Quality of life after laparoscopic gastric banding: Prospective study (152 cases) with a follow-up of 2 years.

To evaluate influence of laparoscopic gastric banding (LGB) on quality of life (QOL) in patients with morbid obesity. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a popular bariatric operation in Europe. The objectives of surgical therapy in patients with morbid obesity are reduction of body weight, and a positive influence on the obesity-related comorbidity as well the concomitant psychologic and social restrictions of these patients. In a prospective clinical trial, development of the individual patient QOL was analyzed, after LGB in patients with morbid obesity. From October 1999 to January 2001, 152 patients [119 women, 33 men, mean age 38.4 y (range 24 to 62), mean body mass index 44.3 (range 38 to 63)] underwent evaluation for LGB according the following protocol: history of obesity; concise counseling of patients and relative on nonsurgical treatment alternatives, risk of surgery, psychologic testing, questionnaire for eating habits, necessity of lifestyle change after surgery; medical evaluation including endocrinologic and nutritionist work-up, upper GI endoscopy, evaluation of QOL using the Gastro Intestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). Decision for surgery was a multidisciplinary consensus. This group was follow-up at least 2 years, focusing on weight loss and QOL. Mean operative time was 82 minutes; mean hospital stay was 2.3 days and the mean follow-up period was 34 months. The BMI dropped from 44.3 to 29.6 kg/m and all comorbid conditions improved markedly: diabetes melitus resolved in 71% of the patients, hypertension in 33%, and sleep apnea in 90%. However, 26 patients (17%) had late complications requiring reoperation. Preoperative global GIQLI score was 95 (range 56 to 140), significant different of the healthy volunteers score (120) (70 to 140) P < 0.001. Correlated with weight loss (percentage loss of overweight and BMI), the global score of the group increased to 100 at 3 months, 104 at 6, 111 at 1 year to reach 119 at 2 years which is no significant different of healthy patients. Analyzing the subscale, physical condition, emotional status, and social integration increased significantly (P < 0.001) from preoperative to end of follow-up. Digestive symptoms were not modified. In case of failure of the procedure (10.5%) global Giqli score is not modified. Patients who have required successful revisional surgery for late complications (6.5%) have an excellent QOL outcome that are not different from the whole group. Together with a satisfactory reduction of the excess overweight, laparoscopic gastric banding may lead in a carefully selected population of patients with morbid obesity to a significant improvement of patient QOL, in at least 2 years follow-up.

Limits and benefits of exclusive transthoracic hepatectomy approach for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of liver resection in cirrhotic patients for liver hepatocellular carcinoma located near the diaphragm through an exclusive transthoracic approach. METHODOLOGY: Between 1995 and 1999, 19 cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma underwent a liver resection through an exclusive transthoracic approach. This approach was indicated in 11 cases for previous upper abdominal surgery, including hepatobiliary surgery in 3 and before liver transplantation in 8. Results of the transthoracic approach were compared to 84 cirrhotic patients who underwent transabdominal limited resection of hepatocellular carcinoma matched for age, sex and localization of the tumor. RESULTS: Resection was feasible by an exclusive transthoracic approach in 18 (95%) cases with a mean operating time of 201 +/- 53 min. In 8 (44%) patients a Pringle maneuver was performed. No postoperative deaths were observed after the transthoracic approach. Pulmonary complications rate was significantly higher (P < 0.001) after transthoracic resection compared to transabdominal resection (67% vs. 25%, P < 0.001). In contrast, ascites were observed in only one (5%) of the transthoracic group compared to 35 (42%) in the transabdominal group (P < 0.01). The resection margin was positive in 3 (17%) after transthoracic approch and in 1 (2%) patient after the transabdominal resection (P < 0.02). In patients who underwent liver transplantation after the transthoracic approach, total hepatectomy was performed without increasing difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: The transthoracic approach is a safe procedure for resection of hepatocellular carcinoma located under the right diaphragm in cirrhotic patients. However, this approach allows only limited resection with a high risk of positive margin, resulting in a restriction of indications either for patients with previous major abdominal surgery than before liver transplantation.