High frequency of internal hernias after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Nissen Sleeve as a Redo Surgery Post Gastric Banding for Non-responders to Weight Loss and Therapy-Resistant Reflux

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) would be the procedure of choice for non-responders of weight loss and patients with reflux symptoms (GERD). However, not every patient is a candidate for RYGB, and sometimes, the patient can insist only on alternatives other than malabsorption procedures, as was the case with our patient. We report a case with symptomatic GERD who underwent a successful Nissen sleeve gastrectomy after band removal. To our knowledge, this is the first case using Nissen sleeve as a redo surgery after a previous bariatric procedure.

Nissen-Sleeve procedure versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in patients with morbid obesity and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: protocol for a non-inferiority randomised trial (GINSBY)

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are the most frequently performed procedures in bariatric surgery. In patients with morbid obesity and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), LRYGB is the most accepted procedure. For patients with a contraindication for LRYGB or a strong preference for LSG, the Nissen-Sleeve procedure may be a viable new option. The aim of this study is to compare effectiveness of Nissen-Sleeve with LRYGB.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

This is a single-centre, phase III, parallel-group randomised controlled trial in a high-volume bariatric centre in the Netherlands. A total of 88 patients with morbid obesity and GORD will be randomised to evaluate non-inferiority of Nissen-Sleeve versus LRYGB (non-inferiority margin 15%, power 80%, one-sided α 0.025, 9% drop out). Patients with morbid obesity aged 18 years and older with GORD according to the Montreal definition will be included after obtaining informed consent. Exclusion criteria are achalasia, neoplastic abnormalities diagnosed during endoscopy, super obesity (body mass index ≥50 kg/m²), Crohn's disease and medical history of major abdominal surgery. After randomisation, all patients will undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Patients in the Nissen-Sleeve arm will undergo a timed barium oesophagram to exclude oesophageal motility disorders. Patients will complete six questionnaires at baseline and every year until 5 years of follow-up. At day 1 postoperative, patients in the Nissen-Sleeve arm will undergo a swallow X-ray to confirm passage. At 1 year, all patients will undergo another endoscopy. The primary outcome is GORD status. Absence of GORD is defined as <8 points on the GORD questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures are long-term GORD improvement; failure rate of procedure; health-related quality of live; weight loss; proton pump inhibitor use; postoperative complications <30 days and >30 days; length of hospital stay; duration of primary surgery; effect on comorbidities; presence and grade of oesophagitis (grade A-D) and/or presence of Barrett's oesophagus and cost-effectiveness.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committees United (MEC-U), Nieuwegein, on 15 September 2021. Written informed consent will be obtained for all participants in the study. The study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NL9789; The Netherlands Trial Registry.

Small bowel obstruction following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: is it always necessary to operate? A 5-year, high volume center experience

PURPOSE

This study aims to describe the incidence, associated factors, etiology, and management of small bowel obstructions following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted between January 15 and December 19 using the surgery database of our hospital. Included LRYGB patients were those that evolved with a prolonged length of stay; readmission; emergency room consult; and re-intervention due to small bowel obstruction (SBO) related symptoms with compatible radiological or intraoperative findings. The LRYGB technique implied an antecolic alimentary limb reconstruction and systematic closure of mesenteric defects. Descriptive and analytical statistics were carried out, using a parametric or non-parametric approach as needed.

RESULTS

Nine hundred forty-one LRYGB were performed. 9.9% were revisional surgeries of patients with a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. During the study period, 36 SBOs occurred, representing 3.8% of operated patients, with no mortality. 58.3% had successful non-operative management, while 41.7% required surgical exploration, of which 73.3% were treated laparoscopically and 20% needed conversion to open surgery. Etiologies of SBO were jejuno-jejunostomy (JJO) related stenosis (22, 61.1%), internal hernias (6, 16.7%), adherences (3, 8.3%), and other diagnoses (5, 13.9%). Regarding JJO stenosis and internal hernias, median time to diagnosis was 8 days (IQR 7-11) and 12 months (IQR 8.7-16) respectively. Previous sleeve gastrectomy, age, or sex was not associated to the incidence of small bowel obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

LRYGB is safe when performed by experienced surgeons. SBO due to internal hernias were scarce in this series. JJO stenosis could explain most cases of SBO; under this diagnosis, non-surgical management was successful frequently.

Internal Hernia After One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB): Lessons Learned from a Retrospective Series of 3368 Consecutive Patients Undergoing OAGB with a Biliopancreatic Limb of 150 cm

Background

Internal hernia (IH) represents a relatively common and well-known complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. IH after one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is less frequent and rarely reported in the literature. This study presents a series of IH after OAGB observed in a high-volume bariatric center.

Methods

Data of patients who underwent OAGB with an afferent limb of 150 cm between May 2010 and September 2019 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Data of patients undergoing surgery for IH during follow-up were collected and analyzed.

Results

Ninety-six patients out of 3368 with a history of OAGB had intestinal incarceration in the Petersen’s orifice (2.8%). Specificity and sensitivity of computed tomography scans in the diagnosis of IH were 59% and 76%, respectively. The mean timeframe between OAGB and surgery for IH was 21.9±18.3 months. Mean body mass index at the time of IH surgery was 24.7 ± 3.6. Surgery was completed laparoscopically in 96.8% of cases. Nine patients (9.3%) had signs of bowel hypovascularization. In all patients, the herniated bowel was repositioned, and the Petersen’s orifice was closed, without the need for bowel resection. Mean hospital stay was 1.9 ± 4.8 days. The postoperative morbidity rate was 8.3%. Long-term IH relapse was observed in 14 patients; signs of bowel hypovascularization due to incarceration in a small orifice was observed in eight of these patients (57%).

Conclusions

Incidence of IH after OAGB is 2.8%. IH is associated with a low rate of bowel ischemia and the need for intestinal resection.

Intestinal failure after bariatric surgery: Treatment and outcome at a single-intestinal rehabilitation and transplant center

BACKGROUND

Though intestinal failure (IF) after bariatric surgery (BS) is uncommon, its prevalence is increasing. However, data on the outcomes for these patients are limited.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the outcomes of treatment for patients with IF after BS.

SETTING

University hospital.

METHODS

A single-center analysis (1991-2016) of outcomes according to treatment arms established by a multidisciplinary team.

RESULTS

Twenty-five IF patients were identified (median age 45 yr). BS was 92% Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The major cause of IF was volvulus/internal hernia (72%). Median time from BS to IF was 48 months. Treatment arms were intestinal rehabilitation (IR, n = 15), transplantation (TXP, n = 5), and parenteral nutrition (PN, n = 5). For IR, median bowel length was 60 cm. Forty-six percent ultimately discontinued PN. Twenty-seven percent were partially weaned PN and 27% failed IR. Common surgical rehabilitation was Roux-en-Y gastric bypass reversal and restoration of gastrointestinal continuity. The 5-year overall survival was 74%. For TXP, 7 patients were listed for TXP (5 initially and 2 after failed IR). Three underwent TXP, 2 isolated intestine and 1 isolated liver. Three were delisted (1 improvement and 2 death). For PN, 6 patients required long-term PN (5 initially and 1 after failed IR). Four patients are alive currently.

CONCLUSIONS

IF after BS is an increasing problem facing IR centers. Internal hernia is the major cause. Surgical IR is the first-line therapy and affords the best outcome. TXP is reserved for rescuing patients who failed IR or develop PN complications. Long-term PN is suitable for patients in whom IR or TXP is impractical.

Metabolic comparison of one-anastomosis gastric bypass, single-anastomosis duodenal-switch, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and vertical sleeve gastrectomy in rat

BACKGROUND

One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and single-anastomosis duodenal switch (SADS) have become increasingly popular weight loss strategies. However, data directly comparing the effectiveness of these procedures with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are limited.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the metabolic outcomes of OAGB, SADS, RYGB, and SG in a controlled rodent model.

SETTING

Academic research laboratory, United States.

METHODS

Surgeries were performed in diet-induced obese Long-Evans rats, and metabolic outcomes were monitored before and for 15 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

All bariatric procedures induced weight loss compared with sham that lasted throughout the course of the study. The highest percent fat loss occurred after OAGB and RYGB. All bariatric procedures had improved glucose dynamics associated with an increase in insulin (notably OAGB and SADS) and/or glucagon-like protein-1 secretion. Circulating cholesterol was reduced in OAGB, SG, and RYGB. OAGB and SG additionally decreased circulating triglycerides. Liver triglycerides were most profoundly reduced after OAGB and RYGB. Circulating iron levels were decreased in all surgical groups, associated with a decreased hematocrit value and increased reticulocyte count. The fecal microbiome communities of OAGB, SADS, and RYGB were significantly altered; however, SG exhibited no change in microbiome diversity or composition.

CONCLUSIONS

These data support the use of the rat for modeling bariatric surgical procedures and highlight the ability of the OAGB to meet or exceed the metabolic improvements of RYGB. These data point to the likelihood that each surgery accomplishes metabolic improvements through both overlapping and distinct mechanisms and warrants further research.

Predicting Symptom Relief After Reoperation for Suspected Internal Herniation After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background

Internal herniation (IH) is one of the most common long-term complications after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Diagnosis of IH may be difficult, and not all patients with suspected IH will have full relief of symptoms after closure of both mesenteric defects.

Objectives

To investigate possible predictive factors for relief of symptoms in patients with suspected IH.

Methods

All patients that underwent reoperation for (suspected) IH after LRYGB from June 2009 to December 2016 were retrospectively evaluated in this multicentre cohort study. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictive factors for pain relief after closure of the mesenteric defects.

Results

A total of 193 patients underwent laparoscopy for (suspected) IH during the study period. The median interval between LRYGB and reoperation was 18.3 ± 19.0 months. In 40.2% of cases, IH was identified on computed tomography (CT), and IH was objectified during surgery in 61.1%. Postoperative symptom relief was observed in 146 patients (77.2%). For patients in which IH was present during surgery, 82.8% had relief of pain postoperatively, as compared to 68.5% for those procedures in which no IH was found. The only significant predictor for postoperative pain relief was a swirl sign on CT (OR 4.24, 95%CI 1.63–11.05).

Conclusions

Pain relief after closure of the mesenteric defects for IH remains unpredictable. A positive CT for IH was a predictive factor for symptom relief after reoperation for (suspected) IH after LRYGB. However, many patients benefit from closure of the mesenteric defects, irrespective of perioperative presence of IH.

The Utility of Diagnostic Laparoscopy in Post-Bariatric Surgery Patients with Chronic Abdominal Pain of Unknown Etiology

PURPOSE

Chronic abdominal pain after bariatric surgery is associated with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield of laparoscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in post-bariatric surgery patients with chronic abdominal pain who had negative imaging and endoscopic studies.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on post-bariatric surgery patients who underwent laparoscopy for diagnosis and treatment of chronic abdominal pain at a single academic center. Only patients with both negative preoperative CT scan and upper endoscopy were included.

RESULTS

Total of 35 post-bariatric surgery patients met the inclusion criteria, and all had history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Twenty out of 35 patients (57%) had positive findings on diagnostic laparoscopy including presence of adhesions (n = 12), chronic cholecystitis (n = 4), mesenteric defect (n = 2), internal hernia (n = 1), and necrotic omentum (n = 1). Two patients developed post-operative complications including a pelvic abscess and an abdominal wall abscess. Overall, 15 patients (43%) had symptomatic improvement after laparoscopy; 14 of these patients had positive laparoscopic findings requiring intervention (70% of the patients with positive laparoscopy). Conversely, 20 (57%) patients required long-term medical treatment for management of chronic abdominal pain.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic laparoscopy, which is a safe procedure, can detect pathological findings in more than half of post-bariatric surgery patients with chronic abdominal pain of unknown etiology. About 40% of patients who undergo diagnostic laparoscopy and 70% of patients with positive findings on laparoscopy experience significant symptom improvement. Patients should be informed that diagnostic laparoscopy is associated with no symptom improvement in about half of cases.

Laparoscopy-Assisted Trans-Gastric Rendez-vous for the Treatment of Common Bile Duct Stones in Patients with Prior Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

BACKGROUND

Common bile duct (CBD) stones in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) represent a major challenge for ERCP due to long-limb anatomy. Trans-gastric approach has been proposed but entails high ERCP-related risks. Laparoscopy assisted trans-gastric rendez-vous (LATG-RV) is a one-step procedure that may lower the risks of these patients.

METHODS

We describe our initial experience in four patients with past history of RYGB and CBD stones.

RESULTS

All patients underwent LATG-RV and had successful CBD stone clearance. Postoperative course was uneventful with normal amylase levels. Average procedure time was 105 min and postoperative stay 2 days.

CONCLUSION

LATG-RV is a safe and effective procedure for the clearance of CBD stones in RYGB patients. It may have fewer complications and shorter operative time than regular trans-gastric ERCP.

Reoperation risk following the first operation for internal herniation in patients with laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Background

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is the most commonly used surgical procedure in the treatment of morbid obesity in Denmark. Internal herniation (IH) and intermittent internal herniation (IIH) are probably the most common late complications in patients with LRYGB. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible increased risk of subsequent operations after an initial IH or IIH event.

Methods

This long-term follow-up study of patients who had surgery for an initial IH or IIH event in 2006–2011, based on the Danish National Patient Registry (NPR), was performed to 2013. During this period, mesenteric defects were not closed routinely during LRYGB.

Results

Data were retrieved from 12 221 patients with LRYGB from the NPR. A total of 383 patients had surgery for an initial IH or IIH event. Some 102 patients (26·6 (95 per cent c.i. 22·5 to 31·3) per cent) had a second operation. Twenty-seven (26·5 (18·9 to 35·8) per cent) of these 102 patients had a third operation, and five (19 (8 to 37) per cent) of the 27 had a fourth operation. Of the 383 patients diagnosed with an initial IH or IIH event, 72 (18·8 per cent) had a second IH/IIH event, 14 (3·7 per cent) had a third event, and three (0·8 per cent) a fourth event requiring surgery.

Conclusion

Patients who have surgery for IH or IIH have a substantial risk of needing further operations.