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for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) issued new guidelines on the indications for MBS, which have superseded the previous 1991 National Institutes of Health guidelines.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.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a bariatric surgical unit is a complex but feasible project

Obesity is a growing issue worldwide, whose causes and consequences are linked to the environment and which therefore has a high carbon footprint. On the other hand, obesity surgery, along with other procedures in surgical suites, entails environmental consequences and responsibilities. We conducted a prospective comparative study on two groups of bariatric interventions (N = 59 and 56, respectively) during two consecutive periods of time (Oct 2021-March 2022), first without and then with specific measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions related to bariatric procedures by approximately 18%. These measures included recycling of disposable surgical equipment, minimizing its use, and curbing anesthetic gas emissions. Further and continuous efforts/incentives are warranted, including reframing the surgical strategies. Instead of comparing measurements, which is difficult at the present time, we suggest defining an ECO-SCORE in operating rooms, among other healthcare facilities.

Impact of Robotic Assistance on Complications in Bariatric Surgery at Expert Laparoscopic Surgery Centers: A Retrospective Comparative Study With Propensity Score

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the way robotic assistance affected rate of complications in bariatric surgery at expert robotic and laparoscopic surgery facilities.

BACKGROUND

While the benefits of robotic assistance were established at the beginning of surgical training, there is limited data on the robot's influence on experienced bariatric laparoscopic surgeons.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study using the BRO clinical database (2008-2022) collecting data of patients operated on in expert centers. We compared the serious complication rate (defined as a Clavien score≥3) in patients undergoing metabolic bariatric surgery with or without robotic assistance. We used a directed acyclic graph to identify the variables adjustment set used in a multivariable linear regression, and a propensity score matching to calculate the average treatment effect (ATE) of robotic assistance.

RESULTS

The study included 35,043 patients [24,428 sleeve gastrectomy (SG); 10,452 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB); 163 single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S)], with 938 operated on with robotic assistance (801 SG; 134 RYGB; 3 SADI-S), among 142 centers. Overall, we found no benefit of robotic assistance regarding the risk of complications (average treatment effect=-0.05, P =0.794), with no difference in the RYGB+SADI group ( P =0.322) but a negative trend in the SG group (more complications, P =0.060). Length of hospital stay was decreased in the robot group (3.7±11.1 vs 4.0±9.0 days, P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic assistance reduced the length of stay but did not statistically significantly reduce postoperative complications (Clavien score≥3) following either GBP or SG. A tendency toward an elevated risk of complications following SG requires more supporting studies.

30-Day Morbidity and Mortality of Bariatric Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Multinational Cohort Study of 7704 Patients from 42 Countries

BACKGROUND

There are data on the safety of cancer surgery and the efficacy of preventive strategies on the prevention of postoperative symptomatic COVID-19 in these patients. But there is little such data for any elective surgery. The main objectives of this study were to examine the safety of bariatric surgery (BS) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to determine the efficacy of perioperative COVID-19 protective strategies on postoperative symptomatic COVID-19 rates.

METHODS

We conducted an international cohort study to determine all-cause and COVID-19-specific 30-day morbidity and mortality of BS performed between 01/05/2020 and 31/10/2020.

RESULTS

Four hundred ninety-nine surgeons from 185 centres in 42 countries provided data on 7704 patients. Elective primary BS (n = 7084) was associated with a 30-day morbidity of 6.76% (n = 479) and a 30-day mortality of 0.14% (n = 10). Emergency BS, revisional BS, insulin-treated type 2 diabetes, and untreated obstructive sleep apnoea were associated with increased complications on multivariable analysis. Forty-three patients developed symptomatic COVID-19 postoperatively, with a higher risk in non-whites. Preoperative self-isolation, preoperative testing for SARS-CoV-2, and surgery in institutions not concurrently treating COVID-19 patients did not reduce the incidence of postoperative COVID-19. Postoperative symptomatic COVID-19 was more likely if the surgery was performed during a COVID-19 peak in that country.

CONCLUSIONS

BS can be performed safely during the COVID-19 pandemic with appropriate perioperative protocols. There was no relationship between preoperative testing for COVID-19 and self-isolation with symptomatic postoperative COVID-19. The risk of postoperative COVID-19 risk was greater in non-whites or if BS was performed during a local peak.

30-Day Morbidity and Mortality of Bariatric Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Multinational Cohort Study of 7704 Patients from 42 Countries

BACKGROUND

There are data on the safety of cancer surgery and the efficacy of preventive strategies on the prevention of postoperative symptomatic COVID-19 in these patients. But there is little such data for any elective surgery. The main objectives of this study were to examine the safety of bariatric surgery (BS) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to determine the efficacy of perioperative COVID-19 protective strategies on postoperative symptomatic COVID-19 rates.

METHODS

We conducted an international cohort study to determine all-cause and COVID-19-specific 30-day morbidity and mortality of BS performed between 01/05/2020 and 31/10/2020.

RESULTS

Four hundred ninety-nine surgeons from 185 centres in 42 countries provided data on 7704 patients. Elective primary BS (n = 7084) was associated with a 30-day morbidity of 6.76% (n = 479) and a 30-day mortality of 0.14% (n = 10). Emergency BS, revisional BS, insulin-treated type 2 diabetes, and untreated obstructive sleep apnoea were associated with increased complications on multivariable analysis. Forty-three patients developed symptomatic COVID-19 postoperatively, with a higher risk in non-whites. Preoperative self-isolation, preoperative testing for SARS-CoV-2, and surgery in institutions not concurrently treating COVID-19 patients did not reduce the incidence of postoperative COVID-19. Postoperative symptomatic COVID-19 was more likely if the surgery was performed during a COVID-19 peak in that country.

CONCLUSIONS

BS can be performed safely during the COVID-19 pandemic with appropriate perioperative protocols. There was no relationship between preoperative testing for COVID-19 and self-isolation with symptomatic postoperative COVID-19. The risk of postoperative COVID-19 risk was greater in non-whites or if BS was performed during a local peak.

Recommendations for nutritional care after bariatric surgery: Recommendations for best practice and SOFFCO-MM/AFERO/SFNCM/expert consensus

Nutritional care after bariatric surgery is an issue of major importance, especially insofar as risk of deficiency has been extensively described in the literature. Subsequent to the deliberations carried out by a multidisciplinary working group, we are proposing a series of recommendations elaborated using the Delphi-HAS (official French health authority) method, which facilitates the drawing up of best practice and consensus recommendations based on the data of the literature and on expert opinion. The recommendations in this paper pertain to dietary management and physical activity, multivitamin and trace element supplementation and the prevention and treatment of specific deficiencies in vitamins B1, B9, B12, D and calcium, iron, zinc, vitamins A, E and K, dumping syndrome and reactive hypoglycemia.

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.

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.

Étude des agrafeuses laparoscopiques linéaires de la société REACH Surgical sur la sleeve gastrectomie en France

Les interventions bariatriques laparoscopiques faisant usage d’agrafeuses linéaires sont devenues de plus en plus populaires en France, et représentent plus de 90 % du nombre total des procédures bariatriques, soit plus de 36 000 annuellement. La sleeve gastrectomie et le by-pass gastrique sont les plus réalisés aujourd’hui. Concernant les dispositifs concurrents des deux sociétés les mieux établies (Medtronic et Ethicon), il y a un manque de résultats publiés. Un essai a été conduit avec une nouvelle génération d’agrafeuses linéaires endoscopiques créées par une société chinoise (REACH Surgical) dans quatre centres en France (Lyon, Bourgoin, Toulon et Saint-Étienne) et cinq opérateurs différents. Trente-six sleeve gastrectomies ont été réalisées de octobre 2019 à février 2020 (34 primaires et deux secondaires), 32 femmes et quatre hommes, âge moyen : 42 ans, poids : 112 kg, IMC : 40,4 kg/m2. De 0 à 5, la note moyenne sur l’ergonomie a été de 4, et pour la sécurité 4,5. Il n’y a pas eu d’événements indésirables à 48 heures, et un à J4 (abcès sous-phrénique, pas de fistule digestive). L’impression générale a été celle d’un dispositif sûr et efficace.

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.

Multicenter Randomized Study of Obesity Treatment with Minimally Invasive Injection of Hyaluronic Acid Versus and Combined with Intragastric Balloon

BACKGROUND

Research into minimally invasive techniques is worthwhile for greater acceptance in bariatric surgery, a useful first step being to evaluate the combination of these with current procedures. We suggest that intragastric balloon (IGB) can be performed with hyaluronic acid (HA) injections at the level of the gastroesophageal junction.

METHODS

A submucosal restriction is created by circular injection of an absorbable material within a defined area based on endoscopic anatomy. We included 101 patients in a prospective multicenter randomized trial, with average body mass index (BMI) 33.4 (range 27-44), treated from April 2010 to April 2012 by IGB and/or HA injection, sequentially, and followed for two more years. Patients were divided into group 1 (IGB alone), group 2 (IGB followed by HA at IGB removal, at 6 months), and group 3 (HA and IGB at 6 months).

RESULTS

BMI loss at 6 months was inferior in the HA group (32 patients) compared with the IGB groups (68 patients) (2.1 ± 0.4 versus 3.4 ± 0.3, p < 0.05). The efficacy of IGB alone compared with combined treatments (groups 2 and 3) was significantly inferior at 18 months only, but the impact of the treatment sequence (HA before or after IGB) on BMI loss was not statistically significant, although in favor of HA first.

CONCLUSIONS

This study did not demonstrate the efficacy of HA injections as an obesity treatment.

Novel Endoscopic Management of Obesity

Endoscopic procedures have been well-documented in the obesity field, but have not yet reached a sufficient level of evidence as stand-alone methods for treating obesity. It is unclear if they should take over. Although expanding, the array of bariatric surgical techniques does not fully meet the current needs, and there are not enough resources for increasing surgery. Surgery is avoided by a majority of patients, so that less aggressive procedures are necessary. For the time being, relevant endoscopic methods include intra-gastric balloons, gastric partitioning (Endo-plication), and the metabolic field (Endo-barrier). Surgical novelties and basic research are also important contributors owing to their potential combination with endoscopy. Conditions have been listed for implementation of bariatric endoscopy, because innovation is risky, expensive, and faces ethical challenges. A scientific background is being built (e.g., hormonal studies). Some techniques require additional study, while others are not ready but should be priorities. Steps and goals include the search for conceptual similarities and the respect of an ethical frame. Minimally invasive bariatric techniques are not ready for prime time, but they are already being successful as re-do procedures. A time-frame for step-strategies can be defined, and more investments from the industry are mandatory.

[Reintervention for failed vertical banded gastroplasty: the adjustable lapband offers a useful technique to further restrict a restrictive procedure]

BACKGROUND

Reintervention for failed bariatric procedures is a subject of much debate. Our experience in remediating failed vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) suggests that the placement of an adjustable lapband may be a useful technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Over a 13-year period, 98 patients with failed VBG underwent remedial placement of an adjustable lapband. Unsatisfactory results of VBG were due to disruption of the staple line in 58% of cases and to outlet enlargement in 37% of patients. Mean BMI was 38 (range: 28-48); BMI was less than 35 in 37% of cases.

RESULTS

Seven postoperative complications (7%) were noted and required the removal of the lapband in five cases. The average loss of excess weight was 52% at 8 years. Twenty-two percent of patients were lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Placement of an adjustable lapband has proved to be a useful remedial approach in the majority of cases and demonstrates that further restriction of a previous restrictive procedure is useful in patients who initially responded well to VBG.

[What happens to the stomach after bariatric surgery?]

In France, indications for bariatric surgery are clearly defined in the recommendations issued by ANAES and medical societies. The number of surgical procedures performed in France, is currently estimated to be 10 to 12.000 per year, with a regular increase of the gastric banding technique, which represents now more than 75% of the procedures. This review presents the main surgical procedures, and particularly, insists on their post-operative complications and their prevention, diagnosis and management.

Pouch dilatation and slippage after adjustable gastric banding: is it still an issue?

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in France is currently the most common bariatric surgical procedure for the treatment of severe obesity; its most reported complication is band slippage and/or pouch dilatation, which usually requires reoperation. It is highly important to assess whether a change in the operation could improve these results.

METHODS

From April 1995 to October 2001, 973 patients underwent LAGB in our institution. Since January 1999, our technique changed: the band was positioned according to the so called "pars flaccida technique", ie. around the gastric vessel instead of close to the gastric wall. 511 patients had been operated before this period, and 462 after. Other details in the technique did not change (dissection above the lesser sac, no posterior stitch, three anterior stitches), meaning that potential differences could not be related to a learning curve.

RESULTS

Band slippage occurred in 27 patients of the first group during the first period of 34 months (5.2%), and 5 more afterwards (total 6.2%). Only 3 patients of the second group (0.6%) had a slippage during the same period of time.

CONCLUSION

Although the problem of band slippage is not likely to be completely solved, changing the technique has made it possible to decrease the rate of this complication. The height or the shape of different types of band also remain under scrutiny.

Evidence of human papilloma virus infection but lack of Epstein-Barr virus in lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of uterine cervix: report of two cases and review of the literature

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) of uterine cervix is an uncommon variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We report here 2 new cases in which DNA sequences from human papilloma virus (HPV) types 16 and 18 were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To the best of our knowledge, HPV infection has not been previously described in similar cases occuring in European women. Moreover, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is frequently associated with cervical LELC in Asian women, was absent in our 2 cases. These results suggest that HPVs but not EBV can play a role in the pathogenesis of LELC occuring in women originating from Western countries.

[Primary and isolated cutaneous lymphomatoid granulomatosis following heart-lung transplantation]

BACKGROUND

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis is an Epstein-Barr virus-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disease. It is angiocentric and angiodestructive and involves the lungs, central nervous system and skin. Exclusive cutaneous involvement is rare and may be associated with a better outcome. Contrarily to the extra-cutaneous forms of lymphomatoid granulomatosis, it is difficult or impossible to detect Epstein-Barr virus DNA sequences in primary and isolated cutaneous lymphomatoid granulomatosis.

CASE REPORT

A 54-year-old woman developed erythemato-violaceous lesions on both legs 3 years after a heart-lung transplantation. The diagnosis of erythema multiforme and of drug-induced vasculitis were first made. Because of fever and of the rapid extension of the lesions, the patient was hospitalized. The histologic examination of the first lesions showed a perivascular infiltrate, without epidermotropism, composed of histiocytes, lymphocytes and plasma cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of a predominantly T-cell infiltrate with some large B cells. Subsequent biopsies were diagnosed as high grade B-cell lymphoma. Polymerase chain reaction analysis as well as in situ hybridation study showed the presence of Epstein-Barr virus load in the lesions. There was however no serologic evidence of viral reactivation. Extensive systemic evaluation revealed no visceral or bone marrow involvement. Despite antiviral treatment and CHOP polychemotherapy, the patient died 3 months after her admission.

DISCUSSION

This observation of lymphomatoid granulomatosis is particular because of its exclusive cutaneous involvement associated with a fulminant evolution to high grade B lymphoma. The presence of a context of iatrogenic immunosuppression underlies the role of altered immune cellular functions in the initiation and/or progression of lymphomatoid granulomatosis and strengthens the role of a viral agent in its pathogenesis. We suggest that the presence of Epstein-Barr virus, which is generally not associated with the isolated cutaneous forms of lymphomatoid granulomatosis, may have played a role in this fulminant evolution to high grade B lymphoma.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: lessons from the first 500 patients in a single institution

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has been adopted by many bariatric surgeons. It remains under scrutiny, although it represents a major innovation in the treatment of morbid obesity. We present the lessons from the first 500 patients treated in our institution.

METHODS

From April 1995 to November 1998, 500 patients (421 females, 79 males) underwent an LAGB in our institution: 432 were morbidly obese and 68 were superobese. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 43, and mean excess weight was 51 kg.

RESULTS

There have been no deaths. There was one case of gastric perforation reoperated on and three cases of pulmonary and/or abdominal collections treated by drains. Two rings were changed for leakage. One ring was removed for a postoperative sigmoiditis. Three late gastric erosions occurred, requiring removal of the ring. Five access- ports have been removed for infection. 25 cases (5%)of pouch dilatation have been observed of which 18 (3.6%) led to reoperation. Mean follow-up was 21 months. Mean excess weight loss was 56% at 1 year, 65% at 2 years, and 64% at 3 years.

CONCLUSION

This favorable outcome led us to propose laparoscopic banding to all our patients instead of stapling gastroplasty. Short-term data should be confirmed by a longer follow-up, but indicate that LAGB should provide good results in terms of weight loss and that there are a limited number of failures. We believe that it should not be regarded just as a first-step procedure but as a final therapy, even for superobese patients.

[Laparoscopic surgery in morbid obesity: adjustable-ring gastroplasty. 320 cases]

Stapling gastroplasty has long been the standard operation in France to treat morbid obesity. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has become an attractive method, because it is minimally invasive and allows modulation of weight loss. In our technique, the ring is placed in a high position, just beneath the gastro-oesophageal junction. Three hundred and twenty patients have been operated from April 1995 to February 1998 (271 females and 49 males, mean age 39.2 years); their mean weight was 121.6 kg, and their mean BMI was 44 kg/m2. Two rings have been changed for leakage. Two rings have been removed, because of postoperative sigmoiditis and a late gastric erosion. Three access-ports have been removed for infection. Eleven cases of pouch dilatation have been observed, 4 of which required reoperation. Mean loss of excess weight was 47% at 6 months, 62% at one year, and 72% at two years. This favorable outcome led us to propose laparoscopic banding to all patients with morbid obesity instead of stapling gastroplasty.

Two cases of conversion of vertical ring gastroplasty to adjustable silicone gastric banding

BACKGROUND

Since May 1995, we have used laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding (ASGB) as an alternative to silastic ring vertical gastroplasty (SRVG) to treat morbid obesity. Moreover, it seemed that ASGB was an appropriate procedure to use when SRVG had failed and no alternative procedure could be attempted again, which occurred in two patients. Because of adhesions, the laparoscopic approach was inappropriate in both cases. The size of the pouch and the staple-line were not obstacles to ASGB.

METHODS

Case 1 was a 53-year-old woman of 111 kg (BMI = 46) who had SRVG in July 1994. One year later, she had a 54 kg weight loss, but had continuing food intolerance, although malfunction of the pouch or ring could not be found. A removal of the ring was performed in October 1995, and a 10-cm diameter silicone band placed. The band was not inflated until she had regained weight 5 months later. Case 2 was a 33-year-old woman of 100 kg (BMI = 40) who had SRVG in March 1994. Weight loss was 45 kg 18 months later; then she gained weight. Endoscopy and barium swallow showed both staple-line disruption and band erosion. Removal of the ring was performed in March 1996, and a 9.75-cm diameter silicone band placed, and inflated at the same time with 2 cc saline.

RESULTS

Both patients are doing well.

CONCLUSIONS

ASGB appeared to be the best alternative when revising an SRVG in cases where a new stapling or the placement of a new ring could have had consequences more serious than the primary complications.

Preliminary report: parenteral Lorazepam in induced epileptic states in man

The anticonvulsive effect of Lorazepam -- one of the newer diazepines -- has been tested in 10 patients with induced epileptic conditions under continuous polygraphic control. The quantitative analysis of the paroxysmal discharges -- i.e. the evolution of the "paroxysmal index" -- shows that 5 mg IV Lorazepam normalize the tracings in 2.3 minutes. Parenteral Lorazepam inhibits pharmacologically-induced electroencephalographic abnormalities in man. Its action is slightly delayed. No effect on cardiac or respiratory function, or muscle tone was noted.

Preliminary study of parenteral lorazepam in status epilepticus

The authors report their experience with parenteral lorazepam in the acute treatment of 11 patients with EEG-confirmed status epilepticus. Ten adults and one 6-year-old child were injected respectively with 5 mg and 2.5 mg lorazepam. All of these patients exhibited prompt cessation of seizures both electrical and clinical. Some data indicate a longer lasting relief than that provided by an equal dose of diazepam.