Results of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in 541 Consecutive Patients with Low Baseline Body Mass Index (30-35 kg/m2)

Bariatric and metabolic surgery in patients with low body mass index: an online survey of 543 bariatric and metabolic surgeons

BACKGROUND

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) in patients with low body mass index patients is a topic of debate. This study aimed to address all aspects of controversies in these patients by using a worldwide survey.

METHODS

An online 35-item questionnaire survey based on existing controversies surrounding MBS in class 1 obesity was created by 17 bariatric surgeons from 10 different countries. Responses were collected and analysed by authors.

RESULTS

A total of 543 bariatric surgeons from 65 countries participated in this survey. 52.29% of participants agreed with the statement that MBS should be offered to class-1 obese patients without any obesity related comorbidities. Most of the respondents (68.43%) believed that MBS surgery should not be offered to patients under the age of 18 with class I obesity. 81.01% of respondents agreed with the statement that surgical interventions should be considered after failure of non-surgical treatments.

CONCLUSION

This survey demonstrated worldwide variations in metabolic/bariatric surgery in patients with class 1 obesity. Precise analysis of these results is useful for identifying different aspects for future research and consensus building.

Combined laparoscopic pouch and loop resizing as a revisional procedure for weight regain after primary laparoscopic one-anastomosis gastric bypass

Introduction

One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) presents a satisfactory long-term outcome in terms of weight loss, amelioration of comorbidities and low morbidity. However, some patients may present insufficient weight loss or weight regain. In this study, we tackle a case series evaluating the efficiency of the combined laparoscopic pouch and loop resizing (LPLR) as a revisional procedure for insufficient weight loss or weight regain after primary laparoscopic OAGB.

Materials and Methods

We included eight patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 with a history of weight regain or insufficient weight loss after laparoscopic OAGB, who underwent revisional laparoscopic intervention by LPLR between January 2018 and October 2020 at our institution. We conducted a 2 years' follow-up. Statistics were performed using International Business Machines Corporation® SPSS® software for Windows version 21.

Results

The majority of the eight patients were males (62.5%), with a mean age of 35.25 at the time of the primary OAGB. The average length of the biliopancreatic limb created during the OAGB and LPLR were 168 ± 27 and 267 ± 27 cm, respectively. The mean weight and BMI were 150.25 ± 40.73 kg and 48.68 ± 11.74 kg/m2 at the time of OAGB. After OAGB, patients were able to reach an average lowest weight, BMI and per cent of excess weight loss (%EWL) of 89.5 ± 28.85 kg, 28.78 ± 7.47 kg/m2 and 75.07 ± 21.62%, respectively. At the time of LPLR, patients had a mean weight, BMI and %EWL of 116.12 ± 29.03 kg, 37.63 ± 8.27 kg/m2 and 41.57 ± 12.99%, respectively. Two years after the revisional intervention, the mean weight, BMI and %EWL were 88.25 ± 21.89 kg, 28.44 ± 4.82 kg/m2 and 74.51 ± 16.54%, respectively.

Conclusion

Combined pouch and loop resizing is a valid option for revisional surgery following weight regain after primary OAGB, leading to adequate weight loss through enhancement of the restrictive and malabsorptive effect of OAGB.

2022 American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) Indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

MAJOR UPDATES TO 1991 NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m2, regardless of presence, absence, or severity of co-morbidities.MBS should be considered for individuals with metabolic disease and BMI of 30-34.9 kg/m2.BMI thresholds should be adjusted in the Asian population such that a BMI >25 kg/m2 suggests clinical obesity, and individuals with BMI >27.5 kg/m2 should be offered MBS.Long-term results of MBS consistently demonstrate safety and efficacy.Appropriately selected children and adolescents should be considered for MBS.(Surg Obes Relat Dis 2022; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2022.08.013 ) © 2022 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. All rights reserved.

2022 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO): Indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

Major updates to 1991 National Institutes of Health guidelines for bariatric surgery.

Comparison of Sleeve Gastrectomy vs Intensive Lifestyle Modification in Patients With a BMI of 30 to Less Than 35

IMPORTANCE

There is a lack of studies evaluating sleeve gastrectomy compared with intensive lifestyle treatment in patients with class 1 obesity (body mass index [BMI] 30 to <35 [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared]).

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes and safety of sleeve gastrectomy compared with intensive nonoperative obesity treatment in patients with class 1 obesity.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This matched, nationwide cohort study included patients with class 1 obesity who underwent a sleeve gastrectomy or intensive lifestyle treatment between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2017, and who were registered in the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry or the Itrim health database. Participants with class 1 obesity were matched 1:2 using a propensity score including age, sex, BMI, treatment year, education level, income, cardiovascular disease, and use of antibiotic drugs, antidepressants, and anxiolytics.

INTERVENTIONS

Sleeve gastrectomy or intensive lifestyle treatment.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Outcomes included weight loss after intervention, changes in metabolic comorbidities, substance use disorders, self-harm, and major cardiovascular events retrieved from the National Patient Register, Prescribed Drug Register, and Cause of Death Register as well as the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry and the Itrim health database. Data were analyzed from December 1, 2021 until May 31, 2022.

RESULTS

The study included 1216 surgery patients and 2432 lifestyle participants with similar mean (SD) BMI (32.8 [1.4] vs 32.9 [1.4]), mean (SD) age (42.4 [9.7] vs 42.6 [12.7] years), and sex (1091 [89.7%] vs 2191 [90.1%] women). Surgery patients had greater 1-year weight loss compared with controls (22.9 kg vs 11.9 kg; mean difference, 10.7 kg; 95% CI, 10.0-11.5 kg; P < .001). Over a median follow-up of 5.1 years (IQR, 3.9-6.2 years), surgery patients had a lower risk of incident use of diabetes drugs (59.7 vs 100.4 events per 10 000 person-years; hazard ratio [HR], 0.60; 95% CI, 0.39-0.92; P = .02) and greater 2-year diabetes drug remission (48.4% vs 22.0%; risk difference 26.4%; 95% CI, 11.7%-41.0%; P < .001), but higher risk for substance use disorder (94 vs 50 events per 10 000 person-years; HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.30-2.67; P < .001) and self-harm (45 vs 25 events per 10 000 person-years; HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.09-3.01; P = .02). No between-group difference in occurrence of major cardiovascular events was observed (23.4 vs 24.8 events per 10 000 person-years; HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.49-1.91; P = .92).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, compared with intensive nonoperative obesity treatment, sleeve gastrectomy in patients with class 1 obesity was associated with greater weight loss, diabetes prevention, and diabetes remission but a higher incidence of substance use disorder and self-harm.

Effectiveness and Safety of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Weight Loss in Mild Obesity: Prospective Cohort Study with 3-Year Follow-up

PURPOSE

Patients with mild obesity especially in absence of associated medical problems (OAMP) are commonly managed by non-surgical approaches. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has proved itself to be effective and it is now the most performed weight loss procedure. We aimed to study the effectiveness and safety of LSG for weight loss in mild obesity.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study. Group A; BMI (30-34.9 kg/m²), and group B; BMI ≥ 40 or BMI ≥ 35 with OAMP. Demographic data, perioperative complications, % excess weight loss (EWL), % total weight loss (TWL), nutritional profile, and evolution of OAMP were recorded and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 250 patients, with 80 patients (32%) in group A, and 170 (68%) in group B. The majority were female. The mean preoperative weight, BMI, and excess weight were 90.1 ± 9.52, 32.7 ± 1.4, and 21.5 ± 4.9 in group A, and 129.88 ± 26.12, 47.8 ± 8.2, and 62.3 ± 23.6 kg in group B respectively. The low BMI group had significantly lower OAMP, with higher pre-LSG non-surgical procedures rate. Overall post-operative morbidity rate was significantly higher in group B. %TWL was significantly lower in low BMI group. Nutritional profile was within the normal range in both groups at 3-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and effective weight loss solution for mild obesity with better outcome than for higher BMI. Further studies are warranted to reconsider NIH's statement for medicolegal aspects, and for matching the current changes in bariatric surgery practice, safety evidence, and patients' demand.

Metabolic Surgery Outcomes in U.S. Patients with Class I Obesity

Background: Although numerous studies outside the United States (U.S.) have explored weight loss and comorbidity resolution among patients with class I obesity (body mass index [BMI] 30–34.9 kg/m²) after metabolic surgery, few U.S.-based studies have been conducted.

Objective: Our aim was to compare weight loss and comorbidity resolution among U.S. patients with class I obesity, who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Methods: Weight loss and comorbidity data among only patients with class I obesity, who underwent LSG or RYGB, were examined. Between April 2009 and April 2017, 1215 metabolic surgeries were performed with 30 patients meeting the inclusion criteria (17 LSG and 13 RYGB).

Results: Percent total weight loss (%TWL) for LSG peaked at 12 months (20.85%), while RYGB %TWL peaked at 18 months (21.65%). Percent excess weight loss (%EWL) peaked at 12 months after LSG (83.59%) and 18 months after RYGB (98.29%). Overall follow-up was 56.3%, 36.7%, and 43.3% at 12, 18, and 24 months. LSG and RYGB were both successful with regard to resolution of medical comorbidities at 12 months.

Conclusion: RYGB and LSG appear to have similar, successful outcomes among U.S. patients with class I obesity for weight loss and comorbidity resolution.

The Phantom Satiation Hypothesis of Bariatric Surgery

The excitation of vagal mechanoreceptors located in the stomach wall directly contributes to satiation. Thus, a loss of gastric innervation would normally be expected to result in abrogated satiation, hyperphagia, and unwanted weight gain. While Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (RYGB) inevitably results in gastric denervation, paradoxically, bypassed subjects continue to experience satiation. Inspired by the literature in neurology on phantom limbs, I propose a new hypothesis in which damage to the stomach innervation during RYGB, including its vagal supply, leads to large-scale maladaptive changes in viscerosensory nerves and connected brain circuits. As a result, satiation may continue to arise, sometimes at exaggerated levels, even in subjects with a denervated or truncated stomach. The same maladaptive changes may also contribute to dysautonomia, unexplained pain, and new emotional responses to eating. I further revisit the metabolic benefits of bariatric surgery, with an emphasis on RYGB, in the light of this phantom satiation hypothesis.

Sleeve gastrectomy in class 1 obesity: Assessment of operative outcomes

BACKGROUND

The risk/benefit ratio of sleeve gastrectomy (SG), especially in patients without type 2 diabetes (T2D), is unknown for patients with class 1 obesity.

OBJECTIVES

Assessment of operative outcomes of SG in class 1 obesity.

SETTING

Private practice.

METHODS

Candidates for a primary SG with body mass index 30-35 kg/m² after 5 years of unsuccessful dieting were included after informed consent was obtained. Participants who did not complete 3-month follow-up and those who underwent modified SGs were excluded. Data and complications were recorded prospectively. Patients were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months and yearly thereafter. Definition of presence and remission of T2D and insulin resistance were set according to guidelines. Effects on weight loss parameters were evaluated with Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

Between 2012 and 2020, 143 consecutive SGs were performed in patients with class 1 obesity without conversion, leak, mortality, or a venous event. Two were lost to follow-up. In 141 participants, 2 bleedings and 1 colon perforation occurred (2.1% rate for acute life-threatening events). During a mean follow-up of 25.9 months; 1 case of functional stenosis and 4 cases of de novo symptomatic cholelithiasis clinically became evident in different patients, all requiring reoperation. Therefore a 5.6% rate of major complications were identified at 2 years. The benefit on weight loss was immediate and permanent (P < .001). T2D and insulin resistance were in remission in 100% and 98.1% of participants at 1 year, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The 5.6% major complication rate reflects a minimum because more de novo symptomatic gallstones and stenosis are yet to occur or overlooked. Additionally, this excludes patients with de novo reflux and malnutrition, dissatisfaction issues, or recidivism. Caution is required to freely operate on patients with class 1 obesity with no co-morbidity. Evidence-based outcome data are lacking to balance the reported risks.

Five-Year Outcomes with Stand-alone Primary Sleeve Gastrectomy

PURPOSE

Sleeve gastrectomy is now the commonest bariatric procedure worldwide, making it important to determine 5-year weight loss and micronutrient deficiency outcomes following primary, stand-alone sleeve gastrectomy (SG) with adequate follow-up. The purpose of this study was to evaluate weight loss, co-morbidity resolution, and haematological outcomes at 5 years with primary, stand-alone SG in our unit.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Baseline data were obtained from our prospectively maintained database and patients were invited for a 5-year follow-up. For those who could not attend, further information was obtained by telephoning them and contacting their general practitioners.

RESULTS

A total of 92 patients (66 females) underwent primary SG at our centre in 2011. The median age was 46.0 years. The median weight and the body mass index (BMI) were 133.0 kg and 47.0 kg/m² respectively. After 5 years, 7 (7.6%) patients had died due to unrelated causes and 11 (12.0%) had been converted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Of the remaining 74, we were able to obtain follow-up data on 64 (86.5%). Despite all efforts, 10 (13.5%) patients were lost to follow-up. The median total weight loss was 21.9% and median excess weight loss (EWL) was 48.0%. Patients developed a range of micronutrient deficiencies over the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

This study shows acceptable results with SG at 5 years in our unit, but a large number of patients experienced GORD and some patients needed additional micronutrient supplementation over and above our unit recommendation of a single multivitamin/mineral A-Z tablet daily.

Comparison of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy leak rates in five staple-line reinforcement options: a systematic review

Background

Staple-line leaks following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) remain a concerning complication. Staple-line buttressing is largely adopted as an acceptable reinforcement but data regarding leaks have been equivocal. This study compared staple-line leaks in five reinforcement options during LSG: no reinforcement (NO-SLR), oversewing (suture), nonabsorbable bovine pericardial strips (BPS), tissue sealant or fibrin glue (Seal), or absorbable polymer membrane (APM).

Methods

This systematic review study of articles published between 2012 and 2016 regarding LSG leak rates aligned with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Variables of interest included leak rates, bleeding, and complications in addition to surgical and population parameters. An independent Fisher’s exact test was used to compare the number of patients with and without leaks for the different reinforcement options.

Results

Of the 1633 articles identified, 148 met inclusion criteria and represented 40,653 patients. Differences in age (older in APM; p = 0.001), starting body mass index (lower in Suture; p = 0.008), and distance from pylorus (closer in BPS; p = 0.04) were observed between groups, but mean bougie size was equivalent. The overall leak rate of 1.5% (607 leaks) ranged from 0.7% for APM (significantly lower than all groups; p ≤ 0.007 for next lowest leak rate) to 2.7% (BPS).

Conclusions

This systematic review of staple-line leaks following LSG demonstrated a significantly lower rate using APM staple-line reinforcement as compared to oversewing, use of sealants, BPS reinforcement, or no reinforcement. Variation in surgical technique may also contribute to leak rates.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00464-019-06782-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Resectional One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass/Mini Gastric Bypass as a Novel Option for Revision of Restrictive Procedures: Preliminary Results

BACKGROUND

Revisional surgery is becoming a common and challenging practice in bariatric centers. The aim of this study was to evaluate resectional one anastomosis gastric bypass/mini gastric bypass (R-OAGB/MGB) as a revisional procedure.

METHODS

From January 2016 to February 2017, data on 21 consecutive patients undergoing R-OAGB/MGB for weight loss failure after primary restrictive procedures were prospectively collected and analysed.

RESULTS

Mean age was 39 ± 12 years (18-65), and 11 (52.3%) were women. The mean operative time was 96.4 ± 20.9 min (range, 122-80), and the mean postoperative stay was 47.8 ± 7.4 hours (range, 36-73). There were no deaths and no procedure-related complications. The mean body mass index (BMI) decreased from 42.9 ± 6.5 at the time of R-OAGB/MGB to 28.5 ± 4 at the 12-month follow-up. At that time point, the mean percentage of BMI loss (%EBL) and the mean percentage of total body weight loss (%TWL) reached 81.6 ± 0.17% and 35 ± 0.01%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

R-OAGB/MGB was technically straightforward, effective, and safe in this at-surgical risk population. R-OAGB/MGB should be added to the armamentarium of revisional bariatric procedures considering its technical aspects and the potential advantage on weight loss.