Bariatric surgery training: getting your ticket punched

A New Procedure-Based Assessment of Operative Skills in Gastric Bypass Surgery, Evaluated by Video Fragment Rating

PURPOSE

Feedback on technical and procedural skills is essential during the training of residents and fellows. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of a newly created instrument for the assessment of operative skills using laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) video fragments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A new procedure-based assessment (PBA) was created by combining LRYGB key steps with a 5-point independence scale. LRYGB performed by residents and surgeons with different levels of expertise were video recorded. Fragments of the pouch creation, gastro-jejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy, were review by 12 expert bariatric surgeons and the operative skills assessed with the PBA, Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS), and the Bariatric OSATS (BOSATS). The PBA was compared to the OSATS and BOSATS. Mean scores for all items of the different assessments were summarized and compared using a T-test.

RESULTS

The scores of the procedural steps were combined and compared for all levels. The mean scores for beginner, intermediate, and expert level were 2.71, 3.70, and 3.90 for the PBA; for the OSATS 1.84, 2.86, and 3.44; and for the BOSATS 2.78, 3.56, and 4.19. Each of these assessments differentiated between the three skill levels (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The PBA discriminates well between different levels of operative skills. Similar patterns were found for the OSATS and BOSATS, showing that the randomly selected video fragments are representative samples for assessing skill level. Future research will demonstrate whether these results can be extrapolated to clinical training, and which scores allow for procedure certification.

Analysis of the Impact of the Learning Curve on the Safety Outcome of the Totally Robotic-Assisted Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch: a Single-Institution Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Totally robotic-assisted biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) learning curve has been described to be longer at approximately 50 cases, at which point operative time and complications rate decrease and tend to stabilize. This study aimed to form an analysis of the impact of the learning curve on the safety outcomes of the totally robotic-assisted BPD/DS.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent primary totally robotic-assisted BPD/DS by one of our certified bariatric and metabolic surgeon member of our institution was performed. The patients were classified into two groups, the learning stage group (first 50 cases) and the mastery stage group. Differences in operative time in minutes and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-six patients were included. The operative time and the postoperative length of stay were significantly higher in the learning stage group (173.8 ± 35.8 min vs. 139.2 ± 30.2 min, p= 0.0001; 3.4 ± 1.4 days vs. 2.6 ± 0.9 days, p= 0.0002). The overall leakage rate was significantly higher in the learning stage group (8% vs. 0.4%, p= 0.0001). The global rate of complications for the learning stage group was 14%, and for the mastery stage group was 6.6% (p= 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

After the first 50 cases, the operative time, the length of stay, and the overall rate of complications decreased, being especially significant the decrease in the duodeno-ileal anastomosis leakage rate after reaching the learning curve.

Outcomes in Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Implications for Surgical Resident Education

OBJECTIVES

Some surgery residents feel inadequately prepared to perform advanced operations, partly due to losing operative opportunities to fellows. In turn, they are prompted to pursue fellowships. Allowing residents the opportunity to participate in advanced procedures and complex cases may alleviate this cycle, if their participation is safe. This study examined the effects of resident participation in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures (LRYGBs).

DESIGN

Our MBSAQIP database was used to identify LRYGBs performed at our institution between 2015 and 2018. Operative notes were reviewed to determine training level of the assistant. Patient comorbidities and outcomes (duration of surgery, length of stay, post-operative complications, readmissions, and reoperations) were stratified by assistant level of training for comparison.

SETTING

Urban tertiary care hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Trainees and attending surgeons acting as assistants during LRYGBs.

RESULTS

Among 987 total cases, the assistants for the procedures were chief residents (n = 549, 56%), fourth-year residents (n = 258, 26%), attending surgeons (n = 143, 14%), and third-year residents (n = 37, 4%). Attending surgeons assisted more often when patients had a BMI ≥ 45 (38% attendings vs. 25% residents, p = 0.007), ≥ 2 comorbidities (54% vs. 40%, p = 0.007), or had a history of prior bariatric surgery (22% vs. 3%, p < 0.0001).Post-operative complication rate was low (4%) and did not differ significantly between all training levels (p = 0.86). Average length of stay, readmission rates, and reoperation rates were not significantly different across training levels (p = 0.75, p = 0.072, and p = 0.91 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Complication rates, hospital length of stay, readmission rates, and reoperation rates were equivalent for patients regardless of the level of training of the assistant for LRYGBs. Involving residents in complex bariatric procedures such as LRYGB is a safe model of education that does not compromise patient safety or hospital outcomes. Involvement in advanced cases allows general surgery residents to more confidently move toward independent practice.

Variations in bariatric surgical practice patterns between general and bariatric surgeons: a matched analysis of the 2017 MBSAQIP database

BACKGROUND

While general surgeons (GSs) perform metabolic and bariatric surgery (MABS), these procedures are increasingly performed by metabolic and bariatric surgeons (MBSs). Because MABS is an evolving practice with changing surgical platforms and approaches, it is important to evaluate outcomes between different specialists performing these procedures.

OBJECTIVES

To compare perioperative practice pattern variations and outcomes of MABS performed by GSs versus MBSs.

SETTING

University Hospital, United States.

METHODS

Using the 2017 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database, we identified Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) cases and stratified them by specialization (GSs versus MBSs). Patient characteristics, practice patterns and outcomes, complications, and 30-day outcomes were compared between cohorts. Matched procedure-specific analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Of 172,430 MABS procedures, 4394 (2.5%) were performed by GSs and 168,036 (97.4%) by MBSs. At baseline, patients of GSs had fewer co-morbidities. GSs more commonly used the robotic platform for SG cases and performed interventions such as staple line reinforcement and staple line check with provocative testing. MBSs more commonly performed robotic (versus laparoscopic) RYGB. Overall complications were low in both study cohorts. After propensity matching, transfusion and venous thromboembolism were higher in SG performed by GSs, while surgical site infection was higher in SG and RYGB performed by MBSs. These findings were not reproduced after case-control matching. In matched analyses, there were no mortality or morbidity differences between study cohorts.

CONCLUSION

MABS is performed safely by both GSs and MBSs, with no difference in morbidity and mortality.

A Delphi Consensus of the Crucial Steps in Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedures in the Netherlands

PURPOSE

Bariatric procedures are technically complex and skill demanding. In order to standardize the procedures for research and training, a Delphi analysis was performed to reach consensus on the practice of the laparoscopic gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in the Netherlands.

METHODS

After a pre-round identifying all possible steps from literature and expert opinion within our study group, questionnaires were send to 68 registered Dutch bariatric surgeons, with 73 steps for bypass surgery and 51 steps for sleeve gastrectomy. Statistical analysis was performed to identify steps with and without consensus. This process was repeated to reach consensus of all necessary steps.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight participants (56%) responded in the first round and 32 participants (47%) in the second round. After the first Delphi round, 19 steps for gastric bypass (26%) and 14 for sleeve gastrectomy (27%) gained full consensus. After the second round, an additional amount of 10 and 12 sub-steps was confirmed as key steps, respectively. Thirteen steps in the gastric bypass and seven in the gastric sleeve were deemed advisable. Our expert panel showed a high level of consensus expressed in a Cronbach's alpha of 0.82 for the gastric bypass and 0.87 for the sleeve gastrectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The Delphi consensus defined 29 steps for gastric bypass and 26 for sleeve gastrectomy as being crucial for correct performance of these procedures to the standards of our expert panel. These results offer a clear framework for the technical execution of these procedures.

Current Techniques of Teaching and Learning in Bariatric Surgical Procedures: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

The gastric sleeve resection and gastric bypass are the 2 most commonly performed bariatric procedures. This article provides an overview of current teaching and learning methods of those techniques in resident and fellow training.

DESIGN

A database search was performed on Pubmed, Embase, and the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) to identify the methods used to provide training in bariatric surgery worldwide. After exclusion based on titles and abstracts, full texts of the selected articles were assessed. Included articles were reviewed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

RESULTS

In total, 2442 titles were identified and 14 full text articles met inclusion criteria. Four publications described an ex vivo training course, and 6 focused on at least 1 step of the gastric bypass procedure. Two randomized controlled trials (RCT) provided high-quality evidence on training aspects. Surgical coaching caused significant improvement of Bariatric Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (BOSATS) scores (3.60 vs. 3.90, p = 0.017) and reduction of technical errors (18 vs. 10, p = 0.003). A preoperative warm-up increased global rating scales (GRS) scores on depth perception (p = 0.02), bimanual dexterity (p = 0.01), and efficiency of movements (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Stepwise education, surgical coaching, warming up, Internet-based knowledge modules, and ex vivo training courses are effective in relation to bariatric surgical training of residents and fellows, possibly shortening their learning curves.

Resident Training in Bariatric Surgery-A National Survey in the Netherlands

Purpose

Surgical procedures for morbid obesity, including laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), are considered standardized laparoscopic procedures. Our goal was to determine how bariatric surgery is trained in the Netherlands.

Materials and Methods

Questionnaires were sent to lead surgeons from all 19 bariatric centers in the Netherlands. At least two residents or fellows were surveyed for each center. Dutch residents are required to collect at least 20 electronic Objective Standard Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) observations per year, which include the level of supervision needed for specific procedures. Centers without resident accreditation were excluded.

Results

All 19 surgeons responded (100%). Answers from respondents who worked at teaching hospitals with residency accreditation (12/19, 63%) were analyzed. The average number of trained residents or fellows was 14 (range 3–33). Preferred procedures were LRYGB (n = 10), laparoscopic gastric sleeve (LGS) resection (n = 1), or no preference (n = 1). Three groups could be discerned for the order in which procedural steps were trained: unstructured, in order of increasing difficulty, or in order of chronology. Questionnaire response was 79% (19/24) for residents and 73% (8/11) for fellows. On average, residents started training in bariatric surgery in postgraduate year (PGY) 4 (range 0–5). The median number of bariatric procedures performed was 40 for residents (range 0–148) and 220 during fellowships (range 5–306).

Conclusions

Training in bariatric surgery differs considerably among centers. A structured program incorporating background knowledge, step-wise technical skills training, and life-long learning should enhance efficient training in bariatric teaching centers without affecting quality or patient safety.

Graduating otolaryngology resident preparedness for fellowship as assessed by fellowship faculty

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate fellowship program directors' perceptions of incoming clinical fellows' preparedness for subspecialty training and to thereby identify strengths and shortcomings in otolaryngology training programs' ability to prepare residents for fellowship.

STUDY DESIGN

Validated e-mail survey.

METHODS

Two hundred eleven otolaryngology subspecialty fellowship program directors and faculty directly involved with training fellows were contacted. A validated survey by the American College of Surgeons was modified and distributed to otolaryngology fellowship faculty in six otolaryngology subspecialties. The 59-item survey employed a five-response Likert scale tailored to each subspecialty. Responses were collected between November 2016 and January 2017.

RESULTS

One hundred ten otolaryngology faculty responded to the survey (52%). Respondents had worked with fellows for a mean of 12 years (standard deviation = 8). Respondents felt fellows were competent in the areas of professionalism, clinical evaluation, and management. Pediatric faculty were more likely to disagree about fellows' independence in the operating room (P = .004) and during call (P = .002) compared to other specialties. Laryngology and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery faculty felt more neutral about anatomy recognition (P = .008), tissue manipulation (P = .002), and use of energy sources (e.g., cautery, lasers) (P < .001). Fellows in all subspecialties were felt to be least prepared in research and academic interest.

CONCLUSIONS

Faculty involved in fellowship training feel that fellows are well-prepared overall upon entering fellowship. Residency programs may benefit from providing more experience with facial plastic reconstructive surgery, laryngology, and pediatrics. Regardless of specialty, residents could benefit from increased training in research design, data analysis, and basic statistics.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, E280-E286, 2018.

Perioperative care with fast-track management in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

It has been considered that allowing patients to return to daily life earlier after surgery helps recovery of physiological function and reduces postoperative complications and hospital stay. We investigated the usefulness of fast-track management in perioperative care of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS

Patients (n = 90) who received conventional perioperative management from 2005 to 2009 were included as the 'conventional group' (historical control group), and patients who received perioperative care with fast-track management (n = 100) from 2010 to March 2013 were included as the 'fast-track group'. To evaluate the efficacy of perioperative care with fast-track management, the incidence of postoperative complications and the length of hospital stay were compared between the two groups (comparative study). For statistical analysis, univariate analysis was performed using the χ (2) test or Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the two groups in sex, mean age, presence/absence of diabetes mellitus, preoperative drainage for jaundice, previous disease, operative procedure, mean duration of operation, or blood loss (p < 0.01). The incidence of surgical site infection in the conventional group and fast-track group was 28.9 and 14.0 %, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.019). In addition, the incidence of pancreatic fistula (grade B, C) significantly differed between the two groups (27.8 % in the conventional group, 9.0 % in the fast-track group; p = 0.001). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 36.3 days in the conventional group and 21.9 days in the fast-track group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative care with fast-track management may reduce postoperative complications and decrease the length of hospital stay in patients undergoing PD.

Preparedness of neurosurgery graduates for neuroendovascular fellowship: a national survey of fellowship programs

OBJECT

Endovascular interventions have become an essential part of a neurosurgeon's practice. Whether endovascular procedures have been effectively integrated into residency curricula, however, remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to assess the preparedness of US neurosurgery graduate trainees for neuroendovascular fellowship.

METHODS

A multidomain, global assessment survey was sent to all directors/faculty of neuroendovascular fellowship programs involved in training of US neurosurgery graduates. Surveyees were asked to assess trainees as they entered fellowship.

RESULTS

The response rate was 78% (25/32). Of respondent program directors, 38% reported that new fellows did not know the history and imaging of the patient and 50% were unable to formulate an appropriate treatment plan. As many as 79% of fellows were unfamiliar with endovascular devices and 75% were unfamiliar with angiographic equipment. Furthermore, 58% of fellows were unable to perform femoral access, 54% were unable to perform femoral closure, 79% were unable to catheterize a major vessel, 86% were unable to perform a 4-vessel angiogram, and 100% were unable to catheterize an aneurysm. Additionally, program directors reported that over 50% of fellows could not recognize neurovascular anatomy and 54% could not recognize/classify vascular abnormalities. There was an overall agreement that fellows demonstrated professionalism and interest in research and had good communication/clinical skills.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest potential gaps in the training of neurosurgery residents with regard to endovascular neurosurgery. In an era of minimally invasive therapies, changes in residency curricula may be needed to keep pace with the ever-changing field of neurosurgery.

Increasing access to specialty surgical care: application of a new resource allocation model to bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVES

To calculate the public health impact and economic benefit of using ancillary health care professionals for routine postoperative care.

BACKGROUND

The need for specialty surgical care far exceeds its supply, particularly in weight loss surgery. Bariatric surgery is cost-effective and the only effective long-term weight loss strategy for morbidly obese patients. Without clinically appropriate task shifting, surgeons, hospitals, and untreated patients incur a high opportunity cost.

METHODS

Visit schedules, time per visit, and revenues were obtained from bariatric centers of excellence. Case-specific surgeon fees were derived from published Current Procedural Terminology data. The novel Microsoft Excel model was allowed to run until a steady state was evident (status quo). This model was compared with one in which the surgeon participates in follow-up visits beyond 3 months only if there is a complication (task shifting). Changes in operative capacity and national quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were calculated.

RESULTS

In the status quo model, per capita surgical volume capacity equilibrates at 7 surgical procedures per week, with 27% of the surgeon's time dedicated to routine long-term follow-up visits. Task shifting increases operative capacity by 38%, resulting in 143,000 to 882,000 QALYs gained annually. Per surgeon, task shifting achieves an annual increase of 95 to 588 QALYs, $5 million in facility revenue, 48 cases of cure of obstructive sleep apnea, 44 cases of remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 35 cases of cure of hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal resource allocation through task shifting is economically appealing and can achieve dramatic public health benefit by increasing access to specialty surgery.

General surgery residency inadequately prepares trainees for fellowship: results of a survey of fellowship program directors

OBJECTIVE

To assess readiness of general surgery graduate trainees entering accredited surgical subspecialty fellowships in North America.

METHODS

A multidomain, global assessment survey designed by the Fellowship Council research committee was electronically sent to all subspecialty program directors. Respondents spanned minimally invasive surgery, bariatric, colorectal, hepatobiliary, and thoracic specialties. There were 46 quantitative questions distributed across 5 domains and 1 or more reflective qualitative questions/domains.

RESULTS

There was a 63% response rate (n = 91/145). Of respondent program directors, 21% felt that new fellows arrived unprepared for the operating room, 38% demonstrated lack of patient ownership, 30% could not independently perform a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and 66% were deemed unable to operate for 30 unsupervised minutes of a major procedure. With regard to laparoscopic skills, 30% could not atraumatically manipulate tissue, 26% could not recognize anatomical planes, and 56% could not suture. Furthermore, 28% of fellows were not familiar with therapeutic options and 24% were unable to recognize early signs of complications. Finally, it was felt that the majority of new fellows were unable to conceive, design, and conduct research/academic projects. Thematic clustering of qualitative data revealed deficits in domains of operative autonomy, progressive responsibility, longitudinal follow-up, and scholarly focus after general surgery education.

The Initial Learning Curve for Robot-Assisted Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Surgeon's Experience While Introducing the Robotic Technology in a Bariatric Surgery Department

Objective. Robot-assisted sleeve gastrectomy has the potential to treat patients with obesity and its comorbidities. To evaluate the learning curve for this procedure before undergoing Roux en-Y gastric bypass is the objective of this paper. Materials and Methods. Robot-assisted sleeve gastrectomy was attempted in 32 consecutive patients. A survey was performed in order to identify performance variables during completion of the learning curve. Total operative time (OT), docking time (DT), complications, and length of hospital stay were compared among patients divided into two cohorts according to the surgical experience. Scattergrams and continuous curves were plotted to develop a robotic sleeve gastrectomy learning curve. Results. Overall OT time decreased from 89.8 minutes in cohort 1 to 70.1 minutes in cohort 2, with less than 5% change in OT after case 19. Time from incision to docking decreased from 9.5 minutes in cohort 1 to 7.6 minutes in cohort 2. The time required to dock the robotic system also decreased. The complication rate was the same in the two cohorts. Conclusion. Our survey indicates that technique and outcomes for robot-assisted sleeve gastrectomy gradually improve with experience. We found that the learning curve for performing a sleeve gastrectomy using the da Vinci system is completed after about 20 cases.

Training programs influence in the learning curve of laparoscopic gastric bypass for morbid obesity: a systematic review

The makeup of a new surgical bariatric team may be associated with a higher number of postoperative complications due to the learning curve. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes during the learning curve of laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGBP) depending on surgeons' training. A systematic approach was used to review studies from the Pubmed, Embase (Ovid), Cancer Lit, Biomes Central via Scirus, Current Contens (ISI), and Web of Science (SCI) databases. Two reviewers independently screened all titles/abstracts and included/excluded studies based on full copies of manuscripts. The outcomes included were: specific training of the surgeon, postoperative complications (leaks, occlusion, hemorrhage, pneumonia, etc.), mortality, and surgical technique. One reviewer put data onto an Excel spreadsheet. Statistical analysis was performed with weighted linear regression. We identified 448 citations, of which 120 abstract and 50 full-text publications were reviewed. Fourteen papers were selected. Data from 1,848 patients were included. Eighteen different surgeons were analyzed during their learning curve (including the first author of this study). Surgeons were divided into two groups: (1) without formal laparoscopic bariatric training (13 surgeons) and (2) with formal laparoscopic bariatric training (five surgeons). Postoperative complications were more frequent in group 1: 18.1% (± 7.6) vs. 7.7% (± 1.96, p = 0.046); also, mortality was more frequent in group 1: 0.57% (± 0.87) vs. 0% (p = 0.05). An appropriated training in laparoscopic bariatric surgery contributes to a significant reduction in postoperative complications and mortality during the learning curve of LGBP.

Surgical resident participation in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y bypass: Is it safe?

BACKGROUND

The majority of bariatric surgeons use dedicated surgical assistants when performing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LGBP) because of the technical difficulty and steep learning curve involved in the operation. At our institution, either a senior surgical resident (SSR) or a physician assistant (PA) participates in LGBP cases. The PA's role is confined to assisting, whereas the SSR progressively acts as the operating surgeon. We were interested in evaluating patient outcomes to determine whether any differences existed between the LGBP operations in which either the PA or the SSR participated.

METHODS

All patients undergoing LGBP between January 2007 and December 2009 in our prospectively collected bariatric database were reviewed. Demographics, baseline measures, intraoperative parameters, and outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 711 patients were identified. The group involving PAs included 343 patients, and the group involving SSRs included 368 patients. Preoperative comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, asthma, sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, musculoskeletal disability, and depression, were similar in both groups. Personal histories of venous thromboembolism were higher in the PA group (5.1% vs 2.5%; P = .075). The mean body-mass indexes (BMI) (53 ± 9 vs 51 ± 8 kg/m(2); P = .006) and weights (323 ± 67 vs 306 ± 59 lbs; P < .001) in the PA group were significantly higher than in the SSR group. The proportion of males was higher in the PA group (24% vs 16%; P = .008). The operative time was significantly shorter in the PA group (121 ± 36 vs 164 ± 30 minutes; P < .001). There was no significant difference between the groups in intraoperative complications, length of hospital stay, 30-day complications, or reoperations within 1 year. There were no mortalities in either group. The 1-year percent excess weight loss (64% vs 66%) was similar in the PA and SSR groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

SSR participation in LGBP prolongs operative time but does not increase complications, mortality rates, or length of stay. Therefore, SSR participation in LGBP is safe and produces outcomes comparable to those performed with PAs.

Nonstandard Programs: the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's next frontier in graduate medical education

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center has seen continuous growth in the number and types of graduate training programs not accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the American Board of Medical Specialties, or the American Osteopathic Association. For the purposes of ensuring best educational products and of controlling unrecognized competition with our accredited programs, a sequential process of centralized oversight of these nonstandard programs was undertaken. The first step involved programs whose fellows were hired and tracked like accredited fellows (i.e., not instructors). The basic process began with consensus among leadership, writing of policy with consultation as necessary, establishment of a registry of programs and graduates, and a committee to allow sharing of best practices and dissemination of policy. The second step applied the same process to instructor-level programs. Whereas the previous group of programs was made subject to ACGME regulations, more latitude in duty hours and progressive responsibility were allowed for instructor programs. The final step, in progress, is extending a similar but modified approach to short-duration clinical experiences and observerships. The outcomes of these efforts have been the creation of a centralized organizational structure, policies to guide this structure, an accurate registry of a surprising number of training programs, and a rolling record of all graduates from these programs. Included in the process is a mechanism that ensures that core program directors and department chairs specifically review the impact of new programs on core programs before allowing their creation.

Impact of surgeon experience and buttress material on postoperative complications after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Sleeve gastrectomy is gaining popularity whether as a primary, staged or revisional operation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the perioperative safety and the learning curve for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of the prospectively collected data for all patients who underwent LSG for the treatment of morbid obesity at our institution from January 2003 to December 2008.

RESULTS

Data from 230 consecutive patients [male 47%, female 53%; mean age 44.0 ± 10.0 years, mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) 56.7 ± 11.5 kg/m(2)], who were operated upon by three surgeons with different degrees of bariatric experience, were analyzed. There was no 30-day mortality, but there were two cases of late mortality (0.87%). Early complications were noted in 23 cases (10.0%), including 10 cases of leak (4.3%) and 10 cases of hemorrhage (4.3%). In 17 cases (7.4%) reoperations were performed. The rates of overall and major complications did not differ among surgeons or between early and late period of experience for the three surgeons; this trend held true individually and in subgroups. Overall, over the course of the learning curve, a significant decrease in operative time was noted. The only factor that was independently associated with complications was use of buttress material; the likelihood of complications was found to be 72% lower in patients in whom buttress material was used.

CONCLUSIONS

LSG constitutes a potentially safe anti-obesity procedure with acceptable morbidity. Experience at the beginning can be discouraging, even for surgeons with advanced laparoscopic skills. LSG can be performed safely, with proper mentoring and in appropriate settings, even by less experienced bariatric surgeons. The use of staple-line reinforcement was associated with improved perioperative outcomes, and it should be considered in an attempt to decrease leaks.

Expert panel on weight loss surgery: executive report update

Rapid shifts in the demographics and techniques of weight loss surgery (WLS) have led to new issues, new data, new concerns, and new challenges. In 2004, this journal published comprehensive evidence-based guidelines on WLS. In this issue, we've updated those guidelines to assure patient safety in this fast-changing field. WLS involves a uniquely vulnerable population in need of specialized resources and ongoing multidisciplinary care. Timely best-practice updates are required to identify new risks, develop strategies to address them, and optimize treatment. Findings in these reports are based on a comprehensive review of the most current literature on WLS; they directly link patient safety to methods for setting evidence-based guidelines developed from peer-reviewed scientific publications. Among other outcomes, these reports show that WLS reduces chronic disease risk factors, improves health, and confers a survival benefit on those who undergo it. The literature also shows that laparoscopy has displaced open surgery as the predominant approach; that government agencies and insurers only reimburse procedures performed at accredited WLS centers; that best practice care requires close collaboration between members of a multidisciplinary team; and that new and existing facilities require wide-ranging changes to accommodate growing numbers of severely obese patients. More than 100 specialists from across the state of Massachusetts and across the many disciplines involved in WLS came together to develop these new standards. We expect them to have far-reaching effects of the development of health care policy and the practice of WLS.

Best practice updates for surgical care in weight loss surgery

To update evidence-based best practice guidelines for surgical care in weight loss surgery (WLS). Systematic search of English-language literature on WLS in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library between April 2004 and May 2007. Use of key words to narrow the search for a selective review of abstracts, retrieval of full articles, and grading of evidence according to systems used in established evidence-based models. Evidence-based best practice recommendations from the most recent literature on surgical methods and technologies, risks and benefits, outcomes, and surgeon qualifications and credentialing. We identified >135 articles; the 65 most relevant were reviewed in detail. Regular updates of evidence-based recommendations for best practices in WLS are required to address rapid changes in surgical techniques and patient demographics. Key factors in patient safety include surgical risk factors, type of procedure, surgeon training, and facility certification.

Best practice updates for pediatric/adolescent weight loss surgery

The objective of this study is to update evidence-based best practice guidelines for pediatric/adolescent weight loss surgery (WLS). We performed a systematic search of English-language literature on WLS and pediatric, adolescent, gastric bypass, laparoscopic gastric banding, and extreme obesity published between April 2004 and May 2007 in PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library. Keywords were used to narrow the search for a selective review of abstracts, retrieval of full articles, and grading of evidence according to systems used in established evidence-based models. In light of evidence on the natural history of obesity and on outcomes of WLS in adolescents, guidelines for surgical treatment of obesity in this age group need to be updated. We recommend modification of selection criteria to include adolescents with BMI >or= 35 and specific obesity-related comorbidities for which there is clear evidence of important short-term morbidity (i.e., type 2 diabetes, severe steatohepatitis, pseudotumor cerebri, and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea). In addition, WLS should be considered for adolescents with extreme obesity (BMI >or= 40) and other comorbidities associated with long-term risks. We identified >1,085 papers; 186 of the most relevant were reviewed in detail. Regular updates of evidence-based recommendations for best practices in pediatric/adolescent WLS are required to address advances in technology and the growing evidence base in pediatric WLS. Key considerations in patient safety include carefully designed criteria for patient selection, multidisciplinary evaluation, choice of appropriate procedure, thorough screening and management of comorbidities, optimization of long-term compliance, and age-appropriate fully informed consent.