Surgical complications in pregnancy after bariatric surgery; a case series

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a rising world-wide problem and bariatric surgery, also in the reproductive age, is increasingly performed. Bariatric procedures are associated with surgical complications during pregnancy, such as internal herniation.

CASES

In this case series three cases with severe surgical complications after Roux-Y gastric bypass are described. In all three cases surgery was needed to prevent further complications. In one case subtotal bowel resection had to be performed because of extensive necrosis and intra-uterine fetal death was found.

CONCLUSION

Though surgical complications after Roux-Y gastric bypass are not very common, complications can be very serious and lead to severe morbidity and even mortality for mother and fetus. Because of the severity of complications, delaying bariatric surgery or considering alternative bariatric techniques with fewer (severe) complications should be considered in obese women in childbearing age.

Is development in bariatric surgery in Germany compatible with international standards? A review of 16 years of data

Bariatric surgery has expanded tremendously internationally over the past decade. In recent years, bariatric surgery has experienced a significant growth in Germany. However, the question arises as to whether this development is in line with international developments or whether there is still room for improvement that could be challenged. 63,990 primary bariatric procedures recorded in the German Bariatric Surgery Registry (GBSR) were analyzed from 2005 to April 2021. The distribution of procedures according to different variants was analyzed and presented. In the last 16 years, 17 different procedures have been performed. The most common surgical procedure was sleeve gastrectomy (SG), followed by Roux-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (42%). Adjustable gastric banding (AGB) has declined over time, from 23.5% in the first 5 years to 0.2% in recent years. In comparison, omega-loop gastric bypass has increased over the past 5 years (from 0.4% in the first 5 years to 5.9% in the last 5 years). Laparoscopic procedures have accounted for 96.4% of all bariatric surgeries in recent years. The frequency of some procedures has decreased and some bariatric procedures have lost significance. Overall, bariatric surgery in Germany has developed positively compared to the international trend. Nevertheless, there is one area that needs to be optimized: the development of robotic bariatric surgery, which crawls behind in Germany compared to other countries. To establish the technology in bariatric surgery in a timely manner, a balance must be found between cost neutrality and patient-oriented applications.

Sarcopenia after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Detection by Skeletal Muscle Mass Index vs. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

Background: In sarcopenic patients the skeletal muscle reduction is the primary symptom of age- or disease-related malnutrition, which is linked to postoperative morbidity and mortality. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) from magnet resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used as a prognostic factor in oncologic and surgical patients, but under-represented in the field of obesity surgery. The bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), on the other hand is a commonly used method for the estimation of the body composition of bariatric patients, but still believed to be inaccurate, because of patient-related and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative SMI values as a direct, imaging measured indicator for muscle mass with the BIA results in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Methods: We performed a prospective single-center trial. Patients undergoing RYGB between January 2010 and December 2011 at our institution were eligible for this study. MRI and BIA measurements were obtained 1 day before surgery and at 6, 12 and 24 weeks after surgery. Results: A total of 17 patients (four male, 13 female, average age of 41.9 years) were included. SMI values decreased significantly during the postoperative course (p < 0.001). Comparing preoperative and postoperative measurements at 24 weeks after surgery, increasing correlations of SMI values with body weight (r = 0.240 vs. r = 0.628), phase angle (r = 0.225 vs. r = 0.720) and body cell mass (BCM, r = 0.388 vs. r = 0.764) were observed. Conclusions: SMI decreases significantly after RYGB and is correlated to distinct parameters of body composition. These findings show the applicability of the SMI as direct imaging parameter for the measurement of the muscle mass in patients after RYGB, but also underline the important role of the BIA, as a precise tool for the estimation of patients’ body composition at low costs. BIA allows a good overview of patients’ status post bariatric surgery, including an estimation of sarcopenia.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in Patients with Super Obesity: Primary Response Criteria and Their Relationship with Comorbidities Remission

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of super obesity has increased considerably in recent years, representing up to the 0.5% of the population. Even though bariatric surgery induces significant weight loss in these patients, it has been reported that up to 50% of the patients with super obesity will fail according to the current primary response criteria.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare different primary response criteria and their impact regarding comorbidities remission.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 104 patients with super obesity who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) were identified in our institution from March 2004 to February 2019. An evaluation of the primary response at a 2-year follow-up was made using different criteria. A multivariate analysis was made to evaluate related variables to comorbidities remission.

RESULTS

Two years later, the rate of patients who achieved an EWL > 50%, %EWL > 70%, and BMI < 35 kg/m² were 84.5%, 52.1%, and 62%, respectively. Regarding the comorbidities, 85%, 84.8%, and 81.1% of the patients improved or remitted T2D, HBP, and hyperlipidemia, respectively. An EWL > 50% 2 years later was related to complete remission of hyperlipidemia (p = 0.047), whereas weight regain above 10% is a risk factor for failure of complete remission of HBP in 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

More than 75% of patients with super obesity yield an EWL > 50% 2 years later. In terms of hyperlipidemia, it is desirable to achieve an EWL of at least 50%. Whereas for T2D and HBP, a minimum of 25% TWL yields 72% and 60.5% of complete remission.

Reaching LDL-C Targets in Patients with Moderate, High, and Very High Risk for Cardiovascular Disease After Bariatric Surgery According to Different Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is highly prevalent in obese patients and is the leading cause of death. High levels of plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are associated with higher coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on the achievement of the currently proposed cardiovascular prevention goals after 1 year.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis from a prospectively built database of patients who underwent a primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) from 2004 to 2018. Patients with intermediate, high, or very high risk for CVD according to the 2018 AHA/ACC or the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines were selected. An analysis of clinical and biochemical variables in 1 year was performed. Logistic multivariate regressions were made to assess the impact of preoperative and weight loss parameters in the achievement of LDL-C goals.

RESULTS

From 1039 patients, 70 met the selection criteria and were included in the analysis of the 2018 AHA/ACC guidelines, and 75 in the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines. Mean decrease in LDL-C levels was 21.1 ± 40.2 mg/dL 1 year after surgery, and 29/34 patients were off medications. The percentage of patients achieving LDL-C goals according to the 2018 AHA/ACC guidelines was 27.1%, whereas according to the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines, the percentages was 9.3%. The %TWL was associated with achieving LDL-C goals according to the 2018 AHA/ACC at 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

RYGB induces a significant weight loss and an improvement in LDL-C levels 1 year after surgery. The number of patients that reached the goals varies according to the guidelines used and ranged from 9.3 to 27.1%.

Ulcer Disease in the Excluded Segments after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Current Review of the Literature

Ulcer disease in excluded segments after Roux-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is rare but can evolve into a life-threatening situation. The excluded segments exhibit a different behavior from that of non-altered anatomy; perforated ulcers do not result in pneumoperitoneum or free fluid, and therefore must be met with a low threshold for surgical exploration. The anatomical changes after RYGB impede routine access to the remnant stomach and duodenum. There are various options to address bleeding or perforated ulcers. While oversewing and drainage preserves the anatomy and forgoes resection, remnant gastrectomy offers a definitive solution. The importance of traditional risk factors such as smoking or use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is unclear. Eradication of Helicobacter pylori and secondary prophylaxis with proton-pump inhibitors is advisable, albeit in double-dose.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in Patients >60 Years of Age: Morbidity and Short-Term Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a common disease in the elderly population, and bariatric surgery is the most effective intervention to achieve significant and sustainable weight loss. Many bariatric programs have established an arbitrary cutoff at the age of 60 to 65 years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and short-term outcomes of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in patients older than 60 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent RYGB from 2004 to 2019 in a single center. Logistic and linear multivariate regressions were made to compare complications and short-term outcomes between patients aged > 60 years and < 60 years. The statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

From 849 patients who underwent a primary RYGB, 57 were > 60 years of age. Overall, early and late complications were similar in both groups, except for unexpected intensive care unit (ICU) admission which was more frequent in the > 60 years group. Excess body weight loss (%EWL) and percentage total weight loss (%TWL) at 1 year in patients > 60 years old were 76.6 ± 21.8% and 30.73 ± 6.8%, respectively. Figures for the same parameters in the control group were 81.7 ± 19.9% (p = 0.09) and 34.3 ± 7.2 (p = 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, an age > 60 is not related to higher rates of overall early and late complications after RYGB. Comorbidity remission rates are similar to those in younger patients. Elderly patients had lower total weight loss at 1 year, but the %EWL was similar in both groups.

Conversion for failed adjustable gastric banding warrants hiatal scrutiny for hiatal hernia

BACKGROUND

Failure or complications following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) may necessitate band removal and conversional surgery. Band position and band-induced chronic vomiting create ideal conditions for de novo hiatal hernia (HH) formation. HH presence impedes and complicates conversional surgery by obscuring crucial anatomical landmarks and hindering precise gastric sleeve or pouch formation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of a HH in patients with an LAGB undergoing conversion compared to patients undergoing primary bariatric surgery (BS).

METHODS

Retrospective review of consecutive BS performed between 2010 and 2015. Data collected included demographics, anthropometrics, comorbidities, previous BS, preoperative and intra-operative HH detection, operation time, perioperative complications and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

During the study period, 2843 patients (36% males) underwent BS. Of these, 2615 patients (92%) were "primary" (no previous BS-control group), 197 (7%) had a previous LAGB (study group), and 31 (1%) had a different previous BS and were excluded. Reasons for conversion included weight regain, band intolerance and band-related complications. Mean age and body mass index were similar between the study and the control groups. HH was preoperatively diagnosed by upper gastrointestinal (UGI) fluoroscopy in 9.1% and 9.0% of the LAGB and control groups (p = NS), respectively. However, HH was detected intra-operatively in 20.3% and 7.3%, respectively (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative diagnosis of a HH by UGI fluoroscopy for patients who have undergone LAGB is unreliable. Intra-operative hiatal exploration is highly recommended in all cases of conversional BS after LAGB.

Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery: Do Clinical and Behavioral Factors Explain Racial Differences?

BACKGROUND

Prior studies have suggested less weight loss among African American compared to Caucasian patients; however, few studies have been able to simultaneously account for baseline differences in other demographic, clinical, or behavioral factors.

METHODS

We interviewed patients at two weight loss surgery (WLS) centers and conducted chart reviews before and after WLS. We compared weight loss post-WLS by race/ethnicity and examined baseline demographic, clinical (BMI, comorbidities, quality of life), and behavioral (eating behavior, physical activity level, alcohol intake) factors that might explain observed racial differences in weight loss at 1 and 2 years after WLS.

RESULTS

Of 537 participants who underwent either Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (54%) or gastric banding (46%), 85% completed 1-year follow-up and 73% completed 2-year follow-up. Patients lost a mean of 33.00% of initial weight at year 1 and 32.43% at year 2 after bypass and 16.07% and 17.56 % respectively after banding. After adjustment for other demographic characteristics and type of surgery, African Americans lost an absolute 5.93 ± 1.49% less weight than Caucasian patients after bypass (p < 0.001) and 4.72 ± 1.96% less weight after banding. Of the other demographic, clinical, behavioral factors considered, having diabetes and perceived difficulty making dietary changes at baseline were associated with less weight loss among gastric bypass patients whereas having a diagnosis of anxiety disorder was associated with less weight loss among gastric banding patients. The association between race and weight loss did not substantially attenuate with additional adjustment for these clinical and behavioral factors, however.

CONCLUSION

African American patients lost significantly less weight than Caucasian patients. Racial differences could not be explained by baseline demographic, clinical, or behavioral characteristics we examined.

Radiologic, endoscopic, and functional patterns in patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered the gold standard in treatment of morbid obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Resolution of GERD symptoms is reported to be approximately 85% to 90%.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate patients with persistent GERD symptoms after RYGB and to identify contributing factors.

SETTING

University hospital, cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Data of patients evaluated for persistent GERD with a history of RYGB between January 2012 and December 2015 were reviewed. GERD was assessed with questionnaires, endoscopy, 24-hour pH-impendance manometry, and barium swallow.

RESULTS

Of 47 patients, 44 (93.6%) presented with typical GERD, 18 (38.3%) with obstruction, 8 (17%) with pulmonary symptoms, and 21 (44.7%) with pain. The interval between RYGB and evaluation was a median of 3.8 years (range .8-12.6); median patient age was 36.5 years (19.1-67.2). Median body mass index was 30.3 kg/m² (20.3-47.2). Pouch gastric fistulas were seen in 2 (5.1%), enlarged pouches in 5 (10.6%), and hiatal hernias in 25 patients (53.2%). Twelve (23.4%) had esophagitis>Los Angeles (LA) grade B. Manometry was performed in 45 (95.7%) and off-proton pump inhibitor 24-hour pH-impedance-metry in 44 patients (94.6%). Seventeen patients (37.8%) had esophageal hypomotility or aperistalsis; hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter was seen in 26 patients (57.8%). Increased esophageal acid exposure (>4% pH<4) was found in 27 (61.4%), an increased number of reflux episodes (>53) in 30 patients (68.2%). Symptoms were deemed as functional in 6 (12.8%).

CONCLUSION

The evaluation for persistent GERD after RYGB revealed a high percentage of hiatal hernias, hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter, and severe esophageal motility disorders. These findings might have an influence on hiatal hernia closure concomitant with RYGB and the role of pH manometry in the preoperative bariatric assessment.

Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Improves Significantly After Sleeve Gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass-a Prospective Cross-Sectional Study Within a 2-Year Follow-up

INTRODUCTION

Morbidly obese patients have lower quality of life (QOL) when compared to the general population. So far, no studies have compared gender and procedural differences in gastrointestinal QOL after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

METHODS

Patients before and after bariatric surgery completed the gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI), a 36-item questionnaire with five subscores. Differences between SG and RYGB were analyzed, as were gender differences.

RESULTS

Some 186 patients completed the questionnaire, 75 before surgery, 56 within 6 months, and 55 within 24 months after surgery. Total GIQLI score and all subscores were significantly better within 24 months after surgery (80.9 ± 19.2 vs. 109.2 ± 17.7, p < 0.001). The specific gastrointestinal items 'feeling of fullness', 'eating pleasure', 'slow speed of eating', and 'diarrhea' were also significantly better after surgery whereas many other gastrointestinal items were not different. Total GIQLI score was significantly higher for SG than for RYGB within 6 months, while there were no significant differences within 24 months after surgery. There were also no significant differences in specific gastrointestinal items between SG and RYGB within 24 months after surgery and in total GIQLI score between female and male patients.

CONCLUSION

Total GIQLI score and all subscores were higher within 24 months after bariatric surgery. Total GIQLI score was significantly higher after SG when compared to RYGB within 6 months, but not different within 24 months after surgery. There was no difference in total GIQLI score between female and male patients.

High-risk alcohol use after weight loss surgery

BACKGROUND

Bariatric or weight loss surgery (WLS) may alter alcohol metabolism resulting in a higher prevalence of problem drinking postoperatively. Few studies distinguish those who report improvements in drinking from those who report worsening behavior after surgery. The objective of this study was to characterize high-risk alcohol use before and after WLS and according to surgery type.

METHODS

We interviewed patients before and annually after WLS. High-risk alcohol use as assessed via a modified version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption.

RESULTS

Of 541 participants who underwent WLS, 375 (69% retention) completed the 1-year interview and 328 (63% retention) completed the 2-year interview. At 1 year, 13% reported high-risk drinking compared to 17% at baseline, P = .10; at year 2, 13% reported high-risk drinking compared to 15% at baseline, P = .39; 7% and 6% of patients, respectively, reported new high-risk drinking at 1- and 2-year follow-up. At both follow-up time points, more than half of those who reported high-risk drinking at baseline no longer did so. A larger proportion of gastric bypass patients (71%) reported amelioration in high-risk drinking than gastric banding (48%) at year 1, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .07); the difference largely dissipated by year 2 (50% versus 57%) .

CONCLUSION

Although 7% of patients report new high-risk alcohol use 1 year after WLS, more than half who reported high-risk alcohol use before surgery discontinued high-risk drinking.

Effect of bariatric surgery on future general surgical procedures

Bariatric surgery is now accepted as a safe and effective procedure for morbid obesity. The frequency of bariatric procedures is increasing with the adoption of the laparoscopic approach. The general surgeons will be facing many more of such patients presenting with common general surgical problems. Many of the general surgeons, faced with such situations, may not be aware of the changes in the gastrointestinal anatomy following bariatric procedures and management of these clinical situations will therefore present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We hereby present a review of management of few common general surgical problems in patients with a history of bariatric surgery.

Update on obesity surgery

The prevalence of obesity in the United States has reached epidemic proportions. With more than 30 million Americans clinically obese, the younger population has also been affected. Surgical therapy should be offered to the severely obese patient who is refractory to nonsurgical therapy, as established by the 1991 NIH Consensus Conference on Gastrointestinal Surgery for Severe Obesity. Surgery is currently the most effective therapy for weight loss. It is far more effective than any other treatment modality, both in terms of the amount of weight loss and in terms of durability in maintaining weight loss.