Halil Coskun

A Rare Complication of Adjustable Gastric Banding:Wernicke's Encephalopathy

Background:Wernickesencephalopathy is an uncommon complication seen after morbid obesity surgery. Neurological and cardiac symptoms can occur. Early and adequate replacement of thiamin is crucial. Methods: A patient, who was operated by adjustable silicone gastric banding had severe vomiting 1 week after the operation. Physical examination showed no abnormalities except neurological signs consisting of ataxia, disorientation and diplopia. All radiological and biochemical parameters were in the normal range. Result: After replacement of vitamin B1 (thiamin) intravenously 20 mg twice daily, all the neurological signs regressed day by day. Oral thiamin pills have been continued. Conclusion: Wernickes encephalopathy which occurs as a result of thiamin deficiency is a rare complication that has serious morbidity with rapidly progressing neurologic symptoms, and must be treated immediately. Surgeons who treat morbidly obese patients must follow the metabolic and nutritional status of the patient.

Comparison of prosthetic materials in incisional hernia repair

PurposeIncisional hernias are not uncommon after abdominal surgery, but their repair is associated with a high risk of complications, including adhesions and recurrence. Many different types of meshes and adhesion barriers have been developed in an attempt to overcome these problems, some of which we have assessed in a rat model.MethodsWe made a full-thickness 1.5 × 2.5-cm abdominal wall defect in 30 Sprague-Dawley rats, which were divided into three groups according to the materials used for repair: 2 × 3-cm polypropylene mesh (group 1); expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with double-layer polypropylene mesh (group 2); or polypropylene mesh with oxidized cellulose adhesion barriers (group 3). We assessed adhesion formation, tensile strength, and histopathologic findings.ResultsThe mean adhesion scores were 3.3, 1.3, and 0.7, in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P < 0.001). The area involved by adhesions was significantly greater in group 1 than in groups 2 or 3 (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.05). The tensile strength in group 2 was less than that in groups 1 or 3 (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups 1 and 3 (P > 0.05).ConclusionAlthough there was less adhesion formation with PTFE and oxidized cellulose, PTFE not only impaired the tensile strength, but also induced fibrosis and inflammation. An oxidized cellulose adhesion barrier can be safely used in incisional hernia repair to prevent intra-abdominal adhesions.

Effect on Gastric Emptying and Weight Reduction of Botulinum Toxin-A Injection into the Gastric Antral Layer: An Experimental Study in the Obese Rat Model

Background: We investigated the effects of Botox-A on weight loss and gastric emptying in an experimental obese rat model. Although there is evidence of weight loss in normal-weight rats after Botox-A injection, there are no studies indicating the effect of Botox-A injection on weight loss and gastric emptying time in obese rats. Methods: 37 female Wistar Albino rats were given high calorie diet for 90 days. They were separated into 3 groups. The first group (Botox group) consisted of 15 obese rats whose gastric antrum was injected with 20 U of Botulinum Toxin Type A. The second group (Saline group) consisted of 15 obese rats whose gastric antrum was injected with 20 U of saline. The third group (Control group) had no surgical intervention. Gastric scintigraphy was performed in the 3 groups pre- and postoperatively. Results: The saline group had a weight reduction in the early postoperative days but began to gain weight thereafter. The mean weight of the Botox group between the 16th and 28th days postoperatively was significantly lower than the mean weights of the control and the saline groups (P<0.05, P<0.001). The results of gastric emptying scintigraphy in all 3 groups at day 20 revealed significantly higher T1/2 values in the Botox-A group when compared to the results of the control and saline groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: Botox-A application to the gastric antrum in obese rats leads to weight loss by increasing the gastric emptying time.

Adjustable Gastric Banding in a Multicenter Study in Turkey

Background: Adjustable gastric banding (AGB) is a minimally-invasive approach which allows adjustment of gastric restriction. Methods: The AGB was evaluated retrospectively in a consecutive series at 3 centers. From October 1998 to October 2001, 70 patients (49 women), mean age 34.3 years (18-59) with morbid obesity (preoperative mean BMI 45.2 kg/m2) underwent AGB The open approach was employed in the first 35 patients. Laparoscopic placement was used in the second 35 patients. Complete follow-up has been obtained in all patients. Results: Mean postoperative follow-up has been 18 months (12-39). Mean operative time was 120 minutes in the open approach and 150 minutes in the laparoscopic AGB. Mean hospital stay was 5 days after the open approach and 1.7 days after the laparoscopic surgery. The excess weight loss after 18 months was 59%. Incidence of early postoperative complications was 27.1%, including nausea and vomiting in 8 patients (5 in open approach, 3 in laparoscopic placement), wound infection in 10 patients (all 10 in open approach), and Wernickes encephalopathy in 1 patient (open approach). Incidence of late complications was 28.5%, and included band migration in 2 patients (both by laparoscopic placement), pouch dilatation in 10 patients (6 in open approach, 4 in laparoscopic placement), incisional hernias in 4 patients (all by open approach), and port infections in 4 patients (all 4 in open approach). Conclusion: AGB has been effective in achieving good weight loss to 3 years follow-up. The ability to adjust the degree of gastric restriction has enabled progressive weight loss.

The effects of gastric bands of different synthetic materials on the gastric and esophageal mucosa: an experimental study.

Background: Gastric and mucosal changes were studied when different synthetic materials were used for gastric banding. Methods: 60 Wistar-Albino rats (weight 200-250 g, age 12 weeks) were classiffied into 5 groups. Gastric banding was carried out with different materials: group 1 - polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), group 2 - polythylene (PE), group 3 - polypropylene (PP), group 4 - silicone; and group 5 - controls. Histopathological examination of proximal and distal gastric mucosa and esophagus were evaluated for foreign body reaction, lymphocytic infiltration, neutrophil infiltration, gastric wall invasion, and gastroesophageal reflux. Results: PE and PP caused a much more severe foreign body reaction that PTFE and silicone. Lymphocytic infiltration (chronic inflammation) was not significantly different between PP, PE, and PTFE, and was present in 80% of rats with these materials (P >0.05); in the silicone group, lymphocytic reaction was minimal. There was no neutrophilic infiltration in the silicone group (P =0.001), but this sign of acute inflammation was present in the other groups. However, the neutrophilic inflitration showed no difference between PE, PTFE and PP. PP, PE and PTFE migrated into the gastric wall at similar rates (no significant difference, P >0.05); in the silicone group, however, intragastric migration was not observed. With regard to gastroesophageal reflux, no significant difference was found between all the groups (P>0.05). In all groups, no histopathologic change was observed in the gastric mucosa proximal and distal to the bands. Conclusion: Silicone was the ideal material for banding, because it had good tissue adaptation and caused no inflammatory response.

Comparison of Results of Laparoscopic Gastric Banding and Consecutive Intragastric Balloon Application at 18 Months: A Clinical Prospective Study

BACKGROUND Obesity is a serious health problem that leads to serious physical and psychological problems. The methods used in treating obesity include diet and behavioral changes, pharmacotherapy, and surgery. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and intragastric balloon (IGB) applications are two of the methods used to treat obesity. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of LAGB with those of two consecutive IGB applications in weight loss management of obese patients. METHODS Thirty-two patients (F/M:24/8) admitted in the study were divided into two groups. In the first group of 16 patients, LAGB was performed, and in the other group two consecutive IGBs were applied. Total weight loss, body mass index (BMI), excess weight loss percent (EWL %), and excess body mass index loss percent (EBMIL %) were recorded at months 6, 12, and 18 for both groups. RESULTS At the end of the 6th month, BMI values of LAGB and IGB groups were 36.0 and 30.6  kg/m(2), EWL % were 32.3% and 39.3%, and EBMIL % were 36.3% and 47.1%, respectively. The results were similar. At the end of 12 months, median BMI was 36.6  kg/m(2) for LAGB and 27.5  kg/m(2) for IGB (P<.05). The EWL % and EBMIL % at the end of the 12th month were 57% and 70%, which is significant in favor of IGB. The last evaluation was made at the 18th month of applications, and the three parameters for two applications were found to be similar. CONCLUSIONS The achieved weight losses at the 6th month were similar for both groups. However, at the 12th month, two consecutive IGB applications were more effective. At the end of the 18th month, the results were again similar. Two consecutive IGB applications may be offered to obese patients who do not feel ready for surgery.

Food addiction and the outcome of bariatric surgery at 1-year: Prospective observational study

PURPOSES The objectives of the current study were to determine the prevalence of food addiction in bariatric surgery candidates and whether food addiction is associated with weight loss after bariatric surgery. METHODS This prospective observational study was performed on morbidly obese patients who had been found suitable for bariatric surgery. Follow-up was conducted at the 6 and 12 month post-surgery. The Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) was used to determine food addiction. RESULTS One hundred seventy-eight patients were included. Pre-operative food addiction was found in 57.8% of patients. Food addiction prevalence decreased at the 6 and 12 month follow ups, to 7.2% and 13.7% respectively. There were no statistically differences between those with food addiction and those without addiction with regard to weight loss measured as percent of excess BMI at the 12 month follow-up. CONCLUSION Food addiction as measured by the YFAS decreases significantly after bariatric surgery. The presence of food addiction before surgery was not associated with weight loss as measured EBL%. However, in view of the increase in BMI, 2 years after surgery longer follow up studies are warranted.

Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in situs Inversus Totalis.

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare genetic anomaly characterized by arrangement of the abdominal and thoracic organs in a perfect mirror image reversal of the normal positioning. Transposition of the organs causes difficulty in diagnosis and treatment of the diseases related to abdomen and thorax. Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a new technique and it is increasingly used with better cosmetic results. In this paper, a single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) performed in a patient with SIT is presented. SILC can be performed safely in the patients with SIT with better cosmetic results.

Rare Entities of Histopathological Findings in 755 Sleeve Gastrectomy Cases: a Synopsis of Preoperative Endoscopy Findings and Histological Evaluation of the Specimen

BackgroundLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most preferred technique in morbidly obese patients for weight loss. There is a controversy about the routine preoperative evaluation of the stomach and the routine microscopic examination of all LSG specimens. Our aim is to analyze the results of both preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and endoscopic biopsies and also the results of histopathological examination of LSG specimens.Materials and MethodsThe data of patients who underwent LSG from January 2011 to November 2016 were analyzed retrospectively from a prospectively collected database. Seven hundred fifty five of 819 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Data on patients’ demographic variables [age, gender, BMI (kg/m2)], preoperative upper GI endoscopy and biopsy results, postoperative histopathological results of the specimens, and the process of the patients with malignant histopathological investigation in the follow-up period were collected.ResultsThis study involves 755 patients with a mean age of 39.6 ± 11.7 years and has 496 (65.6%) to 259 (34.4%) female to male ratio. None of the patients harbored macroscopic or microscopic malignant pathological finding in the preoperative assessment. Hiatal hernia was detected in 78 (10.2%) patients and gastric/duodenal ulcers were detected in 52 (6.8%) patients in endoscopy. Incidental malignant and/or premalignant histopathological findings—intestinal metaplasia (1.4%) and malignant lesions (0.5%)—were rarely found in the evaluation of the surgical specimens.ConclusionsBoth preoperative endoscopic assessment and postoperative histopathological examination of the specimen are mandatory in LSG patients.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in management of weight regain after failed laparoscopic plication

INTRODUCTION Weight regain after bariatric surgery remains a challenging problem with regard to its surgical management. PRESENTATION OF CASE A 30 year-old-female patient with weight regain after failed laparoscopic gastric plication and previous gastric banding was evaluated in a tertiary-care university setting. Her last body mass index was calculated as 40.4kg/m(2). Preoperative ultrasonography revealed cholelithiasis. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with cholecystectomy was planned as a redo surgery. A floopy and plicated stomach with increased wall thickness of the greater curvature was seen. After adhesiolysis between the plicated part of stomach and the surrounding omental tissues, concomitant laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and cholecystectomy were performed. She was discharged on the 4th post-operative day without any complaint. At the postoperative 3rd month, her body mass index was recorded as 24kg/m(2). DISCUSSION Redo surgery of morbid obesity after failed bariatric surgery is a technically demanding issue. Type of the surgical treatment should be decided by the attending surgeon based on the morphology of the remnant stomach caused by previous operations. CONCLUSION As a redo surgery after failed laparoscopic gastric plication and gastric banding procedures, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy may be regarded as a safe and feasible approach in experienced hands.