Gabriella Nosso

Comparative Effects of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy on Glucose Homeostasis and Incretin Hormones in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A One-Year Prospective Study.

The aim of the work was to compare the hormonal and the metabolic mechanisms involved in weight loss and remission of T2DM one year after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) in morbidly obese type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients. Insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, and the gastrointestinal (GI) hormone response to a mixed meal test (MMT) were evaluated before and one year after BS (14 RYGB and 19 VSG). RYGB and VSG groups had similar characteristics at baseline. Weight loss at one year was similar in the 2 groups (ΔBMI%: - 32±10 and - 30±7%, p=0.546). Insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion improved similarly after either procedures with a similar rate in T2DM remission (86% in RYGB and 76% in VSG). Meal-stimulated GLP-1 levels increased after both procedures reaching significantly higher levels after RYGB (p=0.0001). GIP response to MMT decreased to a similar extent after the 2 interventions (p=0.977). Both fasting and post-meal ghrelin concentrations were markedly suppressed after VSG and significantly lower than RYGB (p=0.013 to p=0.035). The improvement of insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function was significantly associated with weight loss (p=0.014 to p=0.035), while no relation was found with the changes in GI hormones. In conclusion, in morbidly obese T2DM patients, RYGB and VSG result in similar improvements of the glucose status in the face of different GI hormonal pattern. Weight loss is the key determinant of diabetes remission one year after surgery.

Five-year results of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: effects on gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and co-morbidities

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is becoming the most performed bariatric procedure; however, data available on long-term follow-up are scanty. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to evaluate the 5-year efficacy of LSG on weight loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, and obesity-associated co-morbidities. SETTING Tertiary-care referral hospital. METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed 105 obese patients undergoing LSG from January 2006 to December 2009. The preoperative evaluation included demographic characteristics, evaluation of co-morbidities, a double-contrast barium swallow, and an upper-gastrointestinal endoscopy. The following data were collected at 1, 3, and 5 years after surgery: weight, improvement/remission of co-morbidities, complications, and revisional surgery. RESULTS According to preoperative body mass index (BMI), patients were divided into Group 1 (n = 61) with BMI≤50 kg/m(2) and Group 2 (n = 44) with BMI>50 kg/m(2). The follow-up rate was 94% after 5 years (n = 99). Delta BMI (BMI at follow-up-preoperative BMI) was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 at 1-3 years and 5 years (P<.001). Furthermore, at 5 years, Group 2 showed a significantly higher percentage total weight loss (%TWL) (26.6%±18.3% versus 33.5%±12.9%, P = .006) than Group 1, whereas percentage excess weight loss was similar (58.4%±21.8% versus 55.3%±19.5%, P = .5).Younger age at surgery and absence of postoperative GERD were associated with a better %TWL at 5 years (P<.001 and P = .03). CONCLUSION LSG is an effective procedure at long-term, with good weight loss outcomes and with a considerable improvement of obesity-associated co-morbidities. Younger age at surgery and absence of postoperative GERD were associated with a better %TWL at 5 years.

A 19 year follow‐up of a woman with lipoprotein lipase deficiency treated with biliopancreatic diversion

We show the long‐term efficacy and safety of modified biliopancreatic diversion for the treatment of LPL‐deficiency. How this option compares with gene therapy is difficult to evaluate due to limited experience. Surgery may be the first option in patients in whom medical therapy is ineffective and gene therapy not applicable.