Innovative Bariatric Procedures and Ethics in Bariatric Surgery: the IFSO Position Statement

Pharmacokinetics after bariatric surgery: adverse effects and drug safety issues in bariatric patients

INTRODUCTION

Medication management after bariatric surgery is a major and complex challenge. The altered gastrointestinal anatomy/physiology post-surgery may impact oral drug absorption/pharmacokinetics, with potential clinical implications. Along with multiple studies/cases of impaired post-surgery drug absorption/pharmacokinetics, leading to potential treatment failure, reports of increased drug exposure, leading to post-bariatric safety issues and adverse effects risk, are also available; yet, this second scenario of increased post-surgery drug levels, is less familiar in practice.

AREAS COVERED

In this article, we highlight and overview the literature reports of increased post-bariatric drug exposure and safety issues, and discuss the underlying relevant mechanisms. Finally, we provide clinical recommendations for managing this therapeutic challenge.

EXPERT OPINION

Around 25 drugs were found to exhibit post-bariatric enhanced pharmacokinetics and risk of adverse effects. Among them, toxicity with lithium treatment is well-established. Clear safety concerns were also raised for other drugs, including levothyroxine, atorvastatin, paracetamol and, importantly, immediate-release morphine. Cautious use, while closely monitoring clinical signs of toxicity, is advised for these drugs. Realizing the potentially altered post-bariatric pharmacokinetics of various drugs, and, in particular, the risk of increased exposure with related adverse effects, is essential for providing optimal pharmacological therapy and overall patient care to the growing bariatric population.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery in vegetarians and vegans

BACKGROUND

Vegetarianism is constantly increasing worldwide. However, the role of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) in vegetarians/vegans is unclear as there is very limited data on this topic. The aim of this study was to evaluate MBS outcomes in vegetarians or vegans.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of a single-bariatric surgeon was carried out. All patients with a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle undergoing MBS were included.

RESULTS

Eleven patients were included; none were lost to follow-up. Ten patients were women, the mean age and Body Mass Index (BMI) were 40.8±14 years and 43.5±4.9 kg/m2, respectively. Five patients (45%) were lacto-ovo-vegetarians, one (9%) was ovo-vegetarian, two (18%) were lacto-ovo-pesco-vegetarians, and three (27%) were vegans. Eight patients consumed vitamin supplements preoperatively, the mean albumin level was 4.1±0.2, 3/11 patients had vitamin D deficiency, 2/11 patients had vitamin-B12 deficiency, and 2/11 patients had iron deficiency. Eight patients (73%) underwent one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), 2/11 patients (18%) underwent single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy, and one patient (9%) underwent sleeve gastrectomy, the mean biliopancreatic limb length in OAGB was 225 cm. The median follow-up time was 17 months, the mean BMI and percentage of total weight loss during follow-up were 28.2±5 kg/m2 and 35.3±10.7%, respectively. The mean albumin level was 3.82±0.27, 3/11 patients had vitamin D deficiency, and 3/11 patients had iron deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports preliminary data on MBS outcomes in vegetarian/vegan patients. It was shown to be safe, effective, and an acceptable rate of nutritional deficiencies during follow-up. Further large cohort studies are required to clarify this data.

Outcomes of Single Anastomosis Sleeve Ileal (SASI) Bypass as an Alternative Procedure in Treating Obesity: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

The Single Anastomosis Sleeve Ileal (SASI) bypass is a novel bariatric procedure that simplifies Santoro's procedure, balancing functional restriction and neuroendocrine modulation while preserving anatomy. We aim to conduct a single-arm meta-analysis of the SASI bypass to explore its moderate-term efficacy, as this might expand the available choices for surgeons to choose the best bariatric surgery that suits the patient's condition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search on PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane to identify studies for the SASI bypass surgery focusing on outcomes such as %EWL, %TWL, remission rate of comorbidities, and complications. The statistical analysis was carried out using RStudio version 4.3.2. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q test and I2 statistics.

RESULTS

Our findings illuminate SASI's potency by undertaking a single-arm meta-analysis involving 1873 patients across 26 studies. At 12 months, we report a noteworthy % Excess Weight Loss (%EWL) (Mean 84.13; 95% CI 78.41-89.85; I2 = 95%), and % Total Weight Loss (%TWL) (Mean 35.17; 95% CI 32.30-38.04; I2 = 97%), highlighting SASI's efficacy on weight loss. Cumulative meta-analyses supported these findings. More weight loss was observed with a 250 cm common limb and a greater than 3 cm anastomosis. An 88.28% remission rate in type 2 diabetes mellitus (95% CI 79.74-95.03; I2 = 84%) at 12 months was observed. Beyond weight outcomes, SASI impacts comorbidities with a good safety profile.

CONCLUSION

Our study positions the SASI bypass as a good alternative option. However, long-term efficacy is yet to be explored in the future.

Technical Considerations in One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass-the Israeli Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Experience

BACKGROUND

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is gaining popularity worldwide due to its safety and effectiveness. OAGB is the most commonly performed metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) in Israel. Israel is the only country where OAGB is the most prevalent MBS. Our aim is to address OAGB technical aspects using a national survey completed by members of the Israeli Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ISMBS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An online-survey composed of a 17-item-based questionnaire was sent to ISMBS members. All responses were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 47/64 (73.4%) ISMBS members participated in the survey. Most surgeons (74.5%) had > 10 years of MBS experience, and most (61.7%) performed > 100 MBS/year. The majority (78.7%) perform OAGB as their most common procedure. Most surgeons fashion a 10-15-cm pouch and use a 36-Fr bougie, (57.4% and 38.3%). Regarding bowel length measurement, 70% use visual estimation and 10.6% routinely measure total small bowel length (TSBL). The most common reasons for creating a longer biliopancreatic limb (BPL) were high body mass index (BMI) and revisional surgery (83.3% and 66%, respectively). In a primary procedure of a patient with a BMI = 40, most (76.6%) would create a 150-200-cm BPL. In patients with a BMI > 50 or revisional cases, most (70.2% and 68.0%) would create a 175-225-cm BPL.

CONCLUSION

OAGB is the most prevalent MBS performed in Israel. This survey showed common preferences and variations among ISMBS members. Further studies are needed in order to standardize and build a consensus on OAGB technique.

Overview of the Last 71 Years of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: Content Analysis and Meta-analysis to Investigate the Topic and Scientific Evolution

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic, and bariatric surgery has become increasingly popular due to its effectiveness in treating it. Therefore, understanding this area is of paramount importance. This article aims to provide an understanding of the development of the topic related to procedures, content, data, and status. To achieve this objective, a literature review and a bibliometric analysis were conducted. The methods provided insight into the current state and relevant topics over time. In conclusion, the article provided the identification of the transformation of the research field, initially focused only on physical aspects, to a more complex approach, which also incorporates psychological and social aspects and the correlation between obesity, bariatric surgery, and quality of life.

The Alarming Rate of Malnutrition after Single Anastomosis Sleeve Ileal Bypass. A single Centre Experience

BACKGROUND

Single anastomosis sleeve ileal (SASI) bypass is a modification of sleeve gastrectomy with transit bipartition (SG + TB). This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of SASI as a primary metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS).

METHODS

This is a retrospective case series of 30 patients who underwent SASI bypass from January to December 2021. All patients completed at least 12 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

Among the 30 patients, 93.3% were women, the mean age was 37.4 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 45.6 kg/m2. The percentage of total body weight loss (TWL%) was 42.7%, the percent excess body weight loss (EWL%) was 92.7%, and the mean BMI at 12 months went from 45.6(35.2-58.4) to 25.8 kg/m2 (19.2-33.4). The obesity-associated complications remission rate was 87.5% for type 2 diabetes (T2D), 71.4% for hypertension (HTN) and 100% for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Thirteen patients (43.3%) had diarrhea, 7 (23.3%) had hypoalbuminemia, defined as serum albumin < 3 g/dl, and 6 (20%) underwent reversal of their index SASI. As for other nutritional issues, iron deficiency anemia was present in 21 patients (70%), while 19 patients (63.3%) had vitamin D, and 2(6.6%) had vitamin B12 deficiency.

CONCLUSION

Despite good short-term weight loss and improvement of obesity-associated complications, SASI is accompanied by high alarming malnutrition, even in short-term follow-up. Novel MBS should be judged for their long-term effects and compared to well-tested standard operations before they are used in routine clinical practice.

Primary versus Revisional One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass: Outcomes of Patients with at Least 8-Year Follow-Up

INTRODUCTION

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) prevalence is increasing worldwide and shows good mid- to long-term results. Data on long-term outcomes of revisional OAGB (rOAGB) is limited. This study's objective was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing primary OAGB (pOAGB) and rOAGB.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained patient registry at a single-tertiary center. Patients undergoing OAGB from January 2015 to May 2016 were included and grouped into pOAGB and rOAGB.

RESULTS

There were 424 patients, of which 363 underwent pOAGB, and 61 underwent rOAGB. Baseline characteristics were insignificantly different between groups except for the type 2 diabetes (T2D) rate which was higher in pOAGB (26% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.01). The mean follow-up time was 98.5 ± 3.9 months, and long-term follow-up data were available for 52.5% of patients. The mean total weight loss (TWL) was higher in the pOAGB group (31.3 ± 14 vs. 24.1 ± 17.6, p = 0.006); however, TWL was comparable when relating to the weight at primary surgery for rOAGB. The rate of T2D and hypertension resolution was 79% and 72.7% with no difference between groups. Thirteen patients (5.9%) underwent OAGB revision during follow-up, with no difference between groups. Two deaths occurred during follow-up, both non-related to OAGB.

CONCLUSION

OAGB is effective as a primary and as a revisional procedure for severe obesity with good long-term results in terms of weight loss and resolution of associated diseases. In addition, the revisional surgery rates and chronic complications are acceptable. Further large prospective studies are required to clarify these data.

Current recommendations for procedure selection in class I and II obesity developed by an expert modified Delphi consensus

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is widely considered the most effective option for treating obesity, a chronic, relapsing, and progressive disease. Recently, the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) issued new guidelines on the indications for MBS, which have superseded the previous 1991 National Institutes of Health guidelines. The aim of this study is to establish the first set of consensus guidelines for selecting procedures in Class I and II obesity, using an Expert Modified Delphi Method. In this study, 78 experienced bariatric surgeons from 32 countries participated in a two-round Modified Delphi consensus voting process. The threshold for consensus was set at an agreement or disagreement of ≥ 70.0% among the experts. The experts reached a consensus on 54 statements. The committee of experts reached a consensus that MBS is a cost-effective treatment option for Class II obesity and for patients with Class I obesity who have not achieved significant weight loss through non-surgical methods. MBS was also considered suitable for patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher. The committee identified intra-gastric balloon (IGB) as a treatment option for patients with class I obesity and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) as an option for patients with class I and II obesity, as well as for patients with T2DM and a BMI of ≥ 30 kg/m2. Sleeve gastrectomy (1) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) were also recognized as viable treatment options for these patient groups. The committee also agreed that one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is a suitable option for patients with Class II obesity and T2DM, regardless of the presence or severity of obesity-related medical problems. The recommendations for selecting procedures in Class I and II obesity, developed through an Expert Modified Delphi Consensus, suggest that the use of standard primary bariatric endoscopic (IGB, ESG) and surgical procedures (SG, RYGB, OAGB) are acceptable in these patient groups, as consensus was reached regarding these procedures. However, randomized controlled trials are still needed in Class I and II Obesity to identify the best treatment approach for these patients in the future.

Recent advances in bariatric surgery: a narrative review of weight loss procedures

Bariatric surgery has emerged as a highly effective option for individuals with obesity, offering significant and sustainable weight loss outcomes. This surgical approach involves various procedures that alter the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to reduced food intake and nutrient absorption. Established procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch have proven track records. In contrast, emerging options like intragastric balloons, AspireAssist devices, and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty show promise but require further investigation. Numerous studies have highlighted the remarkable benefits of bariatric surgery, not only in weight loss but also in the resolution of obesity-related comorbidities and significant improvements in quality of life. However, successful outcomes rely on a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing preoperative evaluation, patient selection, comprehensive postoperative care, nutritional support, and psychological counseling. Regular follow-up and adherence to postsurgical recommendations are crucial for sustained weight loss and positive long-term results. As bariatric surgery continues to evolve, tailored procedures based on individual needs and ongoing research hold the potential for even more refined and effective approaches. Through this ongoing advancement, bariatric surgery is poised to offer improved patient outcomes, transforming lives for those grappling with the challenges of obesity.

BRAZILIAN MULTI-SOCIETY POSITION STATEMENT ON EMERGING BARIATRIC AND METABOLIC SURGICAL PROCEDURES

This Brazilian multi-society position statement on emerging bariatric and metabolic surgical procedures was issued by the Brazilian Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery (SBCBM), the Brazilian College of Digestive Surgery (CBCD), and the Brazilian College of Surgeons (CBC). This document is the result of a Brazilian Emerging Surgeries Forum aimed at evaluating the results of surgeries that are not yet listed in the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM), the regulatory agency that oversees and regulates medical practice in Brazil. The Forum integrated more than 400 specialists and academics with extensive knowledge about bariatric and metabolic surgery, representing the three surgical societies: SBCBM, CBC, and CBCD. International speakers participated online and presented their experiences with the techniques under discussion, emphasizing the regulatory policies in their countries. The indications for surgery and the subsequent procedures were carefully reviewed, including one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), single anastomosis duodeno-ileal with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S or OADS), sleeve gastrectomy with transit bipartition (SGTB), and sleeve gastrectomy with ileal interposition (SGII). The recommendations of this document are based on an extensive literature review and discussions among bariatric surgery specialists from the three surgical societies. We concluded that patients with a body mass index over 30 kg/m2 may be candidates for metabolic surgery in the presence of comorbidities (arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes) with no response to clinical treatment of obesity or in the control of other associated diseases. Regarding the surgical procedures, we concluded that OAGB, OADS, and SGTB are associated with low morbidity rates, satisfactory weight loss, and resolution of obesity-related comorbidities such as diabetes and arterial hypertension. SGII was considered a good and viable promising surgical alternative technique. The recommendations of this statement aim to synchronize our societies with the sentiments and understandings of most of our members and also serve as a guide for future decisions regarding bariatric surgical procedures in our country and worldwide.

The Effect of Revisional One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass After Sleeve Gastrectomy on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Compared with Revisional Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Symptoms and Quality of Life Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). We aimed to evaluate the effect of revisional one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) on GERD, compared with revisional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) METHODS: A retrospective single-center study of a prospectively maintained patient registry (2018-2022). All patients with GERD undergoing OAGB and RYGB after SG were retrieved and included in the study.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight SG patients had conversion to OAGB (n=31) and RYGB (n=47). Baseline characteristics were similar except age (43.8±11.5 vs. 50.3±13.4 years; p=0.03), body mass index (39.9±8.8 vs. 30.6±6 kg/m2; p<0.001), time interval (8±2.7 vs. 6.4±3.4 years; p=0.01), and sleep apnea (29% vs 8.5%; p=0.01), respectively. There was no significant difference between groups in number of patients consuming proton pump inhibitors (70.1% vs. 72.3%; p=0.66), GERD-health-related quality of life (HRQL) score (9.6±7.2 vs. 13.1±8; p=0.06), and pathological endoscopic findings (48.4% vs. 46.8%; p=0.89). Major complication rates were 0% vs. 8.5% (p=0.09). At 32.4 months follow-up, total weight loss was 22%±12.9 and 4.4%±14.6 (p<0.001), GERD resolution 77.4% and 91.9% (p=0.03), HRQL scoring improved to 1.7±4.5 and 1.7±2.7; p=0.94 for OAGB and RYGB, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

SG conversion to RYGB provides better chances for definitive treatment of GERD. OAGB results in good symptom resolution and improved quality of life and may be considered for post-SG GERD treatment. The most appropriate solution should be individualized to each patient.

Comparison of One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy for Revision of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding: 5-Year Outcomes

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is in continuous decline due to low effectiveness and high reoperation rates. This study aims to evaluate outcomes of converting LAGB to one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) for insufficient weight loss or weight regain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective comparative study, based on prospective registry database of a tertiary center (2012-2019).

RESULTS

In all, 276 LAGB patients were converted to OAGB (n = 125) and SG (n = 151). Body mass index (BMI) at revision was 41.3 ± 6.6 and 42.3 ± 9.6 kg/m2 (P = 0.34) in OAGB and SG patients, respectively. Time interval was longer in OAGB patients (p < 0.001). Major early complication rates were comparable (2.4% and 4%; p = 0.46). At 5-years, OAGB patients had lower BMI (31.9 vs. 34.5 kg/m2; p = 0.002), and a higher total weight loss (25.1% vs. 18.8%; p = 0.003), compared with SG patients. Resolution of type 2 diabetes was higher in OAGB patients (93.3% vs. 66.6%; p = 0.047), while resolution of hypertension was not significantly different (84.6% and 80.5%; p = 0.68). Revision due to delayed complications was required in five (4%) OAGB patients and nine (8.6%) SG patients (p = 0.14).

CONCLUSION

OAGB for revision after LAGB due to insufficient weight loss or weight regain is safe, and has better effectiveness in weight reduction and resolution of type 2 diabetes than SG.

Revisional One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) for Poor Response of Duodenal-Jejunal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (DJB-SG) (Video Report)

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery has actually focused not only on obesity but also more on the improvements or remission of the metabolic diseases. Therefore, revisional surgery is indicated for patients with poor response to the primary bariatric surgery to control weight and obesity-associated medical conditions.

METHOD

In this video report, the patient was a 27-year-old Asian female with an initial BMI of 36.5 kg/m² and poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c: 11.9%). She underwent primary bariatric surgery of laparoscopic duodenal-jejunal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (DJB-SG) in June 2019. She had a nadir BMI of 28.8 kg/m² (corresponding body weight of 72 kg) in June 2020. However, she regained weight (BMI: 34 kg/m²) and had a relapse of diabetes with an HbA1c of 12.0% at the time of consultation for revisional bariatric surgery (RBS) in September 2022. After a multidisciplinary team evaluation, laparoscopic procedures of one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) with resizing the gastric tube, removal of duodenal-jejunal anastomosis, and lengthening of the biliopancreatic limb were performed.

RESULTS

The operative time was 186 min and blood loss was 50 ml. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged on postoperative day 5. At the 3-month follow-up after RBS, the patient had lost 13 kg (weight dropped from 85 to 72 kg) and achieve remission of diabetes with HbA1c of 5.7%.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic OAGB is technically feasible and practical as a revisional procedure for poor response of DJB-SG.

Safety of concomitant cholecystectomy during one anastomosis gastric bypass compared with sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Candidates of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) are prone for gallstone formation. Concomitant cholecystectomy (CC) during MBS is controversial. This study is first to examine the safety of CC during one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), compared with sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Single-center retrospective comparative study of CC (2012-2021) during OAGB, to SG and RYGB. CC was performed in 115 patients during OAGB (n = 50), SG (n = 39), and RYGB (n = 26). All procedures were completed laparoscopically. Baseline characteristics were similar except age, body mass index, gastroesophageal reflux disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and previous MBS (p < 0.05). Intraoperative complications occurred in one OAGB patient (2% vs. 0%, 0%; p = 0.52), which was not cholecystectomy related. There were no differences in total (6% vs. 2.6%, 15.4%; p = 0.13) and major (2% vs. 0%, 3.8; p = 0.50) early-complication rates. Of them, cholecystectomy-related complications occurred in one OAGB, compared with none of SG and one RYGB (2% vs. 0%, 3.8%; p = 0.50). The former was major, and the latter was minor complication. None of the OAGB patients needed re-admission (0% vs. 0%, 11.5; p = 0.04). All CC outcome parameters were similar between asymptomatic and symptomatic gallstones. Previous bariatric procedures were found to be a significant risk for major complications and readmissions (OR = 16.87, p = 0.019). CC during OAGB for gallstones seems safe, as in SG and RYGB. No cholecystectomy-related intraoperative complications occurred, and postoperative complication rates were low and acceptable. Outcomes for asymptomatic gallstones were similar to symptomatic ones, and we cautiously support CC in the presence of gallstones.

One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Compared with Sleeve Gastrectomy in Elderly Patients: Safety and Long-term Outcomes

BACKGROUND

As life expectancy increases, more elderly patients are being considered for metabolic bariatric surgery. We aimed to assess the safety and long-term effectiveness of one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) compared to sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

METHODS

Single-center retrospective comparative study of OAGB and SG (2012-2019) in patients aged ≥ 65 years.

RESULTS

In all, 124 patients underwent OAGB (n = 41) and SG (n = 83). Mean age was 67.6 ± 2.8 and 67.6 ± 2.6 years (p = 0.89), respectively. Baseline characteristics were comparable, except lower rates of hypertension (HTN) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in OAGB than SG patients (43.9% vs. 74.6%; p < 0.001, and 39.0% vs. 89.1%; p < 0.001, respectively). Body mass index (BMI) of OAGB and SG patients decreased from 41.8 ± 7.8 and 43.3 ± 5.9 kg/m² (p = 0.25) to 28.6 ± 4.7 and 33.2 ± 5.3 (p < 0.001), at long-term follow-up, respectively. Excess weight loss (EWL) > 50% was achieved in 80.6% and 43.2% of OAGB and SG patients, with a mean EWL of 67.2% ± 22.3 and 45.8% ± 18.0 (p < 0.001) and a mean total weight loss (TWL) of 30.7% ± 10.4 and 21.9% ± 8.1 (p < 0.001), respectively. Resolution rates of obesity-associated medical problems were similar, except type 2 diabetes (T2D) and HTN, which were 86.6% and 73.3% in OAGB, compared with 29.7% and 36.3% in SG patients (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001), respectively. Major early complication rates were comparable (2.4% vs. 3.6%; p = 0.73, respectively). Revision for late complications was required in two OAGB patients.

CONCLUSIONS

OAGB in the elderly is safe and results in better long-term weight reduction and resolution of T2D and HTN than SG.

Ethics of Bariatric Surgery in Adolescence and Its Implications for Clinical Practice

Obesity is increasingly prevalent among adolescents. Clinical and research data support the use of bariatric surgery (BS) as a treatment option for severely obese adolescents, with good results in terms of weight loss, improvement or resolution of comorbidities, and compliance to follow up. Nevertheless, concerns still remain, with significant disparities among countries and ethical concerns mainly raised by performing an irreversible and invasive procedure in adolescence, with potential life-long alterations. In this context, the purpose of this narrative review was to discuss the main current ethical challenges in performing BS in adolescence and to inform appropriate clinical management in the field. The core ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice were revised in terms of patient-centered healthcare through the lens of psychosocial implications. The review concludes with a discussion regarding the potential directives for future research for effective, patient-centered, and ethical management of obesity in the adolescent population.