Laparoscopic Conversion of Gastric Bypass to Distal Gastric Bypass for Inadequate Weight Loss.

BACKGROUND: Although uncommon, significant weight recurrence after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) can occur. Options are limited to help patients achieve additional weight loss, and improved techniques for revisional/conversional surgery are needed to achieve optimal outcomes while avoiding significant side effects. Although limited data exist regarding distalization of the Roux limb to achieve a longer biliopancreatic limb leading to some level of malabsorption, we have seen adequate weight loss with minimal significant side effects in patients undergoing this procedure with our approach. An appropriate technical approach to this procedure is important to avoid immediate and long-term complications. METHODS AND RESULTS: We present a video describing our approach to Roux limb distalization for weight gain after gastric bypass, describing our approach for work-up, operative technical pearls, and postoperative monitoring in these patients. A 61 year-old female who initially had good weight loss after RYGB with a body mass index (BMI) nadir of 33, from a preoperative BMI of 53, experienced weight recurrence with her BMI increasing to 48. After preoperative nutritional optimization, dietary counseling, and behavioral counseling, she underwent conversion of RYGB to distalization of Roux limb to create a distal RYGB. She tolerated the procedure well and was discharged on postoperative day 2. At 1-year follow-up, her BMI had decreased to 37 with improvement in dyslipidemia, elevation of liver transaminases, and improvement in hemoglobin A1C. This reflects the impact of this procedure on not only weight loss but also concurrent metabolic diseases associated with obesity. CONCLUSION: We present a case of distalization of a RYGB for weight recurrence, highlighting the technical pearls when performing the procedure. Accurate, intraoperative measurement of the total alimentary limb length is essential to achieve weight loss while minimizing malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. Assessment of preoperative nutritional levels for evidence of any protein calorie malnutrition is important during surgical decision-making when this conversional metabolic operation is considered. Frequent, postoperative nutritional monitoring is important and occurs with a full bariatric nutritional panel at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months then yearly thereafter. Using our approach, we feel that conversion of RYGB to distalization of Roux limb can lead to improved weight loss without significant side effects.

Examination of abdominal wall perfusion using varying suture techniques for midline abdominal laparotomy closure.

BACKGROUND: With a growing interest in the primary prevention of incisional hernias, it has been hypothesized that different suturing techniques may cause various levels of tissue ischemia. Using ICG laser-induced fluorescence angiography (ICG-FA), we studied the effect of different suture materials and closure techniques on abdominal wall perfusion. METHODS: Fifteen porcine subjects underwent midline laparotomy, bilateral skin flap creation, and three separate 7 cm midline fascial incisions. Animals underwent fascial closure with 5 different techniques: (1) Running 0-PDS® II (polydioxanone) Suture with large bites; (2) Running 0-PDS II Suture with small bites; (3) Interrupted figure-of-eight (8) PDS II Suture, (4) Running 0-barbed STRATAFIX™ Symmetric PDS™ Plus Knotless Tissue Control Device large bite; (5) Running 0-STRATAFIX Symmetric PDS Plus Device small bites. ICG-FA signal intensity was recorded prior to fascial incision (baseline), immediately following fascial closure (closure), and at one-week (1-week.). Post-mortem, the abdominal walls were analyzed for inflammation, neovascularity, and necrosis. RESULTS: PDS II Suture with small bites, fascial closure at the caudal 1/3 of the abdominal wall, and the 1-week time period were all independently associated with increased tissue perfusion. There was also a significant increase in tissue perfusion from closure to 1-week when using small bites PDS II Suture compared to PDS II Suture figure-of-8 (p < 0.001) and a trend towards significance when compared with large bites PDS II Suture (p = 0.056). Additionally, the change in perfusion from baseline to 1 week with small bites was higher than with figure of 8 (p = 0.002). Across all locations, small bite PDS II Suture has greater total inflammation than figure of 8 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the small bite technique increases abdominal wall perfusion and ICG-FA technology can reliably map abdominal wall perfusion. This finding may help explain the reduced incisional hernia rates seen in clinical studies with the small bite closure technique.

Favorable peri-operative outcomes observed in paraesophageal hernia repair with robotic approach.

BACKGROUND: The robotic surgical approach offers enhanced visualization, dexterity and reach, which may facilitate the more technically demanding portions of paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair such as hiatal reconstruction and mediastinal dissection. We sought to compare the peri-operative clinical outcomes of the laparoscopic vs. robotic approach to PEH repair. METHODS: A prospective, IRB-approved database was maintained for all robotic PEH repairs performed by a single surgeon at a tertiary academic hospital from 2009 to 2019. A retrospective review of laparoscopic PEH over this same time period was used as a comparison group. Outcome measures included: operative time, conversion to open, need for an esophageal lengthening procedure, operative equipment costs and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: 1854 patients underwent PEH repair during this time period (830 robotic; 1024 laparoscopic). Demographics of both groups were similar, including BMI and PEH type, although a higher proportion of robotic cases were re-operative PEH repairs (32.5% vs 24.0%; p < 0.001). Patients who underwent a robotic PEH had a significant reduction in esophageal lengthening procedures performed (0.1% vs. 11.0%; p < 0.001), conversion to open (0% vs. 7.0%; p < 0.001), and LOS (1.8 days vs. 3.1 days; p < 0.001). Intra-operative equipment costs were similar. CONCLUSIONS: In one of the largest robotic PEH case series reported to date, there were significant improvements in peri-operative outcomes in patients undergoing a robotic-assisted approach. Although a greater number of patients in the robotic group were redo PEH repairs, when compared to the laparoscopic group, there were no conversions to open and significantly fewer esophageal lengthening procedures, both of which carry significant morbidity. The similar intra-operative costs were likely balanced by the higher costs associated with stapling equipment and conversions in the laparoscopic group. Our findings show that the robotic PEH repair is safe and can result in improved peri-operative outcomes.

Robotic Approach to Paraesophageal Hernia Repair Results in Low Long-Term Recurrence Rate and Beneficial Patient-Centered Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Little is known regarding important long-term outcomes after robotic paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repairs, such as symptom relief and recurrence rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes in a large series of patients undergoing robotic PEH repair. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective, IRB-approved study analyzed adult patients who underwent robotic PEH repair, from 2010 to 2014, at a high-volume tertiary academic medical center. Detailed information on patient characteristics, perioperative factors, and long-term patient-reported outcomes for up to 5 years postoperatively were collected. Objective long-term outcomes included radiographic evidence of PEH recurrence at 1, 3, and 5 years postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 233 patients underwent robotic PEH repair during the study period-70% were primary, 30% were revisional. Seventy-eight percent of patients (181) had a type III PEH, 21% (49) had a type IV, and 1% (3) had a type II. At 5 years postoperatively, 62% of patients (145 of 233) were available for follow-up, with a radiographic recurrence rate of 9% (13 of 145). Additionally, there was a significant improvement in the GERD-HRQL score at 5 years postoperatively (preoperative: 25.6 ± 8.7, 5-year postoperative, 4.5 ± 1.7, p < 0.01, 95% CI 19.7 to 22.5). CONCLUSIONS: This study represents one of the largest longitudinal robotic foregut surgical databases to date. Our results demonstrate that robotic PEH repair with an experienced surgical team is a safe and effective alternative to laparoscopic repair, with excellent long-term outcomes, including a very low recurrence rate.

The impact of internet-based patient self-education of surgical mesh on patient attitudes and healthcare decisions prior to hernia surgery.

BACKGROUND: As internet access improves, patient self-education continues to increase. However, patient surgical background, e-literacy, and media exposure potentially influence what information patients search online. This impacts patient concern, healthcare decisions, and subsequent patient-physician interactions. The purpose of this pilot study is to characterize hernia patients' use and the impact of internet self-education regarding surgical mesh. METHODS: The target population included patients presenting for evaluation of hernia repair with mesh. A total of 30 patients were enrolled. Patients took surveys before and after the initial surgical consult. The surveys evaluated internet use, mesh research completed, the impact on patient opinions/decisions, and the impact of research on the patient-physician interaction. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 58.7 years; sixteen had prior surgery with surgical mesh. 93% of patients were aware of surgical mesh through the media, and 60% were motivated by the media to conduct research. 90% of patients conducted research, and 67% used the internet. Patients with negative attitudes toward mesh had more media exposure in comparison to those with neutral or positive attitudes (p = 0.046), and they were more likely to have researched surgical mesh because of media influence (p = 0.033). This group had the highest rate of perceived knowledge on mesh risks and the lowest regarding benefits (p = 0.013). Patients who had prior surgery without complication had the most positive attitude toward surgical mesh (p = 0.010) and were less likely to plan to do future internet research (p = 0.041) in comparison to patients who had surgery with complications or no prior surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' attitudes and perceived knowledge regarding surgical mesh are associated with media exposure and internet research. These attributes along with prior surgical experience impact the patient-physician relationship and shared decision-making model regarding patient care.

Modulation of NKG2D, NKp46, and Ly49C/I facilitates natural killer cell-mediated control of lung cancer.

Natural killer (NK) cells play a critical role in controlling malignancies. Susceptibility or resistance to lung cancer, for example, specifically depends on NK cell function. Nevertheless, intrinsic factors that control NK cell-mediated clearance of lung cancer are unknown. Here we report that NK cells exposed to exogenous major histocompatibility class I (MHCI) provide a significant immunologic barrier to the growth and progression of malignancy. Clearance of lung cancer is facilitated by up-regulation of NKG2D, NKp46, and other activating receptors upon exposure to environmental MHCI. Surface expression of the inhibitory receptor Ly49C/I, on the other hand, is down-regulated upon exposure to tumor-bearing tissue. We thus demonstrate that NK cells exhibit dynamic plasticity in surface expression of both activating and inhibitory receptors based on the environmental context. Our data suggest that altering the activation state of NK cells may contribute to immunologic control of lung and possibly other cancers.

Mechanisms of Graft Rejection and Immune Regulation after Lung Transplant.

Outcomes after lung transplant lag behind those of other solid-organ transplants. A better understanding of the pathways that contribute to rejection and tolerance after lung transplant will be required to develop new therapeutic strategies that take into account the unique immunological features of lungs. Mechanistic immunological investigations in an orthotopic transplant model in the mouse have shed new light on immune responses after lung transplant. Here, we highlight that interactions between immune cells within pulmonary grafts shape their fate. These observations set lungs apart from other organs and help provide the conceptual framework for the development of lung-specific immunosuppression.

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery Versus Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Renal Stones Smaller Than 2 cm: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) for stones ≤ 2 cm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who were diagnosed with kidney stones of ≤ 2 cm underwent RIRS or SWL in a parallel group randomized clinical trial with balanced randomization [1:1] from 2011 to 2014. The primary outcome of interest was stone free rate after a single session intervention. Patients were evaluated by ultrasonography and KUB at 1 and 3 months after the intervention for the presence of residual stone by a radiologist who was blinded to the study. RESULTS: The stone free rate one month after a single session intervention in the RIRS group was higher than the SWL group (90% versus 75%, P = .03). The success rates after two sessions of RIRS versus SWL were 96.7% versus 88.3% respectively. (P = .08) Patients in the RIRS group had significantly lower postoperative visual analogue pain score compared to the SWL group (5.2 ± 2.8 versus 3.1 ± 2.7, P < .001). Steinstrasse formation and renal hematoma were observed in 4 and one patient in the SWL group versus no patient in the RIRS group. Postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the SWL group (6.7 ± 1.3 versus18.9 ± 4.3 hours, P < .001). CONCLUSION: The RIRS procedure is a safe treatment option for renal stones of ≤2cm with less pain and higher success rate at first session compared to SWL. .

Selective targeting of IL-2 to NKG2D bearing cells for improved immunotherapy.

Despite over 20 years of clinical use, IL-2 has not fulfilled expectations as a safe and effective form of tumour immunotherapy. Expression of the high affinity IL-2Rα chain on regulatory T cells mitigates the anti-tumour immune response and its expression on vascular endothelium is responsible for life threatening complications such as diffuse capillary leak and pulmonary oedema. Here we describe the development of a recombinant fusion protein comprised of a cowpox virus encoded NKG2D binding protein (OMCP) and a mutated form of IL-2 with poor affinity for IL-2Rα. This fusion protein (OMCP-mutIL-2) potently and selectively activates IL-2 signalling only on NKG2D-bearing cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells, without broadly activating IL-2Rα-bearing cells. OMCP-mutIL-2 provides superior tumour control in several mouse models of malignancy and is not limited by mouse strain-specific variability of NK function. In addition, OMCP-mutIL-2 lacks the toxicity and vascular complications associated with parental wild-type IL-2.

Deficiency of the adaptor protein SLy1 results in a natural killer cell ribosomopathy affecting tumor clearance.

Individuals with robust natural killer (NK) cell function incur lower rates of malignancies. To expand our understanding of genetic factors contributing to this phenomenon, we analyzed NK cells from cancer resistant and susceptible strains of mice. We identified a correlation between NK levels of the X-chromosome-located adaptor protein SLy1 and immunologic susceptibility to cancer. Unlike the case for T or B lymphocytes, where SLy1 shuttles between the cytoplasm and nucleus to facilitate signal transduction, in NK cells SLy1 functions as a ribosomal protein and is located solely in the cytoplasm. In its absence, ribosomal instability results in p53-mediated NK cell senescence and decreased clearance of malignancies. NK defects are reversible under inflammatory conditions and viral clearance is not impacted by SLy1 deficiency. Our work defines a previously unappreciated X-linked ribosomopathy that results in a specific and subtle NK cell dysfunction leading to immunologic susceptibility to cancer.

Evaluation of factors impacting cosmetic outcome of breast conservative surgery--a study in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Breast conservative surgery (BCS) followed by radiotherapy is the standard approach in management of stage I-II breast cancer. Several factors can affect cosmetic outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cosmetic results of BCS and influencing factors in the Iranian Breast Cancer Research Center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who had undergone BCS were included. Photographs were taken of both breasts of the patients in three aspects and were evaluated by three specialists. The cosmetic scores were calculated based on a standard questionnaire. The data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression for relationships between cosmetic scores and clinical data. RESULTS: A total number of 103 patients were included in the study. Mean age and BMI of the patients were 46.8±8.9 and 28.1±3.9, respectively. Breast cup sizes C and D accounted for 74.7% of the study group. The mean cosmetic score obtained from three referees was 5.72+2.06, consisting of 35.9% excellent-good, 35% moderate, and 29.1% unsatisfactory results. Patient BMI, volume of the resected tissue and breast cup size (D) showed significant correlation with the cosmetic score. On multivariate regression analysis, cosmetic score and BMI (p=0.022,) as well as breast cup size (p=0.040), remained significant. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate or delayed symmetrization of the breasts is suggested during breast conservative surgery, meanwhile performing oncoplastic techniques to improve the results significantly. Also it is suggested to discuss anticipation of less satisfactory results with patients having higher BMI and large breast cup size.

Osteoid osteoma of the rib presenting as thoracic outlet syndrome.

Osteoid osteoma of the rib is a rare condition mostly mentioned in case report studies as lesions involving posterior region of the rib causing scoliosis. This report presents a 22-year-old man who complained of neurologic thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms. The pathologic study of the resected mass of the first rib confirmed the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma. This unique presentation of the osteoid osteoma as thoracic outlet syndrome suggests that this pathologic involvement of the ribs is not confined to the symptoms of pain and scoliosis.

Adult acute calcific discitis confined to the nucleus pulposus in the cervical spine: case report.

Acute calcific discitis is a rare condition in the pediatric population and has been reported in only 2 instances in the adult population. This report describes a case of acute calcific discitis that uniquely presented in the adult cervical spine. A 22-year-old woman presented with the chief complaint of sudden-onset neck pain. Nonsurgical management, including nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, provided moderate symptom relief. Radiography revealed nucleus pulposus calcification at the C2-3 level. Contrast-enhanced MRI did not reveal any additional abnormalities. Further nonsurgical management, including physical therapy and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, led to complete symptom relief within 6 months. Follow-up imaging demonstrated that the calcification had nearly resolved. Acute calcific discitis should be managed conservatively; the prognosis for a complete recovery is excellent. The pathophysiology of the disorder is yet to be elucidated, and the disorder is not exclusive to the pediatric population.

Effects of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) on weight loss and biomarker parameters in morbidly obese patients: a 12-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is suggested as the gold standard of the surgical techniques for morbid obesity treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the weight loss and biomarker parameter changes over a 1-year period following LRYGB in Iranian morbidly obese patients. METHODS: Sixty patients who had undergone LRYGB from June 2006 to August 2008 were followed up. Complication rates and changes in anthropometric indices, metabolic parameters, and obesity-related comorbidities were evaluated. RESULTS: During the mean follow-up duration of 27.2 ± 9.4 months, the mean weight reduced from 128.8 ± 20.4 to 86.9 ± 12.7 kg with excess weight loss (%EWL) of 63.8 ± 15.6%. The male young-adolescent patients showed more weight loss than females. Biochemical parameter changes were reduction of fasting blood sugar by 19%, total cholesterol by 17%, triglyceride by 30%, low-density lipoprotein by 19%, aspartate aminotransferase by 44%, alanine aminotransferase by 52%, alkaline phosphatase by 33%, and uric acid by 19%, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels increased by 22%. HDL level change was the only biomarker factor showing correlation with age (P = 0.005, r = -0.353, R(2) = 0.125). Obesity comorbidities were resolved considerably. There were two cases of surgical complications and no case of mortality. CONCLUSION: LRYGB appears to be a safe and effective procedure with a low complication rate in Iranian morbidly obese patients. It results in weight loss, reduction in obesity comorbidities, increasing HDL, and decreasing other measured plasma biochemical parameters. Based on our results, we suggest that LRYGB would benefit young male morbidly obese patients more than others.

Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy; which method to choose? A prospective randomized comparison.

Appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency with the incidence rate of 6-10%. Although several studies have compared the two approaches of open (OA) and laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) the technique of choice is still a matter of controversy. Considering this background we designed a study to compare OA and LA outcomes in our center. One hundred patients were included in this study performed from April 2008 to April 2009 at Shahid Sadoughi hospital, Yazd, Iran. Patients who gave informed consent were randomized to either OA or LA groups and were operated by McBurney's or laparoscopic technique, respectively. Patients received our center's routine diet, antibiotics and analgesic regimens. The patients' pain was measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) at their entrance to the recovery room and in 6-hour intervals up to 24 hours. Post-operation follow up visits were in weeks 1, 2 and 4. The data of operation time, hospital stay, intra-operation complications, time to resume normal activity, short term complications and neuralgia were collected and analysed. The average operation time was 34.4±8.42 min in LA and 41.7±8.84 in OA hand (P=0001). No intra-operative complication and no LA to OA conversion were encountered in operations. Post-operative complication rate was higher in OA group (n=10) compared to LA (n=3). The post-operative pain showed less pain in OA only at 6 and 12 hours post-operative times. Patients' mean hospital stay was 52.32±19.2 and 42.96±13.8 hours in LA and OA groups, respectively (P=0.003). Time to resume normal activity didn't show a significant difference between two groups (P=0.53). Only one case of neuralgia in the OA group was confronted in the follow up visits. LA has less complications and cosmetic scar with the cost of more pain. Decision between OA and LA for each patient should be made individually.