Management of gallbladder disease after sleeve gastrectomy in a selected Lebanese population

Risk and Prophylactic Management of Gallstone Disease in Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and A Bayesian meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The frequency and management of gallstone disease (GD) in bariatric patients, including the role of routine prophylactic concomitant cholecystectomy (CCY), are still a matter of debate. This study aims to assess the risk of de novo GD in patients undergoing bariatric surgery (BS) and their predictive factors, as well as mortality and morbidity in prophylactic CCY compared to BS alone.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review, searching PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science until April 2021. We performed a Bayesian meta-analysis to estimate the risk of GD development after BS and the morbidity and mortality associated with BS alone versus BS + prophylactic CCY. Sources of heterogeneity were explored by meta-regression analysis.

RESULTS

The risk of de novo post bariatric GD was 20.7% (95% credible interval [95% CrI] = 13.0-29.7%; I² = 75.4%), and that of symptomatic GD was 8.2% ([95% CrI] = 5.9-11.1%; I² = 66.9%). Pre-operative average BMI (OR = 1.04; 95% CrI = 0.92-1.17) and female patients' proportion (OR = 1.00; 95% CrI = 0.98-1.04) were not associated with increased risk of symptomatic GD. BS + prophylactic CCY was associated with a 97% probability of a higher number of postoperative major complications compared to BS alone (OR = 1.74, 95% CrI = 0.97-3.55; I² = 56.5%). Mortality was not substantially different between the two approaches (OR = 0.79; 95% CrI = 0.03-3.02; I² = 20.7%).

CONCLUSION

The risk of de novo symptomatic GD after BS is not substantially high. Although mortality is similar between groups, odds of major postoperative complications were higher in patients submitted to BS + prophylactic CCY. It is still arguable if prophylactic CCY is a fitting approach for patients with a preoperative lithiasic gallbladder.

Ursodeoxycholic acid for the prevention of gall stones after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a prospective controlled study

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a risk factor for cholelithiasis. Besides, rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery upsurges the rate of cholelithiasis and acute cholecystitis. This study aimed to compare gallstone development frequency after LSG under ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) prophylaxis.

METHODS

This prospective controlled study included 332 patients scheduled for LSG randomized to receive 500 mg UDCA daily for 12 months (UDCA Group) or no treatment (Control Group). Ultrasonography was done 6 and 12 months after surgery to detect gallstones. Cholecystectomy was done for complicated cases of cholelithiasis.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients were lost to follow-up, and 3 developed severe adverse effects of UDCA and excluded. Data are presented for 130 patients in the UDCA group and 128 in the Control group. Collectively, 11 patients (8.5%) of the UDCA group and 41 (32.0%) of the Control group developed gall stones during the first postoperative year (p < 0.001). Cholecystectomy was indicated in 3 patients (2.3%) of the UDCA group and 9 (7.0%) of the Control group (p = 0.072). On multivariate analysis, higher BMI, dyslipidemia, and lacking UDCA prophylaxis were the independent factors significantly associated with stone development. Also, stone development was associated with higher weight loss after 6 and 12 months.

CONCLUSION

UDCA 500 mg once daily for 12 months after LSG is effective in reducing gallstone formation at 1 year. UDCA administration reduced the frequency of cholecystectomies from 7 to 2.3%. High BMI and dyslipidemia are the independent preoperative factors significantly associated with stone development.

Association Between Anti-Helicobacter pylori Antibody Seropositive and De Novo Gallstone Formation After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Japanese Patients with Severe Obesity

PURPOSE

Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery are at risk for gallstone formation. However, the incidence of gallstone formation after bariatric surgery has not been adequately studied in the Japanese population. We aimed to elucidate the incidence and risk factors for gallstone formation after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for Japanese patients with severe obesity.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among patients with severe obesity treated with LSG between April 2017 and June 2020 at two institutions. Patients who had received previous cholecystectomy, had preoperative gallstones, and had received postoperative prophylactic ursodeoxycholic acid were excluded. Body weight, body mass index, and blood data were collected at each follow-up visit before and after the surgery. Follow-up abdominal ultrasonography was performed 6-12 months after surgery, and the incidence of gallstones was calculated. The association between the data and gallstone formation was evaluated.

RESULTS

During the study period, we performed LSG for 98 patients. Of these, 61 cases remained by above conditions and were examined using abdominal ultrasonography over 6 months after surgery. The incidence of gallstones was 23.0% and that of symptomatic gallstones was 3.3%. Anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody seropositive and titer were the only factors that showed significant association with de novo gallstone formation after LSG.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody seropositive may be associated with de novo gallstone formation after LSG for Japanese patients with severe obesity.

Incidence of Symptomatic Cholelithiasis Following Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Is Comparable to Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

A few comparative studies have assessed the incidence of symptomatic cholelithiasis after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). However, they have shown inconsistent results. The present study has been designed based on comparing LSG and LRYGB regarding the incidence of symptomatic cholelithiasis and determining factors related to symptomatic cholelithiasis development after these procedures.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 1163 patients aged ≥ 18 years old who underwent LRYGB (n = 377) or LSG (n = 786) from July 2006 to November 2019. The participants had no previous history of gallstones. A Cox-proportional hazard regression was used to assess associations between the types of procedures and the risk of symptomatic cholelithiasis. The univariable and then multivariable analysis were used to reveal the predictors of symptomatic cholelithiasis.

RESULTS

The mean person-time follow-up was 34 months (95% CI: 32.2 to 36.1 months). The incidence of symptomatic cholelithiasis was 8.3% over the follow-up period. There was no significant association between the risk of symptomatic cholelithiasis development and the type of surgical procedure (HR: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.75 to 2.41). Females had a 2.3-fold higher risk of symptomatic cholelithiasis than males, according to the multivariable Cox regression (HR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.23 to 4.33). In addition, there was an inverse association between the administration of UDCA and the incidence of symptomatic cholelithiasis (HR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.99). Our findings indicated that age, baseline body mass index (BMI), percentage of weight loss (%WL) after three and six months following surgery, postoperative pregnancy, and obesity-related comorbidities did not predict the risk of symptomatic cholelithiasis.

CONCLUSION

The present study illustrates no significant differences between LRYGB and LSG regarding symptomatic cholelithiasis occurrence. Our findings indicate that administration of UDCA has a protective effect against symptomatic cholelithiasis while, female gender is the main predictor of symptomatic cholelithiasis.

Risk Factors for Symptomatic Gallstone Disease and Gallstone Formation After Bariatric Surgery

PURPOSE

Patients who undergo bariatric surgery are at risk for developing cholesterol gallstones. We aimed to identify risk factors that are associated with symptomatic gallstone disease and gallstone formation after bariatric surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included participants of the UPGRADE trial, a multicenter randomized placebo-controlled trial on the prevention of symptomatic gallstone disease with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) after bariatric surgery. The association between patient characteristics and symptomatic gallstone disease, and gallstone formation was evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 959 patients, 78 (8%) developed symptomatic gallstone disease within 24 months. Risk factors were the presence of a pain syndrome (OR 2.07; 95% CI 1.03 to 4.17) and asymptomatic gallstones before surgery (OR 3.15; 95% CI 1.87 to 5.33). Advanced age (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.93 to 0.97) was protective, and UDCA prophylaxis did not reach statistical significance (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.39 to 1.03). No risk factors were identified for gallstone formation, whereas advanced age (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.96 to 1.00), statin use (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.20 to 0.90), and UDCA prophylaxis (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.73) all reduced the risk.

CONCLUSION

Young patients with a preoperative pain syndrome and/or asymptomatic gallstones before bariatric surgery are at increased risk for symptomatic gallstone disease after surgery. Whether statins, either alone or in combination with UDCA prophylaxis, can further reduce the burden of gallstones after bariatric surgery should be investigated prospectively.

Increased Incidence of Symptomatic Cholelithiasis After Bariatric Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass and Previous Bariatric Surgery: a Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery predisposes patients to cholelithiasis and therefore the need of a subsequent cholecystectomy; however, the incidence of cholecystectomy after bariatric surgery is debated.

AIM AND METHODS

Medical records of 601patients hospitalized for bariatric surgery between January 2010 and July 2018 were reviewed. Our aim was to evaluate the incidence of cholecystectomy following different types of common bariatric procedures. All patients who developed cholelithiasis and a subsequent cholecystectomy were included. Cholelithiasis was diagnosed by clinical criteria and characteristic ultrasound findings.

RESULTS

We retrospectively evaluated 580 patients with an average follow-up of 12 months (range 6-24 months). Twenty-one patients were excluded because of missing data. Mean age was 48 ± 19 years (78% females). Twenty-nine patients (5%) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) before the bariatric surgery, and 58 patients (10%) performed concomitant LC with the bariatric procedure due to symptomatic gallstone disease (including stones, sludge, and polyps). There were 203 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) (35%), 175 laparoscopic gastric band (LAGB) (30%), 55 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (9.5%), and 147 (25%) mini gastric bypass (MGB) procedures during the study period. At the follow-up period, 36 patients (6.2%) developed symptomatic cholelithiasis, while the most common clinical presentation was biliary colic. There was a significant difference between the type of the bariatric procedure and the incidence of symptomatic cholelithiasis after the operation. The incidence of symptomatic gallstone formation in patients who underwent RYGB was 14.5%. This was significantly higher comparing to 4.4% following SG, 4.1% following LAGB, and 7.5% following MGB (p = 0.04). We did not find any predictive risk factors including smoking; BMI at surgery; change in BMI; comorbidities such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and COPD for gallstone formation; or a subsequent cholecystectomy. Interestingly we found that previous bariatric surgery was a risk factor for gallstone formation and cholecystectomy, 13/82 patients (15.8%) compared to 23/492 patients (4.6%) among those without previous bariatric operation (p < 0.001)].

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate that patients with previous bariatric surgery or patients planned for RYGB are at high risk to develop postoperative symptomatic gallbladder disease. Concomitant cholecystectomy during the bariatric procedure or alternatively UDCA treatment for at least for 6 months to avoid the high incidence of postoperative symptomatic gallstones should be considered in those asymptomatic patients.

Effectiveness of ursodeoxycholic acid treatment in the prevention of gallstone formation after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is a critical risk factor for cholelithiasis. This study aimed to investigate the role of treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in the prevention of gallstone formation after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in morbidly obese patients.

METHODS

Patients who underwent SG for morbid obesity from January 2016 to September 2016 were evaluated. Patients without hepatobiliary disorders were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they did (Group I) or did not receive treatment with UDCA (Group II). Indication for UDCA treatment was symptomatic alkaline reflux. Demographic characteristics, comorbid diseases, preoperative blood parameters, early and late period weight loss rates, and gallstone development were monitored and compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Ninety-six of 155 patients met the inclusion criteria. Group I and II included 49 and 47 patients, respectively. The mean age was 39.1 ± 10.8 (range 18-69) years and the mean follow-up period was 20.75 ± 6.6 (range 12-34) months. Gallstone formation was significantly lower in Group I compared to Group II [5 patients (10.2%) vs. 21 patients (44.6%), p<.001]. Moreover, the absence of UDCA treatment was independently and significantly associated with gallstone formation (hazard ratio: 3.08; 95% confidence interval: 1.73-5.50; p<.001) in multivariate analyses. There was no difference in weight loss rates between the two groups at the early or late periods.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with UDCA seems to be effective in the prevention of gallstone formation after sleeve gastrectomy. Furthermore, early and late period weight loss rates were not found to have significant effects on the risk of cholelithiasis.

Effectiveness of Ursodeoxycholic Acid in the Prevention of Cholelithiasis After Sleeve Gastrectomy

PURPOSE

The use of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to prevent gallstone formation after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is still debated. Furthermore, no study has assessed the effectiveness of UDCA on gallstone formation after the first postoperative year. Our aim was to compare the incidence of cholelithiasis (CL) at 1 and 3 years after SG between patients treated or not treated with UDCA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2008, a postoperative ultrasound monitoring was scheduled for all patients who underwent SG in our institution. Patients with a preoperative intact gallbladder who performed at least one ultrasound at 1 year after SG were included. We compared the incidence of CL between patients operated before October 2013 who did not receive UDCA and those operated from October 2013 who received UDCA 500 mg once daily for 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The incidence of CL at 1 year after SG was 28% in the 46 non-treated and 3.5% in the 143 treated patients (p < 0.001). UDCA reduced the proportion of cholecystectomies from 11% to 1.4% (p = 0.012). Thus, the number of patients needed to treat to avoid a cholecystectomy was about 10. Only 2 patients (1.4%) stopped UDCA for adverse effects. No gallstone appeared at 3 postoperative years in the 61 patients who performed an ultrasound at this time.

CONCLUSION

UDCA 500 mg once daily for 6 months postoperatively is effective and well tolerated to prevent CL at midterm after SG. We recommend UDCA treatment in all patients after SG with an intact preoperative gallbladder. However, large randomized studies are needed to establish guidelines for prevention of gallstone formation after SG.

Cholelithiasis After Sleeve Gastrectomy and Effectiveness of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Treatment

Aim: Few adverse effects may occur after bariatric surgery, one being the formation of gallstones. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of cholelithiasis after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and whether ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment reduces gallstone formation. Materials and Methods: Gall bladders of all patients planned for LSG were preoperatively checked by ultrasonography (USG). Patients who had no documented gallbladder pathology before LSG and who had USG at 12th month and 2 years follow-up after LSG were included in the study. The incidences of newly developed cholelithiasis, cholecystectomy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) requirement in patients who did not receive any UDCA treatment (pre-2015 protocol, n = 128) was compared with the corresponding numbers in patients who regularly used 500 mg/day oral UDCA for 6 months after the LSG (post-2015 protocol, n = 152). Results: Between January 2012 and October 2018, 717 LSGs were performed in two centers and after exclusions, 280 patients were eligible for evaluation. Sixty-four of 280 (23%) patients developed cholelithiasis after LSG and cholecystectomy was performed in 24 patients (8.6%) for symptomatic cholelithiasis. In the non-UDCA group, 48 patients developed cholelithiasis (n = 48/128, 37.5%) compared with 16 patients in the UDCA group (n = 16/152, 10.5%) (P < .001). Compared with 5 patients in the UDCA group, 19 patients underwent cholecystectomy (39.6%) in the non-UDCA group due to symptomatic cholelithiasis (P = .55) and 5 of these patients also required an ERCP. No ERCP became necessary in the UDCA group (P = .2). Conclusions: An almost fourfold decrease in the rate of new gall stone formation with 500 mg daily UDCA treatment was impressive and may suggest routine UDCA treatment after LSG. Given the rate of exclusions and follow-up differences among the groups, certainly, randomized trials, with less exclusion are needed to provide conclusive evidence.

Predictive factors of gallstone formation after sleeve gastrectomy: a multivariate analysis of risk factors

PURPOSE

Obesity and bariatric surgery are both risk factors for cholelithiasis (CL). However, most previous studies have focused on Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and limited published data are available for sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

METHODS

Patients were evaluated in two groups depending on the presence of gallstones (Group I, present; Group II, absent). Demographic characteristics, comorbid diseases, pre-operative blood values, and early and late weight loss rates were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The study included 111 patients with a mean age of 38.9. The mean follow-up period was 20.6 (12-39) months. During follow-up, gallstone formation was observed in 36.9% (n = 41) of patients. Thirteen patients (31.8%) had symptomatic cholelithiasis that was resolved with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The mean interval between sleeve gastrectomy and the detection of cholelithiasis was 210 days and the mean time of post-operative cholecystectomy was 540 days. A multivariate analysis showed that only dyslipidemia was independently and significantly associated with gallstone formation. There was no significant difference in the weight loss rate between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although CL development was found to be associated with rapid weight loss in several published studies in post-SG patients, the present study showed no significant difference between the groups in terms of early or late weight loss. Pre-operative dyslipidemia may be associated with an increased risk of developing CL.

Systematic review of management of gallbladder disease in patients undergoing minimally invasive bariatric surgery

The introduction and subsequent widespread adaptation of minimally invasive approaches for bariatric surgery have not only changed the outcomes of bariatric surgery but also called into question the management of co-morbid surgical conditions, in particular gallbladder disease. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Foregut Committee performed a systematic review of the published literature from 1995-2018 on management of gallbladder disease in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The papers reviewed generated the following results. (1) Routine prophylactic cholecystectomy at the time of bariatric surgery is not recommended. (2) In symptomatic patients who are undergoing bariatric surgery, concomitant cholecystectomy is acceptable and safe. (3) Ursodeoxycholic acid may be considered for gallstone formation prophylaxis during the period of rapid weight loss. (4) Routine preoperative screening and postoperative surveillance ultrasound is not recommended in asymptomatic patients. In the era of minimally invasive surgery, the management of gallbladder disease in patients undergoing bariatric surgery continues to evolve.

Patients Remain at High Risk of Gallstones Development Late (10 y) After Sleeve Gastrectomy?

BACKGROUND

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is an established bariatric procedure which produces substantial and rapid weight loss and hence can lead to an increase in gallstones development.

OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate the early and late appearance of gallstones after SG.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective protocol was established in consecutive patients submitted to SG. Clinical and ultrasound evaluations were performed early (1 to 2 y) and late after surgery (over 6 y).

RESULTS

From 109 patients included, 13 (13.1%) had a previous and 10 (10.1%) had simultaneous cholecystectomy at the time of SG. Therefore, 86 patients were submitted to surveillance. Seven patients were unreachable, leaving 79 patients for late follow-up. Forty-five patients (57%) had alithiasic gallbladder late after surgery, whereas 34 patients (43%) showed appearance of gallstone. From them, 53% developed gallstones late after surgery (mean, 7.5 y). Among the group with early development of stones, 69% were symptomatic and in the latter group only 17%.

CONCLUSIONS

Study with 92% of follow-up late after SG demonstrated a 43% development of gallstones: half earlier and half late after surgery. We emphasize the need for late control to detect the real appearance of gallstones after SG.

Factors Affecting the Development of Gallstones Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a widely accepted procedure that has gained popularity among both bariatric surgeons and patients. There is still limited data in the literature on the formation of gallstones following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and so the present study determines the incidence of and potential risk factors related to the development of gallstones following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The data of patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at a single center due to morbid obesity between January 2014 and December 2017 was retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups, as those with gallstones detected on ultrasound at 12 months and those without gallstones. Data of the two groups was compared. BMI did not differ significantly between patients with positive (+) and negative (-) ultrasound findings (p > 0.05). Aside from age, hypertension, and coronary artery disease, other preoperative parameters showed no significant association with the development of gallstones in USG (-) and USG (+) patients. The present study identified no significant relationship between a decrease in BMI following LSG and the postoperative development of gallstones. Preoperative hypertension and coronary artery disease were found to be significantly related to the development of gallstones after surgery. The authors suggest that patients with preexisting CAD and hypertension in the preoperative period must be followed-up with ultrasound more meticulously.

Is Concomitant Cholecystectomy Necessary for Asymptomatic Cholelithiasis During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy?

BACKGROUND

There is not any consensus on concomitant cholecystectomy for asymptomatic gallbladder stones during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The aim of this study was to evaluate the surveillance results of the LSG patients who have asymptomatic gallbladder stones and did not undergo cholecystectomy.

METHODS

Patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with preoperatively detected gallbladder stones and completed at least 6 months follow-up were included in the study. Concomitant cholecystectomy was performed for symptomatic patients while it was not performed for asymptomatic subjects. At the end of the follow-up time, symptoms and signs related to gallbladder disease were recorded. Clinical and demographic characteristics were compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.

RESULTS

Between February 2012 and October 2016, 312 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomies were performed. Among the patients, 24 were regarded as asymptomatic cholelithiasis, and cholecystectomy was not performed. The mean follow-up period was 27 (6-58) months. The mean preoperative BMI was 50.0 ± 7.6 kg/m², and at the end of the follow-up time, it decreased to 35.6 ± 8.8 kg/m². Five (20.8%) patients experienced biliary colic. Acute cholecystitis or obstructive jaundice was not observed in any of the patients. Characteristics of patients who developed symptomatic gallbladder disease (n = 5) were not significantly different from those of patients who remained asymptomatic (n = 19).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of becoming symptomatic for asymptomatic cholelithiasis is very close to the healthy population after sleeve gastrectomy. Although further studies with a high number of cases are needed, we suggest only observation for asymptomatic gallbladder stones in patients who will undergo sleeve gastrectomy.

Laparoscopic Ileal Interposition with Diverted Sleeve Gastrectomy Versus Laparoscopic Transit Bipartition with Sleeve Gastrectomy for Better Glycemic Outcomes in T2DM Patients

BACKGROUND

Metabolic procedures provide better outcomes for obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our aim was to compare the glycemic regulation in patients that have undergone the laparoscopic ileal interposition with diverted sleeve gastrectomy (II-DSG), laparoscopic transit bipartition with sleeve gastrectomy (TB-SG), and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) throughout a 12-month follow-up period retrospectively.

METHODS

This study considered patients with T2DM who underwent metabolic procedures. The postoperative changes in the glucose, C-peptide, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, insulin, cholesterol, body mass index, and total weight loss (TWL) were compared retrospectively. The intended outcome was to reach a long lasting fasting blood glucose (FBG) <126 mg/dl. A multivariate regression analysis was applied to define the predictive markers in glucose regulation.

RESULTS

Present study consisted of 83 patients with a mean age of 47.25 ± 6.58 years, mean preoperative BMI of 37.36 ± 2.71 kg/m², and mean outcomes in the HbA1C and FBG of 9.05 ± 1.33% and 237 ± 15 mg/dl, respectively. There were similar correlations in BMI and total weight loss (TWL). At 12-month follow up period, compared to LSG group, TB-SG and II-DSG groups have higher remission proportions (35.3, 67.9, 54.7, respectively, p < 0.05) with similar TWL% (22.35, 27.14, 23.16%) outcomes. The II-DSG and TB-SG results drew closer together toward the end of this study interval unlike the LSG group.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that II-DSG and TB-SG ensured significant regression rates during the follow-up period. Since the TB-SG achieved these outcomes by finite anastomoses and intervening segments, it was considered to be a superior procedure compared to II-DSG and LSG procedures.

Safety of concomitant cholecystectomy at the time of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database

BACKGROUND

The indication and safety of concomitant cholecystectomy (CC) during bariatric surgical procedures are topics of controversy. Studies on the outcomes of CC with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are scarce.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the safety and 30-day surgical outcomes of CC with LSG.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database 2010 to 2013. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and 2013, 21,137 patients underwent LSG; of those 422 (2.0%) underwent CC (LSG+CC), and the majority (20,715 [98%]) underwent LSG alone. Patients in both groups were similar in age, sex distribution, baseline weight, and body mass index. The average surgical time was significantly higher, by 33 minutes, in the LSG+CC cohort. No differences were noted between the groups with regard to overall 30-day mortality and length of hospital stay. CC increased the odds of any adverse event (5.7% versus 4.0%), but the difference did not reach statistical significance (odds ratio 1.49, P = .07). Two complications were noted to be significantly higher with LSG+CC, namely bleeding (P = .04) and pneumonia (P = .02).

CONCLUSION

CC during LSG appears to be a safe procedure with slightly increased risk of bleeding and pneumonia compared with LSG alone. When factoring the potential risk and cost of further hospitalization for deferred cholecystectomy, these data support CC for established gallbladder disease.