Racial Disparities in Bariatric Surgery Complications and Mortality Using the MBSAQIP Data Registry

Racial disparities in the utilization and outcomes of robotic bariatric surgery: an 8-year analysis of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Program data

BACKGROUND

Robotic surgery utilization has been increasing across surgical specialties; however, racial disparities in patient access to care and outcomes have been reported.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we examined racial disparities in the utilization and outcomes of robotic bariatric surgery over an 8-year period.

SETTING

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) centers of excellence across the United States.

METHODS

The MBSAQIP database was used to identify adult patients who underwent robotic bariatric surgery between 2015 and 2022. Patients were stratified according to race and ethnicity into non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black or African American (AA), Indigenous, Asian, and Hispanic patients. Multivariable analyses were used to assess predictors of robotic surgery use, odds of minor and major complications, prolonged length of stay (prolonged length of stay (pLOS): ≥3 days), readmissions, reoperations, and mortality within 30 days.

RESULTS

Out of 1,288,359 patients included, robotic surgery was utilized in 196,314 patients (15.2%), with a mean age of 44 ± 12 years and 80.6% females. Rates of robotic surgery increased to 30% by 2022. Compared to White patients, Black/AA patients were more likely to undergo robotic surgery (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.21-1.24, P < .001). The safety of robotic bariatric surgery improved for both White and Black patients with decreased odds of major complications, readmissions, reoperations, and pLOS over the study period. However, Black/AA patients were more likely to experience minor and major complications, readmissions and have pLOS compared with White patients in 2022 (aOR:1.26, 95% CI:1.19-1.34, P < .001; aOR:1.22, 95% CI:1.06-1.41, P = .006; aOR:1.44, 95% CI:1.28-1.62, P < .001; aOR:2.26, 95% CI:2.06-2.47, P < .001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The utilization of robotic bariatric surgery has increased significantly over the past 8 years with continued improvements in its safety profile. While Black/AA patients have improved access to robotic surgery, their clinical outcomes continue to be worse than those of White patients. Efforts to address racial disparities in bariatric surgery outcomes must remain a priority to achieve health equity.

Identifying At-Risk Populations for Reoperations, Readmissions, and Interventions in MBSAQIP Using a Novel Inpatient Postoperative Care Metric

INTRODUCTION

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is increasingly used for obesity and metabolic disease, with safety profiles showing it is among the safest major operations. The last 20 + years have noted significantly improved safety that has been accompanied by decreasing length of stay and select populations electing for outpatient surgery, leading to continued decreases in cost. Regardless, readmissions and complications still occur, requiring inpatient postoperative care (IP-POC). The current study aimed to identify and characterize at-risk populations for MBS-related IP-POC.

STUDY DESIGN

The 2015-2021 MBSAQIP (n = 1,346,468 records) was used to extract 973,520 primary cases of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, duodenal switch, and associated IP-POC. Conversions, pediatric cases, and < 30-day follow-up were excluded. IP-POC severity scores were calculated by summing readmissions (1 point), interventions (5 points), and reoperations (15 points). Risk factors associated with IP-POC were identified using zero-inflated Poisson models.

RESULTS

GERD, COPD, smoking, and type of MBS procedure were significantly associated with increased IP-POC incidence and severity. Male sex was associated with increased severity but a lower likelihood of IP-POC, while Black and Hispanic race predicted increased IP-POC likelihood but not severity. ROC curve analysis identified IP-POC score thresholds of ≥ 6 and ≥ 10 as significantly associated with MACE (OR 2.4) and 30-day mortality (OR 4.7).

CONCLUSION

The weighted IP-POC model demonstrated associations between preoperative characteristics and increased IP-POC likelihood and severity. These findings add to the current understanding of MBS patient care dynamics, and can be used to improve patient counseling, refine postoperative protocols, and optimize resource allocation.

Black-vs-white racial disparities in 30-day outcomes following primary and revisional metabolic and bariatric surgery: a MBSAQIP database analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated Black-vs-White disparities in postoperative outcomes following primary metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). With the rising prevalence of MBS, it is important to examine racial disparities using quality indicators in primary and revisional procedures. This study explores Black-vs-White disparities in postoperative outcomes following primary and revisional MBS.

METHODS

We performed an observational cohort study using the 2015-2020 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database of adults who underwent primary or revisional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal switch, or one-anastomosis gastric bypass. Black and White patients were 1:1 matched using propensity scores across 19 covariates for primary and revisional MBS groups. McNemar's tests were used to compare 11 postoperative outcomes from the MBSAQIP semi-annual report and death, between matched cohorts.

RESULTS

We identified 112,495 Black and 434,266 White primary MBS and 10,838 Black and 37,075 White revisional MBS patients. A total of 219,114 primary and 21,314 revisional patients were matched. Following primary MBS, Black patients had higher rates of death (0.1% vs. 0.06%, p < 0.001), all occurrences morbidity (5.6% vs. 4.7%, p < 0.001), serious events (2.2% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001), and all cause and related reoperations (1.2% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.006; 0.2% vs. 0.1%, p = 0.01), readmissions (4.6% vs. 3.4%, p < 0.001; 2.8% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001), and interventions (1.4% vs. 1.1%, p < 0.001; 0.8% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001) compared to White patients. In contrast, there were no significant Black-vs-White disparities in death, morbidity, serious events, reoperations, interventions, and bleeding following revisional MBS. Interestingly, Black patients had higher rates of all cause and related readmissions (7.4% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.005; 4.4% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.01), but lower surgical site infection rates (1.6% vs. 2.1%, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate a measurable contrast between racial disparities in postoperative outcomes following primary and revisional MBS. Equity-focused measures in national MBS assessments are needed to elucidate and address these disparities.

Same Day Discharge after Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Adults 65 Years and Older: An Analysis of the 2015 to 2022 MBSAQIP

BACKGROUND

There is increasing interest in same day discharge (SDD) after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). Among older adults, the safety of SDD is unclear and, as a result, this age group is often excluded from SDD protocols. We aimed to characterize the safety profile of SDD in adults ≥ 65 years.

METHODS

The 2015-2022 MBSAQIP was queried for patients ≥ 65 years undergoing primary sleeve gastrectomy or RYGB. Patients were stratified based on postoperative day (POD) of discharge: SDD, POD1, POD2, POD3, and ≥ POD4. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between SDD and 30-day Clavien-Dindo complications and readmissions.

RESULTS

We identified 63,486 patients ≥ 65 years; the median (IQR) age was 68 (4) years. Overall, 2.12% of patients underwent SDD while the majority (52.8%) were discharged on POD1. From 2015 to 2022, the proportion with SDD increased from 1.15% to 4.33%. Compared to those discharged on later days, patients undergoing SDD had proportionally fewer obesity-associated diseases, including insulin-dependent diabetes (SDD 14.2%, POD1 15.5%, POD2 20.4%, POD3 23.2%, POD4 + 26.1%) and COPD (SDD 3.2%, POD1 4.7%, POD2 5.7%, POD3 7.2%, POD4 + 9.6%) (all p < 0.001). Compared to POD1 discharge, SDD was not significantly associated with any class of Clavien-Dindo complications or 30-day readmissions (all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Though use of SDD after MBS in adults ≥ 65 years has increased from 2015 to 2022, it remains an uncommon practice. Those undergoing SDD have fewer obesity-associated diseases and, in this select cohort of older adults, SDD is not associated with worse postoperative morbidity and mortality. Careful patient selection is critical for safe SDD in adults ≥ 65 years.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on racial disparities in postoperative outcomes after bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the outcomes and access to elective surgery across the United States. This study hypothesized that preexisting racial and ethnic disparities were exacerbated by the pandemic for bariatric surgery.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study evaluated the outcome disparities in 1,046,578 patients who underwent bariatric surgery from 2016-2019 (before the COVID-19 pandemic) to 2020-2021 (during the COVID-19 pandemic) using the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database. The primary outcomes of interest, Clavien-Dindo (CD) scores (0-5) and extended length of stay (eLOS; >90th percentile), were compared between non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Asian/American Indian/Pacific Islander (A/AI/PI) patients using ordinal and binomial logistic regression models, respectively. In addition, the modifying effect of COVID-19 on racial disparities in these outcomes was assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, patients during the COVID-19 pandemic had higher odds of a higher CD score (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% CI, 1.04-1.06; P < .001) than patients before the COVID-19 pandemic on adjusted multivariate analysis. NHB patients were more likely to experience postoperative complications as characterized by higher CD scores (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.35-1.39; P < .001) than NHW patients, and COVID-19 was a contributory factor (ratio of ORs, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.05-1.10). There was no significant difference in CD scores in Hispanic (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.98-1.03; P = .800) and A/AI/PI (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.92-1.06; P = .651) patients compared with NHW patients, and COVID-19 did not have a modifying effect on these patients. All non-White patients had a higher likelihood of eLOS before the COVID-19 pandemic, but COVID-19 had a modifying effect of decreased odds of eLOS for all races (ratio of ORs, 0.60-0.69; 95% CI, 0.56-0.80).

DISCUSSION

NHB patients had inferior perioperative outcomes than patients of other races after bariatric surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, all races/ethnicities had decreased odds of eLOS during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Predicting serious postoperative complications and evaluating racial fairness in machine learning algorithms for metabolic and bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Predicting the risk of complications is critical in metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS).

OBJECTIVES

To develop machine learning (ML) models to predict serious postoperative complications of MBS and evaluate racial fairness of the models.

SETTING

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) national database, United States.

METHODS

We developed logistic regression, random forest (RF), gradient-boosted tree (GBT), and XGBoost model using the MBSAQIP Participant Use Data File from 2016 to 2020. To address the class imbalance, we randomly undersampled the complication-negative class to match the complication-positive class. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), precision, recall, and F1 score. Fairness across White and non-White patient groups was assessed using equal opportunity difference and disparate impact metrics.

RESULTS

A total of 40,858 patients were included after undersampling the complication-negative class. The XGBoost model was the best-performing model in terms of AUROC; however, the difference was not statistically significant. While the F1 score and precision did not vary significantly across models, the RF exhibited better recall compared to the logistic regression. Surgery type was the most important feature to predict complications, followed by operative time. The logistic regression model had the best fairness metrics for race.

CONCLUSIONS

The XGBoost model achieved the highest AUROC, albeit without a statistically significant difference. The RF may be useful when recall is the primary concern. Undersampling of the privileged group may improve the fairness of boosted tree models.

County health ranking: untangling social determinants of health and other factors associated with short-term bariatric surgery outcomes

BACKGROUND

The complex interplay of the social determinants of health, race/ethnicity, and traditional surgical risk factors on outcomes following metabolic surgery is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between the social determinants of health as measured by county health ranking (CHR) and short-term metabolic surgery outcomes.

SETTING

Five accredited bariatric program sites at a national academic health system.

METHODS

Data were collected from 5 sites of a single health system from 2010 to 2021. Current procedural terminology codes identified primary and revisional cases. Patient characteristics, procedural data, and 30-day occurrences were collected. CHRs for health factors were determined by ZIP Code and stratified into best, middle, and worst terciles. The primary outcome was 30-day complications, readmissions, or reinterventions/reoperations. Logistic regression assessed the correlation between CHR tercile and morbidity.

RESULTS

We analyzed 4,315 primary and 370 revisional metabolic surgery cases. Overall, 64.0%, 27.4%, and 8.6% of patients lived in the best, middle, and worst CHR terciles, respectively. Patients in the middle and worst CHR terciles were more commonly older; non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic; suffered from preexisting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or hypertension, were dialysis dependence, were on therapeutic anticoagulation, or had inferior vena cava filters. Middle and worst CHR tercile patients were more likely to undergo index sleeve gastrectomy or robotic-assisted surgery and have surgery performed by a self-designated general surgeon. Thirty-day outcomes were similar across CHR terciles. Racial disparity in multiple short-term outcomes persisted despite adjustment for CHR tercile.

CONCLUSION

Higher-risk patients are more likely to be from counties with lower CHRs, but CHR was not independently associated with 30-day outcomes after metabolic surgery.

Safety and factors associated with early discharge in revisional laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: analysis of the MBSAQIP database

BACKGROUND

Improvements in bariatric surgery outcomes have prompted policy initiatives that explore shifting bariatric surgery toward outpatient procedures. While the safety of early discharge after primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) has been reported, its safety for revisional LRYGB remains uncertain. Our study aimed to investigate the safety and patient factors associated with early discharge in patients undergoing revisional LRYGB compared with primary LRYGB.

METHODS

We identified adult patients who underwent primary and revisional LRYGB from 2020 to 2022 in the MBSAQIP database. Patients discharged early, i.e., same-day discharge (SDD) and next-day discharge (NDD) were compared to inpatients. Outcomes included 30-day complications (minor = Clavien-Dindo 1-2; major = Clavien-Dindo 3-4), mortality, readmissions, and reoperations. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for patient demographics, comorbidities, and operative time were fitted to assess the study outcomes.

RESULTS

SDD rate was similar after primary (3,422/137,406; 2.5%) and revisional LRYGB (781/32,721; 2.4%), while NDD rate was higher in primary LRYGB (59.8% vs 54.7%, respectively; p < 0.001). SDD patients had lower odds of major complications compared to inpatients following primary (2% vs 7%, aOR: 0.30, 95%CI 0.24-0.38) and revisional LRYGB (3.7% vs 9.3%, aOR: 0.43, 95%CI 0.29-0.62, respectively). NDD patients had similarly lower odds of morbidity outcomes. ASA Classification IV/V was associated with lower odds of SDD compared to Class I/II (Primary: 0.9% vs. 3%, aOR: 0.61, 95% CI 0.48-0.78; Revisions: 0.9% vs. 3%, aOR: 0.24, 95%CI 0.10-0.55).

CONCLUSION

Early discharge after revisional LRYGB, particularly after an overnight stay, can be accomplished safely in carefully selected patients. However, SDD rates remain low limiting its safety assessment. Further, almost half of the patients stay more than 48 h in the hospital suggesting that policy initiatives toward outpatient management after bariatric surgery may be inappropriate for this patient population.

Early postoperative outcomes following bariatric surgery in the United States: Are racial disparities improving?

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery offers effective treatment for morbid obesity and associated medical comorbidities, with excellent short- and long-term outcomes. Although it has been well documented that racial minority bariatric patients have worse outcomes than White patients, it remains unclear whether this recognition has led to improvement. Herein, we assess recent trends in bariatric surgery among Black and White patients and compare early postoperative outcomes by race.

METHODS

Primary sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients from 2015 to 2021 reported to the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program were studied. Bariatric patients were stratified by race (Black and White) and perioperative outcomes were compared between matched Black and White patients. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospital readmissions, hospital length of stay (LOS), reoperation, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Overall, there were 193,071 Black and 645,224 White primary bariatric patients, with a higher volume of SG and RGYB performed among White patients. A total of 219,566 Black and White bariatric patients were matched and included in the case-control. Black patients were found to have higher rates of 30-day mortality (0.02% vs. 0.01%; p = 0.03) and readmissions (3.68% vs. 2.65%; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in LOS, reoperations, or overall postoperative complications. However, there was a higher postoperative pulmonary thromboembolism rate (0.16% vs 0.08%; p < 0.001).). The differences in perioperative outcomes stratified by race persisted over the study period (Fig. 1).

CONCLUSION

Black bariatric surgery patients continue to have worse perioperative outcomes compared with their White counterparts. Further work must be done to determine contributing factors in order to effect improvement in outcomes in bariatric surgical care for racial minority patients.

The Relationship Between Race, Social Vulnerability Index, and Clinical Follow-Up After Surgical Resection of Pituitary Tumors

OBJECTIVE

Socioeconomic status and race have been found to influence patient outcomes for various cancer subtypes. In particular, minority and economically vulnerable patients present with more advanced disease and experience decreased survival compared to others. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between demographic or socioeconomic variables and rates of postsurgical follow-up after pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) resection.

METHODS

A retrospective review was completed for patients with PitNETs who underwent surgery between 2018 and 2021. Patient demographics and information related to postoperative appointments and magnetic resonance imagings were obtained. Social vulnerability index (SVI) scores were recorded from the Centers for Disease Control based on nationwide census tracts.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixteen patients were included in the analysis (57 males). In this cohort, 50% were Black, 34% Hispanic, 9% White, and 1% Asian. The mean overall SVI score was 0.81 ± 0.23. The mean number of canceled appointments was significantly higher in the moderate-high/high SVI group (P = 0.034). Additionally, 30% of patients with moderate-high/high SVI had ≥2 canceled follow-up visits compared to 0% among patients with low/low-moderate SVI (P = 0.035). On average, White patients were less likely than non-White patients to have at least one canceled follow-up appointment (P = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

Black patients and those with high social vulnerability have decreased rates of follow-up after PitNET resection. Follow-up delays can lead to failed identification of tumor recurrence, potentially resulting in more advanced disease by the time medical care is reinitiated and increasing rates of patient morbidity and mortality. As a result, further work is needed to address and bridge these care gaps.

Six-year analysis of 30-day post-operative leaks for primary sleeve gastrectomy: a MBSAQIP database study

BACKGROUND

Sleeve gastrectomy is the most performed bariatric surgery. Post-operative gastric sleeve leaks, although rare, are dreaded complications. This study aims to perform an updated investigation of the factors associated with sleeve leaks.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study analyzed 692,554 cases from the MBSAQIP database (2016-2021) with CPT code 43,775 for primary sleeve gastrectomy. We excluded emergency operations, conversions/revisions, endoscopic interventions, patient with prior foregut surgery, and open operations. Multivariate logistic regression analysis (STATA version 15) was performed to identify factors associated with sleeve gastrectomy leaks.

RESULTS

Out of 692,554 patients, 600,910 (86.77%) patients underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and 91,644 (13.23%) patients underwent robotic sleeve gastrectomy. 1179 (0.17%) developed leaks within 30 days; 177(0.19%) were in the robotic group and 1002 (0.17%) in the laparoscopic group with no significant difference in leak rates between two groups on multivariate analysis. Black patients had lower odds of having leaks as compared to white patients (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.68 (0.56-0.82); p < 0.01). Hispanic patients had lower odds of having leak as compared to non-Hispanics. Factors associated with higher leak odds (p < 0.05) included hypertension, GERD, smoking, immunosuppression, increased operating time, and albumin < 3.5 g/dl. Higher odds of leaks were observed in years 2016-2019 vs 2020-2021 (OR: 1.44 (1.25-1.65), p < 0.01). Higher odds of leak in operations with general surgeons compared to bariatric surgeons was found (OR: 1.46 (1.04-2.02), p = 0.02); observed only on robotic group on subgroup analysis (OR: 2.2 (1.2-4.2), p = 0.02). Staple line reinforcement, oversewing, and performance of leak test showed no differences in leak rate. Bougie size and distance from pylorus were not associated with changes in leak rate.

CONCLUSION

This study provides updated insights into the factors associated with sleeve leaks, reinforcing information gained from prior studies. A higher association of leak among general surgeons could represent a learning curve for new robotic general surgeons. The overall decreasing trend for gastric sleeve leak is encouraging and may be a sign of improved techniques.

From database to practice: the MBSAQIP in the surgical literature

BACKGROUND

The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) has been a game changer for metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), with continuous improvements in safety and outcomes throughout the years of its usage. It allows in-depth evaluations of MBS procedures, presenting practitioners and researchers with unparalleled opportunities for quality assessment, research and clinical advancement.

OBJECTIVES

To offer an updated overview of MBSAQIP-related publications.

SETTING

United States.

METHODS

PubMed was queried using keywords "MBSAQIP" and "Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program." Letters to editors, duplicates, commentaries, and retracted articles were excluded. Studies that mentioned MBSAQIP but did not use the data within were also excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 400 search items were returned as of August 2023. After exclusions, 289 studies were reviewed. Articles were published in a total of 28 unique journals, the majority of which were featured in Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases (SOARD), with 114 articles (39.4%). Sixty-one articles were focused on creating predictive models or risk calculators, 58 on investigating the safety of procedures, and 52 on exploring complications. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) were the 2 most commonly discussed procedures, at 80.3% and 80% respectively. Forty-three studies included patients who underwent robotic-assisted MBS.

CONCLUSIONS

The MBSAQIP is a valuable resource that has generated a wealth of studies in the literature. It has allowed for intense analysis of clinical issues and fostered a culture of safety and quality improvement. Participating surgeons must pledge commitment to extended follow-up periods to maximize its effectiveness.

Prevalence, Indications, and Complications of Conversional Surgery After Vertical Banded Gastroplasty: A MBSAQIP Analysis

PURPOSE

Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) was once the most popular bariatric procedure in the 1980's, with many patients subsequently requiring conversional surgery. However, knowledge regarding the prevalence and outcomes of these procedures remains limited. This study aims to determine the prevalence, indications, rate of 30-day serious complications, and mortality of conversional surgery after VBG.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the MBSAQIP database from 2020 to 2022 was conducted. Individuals undergoing conversional or revisional surgery after VBG were included. The primary outcomes were 30-day serious complications and mortality.

RESULTS

Of 716 VBG conversions, the common procedures included 660 (92.1%) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and 56 (7.9%) sleeve gastrectomy (SG). The main indication for conversion was weight gain for RYGB (31.0%) and for SG (41.0%). RYGB had longer operative times than SG (223.7 vs 130.5 min, p < 0.001). Although not statistically significant, serious complications were higher after RYGB (14.7% vs 8.9%, p = 0.2). Leak rates were higher after SG (5.4 vs 3.5%) but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.4). Mortality was similar between RYGB and SG (1.2 vs 1.8%, p = 0.7). Multivariable regression showed higher body mass index, longer operative time, previous cardiac surgery and black race were independently associated with serious complications. Conversion to RYGB was not predictive of serious complications compared to SG (OR 0.96, 95%CI 0.34-2.67, p = 0.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Conversional surgery after VBG is uncommon, and the rate of complications and mortality remains high. Patients should be thoroughly evaluated and informed about these risks before undergoing conversion from VBG.

The impact of gender, race, and ethnicity on bariatric surgery outcomes

BACKGROUND

The rates of postoperative complications can vary among specific patient populations.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to examine how gender, race, and ethnicity can affect short-term postoperative complications in bariatric surgery patients.

SETTING

United States.

METHODS

Patients who underwent bariatric surgery between the years 2016 and 2021 were included and stratified based on gender, race/ethnicity, and procedure type. The 30-day outcomes were assessed using Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification of III-V. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was performed to compare continuous variables among groups and Chi-squared test for categorical variables. Logistic regression was performed to examine the effects of gender, race/ethnicity on CD classification ≥ III complications by the procedure type.

RESULTS

A total of 975,642 bariatric surgery patients were included. Descriptive univariate analysis showed that CD ≥ III complications were higher among non-Hispanic blacks (NHB) and lowest in Hispanic patients, regardless of their gender, except in the duodenal switch DS group, where non-Hispanic whites (NHW) had the lowest complication rate. There was no difference between male and female patients with regards to postoperative complications, except in the sleeve gastrectomy (SG) group, where NHW males had more complications than NHW females. Sleeve gastrectomy showed the lowest complication rates followed by gastric bypass and DS in all groups. In multivariate logistic regression model, for both females and males NHBs had higher odds of postoperative complications compared to NHWs in sleeve gastrectomy (Female aOR:1.31, 95% CI: [1.23-1.40]; Male aOR:1.24, 95% CI: [1.08-1.43], P < .001) and gastric bypass (Female aOR:1.24, 95% CI: [1.16-1.33]; Male aOR:1.25, 95% CI: [1.06-1.48], P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-Hispanic Black patients are at a higher rate of developing CD ≥ III complications compared to non-Hispanic Whites after bariatric surgery. The male gender was not a significant risk factor for serious postoperative complications. Among the different types of bariatric procedures, sleeve gastrectomy has the lowest rates of severe complications, followed by gastric bypass and duodenal switch. These results highlight the significance of considering gender, race, ethnicity, and procedure type during preoperative evaluation, surgical planning, and postoperative care.

Racial differences after bariatric surgery: 24-month follow-up of a randomized, controlled trial for postoperative loss-of-control eating

BACKGROUND

While some bariatric surgery outcomes vary by race/ethnicity, less is known about racial/ethnic differences in loss-of-control (LOC) eating and psychosocial outcomes post-surgery.

OBJECTIVE

This prospective study examined and extended initial short-term findings regarding racial differences in post-bariatric surgery LOC eating and weight loss to longer-term outcomes through 24-month follow-ups.

SETTING

Academic medical center in the United States.

METHODS

Participants were 140 patients (46.4% non-White) in a 3-month randomized, controlled trial for LOC eating performed about 6 months after bariatric surgery. Participants were reassessed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after treatment ended (about 33 mo after surgery). Doctoral assessors administered the Eating Disorder Examination-Bariatric Surgery Version interview to assess LOC eating and eating-disorder psychopathology at 12- and 24-month follow-ups. The Beck Depression Inventory II was repeated, and measured weight was obtained at all follow-ups.

RESULTS

White patients had significantly greater percent excess weight loss at all follow-ups than non-White patients (p < .03). White patients reported significantly more LOC eating at 12- (p = .004) and 24-month (p = .024) follow-ups and significantly greater eating disorder psychopathology at 12-month follow-up (p < .028). Racial groups did not differ significantly in eating disorder psychopathology at 24-month follow-ups or in Beck Depression Inventory II depression scores at any follow-ups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that among patients with LOC eating after bariatric surgery, non-White patients attain a lower percent excess weight loss than White patients but have comparable or better outcomes in LOC eating, associated eating disorder psychopathology, and depression over time.

The Use of Noninvasive Scores in Predicting NAFLD Progression After Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery has been postulated to impact liver function resulting in favorable effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to analyze the long-term impact of bariatric surgery on noninvasive scores predicting the progression of liver fibrosis in a bariatric population.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients without pre-existing liver disease who underwent sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) at our center between 2010 and 2018. Four predictive scores for liver fibrosis (AST/ALT, APRI, Fib-4, and BARD) were calculated preoperatively, 6 months post-operatively, and annually up to 5 years. Correlations were analyzed with Pearson R. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to identify populations at increased risk.

RESULTS

A total of 2769 patients were included. The mean age was 40 years, and the majority was females (88.5%) and of Hispanic ethnicity (59.2%). There was a steady post-operative increase in the percentage of patients at increased risk of progression of liver fibrosis. The Fib-4 score showed the largest increase in the population at risk for liver fibrosis (11.3% preoperatively to 28.9% at 5 years). Patients with diabetes and those who underwent a sleeve gastrectomy continued to display a higher risk for liver fibrosis than did patients without diabetes and those who underwent RYGB, respectively.

CONCLUSION

There was an overall trend to increased liver fibrosis scores over the 5-year post-operative follow-up, but this increase remained lower than that reported in previous literature. Bariatric surgery offers NAFLD risk reduction in a high-risk population.

Safety and feasibility of destination care for bariatric surgery: a single institution retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

Increasing emphasis on value-based healthcare has prompted both employers and healthcare organizations to develop innovative strategies to supply high quality care to patients. One such strategy is through the bundled care payment model (BCPM). Through this model, our institution partnered with employers from across the country to provide quality care for their members. Patients traveling greater than 2 h driving time from the bariatric center were considered "destination" patients. To properly care for our destination patients, our institution created a "destination bariatric program." We sought to investigate comparative outcomes for the first 100 patients who completed the program. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in patient outcomes or complications between destination and local patient groups undergoing sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

A retrospective cohort analysis of patients undergoing bariatric surgery at a MBSAQIP-accredited bariatric surgery center between May 2019 and October 2021 was conducted. Patients were divided into destination or local patient groups based on participation in the established destination surgery program. Patient demographics, perioperative clinical outcomes, and complications were compared and statistically analyzed using two-sample t-tests, Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, and univariate logistic regressions.

RESULTS

This study identified 296 patients, which consisted of destination (n = 110) and local (n = 186) patient cohorts. Patients in the destination group had higher rates of diabetes mellitus (29.1% vs 24.2%, p = 0.029), but otherwise cohorts had similar basic demographics and comorbidities. Outcomes revealed no statistically significant associations between patient cohort (destination versus local) and ED admission (p = 0.305), hospital readmission (p = 0.893), surgical reintervention (p = 0.974), endoscopic-reintervention (p = 0.714), and patient complications in the postoperative period (30 days).

CONCLUSION

Participation in destination care programs for bariatric surgery was found to be both safe and feasible. These destination programs represent an opportunity to provide a broader patient population access to complex surgical care.

Revisional Procedures after Sleeve Gastrectomy for Weight Recurrence or Inadequate Weight Loss: An Analysis of the MBSAQIP Database

INTRODUCTION

The safety of conversional bariatric procedures after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) for weight recurrence (WR) or inadequate weight loss (IWL) is debated due to limited evidence. Conversion options include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (SADI), and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS). We aimed to compare serious complications and mortality rates between these procedures within 30 days.

METHODS

Using the 2020 and 2021 MBSAQIP databases, we identified patients who underwent a conversion from SG to RYGB, SADI, or BPD-DS. We performed a multivariable logistic regression to assess predictors of 30-day complications and mortality.

RESULTS

Among 7388 patients (77.6% RYGB, 8.7% SADI, 13.7% BPD-DS), those undergoing SADI and BPD-DS had higher preoperative body mass index. Conversion reasons included WR (63.0%) and IWL (37.0%). SADI and BPD-DS patients had longer operative times (p < 0.001) and higher leak rates (p = 0.001). Serious complications, reoperations, readmissions, and 30-day mortality were similar across groups. Conversion procedure type was not an independent predictor of complications.

CONCLUSION

RYGB was the most performed conversional procedure after SG. The study indicated a similar safety profile for revisional RYGB, SADI, and BPD-DS, with comparable 30-day complications and mortality rates. However, SADI and BPD-DS patients had longer operative time and higher leak rates.

Surgical Care for Racial and Ethnic Minorities and Interventions to Address Inequities: A Narrative Review

OBJECTIVE

Racial and ethnic inequities in surgical care in the United States are well documented. Less is understood about evidence-based interventions that improve surgical care and reduce or eliminate inequities. In this review, we discuss effective patient, surgeon, community, health care system, policy, and multi-level interventions to reduce inequities and identifying gaps in intervention-based research.

BACKGROUND

Evidenced-based interventions to reduce racial and ethnic inequities in surgical care are key to achieving surgical equity. Surgeons, surgical trainees, researchers, and policy makers should be aware of the evidence-based interventions known to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in surgical care for prioritization of resource allocation and implementation. Future research is needed to assess interventions effectiveness in the reduction of disparities and patient-reported measures.

METHODS

We searched PubMed database for English-language studies published from January 2012 through June 2022 to assess interventions to reduce or eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in surgical care. A narrative review of existing literature was performed identifying interventions that have been associated with reduction in racial and ethnic disparities in surgical care.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Achieving surgical equity will require implementing evidenced-based interventions to improve quality for racial and ethnic minorities. Moving beyond description toward elimination of racial and ethnic inequities in surgical care will require prioritizing funding of intervention-based research, utilization of implementation science and community based-participatory research methodology, and principles of learning health systems.

Maternal Malnutrition During Pregnancy Among Women with Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

INTRODUCTION

As the utilization of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) continues to rise, it is important to address the nutritional needs of women who had MBS who become pregnant. Not meeting those nutritional needs could lead to complications associated with malnutrition. To better understand the relationship between MBS, pregnancy, and malnutrition, this study sought to determine whether differences exist in the presence of malnutrition during pregnancy in women with a history of MBS compared to women without a history of MBS.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2012 to 2017, which samples 20% of hospital discharges in the USA. Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted, and odds rations and 95% confidence intervals were calculated with obesity and MBS as the independent variables and malnutrition during pregnancy as the dependent variable. Covariates included in the multivariate model were age, primary payer, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and depression.

RESULTS

Compared to women who did not have MBS, women who had MBS had higher odds of malnutrition during pregnancy (aOR = 8.33, 95% CI 7.30-9.50), this result was moderated by racial category (aORBlack = 6.35, 95% CI 4.97-8.13; aORwhite = 8.25, 95% CI 7.00-9.73; aORLatina = 10.93, 95% CI 8.38-14.25). Women with obesity also had higher odds of malnutrition during pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased odds of malnutrition among women with MBS suggests that it is important to consider tailoring nutrition recommendations to address the different nutritional needs of pregnant women who had MBS and may be at risk for malnutrition.

Racial disparities in reasons for mortality following bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) remains a safe and effective treatment for patients with severe obesity. Recent studies have highlighted racial disparities in perioperative outcomes, including up to a twofold higher mortality rate in non-Hispanic black (NHB) (vs. non-Hispanic white (NHW)) patients. Causality for these disparate outcomes remains unclear and largely unexplored.

OBJECTIVE

Our study aim was to determine reasons for mortality among racial and ethnic cohorts and MBS patients.

SETTING

Academic Hospital.

METHODS

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) cases were identified using the 2015 to 2018 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Project (MBSAQIP) database using current procedural (CPT) codes 43,664, 43,645, and 43,775. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictors of overall and bariatric-related mortality. Reasons for mortality were identified and compared between racial and ethnic cohorts.

RESULTS

Of 650,903 RYGB and SG cases, 512,041 were included in our analysis (73% SG). For the entire cohort, all-cause and bariatric-related mortality rates were 0.095% and 0.05%, respectively. Age, male gender, ASA 4, functional status, therapeutic anticoagulation, smoking, COPD, and RYGB were independently associated with both overall and bariatric-related mortality. NHB had increased odds (2.13, p < 0.001) of bariatric-related mortality. Compared to NHW patients (13.3%), venous thromboembolic (VTE) complication was the most common reason for overall mortality in NHB (27.8%) and Hispanic (25%) patients (p < 0.001). VTE-related mortality directly associated with the bariatric procedure was also higher in NHB (34.6%) and Hispanic (33.3%) (vs. NHW 21.0%) patients (p 0.05). When stratified by procedure, mortality causes in RYGB cases were similar between racial and ethnic cohorts. In the SG cohort, the proportion of VTE-related mortality varied significantly (p 0.043) between NHB (39.2%), Hispanic 40.0%, and NHW (20.5%) patients.

CONCLUSION

There are racial and ethnic differences in causes of mortality following bariatric surgery. The predominant cause of overall and bariatric-related mortality in NHB bariatric surgery patients is postoperative venous thromboembolism. More granular MBSAQIP data capture is needed to determine the role of patient risk versus practice patterns in these disparate outcomes.

Black-versus-White racial disparities in 30-day outcomes at Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program-accredited centers: a needed quality indicator

BACKGROUND

Creating a metric in the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) to assess Black-versus-White disparities is critical if we are to ensure equitable care for all.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate Black-versus-White disparities while replicating MBSAQIP methodology with regard to covariates and modeling so that the results can serve as the foundation to create a benchmarked site-level Disparities Metric for MBSAQIP.

SETTING

United States and Canada.

METHODS

Across the 2015-2019 MBSAQIP cohorts, 543,976 adults underwent primary or revision sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and were reported as either White or Black. Using a set of covariates derived from published MBSAQIP performance models, we performed multivariable logistic modeling with 10-fold cross-validation for the 11 outcomes evaluated in MBSAQIP Semiannual Reports, plus venous thromboembolism (VTE) and death. We analyzed primary and revision cases separately.

RESULTS

After risk adjustment, Black patients experienced higher odds of all-occurrence morbidity (odds ratio [OR], 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-1.25; P < .001), serious events (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.04-1.13; P < .001), all-cause intervention (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.24-1.37; P < .001), related intervention (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.22-1.37; P < .001), all-cause readmission (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.33-1.41; P < .001), related readmission (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.36-1.46; P < .001), venous thromboembolism (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.34-1.65; P < .001), and death (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.34-1.89; P < .001) after primary procedures. Black patients experienced lower odds of morbidity (OR, .94; 95% CI, .91-.98; P = .004) and surgical-site infection (OR, .72; 95% CI, .66-.78; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Black patients experienced a higher risk for serious complications and required more readmissions, reoperations, and postoperative interventions. This study supports the creation of a site-level Disparities Metric for the MBSAQIP and provides the framework to do so.

Contemporary medical, device, and surgical therapies for obesity in adults

The goal of obesity management is to improve health. Sustained weight loss of more than 10% overall bodyweight improves many of the complications associated with obesity (eg, prevention and control of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, and obstructive sleep apnoea), as well as quality of life. Maintenance of weight loss is the major challenge of obesity management. Like all chronic diseases, managing obesity requires a long-term, multimodal approach, taking into account each individual's treatment goals, and the benefit and risk of different therapies. In conjunction with lifestyle interventions, anti-obesity medications and bariatric surgery improve the maintenance of weight loss and associated health gains. Most available anti-obesity medications act on central appetite pathways to reduce hunger and food reward. In the past 5 years, therapeutic advances have seen the development of targeted treatments for monogenic obesities and a new generation of anti-obesity medications. These highly effective anti-obesity medications are associated with weight losses of more than 10% of overall bodyweight in more than two-thirds of clinical trial participants. Long-term data on safety, efficacy, and cardiovascular outcomes are awaited. Long-term studies have shown that bariatric surgical procedures typically lead to a durable weight loss of 25% and rapid, sustained improvements in complications of obesity, although they have not yet been compared with new-generation highly effective anti-obesity medications. Further work is required to determine optimal patient-specific treatment strategies, including combinations of lifestyle interventions, anti-obesity medications, endoscopic and bariatric surgical procedures, and to ensure equitable access to effective treatments.

A Call to Reconceptualize Obesity Treatment in Service of Health Equity: Review of Evidence and Future Directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Rates of obesity and associated comorbidities are higher among Black and Latino adults compared to white adults. We sought to provide an overview of both structural and individual factors contributing to obesity inequities and synthesize available evidence regarding treatment outcomes in Black and Latino adults, with an eye towards informing future directions.

RECENT FINDINGS

Obesity disparities are influenced by myriad systemic issues, yet the vast majority of interventions target individual-level factors only, and most behavioral treatments fail to target drivers beyond eating and physical activity. Extant treatments are not equally accessible, affordable, or effective among Black and Latino adults compared with white counterparts. Asset-based, culturally relevant interventions that target the root causes of obesity and address intersectional stress-designed in partnership with intended beneficiaries-are urgently needed. Treatment trials must improve enrollment of Black and Latino adults and report treatment outcomes by race and ethnicity.

Obesity among African American people in the United States: A review

Obesity is a growing public health crisis in the United States and is associated with a substantial disease burden due to an increased risk for multiple complications, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. As highlighted in this review, obesity disproportionately affects the African American population, women in particular, regardless of socioeconomic status. Structural racism remains a major contributor to health disparities between African American people and the general population, and it limits access to healthy foods, safe spaces to exercise, adequate health insurance, and medication, all of which impact obesity prevalence and outcomes. Conscious and unconscious interpersonal racism also impacts obesity care and outcomes in African American people and may adversely affect interactions between health care practitioners and patients. To reduce health disparities, structural racism and racial bias must be addressed. Culturally relevant interventions for obesity management have been successfully implemented that have shown benefits in weight management and risk-factor reduction. Strategies to improve health care practitioner-patient engagement should also be implemented to improve health outcomes in African American people with obesity. When managing obesity in African American people, it is critical to take a holistic approach and to consider an individual's social and cultural context in order to implement a successful treatment strategy.

Comparison of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty versus surgical sleeve gastrectomy: a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is an incisionless, transoral, restrictive bariatric procedure designed to imitate sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Comparative studies and large-scale population-based data are limited. Additionally, no studies have examined the impact of race on outcomes after ESG. This study aims to compare short-term outcomes of ESG with SG and evaluate racial effects on short-term outcomes after ESG.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed over 600,000 patients in the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database from 2016 to 2020. We compared occurrences of adverse events (AEs), readmissions, reoperations, and reinterventions within 30 days after procedures. Multivariate regression evaluated the impact of patient factors, including race, on AEs.

RESULTS

A total of 6054 patients underwent ESG and 597,463 underwent SG. AEs were low after both procedures with no significant difference in major AEs (SG vs ESG: 1.1% vs 1.4%; P > .05). However, patients undergoing ESG had more readmissions (3.8% vs 2.6%), reoperations (1.4% vs .8%), and reinterventions (2.8% vs .7%) within 30 days (P < .05). Race was not significantly associated with AEs after ESG, with black race associated with a higher risk of AEs in SG.

CONCLUSIONS

ESG demonstrates a comparable major AE rate with SG. Race did not impact short-term AEs after ESG. Further prospective studies long-term studies are needed to compare ESG with SG.

African American Patients Experience Worse Outcomes than Hispanic Patients Following Bariatric Surgery: an Analysis Using the MBSAQIP Data Registry

BACKGROUND

Obesity rates in Hispanics and African Americans (AAs) are higher than in Caucasians in the USA, yet the rate of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) for weight loss remains lower for both Hispanics and AAs.

METHODS

Patient demographics and outcomes of adult AA and Hispanic patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedures were analyzed using the MBSAQIP dataset [2015-2018] using unmatched and propensity-matched data.

RESULTS

In total, 173,157 patients were included, of whom 98,185 were AA [56.7%] [21,163-RYGB; 77,022-SG] and 74,972 were Hispanic [43.3%] [20,282-RYGB; 54,690-SG]). Preoperatively, the AA cohort was older, had more females, and higher BMIs with higher rates of all tracked obesity-related medical conditions except for diabetes, venous stasis, and prior foregut surgery. Intra- and postoperatively, AAs were more likely to experience major complications including unplanned ICU admission, 30-day readmission/reintervention, and mortality. After propensity matching, the differences in ED visits, treatment for dehydration, 30-day readmission, 30-day intervention, and pulmonary embolism remained for both SG and RYGB cohorts. Progressive renal insufficiency and ventilator use lost statistical significance in both cohorts. Conversely, 30-day reoperation, postoperative ventilator requirement, unplanned intubation, unplanned ICU admission, and mortality lost significance in the RYGB cohort, but not SG patients.

CONCLUSION

Outcomes for AA patients were worse than for Hispanic patients, even after propensity matching. After matching, differences in major complications and mortality lost significance for RYGB, but not SG. These data suggest that outcomes for RYGB may be driven by the presence and severity of pre-existing patient-related factors.

Impact of Racial Disparities in Preoperative Cardiovascular Evaluation and Surgical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis

Background

We investigated preoperative referral patterns, rates of cardiovascular testing, surgical wait times, and postoperative outcomes in White versus Black, Hispanic, or other racial or ethnic groups of patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery.

Methods and Results

This was a single center retrospective cohort analysis of 797 consecutive patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery from January 2014 to December 2018; 86% (n=682) were Black, Hispanic, or other racial or ethnic groups. White versus Black, Hispanic, or other racial or ethnic groups had similar baseline comorbidities and were referred for preoperative cardiovascular evaluation in similar proportion (65% versus 68%, P=0.529). Black, Hispanic, or other racial or ethnic groups of patients were less likely to undergo preoperative cardiovascular testing (unadjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.56; 95% CI, 0.33–0.95; P=0.031; adjusted for Revised Cardiac Risk Index OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.35–0.996; P=0.049). White patients had a shorter wait time for surgery (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.7; 95% CI, 0.58–0.87; P=0.001; adjusted HR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.56–0.95; P=0.018). Reduction in body mass index at 6 months was greater in White patients (12.9 kg/m² versus 12.0 kg/m², P=0.0289), but equivalent at 1 year (14.9 kg/m² versus 14.3 kg/m², P=0.330).

Conclusions

White versus Black, Hispanic, or other racial or ethnic groups of patients were referred for preoperative cardiovascular evaluation in similar proportion. White patients underwent more preoperative cardiac testing yet had a shorter wait time for surgery. Early weight loss was greater in White patients, but equivalent between groups at 12 months.

Systemic and Environmental Contributors to Obesity Inequities in Marginalized Racial and Ethnic Groups

Obesity is a multifactorial disease that disproportionally affects diverse racial and ethnic groups. Structural racism influences racial inequities in obesity prevalence through environmental factors, such as racism and discrimination, socioeconomic status, increased levels of stress, and bias in the health care delivery system. Researchers, clinicians, and policy makers must work to address the environmental and systematic barriers that contribute to health inequities in the United States. Specifically, clinicians should quantitatively and qualitatively assess environmental and social factors and proactively engage in patient-centered care to tailor available treatments based on identified needs and experiences.

Racial disparity in causes for readmission following bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Readmission after bariatric surgery is not cost-effective and is a preventable quality metric within standardized practices. However, reasons for readmission among racial/ethnic bariatric cohorts are less explored and understood.

OBJECTIVE

Our study objective was designed to compare reasons for readmission among racial/ethnic cohorts of bariatric patients.

SETTING

Academic hospital.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of the 2015-2018 MBSAQIP databases to identify Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) cases. Regression analyses determined predictors of all-cause and bariatric-related readmissions. Reasons for readmission were compared between racial/ethnic cohorts using propensity score matching.

RESULTS

More than 550 000 RYGB and SG cases were analyzed. The readmission rate was 3%-4%. Black race, RYGB, robot-assisted approach, and numerous co-morbidities were independently associated with readmission (P <.05). In RYGB cases, black (versus white) patients were at decreased odds of leak-related (P < .001) and cardiovascular-related (P < .001) readmissions but at increased odds of readmissions related to renal complications (P < .001). Hispanic (versus white) patients had a higher likelihood of venous thromboembolism-related readmissions (P < .001). In SG cases, black (versus white) patients had a similar lower likelihood of readmission related to leaks or cardiovascular complications but higher odds of readmission related to renal complications (P < .001). Hispanic (versus black) patients had a higher likelihood of leak-related readmissions (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Readmission reasons after bariatric surgery vary by race/ethnicity. Perioperative pathways to mitigate complications, including readmissions, should consider these disparate findings.

An analysis of readmission trends by urgency and race/ethnicity in the MBSAQIP registry, 2015-2018

BACKGROUND

Large-scale analyses stratifying bariatric surgery readmissions by urgency are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

Identify predictors of urgent/nonurgent readmission among "ideal" bariatric candidates, using a national registry.

SETTING

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) national database.

METHODS

We extracted an "ideal" patient cohort from the 2015-2018 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) registry, characterized by only typical weight-related comorbidities (hypertension [HTN], obstructive sleep apnea [OSA], gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD], and diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM] and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM]) undergoing primary bariatric surgery with an uneventful postoperative course. Readmissions were classified as "urgent" (UR; e.g., leak, obstruction, bleeding) or "nonurgent" (NUR; e.g., dehydration, nonspecific abdominal pain). χ² or t test analyses were used for bivariate significance testing. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to assess independent predictors of readmission.

RESULTS

The cohort (N = 292,547) comprised 38.5% of all MBSAQIP patients (mean age [standard deviation] = 43.2 [11.7]; body mass index [BMI] = 44.9 [6.6]; 81% female; 62% White, 17% Black, 14% Hispanic). Total readmission rates were 2.75% (n = 8046) and decreased from 2015-2018 (3.00%-2.63%; P < .001). Independent predictors of readmissions included Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.97, p < .001), Black (OR = 1.46, P < .001) and Hispanic race (OR = 1.14, P < .001), GERD (OR = 1.27, P < .001), HTN (OR = 1.08, P = .003), and IDDM (OR = 1.39, P < .001). NUR and UR readmission rates were 1.27% (n = 3702) and 1.06% (n = 3090), respectively. NURs decreased over time (1.42%-1.16%, P < .001), with no change in Urs (1.01%-1.06%, P = .51); this trend persisted in multivariate analysis (2017: NUR OR = .85, P < .001; 2018: NUR OR = .82, p < .001). Independent predictors of both URs and NURs included Black (NUR OR = 1.71, p < .001; UR OR = 1.27, p < .001) and Hispanic (NUR OR = 1.15, P < .001; UR OR = 1.19, P < .001) race, RYGB (NUR OR = 1.84, P < .001; UR OR = 2.34, P < .001), and GERD (NUR OR = 1.39, p < .001; UR OR = 1.17, P < .001). Female sex (NUR OR = 1.64, P < .001), age (NUR OR = .98, P < .001), HTN (NUR OR = 1.22, P < .001), and IDDM (NUR OR = 1.41, P < .001) predicted NURs, while higher BMI (UR OR = 1.01, P < .001), and OSA (UR OR = 1.10, P = .02) predicted URs.

CONCLUSION

Readmission rates for "ideal" bariatric patients improved over time, driven by reductions in non-urgent etiologies. Racial disparities persist for both urgent and non-urgent causes of readmission.

Racial disparities in complications and mortality after bariatric surgery: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown racial discrepancies in the rates of postoperative adverse events following bariatric surgery (BS). We aim to systematically review the literature examining racial disparities in postoperative adverse events.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and SCOPUS databases were searched for studies that reported race, postoperative adverse events and/or length of stay.

RESULTS

Thirty-five studies were included. Most compared Black and White patients using standardized databases. Racial/ethnic terminology varied. The majority found increased 30-day mortality and morbidity and length of stay in Black relative to White patients. Differences between White and Hipanic patients were mostly non-significant in these outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Black patients may experience higher rates of adverse events than White patients within 30 days following bariatric surgery. Given the limitations in the large multicenter databases, explanations for this disparity were limited. Future research would benefit from longer-term studies that include more races and ethnicities and consider socioeconomic factors.

Association of Bariatric Surgery With Vascular Outcomes

IMPORTANCE

Bariatric surgical weight loss is associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality; however, the mechanisms underlying this association are incompletely understood.

OBJECTIVES

To identify variables associated with vascular remodeling after bariatric surgery and to examine how sex, race, and metabolic status are associated with microvascular and macrovascular outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This population-based longitudinal cohort included 307 individuals who underwent bariatric surgery. Participants were enrolled in the bariatric weight loss program at Boston Medical Center, a large, multi-ethnic urban hospital, with presurgical and postsurgical assessments. Data were collected from December 11, 2001 to August 27, 2019. Data were analyzed in September 2019.

EXPOSURE

Bariatric surgery.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and reactive hyperemia (RH) (as measures of macrovascular and microvascular function, respectively) and clinical variables were measured preoperatively at baseline and at least once postoperatively within 12 months of the bariatric intervention.

RESULTS

A total of 307 participants with obesity (mean [SD] age, 42 [12] years; 246 [80%] women; 199 [65%] White; mean [SD] body mass index, 46 [8]) were enrolled in this study. Bariatric surgery was associated with significant weight loss and improved macrovascular and microvascular function across subgroups of sex, race, and traditional metabolic syndrome (mean [SD] pre- vs postsurgery weight: 126 [25] kg vs 104 [25] kg; P < .001; mean [SD] pre- vs postsurgery FMD: 9.1% [5.3] vs 10.2% [5.1]; P < .001; mean [SD] pre- vs postsurgery RH: 764% [400] vs 923% [412]; P < .001). Factors associated with change in vascular phenotype correlated most strongly with adiposity markers and several metabolic variables depending on vascular territory (eg, association of weight change with change in RH: estimate, -3.2; 95% CI, -4.7 to -1.8; association of hemoglobin A1c with change in FMD: estimate, -0.5; 95% CI, -0.95 to -0.05). While changes in macrovascular function among individuals with metabolically healthy obesity were not observed, the addition of biomarker assessment using high-sensitivity C-reactive protein plasma levels greater than 2 mg/dL identified participants with seemingly metabolically healthy obesity who had low-grade inflammation and achieved microvascular benefit from weight loss surgery.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The findings of this study suggest that bariatric intervention is associated with weight loss and favorable remodeling of the vasculature among a wide range of individuals with cardiovascular risk. Moreover, differences in arterial responses to weight loss surgery by metabolic status were identified, underscoring heterogeneity in physiological responses to adiposity change and potential activation of distinct pathological pathways in clinical subgroups. As such, individuals with metabolically healthy obesity represent a mixed population that may benefit from more refined phenotypic classification.

Unequal rates of postoperative complications in relatively healthy bariatric surgical patients of white and black race

BACKGROUND

Racial disparities in postsurgical complications are often presumed to be due to a higher preoperative co-morbidity burden among patients of black race, although being relatively healthy is not a prerequisite for a complication-free postoperative course.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association of race with short-term postbariatric surgery complications in seemingly healthy patients.

SETTINGS

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database (2015-2018).

METHODS

We studied a relatively healthy (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 or 2), propensity score-matched cohort of adult non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white bariatric surgery patients. We compared the risk-adjusted incidences of postoperative complications, serious adverse events, and measures of postoperative resource utilization across racial groups.

RESULTS

We identified 44,090 matched pairs of relatively healthy black and white bariatric surgery patients. Patients of black race were 72% more likely than those of white race to develop 1 or more postoperative complications (.7% versus .4%, respectively; odds ratio [OR], 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-2.24; P < .01). Measures of postbariatric resource utilization were significantly higher in patients of black race than those of white race, including unplanned reoperations (1.3% versus 1.0%, respectively; OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.07-1.52; P = .01), unplanned readmissions (4.5% versus 3.0%, respectively; OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.38-1.69; P < .01), unplanned interventions (1.6% versus 1.2%, respectively; OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.16-1.60; P < .01), and extended hospital lengths of stay (51.2% versus 42.7%, respectively; OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.36-1.46; P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Even among relatively healthy patients, race appears to be an important determinant of postbariatric surgery complications and resource utilization. Research and interventions aimed at narrowing the racial disparities in bariatric surgery outcomes may need to broaden the focus beyond the racial variation in the preoperative co-morbidity burden.

Severe maternal morbidity and Black-white differences in Washington State

OBJECTIVE

Rates of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) are significantly higher among Black women and some data suggests further worsening of these rates among hospitals with the highest proportion of Black deliveries. In this study, we sought to examine whether Black women have higher SMM in Washington State and whether this varied by hospital.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using linked birth-hospital discharge data from Washington State. We compared Non-Hispanic Black women with Non-Hispanic white women and excluded observations with missing hospital information. SMM was defined using an already published algorithm. We ranked hospitals into low-, medium- and high Black-serving hospitals by using proportions of deliveries to Black women among all deliveries. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association of Black women with SMM adjusted for demographics, co-morbidities and clustering within hospital.

RESULTS

In the cohort of 407,808 women, 4556 (1.12%) had SMM. High Black-serving hospitals had the highest rate of SMM (1.94%) as compared to medium Black-serving hospitals (1.16%) and low Black-serving hospitals (1.06%) (p < .01). Odds of SMM was higher in Black women (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.39-1.78) and remained elevated after adjusting for demographics and the level of Black-serving hospital (aOR= 1.29, 95% CI: 1.11-1.49).

CONCLUSION

We found that the risk of SMM was higher among Black women. Hospital level performance and health outcomes stratified by maternal race and ethnicity in hospitals and hospital systems should be addressed to further reduce disparities and optimize outcomes.

Primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy versus gastric bypass: a propensity-matched comparison of 30-day outcomes

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity. There is uncertainty regarding rates of adverse outcomes between the most common methods: laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

OBJECTIVES

To compare rates of readmission, reoperation, intervention, unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admission, all-cause and procedure-related mortality, and postoperative complications at 30 days between LRYGB and LSG.

SETTING

Retrospective, observational, multicenter registry.

METHODS

We identified 611,619 patients from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) data registry between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018 (447,326 [73.1%] LSG; 164,293 [26.9%] LRYGB).

RESULTS

Adverse events were more common after LRYGB (readmission: 3% with LSG versus 5.9% with LRYGB [P < .001; odds ratio {OR}, LSG/LRYGB = .489]; intervention: .9% with LSG versus 2.4% with LRYGB [P < .001; OR, LSG/LRYGB = .357]; reoperation: .8% with LSG versus 2.3% with LRYGB [P < .001; OR, LSG/LRYGB = .363]; unplanned ICU admission: .52% with LSG versus 1.1% with LRYGB [P < .001; OR, LSG/LRYGB = .454]; all-cause mortality: .07% with LSG versus .15% with LRYGB [P < .001; OR, LSG/LRYGB = .489]; procedure-related mortality: .04% with LSG versus .08% with LRYGB [P < .001; OR, LSG/LRYGB = .446]; Clavien-Dindo I: .20% with LSG versus .63% with LRYGB [P < .001; OR, LSG/LRYGB = .317]; Clavien-Dindo II: .70% with LSG versus 1.3% with LRYGB [P < .001; OR, LSG/LRYGB = .527]; Clavien-Dindo III: 3.3% with LSG versus 6.6% with LRYGB [P < .001; OR, LSG/LRYGB = .481]; Clavien-Dindo IV: .36% with LSG versus .76% with LRYGB [P < .001; OR, LSG/LRYGB = .466]; and Clavien-Dindo V: .07% with LSG versus .15% with LRYGB [P < .001; OR, LSG/LRYGB = .488]). Surgery type was among the strongest independent predictors of adverse events, and LRYGB conferred higher adjusted odds of all adverse outcomes (all-cause mortality: OR, LRYGB/LSG = 1.791 [P < .001]; procedure-related mortality: OR, LRYGB/LSG = 1.979 [P < .001]; readmission: OR, LRYGB/LSG = 1.921 [P < .001]; unplanned ICU admission: OR, LRYGB/LSG = 1.870 [P < .001]; intervention: OR, LRYGB/LSG = 2.662 [P < .001]; reoperation: OR, LRYGB/LSG = 2.646 [P < .001]; and Clavien-Dindo grade: OR, LRYGB/LSG = 2.007 [P < .001]).

CONCLUSION

The rates of 30-day adverse outcomes are lower after LSG compared with after LRYGB. LRYGB independently conferred increased odds of adverse outcomes compared with LSG, and surgery type was among the strongest predictors of adverse outcomes.