Cost-effectiveness of ursodeoxycholic acid in preventing new-onset symptomatic gallstone disease after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery

BACKGROUND

The aim was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) prophylaxis for the prevention of symptomatic gallstone disease after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in patients without gallstones before surgery.

METHODS

Data from a multicentre, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled superiority trial were used. Patients scheduled for laparoscopic RYGB or sleeve gastrectomy were randomized to receive 900 mg UDCA or placebo for 6 months. Indicated by the clinical report, prophylactic prescription of UDCA was evaluated economically against placebo from a healthcare and societal perspective for the subgroup of patients without gallstones before surgery who underwent RYGB. Volumes and costs of in-hospital care, out-of-hospital care, out-of-pocket expenses, and productivity loss were assessed. Main outcomes were the costs per patient free from symptomatic gallstone disease and the costs per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY).

RESULTS

Patients receiving UDCA prophylaxis were more likely to remain free from symptomatic gallstone disease (relative risk 1.06, 95 per cent c.i. 1.02 to 1.11; P = 0.002) compared with patients in the placebo group. The gain in QALYs, corrected for a baseline difference in health utility, was 0.047 (95 per cent bias-corrected and accelerated (Bca) c.i. 0.007 to 0.088) higher (P = 0.022). Differences in costs were -€356 (95 per cent Bca c.i. €-1573 to 761) from a healthcare perspective and -€1392 (-3807 to 917) from a societal perspective including out-of-pocket expenses and productivity loss, both statistically non-significant, in favour of UDCA prophylaxis. The probability of UDCA prophylaxis being cost-effective was at least 0.872.

CONCLUSION

UDCA prophylaxis after RYGB in patients without gallstones before surgery was cost-effective.

[Laparoscopic cholecystolithotomy]

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard treatment for upper abdominal complaints in the presence of gallbladder stones. This operation is a mediocre solution since only 63 % of the operated patients the symptoms become symptom free after one year. The laparoscopic cholecystolithotomy is an alternative procedure for removal of gallstones while preserving the gallbladder. This technique is being performed in Asia, but not in Western countries. The technique seems promising in patients after a bariatric procedure. These patients have a temporarily increased incidence of gallbladder stones. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with a an increased complication rate in these patients. But also non bariatric patients with symptomatic gallbladder stones might benefit from a laparoscopic cholecystolithotomy.

Fecal microbiota transplantation does not alter bacterial translocation and visceral adipose tissue inflammation in individuals with obesity

AIMS

Visceral adipose tissue inflammation is a fundamental mechanism of insulin resistance in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Translocation of intestinal bacteria has been suggested as a driving factor for the inflammation. However, although bacterial DNA was detected in visceral adipose tissue of humans with obesity, it is unclear to what extent this is contamination or whether the gut microbiota is causally involved. Effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on bacterial translocation and visceral adipose tissue inflammation in individuals with obesity and insulin resistance were assessed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eight individuals with clinically severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >35 kg/m2) and metabolic syndrome received lean donor FMT 4 weeks prior to elective bariatric surgery. The participants were age-, sex-, and BMI-matched to 16 controls that underwent no fecal transplantation. Visceral adipose tissue was collected during surgery. Bacterial translocation was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of adipose tissue and feces. Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and histopathological analyses of visceral adipose tissue were performed to assess inflammation.

RESULTS

Fecal microbiota transplantation significantly altered gut microbiota composition. Visceral adipose tissue contained a very low quantity of bacterial DNA in both groups. No difference in visceral bacterial DNA content between groups was observed. Also, visceral expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and macrophage infiltration did not differ between groups. No correlation between inflammatory tone and bacterial translocation was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Visceral bacterial DNA content and level of inflammation were not altered upon FMT. Thus, bacterial translocation may not be the main driver of visceral adipose tissue inflammation in obesity.

Ursodeoxycholic acid for the prevention of symptomatic gallstone disease after bariatric surgery (UPGRADE): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled superiority trial

BACKGROUND

Rapid weight loss is a major risk factor for the formation of cholesterol gallstones. Consequently, patients with morbid obesity undergoing bariatric surgery frequently develop symptomatic gallstone disease. This trial assessed the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid versus placebo for the prevention of symptomatic gallstone disease after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

This multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled superiority trial enrolled patients with an intact gallbladder scheduled for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy in three hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) by a web-based randomisation module to receive 900 mg ursodeoxycholic acid daily for 6 months or matched placebo. Randomisation was stratified by the presence of asymptomatic gallstones at baseline and type of surgery. Patients, clinicians, and study staff were masked to treatment allocation. The primary endpoint was symptomatic gallstone disease within 24 months, assessed in the modified intention-to-treat population (all randomly assigned eligible patients with any post-randomisation measurement). Prespecified subgroup analyses were done based on the stratification groups. Safety was assessed in all patients who took at least one dose of the study drug. This trial is registered with the Netherlands Trial Register, NL5954.

FINDINGS

Between Jan 11, 2017, and Oct 22, 2018, 985 patients were randomly assigned to receive either ursodeoxycholic acid (n=492) or placebo (n=493). 967 patients were included in the modified intention-to-treat population, of whom 959 had data available for primary endpoint assessment. 189 (20%) patients had asymptomatic gallstones at baseline and 78 (8%) received a sleeve gastrectomy. Symptomatic gallstone disease occurred in 31 (6·5%) of 475 patients in the ursodeoxycholic acid group and in 47 (9·7%) of 484 patients in the placebo group (relative risk 0·67, 95% CI 0·43-1·04, p=0·071). Logistic regression showed a significant interaction between ursodeoxycholic acid and the presence of asymptomatic gallstones at baseline (p=0·046), with an effect of ursodeoxycholic acid in patients without (0·47, 0·27-0·84, p=0·0081), and no effect in patients with asymptomatic gallstones at baseline (1·22, 0·61-2·47, p=0·57). The effect was stronger in patients without gallstones at baseline undergoing RYGB (0·37, 0·20-0·71, p=0·0016), whereas the subgroup of patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy was too small to draw clear conclusions. Adverse events were rare. In the ursodeoxycholic acid group, diarrhoea occurred in four (0·9%) of 444 patients and skin rash in two (0·5%) patients. In the placebo group, diarrhoea occurred in two (0·4%) of 453 patients and skin rash in two (0·4%) patients. The total number of serious adverse events did not significantly differ between the trial groups (75 [17%] in 444 patients in the ursodeoxycholic acid group and 102 [23%] in 453 patients in the placebo group). The most common serious adverse events were abdominal pain and internal hernia. No serious adverse event was attributed to the study drug.

INTERPRETATION

Ursodeoxycholic acid prophylaxis did not significantly reduce the occurrence of symptomatic gallstone disease in all patients after bariatric surgery. In patients without gallstones before RYGB surgery, ursodeoxycholic acid treatment reduced the occurrence of symptomatic gallstone disease compared with placebo. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid after sleeve gastrectomy.

FUNDING

The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development, Zambon Netherlands BV, Foundation for Clinical Research of the Slotervaart Hospital, the Spaarne Gasthuis Academy, and Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism.

Ursodeoxycholic acid for the prevention of symptomatic gallstone disease after bariatric surgery: statistical analysis plan for a randomised controlled trial (UPGRADE trial)

BACKGROUND

Approximately 8-15% of patients undergoing bariatric surgery develop symptomatic gallstone disease within 24 months after surgery. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) seems to effectively prevent the formation of gallstones detectable by ultrasound after bariatric surgery. The aim of the UPGRADE trial is to provide evidence on the prophylactic use of UDCA in preventing symptomatic gallstone disease postoperatively.

METHODS

The UPGRADE trial is designed as a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind multicentre trial in patients with morbid obesity undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Patients are randomly assigned to either UDCA 900 mg daily for 6 months or placebo treatment. This paper details the statistical analysis plan (SAP) of this trial and was submitted before outcome data were available.

RESULTS

The primary endpoint of this trial is symptomatic gallstone disease within 24 months after bariatric surgery, defined as admission or hospital visit for symptomatic gallstone disease. Secondary outcomes consist of the development of gallstones/sludge on ultrasound at 24 months in the gallstone-negative group at baseline, presence of gallstones/sludge on ultrasound at 24 months, number of cholecystectomies, side effects of UDCA, therapy compliance, quality of life, costs and revenues. Analyses will be completed according to this pre-specified SAP. The main analysis will be performed as a standard ITT analysis using the chi-squared test.

DISCUSSION

The UPGRADE trial will show if prophylactic use of UDCA reduces the incidence of symptomatic gallstone disease after bariatric surgery. Unforeseen deviations from the SAP at the time of analysis will be motivated and discussed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The Netherlands Trial Register NL5954 . Registered on 21 November 2016.

[Complicated small intestine diverticulitis]

Complicated small intestine diverticulitis Background Diverticula do not only occur in the colon but also in the small intestine albeit less frequently. Small intestine diverticula are usually asymptomatic. Acute complications, such as intestinal obstruction, bleeding or diverticulitis with or without abscess or perforation, are rare. Case description An 85-year-old male presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain since two weeks and a palpable mass in the upper left abdomen. Laboratory tests revealed significantly elevated infection parameters. Computed tomography imaging of the abdomen revealed ileus of the small intestine as well as a small bowel faeces sign and wall thickening. Upon laparotomy, we saw there was small intestine diverticulitis and covered perforation. We carried out a partial resection of the small intestine. Patient recovered smoothly and has not had any symptoms since then. Conclusion Asymptomatic small intestine diverticula require no treatment, while complicated diverticulitis often requires surgery.

Randomized clinical trial of an enhanced recovery after surgery programme versus conventional care in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes have led to a decreased duration of hospital stay in several surgical fields, but have not been fully tested in patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) for obesity. This study aimed to investigate an ERAS programme versus standard care in these patients.

Methods

Between January 2013 and July 2014, patients undergoing LRYGB were randomized to ERAS or conventional care. The primary outcome was functional hospital stay, defined as the time between end of surgery and when predefined discharge criteria (pain adequately controlled, fever and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) absent, full liquid diet tolerated, mobilized and feeling fit for discharge) were met. Secondary outcomes were total length of hospital stay, 30-day complication and mortality rates, duration of surgery, time spent on the recovery ward and health-related quality of life.

Results

A total 220 patients were randomized to ERAS (110 patients) or conventional (110) care. Patients in the ERAS group had shorter functional hospital stay (17·4 versus 20·5 h; P < 0·001), quicker pain control, tolerated liquid diet earlier, had earlier control of PONV, mobilized sooner and were comfortable with discharge sooner than those receiving conventional care. Total length of hospital stay, duration of surgery, time spent on the recovery ward, health-related quality of life, complication and readmission rates did not differ between the study groups. There were no deaths.

Conclusion

Patients under ERAS care recovered faster after LRYGB surgery than those receiving conventional care, with no increase in readmission and postoperative morbidity rates. Registration number: NTR3853 (http://www.trialregister.nl/).

Internal Herniation After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery: Pitfalls in Diagnosing and the Introduction of the AMSTERDAM Classification

INTRODUCTION

Internal herniation (IH) probably is the most elusive complication of laparoscopic Roux- en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) surgery. This study provides a definition for IH, a diagnosing algorithm, and information on several factors influencing IH formation.

METHOD

Baseline characteristics, laboratory findings, imaging studies, operative findings, and follow up data of 1583 patients that underwent LRYGB at our bariatric facility between 2007 and 2013 were recorded. Follow up varied between 3 and 76 months, and 85 % of the data was available for analysis at 12 months. Our surgical technique was standardized. Intermesenteric spaces were not closed until July 2012, where after they were closed. To facilitate comparison, IH cases were matched with controls.

RESULTS

Forty patients (2.5 %) had an IH during re-laparoscopy. The modal clinical presentation is acute onset epigastric discomfort, often crampy/colicky in nature. Additional examinations included laboratory testing, abdominal X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, and abdominal CT scanning. Patients who developed an IH lost a significantly higher percentage of their total body weight than their matched controls at every time point. IH incidence was higher in the non-closure group than the closure group.

CONCLUSION

The large variation in reported IH incidence is due to the large variation in IH definition. To gain more uniformity in reporting IH prevalence, we propose the use of the AMSTERDAM classification. Post-LRYGB patients with acute onset crampy/colicky epigastric pain should undergo abdominal ultrasound to rule out gallbladder pathology and offered re-laparoscopy with a low threshold. IH incidence is highest among patients with rapid weight loss and non-closure of intermesenteric defects.

Ursodeoxycholic acid for the prevention of symptomatic gallstone disease after bariatric surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (UPGRADE trial)

Background

The number of bariatric interventions for morbid obesity is increasing worldwide. Rapid weight loss is a major risk factor for gallstone development. Approximately 11 % of patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass develop symptomatic gallstone disease. Gallstone disease can lead to severe complications and often requires hospitalization and surgery. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) prevents the formation of gallstones after bariatric surgery. However, randomized controlled trials with symptomatic gallstone disease as primary endpoint have not been conducted. Currently, major guidelines make no definite statement about postoperative UDCA prophylaxis and most bariatric centers do not prescribe UDCA.

Methods

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind multicenter trial will be performed for which 980 patients will be included. The study population consists of consecutive patients scheduled to undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy in three bariatric centers in the Netherlands. Patients will undergo a preoperative ultrasound and randomization will be stratified for pre-existing gallstones and for type of surgery. The intervention group will receive UDCA 900 mg once daily for six months. The placebo group will receive similar-looking placebo tablets. The primary endpoint is symptomatic gallstone disease after 24 months, defined as admission or hospital visit for symptomatic gallstone disease. Secondary endpoints consist of the development of gallstones on ultrasound at 24 months, number of cholecystectomies, side-effects of UDCA and quality of life. Furthermore, cost-effectiveness, cost-utility and budget impact analyses will be performed.

Discussion

The UPGRADE trial will answer the question whether UDCA reduces the incidence of symptomatic gallstone disease after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. Furthermore it will determine if treatment with UDCA is cost-effective.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register (trialregister.nl) 6135. Date registered: 21-Nov-2016.

Which baseline weight should be preferred as reference for weight loss results? Insights in bariatric weight loss mechanisms by comparing primary and revision gastric bypass patients

BACKGROUND

Bariatric weight loss essentially is expressed with reference to the baseline weight, for example, as relative percentages or as absolute body mass index (BMI) points lost from baseline. A different definition of baseline weight would therefore affect all weight loss results. We try to determine which value to prefer for baseline weight in weight loss surgery: the accidental weight at time of operation or the patient-specific steady weight, reflecting a steady personal craving for calories that is independent of the operation.

METHODS

Nadir percentage alterable weight loss (%AWL) outcome of all primary gastric bypass patients in our hospital with a 2-year follow-up is compared twice with nadir %AWL outcome of all revision gastric banding-to-bypass patients: relative to their BMI before their banding and before their banding-to-bypass (Mann-Whitney; p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Out of 713 gastric bypass patients with a 2-year follow-up, 82 had revision banding-to-bypass. Total mean baseline BMI is 44.1 kg/m2; nadir BMI is 29.2 kg/m2. Difference in mean nadir weight loss between primary (49.4% AWL) and revision patients is not significant if compared to baseline BMI before gastric banding (47.4% AWL) but significant if compared to baseline BMI before revision banding-to-bypass (37.7% AWL).

CONCLUSIONS

Revision gastric bypass with removal of gastric banding does not affect the "new" weight after the gastric banding but the "old" weight before the banding. Gastric bypass effectiveness was not added to the gastric banding effectiveness; it replaced it. Therefore, the patient-specific steady weight should be preferred for baseline BMI, reflecting an underlying personal craving for calories that remains constant over time and independent of a bariatric procedure. Baseline BMI can be standardized by using the measured weight at first visit before the primary bariatric procedure, also in revision cases.

The DULK (Dutch leakage) and modified DULK score compared: actively seek the leak

AIM

A standardized postoperative score, the DULK (Dutch leakage) score, has been demonstrated to be a useful clinical tool in the diagnosis of anastomotic leakage. It is complicated, however, and a simplification (the modified DULK score) based on fewer parameters derived from multiple logistic regression analyses has been developed. These include clinical condition, abdominal pain not localized at the wound, C-reactive protein level and respiratory rate. The accuracy of each was compared.

METHOD

Data of all patients from five Dutch centres operated on between 16 October 2007 and 1 November 2009 with an anastomosis in the colon or rectum were entered into a prospectively maintained database.

RESULTS

In total, 782 patients were included of whom 81 (10.4%) had a clinically relevant anastomotic leakage. The DULK score gave an overall sensitivity of 97% for anastomotic leakage, overall specificity of 53%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 16% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99%. The modified DULK score used clinical condition, abdominal pain not localized at the wound, C-reactive protein level and respiratory rate. With at least one parameter present, overall sensitivity was 97%, overall specificity 57%, PPV 17% and NPV 99.5%. With at least two points PPV was 41% and with three points 57%.

CONCLUSION

Both the original and modified DULK scores are useful for the early diagnosis of clinically relevant anastomotic leakage. The modified DULK score offers the benefit of fewer parameters and so can easily be used in a clinical environment to estimate the likelihood of anastomotic leakage. However, the early diagnosis of anastomotic leakage remains difficult.