Readmission and reoperation rates after laparoscopic bariatric surgery in an Italian center of excellence.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze short-term outcomes focusing on readmissions after laparoscopic bariatric metabolic surgery (BMS) in an Italian academic Bariatric Center of Excellence IFSO-European Chapter (EC). METHODS: This is a retrospective study based on the analysis of a prospectively maintained institutional database. Patients aged between 18 and 65 years who underwent primary BMS and/or revisional BMS (RBMS) between 2012 and 2021 were included. Primary endpoint was to analyze the readmission rate at 30 postoperative days. The secondary endpoint involved assessing the causes of readmission within 30 days of discharge, the rates, and types of reoperations and/or additional procedures related to the first surgery, and the outcomes of readmitted patients. RESULTS: A total of 2297 patients were included in the study. Among them, 2143 underwent primary surgery and 154 patients underwent RBMS. Eighty-two percent of the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocol items were applied starting from 2016. Within 30 days after discharge, 48 patients (2.09%) were readmitted. Overall readmission rate following primary and revisional BMS was 2.15%, respectively 1.30%. Ten readmitted patients (20.8%) had complications graded IIIb or more (Clavien-Dindo classification) and needed additional procedures. Mortality rate was 4.17% among readmitted patients. CONCLUSIONS: Only 2.09% of patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery were readmitted. Of these, 20.8% required additional procedures. Standardization of surgical techniques and perioperative protocols in a bariatric center of excellence resulted in a low readmission rate even in RBMS.

Trends and safety of bariatric revisional surgery in Italy: multicenter, prospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND: Revisional bariatric surgery (RBS) represents a further solution for patients who experience inadequate weight loss (IWL) following primary bariatric surgery (BS) or significant weight regain (WR) following initial satisfactory response. RBS guidelines are lacking; however, an increased trend in further BS offerings has been reported recently. OBJECTIVE: Analyze trend, mortality, complication, readmission, and reoperation rates for any reason at 30 days after RBS in Italy. SETTING: Ten Italian high-volume BS centers (university hospitals and private centers). METHODS: Prospective, observational, multicenter study enrolling patients undergoing RBS between October 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, registering reasons for RBS, technique, mortality, intraoperative and perioperative complications, readmissions, and reinterventions for any reason. Patients undergoing RBS during the same calendar interval in 2016-2020 were considered control patients. RESULTS: A total of 220 patients were enrolled and compared with 560 control-group patients. Mortality was .45% versus .35% (n.s), with an overall mortality of .25%, while open surgery or conversion to open surgery was registered in 1%. No difference was found for mortality, morbidity, complications, readmission (1.3%), and reoperation rates (2.2%). IWL/WR was the most frequent cause, followed by gastroesophageal reflux disease; Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was the most used revisional procedure (56%). Sleeve gastrectomy was the most revised procedure in the study group, while gastric banding was the most revised in the control group. RBS represents up to 9% of the total BS in the Italian participating centers. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy represents the standard approach for RBS, which appears safe. Current Italian trends show a shift toward sleeve gastrectomy being the most revised procedure and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass being the most frequent revisional procedure.

Multicenter retrospective cohort Italian study on elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by the surgical residents.

PURPOSE: This retrospective multicenter cohort study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes (mortality rate, operative time, complications) of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) when performed by a surgical resident in comparison to experienced consultant in the backdrop of Italian academic centers. METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients undergoing elective LC between January 2016 and January 2022 at six teaching hospitals across Italy was performed. Cases were identified using the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 5123 (LC without cholangiogram). All cases of emergency surgery, ASA score > 3, or when cholecystectomy was performed with another surgical procedure, were excluded. All suitable cases were divided into 2 groups based on primary surgeon: consultant or senior resident. Main outcome was complication rates (intraoperative and peri/postoperative); secondary outcomes included operative time, the length of stay, and the rate of conversion to open. RESULTS: A total of 2331 cases (1425 females) were included, of which, consultants performed 1683 LCs (72%), while the residents performed 648 (28%) surgeries. The groups were statistically comparable regarding demographics, history of previous abdominal surgery, operative time, or intraoperative complications. The rate of conversion to open cholecystectomy was 1.42% for consultant and none for resident (p = 0.02). A statistically significant difference was observed between groups regarding the average length of stay (2.2 ± 3 vs 1.6 ± 1.3 days p = 0.03). Similarly, postoperative complications (1.7% vs 0.5%) resulted in statistically significant (p = 0.02) favoring resident group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that in selected patients, senior residents can safely perform LC when supervised by senior staff surgeons.

A Narrative Review on Bariatric ERAS.

Introduction: Bariatric/metabolic surgery (BMS) is the most effective treatment of morbid obesity, while Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) after BMS represents a multimodal perioperative protocol designed to achieve early recovery for patients with peculiar characteristics. The aim of the current narrative review is to summarize and discuss the current role, the application, and the future developments of ERAS protocols in the field of BMS. Methods: A literature search for studies published up to June 30, 2022, with no restrictions on language or publication period, was performed on Medline and Embase, using the keywords "ERAS" OR "enhanced recovery after surgery" AND "bariatric surgery" OR "metabolic surgery". Postoperative length of hospital stay LOS, overall and major morbidity and mortality, readmission rates, postoperative nausea or vomit PONV, opioids and antiemetics use, hospital costs, ERAS in specific health care settings, barriers to ERAS and further developments were analyzed. Results/Conclusions: The results were presented with a narrative review, using tabulation to summarize the results of meta-analyses and RCTs: 6 articles reporting guidelines, 5 metaanalyses, 9 randomized controlled trials, and 48 observational studies. ERAS protocols are feasible and safe in the setting of BMS, and associated to reduced LOS, PONV and postoperative pain, reduced opioid and antiemetic use and reduced costs. Postoperative mortality and readmission rates are similar between patients receiving standard care and those with ERAS protocols. Furthermore, increase of ERAS application may be useful in health care systems dealing with epidemic infectious diseases and implemented by technological advancements.

Platelet-rich plasma PRP vs. absorbable mesh as cruroplasty reinforcement: a study on an animal model.

BACKGROUND: Reinforcement of posterior cruroplasty has been proposed to minimize the failure of hiatal hernia repair (HHR). The applications of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and absorbable mesh are barely reported in this area. AIMS: To analyze local macroscopic and microscopic changes induced by mesh vs. PRP as reinforcement of HHR, using a reliable laparoscopic experimental porcine model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective, comparative pilot study was conducted on 14 female pigs, aged four to six months. An iatrogenic hiatal defect was laparoscopically simulated and repaired, reinforced with Bio-A® mesh (group A) or PRP (group B). Specimen retrieval was performed after seven months for histopathological (HP) examination. RESULTS: No local or general complications were registered, with complete resorption of reinforcements, that determined inflammatory infiltrates with local collagen production and tissue neo-vascularization. Group A had an increased mean chronic inflammation score (p = .3061), showing significant sclerotic collagenizing process. PRP enhanced angiogenesis, collagenizing, myofibroblast recruitment and tissue ingrowth. CONCLUSIONS: No residual materials or evidence of anatomical distortion were found. Animal model was safe and reliable. This is the first report of complete absorption of Bio-A® positioned on crural area. HP results suggest the clinical application of PRP in HHR as a promising co-adjuvant to local remodeling and healing.Abbreviations: ASA: American Society of Anesthesiologists; AB: Alcian Blue; PAS: Periodic Acid-Schiff; CP: platelet concentrate; fPC: filtered plasma concentrate; GERD: gastro-esophageal reflux disease; HSA: hiatal surface area; HHR: hiatal hernia repair; HP: histopathological; HH: hiatal hernia; HE: hematoxylin and eosin; HR: hiatus repair alone; HRM: hiatus repair and acellular dermal matrix; NM: Nicolae Manolesccu; LNF: laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication; PC: posterior cruroplasty; PPP: platelet-poor plasma; RP: platelet-rich plasma.

Long-term outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy as a revisional procedure after failed gastric band: a multicenter cross-matched cohort study.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) is the bariatric procedure most likely subject to revisional surgery. Both laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) represent viable options, but the long-term results are still lacking. In 2014, we published the 2-year follow-up of our multicenter cohort of revisional LSG after failed LAGB. Evaluate the long-term follow-up (median 9.3 years) of the same cohort of patients. University and primary-care hospitals, Italy. We retrospectively examined a prospectively maintained database of the previously published multicenter cohort of 56 patients who underwent LSG after failed LAGB between 2008-2011. The control group included cross-matched non-revisional LSGs. The primary endpoint was weight loss, secondary endpoints co-morbidities, and the need for further bariatric surgery. The study group included 44 patients and the control group 56. We found %EWL 53% Vs. 67% (p = .021), %EBMIL (54 Vs. 68%, p = .018), %TWL (26 Vs. 34%, p = .002). We also found more severe GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) symptoms in the revisional than in the primary group (9.0 vs. 1.8% mild and 23.0 vs. 3.0% severe). Ten patients from the revisional group (22.7%) vs. eight in the primary group (13%) underwent further bariatric surgery (LRYGB). Our results showed less favorable weight loss in revisional than primary LSG after LABG, higher prevalence of GERD, and a more frequent need for further revisional surgery. Despite the study's limitations, the present data suggest that the long-term outcomes may offset the possible reduced short-term complication rate after revisional sleeve gastrectomy for a failed LABG.

Characterization of gut microbiota in patients with metabolic syndrome candidates for bariatric/metabolic surgery: Preliminary findings of a multi-center prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: gut microbiota (GM) seems to be involved in the pathophysiology and progression of both metabolic syndrome (MS) and obesity. The aim was to investigate GM's composition in patients with severe obesity, candidates for bariatric/metabolic surgery BMS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multicentre, prospective, cohort study, enrolling 84 patients with BMI 40-55 kg/m2, divided bymetabolic status (MS) inhealthy(group A), pre-MS (B), or MS (C). RESULTS: No differences were foundregarding anthropometric,nutritional parameters, except for vitamin D.As a whole the alpha and beta diversity examinations showed no statistical differences in GM profile. A total of 5/7 phyla with relative frequencies were identified above 0.1% (Actinobacteria,Bacteroidetes,Firmicutes,Proteobacteria,Verrucomicrobia).FusobacteriaandPatescibacteriarepresented the less abundant. There were no significant differences in the top ten genera.Data onBacteroidetes(inversely related to triglycerides and LDL and directly related to HDL levels) and onFirmicutes(opposite trend) relative abundances suggest no differences among the three conditions.No correlation between the relative abundance of themain phylaand plasmatic glucose levels was observed. CONCLUSIONS: In a selected cohort of patients with obesity, MS did not affect the preoperative GM's profile. Severe obesity, per se, seems to be an independent condition affecting GM.

Preoperative measurement of the hiatal surface with MDCT: impact on surgical planning.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of hiatal surface area (HSA) measurement on dedicated multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) acquisition, in patients, previously subjected to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and affected by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Intraoperative HSA measurement was considered the reference standard. METHODS: Fifty-two candidates for laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair were prospectively included in the study. MDCT images were acquired during swallowing of oral iodinated contrast media and during strain. Measurements were performed by nine readers divided into three groups according to their experience. Results were compared with intraoperative measurements by means of Spearman correlation coefficient. Reproducibility was evaluated with intra- and interreader agreement by means of weighted Cohen's kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Significant differences between MDCT and intraoperative HSA measurements were observed for swallowing imaging for less experienced readers (p = 0.037, 0.025, 0.028 and 0.019). No other statistically significant differences were observed (p > 0.05). The correlation between HSA measured intraoperatively and on MDCT was higher for strain imaging compared to swallowing (r = 0.94-0.92 vs 0.94-0.89). The overall reproducibility of MDCT HSA measurement was excellent (ICC of 0.95; 95% CI 0,8993 to 0,9840) independently of reader's experience CONCLUSION: HSA can be accurately measured on MDCT images. This method is reproducible and minimally influenced by reader experience. The preoperative measurement of HSA has potential advantages for surgeons in terms of correct approach to hiatal defects in obese patient.

Colorectal cancer after bariatric surgery (Cric-Abs 2020): Sicob (Italian society of obesity surgery) endorsed national survey.

BACKGROUND: The published colorectal cancer (CRC) outcomes after bariatric surgery (BS) are conflicting, with some anecdotal studies reporting increased risks. The present nationwide survey CRIC-ABS 2020 (Colo-Rectal Cancer Incidence-After Bariatric Surgery-2020), endorsed by the Italian Society of Obesity Surgery (SICOB), aims to report its incidence in Italy after BS, comparing the two commonest laparoscopic procedures-Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP). METHODS: Two online questionnaires-first having 11 questions on SG/GBP frequency with a follow-up of 5-10 years, and the second containing 15 questions on CRC incidence and management, were administered to 53 referral bariatric, high volume centers. A standardized incidence ratio (SIR-a ratio of the observed number of cases to the expected number) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated along with CRC incidence risk computation for baseline characteristics. RESULTS: Data for 20,571 patients from 34 (63%) centers between 2010 and 2015 were collected, of which 14,431 had SG (70%) and 6140 GBP (30%). 22 patients (0.10%, mean age = 53 ± 12 years, 13 males), SG: 12 and GBP: 10, developed CRC after 4.3 ± 2.3 years. Overall incidence was higher among males for both groups (SG: 0.15% vs 0.05%; GBP: 0.35% vs 0.09%) and the GBP cohort having slightly older patients. The right colon was most affected (n = 13) and SIR categorized/sex had fewer values < 1, except for GBP males (SIR = 1.07). CONCLUSION: Low CRC incidence after BS at 10 years (0.10%), and no difference between procedures was seen, suggesting that BS does not trigger the neoplasm development.

Laparoscopic bariatric surgery is safe during phase 2-3 of COVID-19 pandemic in Italy: A multicenter, prospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND: Sars-Cov-2 epidemic in Italy caused one of the greatest 2020 European outbreaks, with suspension of elective bariatric/metabolic surgery (BMS). From May 2020 a significant decline of the epidemic has been observed (phase 2); National Health Service protocols permitted elective BMS' resumption. A new, more severe COVID-19 surge, the "second wave", started on October 2020 (phase 3). AIM: The primary end point was to analyze the outcomes of any Sars-Cov-2 infection and related morbidity/mortality within 30 POD after laparoscopic BMS during phase 2-3; secondary end points were readmission and reoperation rates. METHODS: Study design prospective, multicenter, observational. SETTING: Eight Italian high-volume bariatric centers. All patients undergoing BMS from July 2020 through January 2021 were enrolled according to the following criteria: no Sars-Cov-2 infection; primary procedures; no concomitant procedure; age > 18 < 60 years; compensated comorbidities; informed consent including COVID-19 addendum; adherence to specific admission, in-hospital and follow-up protocols. Data were collected in a prospective database. Patients undergone BMS during July-December 2019 were considered a control group. RESULTS: 1258 patients were enrolled and compared with 1451 operated on in 2019, with no differences for demographics, complications, readmission, and reintervention rates. Eight patients (0·6%) tested positive for Sars-Cov-2 infection after discharge, as well as and 15 healthcare professionals, with no related complications or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of strict COVID-19 protocols concerning the protection of patients and health-care professionals guaranteed a safe resumption of elective BMS in Italy. The safety profile was, also, maintained during the second wave of outbreak, thus allowing access to a cure for the obese population.

Transhiatal Migration After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Myth or Reality? A Multicenter, Retrospective Study on the Incidence and Clinical Impact.

PURPOSE: Only anecdotally reported, intrathoracic migration (ITM) represents an unacknowledged complication after sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) contributing to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) development, both recurrent and de novo. The primary endpoint of this study was to evaluate the incidence of postoperative ITM ≥ 2 cm; the secondary endpoint was to determine the relationships between ITM, GERD, endoscopic findings, and percentage of patients requiring surgical revision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter study on prospective databases was conducted, analyzing LSGs performed between 2013 and 2018. Inclusion criteria consisted of primary operation; BMI ranging 35-60 kg/m2; age 18-65 years; minimum follow-up 24 months; and postoperative UGIE, excluding concomitant hiatal hernia repair. Esophageal manometry and 24-h pH-metry were indicated, based on postoperative questionnaires and UGIE; patients with GERD due to ITM, and non-responders to medical therapy, were converted to R-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). RESULTS: An ITM ≥ 2cm was postoperatively diagnosed in 94 patients (7% of 1337 LSGs), after mean 24.16 ± 13.6 months. Postoperative esophagitis was found in 29 patients vs. 15 initially (p=0.001), while GERD was demonstrated in 75 (vs. 20 preoperatively, p< 0.001). Fifteen patients (16%) underwent revision to RYGB with posterior cruroplasty. Seventeen patients with severe GERD presented improvement of endoscopic findings and clinical symptoms as a result of conservative therapy. CONCLUSIONS: ITM after LSG is not a negligible complication and represents an important pathogenic factor in the development or worsening of GERD. Postoperative UGIE plays a fundamental role in the diagnosis of esophageal mucosal lesions.

Telematics pre-operative psychological and nutritional assessment in candidates for bariatric surgery during COVID-19 phase 2: a pilot prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity represents a risk factor for COVID-19 infection. Therefore, in order to reduce COVID-19 related comorbidities in obese population a continuation of obesity treatment is needed. However, bariatric procedures were postponed because of COVID-19 restrictions, delaying treatment for obese patients seeking for surgery. This study aimed to test the feasibility of a telematics pre-operative psychological and nutritional assessment as an alternative tool during COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS: Twenty-six patients were contacted. The pre-operative assessment consisted in 3-weekly one-to-one online sessions and a final in-person multidisciplinary session. The protocol feasibility has been evaluated on the following outcome: rejection rate (%), dropout rate (%), compliance and satisfaction's degree. RESULTS: Eighteen participants completed the whole protocol and 10% dropped-out. Seventy-two percent of participants obtained an excess weight loss ≥5%. All participants were satisfied of the telematics assessment. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 emergency has changed standard hospital procedures and this study could represent a landmark for an online pre-operative assessment method to adopt in case of new restrictions.

The impact of the surgical technique on stenosis after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has gained worldwide popularity in the last 10 years as self alone bariatric procedure. Symptomatic stenosis (SS) is a potential severe postoperative complication and it can be divided in organic stenosis (OS) and functional stenosis (FS). The aim of this paper is to propose a modified surgical technique to prevent FS. METHODS: A retrospective review on 5235 LSG performed in Ponderas Academic Hospital between January 2011 and December 2019, searched FS in two consecutive patients groups, divided based on the modified surgical technique introduced in 2015, with fixation of the gastric tube to the prepancreatic fascia and stapler line's over-sewn running suture. RESULTS: Group A (2011-2014) included 1332 LSG, 16 SS were registered (1.2%), 7 OS and 9 FS; 3903 LSG included in group B (2015-2019), counting for 37 SS (0.95%), 27 OS and 10 FS. A statistically significant difference between the 2 groups was observed for the FS incidence (P=0.03), while it was non-significant for the OS (P=0.52) and the total number of SS (P=0.43). The endoscopic approach was used in forty-eight SS (90.5%) with a successful rate of 83%, while specifically for the FS it was 100%; only one complication was registered during endoscopic treatment, that required further surgical solution. CONCLUSIONS: Fixation of the gastric tube to the prepancreatic fascia and stapler line's over-sewn running suture during LSG, introduced lately, are beneficial in preventing the postoperative functional stenosis of the LSG, contributing to the improvement of the patient's quality of life.

Hiatal Surface Area's CT scan measurement is useful in hiatal hernia's treatment of bariatric patients.

INTRODUCTION: Hiatal surface area (HSA) measurement has been recently proposed as useful tool for tailored treatment of hiatal defects. Multidetector CT scan (MDCT) of the hiatal area was shown to be useful in hiatal hernia (HH) management. PURPOSE: MDCT preoperative HSA measurements validation as a useful method in the surgical repair decision making process of hiatal defects in candidates to antireflux ± bariatric surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five obese patients (group A), candidates to laparoscopic cruroplasty ± bariatric surgery, were prospectively evaluated preoperatively and after one year, using an original MDCT algorithm, compared with intraoperative HSA measurement. Twelve non-obese (group B) and 12 obese patients (group C), without GERD or HH, were used as control groups. RESULTS: Median preoperative HSA was 7.9 cm2, (interquartile IQR 5.97-9.80) while intraoperative median HSA was 6 cm2 (6-9.5), p = .84. Postoperative median HSA was 3.8 cm2 (3.21-4.8), showing the efficacy of cruroplasty, comparable with HSA calculated in the control groups (3.98 for B and 3.69 cm2 for C, p = .8547). No statistically significant difference between MDCT preoperative measurement and intraoperative findings was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results demonstrate MDCT scan HSA measurements as a valid, non-invasive method to predict intraoperative findings. It allows the HSA monitoring in order to correlate the symptoms onset and failure of cruroplasty.

Concomitant hiatal hernia repair during bariatric surgery: does the reinforcement make the difference?

BACKGROUND: Hiatal hernia repair (HHR) is still controversial during bariatric procedures, especially in case of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). AIMS: to report the long-term results of concomitant HHR, evaluating the safety and efficacy of posterior cruroplasty (PC), simple or reinforced with biosynthetic, absorbable Bio-A® mesh (Gore, Flagstaff, AZ, USA). Primary endpoint: PC's failure, defined as symptomatic HH recurrence, nonresponding to medical treatment and requiring revisional surgery. METHODS: The prospective database of 1876 bariatric operations performed in a center of excellence between 2011-2019 was searched for concomitant HHR. Intraoperative measurement of the hiatal surface area (HSA) was performed routinely. RESULTS: A total of 250 patients undergone bariatric surgery and concomitant HHR (13%). Simple PC (group A, 151 patients) was performed during 130 LSG, 5 re-sleeves and 16 gastric bypasses; mean BMI 43.4±5.8 kg/m2, HSA mean size 3.4±2 cm2. Reinforced PC (group B) was performed in 99 cases: 62 primary LSG, 22 LGB and 15 revisions of LSG; mean BMI 44.6±7.7 kg/m2, HSA mean size 6.7±2 cm2. PC's failure, with intrathoracic migration (ITM) of the LSG was encountered in 12 cases (8%) of simple vs. only 4 cases (4%) of reinforced PC (P=0.23); hence, a repeat, reinforced PC and R-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) was performed laparoscopically in all cases. No mesh-related complications were registered perioperatively or after long-term follow-up (mean 50 months). One case of cardiac metaplasia without goblet cells was detected 4 years postoperatively; conversion to LRYGB, with reinforced redo of the PC was performed. The Cox hazard analysis showed that the use of more than four stitches for cruroplasty represents a negative factor on recurrence (HR=8; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: An aggressive search for and repair of HH during any bariatric procedure seems advisable, allowing a low HH recurrence rates. Additional measures, like mesh reinforcement of crural closure with biosynthetic, absorbable mesh, seem to improve results on long term follow-up, especially in case of larger hiatal defects. In our experience, reinforcement of even smaller defects seems advisable in obese population.

Long-Term Results After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy with Concomitant Posterior Cruroplasty: 5-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Hiatal hernia (HH) repair during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been advocated to reduce the incidence of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and/or intrathoracic migration (ITM). The necessity of intraoperative repair in asymptomatic patients is still controversial. Previous, mid-term results of a prospective, comparative study evaluating posterior cruroplasty concomitant with LSG (group A 48 patients with simple vs. group B 48 reinforced with bioabsorbable mesh) confirmed the safety and effectiveness of simultaneous procedures. Present aim was to report the 60 months follow-up update, evaluating GERD and esophageal lesions' incidence and HH's recurrence. RESULTS: Follow-up was completed in 87.5% of the patients. Recurrent GERD was registered in 6/38 (15.7%, group A) and in 9/46 (19.5%, group B) (p = 1.0000). Grade A esophagitis and GERD was shown in 2 patients (5.2%), respectively 2 (4.3%) of each group (p = 1.0000), and recurrent HH was confirmed subsequently by contrast study and CT scan. Neither Barrett's lesions nor de novo GERD was found in any patient. Failure of the cruroplasty with ITM was recorded in 7 patients from group A (18.4%) and 2 patients from group B (4.3%) p < 0.05; hence, a repeat posterior, reinforced cruroplasty was performed in all cases. A total of 12 patients (14.2%, 8 respective 4) were converted within 5 years for persistent/recurrent GERD, with only 1 case of de novo (group B). CONCLUSIONS: Accurate patient selection and proper sleeve technique, combined with posterior cruroplasty (simple or reinforced) ensure effectiveness, with a rate of failure (HH recurrence) at 5 years of 10.7%.

Persistent Fistula after Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Chronic Dilemma.

Background: There is no time limit for the occurrence of leaks after sleeve gastrectomy LSG, and very late ones might evolve versus persistent, chronic fistulas. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the incidence, treatment and outcomes of persistent, chronic fistulas occurred or treated in a bariatric Center of Excellence IFSO-EC (CoE) and to establish a standardized approach. Materials Methods: between 2011-2018, nine cases of postoperative leaks occurred on a total of 1365 LSG performed (0.65%), 7 of them having late presentations (onset over 10 days postoperative). Chronic, persistent fistulas were identified and analyzed, including one gastro-bronchial and one gastro-cutaneous fistulas. Results: We present three peculiar cases of very late, chronic type III fistulas, with onset at 6-84 months after primary LSG and their management, including conservative, interventional radiology and endoscopy and surgical therapies. Conclusions: the management of late, chronic type III fistula is variable, with no standard algorithm to follow, but it should be planned based on the clinical evaluation, time of diagnosis, available resources, multidisciplinary approach and expertise. This emphasises again the necessity of a bariatric CoE that can guarantee a better diagnose and treatment, based on the use of wide, available resources, both professional and material.

Short-term outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy conversion to R-Y gastric bypass: multi-center retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The outcomes of failed laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomies (LSG) converted to laparoscopic standard R-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in case of insufficient weight loss (IWL), weight regain (WR), and/or severe gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) are scanty. PURPOSE: To evaluate incidence, indications, and short-term outcomes of LSG conversion to LRYGB in three bariatric centers. METHODS: Patients operated between January 2012 and December 2016 by primary LSG, with mean follow-up of 24 months and converted to LRYGB for IWL, WR, and/or GERD, were retrospectively analyzed for demographics, operative details, perioperative complications, comorbidities evolution, and further WL. RESULTS: Thirty patients (2.76%, 7 M/23 F, mean age 41 ± 10.1 years, initial mean BMI 46.9 ± 6.3 kg/m2) were successfully converted after a mean period of 33 ± 27.8 months for severe GERD (15 patients, 50%), GERD and IWL/WR (3 patients, 10%), and IWL/WR (12 patients, 40%). Surgical complications occurred in three patients (10%). Mean BMI at revision time was 36 ± 9 kg/m2, and 30.8 ± 5.2, 28 ± 4.9, and 28 ± 4.3 kg/m2 after 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Resolution of GERD was achieved in 83% of cases. Overall, postoperative satisfaction was reported by 96% of the cases, after mean follow-up of 24 ± 8.9 months. CONCLUSIONS: In high-volume centers, where strict criteria for patients' selection for LSG are applied, the expected incidence of reoperations for "non-responder" (IWL/WR) or de novo or persistent severe GERD non-responder to medical treatment is low (< 3%). Conversion of "non-responder" LSG to LRYGB is effective for further WL and GERD remission at short term (2 years follow-up); however, a high postoperative complication rate was observed. Long-term multidisciplinary follow-up is mandatory to confirm data on WL durability and comorbidity control.