Complicated gallstones after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

A Severely Dilated Gallbladder With Multiple Gallstones After Concomitant Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Childbirth in a Hispanic Woman

Independent studies have associated laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and pregnancy with a higher incidence of gallstones, especially in Hispanic populations. However, the synergistic impact of these risk factors is currently unknown. We present the case of a 42-year-old Hispanic woman who initially identified intermittent upper right abdominal pain, which worsened over the last four days before the presentation. Abdominal ultrasound indicated hepatic steatosis, hepatomegaly, and cholelithiasis. A hydropic gallbladder with numerous gallstones, surrounding pericholecystic inflammatory changes, and mild intra-abdominal and pelvic ascites was confirmed by computed tomography. The patient underwent an uneventful robotic-assisted cholecystectomy. A gross examination of the gall bladder measuring 15.5 x 6 x 5.5 cm revealed multiple stones measuring 1.0-1.5 cm in the lumen, the largest of which was impacted in the neck. This case underscores the importance of considering ethnicity and pregnancy history while assessing the post-LSG risk of incident cholelithiasis.

Ursodeoxycholic acid for prevention of gallstone disease after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: an Atlantic Canada perspective

BACKGROUND

Prophylactic ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) may be beneficial in reducing gallstone disease after bariatric surgery. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) 2019 guidelines recommend a 6-month course of UDCA for patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). This has not been adopted broadly. This study intends to assess the effect of routine UDCA administration following LSG on symptomatic gallstone disease.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent LSG, between 2009 and 2019, at two tertiary care centers in Atlantic Canada. At one center, UDCA 250 mg oral twice daily was routinely prescribed following LSG for 6 months to patients with an intact gallbladder. At the other center, UDCA was not prescribed. Primary and secondary outcomes were cholecystectomy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) rates. Compliance with and side effects of UDCA therapy were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 751 patients were included in the study. Patients who had prior cholecystectomy or were lost to follow up were excluded. After exclusion criteria were applied, 461 patients were included for analysis: 303 in the UDCA group and 158 in the group who did not receive UDCA. Cholecystectomy rate was not significantly associated with UDCA administration, however there was a trend towards less cholecystectomy in patients who received UDCA (8.3% vs. 13.9%, p = 0.056). ERCP rate was significantly lower in patients who received UDCA (0.3% vs 2.5%, p = 0.031). Rate of gallstone disease requiring intervention, either cholecystectomy or ERCP, was significantly decreased in patients who received UDCA (8.9% vs 15.8%, p = 0.022). The most common barriers to compliance with UDCA were cost (45.4%) and nausea (18.1%).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to demonstrate lower rates of ERCP in patients receiving routine UDCA following LSG. Our findings support the ASMBS 2019 guidelines for administering UDCA after LSG for preventing gallstone disease.

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.

Risk of Asymptomatic Gallstones Becoming Symptomatic After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Whether concomitant cholecystectomy is needed during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in patients with asymptomatic cholelithiasis is controversial. In this study, our aim is to show the follow-up results in patients with asymptomatic cholelithiasis who underwent LSG alone.

METHODS

Patients undergoing primary LSG between March 2018 and September 2020 with asymptomatic gallbladder stones were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent abdominal ultrasound (US) before surgery. Patients' demographics and postoperative outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 180 patients underwent primary LSG and completed the 1-year follow-up. The study population consisted of 42 patients (23%) with asymptomatic cholelithiasis. The mean age was 41.1±7.1 years (31-56, 63% female), and mean body mass index (BMI) was 44 ± 6.7 kg/m². Average BMI decreased to 31.1 ± 4.7 kg/m² at 6 months and to 27.3 ± 3.6 kg/m² at 1 year. The average follow-up period was 17 ± 5.7 months (range, 12-28 months). Of the 42 patients, only 1 patient (2.4%) became symptomatic during the follow-up period.

DISCUSSION

We do not recommend cholecystectomy in patients with asymptomatic gallstones during the same session with LSG. An observational approach should be adopted for these patients.

Prevention of Gallstones After Bariatric Surgery using Ursodeoxycholic Acid: A Narrative Review of Literatures

Obesity by itself is a factor in the development of gallstone disease, and periods of weight loss after bariatric surgery further increase the risk of gallstone formation. In patients with obesity, hypersecretion of cholesterol may increase the risk of gallstone formation, which is approximately five-fold higher than that in the general population. The incidence of gallstone formation after bariatric surgery is 10-38% and often associated with a proportional increase in the risk of developing biliary complications. Routine postoperative administration of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is recommended to prevent gallstone formation. Several randomized trials have indicated that UDCA can effectively prevent gallstones and reduce the risk of cholecystectomy after bariatric procedures. The effective daily dose of UDCA in each study ranged from 500 to 1,200 mg, and it may be considered at least during the period of rapid weight loss (first 3-6 months postoperatively) to decrease the incidence of symptomatic gallstones.

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.

Sleeve Gastrectomy and Cholecystectomy are Safe in Obese Patients with Asymptomatic Cholelithiasis. A Multicenter Randomized Trial

Background

Obesity is a severe health problem. Gallstones may symptomatize after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Concomitant laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with SG is controversial. The effects of SG and LC versus delayed LC following SG in obese patients with asymptomatic gallbladder stones were evaluated.

Methods

A randomized trial of 222 morbidly obese patients with gallbladder stones divided them into two equal groups: SG + LC and SG-only. This multicenter study conducted from January 2016 to January 2019.

Results

Except for operative time and postoperative hospital stay, there was no statistically significant difference between LSG + LC group and SG group (P < 0.001). In SG + LC group, LC added 40.7 min to SG, three patients (3%) required conversion, early postoperative complications occurred in 9 cases (9/111, 9%), three cases required re-intervention (3%). In SG group, the complicated cases required LC were 61 cases (61/111, 55%). Acute cholecystitis (26/61, 42.7%) was the most common gallstone symptoms. Most complicated cases occurred in the first-year follow-up (52/61, 85%). In the delayed LC group (61 patients), operative time was 50.13 ± 1.99 min, open conversion occurred in 2 cases (2/61, 3.2%), early postoperative complications occurred in four patients (4/61, 6.4%) and postoperative re-intervention were due to bile leaks and cystic artery bleeding (2/61, 3.2%).

Conclusions

SG with LC prolongs the operative time and hospital stay, but the perioperative complications are the same as delayed LC; LC with SG minimizes the need for a second surgery. Concomitant LC with SG is safe.

Analysis of the Management of Cholelithiasis in Bariatric Surgery Patients: a Single-Center Experience

PURPOSE

Cholelithiasis is an issue in bariatric surgery patients. The incidence of cholelithiasis is increased in morbidly obese patients. After bariatric surgery, the management maybe sometimes challenging. There is no consensus about how to deal with cholelithiasis prior to bariatric surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review from our prospectively collected bariatric surgery database. Primary bariatric procedures from 2009 to 2020 were included. Prevalence of cholelithiasis and its management prior to bariatric surgery and the incidence and management of postoperative biliary events were analyzed.

RESULTS

Over 1445 patients analyzed, preoperatively cholelithiasis was found in 153 (10.58%), and 68 out of them (44.44%) were symptomatic. Seventy-six patients had a concomitant cholecystectomy. In those cases, the bariatric procedure did not show increased operative time, length of stay, morbidity, or mortality compared to the rest of primary bariatric procedures. Twelve patients (15.58%) with previous cholelithiasis and no concomitant cholecystectomy presented any kind of biliary event and required cholecystectomy. De novo cholelithiasis rate requiring cholecystectomy was 3.86%. Postoperative biliary events both in de novo and persistent cholelithiasis population did not show any difference between the type of surgery, weight loss, and other characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Cholelithiasis was present in 10.58% of our primary bariatric surgery population. Concomitant cholecystectomy was safe in our series. Non-surgical management of asymptomatic cholelithiasis did not lead to a higher risk of postoperative biliary events. The global postoperative cholecystectomy rate was equivalent to the general population.

Management of gallstone disease prior to and after metabolic surgery: a single-center observational study

BACKGROUND

Rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery is a risk factor for gallstone formation. There are different strategies regarding its management in bariatric patients, including prophylactic cholecystectomy (CCE) in all patients, concomitant CCE only in symptomatic patients, or concomitant CCE in all patients with known gallstones. We present the safety and long-term results of the last concept.

METHOD

Retrospective single-center analysis of a prospective database on perioperative and long-term results of patients with laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) over a 15-year period. The minimal follow-up was 24 months. Concomitant CCE was intended for all patients with gallstones detected by preoperative sonography.

SETTING

Academic teaching hospital in Switzerland.

RESULTS

After exclusion of patients with a history of CCE (11.5%), a total of 1174 patients (69.6% LRYGB, 30.4% LSG) were included in the final analysis. Preoperative gallbladder pathology was detected in 21.2% of patients, of whom 98.4%, or 20.9% of the total patients, received a concomitant CCE. The additional procedure prolonged the average operation time by 38 minutes (not significant) and did not increase the complication rate compared with bariatric procedure without CCE (3.7% versus 5.7%, P = .26). No complication was directly linked to the CCE. Postoperative symptomatic gallbladder disease was observed in 9.3% of patients (LRYGB 7.0% versus LSG 2.3%, P = .15), with 19.8% of those patients initially presenting with a complication.

CONCLUSION

The concept of concomitant CCE in primary bariatric patients with gallstones was feasible and safe. Nevertheless, 9.3% of primary gallstone-free patients developed postoperative symptomatic gallbladder disease and required subsequent CCE despite routine ursodeoxycholic acid prophylaxis.

The impact of ursodeoxycholic acid on gallstone disease after bariatric surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized control trials

BACKGROUND

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a bile acid that has been shown to reduce the formation of gallstones after significant weight loss.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of UDCA on the incidence of gallstones after bariatric surgery.

SETTINGS

An electronic search of PubMed (Medline), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Studies (CENTRAL), Scopus (Elsevier) databases, EMBASE, CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Web of Science.

METHODS

A meta-analysis of randomized control trials was performed. The primary outcome was the incidence of gallstones after bariatric surgery. Secondary outcomes included type of operation and time interval to and characteristics associated with gallstone formation.

RESULTS

Ten randomized control trials including 2583 patients were included, 1772 patients (68.6%) receiving UDCA and 811 (31.4%) receiving placebo. There was a significant reduction in gallstone formation in patients who received UDCA postoperatively (risk ratio [RR] .36, 95% confidence interval [CI] .22-.41, P  < .00001). The overall prevalence of gallstone formation was 24.7% in the control group compared to 7.3% in the UDCA group. A dose of ≤600 mg/day had a significantly reduced risk of gallstone formation compared to the placebo group (risk ratio .35; 95% CI .24-.53; P < .001). The risk reduction was not significant for the higher dose (>600 mg/day) group (risk ratio .30; 95% CI, .09-1.01, P = .05).

CONCLUSIONS

UDCA significantly reduces the risk of both asymptomatic and symptomatic gallstones after bariatric surgery. A dose of 600 mg/day is associated with improved compliance and better outcomes regardless of type of surgery. UDCA should be considered part of a standard postoperative care bundle after bariatric surgery.

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.

Concomitant versus Delayed Cholecystectomy in Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

Obesity and weight loss after bariatric surgery have a close association with gallbladder disease. The performance and proper timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with bariatric surgery remain a clinical question.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of the outcome of LC during bariatric surgery whether done concomitantly or delayed according to the level of intraoperative difficulty.

METHODS

The prospective study included patients with morbid obesity between December 2018 and December 2019 with preoperatively detected gallbladder stones. According to the level of difficulty, patients were allocated into 2 groups: group 1 included patients who underwent concomitant LC during bariatric surgery, and group 2 included patients who underwent delayed LC after 2 months. In group 1, patients were further divided into subgroups: LC either at the beginning (subgroup A) or after bariatric surgery (subgroup B).

RESULTS

Operative time in group 1 vs. 2 was 92.63 ± 28.25 vs. 68.33 ± 17.49 (p < 0.001), and in subgroup A vs. B, it was 84.19 ± 19.62 vs. 130.0 ± 31.62 (p < 0.001). One patient in each group (2.6% and 8.3%) had obstructive jaundice, p > 0.001. In group 2, 33% of asymptomatic patients became symptomatic for biliary colic p > 0.001. LC difficulty score was 2.11 ± 0.70 vs. 5.66 ± 0.98 in groups 1 and 2, respectively, p < 0.001. LC difficulty score decreased in group 2 from 5.66 ± 0.98 to 2.26 ± 0.78 after 2 months of bariatric surgery, p < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

Timing for LC during bariatric surgery is challenging and should be optimized for each patient as scheduling difficult LC to be performed after 2 months may be an option.

Simultaneous surgeries in bariatric surgery (literature review)

Based on the available publications, the article presents an analysis of the studies on the simultaneous implementation of cholecystectomy, ventral and paraesophageal hernia repair during a bariatric intervention. If there is a clinical picture of chronic calculous cholecystitis, simultaneous cholecystectomy is justified and does not lead to a significant increase in the number of complications. In the case of asymptomatic gallstones, the optimal tactics remains controversial, both a surgical treatment and observation are possible. In the absence of gallstone disease, all patients after the surgical correction of the excess weight are prescribed ursodeoxycholic acid, while performing preventive cholecystectomy is not recommended. A simultaneous ventral hernia repair is justified only for small defects ( 10 cm) of the anterior abdominal wall. If a paraesophageal hernia is detected in patients with morbid obesity, bariatric surgery may be combined with cruroraphy.

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.

Incidence of symptomatic cholelithiasis after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and its association with rapid weight loss

BACKGROUND/AIM

The worldwide prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically over the past years. In the Arab region, 66%-75% of adults and 25%-40% of children are either overweight or obese. Bariatric surgery has become the most effective approach for managing obesity and its co-morbidities. An expected outcome of bariatric surgery is cholelithiasis, which is one of the established risk factors of rapid weight loss. The aim of this study is to detect the incidence of symptomatic cholelithiasis among bariatric patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study on 711 patients aged between 18 and 60 who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was conducted at King Saud University Medical City from January 2016 to January 2018.

RESULTS

The postoperative incidence of symptomatic cholelithiasis was 3.5%. The mean duration of symptom development was 12.4 months. The rates of weight loss at 6 and 12 months for patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis were 28.94 ± 4.89% and 38.51 ± 6.84%, respectively (P = 0.002), which were significantly higher than in patients without symptomatic cholelithiasis during the same follow-up period (24.41 ± 6.6% and 32.29 ± 10.28%), respectively; (P = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

We found a 3.5% incidence of symptomatic cholelithiasis among post-LSG patients in a period of 2 years. Rapid weight loss was the only risk factor that contributed to the development of post-LSG gallbladder disease.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Results were expressed as absolute numbers and percentages for categorical variables and as mean and standard deviation for continuous variables. A paired sample t-test was performed to determine significant differences between means at different time stamps. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0.

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.

The effect of concomitant cholecystectomy and sleeve gastrectomy on morbidity in high-risk obese patients with symptomatic gallstones

Introduction

Obesity is an independent risk factor for gallstones. In obese patients, gallstone is more symptomatic than in non-obese people.

Aim

To present the early results of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and concomitant cholecystectomy (CC) performed in patients with symptomatic gallstone accompanied by at least one additional systemic disease to obesity and to investigate its effect on morbidity.

Material and methods

Patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity between January 2016 and August 2018 were retrospectively studied. Twenty-seven patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and concomitant cholecystectomy due to symptomatic gallstone stones were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the applied surgical technique: laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and concomitant cholecystectomy (n = 27) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (n = 70). The results of an additional operation on these patients and their perioperative complications were evaluated.

Results

A total of 97 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 40.58 ±10.36 years. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of complications (p = 0.669). The difference in the duration of the operation was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Concomitant cholecystectomy may be presented as an alternative surgical procedure due to the demonstration that concomitant cholecystectomy can be performed safely in comorbid obese patients, with a risk of becoming symptomatic in the rest of life at a certain rate, and low risk of complications in asymptomatic patients.

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.

The Type of Bariatric Surgery Impacts the Risk of Acute Pancreatitis: A Nationwide Study

Objective

We investigated whether vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) have a differential impact on post-operative risk of acute pancreatitis (AP).

Methods

This retrospective study uses the 2012–2014 National Readmission Database. We compared morbidly obese patients who underwent VSG (n = 205,251), RYGB (n = 169,973), and hernia repair (HR) control (n = 16,845). Our main outcome was rates of AP within 6 months post- vs. 6 months pre-surgery in VSG, RYGB, and HR. We also investigated risk factors and outcomes of AP after bariatric surgery.

Results

The rates of AP increased post- vs. pre-VSG (0.21% vs. 0.04%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.16, P < 0.05) and RYGB (0.17% vs. 0.07%; aOR = 2.26, P < 0.05) but not post-HR. VSG was associated with a significantly greater increase in AP risk compared to RYGB (aOR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.10, 4.73). Furthermore, when compared to HR controls, only VSG was associated with a higher AP risk (aOR = 7.58; 95% CI: 2.09, 27.58). Developing AP within 6 months following bariatric surgery was mainly associated with younger age (18–29 years old: aOR = 3.76 for VSG and aOR: 6.40 for RYGB, P < 0.05) and gallstones (aOR = 85.1 for VSG and aOR = 46 for RYGB, P < 0.05). No patients developed “severe AP” following bariatric surgery.

Conclusions

More patients develop AP within 6 months after VSG compared to RYGB and controls. This risk is highest for younger patients and those with gallstones. Prospective studies examining mechanisms and prevention are warranted.

Gallbladder perforation into the greater omentum following sleeve gastrectomy: A case report study

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is considered a major risk factor for gallstone formation and is important due to its increasing prevalence worldwide. Many studies have reported an increased incidence of gallstone formation following bariatric surgery. This report documents a rare case of a complicated cholecystitis following sleeve gastrectomy and describes our management of the case and the management options for gallbladder disease in bariatric patients.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 60-year-old male was diagnosed with asymptomatic cholelithiasis at the time of sleeve gastrectomy for obesity treatment. Two months after the procedure, he presented to the emergency department with symptoms of acute cholecystitis, which were initially managed conservatively. Six weeks later, he underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Intra-operative findings revealed a rare case of a complicated cholecystitis where the gallstone was half-eroded into the greater omentum.

DISCUSSION

A notable proportion of bariatric patients develop symptomatic complicated cholecystitis following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, compared to the normal population. Furthermore, complications develop quickly and technical difficulties are associated with subsequent surgeries. Thus, early cholecystectomy is justified.

CONCLUSION

Patients with asymptomatic cholelithiasis, undergoing sleeve gastrectomy, may benefit from concomitant cholecystectomy. The question is yet controversial. This highlights the need for more clinical research in the field.

Gallstone Disease After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in an Asian Population-What Proportion of Gallstones Actually Becomes Symptomatic?

BACKGROUND

Despite evidence on gallstone disease after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), there is an existing lack of consensus on practice guidelines, i.e., surveillance and stone-lowering prophylaxis. Available evidence also has a racial bias as western reports predominate current data. Considering the growing popularity of LSG in Asia and the unique Asian anthropometrics, we have attempted to provide a regional perspective by reviewing our LSG database to investigate the epidemiology of this complication.

METHODS

One hundred two morbidly obese cases were retrospectively reviewed. Abdominal ultrasounds were conducted preoperatively and at 12-month post-op. No gallstone-lowering prophylaxis was used. Outcome measure was the incidence of new gallstone formation at 1 year and the rate of symptomatic stones during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

Mean age was 43 years (range 20-68) with average initial BMI of 41.68 kg/m². Preoperative gallstones were present in 14 (13.7%) cases. At 12-month post-op, 24 (27.5%) patients with no previous gallstone disease developed new stones. Within the mean follow-up period of 28.4 months, only one case (0.9%) developed gallstone complication requiring a cholecystectomy. We found no statistical difference in demographics, BMI variables (initial BMI, ΔBMI at 6 months and 1 year), and comorbidities between patients with new gallstone and those without stones.

CONCLUSION

Our results match western data in that gallstone formation is common after LSG though incidence of complicated stones is small. This is despite not using gallstone-lowering prophylaxis. The low conversion rate also questions the relevance of surveillance screening, as most patients with new gallstones remain asymptomatic at least in the short-term follow-up.

Prevalence of Cholelithiasis and Choledocholithiasis in Morbidly Obese South Indian Patients and the Further Development of Biliary Calculus Disease After Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass and Mini Gastric Bypass

BACKGROUND

Evaluation of the prevalance of cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis and there management after sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and mini gastric bypass in Indian bariatric patients.

METHODS

We did a retrospective analysis of our bariatric patient from January 2007 to December 2013 (n = 1397), for prevalence of cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis. We did synchronous cholecystectomy in all patients planned for bariatric surgery found to have cholelithiasis on USG. Post-operatively, we followed all the patients with gallbladder in situ for minimum of 18-88 months (mean -32.4) and reviewed data for subsequent development of cholelithiasis/choledocholithiasis. Only those patients who were symptomatic underwent intervention.

RESULTS

Prevalence of cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis in our study was 21.76 and 9.63 %, respectively. The incidence of post-bariatric surgery development of cholelithiasis was 10.53 %; individually, it was 8.42 % in LSG group, 13.4 % in LRYGB group and 12.7 % in MGB patients. The incidence of symptomatic cholelithiasis requiring surgery was 1.94 % after LSG, 4.54 % after LRYGB and 4.25 % after MGB. Post-surgery, six patients developed choledocholithiasis. In our post-bariatric group, the 33 patients who developed symptomatic stones had percentage total weight loss of 30.99 + 4.1 (P < 0.001). The average time period for readmission of symptomatic patient was 11.26 + 2.67 months.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend routine synchronous cholecystectomy with bariatric procedure. In spite of synchronous cholecystectomy, incidence of cholelithiasis in our post-bariatric patient is 10.53 % of which up to one third were symptomatic and required surgery, and incidence of choledocholithiasis is comparable to that of general population.

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.

Randomized, Prospective Comparison of Ursodeoxycholic Acid for the Prevention of Gallstones after Sleeve Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Several studies have examined the role of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for the prevention of cholelithiasis (gallstones) following rapid weight loss from restrictive diets, vertical band gastroplasty, and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. However, to date, there have been no prospective, controlled studies examining the role of UDCA for the prevention of gallstones following sleeve gastrectomy (SG). This study was conducted to identify the effectiveness of UDCA for prevention of gallstones after SG.

METHODS

Following SG, eligible patients were randomized to a control group who did not receive UDCA treatment or to a group who were prescribed 300 mg UDCA twice daily for 6 months. Gallbladder ultrasounds were performed preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Patients with positive findings preoperatively were excluded from the study. Compliance with UDCA was assessed.

RESULTS

Between December 2011 and April 2013, 37 patients were randomized to the UDCA treatment arm and 38 patients were randomized to no treatment. At baseline, the two groups were similar. At 6 months, the UDCA group had a statistically significant lower incidence of gallstones (p = 0.032). Analysis revealed no significant difference in gallstones between the two groups at 1 year (p = 0.553 and p = 0.962, respectively). The overall gallstone formation rate was 29.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of gallstones is higher than previously estimated in SG patients. UDCA significantly lowers the gallstone formation rate at 6 months postoperatively.

Evaluation of incidence of cholelithiasis after bariatric surgery in subjects treated or not treated with ursodeoxycholic acid

BACKGROUND

The use of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to prevent gallstone formation after gastric bypass (RYGB) is still debated. Furthermore, only 1 study has assessed the effectiveness of UDCA after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) with mitigated results.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the incidence of cholelithiasis (CL) between patients treated or not treated with UDCA after RYGB and SG.

SETTING

University hospital, France.

METHODS

Since January 2008, a postoperative ultrasound monitoring was scheduled for all patients without previous cholecystectomy who underwent bariatric surgery in our institution. Patients who underwent at least 1 ultrasound in the first postoperative year (±6 months) were included. We started to systematically prescribe UDCA (500 mg/d) for 6 months postoperatively, in February 2012 for RYGB (once or twice daily) and in October 2013 for SG (once daily).

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 13.0±3.4 months. The incidence of CL was 32.5% in the 117 nontreated RYGB and 25.5% in the 51 nontreated SG. It was reduced to 2.4% in the 42 SG treated once daily (P = .005), to 5.7% in the 87 RYGB with 250 mg twice daily (P<.001), but only to 18.6% in the 102 RYGB with 500 mg once daily (P = .03).

CONCLUSION

UDCA 500 mg once daily for 6 months is efficient to prevent CL 1 year after SG, but the twice-daily doses seem to be more effective after RYGB. The effectiveness of UDCA once daily after SG and the superiority of the twice-daily doses after RYGB should be confirmed with more patients and longer follow-up.

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

PURPOSE

Postoperative cholelithiasis (CL) is a latent complication of bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in the prevention of CL after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of the prospectively collected data of patients with morbid obesity who underwent LSG. Patients were subdivided into two groups: Group I, which did not receive prophylactic treatment with UCDA after LSG; and Group II, which received UCDA therapy for 6 months after LSG. Patients' characteristics, operation duration, weight loss data, and incidence of CL at 6 and 12 months postoperatively were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 406 patients (124 males, 282 females) with a mean age of 32.1 ± 9.4 years were included. The mean baseline body mass index (BMI) was 50.1 ± 8.3 kg/m². Group I comprised 159 patients, and Group II comprised 247 patients. The two groups showed comparable demographics, % excess weight loss (EWL), and decrease in BMI at 6 and 12 months after LSG. Eight patients (5%) developed CL in Group I, whereas no patients in Group II did (P = 0.0005). Preoperative dyslipidemia and rapid loss of excess weight within the first 3 months after LSG were the risk factors that significantly predicted CL postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

The use of UCDA effectively reduced the incidence of CL after LSG in patients with morbid obesity. Dyslipidemia and rapid EWL in the first 3 months after LSG significantly predisposed patients to postoperative CL.