Andrei Keidar

Port Complications following Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding for Morbid Obesity

Background: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has gained widespread acceptance. However, the technique has problems intrinsic to the material wear and tear around the port and connecting tubing that can lead to failure. Port complications are considered to be minor; however, few studies have analyzed them, and the optimal technique of port implantation and management has not been elucidated. Methods: All patients who suffered from complications involving the tubing or access-port were included in this study. Their complaints, imaging studies, operative reports and hospitalization files were retrospectively reviewed. Results: 1,272 of the patients were available for a mean follow-up period of 37 months. During this time, 91 patients (7.1%) experienced port complications that required 103 revisional operations. Of these patients, 62 had system leaks, 19 infectious problems, and 10 miscellaneous problems requiring operative correction. Overall port problems led to band removal in 6 patients, and replacement in 1 patient. Conclusion: Access-port complications after the Lap-Band® procedure are among the most common and annoying ones, and can render the device susceptible to failure. Careful surgical technique and routine use of radiologic guidance for band adjustments are the keys to avoiding complications.

Dilated Upper Sleeve Can be Associated with Severe Postoperative Gastroesophageal Dysmotility and Reflux

BackgroundLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an effective bariatric procedure, and it can be done as an isolated LSG or in conjunction with biliopancreatic diversion bypass/duodenal switch (laparoscopic duodenal switch; LDS). Gastroesophageal reflux after LSG has been described, but the mechanism is unknown and the treatment in the severest cases has not been discussed. We describe a cohort of patients who have underwent an LSG or LDS, and have suffered from a severe postoperative gastroesophageal motility disorder and/or reflux, report on their treatment, and discuss possible underlying mechanisms.MethodsSeven hundred and six patients underwent an LSG by two of the authors (AK, AB). Sixty nine patients underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel (January, 2006 and December 2008; 55 isolated LSG, 14 with LDS), and 637 (212 isolated LSG, 425 LDS) in Clinica San Jorge and Alcoy Hospital in Alcoy, Spain, (January 2002 and November 2008).ResultsOf them, eight patients who has suffered from a gastroesophageal dysmotility and reflux disease postoperatively and needed a specific treatment besides regular proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were identified (1.1%).ConclusionA combination of dilated upper part of the sleeve with a relative narrowing of the midstomach, without complete obstruction, was common to all eight patients who suffered from a severe gastroesophageal dysmotility and reflux. The sleeve volume, the bougie size, and the starting point of the antral resection do not seem to have an effect in this complication. Operative treatment was needed in only one case out of eight; in the rest of the patients, medical modalities were successful. More knowledge is required to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy: lessons learned for success.

Since its introduction approximately 20 years ago, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has rapidly become the treatment of choice for symptomatic cholelithiasis [1–3]. Conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy generally is performed through four small incisions in the abdominal wall [4]. In recent years, a less invasive method has been sought in an effort to reduce postoperative pain and morbidities such as wound infection and trocar-site hernias while further enhancing the cosmetic results. Initial attempts to perform the procedure through three and then two ports or with reduced-diameter trocars (needlescopic surgery) [5–9] have since been superseded by even less invasive and more innovative techniques, namely, single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) [10–13]. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is an attractive technique for cholecystectomy due to its superior cosmetic results and potential to reduce the rate of wound complications such as infection, hematoma, and hernia. This technique, however, is not straightforward. The technical complexity of SILS naturally results in a steep learning curve and increased operating room time and requires specialized equipment. The primary technical obstacles of SILS currently include Collision of instruments both within and outside the abdomen as a result of their common entry point (“sword fighting”) Inadequate triangulation Compromised field of view due to obstruction by instruments entering the common port Inadequate exposure and retraction. Several techniques have since evolved to overcome these potential pitfalls [14–16]. By incorporating a number of these techniques, we have created a simplified technique that has proved successful with both animal and human subjects. We describe both our experience and what we have learned, which have allowed simplification of a technical complex procedure.

Providing more through less: current methods of retraction in SIMIS and NOTES cholecystectomy

BackgroundAs the field of minimally invasive surgery continues to develop, surgeons are confronted with the challenge of performing conventional laparoscopic surgeries through fewer incisions while maintaining the same degree of safety and surgical efficiency. Most of these methods involve elimination of the ports previously designated for retraction. As a result, minimally invasive surgeons have been forced to develop minimally invasive and ingenious methods for providing adequate retraction for these procedures. Herein we present our experience using endoloops and internal retractors to provide retraction during Single Incision Minimally Invasive Surgery (SIMIS) and Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) cholecystectomy. We also present a review of the alternative retraction methods currently being employed for these surgeries.MethodsSIMIS was performed on 20 patients and NOTES was performed on 5 patients at our institution. Endoloops or internal retractors were used to provide retraction for all SIMIS procedures. Internal retractors provided retraction for all NOTES procedures.ResultsSuccessful cholecystectomy was accomplished in all cases. One SIMIS surgery required conversion to standard laparoscopy due to complex anatomy. There were no intraoperative complications. Although adequate retraction was accomplished in all cases, the internal retractors were found to provide superior and more versatile retraction compared to that of endoloops.ConclusionAdequate retraction greatly simplifies SIMIS and NOTES surgery. Endograb internal retractors were easy to use and were found to provide optimal retraction and exposure during these procedures without complications.

Portomesenteric Thrombosis Following Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery Incidence, Patterns of Clinical Presentation, and Etiology in a Bariatric Patient Population

OBJECTIVE To describe the incidence of, the patterns of clinical presentation of, and the reasons for portomesenteric vein thrombosis among patients who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery. DESIGN Retrospective, multicenter study. SETTING Six academic bariatric centers. PATIENTS Morbidly obese patients diagnosed with portomesenteric vein thrombosis following laparoscopic bariatric surgery between January 2007 and June 2012. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Clinical presentation, diagnostic measures used, treatments employed, outcome, and hematologic workup of patients. RESULTS Of 5706 patients who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery, 17 (0.3%) had portomesenteric vein thrombosis, 16 after sleeve gastrectomy and 1 following adjustable gastric banding. Seven patients were women, the mean age was 38 years, and the mean body mass index was 44.3. The median time to presentation was 10.1 days, and the median time to diagnosis was 11.7 days. New-onset epigastric pain was present in all patients, whereas other signs and symptoms were sporadically found. Computed tomography was performed and was diagnostic in 16 cases. Ultrasonography was used for 9 patients, and positive results were found for 8 of these patients. Patients were treated by anticoagulation with subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin (n = 15) or intravenous heparin (n = 2), followed by warfarin sodium. One patient underwent transhepatic portal infusion of streptokinase. Three patients required surgery: laparoscopic splenectomy due to infarct and abscess for 1 patient and laparotomy for 2 patients (with necrotic small-bowl resection for 1 of these patients). There were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS Portomesenteric vein thrombosis is rare after laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Familiarity with this dangerous entity is important. Prompt diagnosis and care, initiated by a high index of suspicion, is crucial.

Bariatric Surgery for Type 2 Diabetes Reversal: The Risks

The twin epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes are on the rise. From 1986 to 2000, the prevalence of BMI 30 kg/m2 doubled, whereas that of BMI >40 kg/m2 quadrupled, and even extreme obesity of BMI 50 kg/m2 increased fivefold (1). Of particular concern is the alarming increasing prevalence of obesity among children, suggesting that the epidemic will worsen (2). The impact of obesity on longevity has been well documented. In the world, over 2.5 million deaths annually can be attributed to obesity; in the U.S. alone over 400,000 deaths attributable to obesity occur per year—second only to those attributable to cigarette smoking. There is a direct relationship between increasing BMI and relative risk of dying prematurely, as evidenced in the Nurses’ Health Study with a 100% increase in relative risk as BMI increased from 19 to 32 kg/m2. Annual risk of death can be as high as 40-fold that of an age- and sex-matched nonobese cohort (3,4). The Framingham data revealed that for each pound gained between ages 30 and 42 years there was a 1% increased mortality within 26 years, and for each pound gained thereafter there was a 2% increased mortality. Only one in seven obese individuals will reach the U.S. life expectancy of 76.9 years. In the morbidly obese population, average life expectancy is reduced by 9 years in women and by 12 years in men. It has been over 10 years since the resolution of type 2 diabetes was observed as an additional outcome of surgical treatment of morbid obesity. Moreover, it has been shown unequivocally that diabetes-related morbidity and mortality have declined significantly postoperatively, and this improvement in diabetes control is long lasting. Bypass procedures, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) and the biliopancreatic diversion (BPD), are …

Conversion of failed gastric banding into four different bariatric procedures

BACKGROUND The most common bariatric operation in Europe, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), is reported to have a high incidence of long-term complications. Also, insufficient weight loss is reported. The optimal conversion technique is unknown. Our objective was to report our experience in the conversions of failed laparoscopic gastric banding procedures to 4 different bariatric procedures at a university hospital. METHODS From March 2006 to December 2010, 630 bariatric operations were performed. Of these patients, 45 underwent conversion of failed LAGB (n = 38) and nonadjustable gastric banding (n = 7). Using a prospectively collected database, we analyzed these procedures. RESULTS The 45 patients underwent laparoscopic conversion of failed LAGB (n = 38) and nonadjustable gastric banding (n = 7) to 4 different procedures. Of the 45 patients, 18 underwent conversion to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, 18 to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, 7 to laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, and 2 to laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion. All conversions but 1 were completed laparoscopically. The mean operating time and hospital stay for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, and biliopancreatic diversion was 111 ± 28 minutes and 4.3 ± 1.4 days, 195 ± 59 minutes and 3.9 ± 1.5 days, 248 ± 113 minutes, and 5.9 ± 2.6 days, and 203 minutes and 6.5 days, respectively. No patient died. Perioperative complications occurred in 4 patients (9.8%). The mean body mass index decreased from 41.5 ± 8 kg/m(2) to 31.3 ± 6.8 kg/m(2) during a mean follow-up period of 13.7 ± 9.6 months. Although laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with and without duodenal switch had the greatest preoperative body mass index, they achieved the greatest excess weight loss. CONCLUSION Conversion of LAGB or nonadjustable gastric banding to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with or without duodenal switch is feasible and effective to treat the complications of LAGB and to further reduce the weight of morbidly obese patients.

Gastrobronchial fistula as a complication of bariatric surgery: a series of 6 cases.

Objective: To present a multicenter series of 6 patients who developed gastrobronchial fistula (GBF). GBF is a rare subtype of gastric leaks following bariatric surgery, which is the mainstay of treatment for the obesity pandemic. Methods: We retrospectively identified 6 patients with GBF (out of 2,308 cases performed: 0.2%). One patient had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and 5 had a sleeve gastrectomy. Demographics, previous surgeries, clinical presentation, timing of fistula diagnosis, diagnostic and treatment measures employed, and outcome were collected. Results: Four patients were female, the average age and BMI were 42 years and 42.5 kg/m2, respectively. Three patients had previous surgeries (Nissen fundoplication, adjustable gastric banding, and vertical banded gastroplasty). Median time to fistula diagnosis was 40 days (range 15–90 days). Clinical presentation included chronic cough, hemoptysis, dyspnea and fever as well as persistent left pleural effusion or pneumonia. Diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography in all cases. Two patients were treated nonoperatively, while 4 eventually required surgery for resolution. Left lower lobectomy was necessary in 3 of 4 cases. Concomitant procedures were total gastrectomy in 2 cases and conversion of a sleeve to a gastric bypass in 1 case. Resolution occurred 30 days to 2 years after initial surgery. No mortalities were encountered. Conclusions: GBF is a rare but devastating complication following bariatric surgery. It may develop as a late complication of a chronic upper gastric leak. Surgery is curative although nonoperative management may be warranted in selected cases.

Short-Term Dynamics and Metabolic Impact of Abdominal Fat Depots After Bariatric Surgery

OBJECTIVE Bariatric surgery is gaining acceptance as an efficient treatment modality for obese patients. Mechanistic explanations regarding the effects of bariatric surgery on body composition and fat distribution are still limited. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Intra-abdominal and subcutaneous fat depots were evaluated using computed tomography in 27 obese patients prior to and 6 months following bariatric surgery. Associations with anthropometric and clinical changes were evaluated. RESULTS Excess weight loss 6 months following surgery was 47% in male and 42.6% in female subjects. Visceral fat and subcutaneous fat were reduced by 35% and 32%, respectively, in both sexes, thus the visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio remained stable. The strongest relation between absolute and relative changes in visceral and subcutaneous fat was demonstrated for the excess weight loss following the operations (r ∼0.6–0.7), and these relations were strengthened further following adjustments for sex, baseline BMI, and fat mass. Changes in waist circumference and fat mass had no relation to changes in abdominal fat depots. All participants met the criteria of the metabolic syndrome at baseline, and 18 lost the diagnosis on follow-up. A lower baseline visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio (0.43 ± 0.15 vs. 0.61 ± 0.21, P = 0.02) was associated with clinical resolution of metabolic syndrome parameters. CONCLUSIONS The ratio between visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat remains fairly constant 6 months following bariatric procedures regardless of sex, procedure performed, or presence of metabolic complications. A lower baseline visceral-to-abdominal fat ratio is associated with improvement in metabolic parameters.

Bariatric surgery in obese adolescents.

Purpose of reviewBariatric surgery is gaining acceptance as an effective and well tolerated treatment of morbid obesity in adults yet experience in obese children is still lacking. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent findings in this exciting field and identify the knowledge gaps. Recent findingsOne randomized controlled trial and several case series have been published in the last 2 years regarding bariatric surgery for obese adolescents. These studies demonstrate relative safety along with significant weight loss. In addition, the vast majority of obesity-related comorbidities are resolved following these procedures. Adverse psychological effects of these procedures are probably more common than those in adults and need to be addressed. SummaryThese publications indicate that bariatric surgical procedures, mainly gastric banding and gastric bypass, when performed on the right patients by skilled surgeons along with the appropriate ancillary staff, show positive metabolic effects and are well tolerated. Precise patient selection criteria, choice of the procedure and the extent of the multidisciplinary preoperative and postoperative care, are yet to be defined.