Predictors of Risk and Success of Obesity Surgery

Usefulness of the Edmonton Obesity Staging System for stratifying the presence and severity of weight-related health problems in clinical and community settings: A rapid review of observational studies

This rapid review aimed to examine the usefulness of the Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) for stratifying the presence and severity of weight-related health problems in clinical and community settings. We searched PubMed, CINAHL and ProQuest for records from 2009 to May 2020. We considered observational studies in participants with overweight or obesity that investigated the risk of any clinical outcome associated with increasing EOSS. We reviewed and appraised 20 observational studies (cohort = 4, case series = 7, cross-sectional = 9) published between 2011 and 2020. Of 12 studies in clinical populations, the EOSS was most consistently associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications following bariatric surgery, especially for EOSS 3-4, and inversely associated with weight loss, treatment time and resolution of hypertension following bariatric surgery and clinical weight management. Of eight studies in community populations, the EOSS most consistently predicted mortality outcomes, especially for EOSS 3, and was associated with polypharmacy, service use and poorer work outcomes. Studies reported diverse EOSS definitions and outcomes, which slightly weakens the overall evidence base. The EOSS should be routinely used for predicting risks and benefits of surgical and nonsurgical weight management, but it should be applied with caution for population health planning.

Third bariatric procedure for insufficient weight loss or weight regain: how far should we go?

BACKGROUND

Revisional procedures in bariatric surgery are increasing with several debated failure risk factors, such as super obesity and old age. No study has yet evaluated the outcomes and risks of a third bariatric procedure indicated for weight loss failure or weight regain.

OBJECTIVES

To assess failure risks of a third bariatric procedure according to Reinhold's criteria (percentage excess weight loss [%EWL] ≤50% and/or body mass index [BMI] ≥35 kg/m²).

SETTING

A university-affiliated tertiary care center, France.

METHODS

From 2009 to 2019, clinical data and weight loss results of patients who benefited from 3 bariatric procedures for weight loss failure or weight regain were collected prospectively and analyzed using a binary logistic regression. Weight loss failure was defined according to Reinhold's criteria.

RESULTS

Among 1401 bariatric procedures performed, 336 patients benefited from 2 or more procedures, and 45 had a third surgery. Eleven patients that were reoperated on because of malnutrition or gastroesophageal reflux disease were excluded from the final analysis. Among 34 patients with 3 procedures because of weight loss failure or regain, mean BMI was 48.3 ± 8.3 kg/m², and mean age was 30 ± 10.7 years. Three out of 34 patients (9%) presented a severe complication (Dindo-Clavien IIIb) and 2 (6%) had a minor one. Achieving Reinhold's weight loss criteria after the second bariatric procedure was a significant predictor of success of the third procedure (β = 2.9 ± 1.3 S.E.).

CONCLUSION

Not reaching Reinhold's criteria after a second bariatric procedure was identified as a significant risk factor of failure of a third procedure. A third surgery should be carefully discussed especially in case of primary failure of previous procedures.

Early Weight Loss Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Is Predictive of Long-Term Weight Loss in Morbidly Obese Chinese

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a bariatric surgical approach often used to treat Chinese individuals suffering from morbid obesity.

OBJECTIVES

To verify the long-term safety and efficiency of LSG and to evaluate the predictive effect of initial weight loss on long-term weight maintenance after LSG in morbidly obese Chinese.

METHODS

Follow-up was conducted by telephone or in hospital. We measured the body mass index (BMI), percentage of total body weight loss (%TWL), and excess weight loss (%EWL), and assessed patients for the alleviation of co-morbidities. Relationships between initial weight loss and successful weight maintenance were assessed via linear regression analyses, while optimal cutoff values were determined based on receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

We included 384 patients in this study. Before surgery, these patients had median weight and BMI values of 110 (91.00-130.75) kg and 38.49 (32.82-44.12) kg/m², respectively. Successful weight loss of > 50% EWL was accomplished in 91.21%, 82.69%, and 79.37% of patients at 1, 3, and 5 years after surgery. In addition, the %EWL at 6 months was significantly correlated with the %EWL up to 5 years (P < 0.001) in morbidly obese Chinese. Based on the ROC curve, the EWL of 56.54% at 6 months was the best predictor of successful weight loss at 5 years (sensitivity 72.38%, specificity 82.69%) in morbidly obese Chinese.

CONCLUSION

LSG has long-term safety and efficacy for morbidly obese Chinese patients. The %EWL at 6 months can be used to predict weight maintenance up to 5 years after LSG.

Predictors of normalized HbA1c after gastric bypass surgery in subjects with abnormal glucose levels, a 2-year follow-up study

Clinical biomarkers can predict normalization of HbA1c after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, but it is unclear which are the most predictive.The aim of this study was to compare biomarkers for insulin sensitivity and other clinical parameters in the prediction of normalization of HbA1c after RYGB surgery. This study included 99 (23 men) obese subjects (BMI > 35 kg/m²) undergoing a laparoscopic RYGB. Clinical and biochemical examinations were performed pre-operatively and up to 2 years after surgery. Pre-operatively, normal fasting glucose levels were found in 25 individuals (NG), prediabetes in 46 and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in 28. At baseline IGF-I (SD), IGFBP-1 and adiponectin levels were low while leptin was high. Weight loss was observed in all three groups, most in the prediabetes group. After 2 years HbA1c was decreased in prediabetes and T2DM. In all three groups insulin, HOMA-IR, lipids and blood pressure improved, IGFBP-1 and adiponectin increased and leptin decreased. IGF-I (SD) increased only in T2DM. In those with prediabetes or T2DM (n = 74), HbA1c at 2 years correlated to baseline BMI (r = -0.27, p = 0.028), age (r = 0.43, p < 0.001), HbA1c (r = 0.37, p = 0.001) and IGFBP-1 (r = 0.25, p = 0.038), and was normalized in 45/74 (61%) at 1 year and in 36 subjects (49%) at 2 years. These responders were younger, had higher BMI, larger waist circumference, lower HbA1c and lower IGFBP-1 levels at baseline. In a multiple regression model age (negative, p = 0.021) and waist circumference (positive, p = 0.047) were the only predictors for normalized HbA1c. RYGB normalized HbA1c in 49% at two years follow-up, which was predicted by low baseline IGFBP-1 level, a marker of hepatic insulin sensitivty and insulin secretion. However,. younger age and larger waist circumference were the only predictors of normalized HbA1c in multivariate analysis.

Low serum insulin-like growth factor-1 level is a predictor of low total weight loss percentage after sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a leading cause of metabolic disorders and mortality. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) confers beneficial effects not only on weight but also on metabolic disorder development. However, some patients show insufficient weight loss after LSG. A total weight loss percentage (%TWL) <20% after LSG is defined as insufficient. The prediction of patients with insufficient weight loss after LSG before the procedure is performed may prove helpful.

OBJECTIVES

To determine predictors of %TWL after LSG.

SETTING

Longitudinal study in a university hospital.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 90 obese patients who underwent LSG and were followed up for 12 months thereafter. We analyzed the relationship between %TWL and preoperative clinical parameters, such as age, sex, body mass index, lipid and glucose metabolism, and some hormones. Patients were divided into 2 groups, %TWL <20% and 20% ≤ %TWL. Multiple regression model and logistic regression models were performed.

RESULTS

LSG led to significant improvements in weight, liver, and kidney function, and lipid and glucose metabolism. The serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) level was significantly lower in patients with %TWL <20%. Sex, diabetes presence, body mass index, and IGF-1 were independent predictors of %TWL. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the cutoff value of IGF-1 for %TWL <20% was 100.0ng/mL. Male sex, diabetes presence, lower preoperative BMI, and IGF-1 values were independently associated with lower %TWL (%TWL <20%).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum IGF-1 can be used to screen for patients at risk of low %TWL after LSG.

Are the Results of a Combined Behavioural and Surgical Treatment of Morbid Obesity Satisfactory and Predictable?

Treatment of subjects with morbid obesity (Body Mass Index (BMI) > 40 kg/m2 or > 35 kg/m2 with obesity-related complications) often fails. This study explored the biopsychosocial predictors of dropout and weight loss during a combined behavioural and surgical weight-reduction program. Behavioural treatment for six months was followed by bariatric surgery and a visit six months after surgery. The success criterion was the loss of ≥50% of excess BMI above 25 kg/m2 (%EBMIL). Thirty-one men and 113 women with BMI 43.5 kg/m2 (SD 4.3) and 41.8 kg/m2 (SD 3.6), respectively, were included; 115 underwent bariatric surgery (Gastric sleeve: 23; Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: 92), and 98 had a follow-up visit six months after surgery. The mean %EBMIL at follow-up was 71.2% (SD 18.5). Treatment success was achieved in 86 subjects. Assuming success in 17 subjects who did not attend the follow-up visit (best possible outcome), 103 out of 144 subjects (72%) achieved successful weight reduction. Cohabitation was the only predictor of accomplishing surgery. Neither weight loss during behavioural therapy nor biopsychosocial factors were found to be clinically significant predictors of weight loss after surgery. The success rate of less than three in four subjects was unsatisfactory. There is a need to improve the regimen and to determine effective alternative interventions.