Andre F. Teixeira

Management and treatment outcomes of marginal ulcers after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at a single high volume bariatric center

BACKGROUND Marginal ulceration (MU) is one of the most common complications after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). However, the rate of MU varies from 1% to 16% of RYGB patients and predisposing factors remain unclear. The aim of this study is to describe frequency, management, and outcomes of treatment in patients with MU after laparoscopic RYGB. METHODS Between January 2004 and December 2012, a total of 2,535 patients underwent laparoscopic RYGB at our institution. Patients were routinely placed on proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for 90 days after the procedure. A total of 59 (2.3%) patients presented with MU. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed for all patients. RESULTS Patients with MU presented with abdominal pain (n = 35), nausea/vomiting (n = 9), anemia (n = 5), hematemesis (n = 5), and dysphagia (n = 5) as chief complaints. Diagnosis was made at a mean period of 15.2 ± 17.4 months (range, 1-64) after the laparoscopic RYGB. Of these patients, 26 (44.1%) required reoperations including 12 (20.3%) with perforated ulcers. Urgent operation was required in 14 (23.7%) patients due to perforation or active bleeding, and elective operation was performed in 10 (16.9%) patients for chronic and refractory MU or gastrogastric fistula. One (1.7%) patient developed recurrent MU after the revision and had another revision of the anastomosis. One (1.7%) patient underwent reversal of gastric bypass after the revision due to malnutrition and recurrent ulcers. All patients did well at a mean follow up of 28.9 ± 21.7 months (range, 1-78 mo). CONCLUSION Despite the use of routine PPI, the incidence of MU was not insignificant. A significant portion of patients required surgical treatment. Perforations can be effectively managed by oversewing of the ulcer.

Conversion of failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: Sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass?

BACKGROUND In the literature, late complications and treatment failures in laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) have been reported. When the patient presents with failure of LAGB, surgeons have the option to convert it to a different procedure. The aim of our study is to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of converting LAGB to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). METHODS Between March 2008 and October 2012, a total of 54 patients underwent conversion of LAGB at our institution. Of these patients, 41 (75.9%) were converted to LRYGB, and 13 (24.1%) patients were converted to LSG. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed, noting the outcomes and complications of the procedure. RESULTS Mean body mass index at the time of conversion was 41.8±6.5 kg/m(2) in LRYGB and 39.0±6.6 kg/m(2) in LSG. Mean percentage of excess weight loss was 57.4%±17.0% and 62.4%±19.6% in LRYGB, and it was 47.7%±4.2% and 65.6%±34.5% in LSG at 12 months (P>.34) and 24 months (P>.79) after conversion. Of LRYGB patients, 7 (17.5%) were readmitted as a result of abdominal pain, dehydration, and nausea/vomiting, and 4 (10.0%) patients required reoperation. One LSG patient (8.3%) was readmitted for new-onset severe reflux and underwent hiatal hernia repair. She was converted to LRYGB 32 months after the LSG procedure. Readmission rate (P>.61) and reoperation rate (P>.63) did not show statistical difference between the 2 procedures. CONCLUSION Converting LAGB to LSG and LRYGB both seem feasible and resulted in substantial further weight loss.

Comparison of cholecystectomy cases after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding

BACKGROUND Rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery has been a factor of inducing gallstones postoperatively. Many studies have reported increased gallstone formation after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). However, not many studies have compared symptomatic gallstone frequencies between LRYGB, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). The aim of our study is to evaluate symptomatic cholelithiasis cases requiring cholecystectomy after each bariatric procedure. METHODS Between January 2009 and August 2011, a total of 937 patients underwent bariatric surgery at our institution. Of these patients, 598 had primary LRYGB, 197 had LSG, and 142 had LAGB. We excluded patients with previous cholecystectomy or concomitant cholecystectomy at the time of bariatric procedure. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed for all patients. RESULTS Of 367 LRYGB patients, 5.7% (n = 21) had symptomatic gallstones. Of 115 LSG patients, 6.1% (n = 7) required cholecystectomy, and of 104 LAGB patients, .0% (n = 0) developed symptomatic gallstones. The differences in the occurrences of symptomatic gallstones between LRYGB and LSG were not statistically significant (P>.88). However, statistical significance was present between LRYGB and LAGB (P<.02), as well as between LSG and LAGB (P<.02). Mean percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 24 months was 85.7%, 58.8%, and 38.3% in LRYGB, LSG, and LAGB patients, respectively. There was no complication related to the cholecystectomy procedure. CONCLUSIONS Frequency of symptomatic gallstones after LRYGB and LSG was not significantly different and after LAGB was significantly lower. Slow and less amount of weight loss would have contributed to the low rate of symptomatic gallstone formation in the LAGB patients.

Management of staple line leaks following sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND Leaks after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are not very frequent but are a difficult complication that can become chronic. Various treatment options have been suggested but no definitive treatment regimen has been established. The aim of our study is to report leak complications after LSG, their management, and outcomes. METHODS Between June 2008 and October 2013, a total of 539 patients underwent laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at our institution. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed for all LSG patients, noting the outcomes and complications of the procedure. RESULTS Fifteen (2.8%) patients presented with a leak after LSG. The diagnosis was made at a mean of 27.2±29.9 days (range, 1-102) after LSG. Eight (53.3%) patients underwent conservative treatment initially and 6 (75.0%) of these patients required stenting as secondary treatment. Although leaks from 3 patients resolved with stenting, the other 3 required restenting and 2 eventually underwent conversion to gastric bypass. Five (33.3%) patients underwent endoscopic intervention, closing the leak with fibrin glue (n=3) or hemoclips (n=2). Two (13.3%) patients who were diagnosed with a leak immediately after LSG before discharge had their leak oversewn laparoscopically with an omental patch. Leaks in 9 (60.0%) patients did not heal after the first intervention, and the mean number of intervention required was 2.3±1.7 times (range, 1-7) for the treatment of this condition. CONCLUSION Management of leaks after LSG can be challenging. Early diagnosis and treatment is important in the management of a leak. However, it can be treated safely via various management options depending on the time of diagnosis and size of the leak.

Intussusception after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND Jejuno-jejunal (J-J) intussusception is a rare complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Prompt diagnosis is critical as it may lead to obstruction and bowel necrosis, but clinical presentation is nonspecific. A definitive treatment plan has not been established with intussusception after RYGB. The aim of our study was to describe clinical presentation and outcomes of treatment in patients with intussusception after RYGB. METHODS Out of 3022 patients who underwent laparoscopic RYGB between January 2003 and January 2013, 12 (0.4%) patients presented with intussusception after RYGB. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed. RESULTS Of the 12 patients, 11 (91.7%) presented with left or right upper quadrant abdominal pain as their chief complaint, and 1 (8.3%) presented with persistent nausea and vomiting. Diagnosis was made by computed tomographic scan (n = 1) or intraoperative findings (n = 11) at a mean period of 24.9 ± 26.0 months (range 3-85) after laparoscopic RYGB. Seven (58.3%) patients were treated only with reduction, 2 (16.7%) with resection and revision of J-J anastomosis, the remaining 3 (25.0%) underwent imbrication/plication of the J-J anastomosis. Only 1 (8.3%) patient, who was treated by reduction, returned with subsequent finding of recurrent intussusception at 9 months. All patients did well at a mean follow-up of 12.7 ± 16.4 months (range 1-47). CONCLUSION While reduction alone of the intussusception is safe and effective, there is a risk of recurrence, and imbrication of the J-J anastomosis may be a more effective means of treatment.

Indications and outcomes of reversal of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is proven to be a safe and effective treatment of obesity and related co-morbidities. However, there is a small group of patients who are unable to tolerate postoperative complications and ultimately undergo reversal procedures. This study demonstrates indications and postoperative outcomes in 8 patients following RYGB reversal. METHODS Retrospective review of 8 patients who required RYGB reversal between July 2009 to October 2013. Data points included demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), co-morbidities, reasons for reversal and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS All patients were female with a mean age of 44.5 ± 8.8 years (range, 35-63) and BMI of 30.0 ± 9.8 kg/m(2) (range, 19.3-43.8) before reversal. Reasons for reversal included recurrent anastomotic ulcer (n = 3), intractable nausea and emesis (n = 3), hypocalcemia (n = 1), and neuroglycopenia (n = 1). Mean period from RYGB to reversal was 127.8 ± 95.4 months (range, 21-298) and mean length of hospital stay following reversal was 5.1 ± 3.0 days (range, 2-11). One patient was lost to follow-up. Mean BMI at the last visit was 37.3 ± 12.6 kg/m(2) (range, 24.0-56.5). Two patients (28.6%) maintained the same weight 9 and 11 months after reversal. One returned to her pre-RYGB weight and 4 patients gained some of their weight back after reversal. Three (37.5%) patients required readmissions for abdominal pain and nausea/vomiting, and no patients required reoperations following RYGB reversal. CONCLUSIONS Reversal of RYGB to normal anatomy is reasonable in patients with severe or refractory complications.

Laparoscopic choledochoduodenostomy as an alternate treatment for common bile duct stones after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), the new gastrointestinal configuration does not permit easy endoscopic access to the biliary system in the standard fashion. Common bile duct (CBD) stones have proved to be a challenge for both the surgeon and the endoscopist in this setting. We shall review our experience with laparoscopic choledochoduodenostomy as a treatment of choledocholithiasis after gastric bypass. METHODS Between January 2000 and July 2012, 3115 patients underwent RYGB at our institution. Patients were included if they had postoperative CBD stones regardless of previous cholecystectomy. Treatment modality was laparoscopic choledochoduodenostomy. A retrospective chart review of a prospectively collected data was completed, noting the outcomes and complications of the procedure. RESULTS Of 3115 patients, 11 patients were included in this study. There were 8 female and 3 male patients with a mean age of 50.5 ± 10.9 (range, 34-66) years. The average time between primary RYGB and choledochoduodenostomy was 39.7 ± 33.8 (range 8-113) months. The average body mass index at primary surgery was 48.2 ± 8.1 (range 38.4-67.4) kg/m(2) and at choledochoduodenostomy was 29.5 ± 6.8 (range 22.7-46.9) kg/m(2). One patient had bile leak that was managed with drain. All patients had resolution of symptoms at a mean follow-up of 24.8 ± 26.9 (range 2-84) months. CONCLUSION This small case series suggests that, in experienced hands, laparoscopic choledochoduodenostomy is an option for safe and effective treatment of choledocholithiasis after gastric bypass.

Endoscopic treatment of food intolerance after a banded gastric bypass: inducing band erosion for removal using a plastic stent.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS Ring complications after a banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are usually managed surgically. The aim of this study was to analyze the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic removal of noneroded rings after banded-RYGB, by inducing intragastric erosion of the ring using a self-expandable plastic stent (SEPS). PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 41 patients with banded RYGB who had noneroded rings and food intolerance were prospectively enrolled. Patients were treated with endoscopic SEPS placement and ring removal. Data from time of stenting, resolution of symptoms, need for endoscopic dilation, and complications were recorded. RESULTS Successful ring removal was possible in all patients. In 21 cases, the SEPS induced complete erosion, and in 17 cases the ring was removed a month later because of incomplete erosion at the time of SEPS removal. Nine patients (22.0 %) needed endoscopic dilation after stent removal in order to treat fibrotic strictures. Food tolerance was observed in 32 patients (78.0 %) after the procedure. No patient needed surgery and there were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS Endoscopic removal of the ring using SEPS appeared to be safe and effective after a banded RYGB.

Outcomes of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the super obese: comparison of body mass index 50–60 kg/m2 and≥60 kg/m2 with the morbidly obese☆

BACKGROUND Reports on the outcomes of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in super-obese patients are limited, especially on patients with body mass index (BMI)≥60 kg/m(2). OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the tolerability and efficacy of RYGB in the super-obese by comparing patients with a BMI of 50-60 kg/m(2) and a BMI of≥60 kg/m(2) with patients with a BMI of 40-50 kg/m(2). SETTING Academic practice. METHODS Between January 2004 and November 2013, a total of 2717 patients underwent RYGB at our institution. Of these, 661 (24.3%) had a preoperative BMI of 50-60 kg/m(2) and 230 (8.5%) had a BMI≥60 kg/m(2). A retrospective review of outcomes and complications was performed, comparing these patients with 1555 patients with a BMI between 40-50 kg/m(2). RESULTS Fifty-two (3.3%) patients in the BMI 40-50 kg/m(2) group, 15 (2.3%) patients in the BMI 50-60 kg/m(2) group, and 3 (1.3%) patients in the BMI≥60 kg/m(2) had<30 days of follow-up. Readmission rates were 10.7%, 9.2%, and 11.7%, and reoperation rates were 7.3%, 5.0%, and 6.1%, in the BMI 40-50, 50-60, and≥60 kg/m(2) groups, respectively. No significant difference was found in readmission rate among the 3 groups, and reoperation rate was significantly lower in the BMI 50-60 kg/m(2) group. Mean percentage of excess BMI loss was 58.3%, 80.6%, 85.8%, 83.3%, and 80.9% in the BMI 40-50 kg/m(2) group; 44.9%, 65.0%, 70.1%, 72.1%, and 65.9% in the BMI 50-60 kg/m(2) group; and 38.5%, 57.4%, 62.2%, 62.8%, and 59.1% in the≥60 kg/m(2) group at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months, respectively. The differences in excess BMI loss were statistically significant among all 3 groups at all follow-up time points. All groups experienced a significant decrease in their mean number of co-morbidities after the procedure. CONCLUSION Readmission and reoperation rates were similar in the BMI 40-50, 50-60, and≥60 kg/m(2) groups. Super-obese and super-super-obese patients are not at greater risk for surgical complications compared with those with lower BMIs.

Safety and Effectiveness of Anterior Fundoplication Sleeve Gastrectomy in Patients with Severe Reflux

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has become a popular bariatric surgery in recent years. However, it has been linked to worsening or newly developed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the postoperative period. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and effectiveness of anterior fundoplication sleeve gastrectomy in patients with reflux. SETTING Academic hospital, United States. METHODS We prospectively collected data on 31 sleeve gastrectomy patients who concurrently underwent anterior fundoplication between July 2014 and March 2016. Patients were selected when they reported severe reflux before the procedure. Each patient was interviewed using the GERD score questionnaire (scaled severity and frequency of heartburn, regurgitation, epigastric pain, epigastric fullness, dysphagia, and cough) before and 4 months after the procedure. RESULTS Our patients comprised 27 females and 4 males with a mean age of 49.9±9.6 years (range, 29-63 yr). They had a mean preoperative body mass index of 42.8±5.6 kg/m2 (range, 33.3-58.4 kg/m2), and 67.7% (n = 21) of these patients underwent hiatal hernia repair as well. Preoperatively, patients had a mean heartburn score of 7.4±3.6 (range, 1-12), regurgitation score of 5.4±4.1 (range, 0-12), epigastric pain score of 2.1±3.2 (range, 0-12), epigastric fullness score of 2.7±3.9 (range, 0-12), dysphagia score of 1.3±2.2 (range, 0-9), and cough score of .9±1.8 (range, 0-6). Mean preoperative GERD score was 18.9±9.8 (range, 6-36) in these patients. Patients were interviewed with the same questionnaire approximately 4 months postoperative. Patients had a mean heartburn score of 1.5±3.2 (range, 0-12), regurgitation score of .9±1.7 (range, 0-8), epigastric pain score of .4±1.1 (range, 0-4), epigastric fullness score of 1.1±2.4 (range, 0-8), dysphagia score of .3±1.1 (range, 0-6), and cough score of 0. Mean postoperative GERD score dropped down to 4.1±5.8 (range, 0-28), and the difference was statistically significant (P<.01). One patient was readmitted 28 days later for a staple line leakage, and was treated conservatively. No patient required a reoperation due to the procedure within 30 days. CONCLUSION Anterior fundoplication sleeve gastrectomy may be a safe and effective alternative in obese patients with severe reflux who want to undergo sleeve gastrectomy.