Héctor Romero-Talamás

Can Diabetes Be Surgically Cured?: Long-Term Metabolic Effects of Bariatric Surgery in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: Evaluate the long-term effects of bariatric surgery on type 2 diabetes (T2DM) remission and metabolic risk factors. Background: Although the impressive antidiabetic effects of bariatric surgery have been shown in short- and medium-term studies, the durability of these effects is uncertain. Specifically, long-term remission rates following bariatric surgery are largely unknown. Methods: Clinical outcomes of 217 patients with T2DM who underwent bariatric surgery between 2004 and 2007 and had at least 5-year follow-up were assessed. Complete remission was defined as glycated hemoglobin (A1C) less than 6% and fasting blood glucose (FBG) less than 100 mg/dL off diabetic medications. Changes in other metabolic comorbidities, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetic nephropathy, were assessed. Results: At a median follow-up of 6 years (range: 5–9) after surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, n = 162; gastric banding, n = 32; sleeve gastrectomy, n = 23), a mean excess weight loss (EWL) of 55% was associated with mean reductions in A1C from 7.5% ± 1.5% to 6.5% ± 1.2% (P < 0.001) and FBG from 155.9 ± 59.5 mg/dL to 114.8 ± 40.2 mg/dL (P < 0.001). Long-term complete and partial remission rates were 24% and 26%, respectively, whereas 34% improved (>1% decrease in A1C without remission) from baseline and 16% remained unchanged. Shorter duration of T2DM (P < 0.001) and higher long-term EWL (P = 0.006) predicted long-term remission. Recurrence of T2DM after initial remission occurred in 19% and was associated with longer duration of T2DM (P = 0.03), less EWL (P = 0.02), and weight regain (P = 0.015). Long-term control rates of low high-density lipoprotein, high low-density lipoprotein, high triglyceridemia, and hypertension were 73%, 72%, 80%, and 62%, respectively. Diabetic nephropathy regressed (53%) or stabilized (47%). Conclusions: Bariatric surgery can induce a significant and sustainable remission and improvement of T2DM and other metabolic risk factors in severely obese patients. Surgical intervention within 5 years of diagnosis is associated with a high rate of long-term remission.

Risk prediction of complications of metabolic syndrome before and 6 years after gastric bypass

BACKGROUND Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery has been shown to have favorable effects on components of metabolic syndrome. However, the long-term effect of RYGB on predicted risk of end-organ complications is less clear. The objective of this study was to examine long-term changes in predicted risk of metabolic syndrome-related complications after RYGB. METHODS The predicted risk of metabolic syndrome-related complications in a cohort of 131 diabetic patients was compared between baseline and last follow-up points after RYGB using validated risk assessment tools. RESULTS After a median postsurgical follow-up time of 6 years (range, 5-9), a mean percent excess weight loss of 60.7 ± 25.1% was associated with a diabetes remission rate of 61%. At long-term follow-up, the levels of glycated hemoglobin, low-density lipoprotein, and blood pressure were within the recommended American Diabetes Associations goals in 85%, 73%, and 63% of patients, respectively (P<.001). RYGB was associated with a relative risk reduction of 27% for 10-year overall risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and peripheral vascular disease; 20% for 10-year risk of CHD; 40% for 10-year risk of myocardial infarction; 42% for 10-year risk of stroke; 47% for 4-year risk of intermittent claudication; 45% for 5-year risk of moderate-severe kidney disease; and 18% for 5-year risk of cardiovascular mortality. Four-year risk of diabetic retinopathy was also significantly decreased. CONCLUSION RYGB in diabetic patients results in remarkable control of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, and is associated with a significant reduction in predicted risk of major complications including nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease and mortality in the range of 18-47% at long-term follow-up.

Psoriasis improvement after bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease known to be associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Single case reports and small series suggest remission or improvement after bariatric surgery, hypothetically through a GLP-1 mediated mechanism. The objective of this study was to investigate on the effect of bariatric surgery on the clinical behavior of psoriasis in obese patients. METHODS A total of 33 morbidly obese individuals with psoriasis who were on active medical treatment were identified. Demographic characteristics and follow-up data were extracted from our database. Medication usage and percentage of affected body surface area (%ABSA) were recorded preoperatively and at least 6 months after bariatric surgery. RESULTS Nine (27.2%) patients were on systemic therapy at baseline. At a mean follow-up time of 26.2±20.3 months, a mean excess weight loss (EWL) of 48.7± 26.6% was achieved. This was associated with improvement of psoriasis based on downgrade of medication and %ABSA in 30.3% and 26.1% of patients, respectively. In total, 13 of 33 patients (39.4%) had improvement based on either criteria. Eight (24.2%) patients were not on any psoriasis medication at the latest follow-up (P = .001). Older age at the time of surgery (54.8±8.1 versus 48.1±10.4 years, P = .047), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus nonbypass procedures (52.4% versus 16.7%, P = .043), and greater EWL (64.2±26.0% versus 43.4± 23.6%, P = .036) predicted improvement. Only 1 (3%) patient experienced worsening after surgery. CONCLUSION Almost 40% of our cohort showed improvement of psoriasis several months after bariatric surgery. Improvement is directly related to the degree of postoperative weight loss and is associated with the Roux-en-Y configuration.

The effect of bariatric surgery on gout: a comparative study

BACKGROUND Obesity is a risk factor for the development of gout. An increased incidence of early gouty attacks after bariatric surgery has been reported, but the data is sparse. The effect of weight loss surgery on the behavior of gout beyond the immediate postoperative phase remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pre- and postoperative frequency and features of gouty attacks in bariatric surgery patients. METHODS Charts were reviewed to identify patients who had gout before bariatric surgery. Demographic and gout-related parameters were recorded. The comparison group consisted of obese individuals with gout who underwent nonbariatric upper abdominal procedures. RESULTS Ninety-nine morbidly obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery had gout. The comparison group consisted of 56 patients. The incidence of early gouty attack in the first month after surgery was significantly higher in the bariatric group than the nonbariatric group (17.5% versus 1.8%, P = .003). In the bariatric group, 23.8% of patients had at least one gouty attack during the 12-month period before surgery, which dropped to 8.0% during postoperative months 1-13 (P = .005). There was no significant difference in the number of gouty attacks in the comparison group before and after surgery (18.2% versus 11.1%, P = .33). There was a significant reduction in uric acid levels 13-months after bariatric surgery compared with baseline values (9.1±2.0 versus 5.6±2.5 mg/dL, P = .007). CONCLUSION The frequency of early postoperative gout attacks after bariatric surgery is significantly higher than that of patients undergoing other procedures. However, the incidence decreases significantly after the first postoperative month up to 1 year.

Is Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery a Safe Option in Extremely High-Risk Morbidly Obese Patients?

INTRODUCTION Age, superobesity, and cardiopulmonary comorbidities define patients as high risk for bariatric surgery. We evaluated the outcomes following bariatric surgery in extremely high-risk patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Among 3240 patients who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery at a single academic center from January 2006 through June 2012, extremely high-risk patients were identified using the following criteria: age ≥ 65 years, body mass index (BMI) ≥ 50 kg/m(2), and presence of at least two of six cardiopulmonary comorbidities, including hypertension, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and history of venous thromboembolism. Perioperative and intermediate-term outcomes were assessed. RESULTS Forty-four extremely high-risk patients underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 23), adjustable gastric banding (n = 11), or sleeve gastrectomy (n = 10). Patients had a mean age of 67.9 ± 2.7 years, a mean BMI of 54.8 ± 5.5 kg/m(2), and a median of two (range, two to five) cardiopulmonary comorbidities. There was no conversion to laparotomy. Thirteen (29.5%) 30-day postoperative complications occurred; only six were major complications. Thirty-day postoperative re-admission, re-operation, and mortality rates were 15.9%, 2.3%, and 0%, respectively. Within a mean follow-up time of 24.0 ± 18.4 months, late morbidity and mortality rates were 18.2% and 2.3%, respectively. The mean percentage total weight and excess weight losses after at least 1 year of follow-up were 26.7 ± 12.0% and 44.1 ± 20.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic bariatric surgery is safe and can be performed with acceptable perioperative outcomes in extremely high-risk patients. Advanced age, BMI, and severe cardiopulmonary comorbidities should not exclude patients from consideration for bariatric surgery.

Comprehensive evaluation of the effect of bariatric surgery on pelvic floor disorders.

BACKGROUND The association of pelvic floor disorders (PFD) with obesity is well documented. The spectrum of PFD includes stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence (UUI), pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and fecal incontinence (FI). Resolution or improvement of SUI after bariatric surgery has been previously reported. However, the data regarding UUI and other forms of PFD with objective testing are sparse. OBJECTIVES Prospectively evaluate the effects of bariatric surgery on the prevalence and severity of pelvic floor disorders. SETTING U.S. Academic Hospital. METHODS From December 2008 to December 2012, patients who screened positive on a screening questionnaire were asked to participate in the study. Participants completed 3 validated condition-specific questionnaires before surgery and 6-12 months after. A subgroup consented to gynecologic examination (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification [POP-Q] test) and urodynamic testing at similar time points. RESULTS Seventy-two study patients underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass (n = 65), sleeve gastrectomy (n = 5), and gastric banding (n = 2). Mean BMI decreased from 47.5 to 32.7 kg/m(2) 1 year after surgery (P<.001). Based on questionnaires, the most prevalent PFD was SUI, identified in 60 (83.3%) patients at baseline and 32 (44.4%, P<.001) at follow-up. There was significant improvement in PFD-related symptoms, quality of life, POP, and sexual function at follow-up. Decrease in prevalence of SUI after surgery was also confirmed with urodynamic testing (from 76.9% to 30.8%, P = .01). There was no significant change in prevalence and severity of POP based on POP-Q exam. CONCLUSIONS Bariatric surgery is associated with a decrease in prevalence and severity of diverse forms of urinary incontinence as well as improvement in quality of life and sexual function of morbidly obese women.

Outcomes of a Third Bariatric Procedure for Inadequate Weight Loss

Background and Objectives: The robust volume of bariatric surgical procedures has led to significant numbers of patients requiring reoperative surgery because of undesirable results from primary operations. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of the third bariatric procedure after previous attempts resulted in inadequate results. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients who underwent a third bariatric procedure for inadequate weight loss or significant weight regain after the second operation. Data were analyzed to establish patient demographic characteristics, perioperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes. Results: A total of 12 patients were identified. Before the first, second, and third procedures, patients had a mean body mass index of 67.1 ± 29.3 kg/m2, 60.9 ± 28.3 kg/m2, and 49.4 ± 19.8 kg/m2, respectively. The third operations (laparoscopic in 10 and open in 2) included Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 5), revision of pouch and/or stoma of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 3), limb lengthening after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 3), and sleeve gastrectomy (n = 1). We encountered 5 early complications in 4 patients, and early reoperative intervention was needed in 2 patients. At 1-year follow-up, the excess weight loss of the cohort was 49.4% ± 33.8%. After a mean follow-up time of 43.0 ± 28.6 months, the body mass index of the cohort reached 39.9 ± 20.8 kg/m2, which corresponded to a mean excess weight loss of 54.4% ± 44.0% from the third operation. At the latest follow-up, 64% of patients had excess weight loss >50% and 45% had excess weight loss >80%. Conclusion: Reoperative bariatric surgery can be carried out successfully (often laparoscopically), even after 2 previous weight loss procedures.

6 Essential Bariatric Equipment: Making Your Facility More Accommodating to Bariatric Surgical Patients

Bariatric surgery patients require unique equipment and furniture to safely and comfortably accommodate them and their family members. Attention to all aspects of care for the obese patient is important, and bariatric programs should lead their institutions in developing equipment and furniture policies. Careful planning and institutional support can avoid injury or embarrassment for the obese patient anywhere in the clinic or hospital.