A prospective trial for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in morbidly obese adolescents: an interim report of weight loss, metabolic and quality of life outcomes

Scientific Evidence for the Updated Guidelines on Indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (IFSO/ASMBS)

The 2022 American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) updated the indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS), replacing the previous guidelines established by the NIH over 30 years ago. The evidence supporting these updated guidelines has been strengthened to assist metabolic and bariatric surgeons, nutritionists, and other members of multidisciplinary teams, as well as patients. This study aims to assess the level of evidence and the strength of recommendations compared to the previously published criteria.

Effectiveness of surgical interventions for managing obesity in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis framed using minimal important difference estimates based on GRADE guidance to inform a clinical practice guideline

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the literature on bariatric surgery for managing pediatric obesity, including intervention effects to improve patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), cardiometabolic risk factors, anthropometry, and assess adverse events (AEs).

METHODS

Eligible studies were published between January 2012 and January 2022 and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational (controlled and uncontrolled) studies before and after surgery with a mean age <18 years old. Outcomes and subgroups were selected a priori by stakeholders; estimates of effect for outcomes were presented relative to minimal important differences (MIDs) and GRADE certainty of evidence. We examined data on PROMs, cardiometabolic risk factors, anthropometry, and AEs. Subgroup analyses examined outcomes by follow-up duration and surgical technique, when possible.

RESULTS

Overall, 63 publications (43 original studies) met our inclusion criteria (n = 6128 participants; 66% female). Studies reported six different surgical techniques that were evaluated using uncontrolled single arm observational (n = 49), controlled observational (n = 13), and RCT (n = 1) designs. Most studies included short-term follow-up (<18 months) only. PROMs were measured in 12 (28%) studies. Surgery led to large improvements in health-related quality of life compared to baseline and control groups, and moderate to very large improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors compared to baseline. Large to very large improvements in BMIz were noted compared to baseline across all follow-up periods. There was limited evidence of AEs with most reporting mild or non-specific AEs; serious AEs were uncommon.

CONCLUSION

Bariatric surgery demonstrated primarily moderate to very large improvements across diverse outcomes with limited evidence of AEs, albeit with low to moderate certainty of evidence.

Scientific evidence for the updated guidelines on indications for metabolic and bariatric surgery (IFSO/ASMBS)

The 2022 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) updated the indications for metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), replacing the previous guidelines established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) over 30 years ago. The evidence supporting these updated guidelines has been strengthened to assist metabolic and bariatric surgeons, nutritionists, and other members of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), as well as patients. This study aims to assess the level of evidence and the strength of recommendations compared to the previously published criteria.

Psychosocial Outcomes Following Adolescent Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Metabolic and bariatric surgery is an effective strategy to curb the natural history of obesity progression and improve psychosocial status in the short term for adolescents with severe obesity. The medium- and long-term psychosocial impact of bariatric surgery in this population is not established.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Libraries through October 2017 for reports of weight loss surgery (roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding) on adolescents with severe obesity (age ≤ 21 years) having ≥ 6 months of follow-up. The primary outcome for inclusion in systematic review was use of a validated quality of life (QoL) or other psychosocial instrument at baseline and postoperatively. We used standardized mean difference (SMD) and random-effects modeling to provide summary estimates across different instruments.

RESULTS

We reviewed 5155 studies, of which 20 studies met inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis. There were 14 studies and 9 unique cohorts encompassing 573 patients which were eligible for meta-analysis regarding postoperative change in QoL. Across surgical procedures, there was significant improvement in QoL of 1.40 SMD (95% confidence interval 0.95 to 1.86; I² = 89%; p < 0.001) at last follow-up (range 9-94 months). Trends in QoL improvement demonstrated the greatest improvement at 12 months; however, significant improvement was sustained at longest follow-up of 60+ months.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight loss surgery is associated with sustained improvement in QoL for adolescents with severe obesity across surgical procedures. Long-term data for psychosocial outcomes reflecting other mental health domains is lacking.

Improving the assessment and management of obesity in UK children and adolescents: the PROMISE research programme including a RCT

Background

Five linked studies were undertaken to inform identified evidence gaps in the childhood obesity pathway.

Objectives

(1) To scope the impact of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) (study A). (2) To develop a brief evidence-based electronic assessment and management tool (study B). (3) To develop evidence-based algorithms for identifying the risk of obesity comorbidities (study B). (4) To conduct an efficacy trial of the Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Programme (HELP) (study C). (5) To improve the prescribing of anti-obesity drugs in UK adolescents (study D). (6) To investigate the safety, outcomes and predictors of outcome of adolescent bariatric surgery in the UK (study E).

Methods

Five substudies – (1) a parental survey before and after feedback from the National Childhood Measurement Programme, (2) risk algorithm development and piloting of a new primary care management tool, (3) a randomised controlled trial of the Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Programme, (4) quantitative and qualitative studies of anti-obesity drug treatment in adolescents and (5) a prospective clinical audit and cost-effectiveness evaluation of adolescent bariatric surgery in one centre.

Results

Study A – before the National Childhood Measurement Programme feedback, three-quarters of parents of overweight and obese children did not recognise their child to be overweight. Eighty-seven per cent of parents found the National Childhood Measurement Programme feedback to be helpful. Feedback had positive effects on parental knowledge, perceptions and intentions. Study B – risk estimation models for cardiovascular and psychosocial comorbidities of obesity require further development. An online consultation tool for primary care practitioners is acceptable and feasible. Study C – the Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Programme, when delivered in the community by graduate mental health workers, showed no significant effect on body mass index at 6 months (primary outcome) when compared with enhanced usual care. Study D – anti-obesity drugs appear efficacious in meta-analysis, and their use has expanded rapidly in the last decade. However, the majority of prescriptions are rapidly discontinued after 1–3 months of treatment. Few young people described positive experiences of anti-obesity drugs. Prescribing was rarely compliant with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance. Study E – bariatric surgery appears safe, effective and highly cost-effective in adolescents in the NHS.

Future work and limitations

Work is needed to evaluate behaviour and body mass index change in the National Childhood Measurement Programme more accurately and improve primary care professionals’ understanding of the National Childhood Measurement Programme feedback, update and further evaluate the Computer-Assisted Treatment of CHildren (CATCH) tool, investigate delivery of weight management interventions to young people from deprived backgrounds and those with significant psychological distress and obtain longer-term data on anti-obesity drug use and bariatric surgery outcomes in adolescence.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN99840111.

Funding

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Programme Grants for Applied Research programme and will be published in full inProgramme Grants for Applied Research; Vol. 8, No. 3. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Short- and long-term safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery for severely obese adolescents: a narrative review

The selection criteria, safety, and efficacy of bariatric surgery are well established in adults but are less well defined for severely obese adolescents. The number of severely obese adolescents who could benefit from weight loss surgery is increasing, although referral rates have plateaued. Surgical options for these adolescents are controversial and raise several questions. Recent studies, including the prospective Teen-Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery Study and the Adolescent Morbid Obesity Surgery Study, help answer these questions. Early bariatric surgical intervention improves body mass index but, more importantly, improves cardiovascular and metabolic co-morbidities of severe obesity. A review of the medical, psychosocial, and economic risks and benefits of bariatric surgery in severely obese adolescents is a step toward improving the management of a challenging and increasing population. We describe the current knowledge of eligibility criteria, preoperative evaluation, surgical options, outcomes, and referral barriers of adolescents for bariatric surgery.

Weight Loss in Adolescents After Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Bariatric surgery is a treatment option for the obese adolescent. There are three primary surgical procedures: the bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and lap band. The most recent literature was reviewed to examine changes in weight, comorbidities, and complications after bariatric surgery in the adolescent.

METHOD

A systematic search was performed to identify original research articles published in the United States between the years of 2000 and 2017 with patients between the ages of 11 and 21 years that provided greater than 30 days of results.

RESULTS

A total of 23 articles were identified. Weight loss, improvement in comorbidities, and complications after all procedures were reported.

DISCUSSION

Outcomes were not reported in a standardized fashion, creating much difficulty in interpreting and comparing results. The sleeve gastrectomy is increasing in incidence, whereas the lap band is decreasing. Further research is needed to draw more definitive conclusions regarding long-term results in the adolescent undergoing bariatric surgery.

Weight loss after bariatric surgery in obese adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Of adolescents in the United States, 20% have obesity and current treatment options prioritize intensive lifestyle interventions that are largely ineffective. Bariatric surgery is increasingly being offered to obese adolescent patients; however, large-scale effectiveness data is lacking. We used MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases, and a manual search of references to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on overall weight loss after gastric band, gastric sleeve, and gastric bypass in obese adolescent patients (age ≤19) and young adults (age ≤21) in separate analyses. We provided estimates of absolute change in body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) and percent excess weight loss across 4 postoperative time points (6, 12, 24, and 36 mo) for each surgical subgroup. Study quality was assessed using a 10 category scoring system. Data were extracted from 24 studies with 4 having multiple surgical subgroups (1 with 3, and 3 with 2 subgroups), totaling 29 surgical subgroup populations (gastric band: 16, gastric sleeve: 5, gastric bypass: 8), and 1928 patients (gastric band: 1010, gastric sleeve: 139, gastric bypass: 779). Mean preoperative BMI (kg/m²) was 45.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 44.7, 46.3) in gastric band, 48.8 (95%CI: 44.9, 52.8) in gastric sleeve, and 53.3 (95%CI: 50.2, 56.4) in gastric bypass patients. The short-term weight loss, measured as mean (95%CI) absolute change in BMI (kg/m²) at 6 months, was -5.4 (-3.0, -7.8) after gastric band, -11.5 (-8.8, -14.2) after gastric sleeve, and -18.8 (-10.9, -26.6) after gastric bypass. Weight loss at 36 months, measured as mean (95%CI) absolute change in BMI (kg/m²) was -10.3 (-7.0, -13.7) after gastric band, -13.0 (-11.0, -15.0) after gastric sleeve, and -15.0 (-13.5, -16.5) after gastric bypass. Bariatric surgery in obese adolescent patients is effective in achieving short-term and sustained weight loss at 36 months; however, long-term data remains necessary to better understand its long-term efficacy.

NASPGHAN Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children: Recommendations from the Expert Committee on NAFLD (ECON) and the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN)

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a highly prevalent chronic liver disease that occurs in the setting of insulin resistance and increased adiposity. It has rapidly evolved into the most common liver disease seen in the pediatric population and is a management challenge for general pediatric practitioners, subspecialists, and for health systems. In this guideline, the expert committee on NAFLD reviewed and summarized the available literature, formulating recommendations to guide screening and clinical care of children with NAFLD.

Comparative results of gastric banding in adolescents and young adults

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Obesity has become a major public health priority. Because of disappointing results obtained with dietary and medical programs, bariatric surgery has been offered to adolescents, although this practice remains controversial. Our aim was to evaluate laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in adolescents at 2-year follow-up.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective study, from 2008 to 2013, compared results between adolescent patients and young adult controls. The LAGB technique and the follow-up program were similar. Weight loss and comorbid disease were analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-six adolescents (mean age at surgery=16.7±1.3years) were operated on and compared to 53 young adults (mean age at surgery=21.7±1.9years). The mean weight and BMI at surgery were 124.4±20.7 and 43.9±5.5kg/m(2), respectively. Among the adolescents, none were diabetic or hypertensive. The mean glycated hemoglobin was 5.6±1.2%. In four cases (11%) dyslipidemia was observed. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of initial preoperative weight or BMI. The absolute BMI values at 6, 12 and 24months after surgery were comparable between adolescents and young adults: 38.7 vs 39.8, 36.0 vs 37.6 and 33.5 vs 36.1kg/m(2), respectively. The excess weight loss was higher in adolescents at 12 and 24months: 48.6 vs 37.6% (p=0.03); and 62.3 vs 45.5% (p=0.02). During this period, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia decreased similarly in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Provided there is careful selection of patients and a supportive multidisciplinary team, satisfying results can be obtained after LAGB in adolescents, comparable to those obtained in young adults at 2-year follow-up.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in adolescents: Results at two years including psychosocial aspects

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Obesity now affects 3%-4% of the pediatric population and contributes to the increase in cardiac mortality in adulthood. Bariatric surgery is the best treatment for weight loss and the obesity-associated comorbidities in adults. We report here our experience of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in adolescents.

METHODS

The medical charts of the first 16 patients operated on in our center were reviewed. Data were compiled concerning weight loss, physical and biological comorbidities, health-related quality of life (QOL) and surgical complications before surgery and during 24months of follow-up.

RESULTS

The maximal pre-operative median body mass index was 43.0kg·m(-2), decreasing to 33.0kg·m(-2) at 2years post-LAGB, which corresponded to a 49.2% excess body weight loss (p<0.001). Most comorbidities (glucose intolerance, hypertension and sleep apnea) resolved within the first year post-LAGB and QOL was improved on the PedsQL™ scales. No severe surgical complications were noted, with only three re-interventions for device failure (2) or band removal (1).

CONCLUSION

LAGB is well tolerated in adolescents and shows a beneficial impact on weight loss and obesity-related comorbidities. Associated with global management, it may have a positive impact on patients' QOL and social and psychological status.

Systematic review of psychological and social outcomes of adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery, and predictors of success

The psychological and social outcomes of bariatric surgery in adolescents, together with psychological and social predictors of success, were systematically reviewed. PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science and PsychInfo were searched on July 2014. Existing data were sparse; 15 were suitable for qualitative review and six for meta-analysis (four quality of life [QOL], two depression). One study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 139 subjects underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, 202 underwent adjustable gastric band and 64 underwent sleeve gastrectomy. Overall QOL improved after bariatric surgery, regardless of surgical type with peak improvement at 6-12 months. Meta-analysis of four studies showed changed in overall QOL at latest follow-up of 2.80 standard deviation (SD) (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-4.37). Depression improved across all studies, regardless of procedure (effect size -0.47 SD [95% CI -0.76, -0.18] at 4-6 months). Two cohorts reported changes in both overall QOL and depression following a quadratic trajectory, with overall improvement over 2 years and deterioration in the second post-operative year. There were limited data on other psychological and social outcomes. There were insufficient data on psychosocial predictors of outcome to form evidence-based recommendations for patient selection for bariatric surgery at this time.

Bariatric surgery in morbidly obese adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane were systematically reviewed for available evidence on bariatric surgery in adolescents. Thirty-seven included studies evaluated the effect of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in patients ≤18 years old. Fifteen of 37 studies were prospective, including one RCT. Mean body mass index (BMI) loss after LAGB was 11.6 kg/m(2) (95% CI 9.8-13.4), versus 16.6 kg/m(2) (95% CI 13.4-19.8) after RYGB and 14.1 kg/m(2) (95% CI 10.8-17.5) after LSG. Two unrelated deaths were reported after 495 RYGB procedures. All three bariatric procedures result in substantial weight loss and improvement of comorbidity with an acceptable complication rate, indicating that surgical intervention is applicable in appropriately selected morbidly obese adolescents.

The impact of obesity on pediatric procedural sedation-related outcomes: results from the Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of obesity on adverse events and required interventions during pediatric procedural sedation.

METHODS

The Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium database of prospectively collected procedural sedation encounters was queried to identify patients for whom body mass index (BMI) could be calculated. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥95th percentile for age and gender. Sedation-related outcomes, adverse events, and therapeutic interventions were compared between obese and nonobese patients.

RESULTS

For analysis, 28,792 records were eligible. A total of 5,153 patients (17.9%) were obese; they were predominantly male and older and had a higher median American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification (P < 0.001). Total adverse events were more common in obese patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.49, 95% confidence interval [1.31, 1.70]). Respiratory events (airway obstruction OR 1.94 [1.54, 2.44], oxygen desaturation OR 1.99 [1.50, 2.63], secretions OR 1.48 [1.01, 2.15], laryngospasm OR 2.30 [1.30, 4.05]), inability to complete the associated procedure (OR 1.96 [1.16, 3.30]), and prolonged recovery (OR 2.66 [1.26, 5.59]) were increased in obese patients. Obese patients more frequently required airway intervention including repositioning, suctioning, jaw thrust, airway adjuncts, and bag-valve-mask ventilation. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated obesity to be independently associated with minor and moderate but not major adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity is an independent risk factor for adverse respiratory events during procedural sedation and is associated with an increased frequency of airway interventions, suggesting that additional vigilance and expertise are required when sedating these patients.

Indications and limitations of bariatric intervention in severely obese children and adolescents with and without nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee Position Statement

Morbid obesity is strongly associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. The present best treatment for NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is weight reduction through lifestyle modification. Because of frustrating inefficiency of such a therapeutic approach, bariatric surgery is increasingly performed in adolescents as an alternative option for weight reduction. Standards of care and consensus for indications are, however, scarce. We explore the indications and limitations of bariatric surgery in children with severe obesity with and without NASH and aim to provide guidance for the exceptional indications for adolescents with extreme obesity with major comorbidity that may benefit from these controversial interventions. Present evidence suggests that bariatric surgery can decrease the grade of steatosis, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis in NASH. Uncomplicated NAFLD is not an indication for bariatric surgery. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is considered a safe and effective option for adolescents with extreme obesity, as long as an appropriate long-term follow-up is provided. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in adolescents and therefore should be considered investigational. Finally, sleeve gastrectomy and other types of weight loss surgery that have grown increasingly common in adults, still need to be considered investigational. Temporary devices may be increasingly being used in pediatrics; however, future studies, including a long-term risk analysis of patients who undergo surgery, are much needed to clarify the exact indications for bariatric surgery in adolescents.

Laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy significantly improves short term weight loss as compared to laparoscopic adjustable gastric band placement in morbidly obese adolescent patients

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery has shown to be an effective weight loss treatment in morbidly obese adolescents. We compared outcomes of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) to laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG).

METHODS

A single institution, retrospective evaluation of a prospectively collected database of LAGB and VSG patients.

RESULTS

174 morbidly obese patients underwent bariatric surgery at our institution between 2006 and 2013. 137 patients underwent LAGB and 37 underwent VSG. There were no significant differences between LAGB vs. VSG groups on day of surgery for age, gender, ethnicity, weight, and BMI. At 24-month follow up, patients who underwent VSG vs. LAGB displayed significantly greater percent excess weight loss (70.9±20.7 vs. 35.5±28.6, P=0.004) and percent preoperative BMI loss (32.3±11.0 vs. 16.4±12.7, P=0.004). Both VSG and LAGB significantly improved levels of HDL, HgA1c, and fasting glucose. LAGB patients had more complications than VSG patients.

CONCLUSION

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment strategy in morbidly obese adolescents who have failed medical management. VSG results in greater short term weight and BMI loss when compared to LAGB. Longer follow up with more patients will be required to confirm the long term safety and efficacy of VSG in adolescent patients.

Bariatric surgery in adolescents: what do we know so far?

Introduction:

Obesity represents a vast and rapidly increasing global burden. Bariatric surgery is the only intervention achieving sustained weight loss, among its wide-ranging benefits.

Methods:

In this article, we describe the growing challenges presented by adolescents with severe obesity and review the literature on surgical and other treatment options.

Results:

Outcomes in terms of weight loss, metabolic and quality of life improvement, reversal of obstructive sleep apnea, insulin resistance, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia appear comparable to those seen in adults. However, long-term data on safety and sustainability are lacking. There is a growing acceptance of the need for surgery as a treatment for the morbidly obese adolescent population, and the number of studies reporting outcomes after adolescent bariatric surgery is increasing.

Conclusion:

Accumulating evidence suggests that the benefits seen in adult bariatric surgery can be reproduced in adolescents. Thus, adolescent bariatric surgery appears to be safe and effective in achieving benefits desired in terms of weight control and improvements in metabolic health and quality of life. However, particular care must be taken when treating a young population, and long-term outcomes are awaited to properly define indications and limitations.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in adolescents

Gastric band placement developed as a means of limiting the amount of solid food that enters the stomach, relying on the principle of reducing caloric intake by reducing food volume. By making it difficult for a patient to swallow a large bite of food, one ideally could learn to change eating behavior to take smaller bites and eat more slowly in order to avoid the unpleasant sensation of food backing up at the level of the restriction. Limiting intake should result in weight loss. This article reviews the history of gastric band surgery, the operation and follow-up care, complications associated with gastric banding, and results to date.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and bariatric surgery in adolescents

Obesity is a multi-organ system disease with underlying insulin resistance and systemic chronic inflammation. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic manifestation of the underlying metabolic dysfunction. This review provides a highlight of the current understanding of NAFLD pathogenesis and disease characteristics, with updates on the challenges of NAFLD management in obese and severely obese (SO) patients and recommendations for the pediatric surgeons' role in the care of SO adolescents.

Treatment of obesity-related hypertension in children and adolescents

The obesity epidemic has become a common concern among pediatricians, with an estimated 32 % of US children and adolescents classified as overweight and 18 % as obese. Along with the increase in obesity, a growing body of evidence demonstrates that chronic diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes, primary hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, once thought to be confined solely to adulthood, are commonly seen among the obese in childhood. Following a brief summary of the diagnosis and evaluation of hypertension in obese children and adolescents, this review will highlight recent research on the treatment of obesity-related hypertension. Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment will be discussed. Additionally, current and emerging therapies for the primary treatment of obesity in children and adolescents, which have been gaining in popularity, will be reviewed.

Bariatric surgery for obese children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The number of obese young people continues to rise, with a corresponding increase in extreme obesity and paediatric-adolescent bariatric surgery. We aimed to (i) systematically review the literature on bariatric surgery in children and adolescents; (ii) meta-analyse change in body mass index (BMI) 1-year post-surgery and (iii) report complications, co-morbidity resolution and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). A systematic literature search (1955-2013) was performed to examine adjustable gastric band, sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or biliopancreatic diversions operations among obese children and adolescents. Change in BMI a year after surgery was meta-analysed using a random effects model. In total, 637 patients from 23 studies were included in the meta-analysis. There were significant decreases in BMI at 1 year (average weighted mean BMI difference: -13.5 kg m(-2) ; 95% confidence interval [CI] -14.1 to -11.9). Complications were inconsistently reported. There was some evidence of co-morbidity resolution and improvements in HRQol post-surgery. Bariatric surgery leads to significant short-term weight loss in obese children and adolescents. However, the risks of complications are not well defined in the literature. Long-term, prospectively designed studies, with clear reporting of complications and co-morbidity resolution, alongside measures of HRQol, are needed to firmly establish the harms and benefits of bariatric surgery in children and adolescents.

Mental Health Evaluations for Adolescents Prior to Bariatric Surgery: A Review of Existing Practices and a Specific Example of Assessment Procedures

OBJECTIVE

Best practice guidelines for adolescents considering bariatric surgery recommend a pre-operative mental health evaluation. However, only general information about these assessments appears in the literature, which makes consistency of administration challenging. This review proposes a specific empirically-derived format for pre-surgical mental health evaluations and summarizes currently available data on the psychiatric functioning of adolescents seeking bariatric surgery.

DESIGN

Studies of mental health evaluations for adults preparing for bariatric surgery are reviewed, as is the limited literature relevant to adolescent evaluations. A specific and detailed example of an evaluation (clinical interview, self-report questionnaires, cognitive assessment) used for younger patients at a major metropolitan hospital center is presented, followed by data from an initial group of adolescents completing this evaluation.

SUBJECTS

200 adolescents (n=139 female; age: 14-18 y, BMI: 35.4-83.3 kg/m²) presenting for bariatric surgery.

RESULTS

A notable subset of adolescents reported current Axis I conditions (31.5%) and current mental health treatment (29.5%), but reports of current illicit drug use (1.5%) and regular alcohol use (0.5%) were relatively rare. Procedures for using the completed evaluation and post-surgery monitoring of psychosocial issues are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents considering weight loss surgery should receive comprehensive pre-surgical mental health evaluations, but additional data are needed to develop specific recommendations the use of these evaluations in post-operative care.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in severely obese adolescent and adult patients

OBJECTIVES

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly an indication for liver transplantation in adults. While severe obesity (SO, BMI ≥40 kg m(-2) ) in adults is long standing, it is recent in duration in adolescents. With adolescent obesity on the rise, NAFLD is becoming the most frequent liver disease in adolescents. The hypothesis that SO adolescents and adults have different severity of NAFLD because of longer duration of obesity in SO adults was tested.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Preoperative clinical data, NAFLD activity and NASH (Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) scores from intraoperative liver biopsies were extracted from a prospective database of consecutively operated SO adolescents and adults (n = 24 each). Fasting preoperative serum inflammatory mediators were evaluated by ELISA.

RESULTS

Other than age, baseline BMI, ethnicity and gender distribution, the incidence and extent of dyslipidemia, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome were comparable between groups. Histologic scores for steatosis and inflammation were similar. Adolescents have significantly higher NASH incidence, hepatocyte injury scores and fibrosis. This was associated with higher serum C-reactive protein and sCD14 levels.

CONCLUSION

For comparable BMI and metabolic profile, SO adolescents have more advanced liver damage, more severe systemic inflammation, suggesting differences in NAFLD etiologies and more aggressive disease progression in the young obese population.

Childhood obesity for pediatric gastroenterologists

Obesity in childhood is one of the major health issues in pediatric health care today. As expected, the prevalence of obesity-related comorbidities has risen in parallel with that of obesity. Consultation regarding these concomitant diseases and subsequent management by subspecialists, including pediatric gastroenterologists, is now common and has resulted in obesity being recognized as a chronic disease requiring coordination of care. Although medications and even surgery may provide effective, though often temporary, treatments for obesity and its comorbidities, behavioral interventions addressing healthy dietary and physical activity habits remain a mainstay in the obesity treatment paradigm. Therefore, the issue of weight management must be addressed by both general practitioner and subspecialist alike. In this report, we review select aspects of pediatric obesity and obesity-related management issues because it relates in particular to the field of pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology.

Patterns of surgical weight loss and resolution of metabolic abnormalities in superobese bariatric adolescents

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to compare the baseline and the 18-month follow-up for weight and metabolic characteristics of superobese (SO) (body mass index [BMI] ≥50 kg/m(2)) and morbidly obese (MO) (BMI <50 kg/m(2)) adolescents who participated in a prospective longitudinal study of gastric banding delivered in an adolescent multidisciplinary treatment program.

METHODS

Clinical information was extracted from an institutional review board-approved database of bariatric adolescents. Fasting cytokine and acute phase protein serum levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Liver histopathologies were assessed using the Kleiner's classification score.

RESULTS

Other than BMI, MO (n = 11) and SO (n = 7) patients have similar degree of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Serum C-reactive protein (10.2 ± 5.6 SO vs 4 ± 3.9 μg/mL MO [P < .02]) and leptin (71 ± 31 SO vs 45 ± 28 MO ng/mL [P = .04]) were more elevated in SO patients. Although weight loss is similar (30 ± 19 kg MO vs 28 ± 12 kg SO, P = .8 at 18 months; mean percent change in BMI, 22.8% ± 11.6% vs 20.5% ± 10.3% SO, P = .2), SO patients has less resolution of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia but experienced significantly improved health-related quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The SO adolescents demonstrate equivalent short-term weight loss and improved quality of life but delayed metabolic response to a gastric banding-based weight loss treatment program compared with MO patients, illustrating the importance of early referral for timely intervention of MO patients.

Pediatric obesity

Childhood obesity is a tremendous burden for children, their families, and society. Obesity prevention remains the ultimate goal but rapid development and deployment of effective nonsurgical treatment options is not currently achievable given the complexity of this disease. Surgical options for adolescent obesity have been proven to be safe and effective and should be offered. The development of stratified protocols of increasing intensity should be individualized for patients based on their disease severity and risk factors. These protocols should be offered in multidisciplinary, cooperative clinical trials to critically evaluate and develop optimal treatment strategies for morbid obesity.

Pre- and postoperative imaging of adolescents undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery

BACKGROUND

As childhood obesity rates rise, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is being investigated as a bariatric surgical option in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

To examine pre- and postoperative imaging in adolescents undergoing LAGB, describe the most common abnormal preoperative imaging findings, and illustrate the typical appearance and variants on postoperative upper-gastrointestinal (UGI) examinations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of all adolescents from 2008 to 2010 undergoing LAGB at a single tertiary-care pediatric hospital. The picture archiving and communication system was queried for all imaging obtained before and after surgery. Postoperative UGI studies were analyzed for common patterns.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven obese adolescents who underwent LAGB were identified. Twenty-five had preoperative imaging, most commonly a UGI study (81.5%). Eight UGI studies were abnormal but did not impact surgery. Preoperative chest and neck radiographs were also common. Intraoperative imaging was rare. Seventy-three postoperative UGI studies were performed on 22 children (range, 2-12 studies). A common postoperative imaging pattern was observed in 19/22 (86%) children. No complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

The most common pre- and postoperative imaging studies in adolescents undergoing LAGB are UGI studies. Pediatric radiologists should be familiar with the imaging of LAGB as this procedure becomes increasingly common.

Functional importance of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for the lower esophageal sphincter in patients with morbid obesity

BACKGROUND

Obesity is characterized by excess body fat measured in body mass index (BMI), which is the weight in kilograms (kg) divided by the height in square meters [m(2)]. In the Northern Hemisphere, the prevalence of overweight has increased by up to 34%. This situation is associated with high incidence of comorbidities such as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Bariatric surgery is the only effective treatment for severe obesity, resulting in amelioration of obesity comorbidities. Data on LES competence following sleeve gastrectomy (SG), one of the several bariatric procedures, are conflicting.

METHODS

In a prospective study, we enrolled 37 patients and divided them into two subgroups in order to evaluate lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) and esophageal motility before and after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) by means of stationary esophageal manometry. A study collective also underwent a gastroscopy. Participants (20) were healthy controls who volunteered.

RESULTS

Preoperative median BMI in group I (control) differed statistically significantly (p < 0.0001) as compared to groups II and III (22 vs. 50.5 or 47.5 kg/m², respectively). After LSG, the BMI of groups II and III decreased to 39.5 and 45 kg/m², respectively. Postoperatively, LESP increased significantly, namely, from preoperative 8.4 to 21.2 mmHg in group II and from 11 to 24 mmHg (p < 0.0001) in group III. Tubular esophageal motility profits from LSG. As expected, the gastroscopy findings ranged from cardiac insufficiency, esophagitis and hiatal hernia to gastric ulcer.

CONCLUSION

LSG significantly increased lower esophageal pressure independent of weight loss after LSG and may protect obese patients from gastroesophageal reflux.

Long-term outcome after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity

This study was performed to determine the long-term consequences of laparoscopic gastric banding on weight loss, body image, and life quality in morbidly obese patients. After a minimum follow-up of 9 years (mean follow-up 10 years; range 9-12 years) several questionnaires concerning weight loss, body image, and life quality were mailed to 180 morbidly obese patients following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. One hundred and twelve (62%) patients (92 females, 20 males) completed and returned the questionnaires. Of the entire sample, 73 (64.9%) patients still had the first band, 17 (15.3%) a second band, and in 22 (19.8%) probands the band had been removed for various reasons. Average weight loss, calculated as change in body mass index, was 13.9 kg/m². Average excess weight loss (EWL) was 30.6%. A total of 10% patients accounted for >50% of EWL. Half of the probands were completely satisfied with their weight loss and about half had reached their planned weight. Lowest post-operative weight was reached at different times, in nearly half of the probands after 2 years, in one-fourth after 4-5 years, and in about 20% at a later time. More than 90% of the probands experienced longer interruptions in weight loss; about half knew why. The findings indicate that overall quality of life was rated good to excellent by two-thirds of the probands, and fair to poor by one-third. A close correlation was seen between extent of weight loss and quality of life and body image. Despite some limitations, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is an effective and safe long-term surgical treatment for a majority of morbidly obese individuals, resulting in long-term weight loss and health-related quality of life. However, there is also a minority of morbidly obese subjects who do not benefit enough from this kind of bariatric surgery. Future research should investigate what kind of bariatric surgery is best for the particular obese individual in order to minimize unsatisfying post-operative results.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of paediatric bariatric surgery: a systematic review

Strong evidence for successful and cost-effective obesity management strategies is still generally lacking, leading the medical profession to rely increasingly on surgical options to treat obesity in children and adolescents. We performed a systematic review to examine the effectiveness of surgical interventions to treat obese children and adolescents, and whether they are cost-effective. We searched PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane Library to 6 September 2010, and hand-searched bibliographies. We included articles with English abstracts if they examined subjects ≤19 years of age, reported at least one postoperative weight loss measure and at least 1 year of postoperative follow-up. Thirty-seven relevant papers on bariatric surgery effectiveness in 831 children or adolescents were included, spanning 36 years. Thirteen studies examined gastric banding, with mean body mass index (BMI) reductions ranging from 8.5 to 43 kg m(-2) . Weight gain was reported in one case study. Eight papers examined Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, with mean BMI reductions ranging from 9 to 25 kg m(-2) . Fourteen publications studied other forms of bariatric surgery: sleeve gastrectomies, vertical banded gastroplasty, biliopancreatic diversion or a combination of procedures. Mean BMI reductions ranged from 9 to 24 kg m(-2) . Three surgery-related mortalities were reported, as was weight regain in several cases. The majority of studies reported resolution or improvement of comorbid conditions. A range of postoperative complications were identified across surgery types, including: ulcers, intestinal leakage, wound infection, anastomotic stricture, nutritional deficiencies, bowel obstruction, pulmonary embolism, disrupted staple lines, band slippage, psychological intolerance and repeated vomiting. Evidence on cost-effectiveness was limited to one Australian modelling project, which deemed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding cost-effective for adolescents. Existing evidence - although based generally on underpowered, retrospective studies - suggests that bariatric surgery in older children results in significant weight loss and improvements in comorbidities and quality of life. However, postoperative complications, compliance and follow-up may be more problematic in adolescents than adults, and availability of long-term data on safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness remains largely unknown. Pending an improvement in the quality of available evidence, a cautious approach to child and adolescent bariatric surgery is warranted, and reversible techniques are advisable compared to approaches that permanently alter anatomy.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in adolescents: short-term results

PURPOSE

Children and adolescents who fail to lose weight through diet and exercise programs have been offered weight loss surgery for several years. We report our early results on laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in 100 teenagers.

METHODS

Candidates for surgery underwent rigorous assessment for medical eligibility, compliance, and psychological well-being. Patients who met criteria and were approved by our team were offered LAGB. Postoperatively, patients were followed monthly until steady weight loss was achieved, then every 3 months thereafter.

RESULTS

One hundred patients aged 14 to 19 years underwent LAGB. Preoperative average weight was 136.7 kg, and median body mass index was 48.7. Comorbid medical conditions were common. Five reoperations were performed for port site bleeding, hiatal hernia repair, possible intestinal obstruction, and port slippage. Eighty-seven patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months. Average weight loss at 6 months was 12.4 (range, 33.2 to 16.2) kg, and average change in body mass index was 4.4 (range, 11.8 to -5.6).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding may be performed safely in adolescents, and short-term results suggest that LAGB may serve as an important tool to help them lose weight.