Substantial Decrease in Comorbidity 5 Years After Gastric Bypass: A Population-based Study From the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry

Glycaemic and weight effects of metabolic surgery or semaglutide in diabetes dosage for patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM

To compare weight and glucometabolic outcomes of semaglutide and metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) for patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients treated with either semaglutide for a duration of ≥2 years or MBS in Sweden were identified within the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry and the National Diabetes Registry and matched in a 1:1-2 ratio using a propensity score matching with a generalized linear model, including age, sex, glycated haemoglobin before treatment, duration of type 2 diabetes, use of insulin, presence of comorbidities and history of cancer, with good matching results but with a remaining imbalance for glomerular filtration rate and body mass index, which were then adjusted for in the following analyses. Main outcomes were weight loss and glycaemic control.

RESULTS

The study included 606 patients in the surgical group matched to 997 controls who started their treatment from 2018 until 2020. Both groups improved in weight and glucometabolic control. At 2 years after the intervention, mean glycated haemoglobin was 42.3 ± 11.18 after MBS compared with 50.7 ± 12.48 after semaglutide treatment (p < 0.001) with 382 patients (63.0%) and 139 (13.9%), respectively, reaching complete remission without other treatment than the intervention (p < 0.001). Mean total weight loss reached 26.4% ± 8.83% after MBS compared with 5.2% ± 7.87% after semaglutide (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Semaglutide and MBS were both associated with improvements in weight and improved glycaemic control at 2 years after the start of the intervention, but MBS was associated with better weight loss and glucometabolic control.

Prioritising patients for publicly funded bariatric surgery in Queensland, Australia

OBJECTIVES

This study reports the development and pilot application of the Bariatric Surgery Assessment and Prioritisation Tool (BAPT) for use in a public health system. The BAPT was designed as a patient prioritisation instrument to assess patients with excessive weight and type 2 diabetes suitable for bariatric surgery. We assessed whether the instrument successfully identified those who gained the greatest benefits including weight loss, diabetes remission, reduction in comorbidities, and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL).

METHODS

The BAPT instrument was applied to score 292 patients referred for bariatric surgery in Queensland between 2017 and 2020 based on their, body mass index, diabetes status, surgical risk (e.g. pulmonary embolism) and comorbidities (e.g. non-alcoholic steatohepatitis). These data were collected at referral and at 12-months post-surgery for 130 patients and stratified by BAPT scores. Outcomes included clinical and HR-QoL.

RESULTS

Patients' BAPT scores ranged from 12 to 78 (possible range 2-98). Those with higher scores tended to be younger (p < 0.001), have higher BMI (p < 0.001) or require insulin to manage diabetes (p < 0.01). All patients lost similar percentages of body weight (20-25%, p = 0.73) but higher-scoring patients were more likely to discontinue oral diabetes medications (p < 0.001) and the improvement in glycated haemoglobin was four times greater in patients scoring 70-79 points compared to those scoring 20-29 (p < 0.05). Those who scored ≥ 50 on the BAPT were substantially more likely to obtain diabetes remission (57% vs 31%). BAPT scores of 40 and above tended to have greater improvement in HR-QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

The BAPT prioritised younger patients with higher BMIs who realised greater improvements in their diabetes after bariatric surgery. Higher-scoring BAPT patients should be prioritised for bariatric surgery as they have a greater likelihood of attaining diabetes remission.

The Impact of Enhanced Recovery Protocols Regarding Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Following Sleeve Gastrectomy under Triple Prophylaxis: A Controlled Randomized Study

Background

Following a sleeve gastrectomy, post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a typical issue. Furthermore, several prophylactic techniques have been developed, such as preventive antiemetic and accelerated recovery after surgery (ERAS). However, PONV has not entirely disappeared, and clinicians are still working to lower PONV incidence.

Aim

Our goal was to evaluate how adopting Enhanced Recovery Protocols (ERAS) affects postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in comparison to standard care protocol after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) while receiving triple antiemetic prophylaxis.

Objective

The objective of this study was to verify that the ERAS procedure is crucial for lowering PONV despite the use of an efficient and effective antiemetic.

Methods

This is a computer-generated randomized clinical trial. Haloperidol, dexamethasone, and ondansetron were administered to all patients undergoing elective LSG, 29 patients within an ERAS protocol, and 29 within a standard care protocol. The primary finding was the incidence of PONV within 36 hours following LSG. The time to initially administer rescue antiemetic medication, number of rescue antiemetic medication administrations, postoperative opioid consumption, oral fluid tolerance, complications, and QoR-15 questionnaire for quality of recovery were the secondary outcomes.

Results

Within the first 36 hours following LSG, the incidence of PONV in the ERAS group was 17.20%, while in the non-ERAS group, it was 51.7%, with P<0.012 and higher PONV severity (P<0.021) in the non-ERAS group. The ERAS group took a longer time (6 hours) for the first rescue antiemetic medicine than the Non-ERAS group (2 hours), with P<0.001 and significantly less number of patients (20.7%) needing rescue antiemetic, compared to the Non-ERAS group (65.5%), with P<0.001. The dosage of nalbuphine needed by the ERAS group was lower (2.7±2.8) than the non-ERAS group (19.9±6.0). Regarding the QoR-15 scores, there was a significant difference in the two groups' overall performance (P <0.001). Between the two groups, there were no significant complications following surgery.

Conclusion

This study reveals that even though triple antiemetic prophylaxis was used, the ERAS protocol had a beneficial effect on PONV when compared to the standard care approach.

Obesity treatment in adolescents and adults in the era of personalized medicine

In this multi-professional review, we will provide the in-depth knowledge required to work in the expanding field of obesity treatment. The prevalence of obesity has doubled in adults and quadrupled in children over the last three decades. The most common treatment offered has been lifestyle treatment, which has a modest or little long-term effect. Recently, several new treatment options-leading to improved weight loss-have become available. However, long-term care is not only about weight loss but also aims to improve health and wellbeing overall. In the era of personalized medicine, we have an obligation to tailor the treatment in close dialogue with our patients. The main focus of this review is new pharmacological treatments and modern metabolic surgery, with practical guidance on what to consider when selecting and guiding the patients and what to include in the follow-up care. Furthermore, we discuss common clinical challenges, such as patients with concurrent eating disorder or mental health problems, and treatment in the older adults. We also provide recommendations on how to deal with obesity in a non-stigmatizing way to diminish weight stigma during treatment. Finally, we present six microcases-obesity treatment for persons with neuropsychiatric disorders and/or intellectual disability; obesity treatment in the nonresponsive patient who has "tried everything"; and hypoglycemia, abdominal pain, and weight regain after metabolic surgery-to highlight common problems in weight-loss treatment and provide personalized treatment suggestions.

Hypovitaminosis D and hyperparathyroidism: a 5-year postoperative follow-up of 30,458 gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy patients

BACKGROUND

Bariatric procedures are associated with nutrient deficiencies. Studies show an association between gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [RYGB]) and hypovitaminosis D as well as hyperparathyroidism, yet few compare RYGB to sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and large long-term analyses are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate trends of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in RYGB and SG.

SETTING

National quality register.

METHOD

The Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry records all bariatric surgeries in Sweden. Data from 2008 to 2021 on primary RYGB or SG with reported 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-D) and/or PTH levels were included. Individuals with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were excluded, leaving a study population of 25,385 RYGB and 5073 SG patients.

RESULTS

A decrease in 25-OH-D, mirrored by an increase in PTH, was observed after the first year for both procedures, but more pronounced in RYGB. At 5 years, 25-OH-D levels were still higher than at baseline. Regular supplementation resulted in better 25-OH-D and PTH levels. Linear regression found that procedure type (RYGB versus SG), 25-OH-D levels, and time since surgery were significant factors in predicting PTH levels. The risk of pathologic PTH levels (>7 pmol/L) at 2 and 5 years postoperatively was roughly three times higher in RYGB (odds ratios = 3.41 and 2.84, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Previous studies alongside these results suggest that RYGB, more so than SG, may cause hypovitaminosis D and thereby hyperparathyroidism, which could lead to osteopenia. The threshold for 25-OH-D should be >75 nmol/L, and despite higher levels, current vitamin D supplementation may not be sufficient. Follow-up should include screening for hyperparathyroidism and hypovitaminosis D.

Protein Supplements with Short Peptides Are Better than Complex Protein-Based Supplements on Improving Early Fat-Free Mass Loss Following Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Bariatric surgery (BS) patients are advised to consume protein supplements to prevent fat-free mass (FFM) loss. However, limited research has explored the efficacy of diverse protein presentations on FFM preservation. This study assesses if short peptide-based (SPB) supplements surpass complex protein-based (CPB) supplements in reducing early FFM loss post-surgery.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 138 patients who underwent BS other than Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (RYGB) between January 2021 and March 2021 at the Department of Bariatric Surgery of the Third People's Hospital of Chengdu were included for analysis. Patients were divided into two groups based on their consumption of protein supplements after surgery: SPB group and CPB group. Multiple linear regressions separated by sex were employed to examine the associations between SPB supplements and FFM loss and percentage of FFM (%FFM) loss, respectively.

RESULTS

Among participants, 69.6% were female, with a mean age of 33.3 years. In multiple linear regression analyses, SPB supplements were significantly and positively associated with a lower FFM loss in both female (ꞵ =  - 1.14, P = 0.047) and male (ꞵ =  - 2.36, P = 0.024), and were positively associated with a lower %FFM loss in both female (ꞵ =  - 1.83) and male (ꞵ =  - 2.26) but only significant in male (P = 0.049).

CONCLUSION

SPB supplements may be more effective in preventing early FFM loss after BS, compared to CPB supplements, particularly among male patients. Therefore, SPB supplements may be recommended to patients undergoing BS. Further research is needed to validate these findings.

Utilization of Anti-obesity Medications After Bariatric Surgery: Analysis of a Large National Database

PURPOSE

A significant proportion of patients experience insufficient weight loss or weight regain after bariatric surgery. There is a paucity of literature describing anti-obesity medication (AOM) use following bariatric surgery. We sought to identify prevalence and trends of AOM use following bariatric surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We utilized the IBM Explorys® database to identify all adults with prior bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy). Those prescribed AOMs (semaglutide, liraglutide, topiramate, phentermine/topiramate, naltrexone/bupropion, orlistat) within 5 years of surgery were further identified. Data was analyzed to characterize AOM utilization among different age, demographic, and comorbid populations.

RESULTS

A total of 59,160 adults with prior bariatric surgery were included. Among AOMs studies, prevalence of use was highest for topiramate (8%), followed by liraglutide (2.9%), phentermine/topiramate (1.03%), naltrexone/bupropion (0.95%) semaglutide (0.52%), and orlistat (0.17%). Age distribution varied, with the highest utilization among those age 35-39 years for topiramate, 40-44 years for phentermine/topiramate and naltrexone/bupropion, 45-49 years for semaglutide, and 65-69 years for liraglutide and orlistat. African American race was associated with higher utilization across all AOMs. Among comorbidities, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus were most associated with AOM use.

CONCLUSION

Despite a relatively high incidence of weight regain, AOMs are underutilized following bariatric surgery. It is imperative that barriers to their use be addressed and that AOMs be considered earlier and more frequently in patients with insufficient weight loss or weight regain after bariatric surgery.

SF-6D Normative Values Among Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: Results Based on Real-World Evidence from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg)

BACKGROUND

The SF-6D index can be used to calculate quality-adjusted life years in economic evaluations, which is required by reimbursement agencies and national advisory bodies, including the Swedish ones. However, despite that SF-36 has been largely applied among patients undergoing bariatric surgery, almost no study has accessed the short form six-dimensions (SF-6D) after bariatric surgery.

AIM

To establish normative values for the SF-6D index among patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients who received bariatric surgery in Sweden between 2011-01-01 and 2019-03-31 were obtained from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg). Information includes patients' sociodemographic characteristics, details regarding the procedure, and postsurgical conditions. The SF-36 is applied at baseline and at follow-up years 1, 2, and 5. The multiple sequential imputation method was applied to handle missingness on SF-6D items. Based on the UK tariff, the SF-6D preference scores were calculated. The normative values for the mean (SD) SF-6D index were reported by timepoint and surgical complications for men and women, respectively. Multivariate analyses were applied to investigate how the SF-6D index is associated with timepoint, controlling for age, sex, BMI, and comorbidities in a stepwise manner.

RESULTS

The SF-6D index increased at 1 year relative to baseline and was roughly maintained at the same level at 2 years. The normative value of the SF-6D index can be used in economic evaluations for bariatric surgery.

Results from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry: A narrative review

In 2007, the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg) was started by the profession to monitor the results of bariatric surgery and to provide a high-quality database for research. In the end of August 2023, SOReg contains 88,379 patients (body mass index [BMI] 41.7 kg/m2 , 41.2 years, 77.1% females, gastric bypass 76.8%). In this narrative review, we demonstrate that preoperative weight loss is of value and that the laparoscopic double omega-loop technique is highly suitable for gastric bypass. Closing the mesenteric openings is, however, important. Swedish bariatric surgery has low mortality, and our results are comparative to those of other countries. Significant long-term improvements are found in common obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. Furthermore, the risk for cardiac failure and major adverse cardiovascular events is significantly reduced. Pregnancy-related outcomes are also improved. Gastric bypass results in significant improvements in quality of life and seems to be cost saving. We have revealed that low socioeconomic status is associated with reduced chance of undergoing bariatric surgery and inferior outcomes. Of note, we have performed several randomized clinical trials within the registry database. In conclusion, high-quality national registry databases, such as SOReg, are important for maintaining high-quality care and present a platform for extensive research.

Bariatric surgery tourism in the COVID-19 era

Background

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic primary and secondary health care services in Northern Ireland have observed an increase in the number of patients who have had bariatric surgery outside of the UK. This study sought to estimate the frequency of bariatric surgery tourism and to audit indications, blood monitoring and medical complications.

Methods

All primary care centres within the Western Health Social Care Trust (WHSCT) were invited to document the number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2022. For one primary care centre, patients who underwent bariatric surgery were assessed against the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline indications for bariatric surgery. In addition, the blood monitoring of these patients was audited against the British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society (BOMSS) guidelines for up to two years following surgery. Medical contacts for surgical complications of bariatric surgery were recorded.

Results

Thirty-five of 47 (74.5%) GP surgeries replied to the survey, representing 239,961 patients among 325,126 registrations (73.8%). In the six year study period 463 patients had reported having bariatric surgery to their GP. Women were more likely to have had bariatric surgery than men (85.1% versus 14.9%). There was a marked increase in the number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery with each year of the study (p<0.0001 chi square for trend). Twenty-one of 47 patients (44.7%) evaluated in one primary care centre fulfilled NICE criteria for bariatric surgery. The level of three-month monitoring ranged from 23% (for vitamin D) to 89% (electrolytes), but decreased at two years to 9% (vitamin D) and 64% (electrolytes and liver function tests). Surgical complication prevalence from wound infections was 19% (9 of 44). Antidepressant medications were prescribed for 23 of 47 patients (48.9%).

Conclusions

The WHSCT has experienced a growing population of patients availing of bariatric surgery outside of the National Health Service. In view of this and the projected increase in obesity prevalence, a specialist obesity management service is urgently required in Northern Ireland.

Efficacy of the Erector Spinae Plane Block for Quality of Recovery in Bariatric Surgery: a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain management after bariatric surgery is difficult due to different physiological properties and high sensitivity toward opioids in patients with obesity. It has been reported that erector spinae plane block (ESPB) contributes to postoperative analgesia when applied together with multimodal analgesia.

METHODS

Eighty patients were randomized either bilateral ESPB (group E) each side or no block (group C). Our primary aim was to evaluate the effects of ESPB on the quality of recovery 24 h postoperatively in bariatric surgery by using 40-item Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) questionnaire. Postoperative pain assessed using a numerical rating scale (NRS), time of additional analgesic requirement, analgesic consumption, side effects, sedation, mobilization time, and postoperative complications were evaluated as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Postoperative mean QoR-40 scores were found to be higher in group E (175.02 ± 11.25) than in group C (167.78 ± 18.59) at the postoperative 24th hour (P < 0.05). Pain scores at rest and during movement were higher in group C than in group E. At the postoperative 24th hour, NRS mean SD scores at rest for group C and group E were 3.25 ± 1.32 and 2.40 ± 0.96, respectively. NRS mean SD scores during movement for groups C and E were 3.88 ± 1.49 and 3.12 ± 1.30, respectively. The total amount of tramadol consumed in the first 24 h in group C and group E were mean SD: 86.40 ± 69.60 and 40.00 ± 46.96, respectively; P < 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

ESPB improved postoperative quality of recovery, reduced NRS scores, and total analgesic consumption in patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT05020379.

Prediction of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) after bariatric surgery using regularized linear regression models: results from a Swedish nationwide quality register

PURPOSE

To investigate whether the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of the patients who underwent bariatric surgery could be predicted using their baseline information.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients who received bariatric surgery in Sweden between January 1, 2011 and March 31, 2019 were obtained from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg). Baseline information included patients' sociodemographic characteristics, details regarding the procedure, and postsurgical conditions. QALYs were assessed by the SF-6D at follow-up years 1 and 2. The general and regularized linear regression models were used to predict postoperative QALYs.

RESULTS

All regression models demonstrated satisfactory and comparable performance in predicting QALYs at follow-up year 1, with R2 and relative root mean squared error (RRMSE) values of about 0.57 and 9.6%, respectively. The performance of the general linear regression model increased with the number of variables; however, the improvement was ignorable when the number of variables was more than 30 and 50 for follow-up years 1 and 2, respectively. Although minor L1 and L2 regularization provided better prediction ability, the improvement was negligible when the number of variables was more than 20. All the models showed poorer performance for predicting QALYs at follow-up year 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient characteristics before bariatric surgery including health related quality of life, age, sex, BMI, postoperative complications within six weeks, and smoking status, may be adequate in predicting their postoperative QALYs after one year. Understanding these factors can help identify individuals who require more personalized and intensive support before, during, and after surgery.

Long-term Safety and Efficacy of Closure of Mesenteric Defects in Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Short-term and midterm data suggest that mesenteric defects closure during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) surgery reduces the risk of internal herniation with small bowel obstruction (SBO) but may increase risk of kinking of the jejunojejunostomy in the early postoperative period. However, to our knowledge, there are no clinical trials reporting long-term results from this intervention in terms of risk for SBO or opioid use.

Objective

To evaluate long-term safety and efficacy outcomes of closure of mesenteric defects during LRYGB.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This randomized clinical trial with a 2-arm, parallel, open-label design included patients with severe obesity scheduled for LRYGB bariatric surgery at 12 centers in Sweden from May 1, 2010, through November 14, 2011, with 10 years of follow-up after the intervention.

Interventions

During the operation, patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to closure of mesenteric defects beneath the jejunojejunostomy and at the Petersen space using nonabsorbable running sutures during LRYGB or to nonclosure.

Main Outcome and Measures

The primary outcome was reoperation for SBO. New incident, chronic opioid use was a secondary end point as a measure of harm.

Results

A total of 2507 patients (mean [SD] age, 41.7 [10.7] years; 1863 female [74.3%]) were randomly assigned to closure of mesenteric defects (n = 1259) or nonclosure (n = 1248). After censoring for death and emigration, 1193 patients in the closure group (94.8%) and 1198 in the nonclosure group (96.0%) were followed up until the study closed. Over a median follow-up of 10 years (IQR, 10.0-10.0 years), a reoperation for SBO from day 31 to 10 years after surgery was performed in 185 patients with nonclosure (10-year cumulative incidence, 14.9%; 95% CI, 13.0%-16.9%) and in 98 patients with closure (10-year cumulative incidence, 7.8%; 95% CI, 6.4%-9.4%) (subhazard ratio [SHR], 0.42; 95% CI, 0.32-0.55). New incident chronic opioid use was seen among 175 of 863 opioid-naive patients with nonclosure (10-year cumulative incidence, 20.4%; 95% CI, 17.7%-23.0%) and 166 of 895 opioid-naive patients with closure (10-year cumulative incidence, 18.7%; 95% CI, 16.2%-21.3%) (SHR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.73-1.11).

Conclusions and Relevance

This randomized clinical trial found long-term reduced risk of SBO after mesenteric defects closure in LRYGB. The findings suggest that routine use of this procedure during LRYGB should be considered.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01137201.

Incidence of Kidney Stones After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery-Data from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry

PURPOSE

Obesity is associated with increased incidence of kidney stones, a risk further increased by metabolic and bariatric surgery, particularly after procedures with a malabsorptive component. However, there is a paucity in reports on baseline risk factor and on larger population-based cohorts. The objective was to evaluate incidence and risk factors for kidney stones after bariatric surgery by comparing them to an age-, sex-, and geographically matched cohort from the normal population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients operated with primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) from 2007 until 2017 within the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery registry were matched 1:10 to controls from the normal population. Hospital admission or outpatient visits due to kidney stones registered in the National Patient Registry were considered as endpoint.

RESULTS

The study included 58,366 surgical patients (mean age 41.0±11.1, BMI 42.0±5.68, 76% women) with median follow-up time 5.0 [IQR 2.9-7.0] years and 583,660 controls. All surgical procedures were associated with a significantly increased risk for kidney stones (RYGB, HR 6.16, [95% CI 5.37-7.06]; SG, HR 6.33, [95% CI 3.57-11.25]; BPD/DS, HR 10.16, [95% CI 2.94-35.09]). Higher age, type 2 diabetes hypertension at baseline, and a preoperative history of kidney stones were risk factors for having a postoperative diagnosis of kidney stones.

CONCLUSION

Primary RYGB, SG, and BPD/DS were all associated with a more than sixfold increased risk for postoperative kidney stones. The risk increased with advancing age, two common obesity-related conditions, and among patients with preoperative history of kidney stones.

Risk of Myocardial Infarction, Ischemic Stroke, and Mortality in Patients Who Undergo Gastric Bypass for Obesity Compared With Nonoperated Obese Patients and Population Controls

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to estimate risks of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and cardiovascular-related and all-cause mortality after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for obesity compared with nonop-erated obese patients and matched nonobese population controls.

BACKGROUND

Few studies have assessed the influence of RYGB on fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, and the results vary between studies.

METHOD

All patients aged 20 to 65 years with obesity diagnosis in the nationwide Swedish Patient Registry in 2001 to 2013 were included. These participants were divided into those who underwent RYGB within 2 years of obesity diagnosis (n = 28,204) and nonoperated (n = 40,827), and were matched for age, sex, and region with 2 nonobese population controls. Participants were followed until onset of outcome disease, death, or end of follow-up. Multivariable Cox regression provided hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

RESULTS

Compared with nonoperated patients with obesity, RYGB patients had a reduced risk of myocardial infarction [HR = 0.44 (95% CI 0.28-0.63)], similar risk of ischemic stroke [HR = 0.79 (95% CI 0.54-1.14)], and decreased risks of cardiovascular-related [HR = 0.47 (95% CI 0.35-0.65)] and all-cause mortality [HR = 0.66 (95% CI 0.54-0.81)] within the first 3 years of follow-up, but not later. Compared with nonobese population controls, RYGB patients had excess risks of ischemic stroke [HR = 1.57 (95% CI 1.08-2.29)], cardiovascular-related mortality [HR = 1.82 (95% CI 1.29-2.60)], and all-cause mortality [HR = 1.42 (95% CI 1.16-1.74)], but not of myocardial infarction [HR = 1.02 (95% CI 0.72-1.46)].

CONCLUSION

RYGB for obesity might not decrease the risk of ischemic stroke, but seems to decrease the risk of myocardial infarction back to population levels.

Effects of Heterozygous Variants in the Leptin-Melanocortin Pathway on Transoral Outlet Reduction After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Case-Control Study and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

Transoral outlet reduction (TORe) is a safe and effective technique for management of weight regain (WR) after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB). Carriers of a heterozygous variant in the leptin melanocortin pathway (LMP) have been shown to be at high risk for WR in the mid- and long-term after RYGB. Our case series includes four patients with heterozygous LMP variants and presents novel data on their weight loss after TORe.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of the Mayo Clinic Biobank and identified adult participants who had been genotyped and found to have or do not have a heterozygous variant in the LMP ("carriers" vs "non-carriers", respectively) and had undergone a TORe procedure. TBWL% at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months ± 15 days were calculated based on baseline weight at TORe procedure.

RESULTS

A total of 14 patients were included in the analysis: four patients (mean age 51.0 [5.2] years, 100% females, body mass index [BMI] 40.5 [8.7] kg/m²) with LMP variant and 10 non-carriers (age 55.4 [15.3] years, 90% females, BMI 37.3 [7.7] kg/m²). There were no baseline differences between carriers and non-carriers at time of TORe procedure. After TORE, carriers lost less weight when compared to non-carriers at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The difference at 12 months was statistically significant (1.6 vs 12.3%; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a LMP variant and that underwent RYGB showed decreased weight loss after undergoing TORe. Further and larger studies are needed to comprehend the effect of TORe on patients with LMP variants.

Major adverse cardiovascular events among patients with type-2 diabetes, a nationwide cohort study comparing primary metabolic and bariatric surgery to GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment

BACKGROUND

Glucagon-like Peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) and metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) both improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with severe obesity and type-2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of MBS on major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE) in patients with severe obesity and T2D compared to patients with T2D treated with GLP-1 RA.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In this propensity score matched cohort study on nationwide data, patients with T2D and severe obesity who underwent MBS in Sweden from 2007 until 2019 were identified from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry and matched to a non-surgical group with T2D treated with GLP-1 RA (81.7% liraglutide, 9.0% dulaglutide, 6.0% exenatide, 1.6% lixisenatide and 0.8% semaglutide) from the general population using generalized linear model. Major outcome was MACE (hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome or cerebrovascular event or all-cause death), evaluated with multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS

In total 2161 patients (obesity class I (10.2%), class II (40.3%), class III (49.5%)) were matched to 2161 non-surgical patients (mean age 51.1 ± 9.29 vs 51.5 ± 8.92 years, 64.8% vs. 64.4% women, with mean number of diabetes drugs of 2.5 ± 0.89 vs 2.6 ± 0.87, a mean duration of diabetes of 6.0 ± 4.15 vs 6.0 ± 4.51 years with 44.2% vs. 42.8% being treated with insulin at baseline). During the study period, 113 patients (8-year cumulative incidence 9.3%) compared to 130 non-surgical patients (8-year cumulative incidence 11.3%) suffered from MACE or all-cause mortality (HR 0.76, 95%CI 0.59-0.98), and 69 patients (8-year cumulative incidence 5.1%) compared to 92 non-surgical patients (8-year cumulative incidence 7.6%) suffered from a non-fatal MACE (HR 0.68, 95%CI 0.49-0.93).

CONCLUSION

In this matched cohort study, MBS was associated with lower risk for MACE compared to treatment with early GLP-1 RA in patients with T2D.

Incidence of self-harm after bariatric surgery: A nationwide registry-based matched cohort study

The aims of this study were to evaluate the longitudinal risk of self-harm and the risk factors for self-harm after bariatric surgery in patients and control subjects without prior self-harm. This observational cohort study was based on prospectively registered data. Patients 18-70 years at time of surgery, body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m² , who underwent a primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure or a primary sleeve gastrectomy between 2007 and 2019 were considered for inclusion. All patients who met the inclusion criteria were matched 1:10 to the general population in Sweden (69 492 patients vs. 694 920 controls). After excluding patients and controls with previous self-harm, a self-harm event occurred in 1408 patients in the surgical group (incidence rate (IR) 3.54/1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.36-3.73) versus in 3162 patients in the control group (IR 0.81/1000 person-years, 95% CI 0.78-0.84), with a hazard ratio (HR) of 4.38 (95% CI 4.11-4.66, p < .001). Median follow-up time was 6.1 years. Risk factors were younger age, lower BMI, cardiovascular, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, all aspects of psychiatric comorbidities (except neuropsychiatric disorder), lower socioeconomic status, RYGB, lower health-related quality of life, lower postoperative weight loss, and not attending postoperative follow-up visits. Self-harm is clearly higher after bariatric surgery than in the general population. A qualitative follow-up may be particularly important for patients at increased risk.

The impact of bariatric surgery on disease activity and progression of multiple sclerosis: A nationwide matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

Surgical outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) following metabolic surgery appear to be similar compared to those of the general bariatric population.

OBJECTIVE

To study the impact of metabolic surgery on the clinical course of MS.

METHODS

Using data from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry and the Swedish Multiple Sclerosis register, we compared disease outcomes in 122 cases of MS who had undergone metabolic surgery with those of 122 cases of MS without surgery, matched by a two-staged Propensity score match, including age at disease onset, sex, MS phenotype, body mass index, and preoperative severity of MS as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale.

RESULTS

The time to 6-month confirmed disability progression during the first five years postbaseline was shorter among the surgical patients (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09-4.90; p = 0.03). No differences were observed regarding postoperative annual relapse rate (p = 0.24) or time to first postoperative relapse (p = 0.52).

CONCLUSION

Although metabolic surgery appears to be a safe and efficient treatment of obesity in patients with MS, the clinical course of the disease might be negatively affected. Long-term nutritional follow-up after surgery and supplementation maintenance are crucial, particularly among those with preoperative deficits.

Do reasons for undergoing bariatric surgery influence weight loss and health-related quality of life?-A Swedish mixed method study

Background

A wish for improved health or avoidance of ill health is often given as reason for wanting to undergo bariatric surgery. How such reasons relate to postoperative outcome is unclear.

Objective

The aim was to explore Swedish patients’ reasons for undergoing bariatric surgery. Also, we wanted to analyze if there were sex and age differences and associations with weight loss and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Settings

This was a single-center study conducted at a university hospital.

Method

Data on 688 patients (528 women and 160 men) including a free text response was analyzed inductively and deductively using predefined statements and was merged with data from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry. All data was analyzed using descriptive and analytic statistics.

Result

The most common reason for undergoing bariatric surgery was pain in different body parts. A wish for an improved medical condition was reported by most patients (59%, n = 408), followed by physical limitations making daily life difficult (42%, n = 288). Men and women reported similar reasons. Younger patients were more distressed about physical appearance (p = 0.001) and older patients wanted to improve their medical condition (p = 0.013). Health-related quality of life improved irrespective of reasons for undergoing surgery.

Conclusion

The most reported reasons for undergoing bariatric surgery were a wish for improved medical condition and to make daily life easier. Factors associated with the decision for surgery showed that there were few sex differences, but age seemed to be a factor. The HRQoL trajectory showed improvement regardless of reasons for undergoing surgery.

Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery: Abdominoplasty, the State of the Art in Body Contouring

Due to the increased prevalence of obesity in the last decades, bariatric surgery has been on the rise in recent years. Bariatric surgery is a compelling option for weight loss in obese patients with severe obesity-related comorbidities or for whom lifestyle modifications have proven ineffective. Redundant skin following significant weight loss is a common occurrence affecting up to 96% of patients who undergo bariatric surgery, negatively impacting physical and psychosocial health and detracting from activities of daily living. Statistics of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show that 46,577 body contouring procedures were performed after massive weight loss in the USA in a 2020 report. Abdominoplasty, a well-established cosmetic surgery procedure for improving body contour, is performed by removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal wall and thereby restoring musculofascial integrity and skin elasticity, resulting in a more ideal body shape and increasing quality of life. Although abdominoplasty is a safe procedure, it has been associated with a higher complication rate compared with other body-contouring procedures. Technologic advances over the past decade have been developed as non-invasive alternatives or adjunctive tools to surgery to enhance cosmetic results and minimize complications. New energy-based technologies may supplant invasive surgery for mild to moderate skin laxity and/or diminish the extent of surgery and resulting scars. Plastic surgeons play a significant role in improving the quality of life of patients who suffer from obesity and underwent bariatric surgery. We are deeply convinced, however, that the advancement of knowledge and research in this field will determine the introduction of new technologies and custom-made techniques. This advancement will reduce the complication rate with a rapid reintegration of the patient into the world of work and resumption of daily activities.

Metabolic Profile and Metabolite Analyses in Extreme Weight Responders to Gastric Bypass Surgery

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery belongs to the most frequently performed surgical therapeutic strategies against adiposity and its comorbidities. However, outcome is limited in a substantial cohort of patients with inadequate primary weight loss or considerable weight regain. In this study, gut microbiota composition and systemically released metabolites were analyzed in a cohort of extreme weight responders after RYGB. Methods: Patients (n = 23) were categorized based on excess weight loss (EWL) at a minimum of two years after RYGB in a good responder (EWL 93 ± 4.3%) or a bad responder group (EWL 19.5 ± 13.3%) for evaluation of differences in metabolic outcome, eating behavior and gut microbiota taxonomy and metabolic activity. Results: Mean BMI was 47.2 ± 6.4 kg/m² in the bad vs. 26.6 ± 1.2 kg/m² in the good responder group (p = 0.0001). We found no difference in hunger and satiety sensation, in fasting or postprandial gut hormone release, or in gut microbiota composition between both groups. Differences in weight loss did not reflect in metabolic outcome after RYGB. While fecal and circulating metabolite analyses showed higher levels of propionate (p = 0.0001) in good and valerate (p = 0.04) in bad responders, respectively, conjugated primary and secondary bile acids were higher in good responders in the fasted (p = 0.03) and postprandial state (GCA, p = 0.02; GCDCA, p = 0.02; TCA, p = 0.01; TCDCA, p = 0.02; GDCA, p = 0.05; GUDCA, p = 0.04; TLCA, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Heterogenous weight loss response to RYGB surgery separates from patients’ metabolic outcome, and is linked to unique serum metabolite signatures post intervention. These findings suggest that the level of adiposity reduction alone is insufficient to assess the metabolic success of RYGB surgery, and that longitudinal metabolite profiling may eventually help us to identify markers that could predict individual adiposity response to surgery and guide patient selection and counseling.

Comparing effects of obesity treatment with very low energy diet and bariatric surgery after 2 years: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To compare long-term effects and complications of medical treatment (MT) of obesity including very low energy diet with bariatric surgery.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This prospective study conducted in a clinical setting recruited individuals with body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2 referred for obesity treatment. Demographic and anthropometric data, laboratory samples, and questionnaire replies were collected at baseline and 2 years.

PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS

971 individuals were recruited 2015-2017. 382 received MT, 388 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and 201 sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcomes included changes in anthropometric measures, metabolic variables and safety. These were analysed using a linear regression model. A logistic regression model was used to analyse composite variables for treatment success (secondary outcomes). A random forest (RF) model was used to examine the importance of 15 clinical domains as predictors for successful treatment.

RESULTS

Two-year data were available for 667 individuals (68.7%). Regarding primary outcomes, the decrease in excess BMI was 27.5%, 82.5% and 70.3% and proportion achieving a weight of >10% was 45.3%, 99.6% and 95.6% for MT, RYGB and SG, respectively (p<0.001). The groups were comparable regarding levels of vitamins, minerals and haemoglobin or safety measures. Likelihood for success (secondary outcome) was higher in the surgical groups (RYGB: OR 5.3 (95% CI 3.9 to 7.2) vs SG: OR 4.3 ((95% CI 3.0 to 6.2)) in reference to MT. Baseline anthropometry had the strongest predictive value for treatment success, according to the RF model.

CONCLUSIONS

In clinical practice, bariatric surgery by RYGB or SG is most effective, but meaningful weight loss is achievable by MT with strict caloric restriction and stepwise introduction of a normal diet. All treatments showed positive effects on well-being, cardiovascular risk factors, and levels of vitamins and minerals at 2-year follow-up and groups were similar regarding safety measures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03152617.

Surgical treatment of obesity and excess risk of developing heart failure in a controlled cohort study

AIM

We aim to assess the risk of heart failure in patients with obesity with and without gastric bypass surgery compared with population controls.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This cohort study included all patients aged 20-65 years with a first ever registered principal diagnosis of obesity in the Swedish Patient Register in 2001-2013. These patients were matched by age, sex, and region with two population controls from the general Swedish population without obesity diagnosis. The obesity cohort was divided into two groups: 27 882 patients who had undergone gastric bypass surgery within 2 years of obesity diagnosis and 39 564 patients who had not undergone such surgery. These groups were compared with 55 149 and 78 004 matched population controls, respectively. Cox regression provided hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for age, education, and sex. During follow-up (maximum 10 years, median 4.4 years, and interquartile range 2.5-7.2 years), 1884 participants were hospitalized for heart failure. Compared with population controls, gastric bypass patients had no excess risk of heart failure during the initial 0-≤4 years of follow-up (HR = 1.35 [95% CI = 0.96-1.91]) but a marked increased risk during the final >4-10 years of follow-up (HR = 3.28 [95% CI = 2.25-4.77]). Non-operated patients with obesity had a marked excess risk of heart failure throughout the study period compared with population controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastric bypass for obesity seems to reduce the risk of heart failure to levels similar to the general population during the initial 4 years after surgery, but not thereafter.

Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Bariatric Surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society Recommendations: A 2021 Update

Background

This is the second updated Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society guideline, presenting a consensus for optimal perioperative care in bariatric surgery and providing recommendations for each ERAS item within the ERAS® protocol.

Methods

A principal literature search was performed utilizing the Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane databases and ClinicalTrials.gov through December 2020, with particular attention paid to meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials and large prospective cohort studies. Selected studies were examined, reviewed and graded according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. After critical appraisal of these studies, the group of authors reached consensus regarding recommendations.

Results

The quality of evidence for many ERAS interventions remains relatively low in a bariatric setting and evidence-based practices may need to be extrapolated from other surgeries.

Conclusion

A comprehensive, updated evidence-based consensus was reached and is presented in this review by the ERAS® Society.

Lower ghrelin levels does not impact the metabolic benefit induced by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

OBJECTIVE

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is an effective intervention for metabolic disorder. We aim to elucidate whether ghrelin contributes to weight reduction, and glycemic and lipid control after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

DESIGN

Four-week-old WT and Ghrl-TSC1^-/- mice were fed high fat diet for 12 weeks before surgery, and continued to be on the same diet for 3 weeks after surgery. Body weight, food intake, glycemic and lipid metabolism were analyzed before and after surgery.

RESULTS

Gastric and circulating ghrelin was significantly increased in mice with RYGB surgery. Hypoghrelinemia elicited by deletion of TSC1 to activate mTOR signaling in gastric X/A like cells demonstrated no effect on weight reduction, glycemic and lipid control induced by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

CONCLUSION

Lower ghrelin levels does not impact the metabolic benefit induced by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Weight-loss thresholds after bariatric surgery and cardiovascular outcomes: more is better

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Whether the extent of weight loss (WL) modulates bariatric surgery (BS) cardiovascular benefits has scarcely been assessed. Several WL thresholds have been commonly used to classify BS patients as good or poor responders without a proven clinical relevance. We examined the relationship between the magnitude of WL after BS and post-surgery major adverse cardiovascular-event (MACE) incidence. We also compared the performance of three different insufficient weight-loss (IWL) criteria for their association with MACE.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

All individuals who underwent a primary Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in our institution at least six years before data analysis (12/2020) were included in the study. Data on MACE were available in 1638 of 1700 participants (96.4%). Proportional-hazard Cox analyses were performed to ascertain the association between MACE, WL, and the three IWL criteria. IWL was defined as: <50% excess weight loss (<50% EWL), <20% total body-weight loss (<20% TBWL), and -1 standard deviation of alterable weight-loss percentage (<1 SD% AWL).

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 10.2 ± 2.8 years, 86 participants experienced a first post-surgery MACE. Higher WL at one year (HR: 0.77 (95% CI: 0.61-0.98)) and 5 years (HR: 0.63 (95% CI: 0.42-0.92)) was related to a lower incidence of MACE. All short-term criteria for defining IWL were similarly associated with MACE, yet <1 SD% AWL identified more at-risk subjects. Five-year TBWL < 20% and 5-year <1 SD-AWL% were significantly associated with a higher risk for CV events. TBWL < 20% identified more subjects at risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The extent of WL is closely related to long-term MACE incidence. Patients who lost -1SD% AWL at one year or <20% TBWL at five years may be considered poor responders.

Opioid consumption in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery compared with population controls with and without obesity

BACKGROUND

Patients with obesity are prescribed more opioids than the general population.

OBJECTIVES

To compare opioid consumption in patients with obesity who underwent Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery (RYGB) with population controls with and without obesity, not undergoing bariatric surgery, and to identify characteristics associated with opioid use.

SETTING

This study included all patients with a principal diagnosis of obesity, aged 18-72 years, with a RYGB surgical code in the Swedish Patient Register between 2007 and 2013.

METHODS

RYGB patients (n = 23,898) were age- and sex-matched with 1 control patient with obesity (n = 23,898) and 2 population controls without obesity (n = 46,064). Participants were classified as nonconsumers and consumers based on their opioid dispensations during the 12 months before baseline. Opioid consumption was assessed for 24 months.

RESULTS

Nonconsumers. Within 24 months, a significantly higher proportion of RYGB patients (16.6%) started using opioids compared with the controls with obesity (14.3%, P < .0001) and population controls (5.4%, P < .0001). RYGB patients and controls with obesity had higher median daily intake of opioid morphine equivalent (MEQ) (2.8 mg/d) than population controls (2.5 mg/d, P < .0001). Consumers. Within 24 months, the proportion of RYGB patients and controls with obesity that was using opioids were similar (53.1% and 53.4%), but higher compared to population controls (38.0%, P < .0001). The median daily opioid MEQ was higher among RYGB patients than in population controls (10.5 versus 7.8 mg/d, P < .0001). RYGB patients, overall, had higher incidence of bowel surgery and cholecystectomy compared with controls with obesity and population controls, leading to prolonged opioid use in this group. Opioid consumption in general was associated with chronic pain and psychiatric disorder, which were more common in patients with obesity than in the population controls.

CONCLUSION

RYGB surgery increased the risk of prolonged opioid use in patients with obesity who were nonconsumers before surgery but had no effect on overall opioid use among prior consumers. RYGB-associated complications requiring surgery influenced opioid use for both nonconsumers and consumers. Regular reassessments of pain mechanisms and specific treatment owing to type of pain could prevent unnecessary opioid use in this patient group.

Factors determining chance of type 2 diabetes remission after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: a nationwide cohort study in 8057 Swedish patients

INTRODUCTION

Bariatric and metabolic surgery is an effective treatment option for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Increased knowledge regarding factors associated with diabetes remission is essential in individual decision making and could guide postoperative care. Therefore, we aimed to explore factors known to affect the chance of achieving diabetes remission after bariatric and metabolic surgery and to further investigate the impact of socioeconomic factors.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this nationwide study, we assessed all patients with T2D who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery between 2007 and 2015 in the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry. Remission was defined as absence of antidiabetic medication for T2D 2 years after surgery. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with diabetes remission, with missing data handled by multiple imputations.

RESULTS

A total of 8057 patients were included. Mean age±SD was 47.4±10.1 years, mean body mass index 42.2±5.7 kg/m², mean hemoglobin A1c 59.0±17.33, and 61.7% (n=4970) were women. Two years after surgery, 6211 (77.1%) patients achieved T2D remission. Preoperative insulin treatment (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.30), first-generation immigrant (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.77), duration of T2D (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.90), dyslipidemia (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.81), age (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96 to 0.97), and high glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98 to 0.99) were all associated with lower T2D remission rate. In contrast, residence in a medium-sized (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.61) or small (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.71) town and percentage of total weight loss (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.04) were associated with higher remission rates.

CONCLUSION

Among patients with T2D undergoing RYGB surgery, increasing age, HbA1c, and diabetes duration decreased the chance of reaching diabetes remission without cut-offs, while postoperative weight loss demonstrated a positive linear association. In addition, being a first-generation immigrant and living in a large city were socioeconomic factors having a negative association.

Association of Gastric Bypass Surgery With Risk of Developing Diabetic Retinopathy Among Patients With Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in Sweden: An Observational Study

Importance

Knowledge of the incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) after gastric bypass surgery (GBP) in patients with obesity and diabetes could guide the management of these patients.

Objective

To investigate the incidence of diabetic ocular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes after GBP compared with the incidence of diabetic ocular complications in a matched cohort of patients with obesity and diabetes who have not undergone GBP.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Data from 2 nationwide registers in Sweden, the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry and the National Diabetes Register, were used for this cohort study. A total of 5321 patients with diabetes from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry who had undergone GBP from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2013, were matched with 5321 patients with diabetes from the National Diabetes Register who had not undergone GBP, based on sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and calendar time (2007-2013). Follow-up data were obtained until December 31, 2015. Statistical analysis was performed from October 5, 2018, to September 30, 2019.

Exposure

Gastric bypass surgery.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Incidence of new DR and other diabetic ocular complications.

Results

The study population consisted of 5321 patients who had undergone GBP (3223 women [60.6%]; mean [SD] age, 49.0 [9.5] years) and 5321 matched controls (3395 women [63.8%]; mean [SD] age, 47.1 [11.5] years). Mean (SD) follow-up was 4.5 (1.6) years. The mean (SD) BMI and hemoglobin A1c concentration at baseline were 42.0 (5.7) and 7.6% (1.5%), respectively, in the GBP group and 40.9 (7.3) and 7.5% (1.5%), respectively, in the control group. The mean (SD) duration of diabetes was 6.8 (6.3) years in the GBP group and 6.4 (6.4) years in the control group. The risk for new DR was reduced in the patients who underwent GBP (hazard ratio, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.49-0.78]; P < .001). The dominant risk factors for development of DR at baseline were diabetes duration, hemoglobin A1c concentration, use of insulin, glomerular filtration rate, and BMI.

Conclusions and Relevance

This nationwide matched cohort study suggests that there is a reduced risk of developing new DR associated with GBP, and no evidence of an increased risk of developing DR that threatened sight or required treatment.

Primary care physicians' knowledge, attitudes and concerns about bariatric surgery and the association with referral patterns: a Swedish survey study

BACKGROUND

Obesity prevalence is increasing globally. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for severe and complex obesity resulting in significant and sustained weight loss. In Sweden, most bariatric surgery patients are referred by primary care physicians. We aimed to explore barriers for physicians to refer patients with severe and complex obesity for bariatric surgery.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey was in 2019 emailed to 1100 primary care physicians in the Skåne and Kronoberg regions in south Sweden. The survey focused on referral patterns, knowledge and attitudes towards bariatric surgery and concerns about postoperative complications. We created different statistical indices for referral patterns, knowledge, attitudes and concerns about bariatric surgery. To analyze the correlation between these indices, we did Spearman's correlations and regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of 1100 email respondents, we received 157 (14%) completed surveys. Among 157 physician respondents, 73% answered that they had good knowledge about the referral criteria for bariatric surgery, whereas 55 and 60% answered correctly to two items on criteria for bariatric surgery. A majority of respondents (84%) stated that their patients initiated referral to bariatric surgery. Half of the respondents had concerns about postoperative medical and surgical complications, but another half had a positive attitude to bariatric surgery as a treatment for obesity comorbidities. Almost half of the respondents (44%) answered that they needed to learn more about bariatric surgery. We found significant positive correlations between high knowledge and referral patterns (r = 0.292, p < 0.001) and positive attitudes (r = 0.235, p < 0.001) respectively. We found significant reverse correlations between concerns and referral patterns (r = - 0.355, p < 0.001) and between positive attitudes and concerns (r = - 0.294, p < 0.001). In logistic regression high levels of concerns explained low willingness to refer for bariatric surgery (Odds Ratio 0.2, 95% confidence interval 0.1-0.7).

CONCLUSION

According to this Swedish survey among primary care physicians, high levels of concerns about bariatric surgery among physicians seemed to be a barrier to refer patients with severe and complex obesity for bariatric surgery. Since high knowledge about obesity and bariatric surgery correlated negatively to concerns and positively to favorable attitudes to bariatric surgery, more knowledge about obesity and bariatric surgery is warranted.

Association Between Medicaid Status, Social Determinants of Health, and Bariatric Surgery Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes after bariatric surgery between Medicaid and non-Medicaid patients and assess whether differences in social determinants of health were associated with postoperative weight loss.

BACKGROUND

The literature remains mixed on weight loss outcomes and healthcare utilization for Medicaid patients after bariatric surgery. It is unclear if social determinants of health geocoded at the neighborhood level are associated with outcomes.

METHODS

Patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) from 2008 to 2017 and had ≥1 year of follow-up within a large health system were included. Baseline characteristics, 90-day and 1-year outcomes, and weight loss were compared between Medicaid and non-Medicaid patients. Area deprivation index (ADI), urbanicity, and walkability were analyzed at the neighborhood level. Median regression with percent total body weight (TBW) loss as the outcome was used to assess predictors of weight loss after surgery.

RESULTS

Six hundred forty-seven patients met study criteria (191 Medicaid and 456 non-Medicaid). Medicaid patients had a higher 90-day readmission rate compared to non-Medicaid patients (19.9% vs 12.3%, P < 0.016). Weight loss was similar between Medicaid and non-Medicaid patients (23.1% vs 21.9% TBW loss, respectively; P = 0.266) at a median follow-up of 3.1 years. In adjusted analyses, Medicaid status, ADI, urbanicity, and walkability were not associated with weight loss outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Medicaid status and social determinants of health at the neighborhood level were not associated with weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery. These findings suggest that if Medicaid patients are appropriately selected for bariatric surgery, they can achieve equivalent outcomes as non-Medicaid patients.

Bariatric and metabolic surgery in patients with morbid obesity and multiple sclerosis - a nationwide, matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

Despite an association between obesity and multiple sclerosis (MS), very little is known regarding the safety and efficacy outcomes for patients with MS and severe obesity undergoing metabolic surgery.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to evaluate early complications and efficacy outcomes of metabolic surgery in patients with severe obesity and MS.

SETTING

Nationwide, Sweden.

METHODS

In this, matched cohort study, 196 patients with an MS diagnosis in the Swedish MS register who were undergoing metabolic surgery (gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) with a registration in the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg) were matched 1:10 with a control group without MS diagnosis from the SOReg. A 2-stage matching procedure was used (exact match by surgical method, followed by propensity Score matching, including age, sex, preoperative BMI, surgical center, surgical access, year of surgery, hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, and dyslipidemia).

RESULTS

Weight loss at 2 years after surgery was similar for patients with MS and controls (total weight loss 31.6 ± 9.1 versus 31.8 ± 9.2, P = .735). No significant differences were seen in either the overall postoperative complication rate (7.9% versus 7.2%, P = .778), or serious postoperative complications (3.7% versus 2.8%, P = .430). All aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) improved in both groups but less so for the physical aspects of HRQoL in patients with MS.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic surgery is a safe and efficient treatment for severe obesity in patients with MS, and it leads to subsequent improvements in HRQoL. Further studies addressing the effects of metabolic surgery on MS-related symptoms are needed.

Bariatric surgery prior to total knee arthroplasty is not associated with lower risk of revision: a register-based study of 441 patients

Background and purpose - Obesity is a considerable medical challenge in society. We investigated the risk of revision for any reasons and for infection in patients having total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteoarthritis (OA) within 2 years after bariatric surgery (BS) and compared them with TKAs without BS.Patients and methods - We used the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg) and the Swedish Knee Arthroplasty Register (SKAR) to identify patients operated on in 2009-2019 with BS who had had primary TKA for OA within 2 years after the BS (BS group) and compared them with TKAs without prior BS (noBS group). We determined adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for the BS group and noBS group using Cox proportional hazard regression for revision due to any reasons and for infection. Adjustments were made for sex, age groups, and BMI categories preoperatively.Results - 441 patients were included in the BS group. The risk of revision for infection was higher for the BS group with HR 2.2 (95% CI 1.1-4.7) adjusting for BMI before the TKA, while the risk of revision for any reasons was not statistically significant different for the BS group with HR 1.3 (CI 0.9-2.1). Corresponding figures when adjusting for BMI before the BS were HR 0.9 (CI 0.4-2) and HR 1.2 (CI 0.7-2).Interpretation - Our findings did not indicate that BS prior to TKA was associated with lower risk of revision.

Earnings and employment for women after bariatric surgery: a matched cohort study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Bariatric surgery induces durable weight loss and improves health and quality of life. Less is known about how bariatric surgery affects labour market outcomes. This study examined the development of earnings and employment status among women with obesity who underwent bariatric surgery versus matched comparators.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

This study included two cohorts of women in Sweden who gave birth between 1992 and 2014: a cohort with bariatric patients and their full sisters (sister cohort) and a cohort with bariatric patients and comparators matched on BMI, education, birth year, and previous cardiovascular, psychiatric, and musculoskeletal inpatient care diagnoses (BMI-matched cohort). Taxable annual earnings were retrieved from the Swedish Income Tax Register from 2 years before to 5 years after surgery. Employment status was measured dichotomously (employed/not employed) based on earnings data. Adjusted mean and prevalence differences were estimated for earnings and employment by ordinary least squares regression.

RESULTS

The sister cohort included 1400 patient-sister pairs. At baseline, patients and their sisters were of similar age (38.3 vs. 38.6 years) but had different BMI (37.3 vs. 26.7 kg/m²). The BMI-matched cohort included 2967 patient-comparator pairs with similar age (36.1 vs. 36.2 years) and BMI (37.1 vs. 37.0 kg/m²) before surgery. During follow-up, similar developments of earnings and employment status were observed between bariatric patients and the comparators in both cohorts. When comparing absolute levels of earnings in the sister cohort, the difference in earnings at 2 years before surgery [mean difference -$4137 (95% CI -5245 to -3028)] was similar to the difference in earnings at 5 years after surgery [-$5620 (-7024 to -4215)]. Similar results were found in the BMI-matched cohort, but of smaller magnitude.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery had little influence on the development of annual earnings and employment for women with obesity in Sweden over 5 years after surgery.

Management of Leak after Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy

The single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) has been introduced in the past few years for the treatment of morbid obesity. SADI-S has shown good results in terms of long-term results and short-term complications. However, the management of patients undergoing SADI-S and suffering from a leak is a great challenge for surgeons. We present an extensive review of the currently available literature on the management of leak after SADI in morbid obese (MO) patients. We aim at providing objective information regarding the optimal management, including diagnosis, technical options for the different strategies that have been proposed, to facilitate the selection of the best individual approach for each MO patient.

Association of Metabolic Surgery With Major Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Previous Myocardial Infarction and Severe Obesity: A Nationwide Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The number of patients with myocardial infarction and severe obesity is increasing and there is a lack of evidence how these patients should be treated. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between metabolic surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy) and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with previous myocardial infarction (MI) and severe obesity.

METHODS

Of 566 patients with previous MI registered in the SWEDEHEART registry (Swedish Web-System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies) undergoing metabolic surgery and registered in the nationwide Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry, 509 patients (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass n=465; sleeve gastrectomy n=44) could be matched 1:1 to a control with MI from SWEDEHEART, but no subsequent metabolic surgery regarding sex, age (±3 years), year of MI (±3 years), and body mass index (±3). The 2 groups were well matched, except for a lower proportion of reduced ejection fraction after MI (7% versus 12%), previous heart failure (10% versus 19%), atrial fibrillation (6% versus 10%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (4% versus 7%) in patients undergoing metabolic surgery.

RESULTS

The median (interquartile range) follow-up time was 4.6 (2.7-7.1) years. The 8-year cumulative probability of major adverse cardiovascular events was lower in patients undergoing metabolic surgery (18.7% [95% CI, 15.9-21.5%] versus 36.2% [33.2-39.3%], adjusted hazard ratio, 0.44 [95% CI, 0.32-0.61]). Patients undergoing metabolic surgery had also a lower risk of death (adjusted HR, 0.45 [95% CI, 0.29-0.70]; MI, 0.24 [0.14-0.41]) and new onset heart failure, but there were no significant differences regarding stroke (0.91 [0.38-2.20]) and new onset atrial fibrillation (0.56 [0.31-1.01]).

CONCLUSIONS

In severely obese patients with previous MI, metabolic surgery is associated with a low risk for serious complications, lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, death, new MI, and new onset heart failure. These findings need to be confirmed in a randomized, controlled trial.

Efficacy of laparoscopic gastric bypass vs laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in treating obesity combined with type-2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

This prospective study compared the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in treating overweight and obese patients with BMI>28 kg/m² and type-2 diabetes.

METHODS

Patients were randomized into a gastric bypass group (n = 77) or a gastrectomy group (n = 80). The surgery time, intraoperative blood loss, recovery time, and hospitalization time were collected. BMI, waistline, hipline, C-peptide level, insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), and their blood and lipid profile were also measured.

RESULTS

Surgery time and blood loss were significantly higher in the gastrectomy group, when compared to the gastric bypass group (P < 0.05). In both groups, the levels of BMI, waist circumference and hip circumference (but not their ratio) gradually and significantly decreased after surgery compared with baseline (P < 0.05), and no significant difference was found between these two groups. The C-peptide level, HOMA-IR, fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin gradually and significantly decreased after surgery compared with the values before treatment (P < 0.05). The levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were also lower after surgery in both groups, while HDL and glucagon-like peptide-1 were significantly higher after surgery compared with the values before treatment (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found between these two groups of patients.

CONCLUSION

Both laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy improved the BMI and diabetic conditions of overweight/obese diabetics, while laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy had a shorter surgical time and less blood loss.

Bariatric surgery might aggravate proliferative diabetic retinopathy

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess the changes experienced by patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) after bariatric surgery (BS).

METHODS

This retrospective observational study includes 37 eyes of 21 patients with PDR who underwent BS at a tertiary university hospital over the period of 2014-2018. The control group (CG) comprised 37 eyes of 27 patients with PDR who attended the same research hospital for diabetes care without undergoing BS. Preoperative and postoperative glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, weight and diabetic retinopathy screening results were collected from the medical records of the patients. Patients who had undergone preoperative retinal screening and at least one postoperative retinal screening were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

Both groups exhibited statistically significant visual acuity (VA) loss at 6 months and 1 year (p < 0.001). At postoperative 6 months the VA loss experienced by the control BS group was significantly more severe than that experienced by the CG (p = 0.03). The first-year HbA1c levels of the BS group were significantly lower than those of the CG (p = 0.02). The BS group had significantly higher intraocular haemorrhage (p = 0.04), neovascular glaucoma (p = 0.04) and retinal vein occlusion (p = 0.04) rates than the CG group. All complications occurred at different patients.

CONCLUSION

Patients with PDR who received BS showed more severe retinopathy than patients who were matched for age, sex, HbA1c levels and follow-up duration and who did not receive BS.

The association between socioeconomic factors and weight loss 5 years after gastric bypass surgery

INTRODUCTION

Patients with low socioeconomic status have been reported to have poorer outcome than those with a high socioeconomic status after several types of surgery. The influence of socioeconomic factors on weight loss after bariatric surgery remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between socioeconomic factors and postoperative weight loss.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective, nationwide cohort study with 5-year follow-up data for 13,275 patients operated with primary gastric bypass in Sweden between January 2007 and December 2012 (n = 13,275), linking data from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry, Statistics Sweden, the Swedish National Patient Register, and the Swedish Prescribed Drugs Register. The assessed socioeconomic variables were education, profession, disposable income, place of residence, marital status, financial aid and heritage. The main outcome was weight loss 5 years after surgery, measured as total weight loss (TWL). Linear regression models, adjusted for age, preoperative body mass index (BMI), sex and comorbid diseases were constructed.

RESULTS

The mean TWL 5 years after surgery was 28.3 ± 9.86%. In the adjusted model, first-generation immigrants (%TWL, B -2.4 [95% CI -2.9 to -1.9], p < 0.0001) lost significantly less weight than the mean, while residents in medium-sized (B 0.8 [95% CI 0.4-1.2], p = 0.0001) or small towns (B 0.8 [95% CI 0.4-1.2], p < 0.0001) lost significantly more weight.

CONCLUSIONS

All socioeconomic groups experienced improvements in weight after bariatric surgery. However, as first-generation immigrants and patients residing in larger towns (>200,000 inhabitants) tend to have inferior weight loss compared to other groups, increased support in the pre- and postoperative setting for these two groups could be of value. The remaining socioeconomic factors appear to have a weaker association with postoperative weight loss.