Resultados del registro nacional de pacientes diagnosticados de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal candidatos a cirugía bariátrica (ReNacEIBar) / Results of the national registry of patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease candidates for bariatric surgery (ReNacEIBar)

Introducción: El objetivo principal es realizar un Registro Nacional de pacientes diagnosticados de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) que son sometidos a cirugía bariátrica, así como evaluar los resultados y aspectos fundamentales del manejo de este tipo de pacientes en la práctica clínica habitual. Metodología: Estudio retrospectivo observacional multicéntrico nacional, en el que se incluyen pacientes diagnosticados previamente de EII, que hayan sido intervenidos de cirugía bariátrica desde enero de 2000 hasta diciembre de 2022. Resultados: Se han incluido un total de 41 pacientes: 43,9% diagnosticados previamente de colitis ulcerosa (CU), 53,7% de enfermedad de Crohn (EC), y una colitis indeterminada (2,4%). El índice de masa corporal (IMC) preoperatorio ha sido de 45,8 ± 6,1 kg/m2. Se han realizado 31 (75,6%) gastrectomías verticales, un (2,4%) bypass gástrico y nueve (22%) bypass gástrico de una anastomosis. Se han registrado 9,8% de complicaciones. A los 12 meses, el IMC medio fue de 29,5 ± 4,7 kg/m2, presentando en un porcentaje de peso total perdido (%PTP) de 33,9 ± 9,1%. Conclusiones: La cirugía bariátrica en pacientes previamente diagnosticados de EII se puede considerar eficaz en cuanto a pérdida de peso, y segura en relación con un porcentaje bajo de complicaciones.(AU)

Background: Our aim is to carry out a national registry of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who underwent bariatric surgery, as well as evaluate the results and management of this type of patients in the usual clinical practice. Methods: National multicentric observational retrospective study, including patients, previously diagnosed with IBD who underwent bariatric surgery from January 2000 to December 2022. Results: Forty-one patients have been included: 43.9% previously diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, 57.3% Crohn's disease, and an indeterminate colitis (2.4%). The preoperative BMI was 45.8 ± 6.1 kg/m2. Among the bariatric surgeries, 31 (75.6%) sleeve gastrectomy, 1 (2.4%) gastric bypass and 9 (22%) one anastomosis gastric have been carried out. During the postoperative period, 9.8% complications have been recorded. BMI was 29.5 ± 4.7 kg/m2 and percent total weight lost was 33.9 ± 9.1% at 12 months. Conclusions: Bariatric surgery in patients with inflammatory bowel disease can be considered safe and effective.(AU)

Results of the national registry of patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease candidates for bariatric surgery (ReNacEIBar).

BACKGROUND: Our aim is to carry out a national registry of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who underwent bariatric surgery, as well as evaluate the results and management of this type of patients in the usual clinical practice. METHODS: National multicentric observational retrospective study, including patients, previously diagnosed with IBD who underwent bariatric surgery from January 2000 to December 2022. RESULTS: Forty-one patients have been included: 43,9% previously diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, 57,3% Crohn's disease, and an indeterminate colitis (2,4%). The preoperative BMI was 45.8 ± 6,1 kg/m2. Among the bariatric surgeries, 31 (75,6%) sleeve gastrectomy, 1 (2,4%) gastric bypass and 9 (22%) one anastomosis gastric have been carried out. During the postoperative period, 9.8% complications have been recorded. BMI was 29,5 ± 4,7 kg/m2 and percent total weight lost was 33,9 ± 9,1% at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery in patients with inflammatory bowel disease can be considered safe and effective.

Obesity related pathophysiological aspects favouring Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a complex entity and one of the most frequents in general population. Association of GERD with obesity is clearly defined from an epidemiological point of view, where up to 40% of patients with overweight and obesity present reflux. Most of the risk factors associated to GERD are shared and especially frequent in patients with obesity. The pathophysiology that explain this correlation is complex and multifactorial, and includes both aspects related to physiology of motility, and anatomic changes. The malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, the greater transdiaphragmatic pressure gradient, pathological accumulation of fat and the high rate of hiatal hernia that comes with overweight will be the main factors that explain this correlation. Other factor like pathological eating habits or obesity related diseases have also an important role. In summary, it is the sum of the factors more than just one of them what would explain the pathophysiology of GERD in obese population.

Prophylactic Treatment of Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Reduces Mucosal Damage and Improves Intestinal Absorption.

Purpose: Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (i-IRI) involves a blood flow interruption in an intestinal segment followed by blood flow restoration. When blood flow is restored, oxidative and inflammatory molecules are distributed throughout the bloodstream, triggering both local and systemic damage. Our goal was to evaluate the potential of three antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory compounds (curcumin, dexmedetomidine and α-tocopherol) to prevent or reverse local and systemic damage induced by i-IRI. Methods: i-IRI was induced by placing a microvascular clip in the superior mesenteric artery of female WAG/RijHsd rats; the clip was removed after 1h and reperfusion was allowed for 4h. Curcumin (200 mg/kg, orally), α-tocopherol (20 mg/kg, i.p.), and dexmedetomidine (5 or 20 µg/kg, s.c.; DEX5 and DEX20, respectively) were administered. Blood and terminal ileum specimens were collected for biochemical and histological determination. Furthermore, D-xylose absorption test was performed to evaluate intestinal absorption; after completing the 1-hour ischemia and 4-hour reperfusion period, 1 mL of aqueous D-xylose solution (0.615 mg/mL) was administered orally, and one hour later, plasma D-xylose levels were quantified. Results: The histological injury degree (HID) measured by the Chiu scale was significantly reduced when the treatments were applied (non-treated rats, 2.6 ± 0.75; curcumin, 1.54 ± 0.8; DEX5, 1.47 ± 0.7; DEX20 1.14 ± 0.5; and α-tocopherol, 1.01 ± 0.6); intestinal absorptive capacity also improved in all cases healthy rats (2.06 ± 0.07 µg/mL; non-treated, 1.18 ± 0.07 µg/mL; curcumin 1.76 ± 0.3 µg/mL; DEX5, 2.29 ± 0.2 µg/mL; DEX20, 2.25 ± 0.26 µg/mL; and α-tocopherol 1.66 ± 0.21 µg/mL). However, it failed to reduce liver enzyme levels. Finally, only dexmedetomidine significantly reduced urea and creatinine levels compared to non-treated animals. Conclusion: All drugs were effective in reducing HID, although α-tocopherol was effective to a greater extent. Only dexmedetomidine reverted intestinal absorption to normal values of healthy animals.

Duodenal Switch vs. Single-Anastomosis Duodenal Switch (SADI-S) for the Treatment of Grade IV Obesity: 5-Year Outcomes of a Multicenter Prospective Cohort Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: The aims were to compare the 5-year outcomes of duodenal switch (DS) and single-anastomosis duodenal switch (SADI-S) in terms of weight loss; remission of comorbidities; nutritional status short- and long-term complications; postoperative mortality; and need for revisional surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multicenter prospective observational study of all consecutive patients undergoing DS or SADI-S in three high-volume hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 87 patients were included in the study, 43 submitted to DS and 44 to SADI-S, with similar basal characteristics, nutritional parameters, and BMI (52.9 kg/m2 DS vs. 52.5 kg/m2 SADI-S). Operative time was 152 min (± 32.6) in DS vs. 116 min (± 21.9) in SADI-S (p = 0.043). Short-term complications were similar for DS and SADI-S, both overall (11.8% vs. 11.6%), and ranged as Clavien-Dindo > II (4.5% vs. 4.7%), with no mortality. At 5 years, DS and SADI-S results were as follows: BMI 30.6 vs. 33.3 kg/m2 (p = 0.023); %EWL 80.5% vs. 68.6% (p = 0.006); and %TWL 42.1 vs. 36.0 (p = 0.006). Comorbidity remission rates for DS and SADI-S were as follows: for diabetes, 92.8% vs. 85.7% (n.s.); for hypertension, 95.2% vs. 85.1% (n.s.); for sleep apnea, 75% vs. 73.3% (n.s.); and for dyslipidemia, 76.4% vs. 73.3% (n.s.). DS showed lower levels of vitamin B12, iron, vitamin E, and zinc than SADI-S (p = < 0.005). In the long term, there were 4 surgical reinterventions (due to 1 internal hernia in the DS group and 1 internal hernia and 2 biliary refluxes in the SADI-S group) with no cases of persistent diarrhea or malnutrition. CONCLUSION: Both DS and SADI-S allowed good weight control and resolution of comorbidities. DS achieved a greater weight loss compared to SADI-S, at the expense of longer operative time and lower vitamin and mineral levels.

Single- Versus Double-Anastomosis Duodenal Switch: Outcomes Stratified by Preoperative BMI.

PURPOSE: Describe and analyze the safety and weight loss performance of biliopancreatic diversion and duodenal switch (BPD-DS) and single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S), verifying any possible superiority according to preoperative BMI. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients who underwent primary SADI-S or BPD-DS in three bariatric centers. Study groups were further stratified according to preoperative BMI (subgroup 1: BMI < 50; subgroup 2: 50 ≤ BMI < 55; subgroup 3: BMI ≥ 55). RESULTS: Four hundred and sixty patients underwent BPD-DS (n = 220) or SADI-S (n = 240). The mean LOS was 3.48 ± 3.7 and 3.13 ± 2.3 days for BPD-DS and SADI-S respectively (p = 0.235). The mean operative time was shorter in the SADI-S group (167.25 ± 33.6 vs 140.85 ± 56.7 min) (p < 0.00). The mean %EWL was 44.2, 62.4, and 69.4 for the BPD-DS group and 48.4, 64.5, and 67.1 for the SADI-S group at 6, 12, and 24 months respectively. The mean %TBWL was 25, 35.9, and 40.3 for the BPD-DS group, and 26.2, 35, and 36.9 for the SADI-S group at 6, 12, and 24 months respectively. Overall complication rates were comparable between BPD-DS and SADI-S groups (14% vs 18%) (p = 0.219). SADI-S showed greater emergency department visits (17% vs 7%) (p = 0.005); similar readmission rates (6% vs 7%) (p = 0.80); similar reoperation rates (3% vs 7%) (p = 0.102); and similar mortality rate (0.9% vs 0.4%), after BPD-DS and SADI-S respectively. CONCLUSION: BPD-DS achieved greater %TBWL at 2 years, but no superiority was perceived among study subgroups. SADI-S and BPD-DS showed similar overall complication rates.

A case of pylephlebitis complicating an acute appendicitis: Uncommon cholangitis-like situation.

INTRODUCTION: Pylephlebitis represents an uncommon but serious condition with significant mortality which can complicate intrabdominal sepsis of any etiology. One of the most common predisposing infections is appendicitis. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 21-year-old male with 4 days of epigastric and right upper quadrant pain with associated fever and chills with hyperbilirubinemia and leukocytosis in blood test was orientated as cholangitis at first diagnostic. Poor response to antibiotic treatment with persistent fever and bacteriemia with E. coli and S. constellatus isolated in blood cultures led to complete the study with a CT scan which revealed an acute appendicitis complicated with thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) up to the splenoportal confluence. Appendectomy, treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotic and anticoagulation treatment led to full recovery. Follow-up after 6 months showed almost complete SMV patency. DISCUSSION: Pylephlebitis can present as a clinical cholangitis-like picture with hyperbilirubinemia with or without liver abscess formation. CT scan seems to be the most sensitive diagnostic test as it identifies the underlying focus of infection, the extension of the thrombosis and detects liver abscesses. Surgical removal of the source of infection as appendectomy and adequate antibiotic treatment adjusted by culture should be initiated promptly. Anticoagulant treatment should be considered in the case of poor clinical outcome or thrombosis progression. CONCLUSION: Pylephlebitis should be suspected mainly in patients with appendicitis and diverticulitis with erratic behavior despite surgical removal and/or antibiotic treatment with abnormal liver tests and persistent bacteriemia. CT scan is the preferred image study.

Use of failure-to-rescue after emergency surgery as a dynamic indicator of hospital resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. A multicenter retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical failure-to-rescue (FTR, death rate following complications) is a reliable cross-sectional quality of care marker, but has not been evaluated dynamically. We aimed to study changes in FTR following emergency surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Matched cohort study including all COVID-19-non-infected adult patients undergoing emergency general surgery in 25 Spanish hospitals during COVID-19 pandemic peak (March-April 2020), non-peak (May-June 2020), and 2019 control periods. A propensity score-matched comparative analysis was conducted using a logistic regression model, in which period was regressed on observed baseline characteristics. Subsequently, a mixed effects logistic regression model was constructed for each variable of interest. Main variable was FTR. Secondary variables were post-operative complications, readmissions, reinterventions, and length of stay. RESULTS: 5003 patients were included (948, 1108, and 2947 in the pandemic peak, non-peak, and control periods), with comparable clinical characteristics, prognostic scores, complications, reintervention, rehospitalization rates, and length of stay across periods. FTR was greater during the pandemic peak than during non-peak and pre-pandemic periods (22.5% vs. 17.2% and 12.7%), being this difference confirmed in adjusted analysis (odds ratio [OR] 2.13, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.27-3.66). There was sensible inter-hospital variability in FTR changes during the pandemic peak (median FTR change +8.77%, IQR 0-29.17%) not observed during the pandemic non-peak period (median FTR change 0%, IQR -6.01-6.72%). Greater FTR increase was associated with higher COVID-19 incidence (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.31-4.16) and some hospital characteristics, including tertiary level (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.27-8.00), medium-volume (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.14-7.34), and high basal-adjusted complication risk (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.07-4.72). CONCLUSION: FTR following emergency surgery experienced a heterogeneous increase during different periods of the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting it to behave as an indicator of hospital resilience. FTR monitoring could facilitate identification of centres in special needs during ongoing health care challenges.

Patient Selection in One Anastomosis/Mini Gastric Bypass-an Expert Modified Delphi Consensus.

PURPOSE: One anastomosis/mini gastric bypass (OAGB/MGB) is up to date the third most performed obesity and metabolic procedure worldwide, which recently has been endorsed by ASMBS. The main criticisms are the risk of bile reflux, esophageal cancer, and malnutrition. Although IFSO has recognized this procedure, guidance is needed regarding selection criteria. To give clinicians a daily support in performing the right patient selection in OAGB/MGB, the aim of this paper is to generate clinical guidelines based on an expert modified Delphi consensus. METHODS: A committee of 57 recognized bariatric surgeons from 24 countries created 69 statements. Modified Delphi consensus voting was performed in two rounds. An agreement/disagreement among ≥ 70.0% of the experts was considered to indicate a consensus. RESULTS: Consensus was achieved for 56 statements. Remarkably, ≥ 90.0% of the experts felt that OAGB/MGB is an acceptable and suitable option "in patients with Body mass index (BMI) > 70, BMI > 60, BMI > 50 kg/m2 as a one-stage procedure," "as the second stage of a two-stage bariatric surgery after Sleeve Gastrectomy for BMI > 50 kg/m2 (instead of BPD/DS)," and "in patients with weight regain after restrictive procedures. No consensus was reached on the statement that OAGB/MGB is a suitable option in case of resistant Helicobacter pylori. This is likely as there is a concern that this procedure is associated with reflux and its related long-term complications including risk of cancer in the esophagus or stomach. Also no consensus reached on OAGB/MGB as conversional surgery in patients with GERD after restrictive procedures. Consensus for disagreement was predominantly achieved "in case of intestinal metaplasia of the stomach" (74.55%), "in patients with severe Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)(C,D)" (75.44%), "in patients with Barrett's metaplasia" (89.29%), and "in documented insulinoma" (89.47%). CONCLUSION: Patient selection in OAGB/MGB is still a point of discussion among experts. There was consensus that OAGB/MGB is a suitable option in elderly patients, patients with low BMI (30-35 kg/m2) with associated metabolic problems, and patients with BMIs more than 50 kg/m2 as one-stage procedure. OAGB/MGB can also be a safe procedure in vegetarian and vegan patients. Although OAGB/MGB can be a suitable procedure in patients with large hiatal hernia with concurrent hiatal hernia, it should not be offered to patients with grade C or D esophagitis or Barrett's metaplasia.

Robotic and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass after learning curve: 30-day and 12-month outcomes.

This study compares laparoscopic RYGB (L-RYGB) and robotic RYGB (R-RYGB) performed by the same team after the learning curve in both approaches. A retrospective cohort study was done, and the surgical outcome was analyzed in 30 days and 12 months for patients with similar characteristics and an equal number of cases in each group (233 cases). Four hundred and sixty-six patients were included in this study. Mean age was 46.8 ± 8.3 years and 2/3 were women. R-RYGB presented a longer operative time (150.7 versus 135.4 min; p < 0.001) with no differences in the length of hospital stay. The main 30-day complications were G-J stricture, leakage, and intraluminal bleeding. The reoperation rate was 1.6% by leakage (G-J anastomosis) and was higher in R-RYGB (2.1 versus 0.4; p = 0.108). The multivariate analysis identified that L-RYGB was the factor independently associated with a LOS longer than 2 days (odds ratio: 4.7, 95% CI: 2.6-8.2, p value < 0.001). At the FU time (12 months), no differences between the groups were found. The outcomes between the groups after the learning curve did not present differences in terms of 30 days and 12 months of FU when same preoperative characteristics and an equal number of cases in each group are considered. L-RYGB was the unique independent factor associated with long LOS.

Bariatric Surgery and Solid-Organ Transplantation.

Morbid obesity and being overweight are a growing problem worldwide. They also affect patients with end-stage solid-organ disease and patients after transplant. Bariatric surgery is the most effective available weight loss procedure. Bariatric surgery can be helpful for the treatment of some conditions, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which may lead to transplant, and weight loss can improve or even reverse them. In other cases, morbid obesity is a limitation to accessing a transplant program, so bariatric surgery can serve as a conduit to transplant. After transplant, obesity and obesity-related comorbidities can be a significant health problem that may be treated, as in patients without a transplant, with bariatric surgery. There are some specific conditions and issues to be considered in patients with end-stage solid-organ disease who are candidates for bariatric surgery, such as increased morbidity and mortality. After transplant, immunosuppressant regimens and technical limitations may be also significant.

Analysis of the Management of Cholelithiasis in Bariatric Surgery Patients: a Single-Center Experience.

PURPOSE: Cholelithiasis is an issue in bariatric surgery patients. The incidence of cholelithiasis is increased in morbidly obese patients. After bariatric surgery, the management maybe sometimes challenging. There is no consensus about how to deal with cholelithiasis prior to bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review from our prospectively collected bariatric surgery database. Primary bariatric procedures from 2009 to 2020 were included. Prevalence of cholelithiasis and its management prior to bariatric surgery and the incidence and management of postoperative biliary events were analyzed. RESULTS: Over 1445 patients analyzed, preoperatively cholelithiasis was found in 153 (10.58%), and 68 out of them (44.44%) were symptomatic. Seventy-six patients had a concomitant cholecystectomy. In those cases, the bariatric procedure did not show increased operative time, length of stay, morbidity, or mortality compared to the rest of primary bariatric procedures. Twelve patients (15.58%) with previous cholelithiasis and no concomitant cholecystectomy presented any kind of biliary event and required cholecystectomy. De novo cholelithiasis rate requiring cholecystectomy was 3.86%. Postoperative biliary events both in de novo and persistent cholelithiasis population did not show any difference between the type of surgery, weight loss, and other characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Cholelithiasis was present in 10.58% of our primary bariatric surgery population. Concomitant cholecystectomy was safe in our series. Non-surgical management of asymptomatic cholelithiasis did not lead to a higher risk of postoperative biliary events. The global postoperative cholecystectomy rate was equivalent to the general population.

Analysis of the Variability in Different Criteria to Define the Success of Bariatric Surgery: Retrospective Study 5-Year Follow-Up after Sleeve Gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

(1) Background: The current criteria for defining good or bad responders to bariatric surgery based on the percentage of weight loss do not properly reflect the therapeutic impact of the main bariatric techniques. At present there is an urgent need to fill this gap and provide scientific evidence that better define the success or failure of bariatric surgery in the long term. (2) Methods: This is a retrospective database study of a prospective cohort with 5-year follow-up. We established the success or failure of bariatric surgery in terms of weight loss according to a selected criterion: (1) Halverson and Koehler; (2) Reinhold modified by Christou; (3) Biron; (4) TWL > 20%; (5) percentage of changeable weight (AWL > 35%). We analyzed sensitivity and specificity for successful weight loss. (3) Results: 223 (38.7%) patients underwent sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and 353 (61.2%) underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP). The success rates at 5 years are: EWL > 50% 464 (80%), Reinhold 436 (75.6%), Biron 530 (92%), TWL > 20% 493 (85.5%), AWL < 35% 419 (72.7); ≥50% EWL and alterable weight loss AWL > 35 were the most adequate criteria as their specificities and sensibility were far above >80%. (4) Conclusions: The present study shows how the different definitions of success or failure are inconsistent in relation to the outcomes of BS. However, there are some criteria that associate statistically significant differences for the resolution of comorbidities and show the highest sensitivity and specificity rates.

P-POSSUM as mortality predictor in COVID-19-infected patients submitted to emergency digestive surgery. A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 infection is associated with a higher mortality rate in surgical patients, but surgical risk scores have not been validated in the emergency setting. We aimed to study the capacity for postoperative mortality prediction of the P-POSSUM score in COVID-19-positive patients submitted to emergency general and digestive surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing emergency general and digestive surgery from March to June 2020, and from March to June 2019 in 25 Spanish hospitals were included in a retrospective cohort study. MAIN OUTCOME: 30-day mortality. P-POSSUM discrimination was quantified by the area under the curve (AUC) of ROC curves; calibration was assessed by linear regression slope (ß estimator); and sensitivity and specificity were expressed as percentage and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: 4988 patients were included: 177 COVID-19-positive; 2011 intra-pandemic COVID-19-negative; and 2800 pre-pandemic. COVID-19-positive patients were older, with higher surgical risk, more advanced pathologies, and higher P-POSSUM values (1.79% vs. 1.09%, p < 0.001, in both the COVID-19-negative and control cohort). 30-day mortality in the COVID-19-positive, intra-pandemic COVID-19-negative and pre-pandemic cohorts were: 12.9%, 4.6%, and 3.2%. The P-POSSUM predictive values in the three cohorts were, respectively: AUC 0.88 (95% CI 0.81-0.95), 0.89 (95% CI 0.87-0.92), and 0.91 (95% CI 0.88-0.93); ß value 0.97 (95% CI 0.74-1.2), 0.99 (95% CI 0.82-1.16), and 0.78 (95% CI 0.74-0.82); sensitivity 83% (95% CI 61-95), 91% (95% CI 84-96), and 89% (95% CI 80-94); and specificity 81% (95% CI 74-87), 76% (95% CI 74-78), and 80% (95% CI 79-82). CONCLUSION: The P-POSSUM score showed a good predictive capacity for postoperative mortality in COVID-19-positive patients submitted to emergency general and digestive surgery.

Laparoscopic Versus Robot-Assisted Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Center of Excellence for the EAC-BC Experience.

Background: After the first laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in 1994 by Wittgrove, the introduction of robot-assisted procedures was the next step in the surgical race to reduce invasiveness. This breakthrough allowed us to perform bariatric surgery with less surgical trauma in obese patients with metabolic disorders, producing an exponential increase in procedures performed. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of a prospective database for patients who underwent RYGB during a 7-year period through two different approaches, laparoscopic and robotic. The robotic cases were performed by two generations of the da Vinci platform (S and Xi), and three groups were identified and compared (L-RYGB, RYGB-S, and RYGB-Xi). Results: A total of 495 patients underwent RYGB, of which 224 by laparoscopy (45.2%) and 271 by robotic approach (54.7%): 134 RYGB-S and 137 RYGB-Xi. The majority of the patients (71.1%) were females, with a mean age of 46.2 years and a mean body mass index of 44 kg/m2. The mean intraoperative time and intraoperative complication rate were higher in the robotic groups, especially in the RYGB-S group. Postoperative complications were higher in the same group, with a rate of 11.9%, where the main leakage occurred on the upper part of the gastric pouch and not in the hand-sewed robotic anastomosis (7.5%). General mortality was 0.6%. We found no significant differences at 1-year percentage of total weight loss (%TWL); at 2 years, the RYGB-Xi group had the lowest %TWL (25.24 ± 14.54, P ≤ .001). Conclusions: The present study reflects our experience during the robotic bariatric introduction and performance since 2011. Features of the da Vinci S platform along our learning curve may explain a higher complication rate. The patients who have been operated by the RYGB-Xi system had lower complications than the laparoscopic group. The robotic approach did not differ with laparoscopy in terms of weight loss and chronic complications after 24 months of follow-up.

The Panoramic View of Revisional Bariatric Surgery.

Introduction: Obesity remains a major public chronic disease, and the multifactorial components of its relapse in many patients remain inevitable. Methods: This article provides a panoramic view of the most commonly performed revisional bariatric surgery (RBS). RBS is a complex procedure; thus, primary procedures should be well chosen and performed to avoid the increasing number of RBS cases. Results: Bariatric surgery is the only successful long-term treatment for obesity. However, a proportion of primary bariatric surgeries has failed during the follow-up period. In recent decades, the solution for these complications is by performing RBS. It is mandatory to understand obesity as a chronic disease to appropriately treat patients. Treatment strategies are needed to determine the indications for revision. RBS requires a meticulous evaluation to facilitate good long-term results. Conclusions: Treatment strategies will be a fundamental pillar to wisely determine the indications for revision and identify the factors influencing failure by prudently and rationally evaluating the revisional procedure that the patient will benefit from and acquiring a high level of surgical skills.

A Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Between Two Different Models of Surgical Robots in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

Introduction: For the past 20 years, robotic surgical systems have been used for the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Inc.) has been one of the most used robotic platforms. This study aims to retrospectively compare the performance of two models of surgical robots. Materials and Methods: A retrospective comparative study was conducted from a prospective database including all patients who underwent robotic RYGB (RRYGB) from 2011 to 2020. Results: Of a total of 277 patients included, 134 were in the RRYGB using the da Vinci S™ (RRYGB-S™) group and 143 were in the RRYGB using the da Vinci Xi™ (RRYGB-Xi™) group. The mean operative time in the RRYGB-S and RRYGB-Xi groups was 154 ± 28 and 151 ± 32 minutes, respectively (P = .510). The was no statistically significant difference in terms of intraoperative complications between the groups with regard to positive blue test, bleeding, and failure of stapler line. The readmission rate was higher in the RRGB-S group (14.1%) than in the RRYGB-Xi group (3.4%) (P = .004), and it was mainly due to major complications (P = .003) including pouch and gastrojejunostomy anastomotic leaks (P = .001). The nonsurgical complications were statistically significantly higher in the RRYGB-S group (7.4%) than in the RRYGB-Xi group (2.1%) (P < .05), as well as the surgical complications were higher in the RRYGB-S group (7.5%) than in the RRYGB-Xi group (0%) (P < .001). The mean percentage of the total weight loss at 1 and 2 years of follow-up did not show any statistically significant difference (P = .547). Conclusions: The higher complication rate in the S surgical system might be correlated with the initial learning curve and stressed the need for proper robotic surgical training and accurate strategies when introducing emerging technologies into the surgical practice.

Outcomes of Conversion from Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Due to GERD-a Retrospective Analysis of 35 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become one of the most performed bariatric procedures worldwide. Its main weaknesses are weight regain and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered the gold standard to manage GERD and related symptoms. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation from a prospective bariatric surgery database of all our institution's patients converted from SG to RYGB due to GERD between January 2010 and December 2018. Clinical characteristics and workups before SG and before and after RYGB were analyzed. RESULTS: During the study period, 35 patients needed a conversion to RYGB, due to GERD or GERD-related symptoms. Mean age was 48.6 years, 85.7% were women, and mean BMI was 31.4 kg/m2. The interval between SG and RYGB was in a range 7 to 70 months (mean 33 months). All conversions were completed laparoscopically, associating a hiatoplasty in 45.7% of cases. A complete remission of symptoms was observed in 74% of patients, some improvement in 20%, and no relief in 6%. There were 3 cases of hiatal hernia persistence and 2 of recidivism. Only 1 patient presented pathological pHmetry, while moderate esophagitis was demonstrated in 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion to RYGB was effective in almost all patients. Pathological acid exposure and hiatal hernias seem to be the main findings prior to conversion, justifying an exhaustive examination and aggressive approach to the hiatus. Due to the insufficient correlation between symptoms and findings on morphological and functional tests, actively searching for signs of GERD is advisable.