Long-term results after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: a mean fourteen year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: For over a decade, the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) was 1 of the most performed bariatric procedures in Europe. This study is a retrospective analysis with prospectively collected data of the experience in 1 specialized Dutch center with the adjustable gastric band over 14 years. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2003, 201 patients underwent an LAGB for morbid obesity in our hospital. Data on preoperative clinical characteristic, postoperative outcome and weight loss patterns, and co-morbidities for up to 18 years are presented and evaluated using the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS). RESULTS: Average follow-up was 13.6 (± 2.0) years (163 mo) and 99% of patients with complete follow-up. Two thirds of patients reached an excess weight loss (EWL)>50% at some point after LAGB placement. However, due to insufficient weight loss or complications in 53% of patients, the LAGB had to be removed or converted to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Additionally, half of the remaining patients had disappointing results according to the BAROS score. In total, less than one quarter (22%) of patients had a functioning band with a good result after the follow-up period. Although initially the number of patients experiencing co-morbidities was reduced, most of them returned and a large number of patients developed new co-morbidities. Complications, other than weight regain, were numerous as 47% of patients experienced at least 1. In total, 204 reoperations were performed in 137 (68%) patients. Furthermore, patients who were lost to follow-up did almost twice as bad in terms of EWL compared to patients who had regular follow-up. CONCLUSION: Morbid obesity is a chronic disease that can be resolved with bariatric surgery. One of the treatment options is the LAGB, which in the short term shows good results in terms of EWL and co-morbidity reduction. In the long term, however, EWL and co-morbidity reduction are disappointing, and the LAGB does not seem to live up to expectations. Besides the decrease in EWL over time, the number of reoperations required is alarming. In total, less than a quarter of patients still had a functioning band after a mean 14 years of follow-up.

Long-term effects of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidaemia in morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Severely obese patients have an increased risk for developing metabolic complications such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), dyslipidaemia (DL) and hypertension (HT). The aim of the present study is to research the effect of a primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) on T2DM, HT and DL in the long-term. METHODS: Fifty-two out of 89 (58 %) adult severely obese patients with T2DM who had received a LRYGB between January 2000 and December 2008 were evaluated. Primary outcome of evaluation was remission of T2DM according to the definition of 2009 consensus statement. Complete remission was defined as achievement fasting plasma glucose (FPG) of <5.6 mmol/l (<100.8 mg/dL) and HbA1c <42 mmol/mol (<6.0 %)) without glucose-lowering medication for at least 1 year. Partial remission was defined as a FPG of 5.6-6.9 mmol/l (100.8-124.2 mg/dL) and HbA1c 42-48 mmol/mol (6.0-6.5 %), without glucose-lowering medication for at least 1 year. Remission of T2DM was considered if the patient met the criteria for complete or partial remission. Secondary outcomes were remission of HT, DL and changes in medication use. RESULTS: Patients had a mean age of 47.5 ± 9.6 years, body mass index of 46.6 ± 6.4 kg/m(2) and a mean duration of T2DM of 6.1 ± 5.4 years at the time of surgery. The mean post-operative follow-up period was 6.9 ± 2.3 years. At the end of the follow-up, mean weight loss was 60 ± 24 % excess weight loss (EWL) and 26 ± 10 % total body weight loss (TBWL). Mean HbA1c level had significantly decreased from 64.8 ± 19.7 mmol/mol to 46.4 ± 12.9 mmol/l (p < 0.0001). Overall medication use was reduced from 85 % to 37 % of the patients (p < 0.0001), while the number of insulin users was reduced from 40 % to 6 % (p < 0.0001). Nineteen percent of the patients had a relapse of T2DM during follow-up. Pre-operative HbA1ac level (odds ratio 0.911, p = 0.020) and duration of T2DM (odds ratio 0.637, p = 0.010) were independent risk factors for failed remission of T2DM. The number of patients with HT was significantly reduced from 73 % to 54 % (p = 0.042), and number of patients with DL was non-significantly decreased from 71 % to 54 % (p = 0.068). CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic RYGB operation results in a sustained EWL of 60 % (26 % TBWL) with 52 % long-term remission of T2DM. However, 19 % of the patients had a relapse of their T2DM. Furthermore, HT and DL improved markedly.

[A brief history of the inguinal hernia operation in adults]. / Een beknopte geschiedenis van de liesbreukoperatie bij volwassenen.

Late into the 19th century, treatment for inguinal hernias consisted of repositioning the hernia with trusses or using 'softening agents' such as warm herbal baths and moist bandages. Surgical resection or cauterisation, often combined with hemicastration, was only considered for cases ofstrangulated hernia that could not be repositioned. Bassini (1844-1924) is credited with developing the precursor to the modern inguinal hernia operation at the end of the 19th century. Bassini's essential discovery was that the transverse fascia plays a key role in the pathophysiology of inguinal hernias. Bassini's operation, consisting of complete incision of the transverse fascia and reconstruction of the inguinal floor, was considered the gold standard for nearly a century. One problem with the conventional Bassini operation was the tension applied to tissues, which led to a high rate of recurrence. Although Bassini's operation has now become obsolete, current surgical approaches still centre on fortification of the inguinal floor. This tension-free repair now uses synthetic mesh that is positioned using an open anterior approach, laparoscopic surgery, or a preperitoneal technique.

[Quality of a non-subsidised multicentre randomised trial in non-academic hospitals; an audit]. / Kwaliteit van een ongefinancierde multicentrische gerandomiseerde trial in niet-academische ziekenhuizen; een audit.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a randomised clinical trial in general hospitals can be performed in a reliable way without financial support. DESIGN: Descriptive. METHOD: The trial involved 1040 patients in whom an inguinal hernia had been corrected with a propylene mat in the period 1998-2003. They were randomised to either a single dose of prophylactic antibiotics or a placebo. The primary outcome measure was 'wound infection during the 3 months after the operation'. The audit concerned 98 patients, chosen at random, for whom 3 investigators from an independent bureau collected data from the patient charts and study forms during 3 clinic visits in the period 2000-2003. Whether various quality criteria had been fulfilled was assessed on the basis of these data. RESULTS: In all 4 participating clinics, approval of the medical ethics assessment committees had been obtained. The trial protocol corresponded to the consent form. A proper informed consent was obtained from 63/98 patients (64%). The last (third) follow-up was missed in 23/98 patients (23%). During the trial, the patients who had missed this follow-up were contacted by telephone, which succeeded in 98%. The status and trial forms had been filled out completely and correctly with regard to the peroperative randomisation forms in 90% of the cases and with regard to the follow-up in 75% of the cases. The trial protocol was adhered to on almost every point. CONCLUSION: The data collection in the studied, not financed trial was adequate, probably as a result of the relatively simple questions posed, the easily determinable outcome measure and the efforts expended above and beyond the protocol.

Inguinal hernia surgery in The Netherlands: a baseline study before the introduction of the Dutch Guidelines.

BACKGROUND: In 2003 the Dutch Guidelines for treatment of inguinal hernia (IH) were published. For treatment of IH in adults, the evidence-based guidelines recommend the use of a mesh repair technique. In order to be able to evaluate the effects of these guidelines, a baseline analysis of inguinal hernia surgery before the introduction of these guidelines had to be performed. The second analysis will be performed two years (January-March 2005) after the publication of the Guidelines. OBJECTIVE: To make an inventory of IH surgery in the Netherlands, before the introduction of guidelines for IH treatment, to serve as a baseline for future evaluation of the impact of the implementation of these guidelines. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was performed in 2003 using patient and operation charts including IH repairs performed in The Netherlands over a three-month period (January-March 2001). RESULTS: 97/133 (73%) hospitals cooperated with the study, generating data from a total of 4386 IH in 3979 patients (3284 adults, 695 children). Mesh techniques were used in 2839 (78%) adult inguinal hernias while 800 (22%) patients were treated with non-mesh techniques. 484 (14.7%) adult patients were operated on during the study period for a recurrent hernia from previous years. Early recurrence (<1 year) occurred in 2.2% of all patients. Wound infection was documented in 0.8% of all IH. The mortality rate was 0.1%. 1257 of the 3284 (38.3%) adults, and 566 of the 695 children (81.4%), were operated on in ambulatory care. CONCLUSIONS: In the episode prior to implementation of the Dutch evidence-based Guidelines for treatment of inguinal hernia, 2839 (78%) adult patients were treated with mesh repair and 484 (13.3%) patients were treated for a recurrent hernia.