 41.2 ± 6.4 (p = 0.64); abdominal bleeding (mL), 5.9 ± 8.0 vs 31.1 ± 30.5 (p < 0.0001). Two-year outcomes: BMI, 26.3 ± 3.2 vs 29.0 ± 4.7; %TWL, 34.1 ± 9.0 vs 29.3 ± 10.6, p < 0.03; %EBMIL, 94.3 ± 23.6 vs 77.9 ± 29.3, p < 0.007; bile reflux, n = 1 (2.5%) vs n = 7 (17.5%) (p = 0.05); revisions, n = 0 vs n = 4 (10.0%), p = 0.12.

CONCLUSIONS

At 2-year RCT follow-up, staplerless OAGB-BSGP patients had fewer complications, no revisions, and greater weight loss than stapled OAGB patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN56106651 (OSPAN-RCT).

Five-Year Outcomes: Laparoscopic Greater Curvature Plication for Treatment of Morbid Obesity

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic greater curvature plication (LGCP) is a newer metabolic/bariatric surgical procedure that requires no resection, bypass, or implantable device. We report outcomes in a cohort of LGCP patients at 5-year follow-up.

METHODS

Body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) evolution, excess weight loss (%EWL), excess BMI loss (%EBMIL), and total weight loss (%TWL) were recorded. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess BMI change over 5 years. Two-step cluster analysis was used to profile LGCP patients according to significant characteristics relative to successful 5-year weight loss.

RESULTS

Of patients entering the study between 2010 and 2011 with complete weight data through 5-year follow-up (86.9%, 212/244), mean age was 45.8 ± 10.9 years; mean baseline BMI, 41.4 ± 5.5 (81.6% women); 58 patients (27.4%) had type 2 diabetes. Mean operative time was 69.0 min; mean hospitalization, 38 h (24-72). ANOVA indicated a significant BMI reduction out to 2 years (p < 0.001), a plateau at 3 and 4 years, and a moderate but significant BMI increase at 5 years (p < 0.01). EBMIL at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years was as follows: 50.7 ± 9.1%, 61.5 ± 8.1%, 60.2 ± 7.0%, 58.5 ± 7.0%, and 56.8 ± 6.3%. At 5 years, 79.2% (168/212) of patients were successful; 20.8% (44/212) experienced a suboptimal weight outcome; mean weight regain, 9.2%. Cluster analysis identified four distinct LGCP patient profiles. Diabetes improvement rate was 65.5%. There were 12 reoperations (4.9%): 4 emergency (1.6%) and 8 (3.3%) elective. There was no mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

At 5-year follow-up, LGCP proved to be safe and effective, with 56.8% EBMIL and a low rate of complications.

Diabetes and weight in comparative studies of bariatric surgery vs conventional medical therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

We performed a meta-analysis of weight loss and remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) evaluated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies of bariatric surgery vs conventional medical therapy. English articles published through June 10, 2013 that compared bariatric surgery with conventional therapy and included T2DM endpoints with ≥12-month follow-up were systematically reviewed. Body mass index (BMI, in kilogram per square meter), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C, in degree), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG, in milligram per deciliter) were analyzed by calculating weighted mean differences (WMDs) and pooled standardized mean differences and associated 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI). Aggregated T2DM remission event data were analyzed by calculating the pooled odds ratio (POR) and 95 % CI. Random effects assumptions were applied throughout; I(2) ≥ 75.0 % was considered indicative of significant heterogeneity. Systematic review identified 512 articles: 47 duplicates were removed, 446 failed inclusion criteria (i.e., n < 10 per arm, animal studies, reviews, case reports, abstracts, and kin studies). Of 19 eligible articles, two not focused on diagnosed T2DM and one with insufficient T2DM data were excluded. In the final 16 included papers, 3,076 patients (mean BMI, 40.9; age, 47.0; 72.0 % female) underwent bariatric surgery; 3,055 (39.4; 48.6, 69.0 %) received conventional or no weight-loss therapy. In bariatric surgery vs conventional therapy groups, the mean 17.3 ± 5.7 month BMI WMD was 8.3 (7.0, 9.6; p < 0.001; I(2) = 91.8), HbA(1C) was 1.1 (0.6, 1.6; p < 0.001; I(2) = 91.9), and FPG, 24.9 (15.9, 33.9; p < 0.001; I(2) = 84.8), with significant differences favoring surgery. The overall T2DM remission rate for surgery vs conventional group was 63.5 vs 15.6 % (p < 0.001). The Peto summary POR was 9.8 (6.1, 15.9); inverse variance summary POR was 15.8 (7.9, 31.4). Of the included studies, 94.0 % demonstrated a significant statistical advantage favoring surgery. In a meta-analysis of 16 studies (5 RCTs) with 6,131 patients and mean 17.3-month follow-up, bariatric surgery was significantly more effective than conventional medical therapy in achieving weight loss, HbA(1C) and FPG reduction, and diabetes remission. The odds of bariatric surgery patients reaching T2DM remission ranged from 9.8 to 15.8 times the odds of patients treated with conventional therapy.

Early experience with the Incisionless Operating Platform™ (IOP) for the treatment of obesity : the Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal (POSE) procedure

BACKGROUND

We report our initial experience and 6-month outcomes in a single center using the per-oral Incisionless Operating Platform™ (IOP) (USGI Medical) to place transmural plications in the gastric fundus and distal body using specialized suture anchors (the Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal [POSE] procedure).

METHODS

A prospective observational study was undertaken with institutional Ethics Board approval in a private hospital in Barcelona, Spain. Indicated patients were WHO obesity class I-II, or III, where patients refused a surgical approach.

RESULTS

Between February 28, 2011 and March 23, 2012, the POSE procedure was successfully performed in 45 patients: 75.6 % female; mean age 43.4 ± 9.2 SD (range 21.0-64.0). At baseline: mean absolute weight (AW, kg), 100.8 ± 12.9 (75.5-132.5); body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)), 36.7 ± 3.8 (28.1-46.6). A mean 8.2 suture-anchor plications were placed in the fundus, 3.0 along the distal body wall. Mean operative time, 69.2 ± 26.6 min (32.0-126.0); patients were discharged in <24 h. Six-month mean AW was 87.0 ± 10.3 (68.0-111.5); BMI decreased 5.8 to 31.3 ± 3.3 (25.1-38.6) (p < 0.001); EWL was 49.4 %; TBWL, 15.5 %. No mortality or operative morbidity. Minor postoperative side effects resolved with treatment by discharge. Patients reported less hunger and earlier satiety post procedure. Liquid intake began 12 h post procedure with full solids by 6 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

At 6-month follow-up of a prospective case series, the POSE procedure appeared to provide safe and effective weight loss without the scarring, pain, and recovery issues of open and laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Long-term follow-up and further study are required.

Early experience with the Incisionless Operating Platform™ (IOP) for the treatment of obesity : the Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal (POSE) procedure

BACKGROUND

We report our initial experience and 6-month outcomes in a single center using the per-oral Incisionless Operating Platform™ (IOP) (USGI Medical) to place transmural plications in the gastric fundus and distal body using specialized suture anchors (the Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal [POSE] procedure).

METHODS

A prospective observational study was undertaken with institutional Ethics Board approval in a private hospital in Barcelona, Spain. Indicated patients were WHO obesity class I-II, or III, where patients refused a surgical approach.

RESULTS

Between February 28, 2011 and March 23, 2012, the POSE procedure was successfully performed in 45 patients: 75.6 % female; mean age 43.4 ± 9.2 SD (range 21.0-64.0). At baseline: mean absolute weight (AW, kg), 100.8 ± 12.9 (75.5-132.5); body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)), 36.7 ± 3.8 (28.1-46.6). A mean 8.2 suture-anchor plications were placed in the fundus, 3.0 along the distal body wall. Mean operative time, 69.2 ± 26.6 min (32.0-126.0); patients were discharged in <24 h. Six-month mean AW was 87.0 ± 10.3 (68.0-111.5); BMI decreased 5.8 to 31.3 ± 3.3 (25.1-38.6) (p < 0.001); EWL was 49.4 %; TBWL, 15.5 %. No mortality or operative morbidity. Minor postoperative side effects resolved with treatment by discharge. Patients reported less hunger and earlier satiety post procedure. Liquid intake began 12 h post procedure with full solids by 6 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

At 6-month follow-up of a prospective case series, the POSE procedure appeared to provide safe and effective weight loss without the scarring, pain, and recovery issues of open and laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Long-term follow-up and further study are required.

3-year real-world outcomes with the Swedish adjustable gastric band™ in France

The study objective was to ascertain outcomes with the Swedish adjustable gastric band (SAGB) on an intention-to-treat basis in multiple centers across the French social health insurance system. SAGB results at 3-year follow-up are reported. The noncomparative, observational, prospective, consecutive cohort study design sought a 500-patient minimum recruitment geographically representative of continental France. Safety (adverse events [AEs], device-related morbidity, and mortality) and effectiveness (change in body mass index [BMI, kilograms per square meter], percentage excess weight loss, comorbidities, quality of life [QoL]) were assessed. Adjustable gastric band survival was calculated. Thirty-one surgeons in 28 multidisciplinary teams/sites enrolled patients between September 2, 2007 and April 30, 2008. SAGB was successfully implanted in 517 patients: 88.0 % female; mean age, 37.5 years; obesity duration, 15.3 years (baseline: mean BMI, 41.0; comorbidities, 773 in 74.3 % of patients; Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS), 1.4; EuroQoL 5-Dimensions (EQ-5D), 0.61; EuroQoL-visual analog scale (EQ-VAS), 52.3). At 3 years: BMI, 32.2 (mean change, -9.0; p < 0.0001); excess weight loss, 47.4 %; comorbidities, 161 in 27.2 %; BAROS, 3.6 (+2.2, p < 0.0001); EQ-5D, 0.84 (+0.22, p < 0.0001); EQ-VAS, 73.4 (+21.4, p < 0.0001). SAGB-induced weight loss was associated with substantially improved QoL. One death occurred and was unrelated to the treatment. No AE was reported in 68.3 % of patients, and no confirmed device-related AE in 77.0 %. Overall AE rate was 0.19 per patient year. Device retention was 87.0 %. Analysis of patients lost to follow-up showed a nonsignificant effect on overall study results. In a prospective, consecutive cohort, "real-world", nationwide study, the Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band was found safe and effective at 3-year follow-up.

Laparoscopic greater curvature plication (LGCP) for treatment of morbid obesity in a series of 244 patients

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic greater curvature plication (LGCP) is a new metabolic/bariatric surgical procedure that requires no resection, bypass, or implantable device. We report LGCP outcomes in 244 morbidly obese patients.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2011, patients underwent LGCP. Body mass index (BMI, kilogram per square meter) evolution, excess BMI loss (%EBMIL), excess weight loss (%EWL), complications, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) changes were recorded. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess weight change at 6, 12, and 18 months. Subgroup analyses were conducted to provide benchmark outcomes at 6 months. Logistic regression was used to identify characteristics predictive of suboptimal weight loss.

RESULTS

Mean baseline BMI (±SD) was 41.4 ± 5.5 (80.7 % women, mean age 46.1 ± 11.0 years, 68 [27.9 %] patients had T2DM). Mean operative time was 70.6 min; mean hospitalization, 36 h (24-72). Sixty-eight patients (27.9 %) experienced postoperative nausea and/or vomiting that was controlled within 36 h. There was no mortality. Major complication rate was 1.2 % (n = 3). Repeated-measures ANOVA indicated significant weight loss across time points (p < 0.001). At 6 months (n = 105), BMI, %EBMIL, and %EWL were 36.1 ± 4.7, 34.8 ± 17.3, and 31.8 ± 15.9. Preoperative BMI was the only predictor of weight loss. Patients with BMI <40 lost more weight than those ≥40, although by 9 months, differences were no longer significant. In patients with preoperative BMI <40, 18-month %EWL approached 50 % and %EBMIL exceeded 50 %. At 6 months, 96.9 % of patients' T2DM was significantly improved/resolved.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the short term, LGCP results in effective weight loss and significant T2DM reduction with a very low rate of complications.

A review of unmet needs in obesity management

The prevalence of obesity continues to escalate in the USA; however, there is no consensus regarding the optimal therapy for obesity. For the vast majority of severely obese patients, conventional medical therapies (i.e., diet, exercise, behavioral counseling) often fail over the long term. Existing pharmacotherapy adjunctive to behavioral therapy has limited effectiveness and an imperfect safety record. In contrast, bariatric surgery has a high degree of weight loss efficacy, yet only a small fraction of the qualifying obese population undergoes these procedures because of the associated perioperative risks and potential late complications. In addition, the role of bariatric surgery is unclear in certain patient populations, such as patients with lower body mass index (BMI, 30-35 kg/m(2)), the high-risk super-super obese patients (BMI > 60), the morbidly obese adolescent, and obese patients requiring weight reduction in preparation for other procedures, such as orthopedic, transplant, or vascular surgeries. In these circumstances, there is a need for an effective but less invasive treatment to bridge the gap between medical and surgical therapy. This review examines current treatment outcomes, identifies prominent areas of unmet clinical needs, and provides an overview of two minimally invasive "temporary procedures for weight loss" that may eventually address some of the unmet needs in obesity management.

Metabolic surgery for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients with BMI <35 kg/m2: an integrative review of early studies

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) resolution in morbidly obese patients following metabolic surgery suggests the efficacy of T2DM surgery in non-morbidly obese patients (body mass index [BMI] <35 kg/m(2)). This literature review examined research articles in English over the last 30 years (1979-2009) that addressed surgical resolution of T2DM in patients with a mean BMI <35. Weighted and simple means (95% CI) were calculated to analyze study outcomes. Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria; 343 patients underwent one of eight procedures with 6-216 months follow-up. Patients lost a clinically meaningful, not excessive, amount of weight (from BMI 29.4 to 24.2; -5.1), moving from the overweight into the normal weight category. There were 85.3% patients who were off T2DM medications with fasting plasma glucose approaching normal (105.2 mg/dL, -93.3), and normal glycated hemoglobin, 6% (-2.7). In subgroup comparison, BMI reduction and T2DM resolution were greatest following malabsorptive/restrictive procedures, and in the preoperatively mildly obese (30.0-35.0) vs overweight (25.0-25.9) BMI ranges. Complications were few with low operative mortality (0.29%). Novel and/or known mechanisms of T2DM resolution may be engaged by surgery at a BMI threshold <or=30. The majority of low-BMI patients experienced resolution of laboratory and clinical manifestations of T2DM without inappropriate weight loss.