Rishi Singhal

Managing the 2-week wait for breast patients.

INTRODUCTION Published data suggest that the 2-week wait system and triple assessment at one fast-track clinic visit is an out-dated method of capturing disease from a referral population. These studies report up to 32% of breast cancer coming from routine referrals. It has been recommended, therefore, that all breast referrals should be seen within 2 weeks. The sheer volume of referrals are likely to prevent this target being achieved. The aim of this study was to analyse the performance of our fast-track system. PATIENTS AND METHODS The Birmingham Heartlands and Solihull fast-track clinics were set up in 1999 with a prospective audit system. The data from this audit were retrospectively analysed and cross-referenced with the cancer data base to determine the referral origin of breast cancers from November 1999 to February 2005. RESULTS A total of 14,303 (fast-track, n = 6678; routine referral, n = 7625) patients were seen over a 5-year period. Overall, 1095 cancers (91.8% of the total) came from the fast-track clinics which had a pick-up rate of 16.4% compared with 98 cancers (8.2% of the total) and a pick-up rate of 1.3% for routine referrals (P < 0.001). The appropriateness of fast-track referral was also analysed which showed that 14.4% of cancers were detected if the referral criteria were met compared to 0.55% if they were inappropriate (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The traditional fast-track, triple assessment breast clinic is an efficient and well-structured way of diagnosing disease. We recommend that the two system referral pattern should continue.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and endometrial hyperplasia: an overview of the role of bariatric surgery in female fertility

One of the most effective methods to tackle obesity and its related comorbidities is bariatric surgery. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometrial hyperplasia (EH), which are associated with increased risk of endometrial carcinoma, have been identified as potentially new indications for bariatric surgery. PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder in women in the reproductive age and is associated with several components of the metabolic syndrome such as obesity, insulin resistance and hypertension. EH is a pre-cancerous condition which arises in the presence of chronic exposure to estrogen unopposed by progesterone such as both in PCOS and obesity. The main bariatric procedures are Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. These procedures are well established and when correctly selected and performed by experienced bariatric surgeons, they can achieve significant weight loss and remission of obesity related co-morbidities. Studies have shown that bariatric surgery can play an important role in the management of patients with PCOS and improve fertility. Similarly, bariatric surgery has a positive effect on endometrial hyperplasia, making surgically induced weight loss a potentially attractive option for endometrial cancer prevention and treatment. Obesity has an adverse impact on spontaneous pregnancy, assisted reproduction methods and feto-maternal outcomes. After bariatric surgery obese women with subfertility can achieve spontaneous pregnancy. However, while bariatric surgery reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, there is an increased risk of small for gestational age and possible increased risk of stillborn or neonatal death. In this article we will review the evidence regarding the use of bariatric surgery as a treatment modality in patients with PCOS and EH. We also provide an overview of the common bariatric procedures.

Randomised controlled trial of bariatric surgery versus a community weight loss programme for the sustained treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension: the Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Weight Trial (IIH:WT) protocol

Introduction Effective treatments are lacking for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), a condition characterised by raised intracranial pressure (ICP) and papilloedema, and found primarily in obese women. Weight loss and lowering body mass index (BMI) have been shown to lower ICP and improve symptoms in IIH; however, weight loss is typically not maintained, meaning IIH symptoms return. The Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Weight Trial (IIH:WT) will assess whether bariatric surgery is an effective long-term treatment for patients with IIH with a BMI over 35 kg/m2. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends bariatric surgery in people with a BMI over 35 kg/m2 and a qualifying comorbidity; currently IIH does not qualify as a comorbidity. Methods and analysis IIH:WT is a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled clinical trial of 64 participants with active IIH and a BMI over 35 kg/m2. Participants will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to bariatric surgery or a dietary weight loss programme and followed up for 5 years. The primary outcome measure is ICP at 12 months. Secondary outcome measures include ICP at 24 and 60 months, and IIH symptoms, visual function, papilloedema, headache, quality of life and cost-effectiveness at 12, 24 and 60 months. Trial registration number IIH:WT is registered as ISRCTN40152829 and on ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02124486 and is in the pre-results stage.

Role of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in the treatment of obesity and related disorders

Bariatric Surgery is increasing in popularity as an approach to the treatment of obesity, with a consequent benefit on co-morbid conditions. Laparoscopic gastric banding, as discussed herein, in a relatively safe, simple procedure in comparison with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The former technique offers comparable weight loss, but with some compromise on resolution of metabolic co-morbidities. The advantage, mainly relating to patient safety, makes laparoscopic gastric banding an effective option for any obese individual in whom weight loss surgery is indicated.

Day surgery for achalasia cardia: Time for consensus?

INTRODUCTION Laparoscopic Hellers myotomy (LHM) is the most effective therapy for achalasia of the oesophagus. Most case series of LHM report a length of hospital stay (LOS) >1 day. We present 14 years of experience of LHM to examine the safety and feasibility of LHM as a day case procedure. METHODS We retrospectively examined patients undergoing elective LHM for achalasia at our institution between 2000 and 2014. Demographics, episode statistics, prior investigations and interventions were collated. Outcomes, including LOS, complications and re-interventions, were compared for the periods before and after a consensus decision at our institution in 2008 to perform LHM as a day case procedure. RESULTS Sixty patients with a mean age of 41 ± 13 years were included, of whom 58% were male. The median LOS for all patients was 1 day (interquartile range [IQR] 0-2.25). Overall, LHM was performed as a day case in 27 (45%) cases, at 2/26 (7.7%) in the first period versus 25/34 (73.5%) in the second (p<0.01). There were no significant differences in age, gender or previous interventions between day surgery and non-day surgery groups. One patient required subsequent unplanned surgery, while six (10%) needed endoscopic treatment of recurrent symptoms within 12 months. CONCLUSIONS LHM can be performed safely as a day case procedure. Complication rates are low, with only a small proportion of patients requiring endoscopic treatment for symptom recurrence within 1 year.

Adjustable Gastric Banding

Gastric banding is one of the so-called restrictive procedures in bariatric surgery. The aim is to limit the size of the stomach to a small pouch, which is created by tightening the gastric band (Figs. 2.1 and 2.2).

Changes in glycaemic control, blood pressure and lipids 5 years following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding combined with medical care in patients with type 2 diabetes: a longitudinal analysis: Gastric banding in type 2 diabetes P. Mistry et al

The long‐term outcomes of weight loss maintenance induced by laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) followed by multidisciplinary medical care in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (beyond 3 years) are scarcely reported. Study aims were to determine the longer term metabolic outcomes following LAGB combined with medical care in patients with T2DM. This is a longitudinal analysis of 200 adults with T2DM who had LAGB between 2003 and 2008 and were followed up till 2013 at a single bariatric unit in a tertiary UK centre. A total of 200 patients (age 47 ± 9.7 years; body mass index [BMI] 52.8 ± 9.2 kg m−2; glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 7.9 ± 1.9% [62.8 mmol mol−1]; women, n = 123 [61.5%]; insulin treatment, n = 71 [35.5%]) were included. The mean follow‐up was 62.0 ± 13.0 months (range 18–84 months). There were significant reductions in body weight (−24.4 ± 12.3% [38 ± 22.7 kg]), HbA1c (−1.4 ± 2.0%), systolic blood pressure [BP] (−11.7 ± 23.5 mmHg), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The proportion of patients requiring insulin reduced from 36.2% to 12.3%. The overall band complication rate was 21% (21 patients). LAGB when combined with multidisciplinary medical care significantly improved metabolic outcomes in patients with T2DM independent of diabetes duration, and baseline BMI over 5 years. Diabetes duration and baseline BMI did not predict changes in glycaemic control, BP or lipids following LAGB.

The Birmingham experience of high-pressure methylene blue dye test during primary and revisional bariatric surgery: A retrospective cohort study

Introduction Leak following bariatric surgery continues to be associated with morbidity and rarely mortality. With improvement in surgical techniques and stapler design, leak rates have reduced drastically. Intra-operative high pressure Methylene blue leak test (HPMB) is one of the techniques employed to confirm integrity of anastomoses and staple lines. Despite this, evidence for its use remains limited. We evaluated the role of HPMB in detecting and preventing leaks. Methods A retrospective cohort of consecutive patients who underwent primary or revisional Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) or Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass (RYGB) under the care of five surgeons in three centres across Birmingham, UK, between 2012 and 2016 were assessed. All patients had routine HPMB at the end of the procedure. Demographics, HPMB positivity, and post operative leaks were recorded. Results 924 patients underwent bariatric surgery: 696(75.3%) RYGB, and 225(24.3%) SG. 85(9.2%) were revisional procedures. Two HPMB were positive, which necessitated staple or suture line reinforcement with sutures intra-operatively. The patients had an uneventful recovery. 5 patients had postoperative leaks, all of whom had negative intraoperative HPMB: 3 SG patients; and 2 RYGB patients (gastro-jejunostomy anastomotic leaks). There was no statistically significant relationship between positive HPMB and anastomotic leak (Fishers exact test; p = 1). Conclusion Despite routine use of methylene blue dye test in 924 patients, there were only two positive tests. Whilst HPMB may demonstrate technical failure, this study suggests that there is no role for its routine use in primary bariatric surgery. Discontinuation of this practice would reduce risk of anaphylaxis to the dye, cost, and intra-operative time.

Practices Concerning Revisional Bariatric Surgery: a Survey of 460 Surgeons

BackgroundThere is currently little evidence available on various aspects of Revisional Bariatric Surgery (RBS) and no published consensus amongst experts. The purpose of this study was to understand variation in practices concerning RBS.MethodsBariatric surgeons from around the world who perform RBS were invited to participate in a questionnaire-based survey on SurveyMonkey®.ResultsA total of 460 respondents from 62 countries took the survey. For revision after gastric banding, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (75.5%, n = 345) emerged as the commonest choice followed by sleeve gastrectomy (SG) (56.9%, n = 260) and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) (37.2%, n = 170). For revision after SG, RYGB (77.7%, n = 355) was the commonest option followed by OAGB (42.45%, n = 194) and re-sleeve (22.32%, n = 102). For revision after RYGB, surgical pouch reduction (49.1%, n = 223), prolongation of bilio-pancreatic limb (30.0%, n = 136), and surgical stoma size reduction (26.43%, n = 120) were the most preferred options. Approximately 90.0% of respondents (n = 406/454) routinely perform an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy before an RBS, and 85.6% (n = 388/453) routinely perform a contrast study. Ninety percent (n = 403/445) reported that the demand for RBS was usually patient-driven, and there was wide variation in criteria used to define successful response, non-responders, and significant weight regain.ConclusionsThis survey is the first attempt to understand various aspects of RBS. The findings will help in identifying areas for research and allow consensus building amongst experts.

Impact of Bariatric Surgical Intervention on Peripheral Blood Neutrophil (PBN) Function in Obesity

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of weight loss following gastric band surgery on multiple measures of peripheral blood neutrophil (PBN) function.Material and MethodsTwenty-three obese patients undergoing gastric band surgery were recruited to a longitudinal intervention study, alongside non-obese, healthy gender- and age-matched controls. Eighteen pairs of patients and controls completed all stages of the study. PBNs were isolated by density centrifugation and a comprehensive analysis of PBN function was undertaken at various stages of the patients’ bariatric surgical care pathway.ResultsObese patients exhibited exaggerated PBN activity in response to various stimuli, characterised by higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (n = 18, p < 0.001) and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (n = 10, p < 0.05) and lower PBN extracellular trap (NET) formation (n = 18, p < 0.01). PBN chemotactic accuracy was also impaired prior to surgery (n = 18, p < 0.01). Weight loss was associated with normalised NET production and lower ROS production and cytokine release relative to healthy controls. However, chemotactic accuracy remained impaired in patients.ConclusionsWeight loss following gastric band surgery was associated with a decrease in the pro-inflammatory activities of peripheral blood neutrophils (PBNs). A hyper-inflammatory PBN phenotype, involving excess ROS and cytokine release, reduced NET formation and chemotaxis, may lead to a reduced ability to eliminate infection, alongside inflammation-mediated tissue damage in obese individuals.