Proximal Jejuno-Ileal Bypass as Revision of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery is established as a possibility for the treatment of obesity, allowing weight reduction and remission of obesity comorbidities. Reported suboptimal clinical response rates are as high as 30-60% (insufficient weight loss or gain, defined as BMI greater than 35 kg/m2 or excess weight loss less than 50%). Proximal jejuno-ileal bypass (PJIBP) is a promising option when re-intervention is required. OBJECTIVES: To describe the standardization of a proprietary technique of modified PJIBP as a management procedure in patients with post-gastric bypass recurrent weight gain or insufficient post-intervention weight loss. METHODS: This study evaluated a case series of 10 Latin American patients requiring post-bariatric re-intervention, between February 2018 and 2023, in a single-metabolic surgery center in Cali-Colombia. RESULTS: Median age was 45 years (26-70 RIC), 60% female, and 40% male. Mean BMI at conversion was 36.7 kg/m2 (6.4 SD). Median follow-up was 22 months (RIC 16-30). Mean percentage of excess weight lost was 78% (22.4 SD). One hundred percent achieved glycemia control, only one patient persisted with dyslipidemia, and no patient presented hypoalbuminemia. At the end of follow-up, 100% received vitamin supplementation. CONCLUSION: PJIBP could be an effective procedure, associated with positive results in relation to weight loss and resolution of obesity comorbidities. Deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins and protein malnutrition represent the main concern in the long term, so multidisciplinary management and continuous follow-up are required.

Emerging targets in upper tract urothelial carcinomas: the TERT gene.

INTRODUCTION: Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is the fourth most prevalent malignancy in adults, accounting for 2.1% of cancer-related deaths. We aimed to describe the most frequent telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene mutations in this type of cancer and their relationship with the prognosis and treatment of this disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a search strategy in Medline and Embase with the following keywords: telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene and upper tract UC. We included reviews and observational studies to support the statements throughout the manuscript. RESULTS: The transcriptional activation of the TERT gene and subsequent telomerase activity is a prerequisite step in malignant transformation and progression. In advanced upper tract UC, TERT mutations are the most common genomic alterations in the Foundation Medicine database. C228T mutations predict distant metastasis in 60% of patients with renal pelvis cancer and 11% with ureteral cancer. Also, C228T and C250T mutations in urine DNA had a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 94.7%. All TERT genomic alterations are inactivating short variant sequence mutations. There are no copy number gains or losses in TERT and no TERT gene rearrangements or fusions. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple markers, and mutations regarding the TERT gene and its promoter have been found in upper tract UC. The C250T and C228T mutations have shown promising results as diagnostic markers detected with urine tests.