Comparison of a pre-bariatric surgery very low-calorie ketogenic diet and the Mediterranean diet effects on weight loss, metabolic parameters, and liver size reduction.

This study compared the effects on weight as well as on metabolic parameters and liver size of a very low-calorie ketogenic diet versus a Mediterranean diet in patients with morbid obesity preparing to undergo bariatric surgery. This prospective comparison study evaluated patients 18-65 years of age who enrolled for bariatric surgery. Study duration was limited to an immediate preoperative period of 15 days. The very low-calorie ketogenic diet incorporated 10-12 kcal/kg/day of energy and 1-1.2 g/kg of protein using Kalibra (Societa Dietetica Medica) (VLCKD-SDM). The Mediterranean diet (MD) included 15-20% protein, 45-50% carbohydrate, and 25-35% fat. Changes in body mass index (BMI), liver size, and anthropometric and metabolic measurements were assessed. Between January 2016 and March 2017, of 45 patients enrolled, 30 completed the study (VLCKD-SDM, n = 15; MD, n = 15). Respective median BMI loss after VLCKD-SDM was 2.7 kg/m2 versus MD 1.4 kg/m2 (p < 0.05); median fat percentage reduction was 3.2 units versus 1.7 units (p < 0.05). Median liver size decreased 5.5% in the VLCKD-SDM group versus 1.7% in the MD group (p < 0.05). Median total cholesterol, and LDL levels decreased in both groups (p < 0.05), with greater relative decreases in the VLCKD-SDM group. Short-term preoperative diet-based weight loss in patients with morbid obesity preparing for bariatric surgery was significantly greater following a very low-calorie ketogenic diet versus a Mediterranean diet. The very low-calorie diet also significantly improved anthropometric and metabolic parameters and reduced preoperative liver size above that of the MD.

Long-term results of the patients who were applied laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

OBJECTIVES: The most effective treatment step in morbid obesity is surgical treatment. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the long-term follow-up results and success rates in laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The change in body mass index, percentage of excess weight loss, comorbidities, and resulting complications were investigated in 220 patients who were morbidly obese and applied laparoscopic adjustable gastric band between April 2006 and February 2012, throughout the 6-year follow-up period. Forty-six patients who did not show up for their routine follow-ups were excluded from the study. RESULTS: In the present study, band removal percentage was 35.63%. The percentage of excess weight loss in patients who were followed up without removal of the band was 46.03%. Complications were observed in 46.5% of the patients. The most frequently observed complication among the major complications was band intolerance, which is also the most common cause of band removal. Band removal was considered as a failure in laparoscopic adjustable gastric band operations, and patients were referred to other surgical methods. CONCLUSION: When improved patient compliance and careful and close patient follow-up are provided in the early stages of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band application, it may be possible to reach percentage of excess weight loss results that would be the nearest to those achieved by gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy methods. However, high complication rates and necessity to perform other bariatric surgical procedures in the majority of the patients in the long-term follow-up suggest that the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band operation is not the first choice in bariatric surgery.

Long-term results of patients who were applied laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

OBJECTIVES: The most effective treatment step in morbid obesity is surgical treatment. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the long-term follow-up results and success rates in patients who were applied laparoscopic adjustable gastric band. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The change in body mass index, percentage of excess weight loss, comorbidities, and resulting complications were investigated in 220 patients who were morbidly obese who were applied laparoscopic adjustable gastric band between April 2006 and February 2012 throughout the 6-year follow-up period. Forty-six patients who did not show up for their routine follow-ups were excluded from the study. RESULTS: In the present study, the band removal percentage was 35.63%. The percentage of excess weight loss in patients who were followed up without removal of the band was 46.03%. Complications were observed in 46.5% of the patients. The most frequently observed complication among the major complications was band intolerance, which is also the most common cause of band removal. Band removal was considered as a failure in laparoscopic adjustable gastric band operations, and patients were referred to other surgical methods. CONCLUSION: When improved patient compliance and careful and close patient follow-up are provided in the early stages of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band application, it may be possible to reach percentage of excess weight loss results that would be the nearest to those achieved by gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy methods. However, high complication rates and necessity to perform other bariatric surgical procedures in the majority of the patients in the long-term follow-up suggest that the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band operation is not the first choice in bariatric surgery.

Conversion Surgery for Failed Adjustable Gastric Banding: Outcomes with Sleeve Gastrectomy vs Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) was once a preferred method of obesity treatment featuring a straightforward technique, removability, and good early results. In a significant proportion of patients, however, it was not a durable weight-loss procedure and has been associated with a high longer-term complication rate. The purpose of this study was to directly compare the results of conversion to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) after failed LAGB. METHODS: Post-LAGB complications and weight outcomes of conversion (absolute weight, excess weight loss [%EWL], total weight loss [%TWL]) to LSG vs LRYGB were retrospectively reviewed and statistically compared using Fisher's exact test and the independent samples t test. RESULTS: Over a 6-year period, 74/272 (27.2%) morbidly obese LAGB patients experienced marked complications requiring band removal. Forty-nine of these patients underwent conversion by LRYGB (n = 29) or LSG (n = 20). There was no statistically significant difference in complication rates between converted procedures and no significant difference in respective EWL and TWL (6-month EWL: LRYGB, 53.6% vs LSG, 51.3% and respective TWL, 22.8 vs 21.3%; 12-month EWL, 70.1 vs 56.1%; and TWL, 30.7 vs 23.2%; p > 0.05). All conversion patients were present at each time point. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes for LSG vs LRYGB following failed LAGB were equally safe and effective.

Does N ratio affect survival in D1 and D2 lymph node dissection for gastric cancer?

AIM: To identify whether there could have been changes in survival if lymph node ratio (N ratio) had been used. METHODS: We assessed 334 gastric adenocarcinoma cases retrospectively between 2001 and 2009. Two hundred and sixteen patients out of 334 were included in the study. Patients were grouped according to disection1 (D1) or dissection 2 (D2) dissection. We compared the estimated survival and actual survival determined by Pathologic nodes (pN) class and N ratio, and SPSS 15.0 software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Ninety-six (44.4%) patients underwent D1 dissection and 120 (55.6%) had D2 dissection. When groups were evaluated, 23 (24.0%) patients in D1 and 21 (17.5%) in D2 had stage migration (P = 0.001). When both D1 and D2 groups were evaluated for number of pathological lymph nodes, despite the fact that there was no difference in N ratio between D1 and D2 groups, a statistically significant difference was found between them with regard to pN1 and pN2 groups (P = 0.047, P = 0.044 respectively). In D1, pN0 had the longest survival while pN3 had the shortest. In D2, pN0 had the longest survival whereas pN3 had the shortest survival. CONCLUSION: N ratio is an accurate staging system for defining prognosis and treatment plan, thus decreasing methodological errors in gastric cancer staging.

Is gastro-gastric fixation suture necessary in laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding? A prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The reason for gastro-gastric suture (GGS) in laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is to prevent migration, slippage, and pouch dilatation. Despite various suturing techniques, these complications are still quite common. In our study, we prospectively randomized patients for GGS and analyzed outcome. METHODS: Between September 2006 and February 2008, eighty patients were randomized before LAGB procedure with pars flaccida technique. Forty patients had GGS for band fixation (Group 1), and 40 patients did not (Group 2). Groups were compared for length of surgery (LOS), length of hospital stay (LOHS), early and late complications, and percent of excess weight loss (%EWL). Mann-Whitney U test was used to define statistical differences between groups. P<.05 was accepted as significant. RESULTS: Mean body mass index (BMI) of groups 1 and 2 were 43.3±4.9 and 42.2±4.3 kg/m(2), respectively. Mean LOHS was 29.2±9.3 and 25.2±10.5 hours in groups 1 and 2, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 in comparison of %EWL (P=.344 and P=.132, respectively). There was a significant difference in LOS between groups, and it was shorter in group 2 (P<.05). In terms of complications, slippage rate was higher, migration and port complications were lower in group 2 although not statistically significant (P>.05). Pouch dilatation rate was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: LOS is shorter without GGS. There is no difference in rates of slippage, migration, pouch dilatation complications, and %EWL between either approach. In light of our findings, we think that routine use of GGSs should be revisited.

Management of concurrent cholelithiasis in gastric banding for morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND: Both morbid obesity and gallstones can be treated using laparoscopic methods. In this study, we share our clinical experience about indications and timing for cholecystectomy in morbid obesity cases that had undergone laparoscopic gastric banding procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our clinic, 151 cases had undergone laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure between September 2006 and May 2009. Eight cases that were diagnosed with symptomatic cholelithiasis in the preoperative period underwent cholecystectomy in the same session and from the same port of entry. Numerical variables were checked using Mann-Whitney U-test. P value less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: There were eight adults (six female and two male) with preoperative symptomatic cholelithiasis. Mean age was 28.2 ± 5.8 years, mean preoperative BMI was 44.1 ± 6.8 kg/m², mean operative time was 94.0 ± 18.6 min, and mean duration of hospital stay was 1.5 ± 0.7 days. The same parameters for the group that did not undergo cholecystectomy were mean age=29.6 ± 6.1 years, mean preoperative BMI=46.8 ± 6.6 kg/m², mean operative time=68.2.2 ± 12.9 min, and mean duration of hospital stay=1.2 ± 0.5 days, respectively. In the cholecystectomy group, the mean operative time was 25.8 ± 6.9 min and mean hospital stay was 0.3 ± 0.2 days longer than the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding group (P=0.003 and 0.159, respectively). In the postoperative period, seven cases (4.8%) developed symptomatic cholelithiasis. The overall average follow-up period was 23.8 ± 8.7 months. CONCLUSION: Cholecystectomy performed in the same session as laparoscopic gastric banding procedure on patients with asymptomatic cholelithiasis is a technically feasible approach with low complication rates. However, we do not recommend prophylactic cholecystectomy in patients without gallstones because of longer operative time and hospitalization and increased risk of complications.

Comparison of the application of low concentration and 80% phenol solution in pilonidal sinus disease.

OBJECTIVES: Many conservative methods have been applied in the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD). The most commonly used conservative treatment is 80% phenol solution. Our observations demonstrated that 80% phenol solution caused much destruction in the sacrococcygeal region. DESIGN: In this study low concentrations of phenol were used with the aim of reducing the unwanted side-effects of high-concentration phenol without reducing the therapeutic effects. PARTICIPANTS: We treated 112 patients (18 women, 94 men) with PSD using phenol solution. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A was treated with a 40% solution of phenol solution, and Group B was treated with an 80% solution of phenol solution. SETTING: All patients were treated on an outpatient basis. One mL of low (40%) or high (80%) concentration phenol solution was injected into the main sinus orifice. During the check it was observed and noted whether there was skin necrosis, fatty tissue necrosis or abscesses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The mean age was 27.4 years (6-44). The median length of symptoms was seven months (0.5-132). In the 2.8 years (1-6) of mean follow-up period, the disease recurred in 13 (11.6%) patients. RESULTS: This treatment procedure was well-tolerated by all the patients except for those who had unwanted results. No patients in group A had skin necrosis, and only one had abscesses. In group B two patients had abscesses, and three had skin necrosis. Fatty tissue necrosis was seen in one patient in Group A and in five patients in Group B. Recurrence rates were four (7.4%) cases in Group A and nine (15.5%) cases in Group B. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to treat patients in a shorter time with a considerably smaller loss of working time, since the destruction of peripilonidal adipose tissue and skin is less. Therefore, the use of low-concentration phenol solution is an option to be considered in the treatment of PSD.

The effects of anti-adhesion materials in preventing postoperative adhesion in abdominal cavity (anti-adhesion materials for postoperative adhesions).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of anti-adhesion materials in postoperative adhesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were assigned to five groups: Group 1: Control. Group 2: chitin layers were used. Group 3: Na-hyaluronate / carboxymethylcellulose layers were used. Group 4: Na-hyaluronate gel was poured into the abdomen. Group 5: methylprednisolone was injected. The adhesion frequency and grade were scored according to Granat. Blood was taken for Hb, AST, BUN and albumin levels determination. FINDINGS: The adhesion frequencies (right and left) and grades were as follow in Groups; I: 82%, 91%, 2.63 +/- 1.22; II: 8.3%, 25%, 0.58 +/- 0.66; III: 17%, 33%, 1.08 +/- 1.08; IV: 50%, 58%, 1.41 +/- 1.44; V: 50%, 42%, 1.41 +/- 1.50. The adhesion phase in all study groups was found significantly low compared to control group, p < 0.05. No difference was observed among serologic and hematological parameters in all groups. CONCLUSION: All the materials used significantly lowered the adhesion frequency and grade.

Hemodiafiltration treatment for high bilirubinemia state after hepatectomy.

Hyperbilirubinemia which developed after right hepatectomy is reported in a 66-year-old male. The application of hemodiafiltration treatment in the postoperative course of the patient and the effect of treatment in his healing process are summarized and discussed.

Diphenhydramine and hyaluronic acid derivatives reduce adnexal adhesions and prevent tubal obstructions in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of diphenhydramine-HCl and Na-hyaluronate derivatives on the development of postoperative peritoneal adhesion and tubal obstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Forty female rats of Sprague-Dawley type were used in the study. The rats were divided into four groups, each comprising 10 subjects. After all the rats were anaesthetized with 50mg/kg ketamine HCl, their abdomens were opened with a lower midline incision. Injury was induced on the right pelvic peritoneum and on the peritoneal surface of left uterine tube. No additional procedure was applied to the first group. 10 mg/kg diphenhydramine-HCl was given to the second group intravenously. In the third group, 0.25 mg/kg Orthovisc, a Na-hyaluronate derivative was diluted with 2 ml physiological saline and poured into the abdomen. For the fourth group, Seprafilm, a Na-hyaluronate derivative was covered in a layer of 0.7 cm x 3 cm over the left uterine tube. After 14 days, the rats were anaesthetized with ketamine HCl again, and 5 cm(3) blood sample was taken with cardiac puncture. The abdomen was opened with an incision transverse to the upper end of the midline incision, and the presence of adhesions was investigated. Detected adhesions were staged according to the Mazuji classification. Tubal patencies were inspected by injecting methylene blue from the uterine corpus into the lumen using an injector. A piece of abdominal wall of 4 cm x 4 cm was removed by extending the incision in the reverse U shape. The tensile strength and bursting pressure of the suture line were determined using the Peacock method. One gram of tissue was taken from the incision line, and hydroxyproline levels were determined by the Bergman-Loxley method. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured. RESULTS: All of the rats completed the study. AST levels, tissue hydroxyproline levels and tensile strength and bursting pressure test results were found to be similar in all groups. While adhesion rates in the groups were 100, 40, 40 and 30%, respectively, adhesion stages were found to be, respectively as 2.1+/-1.7, 0.6+/-0.67, 0.6+/-0.67 and 0.5+/-0.85. Adhesion stages in the study groups were significantly lower (P<0.05). Tubal obstruction rates were found to be 70, 30, 30 and 20%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Diphenhydramine, Orthovisc and Seprafilm significantly reduce postoperative peritoneal adhesion development, and they allow the uterine tubes to remain open.

The possibility of nervus ilioinguinalis and nervus iliohypogastricus injury in lower abdominal incisions and effects on hernia formation.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the distances of nervus ilioinguinalis and nervus iliohypogastricus to McBurney's and paramedian incisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed on 12 adult cadavers. Right and left inguinal regions of the cadavers were dissected by inguinal incision. The points where the nerves perforated the internal obliquus muscles were determined, and the distances of these points to the spina iliaca anterior superior (SIAS) and to the umbilicus were measured. These distances were marked over a diagram, and distances of the nerves to McBurney's and paramedian incisions were measured by illustrating these incisions on the same diagram. FINDINGS: While the distance of the iliohypogastric nerve from the SIAS was 1.5-8 cm on the right and 2.3-3.6 cm on the left, the distance of the ilioinguinal nerve from the SIAS was 3-6.4 cm on the right and 2-5 cm on the left. The distance of the ilioinguinal nerve from McBurney's incision was 0.2-6.1 cm on the right and 1.8-7.5 cm on the left, and that of the iliohypogastric nerve was 2.2-6.9 cm on the right and 2.9-6.2 cm on the left. The distances of the nerves from paramedian incision were found to be 4.6-10 cm on the right and 6.4-11.2 cm on the left for the ilioinguinal nerve and 5-11.2 cm on the right and 7.4-11.6 cm on the left for the iliohypogastric nerve. CONCLUSION: Both nerves perforate the musculus obliquus internus, scattered in a wide area. Considering the distances, the paramedian incision seems to be more reliable with respect to the risk of nerve injury. Incisions performed in the lower abdomen carry the risk of injury to the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves.