Trocar Site Hernias in Bariatric Surgery-an Underestimated Issue: a Qualitative Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The reported incidence of trocar site hernias in bariatric surgery ranges between 0.5 and 3%. The best available evidence derives from retrospective studies analysing prospective databases, thus including only patients who presented with symptoms or received surgical treatment due to trocar site hernias after a laparoscopic bariatric procedure. A systematic literature research was conducted up until September 2017. Search strategies included proper combinations of the MeSH terms 'laparoscopy' and 'bariatric surgery', 'trocar/port' and 'hernia'. Searches were not limited by publication type or language. The review was registered in PROSPERO (ID 85102) and performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Sixty-eight publications were included. Pooled hernia incidence was 3.22 (range 0-39.3%). Thirteen trials reported systematic closure of the fascia; 12 trials reported no closure. Data availability did not allow for pooling to calculate relative risk. Higher BMI and specific hernia examination using imaging modalities were associated with a significantly higher incidence of trocar site hernias. Studies dedicated to detection of TsH reported a pooled incidence of 24.5%. Trocar site hernias are an underestimated complication of minimally invasive multiportal bariatric surgery. While high-quality trials are not available allowing for a precise calculation of the incidence, existing data are indicative of very high incidence rates. Risk factors for developing a trocar site hernia in bariatric surgery have not yet been systematically analysed. Prospective studies in this field are necessary.

[Alcohol and the Bariatric Patient: When One Drink Becomes Two Drinks]

Alcohol and the Bariatric Patient: When One Drink Becomes Two Drinks Abstract. Moderate consumption of alcohol is a risk factor for weight gain and obesity. Alcohol affects all components of the energy balance. Alcohol consumption is - as in the general population - also a widespread phenomenon in obese and bariatric patients. As a function of the bariatric surgery technique, alcohol metabolism is altered: gastric bypass surgery and sleeve gastrectomy lead to a faster absorption of alcohol, higher peak alcohol concentration and a longer alcohol persistence in the circulation. Further reward mechanisms for alcohol are changed, so that alcohol consumption is enhanced and promoted, with an increased risk to develop alcohol dependency. It is time to address these issues in the daily practice and to fill the existing research gaps.

The Role of Physical Exercise in Obesity and Diabetes

The prevalence of obesity is increasing world-wide. Obesity is associated with a plethora of metabolic and clinical constraints, which result in a higher risk for the development of cardiovascular complications and metabolic disease, particularly insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Obesity is an acknowledged determinant of glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes and accounts for the majority of premature death due to cardiovascular events. Physical exercise is generally recommended in patients with diabetes in order to prevent the development of or reduce existing obesity, as adopted by every international treatment guideline so far. Regular physical exercise has a beneficial impact on body composition, cardiovascular integrity, insulin sensitivity and quality of life. However, only a minority of patients participates in regular physical exercise, due to individual or disease-related barriers. In type 2 diabetes, there is robust evidence for beneficial effects of physical exercise on glycemic control, cardiovascular health and the development of diabetes-related long-term complications. In type 1 diabetes and patients treated with insulin, a higher risk for exercise-related hypoglycemia has to be considered, which requires certain prerequisites and adequate adaptions of insulin dosing. Current treatment guidelines do only incompletely address the development of exercise-related hypoglycemia. However, every patient with diabetes should participate in regular physical exercise in order to support and enable sufficient treatment and optimal glycemic control.

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Zusammenfassung. Adipositas im Kindes- und Jugendalter ist eine komplexe Herausforderung. Die Früherfassung durch den Grundversorger ist dabei wichtig. In der Schweiz können seit dem 01.01.2014 die umfassenden Betreuungsformen (individuell oder in der Gruppe) kostenpflichtig und leistungsberechtigt erbracht werden. Um der globalen Übergewichtsepidemie Einhalt zu gebieten, bedarf es weltweit aber bereits präkonzeptionell umfassender gesundheitsfördernder und primär präventiver Massnahmen.

[Lipedema: Which Etiological Pathways?]

Lipedema: Which Etiological Pathways? Abstract. The pathogenesis and epidemiology of lipedema are uncertain, and its diagnosis often delayed. Lipedema almost exclusively affects women, and a link to sex hormones is likely. The metabolic risk of this accumulation of fat in the lower limbs is not known, and weight loss has no impact on the morphology of the lower limbs. Due to the aesthetic discomfort and frequent initial misdiagnosis which results in inappropriate treatment, this condition can lead to significant psychological suffering for the patient. A better understanding of this disease is essential to the proper diagnosis and support for these patients, as well as guiding them in the effective care.

Predictors and determinants for weight reduction in overweight and obese children and adolescents

INTRODUCTION

Worldwide, overweight and obesity are known as posing serious health risks. Successful methods for weight reduction have remained elusive. This multicenter non-randomised trial aimed to identify parameters and determinants of long-term weight reduction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 143/159 overweight and obese children and adolescents (90 %) completed the prospective multicenter trial (age 13.9±2.4 years, BMI 31.2±5.4kg/m², BMI-SDS 2.51±0.57). During a 6-week rehabilitation period the patients participated in a structured treatment and teaching program (STTP). Following in-patient treatment the children and adolescents were monitored over a period of 24 months (physical examination, measurements of BMI, BMI-SDS, body composition, carotid intima-media thickness, laboratory parameters, blood pressure, standardized questionnaires to assess socio-demographic and socio-economic parameters, eating behavior, well-being, quality of life, intelligence, intrafamilial conflicts, self-efficacy, resilience, sense of coherence, stress management, social support, actual body shape).

RESULTS

66% of the children and adolescents had abnormal laboratory parameters as well as higher blood pressure and/or an increased carotid intima-media thickness. The mean carotid intima-media thickness was 0.53±0.09mm (range 0.40 to 0.80); 15% of the patients showed normal range values (< 0.45mm), 40% a slightly elevated (≥ 0.45 to ≤ 0.50mm) and 45% an elevated (> 0.50mm) thickness. After the inpatient treatment lasting 40.4±4.1 (range 28 to 49) days, children and adolescents reached a mean weight reduction of 5.52±3.94 (0.4 to 13.3) kg (p<0.01) that was accompanied by a reduction in body fat mass. Using multivariate analyses, the most important psychological factors associated with long-term weight reduction were identified (R-square=0.53): well-being (β=-0.543), resilience (β=0.434), and sense of coherence (β=0.315).

CONCLUSION

The different parameters (i. e., well-being, resilience, sense of coherence) have demonstrated their utility, and strategies should be developed allowing an adaption of these into the STTPs.

[Obesity Paradox and Stroke]

The obesity paradox suggests that overweight and obese patients of older age may have higher survival rates after stroke as compared to normalweight patients. However, the results need a cautious interpretation due to selection bias, treatment bias and different patients’ characteristics. Moreover, randomized studies that prove a benefit of weight reduction are still lacking. As obesity is an independet risk factor for stroke, weight reduction should still be recommended in overweight patients. Randomized-controlled studies are needed to prove the effect of weight reduction on morbidity and mortality after stroke.

[Fructose Consumption and the Metabolic Syndrome: Association or Causality?]

Fructose consumption has increased significantly during the past decades – in particular by using added sugar in food and beverages, either sugars containing free fructose, but also sugars containing fructose in bound form (e. g. sucrose). The metabolism of fructose exhibits distinct differences compared to the metabolism of glucose. Association studies performed in the past years suggest an association of fructose consumption and adverse effects on metabolism. Intervention studies, conducted in part with healthy individuals, could prove such effects and deliver explanations of the mechanisms leading to these adverse effects. A reduction of consumption of added fructose should be recommended, but there is no evidence to support a restriction of fruit consumption (as a natural source of fructose).

["Food addiction" as a possible risk factor for obesity]

The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity are, internationally as well as in Switzerland, increasing in recent years. The neurobiology tries to explore an improved understanding of the central nervous causes of obesity. Findings from addiction research seem very useful because there are certain similarities between addiction and obesity in terms of neurobiological causes. An improved understanding of the disease of obesity could help to develop more effective therapies for obese patients in the future. Further research, e. g. in the field of stress regulation, is thus urgently needed.