Gintaras Antanavicius

Small Bowel Obstruction and Internal Hernias during Pregnancy after Gastric Bypass Surgery

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a recognized complication of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. Internal hernia (IH) a potential problem associated with RYGB, can have severe consequences if not diagnosed. We present two cases of SBO due to IH during pregnancy after laparoscopic RYGB (LRYGB). Both patients underwent an antecolic, antegastric LRYGB. In both patients a Petersen’s type IH was found. We reviewed the cases reported in the literature of SBO during pregnancy after RYGB. IH should always be ruled out in pregnant patients with previous RYGB and abdominal pain. Prompt surgical intervention is mandatory for a good outcome.

Distal Esophageal Erosion After Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band Placement with Nissen Fundoplication Takedown

Although primary band placement is proven to be safe, gastric band placement after previous operations in the area of the gastroesophageal junction remains controversial. Erosion into the stomach has been described after failed vertical banded gastroplasty conversion to laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB), but no reports in the English literature are available on erosion of an adjustable gastric band into the esophagus after conversion operations. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of distal esophageal erosion after LAGB placement with Nissen fundoplication takedown.

Efficiency of preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy in identifying operable hiatal hernia for bariatric surgery patients

BACKGROUND Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a symptom frequently found in obese patients, and often is related to the presence of a hiatal hernia (HH). Surgeons may evaluate for the presence of HH on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). However, preoperative endoscopic presence or absence of a significant HH does not always correlate with intraoperative findings. OBJECTIVE To compare the rate of detection of repairable HH between clinical, endoscopic, and intraoperative methods SETTING: Independent, university-affiliated teaching hospital METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all consecutive patients who had undergone a primary bariatric procedure sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, or biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch with routine preoperative EGD in a single institution from 2009-2013 was performed. Data points included the diagnosis of GERD/heartburn/proton pump inhibitor or histamine antagonist from history, the diagnosis of HH from preoperative EGD, and the diagnosis of HH intraoperatively that merited repair. RESULTS 1570 consecutive patients were included in the study. Eight hundred fifty-seven (55%) had diagnosis of GERD or heartburn, and 713 (45%) were asymptomatic (negative for GERD or heartburn). Hiatal hernia repair was performed in 153 (18%) patients with the diagnosis of GERD or heartburn and in 107 (15%) patients without the diagnosis of GERD and or heartburn. In all, 434 (28%) out of 1570 patients had a finding of HH on EGD; 204 (47%) were repaired. On endoscopy, 326 (75%) were defined as small, 87 (20%) as moderate, and 21(5%) as large HH. Of these, repairs were done on 128 (39%), 60 (70%), and 16 (76%). The sensitivity of detecting repairable HH by clinical indicators such as GERD or heartburn was 55% (P = .123) and sensitivity of EGD findings was 78% (P = .000). Specificity was 46% and 82%, respectively. CONCLUSION Small HH are over-diagnosed with EGD, as most do not require repair. However, moderate and large HH are accurately detected.

Conversion of failed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch: outcomes of 9 case series

INTRODUCTION Weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a frustrating long-term complication in some patients. Revision of RYGB to biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) is an appealing option. There is a paucity of information in literature regarding this type of conversion. SETTING Regional referral center and teaching hospital, Pennsylvania, United States; nonprofit. METHODS Between 2013 and 2016, a retrospective chart review was performed on all our revision cases. Patients who underwent conversion from RYGB to BPD-DS were selected and analyzed. RESULTS Conversion from RYGB to BPD-DS was performed on 9 patients (8 females, 1 male; mean age: 49.2±7.6 [36-61] years). The mean body mass index (BMI) before the initial RYGB was 54.2±14.2 (36.2-79) kg/m2. The lowest mean BMI reached before conversion was 33.9±6.2 (27.9-43.3) kg/m2 before it increased to 45.6±8.7 (28.8-60.2) corresponding to excess weight loss (EWL) of 33.1%±17.7% (10.6%-68.1%), before conversion. The average operative time was 402.6±65.8 (328-515) minutes for 1-stage conversions. No morbidities, reoperation, or readmission over 30 days postoperatively were reported. No leaks or mortalities were identified. The mean duration of follow-up postconversion is 16.3±13.6 (3-42) months. After conversion surgery, the mean BMI was 35.8±8.2 (27.6-49.5) kg/m2, while mean EWL loss was 64.1%±18.8% (45.9%-88.7%). The BMI of the cohort decreased by a mean of 9.8±5.1 (0.5-16.8) and the EWL increased by 31%±23.1% (4%-76.6%). CONCLUSION Our results indicate that conversion of failed RYGB to BPD-DS is laparoscopically or robotically safe and effective. A large cohort study with long-term follow-up is necessary to further assess the safety and efficacy of this method.

How to Switch to the Switch: Implementation of Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch into Practice

The biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS), a modification of the classic Scopinaro procedure, carries the highest rate of success in terms of weight loss, comorbid resolution, and maintenance of weight loss. The substantial challenges, technical complexity, and expected roadblocks of adding BPD/DS option to the bariatric surgeon’s resources are reflected in the number of BPD/DS procedure performed in the USA, being less than 1% of all bariatric surgeries. Adjustments to the length of the common channel and the size of the vertical sleeve would increase the pool of candidates for BPD/DS and offer comprehensive management of obesity and metabolic comorbidities. Proper educational programs and multiple proctoring to bariatric surgeons aid to implement BPD/DS to their practice.

Venous thromboembolism after laparoscopic or robotic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Ninety-days outcome of a 10 years’ experience

BACKGROUND Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a feared complication after bariatric surgery. Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) is a complex bariatric procedure that is offered typically to super morbidly obese patients. Scarce data exist in reporting VTE outcome and identifying the risk factors associated with it after BPD-DS. OBJECTIVE To determine the risk factors for VTE after BPD-DS at 90-day follow-up. SETTING A nonprofit regional referral center and teaching hospital in Pennsylvania. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed on prospectively collected data over 10 years, between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2016. Patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic BPD-DS were included. Preoperative variables, selected risk factors, and methods of VTE prophylaxis were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 662 patients who underwent BPD-DS were identified. The mean age was 44.7 ± 10.4 (20-72) years; 474 patients were female (71.7%), and the mean body mass index of the cohort was 50.5 ± 7.5 (34-98) kg/m2. Overall, 16 patients (2.4%) experienced VTE complication at 90-days follow-up post-BPD-DS with 100% follow-up rate; deep vein thrombosis was experienced by 10 patients (1.5%), and 6 patients (0.9%) experienced pulmonary embolism (1 patient experience both). None of those patients had a previous history of VTE. Only operative time (P value = .009) and length of stay (P value ≤ .001) were associated with VTE events. Other factors such as age, sex, body mass index, previous history of VTE, preoperative heparin injection, preoperative inferior vena cava filter insertion, intermittent compressive device use, interval heparin time, and postoperative chemical prophylaxis did not show a statistical association. A logistic regression analysis showed a statistically significant increase of VTE outcome with length of stay; odds ratio of 1.161, (95% confidence interval, 1.048-1.285), P value = .004. CONCLUSION With proper preoperative evaluation and aggressive VTE prophylaxis protocol, the risk of VTE post-BPD-DS is comparable to other bariatric procedures. Every effort should be adopted to shorten the length of stay, and thus reduce VTE risk.

Proximal (Classic) Gastric Bypass

The intention of this procedure is a restriction of the size of the stomach by cutting it proximally and the creation of malabsorption by dividing the small intestine into an alimentary (Roux limb) and a biliopancreatic segment (Fig. 3.1). Both goals (restriction and malabsorption) are reached in one operation; it is therefore referred to as “combined procedure.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Insertion via Gastro-Gastric Fistula in a Gastric Bypass Patient

Enteral feedings are the preferred route of nutritional support for malnourished or critically ill patients. Recent progress in flexible endoscopic and interventional radiological techniques has allowed adaptation of numerous new procedures. Anatomic and functional rearrangement of the gastrointestinal tract often precludes traditional percutaneus endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement. Insertion of a gastroscope through the nose, via open pharynx, or neck fistula have been described, but there are no reports in the English literature describing introduction of the gastroscope through a dilated gastro-gastric fistula in a patient with previous open Roux en Y gastric bypass.

Single-docking robotic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch technique

Multiquadrant robotic surgery with single docking is a new feature that became available since the introduction of da Vinci XI® robotic platform. Laparoscopic Robotic assisted Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) was first described by Sudan et al in 2007. Robotic surgery advancement increased the interest in complex surgeries due to various advantages such as stable visualization, dexterity, ergonomic benefits and precise suturing. Described here is our technique of a total Robotic BPD/DS using single docking da Vinci XI® robotic platform, integrated table motion pairing, robotic stapling and robotic energy device.

Original articleVenous thromboembolism after laparoscopic or robotic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Ninety-days outcome of a 10 years’ experience

BACKGROUND Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a feared complication after bariatric surgery. Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) is a complex bariatric procedure that is offered typically to super morbidly obese patients. Scarce data exist in reporting VTE outcome and identifying the risk factors associated with it after BPD-DS. OBJECTIVE To determine the risk factors for VTE after BPD-DS at 90-day follow-up. SETTING A nonprofit regional referral center and teaching hospital in Pennsylvania. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed on prospectively collected data over 10 years, between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2016. Patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic BPD-DS were included. Preoperative variables, selected risk factors, and methods of VTE prophylaxis were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 662 patients who underwent BPD-DS were identified. The mean age was 44.7 ± 10.4 (20-72) years; 474 patients were female (71.7%), and the mean body mass index of the cohort was 50.5 ± 7.5 (34-98) kg/m2. Overall, 16 patients (2.4%) experienced VTE complication at 90-days follow-up post-BPD-DS with 100% follow-up rate; deep vein thrombosis was experienced by 10 patients (1.5%), and 6 patients (0.9%) experienced pulmonary embolism (1 patient experience both). None of those patients had a previous history of VTE. Only operative time (P value = .009) and length of stay (P value ≤ .001) were associated with VTE events. Other factors such as age, sex, body mass index, previous history of VTE, preoperative heparin injection, preoperative inferior vena cava filter insertion, intermittent compressive device use, interval heparin time, and postoperative chemical prophylaxis did not show a statistical association. A logistic regression analysis showed a statistically significant increase of VTE outcome with length of stay; odds ratio of 1.161, (95% confidence interval, 1.048-1.285), P value = .004. CONCLUSION With proper preoperative evaluation and aggressive VTE prophylaxis protocol, the risk of VTE post-BPD-DS is comparable to other bariatric procedures. Every effort should be adopted to shorten the length of stay, and thus reduce VTE risk.