Spencer Holover

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as an initial weight-loss procedure for high-risk patients with morbid obesity

BackgroundThe surgical treatment of obesity in the high-risk, high-body-mass-index (BMI) (>60) patient remains a challenge. Major morbidity and mortality in these patients can approach 38% and 6%, respectively. In an effort to achieve more favorable outcomes, we have employed a two-stage approach to such high-risk patients. This study evaluates our initial outcomes with this technique.MethodsIn this study, patients underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a first stage during the period January 2002–February 2004. After achieving significant weight loss and reduction in co-morbidities, these patients then proceeded with the second stage, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP).ResultsDuring this time, 126 patients underwent LSG (53% female). The mean age was 49.5 ± 0.9 years, and the mean BMI was 65.3 ± 0.8 (range 45–91). Operative risk assessment determined that 42% were American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score (ASA) III and 52% were ASA IV. The mean number of co-morbid conditions per patient was 9.3 ± 0.3 with a median of 10 (range 3–17). There was one distant mortality and the incidence of major complications was 13%. Mean excess weight after LSG at 1 year was 46%. Thirty-six patients with a mean BMI of 49.1 ± 1.3 (excess weight loss, EWL, 38%) had the second-stage LRYGBP. The mean number of co-morbidities in this group was 6.4 ± 0.1 (reduced from 9). The ASA class of the majority of patients had been downstaged at the time of LRYGB. The mean time interval between the first and second stages was 12.6 ± 0.8 months. The mean and median hospital stays were 3 ± 1.7 and 2.5 (range 2–7) days, respectively. There were no deaths, and the incidence of major complications was 8%.ConclusionThe staging concept of LSG followed by LRYGBP is a safe and effective surgical approach for high-risk patients seeking bariatric surgery.

Does transumbilical single incision laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding result in decreased pain medicine use? A case-matched study

BACKGROUND We report on our initial experience of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding performed through a single transumbilical incision of approximately 2.5 cm. All single incision bands were placed using the Covidien SILS Port™ and the Allergan Lap-Band(®). The purpose of the present study was to report on the analgesic use after single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) adjustable gastric banding versus that after conventional laparoscopic gastric banding at a community hospital. METHODS A retrospective review of postoperative pain medication use and the time to return to work was conducted of 24 consecutive SILS adjustable gastric banding procedures compared with 24 traditional 5-incision laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedures. RESULTS The patients in both groups were evenly matched for age, body mass index, and co-morbidities. All patients were discharged home on postoperative day 1. No complications developed. The mean patient-controlled analgesia morphine use during hospitalization for the SILS group was 33 ± 19.22 mg versus 49 ± 23.78 mg in the traditional group (P <.05). The mean period of postoperative pain medication use for the SILS group was 2 days versus 5 days for the traditional group (P <.05). However, the mean period to return to work was 9.5 days for the SILS group versus 11 days for the traditional group (P = NS). CONCLUSION Transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding with mechanical port fixation resulted in significantly decreased postoperative pain medication use compared with traditional laparoscopic gastric banding with suture fixation of the band port. Also, the patients tended to return to work earlier after SILS gastric banding.

The mini-fellowship concept: a six-week focused training program for minimally invasive bariatric surgery

ObjectiveTo devise a six-week hands-on training program customized to meet the needs of practicing general surgeons. The aim of this program is to provide the required training experience that will bestow the knowledge and skill necessary to implement a successful practice in laparoscopic bariatric surgery.MethodsTen board-certified/board-eligible practicing general surgeons with no prior hands-on or formal training in laparoscopic bariatric surgery. We report on the participants training experience and the impact that the program had on their subsequent laparoscopic bariatric clinical activity.ResultsTen surgeons completed training programs from 9/01 to 3/03. None of the trainees had prior experience in laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Program operative experience averaged 42 cases (range 29–66). Trainees were integrated into all preoperative and postoperative hospital and outpatient care on the service, including workshops and seminars. Seven graduates are in practice performing laparoscopic bariatric surgery and three are implementing new bariatric programs. The active surgeons report performing an average of 101 laparoscopic bariatric procedures (range 18–264) over a mean practice period of 10 months (range 4–16)ConclusionA six-week focused mini-fellowship with hands-on operative and clinical participation enables practicing surgeons to acquire the skill and experience necessary to successfully implement a laparoscopic bariatric surgical practice.

Endolumenal revision obesity surgery results in weight loss and closure of gastric-gastric fistula

BACKGROUND Approximately 20-50% of patients regain weight 3-5 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. Gastric-gastric fistulas and dilation of the gastrojejunostomy and gastric pouch have been reported in these patients. Traditional revision surgery after RYGB has greater morbidity and mortality compared with the index bariatric procedure. We studied our initial results with revision of obesity surgery using an endoscopic platform in a community hospital setting. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of patients who had undergone this endoscopic revisional procedure secondary to significant weight regain with or without gastric-gastric fistula. All patients underwent revision of the gastrojejunostomy and/or closure of the gastric-gastric fistula using this minimally invasive approach. RESULTS A total of 37 consecutive patients (36 women) with a mean age of 45 years and mean weight regain of 15.1 ± 10.0 kg were included in the present study. The mean interval between RYGB and revision was 5.2 years (range 1-11). The mean preoperative and postoperative stomal size was 21.5 and 10 mm, respectively. Anchors were successfully placed in all patients. The mean follow-up period was 4.69 months (range 2-10). The mean percentage of excess body weight loss was 23.5% ± 66.4%. No immediate complications developed. Two patients underwent endoscopic dilation of the stoma because of persistent meal intolerance. Three gastric-gastric fistulas were successfully closed. CONCLUSION Revision of gastrojejunostomy after RYGB can be safely undertaken using this endoscopic platform. The short-term follow-up results showed clinically significant weight loss. Long-term follow-up is needed. Closure of gastric-gastric fistulas can also be achieved using this procedure.