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.

Bariatric metabolic surgery: An effective treatment of type 2 diabetes

Background:

Bariatric metabolic surgery is evolving as an option for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in patients with obesity and T2DM, warranting more studies on the efficacy of bariatric metabolic surgery on T2DM.

Objective:

To determine T2DM remission in patients with obesity and T2DM with up to two years follow-up after bariatric metabolic surgery.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review of prospectively maintained data was undertaken to identify patients who had T2DM and underwent bariatric surgery at a single centre in 2016. Data collected included age, gender, body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose, haemoglobin A1c, hypertension, (HTN), Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), initial weight and the weight at intervals of 6, 12, and 24 months. Data on the treatment of T2DM before the surgery was also collected. The criteria of the American Diabetes Association were used for the definition of T2DM remission. Only the data on patients in this study who had more than 12 months’ follow-up information was analysed.

Results:

Two hundred and eighty patients with T2DM were identified. 191 patients had more than 12 months’ follow-up information. Mean age and BMI were 49.58 ± 10.64 years and 44.03 ± 7.86 kg/m² respectively. There were 29 patients on insulin, 21 (10.9%) on insulin only and 8 (4.2%) on insulin and oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA). One hundred and forty-six patients (76.4%) were on OHA, 134 on a single OHA and 12 on more than one OHA. Twenty-six patients (13.6%) were newly diagnosed with T2DM when they came in for bariatric metabolic surgery. One hundred and fifty-six patients (81.7%) achieved complete remission. 14 (7.3%) of these patients used to be on insulin with or without OHA and 142 (74.3%) were patients either on OHA or no OHA. There were 12 (6.4%) patients in partial remission. There was improvement in 23 (12.04%). Eight patients were on insulin but at lower doses and 15 were on a single OHA. The average percentage of total weight loss at 6, 12 and 24 months was 29.7%, 33.9% and 35.6% respectively. Patients with shorter duration of T2DM had higher remission rates as compared to patients with longer duration (r = −0.874, P = 0.001). There was also a significant resolution of HTN (81.8%) and OSA (82.3%) after bariatric metabolic surgery.

Conclusion:

This study collaborates reports that there is significant remission of T2DM after bariatric metabolic surgery in patients with obesity and T2DM. There is a need for prospective, multi-centre, and long-term studies on bariatric metabolic surgery to treat patients with obesity and T2DM.

Emerging Procedures in Bariatric Metabolic Surgery

Bariatric/metabolic surgery has emerged as an option for significant and durable weight loss in the treatment of clinically severe obesity; there is increasing demand for bariatric/metabolic surgery worldwide. New procedures have been developed and changed the face of modern bariatric surgery. Gastrointestinal metabolic surgery is a new treatment modality for obesity-related type 2 diabetes mellitus for patients with body mass index greater than 35 kg/m². Providing safe bariatric/metabolic surgery, training qualified bariatric surgeons, and developing better techniques are important issues. This article discusses emerging procedures; a multitude of bariatric metabolic procedures enables surgeons to tailor treatment to patients' needs.

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.

Complications after bariatric surgery: A multicentric study of 11,568 patients from Indian bariatric surgery outcomes reporting group

Background

Complications after bariatric surgery are not uncommon occurrences that influence the choice of operations both by patients and by surgeons. Complications may be classified as intra-operative, early (<30 days post-operatively) or late (beyond 30 days). The prevalence of complications is influenced by the sample size, surgeon's experience and length and percentage of follow-up. There are no multicentric reports of post-bariatric complications from India.

Objectives

To examine the various complications after different bariatric operations that currently performed in India.

Materials and Methods

A scientific committee designed a questionnaire to examine the post-bariatric surgery complications during a fixed time period in India. Data requested included demographic data, co-morbidities, type of procedure, complications, investigations and management of complications. This questionnaire was sent to all centres where bariatric surgery is performed in India. Data collected were reviewed, were analysed and are presented.

Results

Twenty-four centres responded with a report on 11,568 bariatric procedures. These included 4776 (41.3%) sleeve gastrectomy (SG), 3187 (27.5%) one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), 2993 (25.9%) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and 612 (5.3%) other procedures. Total reported complications were 363 (3.13%). Post-operative bleeding (0.75%) and nutritional deficiency (0.75%) were the two most common complications. Leaks (P = 0.009) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (P = 0.019) were significantly higher in SG, marginal ulcers in OAGB (P = 0.000), intestinal obstruction in RYGB (P = 0.001) and nutritional complications in other procedures (P = 0.000). Overall, the percentage of complications was higher in 'other' procedures (6.05%, P = 0.000). There were 18 (0.16%) reported mortalities.

Conclusions

The post-bariatric composite complication rate from the 24 participating centres in this study from India is at par with the published data. Aggressive post-bariatric follow-up is required to improve nutritional outcomes.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is an effective and safe minimally invasive approach for treatment of obesity: First Indian experience

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is gaining acceptance as a non-surgical option for the treatment of obesity. However, its role is still not consolidated for all populations and the ideal indications are yet to be determined. We aimed to study the efficacy and safety of ESG in Indian patients.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center retrospective study of obese patients who underwent consecutive ESG at our tertiary care center. Data on weight loss and adverse events at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients underwent ESG from March 2017 to October 2018. Eighty one percent of patients were female (43/53). Mean baseline age and body mass index were 40.54 ± 13.79 years and 34.78 ± 5.20 kg/m² , respectively. Mean duration of procedure was 68.96 ± 11.19 min. Immediate postoperative complications included mainly epigastric pain (45.2%) and nausea (22.6%) but there was no serious adverse event. Average percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) was 8.26%, 11.96%, 14.25%, and 19.94% at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Eighty-eight percent of patients achieved >15% TWL at 12 months. Younger patients (<30 years old) and female patients had greater %TWL at 12 months (P = 0.01 and P = 0.021, respectively). Last 18 procedures were significantly faster than the first 35 cases (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is effective and safe at promoting weight loss in the Indian population. Young age and female gender are related to better outcomes.

Outcomes of One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass in the IFSO Middle East North Africa (MENA) Region

INTRODUCTION

Since it was first described in 2001, the one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) has been gaining popularity in the Middle East region and worldwide. We designed a survey to evaluate the trends, techniques, and outcomes of OAGB in our region.

METHODS

A questionnaire to study OAGB was sent to the members of the IFSO MENA chapter.

RESULTS

One-hundred and forty-eight surgeons (74%) responded. Forty-six percent of all respondents (64 surgeons) performed OAGB routinely. The most commonly performed procedures were the laparoscopic sleeve gastrostomy (LSG), followed by OAGB, and then Roux-en-Y (RYGB). Of the surgeons who responded, 65% did not perform routine pre-operative endoscopy. Seventy-two percent believed that OAGB produces better weight loss than the LSG while 58% did not believe it produced better results to RYGB. The most common length of biliopancreatic limb utilized was 200 cm, and 72% of surgeons did not measure the total length of the small bowel. Fifty percent of the surgeons offered OAGB as a treatment for acid reflux and 33% offered it to active smokers. Early complications included leak (< 1%), venous thromboembolism (< 1%), and mortality (< 0.5%) in most centers. Leaks were managed conservatively (23%), by conversion to RYGB (20%), reinforcing the anastomosis (19%), reversal to normal anatomy (6%), and others (32%). Of the total surgeons, 41% reported revising at least one patient for malnutrition and steatorrhea, and 32% reported revising at least one patient for sever bile reflux.

CONCLUSION

OAGB is a commonly performed and safe procedure in the MENA region. Malnutrition and bile reflux requiring surgical intervention are serious long-term concerns.

Banded Sleeve Gastrectomy and One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass/Mini-gastric Bypass for Treatment of Obesity: a Retrospective Cohort Comparative Study with 6 years follow-up

BACKGROUND

Banded sleeve gastrectomy (BSG), a modification of the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and one anastomotic gastric bypass/mini-gastric bypass (OAGB/MGB), a modification to the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), have been reported to enhance weight loss and minimize significant weight regain when compared with the SG and RYGB respectively. However, there has not been any report or study comparing these two operations.

OBJECTIVE

We did a retrospective cohort study comparing these two operations and present a review and analysis with follow-up for 6 years.

METHOD

A review of all the operations performed at MBRSC in 2011 from a prospectively maintained database was done. Patients who had either a BSG or OAGB/MGB were identified. Data on the patients' profile, co-morbid conditions, perioperative complications, late complications, weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, and changes in quality of life (QLF) were collected reviewed and analyzed.

RESULT

Sixty-eight patients were identified who had a primary BSG and 55 who had an OAGB/MGB in 2011. The follow-up rate, the age, BMI, and gender composition were similar in both groups. There were more patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the BSG group than in the OAGB/MGB group (44.1% vs. 27.2%). The incidences of hypertension (HTN) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were higher in the OAGB/MGB group (62% vs. 36% and 96.3% vs. 2.9% respectively). The weight loss was faster in the OAGB/MGB group in the first year, but by the sixth year, the weight loss was slightly higher in the BSG group (84% vs. 79%). Resolution rate of T2D and HTN was higher after the OAGB/MGB group, 86.6% vs. 75.7% and 85.3% vs. 64.0% respectively. There was a 20% incidence of nutrient deficiencies in OAGB/MGB group and none in the BSG group.

CONCLUSION

Both operations produced excellent weight loss and maintenance in the short to intermediate term. There was better resolution of T2D and HTN after OAGB/MGB at the expense of a higher incidence of nutrient deficiency and some protein caloric malnutrition. There is need for prospective and larger series studies to confirm these findings.

Revision operation to one-anastomosis gastric bypass for failed sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

There are few publications on revising sleeve gastrectomy (SG) to one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB).

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to determine outcomes in terms of weight loss and resolution of co-morbidities in patients who had SG revised to OAGB.

SETTINGS

A high-volume university-affiliated bariatric surgery center in India.

METHOD

Information was collected from patients identified in a prospectively maintained database of patients who had a revision from SG to OAGB. An analysis of outcomes in terms of weight loss and maintenance with up to 3-years follow-up is reported.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients were revised from SG to OAGB. Of the 32 revised patients, 9 (28%) had type 2 diabetes, 15 (47%) had hypertension, and 2 (6%) had sleep apnea at the time of the initial SG. At the time of revision only 2 of 32 (6.25%) had type 2 diabetes, 3 (9.4%) had hypertension, and none had sleep apnea. The average initial weight in this study before SG was 118 kg and body mass index was 44.04 kg/m². The average weight at the nadir and at revision was 92.1 and 103.5 kg, respectively. Average weight was 93.5, 94.3, and 100.6 kg (P < .002) at 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up, respectively. There was reoccurrence of type 2 diabetes in 1 patient at 3 years after revision due to weight regain. There were no complications in this study.

CONCLUSION

In this study, revision of SG to OAGB because of inadequate weight loss or significant weight regain was safe and effective at 2-year follow-up; however, there was a tendency toward weight regain at 3 years. Multicenter studies with larger series of patients and longer-term follow-up after SG revision to OAGB are needed.

Surgery in Patients with Super Obesity: Medium-Term Follow-Up Outcomes at a High-Volume Center

OBJECTIVE

There is a need to determine which bariatric operations are the most effective for patients with super obesity and super-super obesity.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients with super obesity and super-super obesity at Mohak Bariatrics and Robotics Surgery Center in Indore, India.

RESULTS

Five hundred fourteen patients with super obesity and super-super obesity had surgery at our center from January 2010 through December 2013. The baseline characteristics were different in different operations. The initial average age, weight, and BMI were 44.4 (SD 11.9) years, 145.4 (SD 24.2) kg, and 55.48 (SD 5.32) kg/m² , respectively. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) (227 [44.2%]) was the most common procedure, followed by one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) (124 [24.1%]), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (102 [19.8%]), banded sleeve gastrectomy (BSG) (33 [6.4%]), and banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (BRYGB) (28 [5.4%]). After 3 years, the percentages of excess body weight loss (%EBWL) for SG, OAGB, RYGB, BSG, and BRYGB were 62.38%, 78.59%, 69.55%, 85.11%, and 75.77% (P < 0.0001), respectively. Failure to achieve BMI < 35 kg/m² was more frequent in the group who underwent SG (67.9%), followed by RYGB (29.16%), BRYGB (22.2%), OAGB (9.87%), and none in the BSG group.

CONCLUSIONS

BSG, OAGB, and BRYGB have very good to excellent midterm outcomes for patients with super obesity and super-super obesity, whereas RYGB and SG have average outcomes at 3 years. There is a need for multicenter, long-term, and prospective studies to be performed to confirm these findings.

Assessment of functional ability of nonambulatory patients with obesity: after and before bariatric surgery

INTRODUCTION

Functional ability is often impaired as a direct consequence of severe obesity. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe obesity.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of weight loss after bariatric surgery on patients with impaired functional ambulatory abilities due to obesity.

SETTINGS

A high-volume university-affiliated bariatric surgery center in India.

METHOD

We conducted a prospective study in a cohort of nonambulatory patients with functional disabilities (bedridden, wheelchair-bound, or walker-dependent) who underwent bariatric surgery. Data on sex, body mass index, co-morbid conditions, the severity of pain, and types of limitations in functional abilities were collected at baseline and at 1 year after bariatric surgery and analyzed.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients were enrolled in this study with 100% follow-up at 1 year. The mean age and body mass index of the patients were 54.7 ± 8.5 years and 54.2 ± 8.6 kg/m², respectively. Thirty-four (75.5%) were female, 27 (60%) were walker-dependent, 14 (31.1%) were wheelchair-bound, and 4 (8.9%) were bedridden. At baseline 88.8% and 75.5% patients had severe knee and back pain, respectively. The percentage of total weight loss was 22% and 31% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. At 1 year, 37 (82.2%) patients were ambulating independently, only 1 (2.2%) patient was still bedridden, and 7 (15.5%) patients were walker-dependent. Mild, moderate, and severe classification on all functional ability scales were significantly improved.

CONCLUSION

Weight loss after bariatric surgery results in significant amelioration of knee and/or back pain with an improvement in functional abilities and quality of life.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy versus laparoscopic gastric bypass: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

There are many reports on short-term outcomes following sleeve gastrectomy, which demonstrate that it has comparable efficacy to gastric bypass. However, there are very few long-term comparative reports. This study compared the outcomes from laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) in a cohort of patients who had surgery in 2011 with a six-year follow up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data on patients who had either LSG or LGB at a single centre in Mohak Bariatric and Robotic Surgery Centre, Indore, M.P. India in 2011 were identified from a database of routinely collected data. This retrospective cohort was analysed for weight loss, resolution of comorbidities and nutritional status over six years. Patients who had revision operations or for whom six-year follow-up data were not available were excluded from the analysis.

RESULTS

154 patients had LGB and 152 had LSG. The six-year follow up rate was 61.7% (n = 95) and 64.5% (n = 98) respectively for LGB and LSG. Percentage of excess bodyweight loss (%EWL) peaked at approximately 70% after two years in the LSG group and after three years in the LGB group. However, after six years %EWL was 61% for LGB and 50% for LSG (p = 0.001). Resolution of type-2 diabetes was more common in the LGB group compared to the LSG group (79% vs 62%, p = 0.126). Resolution of hypertension and dyslipidaemia was similar in both groups at approximately half of patients in each group for each condition. Nutrient deficiencies were found in both groups but were generally more pronounced in the LGB group.

CONCLUSION

LGB is a better operation for weight loss, weight loss maintenance, and resolution of type-2 diabetes than LSG. This is at the expense of an increased incidence of nutrient deficiencies. LSG appears to have greater treatment failure by six years follow up and this should be further investigated.

Band erosion: incidence, etiology, management and outcome after banded vertical gastric bypass

BACKGROUND

Prosthetic devices have been used in bariatric operations to control the outlet of the gastric pouch and thus maintain weight loss. A complication of these prostheses is erosion or migration into the gastric lumen. The transected banded vertical gastric bypass (TBVGBP) is one of the modifications of gastric bypass. This modification has a silastic ring placed around the pouch to form the stoma.

METHOD

The records of patients with band erosion (BE) after this operation were reviewed, to determine the incidence, etiology, management and outcome during a 9-year period.

RESULTS

From May 1992 through May 2001, 2,949 primary and secondary TBVGBP were performed through the Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity, utilizing 3 hospitals. 48 patients (1.63%) were documented to have BE: 40 documented by us and 8 by subsequent treating surgeons or at other facilities. Presenting symptoms were weight regain (18), stenosis or obstruction (17), pain (9), bleeding (7), and 5 were incidental findings. Some patients presented with more than one symptom. 8 were treated expectantly with spontaneous extrusion of the band. 16 bands have been removed endoscopically in 14 patients. 26 patients had open surgical revision, with 12 having band removal only and 14 band removal and revision of either the gastroenterostomy with or without band replacement or conversion to a distal Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (DRYGBP). Two patients who had revision to DRYGBP were re-revised to a longer common limb because of protein malnutrition. Three patients who had revision of the gastroenterostomy with band removal and replacement developed leaks that were managed non-surgically. Two of these re-eroded and the band was removed endoscopically with a subsequent revision to a DRYGBP. There was no death due to BE.

CONCLUSION

BE is an uncommon complication of TBVGBP. Infection, previous bariatric operations and surgical technique play a role in BE. BE is best managed by endoscopic removal but can be treated expectantly or by open surgical intervention. Band removal without replacement or revision to DRYGBP may result in weight regain.

Why the Operation I Prefer is Silastic Ring Vertical Gastric Bypass

Silastic ring vertical gastric bypass is a composite operation which maximizes the advantages of the vertical banded gastroplasty and the gastric bypass operations. It is our operation of choice because it appears to date to be the only operation that addresses the medical and psychosocioeconomic problem of severe obesity. Acute complications include wound infection, wound seroma and anastomotic leaks. Late complications include marginal ulcers (6%), staple-line breakdown (4%), iron deficiency, vitamin B&inf1;&inf2; deficiency and anemia. The operation is relatively simple, safe, effective and acceptable to the patients and doctors.

The "limiting proximal gastric pouch": the evolving solution of morbid obesity

Seventy-five patients received the "limiting proximal gastric pouch." The technique used is the complete transverse gastric stapling with Roux-en-Y reconstruction of gastrointestinal continuity. There was one death, 13 patients required rehospitalization, and five patients required reoperation because of complications. Both the weight loss and percentage of excess weight loss were satisfactory. The patients' acceptance was very high. The limiting proximal gastric pouch is evolving as the procedure of choice for morbid obesity.

Multilocular cyst of the kidney

Five cases of multilocular cyst of the kidney are presented with a follow-up of 8 mo to 13 yr. Two children were treated with partial nephrectomy and three with nephrectomy. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy were not given pre- or postoperatively. Ultrasonography is helpful in preoperative diagnosis of this lesion. A brief review of the literature, differential diagnosis, possible etiology, preoperative evaluation and treatment are discussed.