Maria S. Altieri

The effect of national hospital accreditation in bariatric surgery on perioperative outcomes and long-term mortality

BACKGROUND Controversy exists regarding the relevance of Center of Excellence accreditation to bariatric surgery outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of national hospital accreditation on perioperative and long-term outcomes following bariatric surgery. METHODS Retrospective, longitudinal study using 2004-2010 data from the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative longitudinal administrative database (n = 47,342). Multivariable logistic regression analyzed outcomes following laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Accredited hospitals and accreditation year were identified from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare website. Outcomes were analyzed with and without temporal correlation to accreditation year.>30-day mortality was determined from social security death records. RESULTS Risk of perioperative morbidity OR 1.4 (range 1.2-1.6, P<.001), mortality OR 2.6 (range 1.3-5.4, P = .01) and all-cause long-term mortality OR 1.4 (range 1.2-1.7, P = .0002) were significantly increased in unaccredited versus accredited hospitals on univariate analysis. In accredited hospitals, significant changes in payor and patient mix, operation, perioperative, and long-term outcomes were demonstrated following accreditation. A significant decrease in operations performed on black patients, Hispanic patients, and Medicare patients was also identified. Controlling for patient demographics, co-morbidity, insurance, and operative procedure, multivariable logistic regression demonstrated accreditation as independently associated with fewer major complications versus unaccredited hospitals OR 0.72 (range .63-.83, P<.001) and within the same hospital following accreditation OR .86 (range 0.77-0.96, P = .01). Following multiple cox proportional hazard model analysis, long-term mortality differences were not significant. CONCLUSION In New York State, bariatric hospital accreditation improved patient outcomes as compared to unaccredited hospitals and within the same hospital compared to preaccreditation. Significant changes were identified for some underserved at-risk populations. Measures to ensure equitable health care for at-risk populations following institutional accreditation are imperative.

Rates and risk factors for unplanned emergency department utilization and hospital readmission following bariatric surgery

Objective:To identify unplanned emergency resource utilization in the perioperative period following bariatric surgery. Summary of Background Data:Avoidable emergency department (ED) utilization and hospital readmissions pose a significant economic burden to our healthcare system. The extent of this problem is poorly studied in the bariatric literature. Methods:Using New York statewide longitudinal administrative data, 38,776 patients, who underwent primary bariatric surgery from 2010 to 2013, were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression models analyzed all variables with P < 0.05 on univariate models. Results:The 30-day unplanned ED utilization rate was 11.3% and 30-day hospital readmission rate was 5.3%. ED visits resulted in an inpatient admission 34.9% of the time. In total, 17.5% had 2 or more 30-day unplanned ED presentations. Patients presenting to the ED were more likely to be black, have pulmonary disease, be insured by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, travel further distances for index procedure, and have a surgical procedure other than gastric banding. In total, 46.7% presented to a nonindex hospital and 32.5% were admitted. Patients presenting to a nonindex hospital were significantly less likely to be admitted than those presenting to an index hospital. Conclusions:Unplanned perioperative healthcare utilization is a significant burden incurred by the bariatric population. A clear opportunity is identified for improvement in healthcare delivery—particularly for high-risk and high-frequency utilizers. Presentation to nonindex hospitals has important implications to the accuracy of current patient safety and quality outcomes measures. System measures designed to capture all unplanned resource utilization, not just those to index hospitals, are crucial for accurate evaluation.

Algorithmic approach to utilization of CT scans for detection of internal hernia in the gastric bypass patient

BACKGROUND While surgical exploration remains the gold standard for diagnosing internal hernia (IH) after certain bariatric surgeries, decisions for operative intervention are often based on computed tomography (CT) findings. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to review our institutional experience and create an algorithm to approach patients presenting with abdominal pain and/or emesis after certain bariatric procedures. SETTINGS University Hospital METHODS Following institutional review board approval, a retrospective chart review of all patients presenting with obstruction symptoms after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) was performed at 2 institutions from 2008 to 2013. Patients without CT scans or with incidental hernia defect findings were excluded. CT and intraoperative findings were compared via univariate statistical analysis. RESULTS Fifty-two patients who underwent an operation for a suspected IH were identified. Of the 50 patients, 25 (50%) had IH at operation. Twenty-nine patients (58%) had positive CT scans read for IH and/or obstruction. Of these 29, 19 (66%) were found to have IH at operation and 10 (34%) underwent negative diagnostic laparoscopy. Of the 21 patients with negative CT scans, 6 (29%) had IH at operation versus 15 (71%) who were negative. The sensitivity of CT scan to detect an internal hernia is 76% with 95% confidence interval (CI) [53% to 90%] and specificity is 60% with 95% CI [39% to 78%]. Sensitivity increased to 96% with 95% CI [78% to 99.8%] when combining CT scans with neutrophilia findings. CONCLUSION Positive CT scans are sensitive for IH but not specific. CT scans will not detect IH in 1:4 patients; despite negative findings, surgical exploration should remain the gold standard for patients with acute abdominal pain after LRYGB or biliopancreatic diversion when IH is a consideration.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease After Bariatric Procedures

GERD is a significant comorbidity in bariatric patients preoperatively and postoperatively. Surgeons should be aware of appropriate evaluation, procedures choices, and management options. Revision surgery for reflux symptoms is common and appropriate anatomy and outcomes should be considered when offering these interventions to our patients. Patient selection is important to ensure avoiding postoperative development or worsening of GERD.

Perioperative outcome of esophageal fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease in obese and morbidly obese patients

BACKGROUND To determine the perioperative safety of esophageal fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m(2). METHODS A retrospective review of 4,231 patients who underwent fundoplication for GERD from 2005 to 2009 was performed. Patients were identified via National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and grouped by BMI < 35 versus BMI ≥ 35 kg/m(2). Univariate analysis compared 30-day outcomes. RESULTS Of the 4,231 patients, 3,496 (83%) had BMI < 35 kg/m(2) and 735 (17%) had BMI ≥ 35 kg/m(2). Mean BMI for each cohort was 27.9 versus 39.1, respectively. Patients with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m(2) had significantly longer operative times (129.7 vs 118 minutes, P < .0001) and increased American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (2.43 vs 2.3, P = .001). The overall complication rate was 1.96%. No difference was demonstrated by BMI in complication rate or hospital length of stay. Increased American Society of Anesthesiologists score, diabetes, black race, longer operative time, and intraoperative transfusion significantly increased postoperative complication rates. CONCLUSIONS No increased risk is conferred to morbidly obese patients who undergo fundoplication for GERD management. This study identified independent patient risk factors for postoperative complication following esophageal fundoplication.

Bariatric Outcomes are Significantly Improved in Hospitals with Fellowship Council-Accredited Bariatric Fellowships

BackgroundWith the increasing demand of bariatric surgery, there is a need to train more surgeons, while identifying institutional factors associated with improved outcomes. Little is known regarding the impact of a fellowship training program on institutional outcomes. This study examines the effect of bariatric fellowship program status on perioperative outcomes within New York state.MethodsUsing the New York statewide planning and research cooperative system, 47,342 adult patients in 91 hospitals were identified who underwent a laparoscopic bariatric surgery over a 6-year period. Hospitals with fellowships were identified from the Fellowship Council. Statistical comparison between patient demographics, payer source, comorbidities, bariatric procedure performed, and perioperative outcomes in hospitals with and without fellowship were performed.ResultsOn univariate analysis, fellowship accreditation status was found to be associated with increased rates of cardiac complications and shock and decreased rates of pneumonia. Overall complication rate was not significantly different in fellowship versus non-fellowship institutions. However, when controlled for patient demographic, payer source, comorbidity, and operative procedure, there were significantly improved bariatric outcomes among institutions with fellowship programs.ConclusionsThe presence of a fellowship program correlates with improved hospital outcomes, mitigating potential concerns about possible negative effects of trainees on hospitals and patients.

Predictors of a successful medical weight loss program

BACKGROUND Many practices are creating weight loss programs, in preparation for bariatric surgery or for patients who wish to lose weight without surgery. Preoperative weight loss may be associated with improved postoperative weight loss and resolution of co-morbidities. The aim of this study is to investigate the success of a preoperative weight loss program at a single institution and the variables associated with success in weight loss. METHODS We enrolled patients in a once monthly multidisciplinary preoperative weight loss program and evaluated % total weight lost over the 6-month program for primary and for revisional bariatric surgical patients. Demographic characteristics, weight, program related factors, and co-morbidities were recorded. One-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression models were carried out to assess variables. Parameter estimates of multiple linear regression models were reported. Statistical significance was set at .05 and analysis was done using SAS 9.3. RESULTS A total of 133 patients enrolled and completed the program over a period of 14 months. Only 50.8% of the patients lost weight with average weight loss of .1±4.0 lbs. Patient׳s sex, insurance, psychiatric history, co-morbidities, referral status, or type of counseling had no significant effect on weight loss (P>.05). Patients between 30 and 50 years old on average were more successful in losing weight (P = .018). Patients considering revisional surgery were less successful preoperatively compared to first time candidates (P = .0007). CONCLUSION Patients between 30 and 50 years of age, first time surgical candidates, and those with higher weights may be more successful in losing weight in a preoperative bariatric weight loss program.

Esophageal bronchogenic cyst and review of the literature

BackgroundBronchogenic cysts are rare foregut abnormalities that arise from aberrant budding of the tracheobronchial tree early in embryological development. These cysts predominantly appear in the mediastinum, where they may compress nearby structures. Intra-abdominal bronchogenic cysts are rare. We report an intra-abdominal bronchogenic cyst that was excised laparoscopically.MethodsA 40-year old female with a history of gastritis presented for evaluation of recurrent abdominal pain. A previous ultrasound showed cholelithiasis and a presumed portal cyst. Physical examination and laboratory findings were unremarkable. A CT scan with pancreatic protocol was performed and an intra-abdominal mass adherent to the esophagus was visualized. A laparascopic enucleation of the mass was performed. A 3-cm myotomy was made after circumferential dissection of the cyst and the decision was made intraoperatively to reapproximate the muscularis layer. A PubMed literature search on surgical management of esophageal bronchogenic cysts was subsequently performed.ResultsThe literature search performed on the subject of esophageal bronchogenic cysts found one review article focusing on intramural esophageal bronchogenic cysts in the mediastinum and five case reports of esophageal bronchogenic cysts. Of these, only one was both intraabdominal and managed laparascopically with simple closure of the resulting myotomy. The majority of the bronchogenic cysts mentioned in the literature were located mediastinally and were managed via open thoracotomy. Our findings confirm the rarity of this particular presentation and the unique means by which this cyst was surgically excised.ConclusionThis case highlights the management of a rare entity and advocates for enucleation of noncommunicating, extraluminal esophageal bronchogenic cysts and closure of the esophageal muscular layers over intact mucosa as a viable surgical approach to this unusual pathology. Other cases of laparascopic enucleation of bronchogenic cysts have shown similarly uneventful postoperative courses and rapid recovery with no apparent return of symptoms.

Case review and consideration for imaging and work evaluation of the pregnant bariatric patient

BACKGROUND There is an increasing trend toward morbid obesity in women of childbearing age and a subsequent increase in number of weight reduction surgeries in these individuals. As a result, special attention needs to be paid to potential postsurgical complications during pregnancy, particularly after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). We are presenting our small case series and our suggestions for management for the pregnant bariatric patient. The aim of this study is to review our institutional experience and present our algorithm to approach pregnant women presenting with abdominal pain and/or emesis after RYGB. METHODS After Institutional Review Board approval, a retrospective chart review was performed at a single center institution between 2010 and 2013. Data regarding clinical presentation, physical exam findings, laboratory values, radiographic studies, intraoperative findings, and clinical outcomes of both mother and fetus were collected and reviewed for pregnant patients with history of RYGB and abdominal distress. RESULTS Five patients were identified. Patient age ranged from 22-34 years (mean 28.4). Gestational age ranged from 9-31 months (mean 19.2). Average body mass index at presentation was 30.3 kg/m(2). Of the 5 patients, 4 presented with abdominal pain and one with intractable emesis. Four patients were taken to the operating room. One was successfully discharged. Two of the patients had an obstruction from adhesions, and the other 2 were found to have internal hernia. There was no mortality for either fetus or mother. One patient required premature delivery at 28 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Pregnant women with history of RYGB who present with abdominal pain should be evaluated urgently for internal hernia or obstruction. A systematic approach is needed to ensure prompt diagnosis.

Incidence of cholecystectomy after bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND Bariatric surgery predisposes patients to development of cholelithiasis, and therefore the need of a subsequent cholecystectomy; however, the incidence of cholecystectomy after bariatric surgery is debated. OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study is to assess the incidence of cholecystectomy after 3 of the most common bariatric procedures. SETTING University Hospital, involving a large database in New York State. METHODS The Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System administrative longitudinal database was used to identify all patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) between 2004 and 2010. Through the use of a unique identifier patients were followed to evaluate for the need of a subsequent cholecystectomy over at least 5 years. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for subsequent cholecystectomy. RESULTS During this time period, there were 15,301 LAGB procedures, 19,996 RYGB, and 1650 SG. There were 989 (6.5%) patients who underwent cholecystectomy after LAGB, 1931 (9.7%) patients after RYGB, and 167 (10.1%) after SG. Approximately one quarter of follow-up cholecystectomies were performed at the same institutions. LAGB and RYGB were less likely to have a subsequent cholecystectomy compared with SG (hazard ratio .5, 95% confidence interval .4-.6 for LAGB; and hazard ratio .7, 95% confidence interval .6-.9 for RYGB). Risk factors for a subsequent cholecystectomy included age, sex, race, and some co-morbidities and complications (P<.05) based on a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model. CONCLUSION The rate of cholecystectomy after LAGB, RYGB, and SG was 6.5%, 9.7% and 10.1%, respectively. Patients should be counseled preoperatively about this risk and biliary prophylaxis should be contemplated.