Comprehensive outcomes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with a near-complete 15-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has a well-established safety and efficacy profile in the short and mid-term. Long-term outcomes remain limited in the literature, especially for follow-up periods of >10 years. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the long-term durability and safety of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass over a near-complete 15-year follow-up. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass between 2008 and 2009 with ≥14-year follow-up. Data collected and analyzed were weight loss, obesity-related medical condition resolution and recurrence, weight recurrence, complication rate, and mortality rate. RESULTS: A total of 264 patients were included. Patients were predominantly female (81.8%), and the mean age and preoperative body mass index were 48.5 ± 12.2 years and 44.9 ± 7.3 kg/m2, respectively. The maximum mean percentage total weight loss achieved at 1 year was 31.5% ± 5.7% and was consistently >20% throughout follow-up. Sustained resolution of obesity-related medical conditions was achieved with a remission rate of 60.8% for type 2 diabetes mellitus, 46.7% for denoted dyslipidemia, and 40% for hypertension. Obesity-related medical condition recurrence was observed with a recurrence rate of 24.1% for type 2 diabetes mellitus, 17.9% for hypertension, and 14.8% for denoted dyslipidemia. Significant factors associated with weight loss were maximum percentage total weight loss and preoperative type 2 diabetes mellitus. Over 15 years, the weight recurrence rate was 51.1%, with predictors of higher preoperative body mass index and preoperative type 2 diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass provides sustainable weight loss over a 15-year period, with consistent long-term weight-loss outcomes and resolution of obesity-related medical conditions sustained for ≥10 years after surgery.

The feasibility and outcomes of metabolic and bariatric surgery prior to neoplastic therapy.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is a potent intervention for addressing obesity-related medical conditions and achieving sustainable weight loss. Beyond its conventional role, MBS has demonstrated potential to serve as a transitional step for patients requiring various interventions. However, the implications of MBS in the context of neoplasia remain understudied. OBJECTIVES: To explore the feasibility of MBS as a possible attempt to reduce surgical and treatment risks in patients with benign tumors or low-grade cancers. SETTING: Multicenter review from twelve tertiary referral centers spanning 8 countries. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with a diagnosis of primary neoplasia, deemed inoperable or high-risk due to obesity, and receiving primary MBS prior to neoplastic therapy. Data encompassed baseline characteristics, neoplasia characteristics, MBS outcomes, and neoplastic therapy outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (median age 52 years, 75.7% female, median BMI of 49.1 kg/m2) were included. There were 9 distinct organs of origin of primary neoplasia, with the endometrium (43.2%) being the most common, followed by the pancreas, colon, kidney and breast. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) was the most commonly performed MBS procedure (78.4%), with no MBS-related complications or mortalities reported over an average of 4.3 ± 3.9 years. Thirty-one patients (83.8%) eventually underwent neoplastic surgery, with a mean BMI decrease from 49.9 kg/m2 to 39.7 kg/m2 at surgery over an average of 5.8 ± 4.8 months. There were 2 (6.7%) documented mortalities associated with neoplastic surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the potential feasibility of employing MBS prior to neoplastic therapy in patients with low-grade, less aggressive neoplasms in the context of obesity. This underscores the importance of providing a personalized, case-to-case multidisciplinary approach in the management of these patients.

Single anastomosis duodenal switch versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2: a multi-centered comparative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has consistently demonstrated excellent weight loss and comorbidity resolution. However, outcomes vary based on patient's BMI. Single anastomosis duodeno-ileostomy with sleeve (SADI-S) is a novel procedure with promising short-term results. The long-term outcomes of SADI-S in patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 are not well described. We aim to compare the safety and efficacy of SADI-S with RYGB in this patient population. METHODS: We performed a multicenter retrospective study of patients with a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 who underwent RYGB or SADI-S between 2008 and 2023. Patient demographics, peri- and post-operative characteristics were collected. Complication rates were reported at 6, 12, 24, and 60 months postoperatively. A multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate and compare weight loss outcomes between both procedures. RESULTS: A total of 968 patients (343 RYGB and 625 SADI-S; 68.3% female, age 42.9 ± 12.1 years; BMI 57.3 ± 6.7 kg/m2) with a mean follow-up of 3.6 ± 3.6 years were included. Patients who underwent RYGB were older, more likely to be female, and have a higher rate of sleep apnea (p < 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.015), dyslipidemia (p < 0.001), and type 2 diabetes (p = 0.016) at baseline. The rate of bariatric surgery-specific complications was lower after SADI-S compared to RYGB. We reported no bariatric surgery related deaths after 1 year following both procedures. SADI-S demonstrated statistically higher and sustained weight loss at each time interval compared to RYGB (p < 0.001) even after controlling for multiple confounders. Lastly, the rate of surgical non-responders was lower in the SADI-S cohort. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, SADI-S was associated with higher and sustained weight-loss results compared to RYGB. Comorbidity resolution was also higher after SADI-S. Both procedures demonstrate a similar safety profile. Further studies are required to validate the long-term safety of SADI-S compared to other bariatric procedures.

From database to practice: the MBSAQIP in the surgical literature.

BACKGROUND: The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) has been a game changer for metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), with continuous improvements in safety and outcomes throughout the years of its usage. It allows in-depth evaluations of MBS procedures, presenting practitioners and researchers with unparalleled opportunities for quality assessment, research and clinical advancement. OBJECTIVES: To offer an updated overview of MBSAQIP-related publications. SETTING: United States. METHODS: PubMed was queried using keywords "MBSAQIP" and "Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program." Letters to editors, duplicates, commentaries, and retracted articles were excluded. Studies that mentioned MBSAQIP but did not use the data within were also excluded. RESULTS: A total of 400 search items were returned as of August 2023. After exclusions, 289 studies were reviewed. Articles were published in a total of 28 unique journals, the majority of which were featured in Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases (SOARD), with 114 articles (39.4%). Sixty-one articles were focused on creating predictive models or risk calculators, 58 on investigating the safety of procedures, and 52 on exploring complications. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) were the 2 most commonly discussed procedures, at 80.3% and 80% respectively. Forty-three studies included patients who underwent robotic-assisted MBS. CONCLUSIONS: The MBSAQIP is a valuable resource that has generated a wealth of studies in the literature. It has allowed for intense analysis of clinical issues and fostered a culture of safety and quality improvement. Participating surgeons must pledge commitment to extended follow-up periods to maximize its effectiveness.

Continued Diabetes Remission Despite Weight Recurrence: Gastric Bypass Long-Term Metabolic Benefit.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) demonstrates high rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission, a phenomenon hypothesized to be mediated mainly by weight loss. Compared with procedures that do not bypass the proximal small intestines, such as sleeve gastrectomy (SG), RYGB exhibits weight loss-independent intestinal mechanisms conducive to T2DM remission. We investigated continued diabetes remission (CDR) rates despite weight recurrence (WR) after RYGB compared with an SG cohort. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of patients who underwent successful primary RYGB or SG with a BMI value of 35 kg/m 2 or more and a preoperative diagnosis of T2DM was performed. Patients with less than 5 years of follow-up, absence of WR, or lack of T2DM remission at nadir weight were excluded. After selecting the optimal procedure for glycemic control, rates of CDR were then stratified into WR quartiles and compared. RESULTS: A total of 224 RYGB and 46 SG patients were analyzed. The overall rate of CDR was significantly higher in the RYGB group (75%) compared with the SG group (34.8%; p < 0.001). The odds of T2DM recurrence were 5.5 times higher after SG compared with RYGB. Rates of CDR were stratified into WR quartiles (85.5%, <25%; 81.7%, 25% to 44.9%; 63.2%, 45% to 74.9%; and 60%, >75%). Baseline insulin use, higher preoperative glycosylated hemoglobin, and longer preoperative duration of T2DM were associated with T2DM recurrence, whereas WR was not. CONCLUSIONS: T2DM remission rates after RYGB are maintained despite WR, arguing for a concurrent weight loss-independent metabolic benefit likely facilitated by bypassing the proximal small intestine.

Preoperative duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus and remission after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: A single center long-term cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has demonstrated excellent glycemic control and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission for patients with obesity and T2DM. Duration of T2DM is a consistent negative predictor of remission after RYGB. However, the exact timing to offer surgical intervention during the course of the disease is not well elucidated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study between 2008-2020 to establish the exact association between duration of T2DM and remission after RYGB. We divided our cohort into quartiles of preoperative disease duration to quantify the change in remission rates for each year of delay between T2DM diagnosis and RYGB. We also compared the average time to remission and changes in glycemic control parameters. RESULTS: A total of 519 patients (67.2% female; age 53.4±10.7 y; BMI 46.6±8.4 kg/m2) with a follow-up period of 6.6±3.8 years were included. Remission was demonstrated in 51% of patients. Longer duration of T2DM was a significant negative predictor of remission with an estimated decrease in remission rates of 7% for each year of delay ([OR=0.931 (95% CI 0.892-0.971)]; P<0.001). Compared to patients with <3 years of T2DM, remission decreased by 37% for patients with 3-6 years, 64% for those with 7-12 years and 81% for patients with more than 12 years (P<0.001). Half of the patients reached T2DM remission after 0.5 and 1.1 years respectively for the first and second quartiles, while patients in the other quartiles never reached 50% remission. Lastly, we noted an overall improvement in all glycemic control parameters for all quartiles at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Patients with a recent history of T2DM who undergo early RYGB experience significantly higher and earlier T2DM remission compared to patients with a prolonged history of preoperative T2DM, suggesting potential benefit of early surgical intervention to manage patients with obesity and T2DM.

Bariatric surgery is as safe as other common operations: an analysis of the ACS-NSQIP.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS) is the most effective management for patients with obesity and weight-related medical conditions. Nonetheless, some primary care physicians (PCPs) and surgeons from other specialties are reluctant to refer patients for MBS due to safety concerns. OBJECTIVES: To compare the outcomes of patients who underwent MBS with those who underwent other common operations. SETTING: American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP). METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), classified as MBS, were compared to nine frequently performed procedures including hip arthroplasty and laparoscopic cholecystectomy, appendectomy, colectomy, hysterectomy, and hernia repairs, among others. A multivariable logistic regression was constructed to compare outcomes including readmission, reoperation, extended length of stay (ELOS) (>75th percentile or ≥3 days) and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1.6 million patients were included, with 11.1% undergoing MBS. The odds of readmission were marginally lower in the cholecystectomy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = .88, 95% confidence interval (CI) [.85, .90]) and appendectomy (aOR = .88, 95% CI [.85, .90]) cohorts. Similarly, odds of ELOS were among the lowest, surpassed only by same-day procedures such as cholecystectomies and appendectomies. The MBS group had significantly low odds of mortality, comparable to safe anatomical procedures such as hernia repairs. Infectious and thrombotic complications were exceedingly rare and amongst the lowest after MBS. CONCLUSIONS: MBS demonstrates a remarkably promising safety profile and compares favorably to other common procedures in the short-term. PCPs and surgeons from other specialties can confidently refer patients for these low-risk, lifesaving operations.

Laparoscopic Median Arcuate Ligament Release: Surgical Technique and Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is characterized by a constellation of symptoms related to the compression of the celiac artery trunk. Laparoscopic release of the ligament has demonstrated its effectiveness in alleviating these symptoms while showing lower postoperative complication rates, reduced hospital stays, and improved clinical outcomes. This study describes a single institution's experience with this procedure and reports on the preoperative assessment, surgical technique, and clinical outcomes of patients with MALS. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent a primary laparoscopic MAL release (MALR) at a single high-volume academic institution from June 2021 to July 2023. Patient demographics, preoperative assessment, postoperative complications, and resolution of preoperative symptoms data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients underwent laparoscopic MALR, with 76.7% being female and a mean age of 33.4±16.3 years. The most common presenting symptom was postprandial epigastric pain (100%), followed by abdominal pain and nausea (83.3%), among others. The preoperative evaluation for all patients included a duplex mesenteric doppler and CT angiogram during inspiration and expiration and 3D reconstruction. Successful laparoscopic decompression of the celiac artery was achieved in 96.6% of cases, with only one conversion to an open procedure. There was only one reported early (<30 d postoperatively) complication with no subsequent late complications or mortality. None of the patients required reintervention or reoperation. Only 1 patient required postoperative celiac plexus/splanchnic block injection to alleviate pain. CONCLUSIONS: MALS can be effectively and safely managed using a laparoscopic approach when performed by an experienced minimally invasive surgeon. Further studies with longer follow-ups are needed to confirm the long-term effectiveness of this technique.

Single Anastomosis Duodenoileostomy with Sleeve: A Comprehensive Review of Anatomy, Surgical Technique, and Outcomes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Single anastomosis duodenoileal bypass with sleeve (SADI-S) is a recently endorsed metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) procedure in the US. Despite its favorable characteristics, the utilization of SADI-S remains limited, accounting for a mere 0.25% of all MBS procedures performed. This review aims to offer an updated examination of the technique, while also presenting the safety and outcomes associated with SADI-S on both the short and long term. RECENT FINDINGS: The safety of SADI-S is well-established, with short-term complication rates as low as 2.6%. A common channel length of 300 cm has consistently shown a lower incidence of malabsorption complications compared to shorter lengths. Bile reflux after SADI-S is relatively rare with an incidence of only 1.23%. SADI-S demonstrated sustained total weight loss (%TWL) at 5 years (37%) and 10 years (34%) postoperatively. Resolution of weight-related medical conditions was also significant after SADI-S, with remission rates of diabetes mellitus as high as 86.6% with over 5 years of follow-up. SADI-S is a safe and effective MBS procedure that has shown impressive and sustainable results in terms of weight loss and improvement in obesity-related medical conditions. Careful limb length selection is essential in minimizing the risk of nutritional deficiencies. SADI-S holds great promise as a valuable option for individuals seeking effective weight loss and improvement in associated health conditions.

Evaluation of Long-Term Nutrition Outcomes After Duodenal Switch: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) is the most effective and durable metabolic and bariatric surgery to achieve a target weight loss. However, many surgeons are hesitant to adopt BPD-DS due to a lack of training, technical complexity, and long-term nutrition deficiencies. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate long-term nutrition outcomes after primary BPD-DS in the management of obesity. METHODS: Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for articles from their inception to February 2023 by 2 independent reviewers using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) system. The review was registered prospectively with PROSPERO (CRD42023391316). RESULTS: From 834 studies screened, 8 studies met the eligibility criteria, with a total of 3443 patients with obesity undergoing primary BPD-DS. At long-term follow-up (≥5 years), 25.4% of patients had vitamin A deficiency (95% CI: -.012, .520, I2 = 94%), and 57.3% had vitamin D deficiency (95% CI: .059, 1.086, I2 = 86%). Calcium deficiency was observed in 125 patients (22.2%, 95% CI: .061, .383, I2 = 97%), and 69.7% had an abnormal parathyroid hormone level (95% CI: .548, .847, I2 = 78%). Ferritin level was abnormal in 30 patients (29.0%, 95% CI: .099, .481, I2 = 79%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite displaying comparable nutrition-related outcomes to mid-term follow-up, our study demonstrated that BPD-DS could result in a high level of long-term nutrition deficiency after BPD-DS for selected patients. However, further randomized controlled studies with standardized supplementation regimens and improvement in compliance are necessary to evaluate and prevent long-term nutritional deficiencies after BPD-DS.

Comparative multicenter analysis of sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch in patients with BMI ≥70kg/m2: a 2-year follow-up.

Patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 70 kg/m2 are considered a high-risk group. There is limited literature to guide surgeons on the perioperative safety as well as the different procedural outcomes of MBS in this cohort. Our aim is to compare the safety profiles, early- and medium-term outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and duodenal switch (DS) in patients with BMI ≥ 70 kg/m2. A total of 156 patients with BMI ≥ 70kg/m2 underwent MBS (SG = 40, RYGB = 40, and DS = 76). Mean baseline BMI was 75.5 kg/m2. Total weight loss (%TWL) at 24 months was highest in the DS group compared to RYGB (40.6% versus 33.8%, P value = .03) and SG (40.6% versus 28.5%, P value = .006). There was no significant difference in %TWL between RYGB and SG (33.8% versus 28.5%, P value = .20). The 30-day complication rates were similar [SG (7.5%), RYGB (10%), and DS (9.2%) (P value = 1.0)]. There was one reported leak (DS). The 30-day mortality was zero. MBS is safe and effective in patients with BMI ≥ 70 kg/m2. All procedures had comparable safety profiles and complication rates. While DS achieved the highest %TWL at 24 months, similar comorbidity resolution rates among the procedures attenuate its clinical significance.

Long-Term Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery in Patients on Chronic Anticoagulation.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 3% of patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) are receiving chronic anticoagulation therapy (CAT) prior to operation. The management of these patients is complex, as it involves balancing the potential risk of thrombosis against that of bleeding. Our primary objective is to assess the long-term bleeding risk in patients undergoing MBS. We also aim to observe the trends in anticoagulant dosing after MBS. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review of patients who underwent either primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) with preoperative CAT between 2008 and 2022 was performed. Data on baseline demographics, indication for anticoagulation, type of CAT, and dosing were collected. Events of bleeding and the CAT at event were subsequently evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 132 patients (82 RYGB and 50 SG) initially on CAT were identified, with atrial fibrillation being the most common indication. Incidence of long-term bleeding was significantly higher in the RYGB group (18.3%) compared to the SG group (4%) (p = 0.017) over a total of 5.2 ± 3.8 years. Bleeding marginal ulcer (MU) was the most common cause of bleeding in the RYGB group (13.4%). 84.2% of all bleeding events occurred in patients on chronic Warfarin therapy. CONCLUSION: Long-term CAT is associated with an increased risk of bleeding in RYGB patients, particularly MU bleeds. Patients on CAT seeking MBS should be counseled regarding this risk and potential implications. Direct-acting oral anticoagulants offer promise as an alternative to Warfarin in these patients; further research is necessary to better understand their safety.

Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Bariatric Surgery in Septuagenarians.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has been shown to be safe and effective in the elderly population. Unfortunately, utilization of MBS in patients aged 70 years or older remains low, as MBS was just recently endorsed by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO) for septuagenarians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study of 103 patients aged ≥ 70 years who underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) from January 2008 until March 2023. The data analyzed included patient demographics, post-operative complications, resolution of obesity-related comorbidities, and weight loss. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients (71% female; age 72.1 ± 2.5 years; BMI 43.7 ± 6.8 kg/m2) were included. Sixty-two patients (60.2%) underwent RYGB while the remaining 41 underwent SG (39.8%), with a mean follow-up of 4.7 ± 3.7 years. There was no MBS-related mortality. All-cause mortality rates were 7.3% for the SG group after a mean period of 4.5 ± 3.9 years compared to 8.1% for the RYGB cohort after 7.7 ± 3.5 years (p = 0.601). RYGB was reported to have a higher rate of early and late complications when compared to LSG (p = 0.083 and p = 0.274). T2DM (p = 0.011) and OSA (p = 0.019) resolved significantly after RYGB. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that bariatric surgery is safe and effective in patients aged 70 years and older. Bariatric surgery should not be denied to this group of patients based on chronological age alone. Further studies are required to support these findings.

Marginal Ulcer and Dumping Syndrome in Patients after Duodenal Switch: A Multi-Centered Study.

BACKGROUND: The current design of biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) and single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve (SADI-S) emphasizes the importance of the pylorus' preservation to reduce the incidence of marginal ulcer (MU) and dumping. However, no institutional studies have yet reported data on their prevalence. We aimed to assess the incidence of MU and dumping after duodenal switch (DS) and identify the associative factors. METHODS: A multi-center review of patients who underwent BPD/DS or SADI-S between 2008 and 2022. Baseline demographics, symptoms, and management of both complications were collected. Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables and the independent t-test for continuous variables. RESULTS: A total of 919 patients were included (74.6% female; age 42.5 years; BMI 54.6 kg/m2) with mean follow-up of 31.5 months. Eight patients (0.9%) developed MU and seven (0.8%) had dumping. Patients who developed MU were more likely to be using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) (p = 0.006) and have a longer operation time (p = 0.047). Primary versus revisional surgery, and BDP/DS versus SADI-S were not associated with MU or dumping. CONCLUSIONS: The incidences of MU and dumping after DS were low. NSAID use and a longer operation time were associated with an increased risk of MU, whereas dumping was attributed to poor dietary habits.

Early Bowel Obstruction after Bariatric Surgery: An Analysis of the 2020-2021 MBSAQIP Database.

BACKGROUND: The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program evaluates 30-day outcomes of bariatric cases performed in the United States. The Participant Use File in 2020 introduced bowel obstruction (BO). We compared the rates of BO, risk factors, and postoperative outcomes after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and duodenal switch (DS). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent laparoscopic RYGB, SG, or DS obtained from the 2020-2021 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. Patients who underwent either as a primary procedure with a body mass index >35 kg/m 2 were selected. Baseline characteristics, operative details, and postoperative complications were collected. The outcome of interest was BO occurring within 30 days. RESULTS: A total of 205,533 cases of which 148,944 were SG (72.4%), 54,606 were RYGB (26.5%), and 1983 were DS (1%). BO occurred in 0.74%, 0.4%, and 0.03% of patients who underwent an RYGB, DS, or SG, respectively. Patients with a BO in the RYGB group were more likely to be on immunosuppressive therapy (5.4% vs. 1.9%, P <0.001) with longer operative time (136.2 min±58.0 min vs. 117.4 min±53.6 min, P <0.001). SG patients with a BO were older (47.5±13.6 vs. 41.9±11.6, P =0.011) with longer operating times (98.6±63.8 vs. 68.9±33.4, P =0.002). Patients in the RYGB group with a BO had the highest rates of readmissions (71.9%) and reoperations (58.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Early bowel obstruction is rare after bariatric surgery. It is more common after RYGB and least common after SG. Readmission and reoperation rates were highest in patients with BO in the RYGB group.

Predictors of surgical site infection following reconstructive flap surgery: A multi-institutional analysis of 37,177 patients.

Purpose: Rates of surgical site infection (SSI) following reconstructive flap surgeries (RFS) vary according to flap recipient site, potentially leading to flap failure. This is the largest study to determine predictors of SSI following RFS across recipient sites. Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients undergoing any flap procedure from years 2005 to 2020. RFS involving grafts, skin flaps, or flaps with unknown recipient site were excluded. Patients were stratified according to recipient site: breast, trunk, head and neck (H&N), upper and lower extremities (UE&LE). The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI within 30 days following surgery. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to determine predictors of SSI following RFS. Results: 37,177 patients underwent RFS, of whom 7.5% (n = 2,776) developed SSI. A significantly greater proportion of patients who underwent LE (n = 318, 10.7%) and trunk (n = 1,091, 10.4%) reconstruction developed SSI compared to those who underwent breast (n = 1,201, 6.3%), UE (n = 32, 4.4%), and H&N (n = 100, 4.2%) reconstruction (p < .001). Longer operating times were significant predictors of SSI following RFS across all sites. The strongest predictors of SSI were presence of open wound following trunk and H&N reconstruction [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.82 (1.57-2.11) and 1.75 (1.57-1.95)], disseminated cancer following LE reconstruction [aOR (CI) 3.58 (2.324-5.53)], and history of cardiovascular accident or stroke following breast reconstruction [aOR (CI) 16.97 (2.72-105.82)]. Conclusion: Longer operating time was a significant predictor of SSI regardless of reconstruction site. Reducing operating times through proper surgical planning might help mitigate the risk of SSI following RFS. Our findings should be used to guide patient selection, counseling, and surgical planning prior to RFS.