Rethinking Patient and Medical Professional Perspectives on Bariatric Surgery as a Medically Necessary Treatment

Outcomes and Trends of Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies (EBT) Among Minority Populations

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBT) have emerged as effective options for weight loss. While the benefits of EBT have been documented, data regarding such therapies among minority populations remains scant. We aim to investigate EBT trends and outcomes in minority populations.

METHODS

Data were extracted from the 2015 to 2019 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Project (MBSAQIP) databases. Intragastric balloon (IGB) and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) cases were identified, and procedure volume assessed by year and race/ethnicity. Measures of interest included year-to-year mortality, surgical complications, and 30-day adverse outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 966,646 cases in the MBSAQIP databases, 5209 (0.54%) IGB and ESG cases were included. 10.7% were black, and 81.6% were female patients. Compared to white patients, black and Hispanic patients were younger (p < 0.01) with a higher body mass index (p < 0.001). Mortality (0.03% vs. 0% vs. 0%, p = 0.99), reoperation (1.1% vs. 0.8% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.30), and reintervention (3.9% vs. 3.2% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.09) rates were similar between racial/ethnic cohorts. All complications were similar between racial/ethnic cohorts, except a higher rate of venous thromboembolism, in Hispanic (1.04%, p < 0.01) compared to black (0.18%) and white (0.21%) patients. IGB and ESG were predominantly performed in white and Hispanic patients, respectively. ESG was associated with a higher leak (0.6% vs. 0.02%, p < 0.01) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) (1.0% vs. 0.12%, p < 0.01) rate.

CONCLUSION

While EBTs have increased annually, they are performed less in black patients. Future studies are needed to identify access barriers for black patients. They are safely performed with similar outcomes in racial/ethnic cohorts, except for a higher VTE rate in Hispanic patients.

Racial variation in baseline characteristics and wait times among patients undergoing bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Although bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity and weight-related comorbid diseases, utilization rates are disproportionately low among non-white patients. We sought to understand if variation in baseline characteristics or access to care exists between white and non-white patients.

METHODS

Using a statewide bariatric-specific data registry, we evaluated all patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2006 and 2020 and completed a preoperative baseline questionnaire, which included a question about self-identification of race. Patient characteristics, co-morbidities, and time from initial preoperative clinic evaluation to date of surgery were compared among racial groups.

RESULTS

A total of 73,141 patients met inclusion criteria with 18,741 (25.5%) self-identified as non-white. These included Black/African American (n = 11,904), Hispanic (n = 3448), Asian (n = 121), Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (n = 41), Middle Eastern (n = 164), Multiple (n = 2047) and other (n = 608). Non-white males were the least represented group, accounting for only 4% of all bariatric cases performed. Non-white patients were more likely to be younger (43.0 years vs. 46.6 years, p < 0.0001), disabled (16% vs. 11.4%, p < 0.0001) and have Medicaid (8.4% vs. 3.8%, p < 0.0001) when compared to white patients, despite having higher rates of college education (78.0% vs. 76.6, p < 0.0001). In addition, median time from initial evaluation to surgery was also longer among non-white patients (157 days vs. 127 days, p < 0.0001), despite having higher rates of patients with a body mass index above 50 kg/m2 (39.0% vs. 33.2%, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-white patients undergoing bariatric surgery represent an extremely diverse group of patients with more socioeconomic disadvantages and longer wait times when compared to white patients despite presenting with higher rates of severe obesity. Current guidelines and referral patterns for bariatric surgery may not be equitable and need further examination when considering the management of obesity within diverse populations to reduce disparities in care-of which non-white males are particularly at risk.

Perception of Bariatric Surgery and Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies Among Primary Care Physicians

INTRODUCTION

In the USA, less than 1% of eligible patients who qualify for bariatric surgery ultimately undergo surgery. Perceptions of endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBTs) for weight management remain unknown.

METHODS

A 22-question survey was distributed to primary care physicians (PCPs) across the Mayo Clinic healthcare system. Survey invitations were sent via email, and all surveys were unanimously conducted electronically.

RESULTS

A total of 130 PCPs participated in the survey (40% response rate). Twenty-four PCPs were between 20 and 24 years out of training (18.5%), and 71 (54.6%) were female. Most providers had a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m² (n = 62, 47.7%). Among the weight loss options discussed during clinic visits, PCPs discussed lifestyle modification including diet and exercise (n = 129; 99.2%), and 68 PCPs (52.3%) were not aware of EBTs as weight loss interventions. While 46.2% of the PCPs agreed that a bariatric endoscopy is an effective option for weight loss, only 24.6% of PCPs were familiar with the indications for EBTs. Most of the cohort (n = 69, 53.1%) experienced barriers in referring their patients. Moreover, most of the patients referred to bariatric clinics were from PCPs who had a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m² (n = 62, 47.7%) as compared to PCPs with a BMI of 40 kg/m² and greater (n = 5, 3.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the rise of bariatric therapies in recent years, PCPs are increasingly involved in the referral and management of patients with obesity and obesity-related comorbidities. However, knowledge gaps regarding weight loss options, including EBTs, could limit optimal care to patients desiring medically monitored weight loss.

Ten things to know about ten cardiovascular disease risk factors - 2022

The American Society for Preventive Cardiology (ASPC) "Ten things to know about ten cardiovascular disease risk factors - 2022" is a summary document regarding cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. This 2022 update provides summary tables of ten things to know about 10 CVD risk factors and builds upon the foundation of prior annual versions of "Ten things to know about ten cardiovascular disease risk factors" published since 2020. This 2022 version provides the perspective of ASPC members and includes updated sentinel references (i.e., applicable guidelines and select reviews) for each CVD risk factor section. The ten CVD risk factors include unhealthful dietary intake, physical inactivity, dyslipidemia, pre-diabetes/diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, considerations of select populations (older age, race/ethnicity, and sex differences), thrombosis (with smoking as a potential contributor to thrombosis), kidney dysfunction and genetics/familial hypercholesterolemia. Other CVD risk factors may be relevant, beyond the CVD risk factors discussed here. However, it is the intent of the ASPC "Ten things to know about ten cardiovascular disease risk factors - 2022" to provide a tabular overview of things to know about ten of the most common CVD risk factors applicable to preventive cardiology and provide ready access to applicable guidelines and sentinel reviews.

How safe bariatric surgery is-An update on perioperative mortality for clinicians and patients

Bariatric, metabolic or weight loss surgery produces sustained weight loss and imporovement in obesity related diseases. Bariatric surgery has existed for decades but there is limited reliable data on the risk of perioperative mortality following the procedures. This commentary focuses on a recent meta-analysis which has produced contemporaneous mortality data, and the findings are significant. Utilising data from 3.6 million patients the study has shown an overall pooled perioperative mortality of 0.08%, a significantly reduced risk compared to previous, smaller studies. This finding increases our knowledge of surgical risk for these procedures and should now equip health care groups to challenge barriers to uptake of bariatric surgery. Barriers currently include a worldwide lack of focus on treating obesity, lack of funding and resource from commissioners, and a general public and professional view that bariatric surgery may be high risk. In reality, this figure equates to mortality risk for procedures generally considered 'safe' such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy and knee arthroplasty. Bariatric surgery is a safe option for achieving sustained weight-loss and the treatment of obesity related diseases, and refusing access to surgery on the grounds of perioperative safety should now be an outdated premise.

Behavioral Interventions to Attenuate Driven Overeating and Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery

Weight regain after bariatric surgery is associated with problematic eating behaviors that have either recurred after a period of improvement or are new-onset behaviors. Problematic eating behaviors after bariatric surgery have been conceptualized in different ways in the literature, such as having a food addiction and experiencing a loss of control of eating. The intersection of these constructs appears to be driven overeating defined as patients' experiences of reduced control of their eating which results in overeating behavior. The purpose of this review is to define patient experiences of driven overeating through the behavioral expression of emotion-based eating, reward-based eating, and executive functioning deficits-namely impulsivity-which is associated with weight regain after having bariatric surgery. Delineating concepts in this way and determining treatment strategies accordingly may reduce distress related to the inevitable return of increased hunger, cravings, portion sizes, and tolerance for highly palatable foods after surgery. Along with standard behavioral weight maintenance strategies, topics including acceptance, motivation, emotion-based eating, reward-based/impulsive eating, physical activity, and self-compassion are discussed. These concepts have been adapted for patients experiencing weight regain after having bariatric surgery and may be particularly helpful in attenuating driven overeating and weight regain.

Cardiorenal outcomes in eligible patients referred for bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVE

Bariatric surgery is associated with reduced atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) and heart failure hospitalization in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and those with prior CVD. Most patients undergoing bariatric surgery do not have T2D or CVD. Many otherwise eligible patients do not have surgery because of self-exclusion. Clinical outcomes in these groups are less established.

METHODS

This study retrospectively assessed cardiorenal outcomes in 8,568 patients after acceptance of referral for surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 63.8% patients did not undergo surgery. After multivariate adjustment for sex, age, BMI, income quintile, distance from hospital, hypertension, T2D, and CVD, hazard ratios (HR) for the primary (incident myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure hospitalization, and death; HR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.4-0.66) and secondary CVD outcomes (primary outcomes and coronary/carotid revascularization; HR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.42-0.67) were lower in the surgery cohort. This reduction was seen in those with (primary: HR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.32-0.63, secondary: HR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.34-0.65) and without T2D (primary: HR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.42-0.88, secondary: HR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.42-0.67). Reduced kidney disease (HR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.22-0.92) but increased liver disease hospitalization (HR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.45-4.27) was observed with surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-progression to surgery associates with increased CVD despite low baseline prevalence of CVD. The cardiorenal benefits of bariatric surgery warrant confirmation in a well-powered randomized clinical trial.

Perioperative mortality in bariatric surgery: meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is an established treatment for severe obesity; however, fewer than 1 per cent of eligible patients undergo surgery. The perceived risk of surgery may contribute to the low uptake. The aim of this study was to determine perioperative mortality associated with bariatric surgery, comparing different operation types and data sources.

METHODS

A literature search of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted to identify studies published between 1 January 2014 and 31 July 2020. Inclusion criteria were studies of at least 1000 patients reporting short-term mortality after bariatric surgery. Data were collected on RCTs. Meta-analysis was performed to establish overall mortality rates across different study types. The primary outcome measure was perioperative mortality. Different operation types were compared, along with study type, in subgroup analyses. The study was registered at PROSPERO (2019: CRD 42019131632).

RESULTS

Some 4356 articles were identified and 58 met the inclusion criteria. Data were available on over 3.6 million patients. There were 4707 deaths. Pooled analysis showed an overall mortality rate of 0.08 (95 per cent c.i. 0.06 to 0.10; 95 per cent prediction interval 0 to 0.21) per cent. In subgroup analysis, there was no statistically significant difference between overall, 30-day, 90-day or in-hospital mortality (P = 0.29). There was no significant difference in reported mortality for RCTs, large studies, national databases or registries (P = 0.60). The pooled mortality rates by procedure type in ascending order were: 0.03 per cent for gastric band, 0.05 per cent for sleeve gastrectomy, 0.09 per cent for one-anastomosis gastric bypass, 0.09 per cent for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and 0.41 per cent for duodenal switch (P < 0.001 between operations).

CONCLUSION

Bariatric surgery is safe, with low reported perioperative mortality rates.

Effect of Preoperative Weight Loss and Baseline Comorbidity on Short-Term Complications and Reoperations After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in 2,067 Patients

PURPOSE

Decreasing popularity of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in bariatric-metabolic surgery may be due to higher perceived peri-operative complications. There are few studies on whether preoperative weight loss can reduce complications or reoperations following RYGB. We investigated this using a standardised operative technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective single-centre study of RYGB from 2004 to 2019 using a prospective database. Preoperative behavioural management included intentional weight loss. Maximum preoperative weight, weight on the day of operation, and Obesity-Surgery Mortality Risk Score (OS-MRS) class were recorded. Short-term outcomes (post-operative stay, 30-day complication and reoperation rates) were analysed.

RESULTS

In 2,067 RYGB patients (1,901 primary and 166 revisional), median preoperative total body weight loss (TWL) was 6.2% (IQR: 2.5-10.7%). The median age was 46 (interquartile range (IQR) 38-54) and 80.4% were female (n=1,661). For primary surgery, the median body mass index (BMI) was 47.6 kg/m² (IQR: 43.1-53.3). Excluding the 100-procedure learning curve, the complication rate for primary cases was 4.4% and reoperation rate of 2.8% and one peri-operative mortality (0.06%). OS-MRS ≥2 (class B or C) predicted higher risk of complications (6.1%) compared to those with a score <2 (class A) (3.8%, p=0.021), but not reoperations. Five percent preoperative TWL did not decrease complications compared to <5% TWL. Patients with ≥10% TWL had greater baseline risk and had an increased risk of complications (6.6% vs 3.7%, p=0.017) and reoperations (4.5% vs 2.7%, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

RYGB performed using a standardised technique has low overall risk. The influence of preoperative weight loss on outcomes was inconsistent.

Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Medication Efficacy: an Analysis of World Health Organization Pharmacovigilance Data

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment of severe obesity. However, this surgery can have an impact on the bioavailability and metabolism of oral drugs as it modifies absorption, intestinal, and hepatic metabolism, and efflux transporter activity. The clinical impact of such modifications often remains unknown. To investigate, we extracted and summarized all reports of changes in drug efficacy associated with bariatric surgery registered in the WHO pharmacovigilance database. We identified 165 drug reports affecting 128 patients. The majority involved gastric bypass surgery (77.3%). Most reports concerned drug ineffectiveness (74.7%). The most frequent modifications concerned psychotropic drugs with a reduction in efficacy. This study underlines the urgent need for more research to better characterize the impact of bariatric surgery on drug pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy.

Obesity as a multisystem disease: Trends in obesity rates and obesity-related complications

Obesity is a chronic multisystem disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The increasing prevalence of obesity makes it a major healthcare challenge across both developed and developing countries. Traditional measures such as body mass index do not always identify individuals at increased risk of comorbidities, yet continue to be used in deciding who qualifies for weight loss treatment. A better understanding of how obesity is associated with comorbidities, in particular non-metabolic conditions, is needed to identify individuals at risk in order to prioritize treatment. For metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), weight loss can prevent T2D in individuals with prediabetes. It can improve and reverse T2D if weight loss is achieved early in the course of the disease. However, access to effective weight loss treatments is a significant barrier to improved health for people with obesity. In the present paper, we review the rising prevalence of obesity and why it should be classed as a multisystem disease. We will discuss potential mechanisms underlying its association with various comorbidities and how these respond to treatment, with a particular focus on cardiometabolic disease, malignancy and mental health.

Ten things to know about ten cardiovascular disease risk factors

Given rapid advancements in medical science, it is often challenging for the busy clinician to remain up-to-date on the fundamental and multifaceted aspects of preventive cardiology and maintain awareness of the latest guidelines applicable to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The “American Society for Preventive Cardiology (ASPC) Top Ten CVD Risk Factors 2021 Update” is a summary document (updated yearly) regarding CVD risk factors. This “ASPC Top Ten CVD Risk Factors 2021 Update” summary document reflects the perspective of the section authors regarding ten things to know about ten sentinel CVD risk factors. It also includes quick access to sentinel references (applicable guidelines and select reviews) for each CVD risk factor section. The ten CVD risk factors include unhealthful nutrition, physical inactivity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, high blood pressure, obesity, considerations of select populations (older age, race/ethnicity, and sex differences), thrombosis/smoking, kidney dysfunction and genetics/familial hypercholesterolemia. For the individual patient, other CVD risk factors may be relevant, beyond the CVD risk factors discussed here. However, it is the intent of the “ASPC Top Ten CVD Risk Factors 2021 Update” to provide a succinct overview of things to know about ten common CVD risk factors applicable to preventive cardiology.