Learning curve for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: role of training in a high-volume bariatric center

Systematic preoperative approach for bariatric surgery, perioperative results, and economic impact

Introduction

Obesity is a complex systemic condition, involving numerous anatomical and metabolic changes. Therefore, a comprehensive preoperative assessment is essential for each patient contemplating bariatric surgery.

Objetive

This study presents the findings of a proposed protocol designed to streamline the pre-anesthesia consultation process. Our aim was to compare the efficiency and costs of consultations guided by the protocol with those conducted without a specific strategy. The secondary outcomes assessed included postoperative (PO) length of hospital stay and surgical duration.

Matherial and methods

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis involving 206 clinical cases. Statistical analyses, including the chi-squared test, Student's t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test, were utilized based on the type of variables.

Results

The results showed a significant reduction in the costs, pre-anesthesia consultation duration, time spent in the recovery unit, and the need for referrals. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in the delay before surgery and length of hospital stays, measured in days.

Conclusion

This algorithm offers a promising approach for optimizing perioperative management in bariatric surgery, demonstrating its effectiveness in cutting costs and reducing the need for referrals.

Comparative evaluation of early diabetic outcomes in southeast asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) versus sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an alarming problem globally and a growing epidemic. Metabolic surgery has been shown to be successful in treating both obesity and T2DM, usually after other treatments have failed. This study aims to compare Roux-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in determining early diabetic outcomes in obese Malaysian patients with T2DM following surgery. A total of 172 obese patients with T2DM who were assigned to either laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) were analysed up to a year post-procedure. The patients' T2DM severity were stratified using the Individualized Metabolic Surgery (IMS) score into mild, moderate and severe. Remission rates of diabetes were compared between surgical techniques and within diabetic severity categories. T2DM remission for patients who underwent either surgical technique for mild, moderate or severe disease was 92.9%, 56.2% and 14.7% respectively. Both surgical techniques improved T2DM control for patients in the study. Comparing baseline with results 1 year postoperatively, median HbA1c reduced from 7.40% (IQR 2.60) to 5.80% (IQR 0.80) (p < 0.001), mean total antidiabetic medications use reduced from 1.48 (SD 0.99) to 0.60 (SD 0.86) [p < 0.001], insulin usage reduced from 27.9 to 10.5% (p < 0.001), and T2DM control improved from 27.9 to 82% (p < 0.001). The patients had a median excess BMI loss of 69.4% (IQR 34%) and 53.2% (IQR 36.0%) for RYGB and SG respectively (p = 0.016). At one year following surgery, there is no difference between LRYGB and LSG in terms of diabetic remission. LSG is not inferior to LRYGB in terms of early diabetic outcomes. Milder T2DM shows a better response. LSG is a simpler procedure with a lower risk profile and should be considered as an early treatment option for obese patients with T2DM.

Surgical outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy by a single surgeon: Before and after learning curve in a non-tertiary low-volume bariatric center

BACKGROUND

In Korea, the need for bariatric surgery (BS) is increasing because of the increasing incidence of morbid obesity. There is no special training program for BS, and most BS are conducted in non-tertiary hospitals in capital area. We evaluated the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) before and after the learning curve (LC) to prove that the barrier of entry for LSG is not very high.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent LSG in a secondary hospital without the supervision of an experienced surgeon between April 2019 and August 2022. We compared the surgical outcomes and changes in body measurements before the LC (BL) and after the LC (AL) after 1 year of follow-up.

RESULTS

The duration of operation for BL and AL were 118.4 and 61.9 min (p = 0.000), respectively. No mortality was observed. There were four and eight cases of morbidity; the weight loss after 1 year was 90.6 and 89.7 kg (p = 0.804); changes in body mass index (BMI) were 10.3 and 10.2 kg/m2 (p = 0.928); excess weight loss after 1 year was 93.0 and 89.3% (p = 0.762); and excess BMI loss after 1 year was 92.7 and 89.5% (p = 0.807) in the BL and AL groups, respectively. %Total weight loss was 26.8 and 23.7 in the BL and AL group. There was no statistical significance of all parameters of body measurements between two groups.

CONCLUSION

LSG can be safely and effectively performed by novice bariatric surgeons in non-tertiary hospitals if patients are cautiously selected. Surgical outcomes of BL and AL is not different, except for the operation time.

Safety and efficacy of OAGB/MGB during the learning curve: setting a benchmark in a bariatric center of excellence

Very little has been published on the learning curve (LC) of the One Anastomosis /Mini Gastric Bypass (OAGB/MGB). Aim of this study was to compare perioperative outcomes of OABG/MGBs performed during the LC of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon to global benchmark cut-offs. First 200 patients undergoing OAGB/MGB at our university hospital from 2010 to 2016 were retrospectively included in this study. LC of the surgeon was divided in two groups of 100 consecutive patients each and perioperative outcomes were compared to abovementioned global benchmarks for LSG and RYGB. A cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis was performed for operative time and hospital stay. Uneventful postoperative recovery was recorded in 95% of patients. All benchmark values for RYGB were met in group 2. Comparison with cut-offs for LSG showed longer hospital stay and operative time in both groups but postoperative rate of complications resulted lower even for Group 1. CUSUM graph of the operative time runs randomly above the predetermined limit till the 40th cases but reaches the plateau after the 115th operation. CUSUM curve of the hospital stay reaches the plateau after the 57th case. OAGB/MGB confirms to be a feasible procedure, which can be safely and effectively performed during the learning curve. However, at least 100 hundred cases are required to reduce operative time and hospital stay.

Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic: remote coaching in bariatric surgery

Background

The development of fast internet connection has stimulated different types of video-assisted teaching programs. However, a remote mentoring with the proctor not on site has never been reported in bariatric surgery. We described our experiences with remote telementoring for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Methods

A qualified general surgeon at the beginning of his bariatric practice performed a series of 8 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomies (LSG) while tutored by an experienced bariatric surgeon connected from a different city through a specific videoconferencing platform. Data on demographics at baseline, operative time, hospital stay, intraoperative early, and late complications were collected.

Results

Mean age and BMI of patients were 36.9 ± 9.6 years old and 41.8 ± 1.7 kg/m². All procedures were carried out without conversion to open or complications. Mean operative time was 112.4 ± 21.9 min while the hospital stay was 3.5 ± 0.5 days. Operative time significantly decreased after the fourth operation.

Conclusions

Remote coaching appears to be possible and safe for LSG.

Early Clinical Outcomes of the Morbidly Obese Patients Who Underwent Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy by Gastric Cancer Surgeons: the Analysis of Fifty Consecutive Cases

Purpose

The number of bariatric surgeries performed at our tertiary hospital has gradually increased since the national health insurance began to cover their expenses in January of 2019. This study examined the early surgical outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) performed by experienced gastric cancer surgeons.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed data from 50 patients who underwent LSG between November of 2018 and April of 2020 at the Asan Medical Center by 1 of 5 experienced surgeons each of whom performed approximately 100-300 cases of gastrectomy annually. The age, body mass index (BMI), weight, presence of comorbidities, operation time, hospital stay after surgery, postoperative complications, postoperative excess weight loss (EWL), and resolution of comorbidities were examined.

Results

The mean age, BMI, and weight were 37.29±9.77 years, 37.12 kg/m², and 102.00 kg, respectively. The mean operation time and postoperative length of hospital stay were 109.59±35.88 and 5.06±1.20 days, respectively. Two patients (4.00%) had early postoperative complications and postoperative leakage; bleeding and stenosis were not reported. The EWL after 1 and 6 months of operation was 26.55% and 60.34%, respectively. The resolution of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia after 6 months of operation was 88.89%, 54.54%, and 50.00%, respectively.

Conclusion

LSG is safe and effective when performed by an experienced gastric cancer surgeon; however, a long-term follow-up of patients is required.

Propensity Score Matching Sleeve Gastrectomy vs. Gastric Bypass with 5 Years of Follow-Up

PURPOSE

Beginning January 1, 2005, bariatric surgery cases were examined with the help of the quality assurance study for operative medicine. All data were registered and analyzed prospectively in cooperation with the Institute of Quality Assurance in Surgery at the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany. The comparative study focuses on perioperative morbidity, complications, and remission of obesity-associated diseases after gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) at 5-year follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data collection includes patients of full age who underwent SG or RYGB surgery between 2005 and 2017. The bougie is limited to 33-40 French for SG. The Roux-en-Y length for RYGB is set to 120-180 cm, and the biliodigestive length is set to 40-60 cm. Outcome criteria are perioperative morbidity, postoperative and intraoperative complications, and remission on comorbidities.

RESULTS

Between 2005 and 2017, 64,349 patients were enrolled in German Bariatric Surgery Registry (GBSR). Primary operations that were performed were 56.328. Out of 24,146 RYGB and 24,085 SG procedures, 922 patients had a complete 5-year follow-up. These are 342 SG patients and 580 patients with RYGB. A matching was realized for n = 285 (83.3%) patient pairs based on age, BMI, gender, ASA, and comorbidities. A significant disadvantage was identified for the SG procedure regarding reflux disease compared with RYGB (36.3% vs. 8.10%; p < 0.001). There were no significant disadvantages in terms of BMI reduction [14.92 in the RYGB and 14.50 in the SG (p = 0.437)] and %EWL [60.32 in the RYGB and 58.98 in the SG (p = 0.504)]. This also applies to the remission of NIDDM, IDDM, hypertension, and sleep apnea; no significant differences were found.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study show significant findings for gastroesophageal reflux. In terms of complications and obesity-associated diseases, no significant disadvantages between both treatments were found. RYGB and SG had comparable postoperative morbidity rates. The two surgical methods are legitimate bariatric procedures. However, there is a need for further evaluation to optimize patient selection in the coming years.

Safety and Outcomes of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in a General Surgery Residency Program

Background:

With the escalation of surgical treatment of morbid obesity, there is a growing interest in the training of bariatric surgeons. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) gained popularity both as a first-stage approach and as a stand-alone procedure.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to assess detectable differences in LSG with intra-operative resident involvement.

Methods:

We reviewed obese patients, who had undergone LSG between January 1, 2017 and January 31, 2020. Collected data reported demographic factors, operative time, postoperative complications, and outcomes.

Results:

Among 313 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 94 were men and 219 were women. The procedures were performed either by an expert bariatric surgeon (group 1), or a general surgery resident (group 2), respectively in 228 and 85 cases. Mean operative time of the first group was 65.3 ± 18.8 minutes, while it was 74.3 ± 17.2 among trainees (p < 0.001). Perioperative complications were diagnosed in 13 patients (10 in group 1 and 3 in group 2). Mean excess body weight loss after 12 months was 87.7 ± 28.2% in the first group and 81.1 ± 31.6% in the residents group. Between the two groups, we found no differences in the incidence of perioperative complications and in surgical outcomes. Trainee involvement was associated with increased operative time, with no correlation with a worse postoperative course.

Conclusions:

Residents can safely perform LSG in referral centers under the supervision of an expert bariatric surgeon. Trainee involvement is not related to increased leak rate, nor to suboptimal short-term outcome.

Learning curve and global benchmark values of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: results of first 100 cases of a newly trained surgeon in an Italian center of excellence

To evaluate whether the learning curve for sleeve gastrectomy could be completed after 50 cases. First 100 patients undergoing LSG under a newly trained laparoscopic surgeon were included in this study and divided into two groups of 50 consecutive patients each. Perioperative outcomes were compared to recently introduced global benchmarks. Short-term weight loss was calculated as Total Weight Loss Percent (%TWL) and complications were classified in accordance with the Clavien–Dindo classification. CUSUM analysis was performed for operative time and hospital stay. Mean preoperative age and BMI were 41.8 ± 10.3 years and 42.9 ± 5.4 kg/m², respectively. Demographics and rate of patients with previous surgery were comparable preoperatively in the two groups. Mean operative time was 92.1 ± 19.3 min and hospital stay was 3.4 ± 0.6 days as per our standard protocol of discharge. Uneventful postoperative course was recorded in 93% of patients and only one case of staple line leak was registered in the first 50 cases (group 1). No statistical difference in BMI and %TWL was found between the two groups at any time of follow-up. Comparison between two groups showed a significant reduction in hospital stay and operative time after the first 50 LSGs (p < 0.05). LSG can be performed by newly trained surgeons proctored by senior tutors. At least 50 cases are needed to meet global benchmark cut-offs and few more cases may be required to reach the plateau of the learning curve.

Long-term Effects of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: What Are the Results Beyond 10 Years?

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become the most commonly performed bariatric procedure worldwide. Newer studies providing long-term follow-up show a high incidence of weight regain and a high incidence of reflux. The study's objective was to present 5 to 15-year follow-up results regarding weight loss, comorbidities, reoperation rate, and a potential learning curve.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Patients who underwent LSG between August 2004 and December 2014 were included.

RESULTS

A total of 307 patients underwent LSG either as a primary bariatric procedure (n = 262) or as a redo operation after failed laparoscopic gastric banding (n = 45). Mean body mass index at the time of primary LSG was 46.4 ± 8.0 kg/m², and mean age at operation was 43.7 ± 12.4 years with 68% females. Follow-up was 84% and 70% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. The mean percentage excess body mass index loss (%EBMIL) for primary LSG was 62.8 ± 23.1% after 5 years, 53.6 ± 24.6% after 10 years, and 51.2 ± 20.3% after 13 years. Comorbidities improved considerably (e.g., type 2 diabetes mellitus 61%), while the incidence of new-onset reflux was 32.4%. Reoperation after LSG was necessary in almost every fifth LSG-patient: 24 patients (7.8%) were reoperated due to insufficient weight loss, 12 patients (3.9%) due to reflux, 23 due to both (7.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

LSG provides a long-term %EBMIL from 51 to 54% beyond 10 years and a significant improvement of comorbidities. On the other hand, a high incidence of insufficient weight loss and de novo reflux was observed, leading to reoperation and conversion to a different anatomy in 19.2%.

Bariatric surgery in Mexico: training, practice and surgical trends

Bariatric surgery is extremely safe and effective, but several factors need to be addressed to obtain such results. Patient selection, type of training, accreditation, type of practice, and surgical trends and technique are involved in this process. Local and global standardization are ill-advised, especially in countries with high obesity prevalence, and where the bariatric practice is fast growing.An online survey with 22 questions was sent to bariatric surgeons in Mexico. Only participants with the active practice were included, and the aim was to obtain for the first time insight in bariatric surgery training, characteristics of current practice and surgical trends.Complete responses from 114 surgeons were obtained. Most were male, under 50 years-old, ≤ 10 years of experience, and practice in low-volume hospitals. Less than half had a 12-month formal training. Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy were the most common procedures. Practice trends like leak tests, use of drains, preoperative weight loss, routine endoscopy, and pharmacological tromboprofilaxis are common. In surgical technique, the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy confection was more homogenic when compared to the one-anastomosis gastric bypass.Complete responses from 114 surgeons were obtained. Most were male, under 50 years-old, ≤ 10 years of experience, and practice in low-volume hospitals. Less than half had a 12-month formal training. Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy were the most common procedures. Practice trends like leak tests, use of drains, preoperative weight loss, routine endoscopy, and pharmacological tromboprofilaxis are common. In surgical technique, the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy confection was more homogenic when compared to the one-anastomosis gastric bypass. An important number of bariatric surgeons in Mexico are young, male, and with < 10 years of practice. The most common techniques performed are gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Several practices and technique trends are similar to global consensus. Fellowship programs and Board Certification in bariatric surgery are major advances in our country, thus standardization and high-quality practice can be achieved.

Fellowship training influences learning curves for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most commonly performed bariatric surgical procedure. Little is known about how surgeon training background influences the learning curve of this procedure. We examined operating times (OT), weight loss outcomes, and 30-day complications between surgeons with and without fellowship training in LSG. We hypothesize that post-residency training specific to LSG influences learning curves.

METHODS

Surgeons from a single institution were split into two groups: those who had not completed fellowship training in LSG (NF, n = 3), and those who had completed LSG specific training in fellowship (SGF, n = 3). OTs, BMI changes at 1 year, and 30-day readmissions, reoperations, and complications were extracted for the first 100 LSG cases of each surgeon. Data were analyzed in bins of 20 cases. Comparisons were made between cohorts within a bin and between adjacent bins of the same surgeon cohort. Logistic regression analyses were performed of OT and weight loss outcomes.

RESULTS

SGF surgeons showed no difference in OTs over their first 100 cases. NF surgeons had statistically significant increased OTs compared to SGF surgeons during their first 60 cases and progressively shortened OTs during that interval (109 min to 78 min, p < 0.001 for NF surgeons vs. 73 min to 69 min, SGF surgeons). NF surgeons had a significantly steeper slope for improvement in OT over case number. There was no correlation between case number and weight loss outcomes in either group, and no differences in 30-day outcomes between groups.

CONCLUSION

Surgeons who trained to perform LSG in fellowship demonstrate faster and consistent OR times on their initial independent LSG cases compared to surgeons who did not, with no correlation between case number and weight loss outcomes or safety profiles for either group. This suggests that learning curves for LSG are achieved during formal case-specific fellowship training.

UR, Jesus VHF, Jr WLC, Prolla G. Brazilian Group of Gastrointestinal Tumours' consensus guidelines for the management of gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is among the ten most common types of cancer worldwide. Most cases and deaths related to the disease occur in developing countries. Local socio-economic, epidemiologic and healthcare particularities led us to create a Brazilian guideline for the management of gastric carcinomas. The Brazilian Group of Gastrointestinal Tumors (GTG) invited 50 physicians with different backgrounds, including radiology, pathology, endoscopy, nuclear medicine, genetics, oncological surgery, radiotherapy and clinical oncology, to collaborate. This document was prepared based on an extensive review of topics related to heredity, diagnosis, staging, pathology, endoscopy, surgery, radiation, systemic therapy and follow-up, which was followed by presentation, discussion, and voting by the panel members. It provides updated evidence-based recommendations to guide clinical management of gastric carcinomas in several scenarios and clinical settings.

Analysis of the learning process for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: CUSUM-curve of 110 consecutive patients with 1-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most popular bariatric procedure worldwide. A tremendous recent increase in the number of LSGs has not been driven by an accurate learning process, especially in low volume bariatric centers. The cumulative-sum (CUSUM) method is an effective analysis of the learning process, taking intraoperative and postoperative variables into account. This study was aimed at establishing a CUSUM learning curve for LSG in order to define the number of procedures needed to achieve sufficient surgical skill.

METHODS

All LSGs performed by a single general surgeon between September 2014 and November 2017 were considered. We hypothesized that the key t variables related to the LSG learning process (LP) are: operative time (OT), intraoperative complications or difficulties, need for expert assistance, length of hospital stay (LOS), and 3-month postoperative morbidity. All of these parameters are binary variables analyzed with the risk-adjusted CUSUM method. Two groups, learning group (LG) and experienced group (EG), were identified and compared by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the variables most closely associated with operative time and surgical success. One-year weight loss outcomes were likewise analyzed.

RESULTS

One hundred and ten (110) consecutive LSGs were considered. CUSUM-LSG showed that the mean number of consecutive interventions necessary to reach proficiency in LSG was 58. In multivariate analysis, surgical success was negatively correlated with longer operative time and need for expert assistance. Body mass index was not correlated with surgical success.

CONCLUSION

Fifty-eight LSG procedures were required to achieve surgical skill. Operative time and the need for expert assistance were variables most closely associated with surgical success.

ACGME COMPETENCY

Practice-based learning and improvement.

Cervical esophageal perforation caused by the use of bougie during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Obesity is considered a chronic disease with an increasing prevalence worldwide during the last decades. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure, due to its relative safety and long-term efficacy. The use of bougie to ensure correct size of the gastric tube is part of the standard operation, usually placed by the anesthesiologist and with a very low rate of complications. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of a cervical esophageal perforation caused by the use of bougie during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

CASE PRESENTATION

The complication occurred in a previously healthy 42-year old female patient who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for class 1 obesity (BMI 31 kg/m²) and was diagnosed the first post-operative day. She was subsequently treated with an emergency thoracoscopy and evacuation of a mediastinal fluid collection, with additional neck incision for primary closure of the esophageal defect which was reinforced with a sternocleidomastoid muscle flap. The post-operative course was uneventful.

CONCLUSIONS

We made a literature review to better understand the options considering the diagnosis and treatment in case of very proximal iatrogenic esophageal perforations. The risks related to the use of bougie during surgery should not be underestimated, and its insertion must be done with extreme caution. Esophageal perforation is still a challenging, life threatening complication where prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment are essential.

Analysis of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Learning Curve and Its Influence on Procedure Safety and Perioperative Complications

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become an attractive bariatric procedure with promising treatment effects yet amount of data regarding institutional learning process is limited.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective study included patients submitted to LSG at academic teaching hospital. Patients were divided into groups every 100 consecutive patients. LSG introduction was structured along with Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) treatment protocol. Primary endpoint was determining the LSG learning curve's stabilization point, using operative time, intraoperative difficulties, intraoperative adverse events (IAE), and number of stapler firings. Secondary endpoints: influence on perioperative complications and reoperations. Five hundred patients were included (330 females, median age of 40 (33-49) years).

RESULTS

Operative time in G1-G2 differed significantly from G3-G5. Stabilization point was the 200th procedure using operative time. Intraoperative difficulties of G1 differed significantly from G2-G5, with stabilization after the 100th procedure. IAE and number of stapler firings could not be used as predictor. Based on perioperative morbidity, the learning curve was stabilized at the 100th procedure. The morbidity rates in the groups were G1, 13%; G2, 4%; G3, 5%; G4, 5%; and G5, 2%. The reoperation rate in G1 was 3%; G2, 2%; G3, 2%; G4, 1%; and G5, 0%.

CONCLUSION

The institutional learning process stabilization point for LSG in a newly established bariatric center is between the 100th and 200th operation. Initially, the morbidity rate is high, which should concern surgeons who are willing to perform bariatric surgery.

Bariatric peri-operative outcomes are affected by annual procedure-specific surgeon volume

BACKGROUND

There is limited data examining specific annual surgeon procedural volumes associated with improvement of postoperative outcomes following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

OBJECTIVES

Effect of surgeon volume on procedural outcomes.

METHODS

Using the SPARCS Administrative database, patients undergoing laparoscopic RYGB or SG between 2010-2014 were analyzed. Multivariable generalized linear mixed regression models were first used to analyze the influences of 3 yearly mean volumes (combined, RYGB and SG mean volumes) on each of three surgical outcomes: 30-day readmission, peri-operative complications, and extended length of stay (LOS), while accounting for patient specific variables.

RESULTS

A total of 46,511 laparoscopic bariatric procedures were included in the study. Risk for any complication and 30-day readmissions following RYGB decreased with increasing RYGB volume up to a specific volume and stayed similar afterward (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96-0.98 while volume < 247.9 cases/year and OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99 while volume < 354.1 cases/year, respectively) while risk for extended LOS decreased with increasing combined bariatric mean volume up to a specific volume and stayed similar afterward (OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.85-0.95 while volume < 62.1 cases/year). Similar patterns were found for extended LOS and complications following SG (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.72-0.93 while SG volume < 26.3 cases/year and OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.98 while combined volume < 62.1 cases/year, respectively), while 30-day readmission following SG significantly increased when combined bariatric volume being more than 138 cases/year (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.00-1.21 while combined volume > 138 cases/year)).

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric procedure peri-operative outcomes are affected by procedure-specific annual surgeons' volume.

Long term (7 or more years) outcomes of the sleeve gastrectomy: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is now the most common bariatric operation in the United States and has become an established procedure in the armamentarium of the bariatric surgeon. However, this has happened without the strong support of long-term outcomes data, namely the rate of revision and durability of the weight loss. Newly published data from around the world are starting to show alarming trends in these 2 areas. This paper will examine the published and presented data with at least a 7-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES

This is a meta-analysis on published data with at least 7 years of follow-up from the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

SETTING

Online published articles.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of publications with at least 7 years of follow-up with the keywords "laparoscopic, bariatric, sleeve gastrectomy, sleeve, long-term, long, term, results, follow-up, follow up, conversion, 7 years, 8 years, 9 years, 10 years, 11 years." We queried the PubMed, MEDLINE, and ClinicalKey search engines, which included abstracts as well. The I² statistic was used to determine the heterogeneity across the studies. In presence of heterogeneity, a random effect model using the Dersimonian and Laird method was used to estimate the pooled estimates. The results were summarized using effect size along with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Meta-regression was also used to assess the effect of body mass index and follow-up years on the incidence of recidivism at ≥7 years.

RESULTS

Nine cohort studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 2280 patients included initially. Only 652 patients had completed ≥7 years of follow-up. At ≥7 years, the long-term weight recidivism rate was estimated to be 27.8% (I² = .60%; 95% CI: 22.8%-32.7%) with a range of 14% to 37%. The overall revision rate was estimated to be 19.9% (I² = 93.8%; 95% CI: 11.3%-28.5%). This was broken down into 13.1% (I² = 93.8%; 95% CI: 5.6%-20.6%) due to weight regain (5 studies) and 2.9% (I² = 60.8%; 95% CI: 1%-4.9%) due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (5 studies).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on available data up to the beginning of 2017, bariatric surgeons should be aware of the long-term outcomes of the sleeve gastrectomy, especially regarding revisions and weight regain. It is incumbent on the surgeon to make sure that bariatric patients are truly informed regarding the long-term results of the sleeve gastrectomy.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Changes in the Last Decade: Differences in Morbidity and Weight Loss

PURPOSE

Aim is to report the learning curve and standardization process of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG), describing the evolution in surgical technique and patient management in the authors' experiences.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-seven patients were divided in three Groups (A, B, and C), based on bougie size and technical details, and included 36, 46, and 45 patients, respectively.

RESULTS

Mean operative time in Groups A, B, and C was 201.5, 150.8, and 172 minutes, respectively. Conversion to open surgery occurred in 1 Group A case. Eleven postoperative complications (8.6%) were observed (1 Group A, 8 Group B, 2 and Group C). Mean hospital stay in Groups A, B, and C, was 7.1, 6.9, and 3.1 days, respectively. At a mean follow-up of 69.7 months (Group A), 33.3 months (Group B), and 14.8 months (Group C), mean postoperative body mass index is 32.6, 28.1, and 31.5 kg/m², respectively. Percentage estimated body mass index loss (%EBMIL) was 74.8% for Group A, 85.7% for Group B, and 68.1% for Group C.

CONCLUSIONS

LSG is a safe and effective procedure. In the postoperative course, meticulous alertness to early warning signs of sepsis and aggressive patient management are mandatory to prevent mortality. The use of a larger bougie size was associated with weight regain.