Bariatric surgery (BS) may help transplant patients by improving their comorbidities and graft function and reducing the recurrence of the disease that led to the transplant. Different timings for BS have been proposed. This study aims to describe the outcomes of BS before, during, and after solid organ transplantation.
MethodsWe identified patients with history of solid organ transplantation that underwent BS between January 1, 2012, and April 31, 2022, at our hospital site. We analyzed patients’ demographics, obesity-related comorbidities, and transplant history. Measured outcomes included post-operative morbidity; readmission; comorbidity management; weight loss at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up; and survival.
ResultsSeventy-eight patients were included in our analysis, with a median age of 57 (28–75) years and a median BMI of 40.91 (28.9–61) kg/m2. The most transplanted organ was the liver (53.6%), followed by the kidney (31.9%). Ten patients underwent BS before the transplant, 11 had simultaneous BS and liver transplant, and 57 underwent BS after the transplant. The median operative time, ICU requirement, length of hospital stay, and early post-operative complications were significantly higher in the simultaneous group. The median EBWL% at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up was 47.51%, 57.89%, and 64.22%, respectively, with no significant difference between the three groups. Thirty-four (44.3%) and 40 (50.8%) patients reduced their HTN and DM medication dosage, respectively. One- and five-year survival rates were 98.2% and 87.4%.
ConclusionBS before, during, or after solid organ transplant is safe, leads to a significant weight loss and improvement of obesity-related comorbidities, and improves patient’s survival.
Graphical AbstractAbdominal pain after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is a common and unwanted complication that typically leads to further exploration through radiology. Concerns have been raised regarding the consequences of this radiation exposure and its correlation with the lifetime risk of cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in computed tomography (CT) use between LRYGB patients with open and closed mesenteric defects and to assess the radiological findings and radiation doses.
MethodsThis subgroup analysis included 300 patients randomized to either closure (n = 150) or nonclosure (n = 150) of mesenteric defects during LRYGB. The total number of CT scans performed due to abdominal pain in the first 5 postoperative years was recorded together with the radiological findings and radiation doses.
ResultsA total of 132 patients (44%) underwent 281 abdominal CT scans, including 133 scans for 67 patients with open mesenteric defects (45%) and 148 scans for 65 patients with closed mesenteric defects (43%). Radiological findings consistent with small bowel obstruction or internal hernia were found in 31 (23%) of the scans for patients with open defects and in 18 (12%) of the scans for patients with closed defects (p = 0.014). The other pathological and radiological findings were infrequent and not significantly different between groups. At the 5-year follow-up, the total radiation dose was 82,400 mGy cm in the nonclosure group and 85,800 mGy cm in the closure group.
ConclusionClosure of mesenteric defects did not influence the use of CT to assess abdominal pain.
Graphical abstractObesity in the recipient is linked to inferior transplant outcome. Consequently, access to kidney transplantation (KT) is often restricted by body mass index (BMI) thresholds. Bariatric surgery (BS) has been established as a superior treatment for obesity compared to conservative measures, but it is unclear whether it is beneficial for patients on the waiting list.
MethodsA national survey consisting of 16 questions was sent to all heads of German KT centers. Current situation of KT candidates with obesity and the status of BS were queried.
ResultsCenter response rate was 100%. Obesity in KT candidates was considered an important issue (96.1%; n?=?49/51) and 68.6% (n?=?35/51) of departments responded to use absolute BMI thresholds for KT waiting list access with?≥?35 kg/m2 (45.1%; n?=?23/51) as the most common threshold. BS was considered an appropriate weight loss therapy (92.2%; n?=?47/51), in particular before KT (88.2%; n?=?45/51). Sleeve gastrectomy was the most favored procedure (77.1%; n?=?37/51). Twenty-one (41.2%) departments responded to evaluate KT candidates with obesity by default but only 11 (21.6%) had experience with?≥?n?=?5 transplants after BS. Concerns against BS were malabsorption of immunosuppressive therapy (39.2%; n?=?20/51), perioperative morbidity (17.6%; n?=?9/51), and malnutrition (13.7%; n?=?7/51).
ConclusionsObesity is potentially limiting access for KT. Despite commonly used BMI limits, only few German centers consider BS for obesity treatment in KT candidates by default. A national multicenter study is desired by nearly all heads of German transplant centers to prospectively assess the potentials, risks, and safety of BS in KT waitlisted patients.
Graphical abstractPostoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) occurs frequently after bariatric surgery and is a major cause of adverse outcomes. This retrospective study investigated whether opioid-restricted total intravenous anesthesia using dexmedetomidine as a substitute for remifentanil can reduce PONV in bariatric surgery.
Materials and MethodsThe electronic medical records of adult patients who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery between January and December 2019 were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the agents used for anesthesia: Group D, propofol and dexmedetomidine; Group R, propofol and remifentanil.
ResultsA total of 134 patients were included in the analyses. The frequency of postoperative nausea was significantly lower in Group D than that in Group R until 2 h after discharge from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) (P?=?0.005 in the PACU, P?=?0.010 at 2 h after PACU discharge) but failed to significantly reduce the overall high incidence rates of 60.5% and 65.5%, respectively (P?=?0.592). Postoperative pain score was significantly lower in Group D until 6 h after PACU discharge. The rates of rescue antiemetic and analgesic agent administration in the PACU were significantly lower in Group D than those in Group R.
ConclusionOpioid-restricted total intravenous anesthesia using dexmedetomidine reduces postoperative nausea, pain score, antiemetic, and analgesic requirements in the immediate postoperative period after bariatric surgery.
Graphical abstractMorbidity and mortality associated with bariatric surgery are considered low. The aim of this study is to assess the incidence, clinical presentation, risk factors, and management of early postoperative bleeding (POB) after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric by-pass (RYGB).
Materials and MethodsRetrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of consecutive patients who underwent RYGB in 2 expert bariatric centers between January 1999 and April 2020, with a common bariatric surgeon.
ResultsA total of 2639 patients underwent RYGB and were included in the study. POB occurred in 72 patients (2.7%). Intraluminal bleeding (ILB) was present in 52 (72%) patients and extra-luminal bleeding (ELB) in 20 (28%) patients. POB took place within the first 3 postoperative days in 79% of patients. The most frequent symptom was tachycardia (63%). Abdominal pain was more regularly seen with ILB, compared to ELB (50% vs. 20%, respectively, p?=?0.02). Male sex was an independent risk factor of POB on multivariate analysis (p?<?0.01). LOS was significantly longer in patients who developed POB (8.3 vs. 3.8 days, p?<?0.01). Management was conservative for most cases (68%). Eighteen patients with ILB (35%) and 5 patients with ELB (25%) required reoperation. One patient died from multiorgan failure after staple-line dehiscence of the excluded stomach (mortality 0.04%).
ConclusionThe incidence of POB is low, yet it is the most frequent postoperative complication after RYGB. Most POB can be managed conservatively while surgical treatment is required for patients with hemodynamic instability or signs of intestinal obstruction due to an intraluminal clot.
Graphical abstractObesity is a growingly impacting human health concern. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an effective treatment for morbid obesity. However, the general anesthesia (GA) used in this major surgery has its documented drawbacks in obese patients with high risk. On the other hand, combined thoracic spinal-epidural anesthesia (CTSEA), a modern regional anesthesia procedure, has the advantages of both spinal and epidural anesthesia but without their shortcomings. This prospective study is a case experience that assesses the feasibility of CTSEA as an anesthesia option for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).
MethodsA total of 100 patients were recruited for LSG as a management procedure for morbid obesity, which was performed under CTSEA. Perioperative events, functional parameters, and patients’ satisfaction scores were recorded.
ResultsOur prospective study showed successful use of CTSEA in 99% of the patients, except for one patient (1%) in whom CTSEA was converted into GA due to severe pain and anxiety. Few adverse events occurred and were managed accordingly. The satisfaction score revealed that 94% of the patients were satisfied.
ConclusionsCTSEA was a successful anesthetic alternative procedure for LSG surgery.
Graphical abstractAbout 20–25% of patients experience weight regain (WR) or insufficient weight loss (IWL) after bariatric metabolic surgery (BS). Therefore, we aimed to retrospectively assess the effectiveness of adjunct treatment with the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide in non-diabetic patients with WR or IWL after BS.
Materials and MethodsPost-bariatric patients without type 2 diabetes (T2D) with WR or IWL (n?=?44) were included in the analysis. The primary endpoint was weight loss 3 and 6 months after initiation of adjunct treatment. Secondary endpoints included change in BMI, HbA1c, lipid profile, hs-CRP, and liver enzymes.
ResultsPatients started semaglutide 64.7?±?47.6 months (mean?±?SD) after BS. At initiation of semaglutide, WR after post-bariatric weight nadir was 12.3?±?14.4% (mean?±?SD). Total weight loss during semaglutide treatment was???6.0?±?4.3% (mean?±?SD, p?<?0.001) after 3 months (3.2 months, IQR 3.0–3.5, n?=?38) and???10.3?±?5.5% (mean?±?SD, p?<?0.001) after 6 months (5.8 months, IQR 5.8–6.4, n?=?20). At 3 months, categorical weight loss was?>?5% in 61% of patients,?>?10% in 16% of patients, and?>?15% in 2% of patients. Triglycerides (OR?=?0.99; p?<?0.05), ALT (OR?=?0.87; p?=?0.05), and AST (OR?=?0.89; p?<?0.05) at baseline were negatively associated with weight loss of at least 5% at 3 months’ follow-up (p?<?0.05).
ConclusionTreatment options to manage post-bariatric excess weight (regain) are scarce. Our results imply a clear benefit of adjunct treatment with semaglutide in post-bariatric patients. However, these results need to be confirmed in a prospective randomized controlled trial to close the gap between lifestyle intervention and revision surgery in patients with IWL or WR after BS.
Graphical abstractThe present study aimed to evaluate electromyographic activity, bite strength, and masticatory muscle thickness in women without obesity and with severe obesity elected for bariatric surgery. Also, patients with obesity underwent bariatric surgery and were re-evaluated 3 and 6 months after surgery to analyze the influence of bariatric surgery outcomes on the stomatognathic system, a functional anatomical system comprising teeth, jaw, and associated soft tissues.
Material and MethodsThirty-seven women were enrolled in the study. Twenty-one women with class II and III obesity according to the body mass index (BMI) and eligible for bariatric surgery composed the obesity pre-surgery group (Ob). Sixteen women with a normal weight according to BMI composed the non-obesity group (NOb). Afterward, the patients from the Ob group were followed up for 3 and 6 months after undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Anthropometry, body composition, and parameters of the stomatognathic system were evaluated.
ResultsThe stomatognathic system of the Ob group had less muscle activity and bite strength, but the thickness of masseter and temporal muscles was larger than the NOb group. We also observed a significant change in the muscular activity and bit strength of the stomatognathic system post-bariatric surgery.
ConclusionEvaluating the stomatognathic system indicated that women with clinically severe obesity have less masticatory efficiency than non-obese. Also, we found a positive influence of bariatric surgery in masticatory activity after 3 and 6 months. Thus, monitoring the parameters of the stomatognathic system could be important in the indication and outcomes of bariatric surgery.
Graphical abstractRobotic approaches have been steadily replacing laparoscopic approaches in metabolic and bariatric surgeries (MBS); however, their superiority has not been rigorously evaluated. The main goal of the study was to evaluate the 5-year utilization trends of robotic MBS and to compare to laparoscopic outcomes.
MethodsRetrospective analysis of 2015–2019 MBSAQIP data. Kruskal-Wallis test/Wilcoxon and Fisher’s exact/chi-square were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Generalized linear models were used to compare surgery outcomes.
ResultsThe use of robotic MBS increased from 6.2% in 2015 to 13.5% in 2019 (N= 775,258). Robotic MBS patients had significantly higher age, BMI, and likelihood of 12 diseases compared to laparoscopic patients. After adjustment, robotic MBS patients showed higher 30-day interventions and 30-day readmissions alongside longer surgery time (26–38 min).
ConclusionRobotic MBS shows higher intervention and readmission even after controlling for cofounding variables.
Graphical AbstractWe aimed to assess the changes in composition of bacterial microbiota at two levels of the digestive tract: oral cavity and large intestine in patients 6 months after bariatric surgery.
MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study including patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Before surgery and 6 months after the procedure, oral swabs were obtained and stool samples were provided. Our endpoint was the analysis of the differences in compositions of oral and fecal microbiota prior and after the surgical treatment of obesity.
ResultsBacteria from phylum Bacteroidetes seemed to increase in abundance in both the oral cavity and the large intestine 6 months after surgery among patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The subgroup analysis we conducted based on the volume of weight-loss revealed that patients achieving at least 50% of excess weight loss present similar results to the entire study group. Patients with less favorable outcomes presented an increase in the population of bacteria from phylum Fusobacteria and a decrease of phylum Firmicutes in oral cavity.
ConclusionIntestinal microbiota among these patients underwent similar changes in composition to the rest of the study group. Bariatric surgery introduces a significant change in composition of oral and intestinal microbiota.
Graphical abstractSome studies have suggested that bariatric surgery improves pulmonary function in patients with obesity, but whether it alleviates pulmonary ventilation disorders in patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and restrictive ventilatory dysfunction(RVD) is unclear. To evaluate the effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in improving pulmonary ventilation function in patients with obesity, T2DM, and RVD.
MethodsWe studied patients with T2DM and RVD (forced vital capacity (FVC) predicted < 80%, forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) > 70%) who underwent LSG from March 2018 to January 2020. Baseline data was recorded and follow-up visits were made at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery to evaluate glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), and pulmonary ventilation function. We used multivariate analyses to assess the remission of RVD (reversion of FVC to ≥80% of the predicted value).
ResultsWe enrolled 33 patients (mean age 46.9±5.2 years, 21 males). Two patients were lost to follow-up and another patient died. Thirty patients completed follow-up; 24 had remission of RVD (24/33, 72.7%). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that lower HbA1c (HR=0.35 (0.16 ~ 0.76), p=0.008), reduced waist size (0.9 (0.83 ~ 0.98), p=0.017), and shorter duration of diabetes (0.67(0.47~0.97), p=0.033) were associated with alleviation of pulmonary ventilation function.
ConclusionsLSG not only controls the body weight and T2DM; it may also relieve pulmonary ventilation dysfunction in patients with obesity, T2DM, and RVD. The waist size, duration of diabetes, and HbA1c before LSG negatively affect recovery of pulmonary ventilation dysfunction.
Graphical abstractThis study investigates the long-term effects of biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) on patients with advanced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) while paying special attention to preoperative diabetes severity.
Materials and MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted using prospective and current data on patients who underwent an open BPD-DS 6–12 years ago. Patients were stratified according to preoperative diabetes severity into 4 groups (group 1: oral antidiabetic drugs only; group 2: insulin?<?5 years; group 3: insulin 5–10 years; group 4: insulin?>?10 years). The primary endpoint was T2DM remission rate 6–12 years after BPD-DS as a function of preoperative diabetes severity.
ResultsNinety-one patients with advanced T2DM were included. Sixty-two patients were available for follow-up (rate of 77%). Follow-up was performed (mean?±?SD) 8.9?±?1.3 years after surgery. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were 9.4?±?2.0% before surgery and decreased to 5.1?±?0.8% after 1 year and 5.4?±?1.0% after 6–12 years. Insulin discontinuation rate after surgery as well as the rate of long-term remission decreased steadily from groups 1 to 4, while long-term mortality increased. T2DM remission rates were 93%, 88%, 45%, and 40% in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Late relapse of T2DM occurred in 3 patients (5%).
ConclusionsBPD-DS causes a rapid and long-lasting normalization of glycemic metabolism in patients with advanced T2DM. T2DM remission rate after 6–12 years varies significantly (from 40% to more than 90%) and is highly dependent on preoperative diabetes severity.
Graphical abstractFatty acids (FA), particularly polyunsaturated (PUFA) ones, are involved in the regulation of glycemic control, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. The aim of the study was to assess patient FA profile in relation to obesity, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism disturbances, and weight loss.
Materials and MethodsThe studied group consisted of 51 patients with extreme obesity, 23 of whom achieved radical weight reduction within 1 year after a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). FA levels were determined using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection.
ResultsPatients with extreme obesity and higher serum PUFA content have lower serum levels of SFA and MUFA (especially myristic, palmitic, lignoceric acids and palmitoleic, oleic acids), as well as lower triglyceride and higher HDL-cholesterol concentrations and it was not influenced by CEPT Taq1B variant. At baseline, the fatty acid profile of patients with type II diabetes differ from patients with dyslipidemia. In patients who had lost weight, significantly lower levels of selected saturated FA and major trans-fatty acid, elaidic, were found. Moreover, the proportion of PUFA was increased.
ConclusionIn extreme obesity, higher PUFA exert their favorable effects on serum lipids. Significant weight reduction after the bariatric surgery is associated with beneficial changes in the fatty acid profile.
Graphical AbstractThis study aims to investigate the rate of short- and long-term complications as well as the need for operative revisions after abdominoplasty for patients following surgical versus non-surgical weight loss methods.
MethodsThis is a retrospective chart review that enrolled consecutive patients undergoing abdominoplasty across a 5-year period, aged 18 years and above, opting for abdominoplasty after weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery or diet and exercise alone.
ResultsA total of 364 patients lost weight through bariatric surgery and 106 by diet and exercise alone. There were no significant differences in comorbidity status, but past body mass index (BMI) was higher for the surgical weight loss (SW) group (47.6 ± 10.2 and 40.4 ± 8.6, respectively; p value < 0.0001). Percent excess weight loss (EWL) was 68 ± 14.5 for the SW group and 55.7 ± 19.4 for the NSW group, p value < 0.0001. Pre- and postoperative blood hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in the SW group (p < 0.05). Neither short-term complications (thromboembolic events, wound complications, or infections) nor long-term complications (umbilical deformity, delayed wound healing, or infection) and operative revisions were significantly different across both groups (p > .05).
ConclusionBariatric surgery does not increase the risk of short- or long-term complications or the need for operative revision after abdominoplasty.
Graphical abstractSecondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is linked to obesity. Bariatric surgery may be associated with calcium and vitamin D deficiencies leading to SHPT. This study aimed to detect the prevalence of SHPT before and after bariatric surgery.
MethodsThis prospective study assessed the prevalence of SHPT after sleeve gastrectomy (SG, n = 38) compared to one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB, n = 86). All patients were followed up for 2 years. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
ResultsOf the 124 patients, 71 (57.3%) were females, and 53 (42.7%) were males, with a mean age of 37.5 ± 8.8 years. Before surgery, 23 patients (18.5%) suffered from SHPT, and 40 (32.3%) had vitamin D deficiency. The prevalence of SHPT increased to 29.8% after 1 year and 36.3% after 2 years. SHPT was associated with lower levels of vitamin D and calcium and higher reduction of BMD in the hip but not in the spine. After 2 years, SHPT was associated with a significantly lower T-score in the hip. SHPT and vitamin D deficiency were significantly more common in patients subjected to OAGB compared to SG (p = 0.003, and p < 0.001, respectively). There is a strong negative correlation between vitamin D levels and parathormone levels before and after surgery.
ConclusionPrevalence of SHPT is high in obese patients seeking bariatric surgery, especially with lower vitamin D levels. Bariatric surgery increases the prevalence of SHPT up to 2 years. Gastric bypass is associated with a higher risk of developing SHPT compared to SG.
Graphical abstractDescribe and analyze the safety and weight loss performance of biliopancreatic diversion and duodenal switch (BPD-DS) and single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S), verifying any possible superiority according to preoperative BMI.
MethodsRetrospective review of patients who underwent primary SADI-S or BPD-DS in three bariatric centers. Study groups were further stratified according to preoperative BMI (subgroup 1: BMI < 50; subgroup 2: 50 ≤ BMI < 55; subgroup 3: BMI ≥ 55).
ResultsFour hundred and sixty patients underwent BPD-DS (n = 220) or SADI-S (n = 240). The mean LOS was 3.48 ± 3.7 and 3.13 ± 2.3 days for BPD-DS and SADI-S respectively (p = 0.235). The mean operative time was shorter in the SADI-S group (167.25 ± 33.6 vs 140.85 ± 56.7 min) (p < 0.00). The mean %EWL was 44.2, 62.4, and 69.4 for the BPD-DS group and 48.4, 64.5, and 67.1 for the SADI-S group at 6, 12, and 24 months respectively. The mean %TBWL was 25, 35.9, and 40.3 for the BPD-DS group, and 26.2, 35, and 36.9 for the SADI-S group at 6, 12, and 24 months respectively. Overall complication rates were comparable between BPD-DS and SADI-S groups (14% vs 18%) (p = 0.219). SADI-S showed greater emergency department visits (17% vs 7%) (p = 0.005); similar readmission rates (6% vs 7%) (p = 0.80); similar reoperation rates (3% vs 7%) (p = 0.102); and similar mortality rate (0.9% vs 0.4%), after BPD-DS and SADI-S respectively.
ConclusionBPD-DS achieved greater %TBWL at 2 years, but no superiority was perceived among study subgroups. SADI-S and BPD-DS showed similar overall complication rates.
Graphical abstractTo compare sleeve gastrectomy (SG) to SG associated with Rossetti fundoplication (SG?+?RF) in terms of de novo gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) after surgery, weight loss, and postoperative complications.
Materials and methodsPatients affected by morbid obesity, without symptoms of GERD, who were never in therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), were randomized into two groups. One group underwent SG and the other SG?+?RF. The study was stopped on February 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.
ResultsA total of 278 patients of the programmed number of 404 patients were enrolled (68.8%). De novo esophagitis was considered in those patients who had both pre- and postoperative gastroscopy (97/278, 34.9%). Two hundred fifty-one patients (90.3%) had completed clinical follow-up at 12 months. SG?+?RF resulted in an adequate weight loss, similar to classic SG at 12-month follow-up (%TWL?=?35. 4?±?7.2%) with a significantly better outcome in terms of GERD development. One year after surgery, PPIs were necessary in 4.3% SG?+?RF patients compared to 17.1% SG patients (p?=?0.001). Esophagitis was present in 2.0% of SG?+?RF patients versus 23.4% SG patients (p?=?0.002). The main complication after SG?+?RF was wrap perforation (4.3%), which improved with the surgeon’s learning curve.
ConclusionSG?+?RF seemed to be an effective alternative to classic SG in preventing de novo GERD. More studies are needed to establish that an adequate learning curve decreases the higher percentage of short-term complications in the SG?+?RF group.
Graphical abstractPatients who have undergone bariatric surgery are at risk for gallstone formation. However, the incidence of gallstone formation after bariatric surgery has not been adequately studied in the Japanese population. We aimed to elucidate the incidence and risk factors for gallstone formation after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for Japanese patients with severe obesity.
MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study among patients with severe obesity treated with LSG between April 2017 and June 2020 at two institutions. Patients who had received previous cholecystectomy, had preoperative gallstones, and had received postoperative prophylactic ursodeoxycholic acid were excluded. Body weight, body mass index, and blood data were collected at each follow-up visit before and after the surgery. Follow-up abdominal ultrasonography was performed 6–12 months after surgery, and the incidence of gallstones was calculated. The association between the data and gallstone formation was evaluated.
ResultsDuring the study period, we performed LSG for 98 patients. Of these, 61 cases remained by above conditions and were examined using abdominal ultrasonography over 6 months after surgery. The incidence of gallstones was 23.0% and that of symptomatic gallstones was 3.3%. Anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody seropositive and titer were the only factors that showed significant association with de novo gallstone formation after LSG.
ConclusionsAnti-Helicobacter pylori antibody seropositive may be associated with de novo gallstone formation after LSG for Japanese patients with severe obesity.
Graphical abstractObesity is associated with increased breast cancer risk in women. Bariatric surgery induces substantial weight loss. However, the effects of such weight loss on subsequent breast cancer risk in women with obesity are poorly understood. To examine breast cancer incidence and related outcomes in women with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery.
Materials and MethodsThis was a population-based matched cohort study of breast surgery outcomes utilizing linked clinical databases in Ontario, Canada. Women with obesity who underwent bariatric surgery were 1:1 matched using a propensity score to non-surgical controls for age and breast cancer screening history. The main outcomes were incidence of breast cancer after lag periods of 1, 2, and 5 years. Additional outcomes included tumor hormone receptor status, cancer stage, and treatments undertaken. Time-varying Cox proportional hazard models accounting for screening during follow-up were used to model cancer incidence.
ResultsA total of 12,724 women per group were included, average age 45.09. After a 1-year lag, breast cancer incidence occurred in 1.09% and 0.79% of the control and surgery groups, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.81 [95%CI 0.69–0.95]; p = 0.01). This association was maintained after lag periods of 2 and 5 years. Women in the surgical cohort diagnosed with breast cancer were more likely to have low-grade tumors and less likely to have high-grade tumors (overall p < 0.01). No association was found for tumor hormone receptor status, although the surgical group was more likely to have her2neu-negative tumors (p = 0.01).
ConclusionBariatric surgery was associated with a lower incidence of breast cancer and lower tumor grade in women with obesity. Further evaluation of outcomes, including mortality, is required.
Graphical abstractMany bariatric centers were restricted from providing routine care for outpatients. Telehealth visits allowed the continued care for outpatients and thus the preoperative screening for bariatric candidates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of tele-screening on the multidisciplinary obesity team’s decision (MDD) for bariatric surgery: disapproval, direct approval, or a recommendation for a prehabilitation program.
Materials and MethodsHospital data were collected from patients who underwent face-to-face or tele-screening for bariatric surgery between April and December 2020. The tele-screening cohort was then compared with a propensity-matched cohort of patients with face-to-face consultations. A chi-square and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed.
ResultsAfter propensity matching, 396 patients remained for analysis. The majority received preoperative prehabilitation advice in both the tele-screening and face-to-face group (51% versus 50%). Although not significant, there were more direct approvals and fewer denials in the face-to-face group (p = 0.691). The multinomial logistic regression analysis showed no significant impact of tele-screening on the MDD result.
ConclusionTele-screening in bariatric centers is feasible; the multidisciplinary team’s decision was not significantly different between tele-screening and face-to-face screening which encourages the use of tele-screening in the future. An insignificant amount of fewer direct approvals and more denials were observed in the tele-screening group, which should be taken into account in future and larger case studies.
Graphical abstract