Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Across the IFSO Chapters: Key Insights on the Baseline Patient Demographics, Procedure Types, and Mortality from the Eighth IFSO Global Registry Report

INTRODUCTION

The International Federation for Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) Global Registry aims to provide descriptive data about the caseload and penetrance of surgery for metabolic disease and obesity in member countries. The data presented in this report represent the key findings of the eighth report of the IFSO Global Registry.

METHODS

All existing Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS) registries known to IFSO were invited to contribute to the eighth report. Aggregated data was provided by each MBS registry to the team at the Australia and New Zealand Bariatric Surgery Registry (ANZBSR) and was securely stored on a Redcap™ database housed at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. Data was checked for completeness and analyzed by the IFSO Global Registry Committee. Prior to the finalization of the report, all graphs were circulated to contributors and to the global registry committee of IFSO to ensure data accuracy.

RESULTS

Data was received from 24 national and 2 regional registries, providing information on 502,150 procedures. The most performed primary MBS procedure was sleeve gastrectomy, whereas the most performed revisional MBS procedure was Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Asian countries reported people with lower BMI undergoing MBS along with higher rates of diabetes. Mortality was a rare event.

CONCLUSION

Registries enable meaningful comparisons between countries on the demographics, characteristics, operation types and approaches, and trends in MBS procedures. Reported outcomes can be seen as flags of potential issues or relationships that could be studied in more detail in specific research studies.

Technical Variations and Considerations around OAGB in IFSO-APC and IFSO-MENAC Chapters, an Expert Survey

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the technical variations of one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) among IFSO-APC and MENAC experts.

BACKGROUND

The multitude of technical variations and patient selection challenges among metabolic and bariatric surgeons worldwide necessitates a heightened awareness of these issues. Understanding different perspectives and viewpoints can empower surgeons performing OAGB to adapt their techniques, leading to improved outcomes and reduced complications.

METHODS

The scientific team of IFSO-APC, consisting of skilled bariatric and metabolic surgeons specializing in OAGB, conducted a confidential online survey. The survey aimed to assess technical variations and considerations related to OAGB within the IFSO-APC and IFSO-MENAC chapters. A total of 85 OAGB experts participated in the survey, providing their responses through a 35-question online format. The survey took place from January 1, 2024, to February 15, 2024.

RESULTS

Most experts do not perform OAGB for children and adolescents younger than 18 years. Most experts create the gastric pouch over a 36-40-F bougie and prefer to create a gastrojejunostomy, at the posterior wall of the gastric pouch. An anti-reflux suture during OAGB is performed in all patients by 51.8% of experts. Most experts set a common limb length of > 4 m in revisional and conversional OAGBs to prevent nutritional complications.

CONCLUSION

The ongoing debate among metabolic and bariatric surgeons regarding the technical variations and patient selection in OAGB remains a significant point of discussion. This survey demonstrated the variations in technical aspects and patient selection for OAGB among MBS surgeons in the IFSO-APC and IFSO-MENAC chapters. Standardizing the OAGB technique is crucial to ensure optimal safety and efficacy in this procedure.

IFSO Worldwide Survey 2020-2021: Current Trends for Bariatric and Metabolic Procedures

PURPOSE

This IFSO survey aims to describe the current trends of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) reporting on the number and types of surgical and endoluminal procedures performed in 2020 and 2021, in the world and within each IFSO chapter.

METHODS

All national societies belonging to IFSO were asked to complete the survey form. The number and types of procedures performed (surgical and endoluminal interventions) from 2020 to 2021 were documented. A special section focused on the impact of COVID-19, the existence of national protocols for MBS, the use of telemedicine, and any mortality related to MBS. A trend analysis of the data, both worldwide and within each IFSO chapter, was also performed for the period between 2018 and 2021.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven of the 74 (77%) IFSO national societies submitted the survey. Twenty-four of the 57 (42.1%) reported data from their national registries. The total number of surgical and endoluminal procedures performed in 2020 was 507,806 and in 2021 was 598,834. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) remained the most performed bariatric procedure. Thirty national societies (52%) had regional protocols for MBS during COVID-19, 61.4% supported the use of telemedicine, and only 47.3% collected data on mortality after MBS in 2020. These percentages did not significantly change in 2021 (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The number of MBS markedly decreased worldwide during 2020. Although there was a positive trend in 2021, it did not reach the values obtained before the COVID-19 pandemic. SG continued to be the most performed operation. Adjustable gastric banding (AGB) continues to decrease worldwide.

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Obesity Class V (BMI > 60 kg/m2): a Modified Delphi Study

BACKGROUND

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the preferred method to achieve significant weight loss in patients with Obesity Class V (BMI > 60 kg/m2). However, there is no consensus regarding the best procedure(s) for this population. Additionally, these patients will likely have a higher risk of complications and mortality. The aim of this study was to achieve a consensus among a global panel of expert bariatric surgeons using a modified Delphi methodology.

METHODS

A total of 36 recognized opinion-makers and highly experienced metabolic and bariatric surgeons participated in the present Delphi consensus. 81 statements on preoperative management, selection of the procedure, perioperative management, weight loss parameters, follow-up, and metabolic outcomes were voted on in two rounds. A consensus was considered reached when an agreement of ≥ 70% of experts' votes was achieved.

RESULTS

A total of 54 out of 81 statements reached consensus. Remarkably, more than 90% of the experts agreed that patients should be notified of the greater risk of complications, the possibility of modifications to the surgical procedure, and the early start of chemical thromboprophylaxis. Regarding the choice of the procedure, SADI-S, RYGB, and OAGB were the top 3 preferred operations. However, no consensus was reached on the limb length in these operations.

CONCLUSION

This study represents the first attempt to reach consensus on the choice of procedures as well as perioperative management in patients with obesity class V. Although overall consensus was reached in different areas, more research is needed to better serve this high-risk population.

Current recommendations for procedure selection in class I and II obesity developed by an expert modified Delphi consensus

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is widely considered the most effective option for treating obesity, a chronic, relapsing, and progressive disease. Recently, the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) issued new guidelines on the indications for MBS, which have superseded the previous 1991 National Institutes of Health guidelines. The aim of this study is to establish the first set of consensus guidelines for selecting procedures in Class I and II obesity, using an Expert Modified Delphi Method. In this study, 78 experienced bariatric surgeons from 32 countries participated in a two-round Modified Delphi consensus voting process. The threshold for consensus was set at an agreement or disagreement of ≥ 70.0% among the experts. The experts reached a consensus on 54 statements. The committee of experts reached a consensus that MBS is a cost-effective treatment option for Class II obesity and for patients with Class I obesity who have not achieved significant weight loss through non-surgical methods. MBS was also considered suitable for patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher. The committee identified intra-gastric balloon (IGB) as a treatment option for patients with class I obesity and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) as an option for patients with class I and II obesity, as well as for patients with T2DM and a BMI of ≥ 30 kg/m2. Sleeve gastrectomy (1) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) were also recognized as viable treatment options for these patient groups. The committee also agreed that one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is a suitable option for patients with Class II obesity and T2DM, regardless of the presence or severity of obesity-related medical problems. The recommendations for selecting procedures in Class I and II obesity, developed through an Expert Modified Delphi Consensus, suggest that the use of standard primary bariatric endoscopic (IGB, ESG) and surgical procedures (SG, RYGB, OAGB) are acceptable in these patient groups, as consensus was reached regarding these procedures. However, randomized controlled trials are still needed in Class I and II Obesity to identify the best treatment approach for these patients in the future.

Global benchmarks in primary robotic bariatric surgery redefine quality standards for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Whether the benefits of the robotic platform in bariatric surgery translate into superior surgical outcomes remains unclear. The aim of this retrospective study was to establish the 'best possible' outcomes for robotic bariatric surgery and compare them with the established laparoscopic benchmarks.

METHODS

Benchmark cut-offs were established for consecutive primary robotic bariatric surgery patients of 17 centres across four continents (13 expert centres and 4 learning phase centres) using the 75th percentile of the median outcome values until 90 days after surgery. The benchmark patients had no previous laparotomy, diabetes, sleep apnoea, cardiopathy, renal insufficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, immunosuppression, history of thromboembolic events, BMI greater than 50 kg/m2, or age greater than 65 years.

RESULTS

A total of 9097 patients were included, who were mainly female (75.5%) and who had a mean(s.d.) age of 44.7(11.5) years and a mean(s.d.) baseline BMI of 44.6(7.7) kg/m2. In expert centres, 13.74% of the 3020 patients who underwent primary robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 5.9% of the 4078 patients who underwent primary robotic sleeve gastrectomy presented with greater than or equal to one complication within 90 postoperative days. No patient died and 1.1% of patients had adverse events related to the robotic platform. When compared with laparoscopic benchmarks, robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass had lower benchmark cut-offs for hospital stay, postoperative bleeding, and marginal ulceration, but the duration of the operation was 42 min longer. For most surgical outcomes, robotic sleeve gastrectomy outperformed laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with a comparable duration of the operation. In robotic learning phase centres, outcomes were within the established benchmarks only for low-risk robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

CONCLUSION

The newly established benchmarks suggest that robotic bariatric surgery may enhance surgical safety compared with laparoscopic bariatric surgery; however, the duration of the operation for robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is longer.

IFSO Consensus on Definitions and Clinical Practice Guidelines for Obesity Management-an International Delphi Study

INTRODUCTION

This survey of international experts in obesity management was conducted to achieve consensus on standardized definitions and to identify areas of consensus and non-consensus in metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) to assist in an algorithm of clinical practice guidelines for the management of obesity.

METHODS

A three-round Delphi survey with 136 statements was conducted by 43 experts in obesity management comprising 26 bariatric surgeons, 4 endoscopists, 8 endocrinologists, 2 nutritionists, 2 counsellors, an internist, and a pediatrician spanning six continents over a 2-day meeting in Hamburg, Germany. To reduce bias, voting was unanimous, and the statements were neither favorable nor unfavorable to the issue voted or evenly balanced between favorable and unfavorable. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% inter-voter agreement.

RESULTS

Consensus was reached on all 15 essential definitional and reporting statements, including initial suboptimal clinical response, baseline weight, recurrent weight gain, conversion, and revision surgery. Consensus was reached on 95/121 statements on the type of surgical procedures favoring Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. Moderate consensus was reached for sleeve gastrectomy single-anastomosis duodenoileostomy and none on the role of intra-gastric balloons. Consensus was reached for MBS in patients > 65 and < 18 years old, with a BMI > 50 kg/m2, and with various obesity-related complications such as type 2 diabetes, liver, and kidney disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In this survey of 43 multi-disciplinary experts, consensus was reached on standardized definitions and reporting standards applicable to the whole medical community. An algorithm for treating patients with obesity was explored utilizing a thoughtful multimodal approach.

Bariatric Evaluation Through AI: a Survey of Expert Opinions Versus ChatGPT-4 (BETA-SEOV)

BACKGROUND

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT-4, are revolutionizing various sectors, including healthcare. This study investigates the use of ChatGPT-4 in identifying suitable candidates for bariatric surgery and providing surgical recommendations to improve decision-making in obesity treatment amid the global obesity epidemic.

METHODS

We devised ten patient scenarios, thoughtfully encompassing a spectrum that spans from uncomplicated cases to more complex ones. Our objective was to delve into the decision-making process regarding the recommendation of bariatric surgery. From July 29th to August 10th, 2023, we conducted a voluntary online survey involving thirty prominent bariatric surgeons, ensuring that there was no predetermined bias in the selection of a specific type of bariatric surgery. This survey was designed to collect their insights on these scenarios and gain a deeper understanding of their professional experience and background in the field of bariatric surgery. Additionally, we consulted ChatGPT-4 in two separate conversations to evaluate its alignment with expert opinions on bariatric surgery options.

RESULTS

In 40% of the scenarios, disparities were identified between the two conversations with ChatGPT-4. It matched expert opinions in 30% of cases. Differences were noted in cases like gastrointestinal metaplasia and gastric adenocarcinoma, but there was alignment with conditions like endometriosis and GERD.

CONCLUSION

The evaluation of ChatGPT-4's role in determining bariatric surgery suitability uncovered both potential and shortcomings. Its alignment with experts was inconsistent, and it often overlooked key factors, emphasizing human expertise's value. Its current use requires caution, and further refinement is needed for clinical application.

Methodology and Results of a Joint IFSO-WGO Delphi Survey of 94 Intercontinental, Interdisciplinary Experts in Obesity Management

BACKGROUND

Obesity affects 1.5 billion people worldwide, yet few are treated effectively and considerable variability exists in its management. In 2020, a joint International Federation of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases (IFSO) and World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) advisory committee initiated the drafting of consensus guidelines on obesity management, to be based on detailed literature reviews and the results of an extensive multi-disciplinary survey of intercontinental experts. This paper reports on the latter. The objective of this study is to identify areas of consensus and non-consensus among intercontinental, inter-disciplinary experts in obesity management.

METHODS

Guided by an international consensus-survey expert, a three-round online Delphi survey was conducted in the summer of 2021 of international obesity-management experts spanning the fields of medicine, bariatric endoscopy and surgery, psychology, and nutrition. Issues like epidemiology and risk factors, patient selection for metabolic and bariatric surgery (ASMBS-Clinical-Issues-Committee, Surg Obes Relat Dis : Off J Am Soc Bariatric Surg. 8:e27-32, 1), psychological issues, patient preparation for MBS, bariatric endoscopy, and outcomes and follow-up were addressed.

RESULTS

Ninety-four experts from six continents voted on 180 statements, with consensus reached on 158, including consensus agreement with 96 and disagreement with 24 statements (38 had other response options besides agree/disagree). Among unanimous opinions were the need for all medical societies to work together to address obesity, for regular regional and national obesity surveillance, for multi-disciplinary management, to recognize the increasing impact of childhood and adolescent obesity, to accept some weight regain as normal after MBS, and for life-long follow-up of MBS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity is a major health issue that requires aggressive surveillance and thoughtful multidisciplinary management.

Bariatric and metabolic surgery in patients with low body mass index: an online survey of 543 bariatric and metabolic surgeons

BACKGROUND

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) in patients with low body mass index patients is a topic of debate. This study aimed to address all aspects of controversies in these patients by using a worldwide survey.

METHODS

An online 35-item questionnaire survey based on existing controversies surrounding MBS in class 1 obesity was created by 17 bariatric surgeons from 10 different countries. Responses were collected and analysed by authors.

RESULTS

A total of 543 bariatric surgeons from 65 countries participated in this survey. 52.29% of participants agreed with the statement that MBS should be offered to class-1 obese patients without any obesity related comorbidities. Most of the respondents (68.43%) believed that MBS surgery should not be offered to patients under the age of 18 with class I obesity. 81.01% of respondents agreed with the statement that surgical interventions should be considered after failure of non-surgical treatments.

CONCLUSION

This survey demonstrated worldwide variations in metabolic/bariatric surgery in patients with class 1 obesity. Precise analysis of these results is useful for identifying different aspects for future research and consensus building.

Development of a Bariatric Surgery Core Data Set for an International Registry

PURPOSE

Bariatric and metabolic surgery is an effective treatment for severe and complex obesity; however, robust long-term data comparing operations is lacking. Clinical registries complement clinical trials in contributing to this evidence base. Agreement on standard data for bariatric registries is needed to facilitate comparisons. This study developed a Core Registry Set (CRS) - core data to include in bariatric surgery registries globally.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant items were identified from a bariatric surgery research core outcome set, a registry data dictionary project, systematic literature searches, and a patient advisory group. This comprehensive list informed a questionnaire for a two-round Delphi survey with international health professionals. Participants rated each item's importance and received anonymized feedback in round 2. Using pre-defined criteria, items were then categorized for voting at a consensus meeting to agree the CRS.

RESULTS

Items identified from all sources were grouped into 97 questionnaire items. Professionals (n = 272) from 56 countries participated in the round 1 survey of which 45% responded to round 2. Twenty-four professionals from 13 countries participated in the consensus meeting. Twelve items were voted into the CRS including demographic and bariatric procedure information, effectiveness, and safety outcomes.

CONCLUSION

This CRS is the first step towards unifying bariatric surgery registries internationally. We recommend the CRS is included as a minimum dataset in all bariatric registries worldwide. Adoption of the CRS will enable meaningful international comparisons of bariatric operations. Future work will agree definitions and measures for the CRS including incorporating quality-of-life measures defined in a parallel project.

2022 American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) Indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

MAJOR UPDATES TO 1991 NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m2, regardless of presence, absence, or severity of co-morbidities.MBS should be considered for individuals with metabolic disease and BMI of 30-34.9 kg/m2.BMI thresholds should be adjusted in the Asian population such that a BMI >25 kg/m2 suggests clinical obesity, and individuals with BMI >27.5 kg/m2 should be offered MBS.Long-term results of MBS consistently demonstrate safety and efficacy.Appropriately selected children and adolescents should be considered for MBS.(Surg Obes Relat Dis 2022; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2022.08.013 ) © 2022 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. All rights reserved.

Patient Selection in One Anastomosis/Mini Gastric Bypass-an Expert Modified Delphi Consensus

PURPOSE

One anastomosis/mini gastric bypass (OAGB/MGB) is up to date the third most performed obesity and metabolic procedure worldwide, which recently has been endorsed by ASMBS. The main criticisms are the risk of bile reflux, esophageal cancer, and malnutrition. Although IFSO has recognized this procedure, guidance is needed regarding selection criteria. To give clinicians a daily support in performing the right patient selection in OAGB/MGB, the aim of this paper is to generate clinical guidelines based on an expert modified Delphi consensus.

METHODS

A committee of 57 recognized bariatric surgeons from 24 countries created 69 statements. Modified Delphi consensus voting was performed in two rounds. An agreement/disagreement among ≥ 70.0% of the experts was considered to indicate a consensus.

RESULTS

Consensus was achieved for 56 statements. Remarkably, ≥ 90.0% of the experts felt that OAGB/MGB is an acceptable and suitable option "in patients with Body mass index (BMI) > 70, BMI > 60, BMI > 50 kg/m² as a one-stage procedure," "as the second stage of a two-stage bariatric surgery after Sleeve Gastrectomy for BMI > 50 kg/m² (instead of BPD/DS)," and "in patients with weight regain after restrictive procedures. No consensus was reached on the statement that OAGB/MGB is a suitable option in case of resistant Helicobacter pylori. This is likely as there is a concern that this procedure is associated with reflux and its related long-term complications including risk of cancer in the esophagus or stomach. Also no consensus reached on OAGB/MGB as conversional surgery in patients with GERD after restrictive procedures. Consensus for disagreement was predominantly achieved "in case of intestinal metaplasia of the stomach" (74.55%), "in patients with severe Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)(C,D)" (75.44%), "in patients with Barrett's metaplasia" (89.29%), and "in documented insulinoma" (89.47%).

CONCLUSION

Patient selection in OAGB/MGB is still a point of discussion among experts. There was consensus that OAGB/MGB is a suitable option in elderly patients, patients with low BMI (30-35 kg/m²) with associated metabolic problems, and patients with BMIs more than 50 kg/m² as one-stage procedure. OAGB/MGB can also be a safe procedure in vegetarian and vegan patients. Although OAGB/MGB can be a suitable procedure in patients with large hiatal hernia with concurrent hiatal hernia, it should not be offered to patients with grade C or D esophagitis or Barrett's metaplasia.

Bariatric-Metabolic Surgery Utilisation in Patients With and Without Diabetes: Data from the IFSO Global Registry 2015-2018

BACKGROUND

Comparative international practice of patients undergoing bariatric-metabolic surgery for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is unknown. We aimed to ascertain baseline age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and types of operations performed for patients with T2DM submitted to the IFSO Global Registry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of patients having primary surgery in 2015-2018 for countries with ≥90% T2DM data completion and ≥ 1000 submitted records.

RESULTS

Fifteen countries including 11 national registries met the inclusion criteria. The rate of T2DM was 24.2% (99,537 of 411,581 patients, country range 12.0-55.1%) and 77.1% of all patients were women. In every country, patients with T2DM were older than those without T2DM (overall mean age 49.2 [SD 11.4] years vs 41.8 [11.9] years, all p < 0.001). Men were more likely to have T2DM than women, odds ratio (OR) 1.68 (95% CI 1.65-1.71), p < 0.001. Men showed higher rates of T2DM for BMI <35 kg/m2 compared to BMI ≥35.0 kg/m2, OR 2.76 (2.52-3.03), p < 0.001. This was not seen in women, OR 0.78 (0.73-0.83), p < 0.001. Sleeve gastrectomy was the commonest operation overall, but less frequent for patients with T2DM, patients with T2DM 54.9% vs without T2DM 65.8%, OR 0.63 (0.63-0.64), p < 0.001. Twelve out of 15 countries had higher proportions of gastric bypass compared to non-bypass operations for T2DM, OR 1.70 (1.67-1.72), p < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

Patients with T2DM had different characteristics to those without T2DM. Older men were more likely to have T2DM, with higher rates of BMI <35 kg/m2 and increased likelihood of food rerouting operations.

Bariatric Surgery Survey 2018: Similarities and Disparities Among the 5 IFSO Chapters

BACKGROUND

The 2018 IFSO Survey focused on similarities and disparities in the number and types of surgical and endoluminal interventions among the IFSO chapters occurred in the last decade.

METHODS

All IFSO Societies were asked to fill in the IFSO survey form on how many and which surgical and endoluminal interventions have been performed in the 2018. A special section was added, asking about the existence of national guidelines for bariatric and metabolic surgery, national recommendations for preoperative gastroscopy, type of reimbursement for bariatric/metabolic surgery, including for patients with BMI < 35 kg/m². The trend analyses from 2008 to 2018 were also performed.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven/65 (87.7%) IFSO Societies submitted completed forms. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery did not fill the IFSO survey form but provided an official report on the performed interventions. The total number of surgical and endoluminal procedures performed in 2018 in the world was 696,191. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) remained the most commonly performed bariatric procedure (N = 386,096; 55.4%). Among the total reported bariatric/metabolic interventions, 604,223 (86.8%) were primary surgical and 29,167 (4.2%) primary endoluminal operations; 62,801 (9%) were revisional procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

There was only a slight increase (10.317 procedures) in the total number of the reported bariatric interventions compared to the last IFSO survey. SG continues to be the most commonly performed operation since 2014. The one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), currently the third most performed procedure after SG and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), continues to rise in popularity worldwide.

The IFSO Worldwide One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Survey: Techniques and Outcomes?

INTRODUCTION

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) has become one of the most commonly performed gastric bypass procedures in some countries.

OBJECTIVES

To assess how surgeons viewed the OAGB, perceptions, indications, techniques, and outcomes, as well as the incidence of short- and long-term complications and how they were managed worldwide.

METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to all IFSO members in all 5 chapters to study the pattern of practice and outcomes of OAGB.

RESULTS

Seven hundred and forty-two surgeons responded. The most commonly performed procedures were sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and OAGB. Preoperatively, 70% of the surgeons performed endoscopy routinely. In regards to weight loss, 83% (570 surgeons) responded that OAGB produces better weight loss than SG, and 49% (342 surgeons) responded that OAGB produces better weight loss than RYGB. The most common length of the biliopancreatic limb (BPL) utilized was 200 cm. Sixty-seven percent of surgeons did not measure the total length of the small bowel. In patients with reflux disease and history of smoking, 53% and 22% of surgeons respectively still offered OAGB as a treatment option. Postoperatively, leak was documented in 963 patients, and it was the leading cause for mortality. Leak management was conservative in 35%. Conversion to RYGB was performed in 31%. In 16% the anastomosis was reinforced, 6% of the patients were reversed, and other procedures were performed in 12%. Revision of OAGB for malnutrition/steatorrhea or severe bile reflux was reported at least once by 37% and 45% of surgeons, respectively (200 cm was the most commonly encountered biliopancreatic limb BPL in those revised for malnutrition). Most common strategy for revision was conversion to RYGB (43%), reversal to normal anatomy (32%), shortening of the BPL (20%), and conversion to SG (5%). Nevertheless, 5 out of 98 mortalities (5%) were due to liver failure/malnutrition.

CONCLUSION

There are infrequent but potentially severe specific complications including malnutrition, liver failure, and bile reflux that may require surgical correction after OAGB.

Barrett's Oesophagus and Bariatric/Metabolic Surgery-IFSO 2020 Position Statement

The International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) has been playing an integral role in educating both the metabolic surgical and the medical community at large about the importance of surgical and/or endoscopic interventions in treating adiposity-based chronic diseases. The occurrence of chronic conditions following bariatric/metabolic surgery (BMS), such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and columnar (intestinal) epithelial metaplasia of the distal oesophagus (also known as Barrett's oesophagus (BE)), has long been discussed in the metabolic surgical and medical community. Equally, the risk of neoplastic progression of Barrett's oesophagus to oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and the resulting requirement for surgery are the source of some concern for many involved in the care of these patients, as the surgical alteration of the gastrointestinal tract may lead to impaired reconstructive options. As such, there is a requirement for guidance of the community.The IFSO commissioned a task force to elucidate three aspects of the presenting problem: First, to determine what the estimated incidence of Barrett's oesophagus is in patients presenting for BMS; second, to determine the frequency at which Barrett's oesophagus may develop following BMS (with a particular focus on the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)); and third, to determine if regression of Barrett's oesophagus may occur following BMS given the close relationship of obesity and the development of BE/EAC. Based on these findings, a position statement regarding the management of this pathology in the context of BMS was developed. The following position statement is issued by the IFSO Barrett's Oesophagus task force andapproved by the IFSO Scientific Committee and Executive Board. This statement is based on current clinical knowledge, expert opinion and published peer-reviewed scientific evidence. It will be reviewed regularly.

Bariatric Surgery Survey 2018: Similarities and Disparities Among the 5 IFSO Chapters

BACKGROUND

The 2018 IFSO Survey focused on similarities and disparities in the number and types of surgical and endoluminal interventions among the IFSO chapters occurred in the last decade.

METHODS

All IFSO Societies were asked to fill in the IFSO survey form on how many and which surgical and endoluminal interventions have been performed in the 2018. A special section was added, asking about the existence of national guidelines for bariatric and metabolic surgery, national recommendations for preoperative gastroscopy, type of reimbursement for bariatric/metabolic surgery, including for patients with BMI < 35 kg/m². The trend analyses from 2008 to 2018 were also performed.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven/65 (87.7%) IFSO Societies submitted completed forms. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery did not fill the IFSO survey form but provided an official report on the performed interventions. The total number of surgical and endoluminal procedures performed in 2018 in the world was 696,191. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) remained the most commonly performed bariatric procedure (N = 386,096; 55.4%). Among the total reported bariatric/metabolic interventions, 604,223 (86.8%) were primary surgical and 29,167 (4.2%) primary endoluminal operations; 62,801 (9%) were revisional procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

There was only a slight increase (10.317 procedures) in the total number of the reported bariatric interventions compared to the last IFSO survey. SG continues to be the most commonly performed operation since 2014. The one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), currently the third most performed procedure after SG and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), continues to rise in popularity worldwide.

The first modified Delphi consensus statement on sleeve gastrectomy

INTRODUCTION

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the commonest bariatric procedure worldwide. Yet there is significant variation in practice concerning its various aspects. This paper report results from the first modified Delphi consensus-building exercise on SG.

METHODS

We established a committee of 54 globally recognized opinion makers in this field. The committee agreed to vote on several statements concerning SG. An agreement or disagreement amongst ≥ 70.0% experts was construed as a consensus.

RESULTS

The committee achieved a consensus of agreement (n = 71) or disagreement (n = 7) for 78 out of 97 proposed statements after two rounds of voting. The committee agreed with 96.3% consensus that the characterization of SG as a purely restrictive procedure was inaccurate and there was 88.7% consensus that SG was not a suitable standalone, primary, surgical weight loss option for patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) without dysplasia. There was an overwhelming consensus of 92.5% that the sleeve should be fashioned over an orogastric tube of 36-40 Fr and a 90.7% consensus that surgeons should stay at least 1 cm away from the angle of His. Remarkably, the committee agreed with 81.1% consensus that SG patients should undergo a screening endoscopy every 5 years after surgery to screen for BE.

CONCLUSION

A multinational team of experts achieved consensus on several aspects of SG. The findings of this exercise should help improve the outcomes of SG, the commonest bariatric procedure worldwide, and guide future research on this topic.

Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy/One Anastomosis Duodenal Switch (SADI-S/OADS) IFSO Position Statement-Update 2020

PreambleThe International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) has played an integral role in educating both the metabolic surgical and the medical communities at large about the role of innovative and new surgical and or endoscopic interventions in treating adiposity-based chronic diseases. The single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy/one anastomosis duodenal switch (SADI-S/OADS) is a relatively new procedure that has been proposed as an alternative to the conventional duodenal switch (DS) procedure. The IFSO published a position paper on SADI-S/OADS in 2018 with which concluded that this procedure was likely to be a safe and efficacious treatment for adiposity and its related diseases. However, it noted that there was insufficient long-term data and minimal high-level evidence available. The position statement called for patients to be enrolled in long-term multidisciplinary care encouraged the registration of patients in national registries, and called for more randomized controlled trials (RCT) (Obes Surg 28:1207-16, 2018) involving the procedure. The following position statement is an update of the previous position statement. It is issued by the IFSO SADI-S/OADS task force and has been reviewed and approved by both the IFSO Scientific Committee and Executive Board. This statement is based on current clinical knowledge, expert opinion, and published peer-reviewed scientific evidence. It will be reviewed again in 2 years.

A Global Survey by the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) on Perceptions of Bariatric Medical Tourism (BMT) by Health Professionals: Guidelines from IFSO for BMT

BACKGROUND

Bariatric medical tourism (BMT) is a rapidly expanding industry, with over 650 million people with obesity worldwide and total number rising by over 300% between 2003 and 2014. The overall health tourism industry is worth over $400 billion/year.

METHODS

International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) conducted a global survey to analyze the details of BMT and the perceptions of bariatric health care professionals (HCP) regarding BMT.

RESULTS

A total of 383 bariatric HCP's with experience of 272,548 procedures responded from 65 countries. Seventy-three percent of respondents had managed BMT patients, whilst low cost of surgery was felt to be the driving factor in 77% of cases. The USA contributed the most patients travelling for BMT with 11.6%. Twenty-four percent of respondents stated that they had no access to adequate notes regarding the patient's operation, whilst 12% felt BMT is associated with a higher mortality. Only 49% of respondents felt that IFSO guidelines were followed by the operating surgeon. Sleeve gastrectomy was the commonly offered surgery and an overall mean operation cost was $8716. Nearly 64% of respondents felt BMT needed better coordination between practitioners, whilst almost 85% of respondents supported the idea of a forum to facilitate safe BMT worldwide.

CONCLUSION

This IFSO survey has outlined the current BMT trends worldwide and highlighted areas of concern in the care of such patients. It has expanded our knowledge and should be used as a starting point to establish international forums to aid collaboration.

The First Modified Delphi Consensus Statement for Resuming Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in the COVID-19 Times

The purpose of this study was to achieve consensus amongst a global panel of expert bariatric surgeons on various aspects of resuming Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery (BMS) during the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A modified Delphi consensus-building protocol was used to build consensus amongst 44 globally recognised bariatric surgeons. The experts were asked to either agree or disagree with 111 statements they collectively proposed over two separate rounds. An agreement amongst ≥ 70.0% of experts was construed as consensus as per the predetermined methodology. We present here 38 of our key recommendations. This first global consensus statement on the resumption of BMS can provide a framework for multidisciplinary BMS teams planning to resume local services as well as guide future research in this area.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Bariatric Surgery: Results from a Worldwide Survey

BACKGROUND

The ongoing "coronavirus disease 19" (COVID-19) pandemic has had a strong effect on the delivery of surgical care worldwide. Elective surgeries have been canceled or delayed in order to reallocate resources to the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Currently, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bariatric and metabolic surgical practice remains unclear.

METHODS

An internet-based online survey was performed among bariatric surgeons worldwide. The survey was sent to bariatric surgeons via the International Bariatric Club Facebook group and by electronic mail via the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and metabolic disorders (IFSO) secretariat to members of the associated national IFSO societies.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-nine (n = 169) bariatric surgeons participated in the survey. The majority of the respondents postponed preoperative upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopies, appointments in the outpatient clinic and bariatric operations. Most surgeons performed video calls for follow-up appointments instead of meeting the patients in the outpatient clinics. Laparoscopy was still the preferred treatment for surgical emergencies, but a trend towards conservative treatment of acute appendicitis and acute cholecystitis was shown. Rapid preoperative COVID-19 testing availability was poor; therefore, routine screening of emergency bariatric cases was not widely provided. A wide variance occurred regarding precautions and personal protection equipment among the participants.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic showed a strong impact on bariatric surgical practice regarding surgical and outpatient planning as well as personnel management. Coordinated effort from the national bariatric societies should focus on strict implementation of the current recommendations regarding precaution measures and personal protection equipment. Further studies should evaluate how this impact will evolve in the near future.

Influence of Asian Ethnicities on Short- and Mid-term Outcomes Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

PURPOSE

Prevalence of obesity in Asia has been on the increasing trend, with corresponding increase in utilisation of bariatric surgery. The objective of this study was to examine differences in weight loss outcomes following bariatric surgery between Asian ethnicities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective database review was conducted of patients undergoing primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between 2009 and 2013 in 14 centres from Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Switzerland, and the USA. All patients with available follow-up data at 12 months and 36 months post-surgery were included in this study. Outcome measures used were percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) and percentage total weight loss (%TWL). Differences in outcomes between ethnicities were analysed after adjusting for age, gender, baseline body mass index (BMI), and presence of diabetes.

RESULTS

The study population (n = 2150) consisted of 1122 Chinese, 187 Malays, 309 Indians, 67 Japanese, 259 Koreans, and 206 Caucasians. 67.1% were female and 32.9% were male. Mean age was 37.1 ± 11.2 years. Mean pre-operative BMI was 40.7 ± 8.1 kg/m². With the Caucasian population as reference, Japanese had the best %TWL (3.90, 95% CI 1.16-6.63, p < 0.05) and %EWL (18.55, 95% CI 10.33-26.77, p < 0.05) while the Malays had the worst outcomes. Both Chinese and Koreans had better %EWL but worse %TWL as compared to Caucasians and there were no significant differences with the Indian study group.

CONCLUSION

There are differences in weight loss outcomes following bariatric surgery between Asian ethnicities.

Upper Gastrointestinal Function in Morbidly Obese Adolescents Before and 6 Months After Gastric Banding

BACKGROUND

The effects of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) placement on upper gastrointestinal tract function in obese adolescents are unknown. Therefore, our aim was to determine the short-term effects of LAGB on esophageal motility, gastroesophageal reflux, gastric emptying, appetite-regulatory hormones, and perceptions of post-prandial hunger and fullness.

METHODS

This study was part of a prospective cohort study (March 2009-December 2015) in one tertiary referral hospital. The study included obese adolescents (14-18 years) with a body mass index (BMI) > 40 (or ≥ 35 with comorbidities). Gastric emptying was assessed by ¹³C-octanoic acid breath test, pharyngeal, and esophageal motor function by high-resolution manometry with impedance (HRIM), and appetite and other perceptions using 100-mm visual analogue scales. Dysphagia symptoms were scored using a Dakkak questionnaire. Data were compared pre- and post-LAGB placement and at a 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Based upon analysis of 15 adolescents, at the 6-month follow-up, LAGB placement: (i) led to a significant reduction in weight and BMI; (ii) increased fullness and decreased hunger post-meal; (iii) increased symptoms of dysphagia after solid food; and, despite these effects, (iv) caused little or no changes to appetite hormones, while (v) effects on gastric emptying, esophageal motility, esophageal bolus transport, and esophageal emptying were not significant.

CONCLUSION

In adolescents, LAGB improved BMI and altered the sensitivity to nutrients without significant effects on upper gastrointestinal tract physiology at the 6-month follow-up.

The first consensus statement on revisional bariatric surgery using a modified Delphi approach

BACKGROUND

Revisional bariatric surgery (RBS) constitutes a possible solution for patients who experience an inadequate response following bariatric surgery or significant weight regain following an initial satisfactory response. This paper reports results from the first modified Delphi consensus-building exercise on RBS.

METHODS

We created a committee of 22 recognised opinion-makers with a special interest in RBS. The committee invited 70 RBS experts from 27 countries to vote on 39 statements concerning RBS. An agreement amongst ≥ 70.0% experts was regarded as a consensus.

RESULTS

Seventy experts from twenty-seven countries took part. There was a consensus that the decision for RBS should be individualised (100.0%) and multi-disciplinary (92.8%). Experts recommended a preoperative nutritional (95.7%) and psychological evaluation (85.7%), endoscopy (97.1%), and a contrast series (94.3%). Experts agreed that Roux-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (94.3%), One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) (82.8%), and single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) (71.4%) were acceptable RBS options after gastric banding (84.3%). OAGB (84.3%), bilio-pancreatic diversion/duodenal switch (BPD/DS) (81.4%), and SADI-S (88.5%) were agreed as consensus RBS options after sleeve gastrectomy. lengthening of bilio-pancreatic limb was the only consensus RBS option after RYGB (94.3%) and OAGB (72.8%).

CONCLUSION

Experts achieved consensus on a number of aspects of RBS. Though expert opinion can only be regarded as low-quality evidence, the findings of this exercise should help improve the outcomes of RBS while we develop robust evidence to inform future practice.

The First Consensus Statement on One Anastomosis/Mini Gastric Bypass (OAGB/MGB) Using a Modified Delphi Approach

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of surgeons worldwide are now performing one anastomosis/mini gastric bypass (OAGB/MGB). Lack of a published consensus amongst experts may be hindering progress and affecting outcomes. This paper reports results from the first modified Delphi consensus building exercise on this procedure.

METHODS

A committee of 16 recognised opinion-makers in bariatric surgery with special interest in OAGB/MGB was constituted. The committee invited 101 OAGB/MGB experts from 39 countries to vote on 55 statements in areas of controversy or variation associated with this procedure. An agreement amongst ≥ 70.0% of the experts was considered to indicate a consensus.

RESULTS

A consensus was achieved for 48 of the 55 proposed statements after two rounds of voting. There was no consensus for seven statements. Remarkably, 100.0% of the experts felt that OAGB/MGB was an "acceptable mainstream surgical option" and 96.0% felt that it could no longer be regarded as a new or experimental procedure. Approximately 96.0 and 91.0% of the experts felt that OAGB/MGB did not increase the risk of gastric and oesophageal cancers, respectively. Approximately 94.0% of the experts felt that the construction of the gastric pouch should start in the horizontal portion of the lesser curvature. There was a consensus of 82, 84, and 85% for routinely supplementing iron, vitamin B₁₂, and vitamin D, respectively.

CONCLUSION

OAGB/MGB experts achieved consensus on a number of aspects concerning this procedure but several areas of disagreements persist emphasising the need for more studies in the future.

Fat mass, but not fat-free mass, predicts increased foot pain with obesity, independent of bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Foot pain is a common manifestation of obesity.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if bariatric surgery is associated with a reduction in foot pain and if body mass index (BMI) or body composition predict a change in foot pain.

SETTING

University hospital.

METHODS

Participants with foot pain awaiting bariatric surgery were recruited for this prospective study. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine predictors of change in foot pain between baseline and 6-month follow-up using body composition (fat mass index and fat-free mass index) or BMI, adjusting for, depression, age, sex, and group (surgery versus control).

RESULTS

Forty-five participants (38 female), mean ± standard deviation age of 45.7 ± 9.4 years, were recruited for this study. Twenty-nine participants mean ± standard deviation BMI of 44.8 ± 7.0 kg underwent bariatric surgery, while 16 participants mean ± standard deviation BMI of 47.9 ± 5.2 kg were on the waiting list (control). One participant was lost to follow-up. The treatment group lost a mean of 24.3 kg (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.1-27.5), while the control group gained 1.2 kg (95% CI -2.5 to 4.9), respectively. In multivariable analysis, bariatric surgery was significantly associated with reduced foot pain at 6-month follow-up -32.6 points (95% CI -43.8 to -21.4, P < .001), while fat mass index was significantly associated with increased pain at follow-up 1.5 points (95% CI .2 to 2.8, P = .027), after controlling for fat-free mass index, age, sex, and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery was significantly associated with reduced foot pain. Higher baseline fat mass index, but not fat-free mass index or BMI, was predictive of increased foot pain at follow-up. Foot pain may be mediated by metabolic, rather than mechanical, factors in bariatric surgery candidates.

Changes in foot pain, structure and function following bariatric surgery

Background

Bariatric surgery candidates have a high prevalence of foot pain, depression and elevated plantar pressures. There is, however, limited research into how these factors interact pre- and post-surgery. The aims of this study were therefore to investigate the mechanical and non-mechanical factors associated with foot pain severity before, and the change after, surgery.

Methods

Bariatric surgery candidates underwent baseline and six-month follow-up measures. Foot pain was measured with the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire. Mechanical measures included body mass index (BMI), dynamic plantar pressures, radiographic foot posture, and hindfoot range of motion. Depressive symptoms, the non-mechanical measure, were assessed by questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine which variables were associated with foot pain at baseline and at follow-up. Multilevel repeated models assessed the associations between foot pain and plantar pressure, adjusting for the interaction between group and follow-up time.

Results

Forty-five participants (84% female), with mean (SD) age of 45.7 (9.4) years were recruited. Twenty-nine participants had bariatric surgery and 16 participants remained on the waiting list (controls). Following bariatric surgery, foot pain reduced significantly by - 35.7 points (95% CI -42.2 to - 28.8), while depressive symptoms and whole foot peak pressures had a significant mean change of - 5.9 points (95% CI -10.3 to - 1.5) and - 36 kPa (95% CI -50 to - 22), respectively. In multivariable analysis, depressive symptoms were associated with foot pain at baseline β = 0.7 (95% CI 0.2 to 1.2) after controlling for age, gender, BMI, foot posture and plantar pressure. Depressive symptoms were also associated with foot pain at follow-up in those undergoing bariatric surgery, β = 1.2 (95% CI 0.8 to 1.7). Foot posture and hindfoot range of motion did not change following surgery and a change in plantar pressures was not associated with a change in foot pain.

Conclusions

Foot pain severity in bariatric surgery candidates was associated with depressive symptoms at baseline. Reduced foot pain following bariatric surgery was associated with an improvement in depressive symptoms, without a significant change in foot posture or foot function. Foot pain severity in bariatric candidates may be mediated by non-mechanical or non-local factors before and following surgery.

Bariatric surgery revisions and private health insurance

OBJECTIVE

To identify: 1. The percentage of bariatric procedures that are revisions; 2. What proportion of bariatric revision procedures in public hospitals are for patients whose primary weight loss procedure occurred in a private hospital; 3. The age, sex and level of socioeconomic disadvantage of patients needing revisions.

METHODS

An analysis of patient level admission data from the Integrated South Australian Activity Collection (ISAAC) was performed. Data were collected on all revisions for weight loss related procedures at all South Australian public and private hospitals, between 2000-2015 using the ISAAC codes for revision procedures.

RESULTS

12,606 bariatric procedures occurred in hospitals; ∼27% of which represent a revision (n=3366). Of these revisions, ∼82% occurred in a private hospital (n=2771), and ∼18% occurred in a public hospital (n=595). Of the 595 revisions in a public hospital, 51% of patients had their original bariatric procedure performed in a private hospital. The majority of patients who had a revision procedure are female (≥82%) with a mean age of ∼45. Individuals from the lowest 2 IRSD quintiles were over-represented for public hospital revisions and primary bariatric procedures.

CONCLUSION

Further investigation is needed to identify: 1. Why 27% of bariatric procedures are revisions; 2. Why at least 51% of revisions in public hospitals are on patients whose original primary bariatric procedure was done in a private hospital; 3. The impact that revision procedures in public hospitals, particularly for originally private weight loss procedures, is having on public hospital wait times; 4. The impact of socioeconomic disadvantage on weight loss procedure outcomes.

Intermittent Vagal Nerve Block for Improvements in Obesity, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: 2-Year Results of the VBLOC DM2 Study

BACKGROUND

One-year results of the VBLOC DM2 study found that intermittent vagal blocking (VBLOC therapy) was safe among subjects with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and led to significant weight loss and improvements in glycemic parameters and cardiovascular risk factors. Longer-term data are needed to determine whether the results are sustained.

METHODS

VBLOC DM2 is a prospective, observational study of 28 subjects with T2DM and body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40 kg/m(2) to assess mid-term safety and weight loss and improvements in glycemic parameters, and other cardiovascular risk factors with VBLOC therapy. Continuous outcome variables are reported using mixed models.

RESULTS

At 24 months, the mean percentage of excess weight loss was 22% (95% CI, 15 to 28, p < 0.0001) or 7.0% total body weight loss (95% CI, 5.0 to 9.0, p < 0.0001). Hemoglobin A1c decreased by 0.6 percentage points (95% CI, 0.2 to 1.0, p = 0.0026) on average from 7.8% at baseline. Fasting plasma glucose declined by 15 mg/dL (95% CI, 0 to 29, p = 0.0564) on average from 151 mg/dL at baseline. Among subjects who were hypertensive at baseline, systolic blood pressure declined 10 mmHg (95% CI, 2 to 19, p = 0.02), diastolic blood pressure declined by 6 mmHg (95% CI, 0 to 12, p = 0.0423), and mean arterial pressure declined 7 mmHg (95% CI, 2 to 13, p = 0.014). Waist circumference was significantly reduced by 7 cm (95% CI, 4 to 10, p < 0.0001) from a baseline of 120 cm. The most common adverse events were mild or moderate heartburn, implant site pain, and constipation.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvements in obesity and glycemic control were largely sustained after 2 years of treatment with VBLOC therapy with a well-tolerated risk profile.

Effect of a post-operative structured exercise programme on short-term weight loss after obesity surgery using adjustable gastric bands

BACKGROUND

Exercise has been recommended as an adjunct to diet control to achieve weight loss. No previous studies in the area had formal exercise guidelines or education [1, 2]. Unique to our practice is Bandfit, a personal trainer-led exercise programme for patients following bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We analysed the effect of Bandfit on short-term weight loss. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of consecutive patients between 2007 and 2008 was undertaken. Patients were educated about appropriate exercises for obese people with active participation. Percentage excess weight loss was calculated at 12 and 36 months. Weights were accepted ±3 months following the gastric banding. Patients were divided into subgroups based on zero, one or greater than one session attended. Patients without available records, 12-month data or a rural address were excluded. Data were statistically analysed utilising a two-sample t test and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) calculation.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-three patients were eligible for inclusion with 26 excluded as described in the methods. In the remaining 137 patients, 49 (36 %) did not attend any sessions, 28 (20 %) attended one, and 60 (44 %) attended more than one session.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of the %EWL and sessions attended demonstrated a significant difference between those who attended more than one Bandfit session (p < 0.03), compared to those who did not attend any. However, this effect was not seen at 36 months. Attendance at a dedicated educational exercise programme significantly enhances short-term weight loss, but the effect is not seen at 36 months.

Effect of reversible intermittent intra-abdominal vagal nerve blockade on morbid obesity: the ReCharge randomized clinical trial

IMPORTANCE

Although conventional bariatric surgery results in weight loss, it does so with potential short-term and long-term morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intermittent, reversible vagal nerve blockade therapy for obesity treatment.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial involving 239 participants who had a body mass index of 40 to 45 or 35 to 40 and 1 or more obesity-related condition was conducted at 10 sites in the United States and Australia between May and December 2011. The 12-month blinded portion of the 5-year study was completed in January 2013.

INTERVENTIONS

One hundred sixty-two patients received an active vagal nerve block device and 77 received a sham device. All participants received weight management education.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The coprimary efficacy objectives were to determine whether the vagal nerve block was superior in mean percentage excess weight loss to sham by a 10-point margin with at least 55% of patients in the vagal block group achieving a 20% loss and 45% achieving a 25% loss. The primary safety objective was to determine whether the rate of serious adverse events related to device, procedure, or therapy in the vagal block group was less than 15%.

RESULTS

In the intent-to-treat analysis, the vagal nerve block group had a mean 24.4% excess weight loss (9.2% of their initial body weight loss) vs 15.9% excess weight loss (6.0% initial body weight loss) in the sham group. The mean difference in the percentage of the excess weight loss between groups was 8.5 percentage points (95% CI, 3.1-13.9), which did not meet the 10-point target (P = .71), although weight loss was statistically greater in the vagal nerve block group (P = .002 for treatment difference in a post hoc analysis). At 12 months, 52% of patients in the vagal nerve block group achieved 20% or more excess weight loss and 38% achieved 25% or more excess weight loss vs 32% in the sham group who achieved 20% or more loss and 23% who achieved 25% or more loss. The device, procedure, or therapy-related serious adverse event rate in the vagal nerve block group was 3.7% (95% CI, 1.4%-7.9%), significantly lower than the 15% goal. The adverse events more frequent in the vagal nerve block group were heartburn or dyspepsia and abdominal pain attributed to therapy; all were reported as mild or moderate in severity.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

Among patients with morbid obesity, the use of vagal nerve block therapy compared with a sham control device did not meet either of the prespecified coprimary efficacy objectives, although weight loss in the vagal block group was statistically greater than in the sham device group. The treatment was well tolerated, having met the primary safety objective.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01327976.

Banding Together: An Investigation of Post-Surgery Support Groups for Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Patients

Though advocated as useful for patients, there is little in the literature regarding the use and effectiveness of bariatric support groups. This study investigated characteristics and experiences of bariatric patients who did and did not attend offered groups. Seventy-eight postoperative laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding patients from a private bariatric clinic completed mailed self-report questionnaires. Almost 60% reported having attended the clinic groups, with most wanting to meet other patients and obtain information rather than access psychological assistance. Participants reported generally positive experiences of attending. Nonattendance was often attributed to practical barriers. Satisfaction with support from others was not related to past or predicted future attendance, but higher psychological distress was related to and predictive of greater intention to attend future groups. Likely future attenders also held more positive beliefs about the groups than those who were unlikely to attend. Further research is required into potential positive and negative consequences of attendance, and characteristics of those who are likely to benefit or be harmed by attending. Interventions addressing stereotypes about support groups may help patients make informed decisions about whether to attend a bariatric support group.

Vagal blocking improves glycemic control and elevated blood pressure in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

An active device that downregulates abdominal vagal signalling has resulted in significant weight loss in feasibility studies.

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively evaluate the effect of intermittent vagal blocking (VBLOC) on weight loss, glycemic control, and blood pressure (BP) in obese subjects with DM2.

METHODS

Twenty-eight subjects were implanted with a VBLOC device (Maestro Rechargeable System) at 5 centers in an open-label study. Effects on weight loss, HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, and BP were evaluated at 1 week to 12 months.

RESULTS

26 subjects (17 females/9 males, 51 ± 2 years, BMI 37 ± 1 kg/m(2), mean ± SEM) completed 12 months followup. One serious adverse event (pain at implant site) was easily resolved. At 1 week and 12 months, mean excess weight loss percentages (% EWL) were 9 ± 1% and 25 ± 4% (P < 0.0001), and HbA1c declined by 0.3 ± 0.1% and 1.0 ± 0.2% (P = 0.02, baseline 7.8 ± 0.2%). In DM2 subjects with elevated BP (n = 15), mean arterial pressure reduced by 7 ± 3 mmHg and 8 ± 3 mmHg (P = 0.04, baseline 100 ± 2 mmHg) at 1 week and 12 months. All subjects MAP decreased by 3 ± 2 mmHg (baseline 95 ± 2 mmHg) at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

VBLOC was safe in obese DM2 subjects and associated with meaningful weight loss, early and sustained improvements in HbA1c, and reductions in BP in hypertensive DM2 subjects. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00555958.

IFSO-APC consensus statements 2011

Associations of BMI with body composition and health outcomes may differ between Asian and European populations. Asian populations have also been shown to have an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia at a relatively low level of BMI. New surgical indication for Asian patients should be discussed by the expert of this field. Forty-four bariatric experts in Asia-Pacific and other regions were chosen to have a voting privilege for IFSO-APC Consensus at the 2nd IFSO-APC Congress. A computerized audience-response voting system was used to analyze the agreement with the sentence of the consensus. Of all delegates, 95% agreed with the necessity of the establishment of IFSO-APC consensus statements, and 98% agreed with the necessity of a new indication for Asian patients. IFSO-APC Consensus statements 2011. Bariatric surgery should be considered for the treatment of obesity for acceptable Asian candidates with BMI ≥ 35 with or without co-morbidities. Bariatric/GI metabolic surgery should be considered for the treatment of T2DM or metabolic syndrome for patients who are inadequately controlled by lifestyle alternations and medical treatment for acceptable Asian candidates with BMI ≥ 30. The surgical approach may be considered as a non-primary alternative to treat inadequately controlled T2DM, or metabolic syndrome, for suitable Asian candidates with BMI ≥ 27.5. Other eight sentences are agreed with by majority of the voting delegates to form IFSO-APC consensus statements. This will help to make safe and wholesome the progress of bariatric and metabolic surgery in Asia.

Gastric band erosion in 63 cases: endoscopic removal and rebanding evaluated

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) remains the most popular bariatric procedure performed in Australia and Europe. Gastric band erosion is a significant complication that results in band removal. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of band erosion and its subsequent management with a particular focus on rebanding results.

METHODS

Patients who underwent LAGB in a prospective cohort study from August 1996 to October 2010 were evaluated. Patients that developed band erosion were identified and clinical presentations, band characteristics and subsequent management were evaluated.

RESULTS

One thousand eight hundred seventy-four morbidly obese patients underwent LAGB. Band erosion developed in 63 patients (3.4%). Median preoperative BMI was 41.5 kg/m(2) (range 30-61 kg/m(2)). Median time from operation to diagnosis was 39 months (range 6-132 months). Twenty nine patients (46%) were asymptomatic (sudden loss of restriction, weight gain, turbid fluid, or absence of fluid). Symptoms included abdominal pain in 24 (38%), obstruction in 7 (11%), recurrent port infection in 5 (8%), reflux symptoms in 2 (3%) and sepsis in 2 (3%). Fourteen patients (22%) had discolouration of the fluid in their band. Endoscopic removal was attempted in 50 patients with successful removal in 46 (92%). Median number of endoscopies prior to removal was 1.0 (range 1-5). The median duration of the procedure was 46 min (range 17-118 min). Rebanding was performed in 29 patients and 5 (17%) experienced a second erosion. Mean percentage excess weight loss was 54% in the remaining 22 patients with at least 3 months follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Band erosion prevalence was 3.4%. Endoscopic removal of eroded gastric bands was proven safe and effective. Band erosion is now preferably managed endoscopically in our institution. Rebanding following erosion results in acceptable weight loss but an unacceptable reerosion rate.