Inflammation biomarkers and inflammatory genes expression in metabolically healthy obese patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Obesity without metabolic alterations (Metabolically Healthy Obesity, MHO) is a condition with a risk of death and cardiovascular disease lower than that of obesity associated with metabolic alterations (Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity, MUO) and similar to that of healthy non obese individuals. Inflammation is considered as a key risk factor mediating the adverse health outcomes in obesity. METHODS AND RESULTS: We compared circulating levels of thirteen major cytokines and adipokines and the expression profiles of fifteen pro-inflammatory and two anti-inflammatory genes in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue in a series of 16 MHO patients and in 32 MUO patients that underwent bariatric surgery. MHO was defined according to the most applied definition in current literature. Serum levels of a large set of major cytokines and adipokines did not differ between MHO and MUO patients (p ≥ 0.15). Analyses of the expression profile of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue failed to show differences between MHO and MUO patients (p ≥ 0.07). Sensitivity analyses applying two additional definitions of MHO confirmed the results of the primary analysis. CONCLUSION: In a series of metabolically healthy obese patients neither circulating levels of major cytokines and adipokines nor the gene expression profile of a large set of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes in subcutaneous and visceral fat differed from those in metabolically unhealthy obese patients.

Combined endovascular and open treatment to prevent increase in afterload in anastomotic pseudoaneurysm and aortobronchial fistula after surgery for aortic coarctation.

We report the treatment of a patient who had presented with hemoptysis due to an aortobronchial fistula from an anastomotic pseudoaneurysm after extra-anatomic bypass for aortic coarctation. An aortobronchial fistula can often result from an aortic pseudoaneurysm and is associated with high mortality if not treated. We decided to use combined endovascular and open surgical treatment and obtained a satisfactory intraoperative result. The perioperative outcome and first follow-up visit were favorable. In recent years, endovascular repair of pathologic aortic conditions has increased; thus, we have placed the present case within the context of the relevant medical literature.

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells, microvascular density and fibrosis in obesity before and after bariatric surgery.

It is not known whether, in obesity, the capillary density or the number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are reduced, or whether fibrosis of small vessels is also present. In addition, possible effects of weight reduction on these parameters have never been evaluated. Therefore, we investigated EPCs and capillary density in 25 patients with severe obesity, all submitted to bariatric surgery, and in 18 normotensive lean subjects and 12 hypertensive lean patients as controls. All patients underwent a biopsy of subcutaneous fat during bariatric surgery. In five patients, a second biopsy was obtained after consistent weight loss, about 1 year later, during a surgical intervention for abdominoplasty. EPCs and capillary density were reduced in obesity, and EPCs were significantly increased after weight reduction. Vascular collagen content was clearly increased in obese patients. No significant difference in vascular collagen was observed between normotensive obese patients and hypertensive obese patients. After pronounced weight reduction, collagen content was nearly normalized. No difference in stress-strain relation was observed among groups or before and after weight loss. In conclusion, our data suggest that microvascular rarefaction occurs in obesity. EPCs were significantly reduced in obese patients. Pronounced weight loss induced by bariatric surgery seems to induce a significant improvement of EPC number, but not of capillary rarefaction. A pronounced fibrosis of subcutaneous small resistance arteries is present in obese patients, regardless of the presence of increased blood pressure values. Consistent weight loss induced by bariatric surgery may induce an almost complete regression of microvascular fibrosis.

Biliopancreatic diversion with transient gastroplasty and duodenal switch: long-term results of a multicentric study.

BACKGROUND: Over the years, several modifications of the Scopinaro biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) have been proposed. This retrospective study reported the results of 15 years of follow-up after open BPD coupled with a type of transient gastroplasty (TG) and duodenal switch (DS), termed BPD-TG with DS. METHODS: Data were analyzed for 874 patients operated on between January 1993 and May 2010 in 3 different surgical departments. RESULTS: The median preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 52 kg/m² (range, 35-63). Comorbidities present were hypertension (57%), hypercholesterolemia (87%), hypertriglyceridemia (53%), type 2 diabetes (35%), and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS; 9%). The mean follow-up was 11.9 ± 3.1 years. The median BMI decreased to 33.9 after 1 year from bariatric surgery, 31.1 after 2-5 years, 30.9 after 5-10 years, and 31.2 kg/m² after 10-15 years. Overall, 67% of diabetic patients were able to stop insulin and 97% were able to stop oral hypoglycemic drugs within 1 year. Blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and cholesterol levels became normal in >96% of patients within 1 year. OSAS was resolved within 8 months in all cases. One year postoperatively, but absent thereafter, we observed severe hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin <3 g/dL) in 1.7% of patients and severe iron-deficiency anemia in 1.9%. Incisional hernias were recorded in 30% and anastomotic ulcers in 2.4% of cases. Mortality was null. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest considering BPD-TG with DS as a viable bariatric operation, with its excellent long-term outcome in terms of weight loss, improvement of obesity-related diseases, and quality of life.

Preoperative prediction of growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis modification and postoperative changes in candidates for bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Several factors alter the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis in obese patients, but GH/IGF-1 correlation with anthropometric parameters and lipid metabolism is still unclear. We evaluated this relationship and the postoperative axis modifications in candidates for bariatric surgery. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients (males/females (M/F), 34/54) scheduled for bariatric surgery (biliopancreatic diversion or laparoscopic-adjustable gastric banding) between 2008 and 2010 were included in this observational, open, prospective study. RESULTS: Preoperative serum GH concentrations were found near the lowest limit of normal range in both sexes, with males showing the lowest values (130 vs. 1,405 pg/ml; p < 0.01). Serum concentrations of IGF-1 were within the normal range (M/F, 179/168.5 ng/ml), whereas IGF-binding protein (BP)1 and 3 values were at the lowest limits of normal range in both sexes (M/F 1.8/3.1 µg/ml and M/F 4.1/4.2 µg/ml, respectively). A statistically significant inverse correlation was found between GH, IGF-1, and IGF-BP1-3 values and total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides values in both sexes. GH and IGF-BP1-3 values were also inversely related to waist circumference and waist/hip ratio (WHR). GH, IGF-1, and IGF-BP1 and 3 values (35 cases) increased 1 year postoperatively in both sexes, mainly after malabsorptive procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the hypothesis that GH deficiency associated with low levels of binding proteins in obese patients may be an endocrine response to visceral fat and high levels of non-esterified fatty acids, assessable in daily clinical practice by WHR, total and LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. In these patients, malabsorptive procedures might be the treatment of choice due to the metabolic adaptations induced.

Effects of weight loss on structural and functional alterations of subcutaneous small arteries in obese patients.

Structural alterations of subcutaneous small resistance arteries, as indicated by an increased media:lumen ratio, are frequently present in hypertensive and/or diabetic patients and may represent the earliest alteration observed. In addition, media:lumen ratios of small arteries have a strong prognostic significance. However, no data are available about the structure of small resistance arteries of obese patients, particularly after weight loss. We have investigated 27 patients with severe obesity. Twelve of them were normotensive, and 15 were hypertensive. All of the obese patients underwent bariatric surgery. We compared results obtained with those observed in 13 normotensive lean controls and in 13 hypertensive lean patients. All of the subjects and patients underwent a biopsy of subcutaneous fat during surgical intervention. In 8 obese patients, a second biopsy was obtained after consistent weight loss, during a surgical intervention for abdominoplasty. Subcutaneous small resistance arteries were dissected and mounted on a wire myograph, and structural parameters were measured. A concentration-response curve to acetylcholine was performed to evaluate endothelial function. Obese patients, independent from the presence of hypertension, show the presence of an increased media:lumen ratio and media cross-sectional area, together with an impaired endothelial-dependent vasodilatation. After surgical correction of obesity and consistent weight loss, a significant improvement of microvascular structure and of some oxidative stress/inflammation markers were observed. In conclusion, our data suggest that the presence of obesity is associated with structural alterations of subcutaneous small resistance arteries, mainly characterized by hypertrophic remodeling. Weight loss may improve microvascular structure.

High incidence of appendix carcinoid tumors among candidates for bariatric surgery: diagnostic and therapeutic implications.

Although the appendix has been recognized as a preferential site for carcinoid tumors in obese patients, no definitive guidelines are so far available regarding the management of these patients when candidates for bariatric surgery. This study was designed to fill that gap. Between 2000-2008, 558 patients underwent bariatric procedures. Appendectomy was routinely performed in 477 cases. Their charts were retrospectively retrieved and histopathology responses on surgical specimens were recorded. We aimed to assess: incidence of appendix carcinoid tumors (ACTs) and any possible risk-factor; modality of diagnosis (pre-, intra- or post-operatively); impact on the planned bariatric procedure; treatment reserved to such cases. Typical ACTs were diagnosed in 7 patients (1.4%) (median age: 33 years; median BMI: 49 kg/m²; males/females: 1/6). Four were diagnosed intra-operatively. Because of dimensions (<2 cm) and absence of mesoappendiceal or serosal involvement, simple appendectomy was performed during bariatric procedure, as planned. Three were diagnosed post-operatively (all <2 cm). In 1 case right hemicolectomy was performed 1 month later due to mesoappendiceal involvement. No appendectomy-related complication was encountered. All patients remained tumor-free during follow-up (mean: 64 months; range, 25-92). Young age, female sex, high BMI and diabetes mellitus resulted significantly associated with ACT. Our study sustains routine appendectomy or at least careful investigation of the appendix during bariatric surgery. For tumors <2 cm without mesoappendiceal or serosal involvement, simple appendectomy proved sufficient. Bariatric surgery did not have a negative effect on the treatment of malignancies that are discovered intra- or post-operatively.

Long-term results of biliopancreatic diversion with or without gastric preservation for morbid obesity.

We aimed at comparing our long-term results after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) with or without gastric preservation for morbid obesity. Between 1999 and 2009, we performed 540 BPD: 287 patients (group A) underwent BPD with distal gastric resection (BPD-AHS) and 253 (group B) underwent BPD associated with transitory vertical gastroplasty (TGR) with duodenal switch (DS). The results have been analyzed in terms of weight loss, improvement of comorbidities, and quality of life (Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System). The mean follow-up was 7.4 ± 2.9 years. One year after surgery, mean initial excess weight loss percentage was 69% for patients in group A (n = 287) and 65% for group B (n = 253); after 2-5 years, it was 74% for patients who underwent BPD-AHS (n = 130) and 75% for patients who underwent BPD-TGR-DS (n = 116); it was 71% and 74% for patients in group A (n = 157) and B (n = 137), respectively, followed up for >5 years (P = 0.27). Among the diabetic patients in both groups (191 patients), 64% discontinued the medication with insulin (P = 0.25), and 98% had stopped oral drugs within 1 year from surgery (P = 0.29). We did not observe deficiencies of vitamins and proteins. The overall incidence of incisional hernias was 38% (P = 0.35). We recorded 13 anastomotic ulcers (2.4%; P = 0.28). BPD represents, in spite of the side effects, an effective technique for treatment of morbid obesity and its associated diseases. Moreover, our results showed that patients who underwent BPD-TGR-DS had slightly better results in terms of postoperative metabolic complications and improvement in quality of life.

'Ad hoc' sternal-split safely replaces full sternotomy for thyroidectomy requiring thoracic access.

Mediastinal goiter (MG) removal occasionally needs sternotomy, mainly in case of subaortic extension. We aimed to test the hypothesis that sternal-split may safely replace full sternotomy for MG removal (through total thyroidectomy) when thoracic access is required. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study comparing 15 subaortic MGs receiving sternal-split with 87 MGs undergoing cervicotomy alone between January 1997 and June 2009. Among 15 cases requiring sternal incision, sternal-split was extended to the angle of Louis in nine patients (60%), to the third intercostal space (IS) in one of five (20%) cases of MGs with anterior mediastinum involvement, and in five of 10 (50%) cases with posterior involvement (P = 0.6). Full sternotomy was never necessary. The median hospitalization was 5 days (range, 4-8 days) after sternal access as compared with 3 days (range, 2-4 days) after cervicotomy (P = 0.04). Complications were similar in these two study groups: one postoperative bleeding in each group and three recurrent laryngeal nerve palsies after cervicotomy (P = 0.5). There was no operative mortality, blood transfusion, tracheotomy requirement, wound infection, or persistent hypoparathyroidism. Proper extension of sternal-split to the second or third IS allows an adequate approach to both the anterior and to the posterior mediastinum, thus permitting safe management of MGs requiring thoracic access.

Improvement of metabolic syndrome following intragastric balloon: 1 year follow-up analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the impact of intragastric balloon (IGB)-induced body weight loss on metabolic syndrome in obese patients and evaluate what happens during 1-year follow-up. METHODS: To this end, data were collected on 143 obese patients (body mass index (BMI) 36.2+/-5.7 kg/m2) who underwent IGB insertion between January 2000 and December 2005. Outcomes were recorded at BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon removal time (t0) and at 6-month (t6) and 12-month (t12) follow-up. RESULTS: Significant BMI, excess body weight loss percentage, and body weight loss percentage (BWL%) were observed at t0 (29.6+/-4.6 kg/m2; 29.3+/-4.8%; 14.1+/-5.7%), followed by partial weight regain at t12 (32.4+/-4.3 kg/m2; 26.1+/-4.9%; 11.2+/-4.6%). Incidence of metabolic syndrome dropped from 34.8% (pre-IGB value) to 14.5% (t0) and 11.6% (t12). Likewise, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and blood hypertension (BH) incidence decreased from 32.6%, 37.7%, 33.4%, and 44.9% (pre-IGB values) to 20.9%, 14.5%, 16.7%, and 30.4% at t0 and 21.3%, 17.4%, 18.9%, and 34.8% at t12. HbA1c blood concentration shifted from an initial value of 7.5+/-2.1% to 5.7+/-1.9% (t0), 5.6+/-0.7% (t6), and 5.5+/-0.9% (t12). Patients suffering from DM or BH stopped or diminished relative drug consumption at t12. Negligible modifications were reported as regards HDL cholesterol and hyperuricemia. CONCLUSION: Weight regain is commonly observed during long-term follow-up after IGB removal. Nevertheless, the maintenance of at least 10% of the BWL%, as reported at 1-year follow-up, is associated with an improvement in metabolic syndrome.

Extension of nonoperative management of blunt pancreatic trauma to include grade III injuries: a safety analysis.

BACKGROUND: In hemodynamically stable patients after blunt pancreatic trauma, the main pancreatic duct (MPD) disruption (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma [AAST] grade III-IV-V lesions) is usually treated surgically or by endoscopic stent placement, whereas injuries without duct involvement (grade I-II) are liable to medical treatment. To date, no evidence has been reported regarding nonoperative management (NoM) of grade III injuries. We aimed to evaluate the safety of extending medical management to include cases of distal MPD involvement (grade III). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were collected on patients admitted after blunt pancreatic trauma between January 1999 and December 2007. Patients exhibiting hemodynamic instability or hollow organ perforations were excluded from this study, as they were surgically managed. In all remaining cases NoM was attempted. Antibiotic prophylaxis and early total enteral nutrition were routinely adopted. Grade III patients received octreotide during hospitalization and for 6 months after discharge. RESULTS: Eleven patients (2 with grade I injury, 3 with grade II injury, and 6 with grade III injury, all diagnosed by contrast-enhanced helical CT) were included. Nonsurgical management was carried out in all of these patients. Among grade III patients, one developed a peripancreatic abscess; another, a pancreatic fistula. Both were successfully treated nonoperatively. The average length of hospital stay was similar in grade I-II and grade III patients. After a median follow-up of 57 months no mortality or pancreatic sequelae had occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Under the aforementioned conditions, an attempt to extend NoM to include patients with AAST-grade III lesions can be justified. However, such a strategy demands continuous patient monitoring, because should the case worsen, surgery might become necessary.

[Comparision between a bilio-pacreatic diversion with or without gastroresection after 2 years of follow-up in the treatment of the pathological obesity]. / Confronto a 2 anni di follow-up tra diversione bilio-pancreatica con o senza gastroresezione nel trattamento chirurgico dell'obesità patologica.

Malabsorptive bariatric procedures have a long history beginning with jejunoileal bypass, which was first performed in 1950s. The biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) has gained more prominence in Europe since its introduction by Scopinaro in 1976 The BPD has been modified and popularized by Hess in the United States and Marceau in Canada to include a sleeve gastrectomy and duodenal switch in order to decrease the incidence of marginal ulceration and iron deficiency anemia. Moreover the common channel was lengthened to 100 cm to decrease the incidence of long-term malnutrition. More recently Vassallo and coll. introduced a BPD associated with a transitory vertical gastroplasty (TGR). Aim of this study is to compare the results after 2 years follow-up in 15 obese patients who underwent the classical Scopinaro's BPD (group A) and 15 obese patients operated on BPD associated with TGR (group B).The mean preoperative BMI was 47.9 in the Group A and 48.6 in Group B. The BMI trend was after 6, 12 and 24 months: 39.1, 37.2, 33.1 in Group A and 37.3, 35.5, 31.4 in Group B. We observed in BPD+TGR one case of acute pancreatitis and 3 case of gastric paralysis in group A. No mortality was registered. Patients treated by BPD+TGR had better results in terms of weight loss and metabolic complications.

[Neurological and psychiatric disorders in primary hyperparathyroidism: the role of parathyroidectomy]. / Manifestazioni neuropsichiche in corso di iperparatiroidiso primitivo: il ruolo della paratiroidectomia.

The clinical presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), previously constantly characterized by bone and renal diseases, has been changing during last years. Several Studies report psychic and behavioural symptoms mostly vague and aspecific, particular in elderly patients, such as asthenia, anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings, amnestic and cognitive disturbances, severe psychosis. In case history hereby reported 11.8% of the patients affected by pHPT (16 out of 136 cases operated from 1983 to October 2006) who underwent to parathyroidectomy, presented only neuro-cognitive and/or psychiatric symptoms. A relevant association has been found between clinical presentation and age: patients showing neuro-cognitive and psychiatric disturbances were older compared to those suffering from the classical bone and kidney disease. No significant correlation neither with serum calcemia nor with PTH serum levels and severity of the symptomatology was demonstrated A statistically significant reduction of the anxious-depressive disturbances one month post surgery has been found (p < 0.05), and an improvement, though not significant, of the neuro-cognitive and psychiatric alterations was registered (p > 0.1). The Authors believe neuro-cognitive or psychic manifestations is not to be neglected, mainly in geriatric patients: frequently the aspecific symptomatology is not referred as hypercalcemia due to pHPT Neuro-psychic symptomatology should be considered an indication for surgical treatment.

[The obstructive sleep apnea in bariatric surgery]. / Sindrome delle apnee ostruttive del sonno in chirurgia bariatrica.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a well known risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Medical therapy is not effective for morbid obesity. Bariatric surgery is therefore a reasonable option for weight reduction for patients with clinically severe obesity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 283 obese patients were operated on from 1999 until 2005 in our Institution and they were examined with a history, physical examination and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Obese patients with a ESS score > or = than 10 were evaluated with a Polysomnography (PSG). RESULT: 61 patients (21.5%) resulted with a ESS > or = than 10. An obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome was identified in 52 patients (85.2%). These patients were treated by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for 3 months before the surgical treatment. After 1 year follow-up (100% of patients) we observed a reduction in OSAS patients: ESS < 10 in 77.5% and PSG negative in 80.3%. CONCLUSION: This study considered the value of ESS to select obese patients with a high risk of OSA. We did not observe any association between grade of obesity and risk of OSA. Bariatric surgery reduced the prevalence of OSA already after 1 year of follow-up and the preoperative treatment of OSA (3 months CPAP) reduced the post-operative morbidity.

[Surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism: our experience]. / Trattamento chirurgico dell'iperparatiroidismo primitivo: nostra esperienza.

The Authors report their experience on 136 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Nephrolitiasis was proven in 56 patients (41.3%), 20 patients (14.7%) were asyntomatic. Acute primary hyperparathyroidism was detected in 12 cases (8.8%). The preoperative localization of the diseased glands permits to minimize the procedure in terms of length and region of incision, extent of exploration and morbidity. 91.3% of the lesions were single adenoma, 7.3% double adenomas and 1.4% hyperplasia in MEN 1. The intraoperative PTH assay, performed in 90 patients (66.2%), showed a sensibility of 93.4%. Surgical treatment was successful in 93.4% of cases ( 127/136 patients), increasing to 97.0% (132/136patients) if only recurrent hyperparathyroidism was considered, with no mortality and morbidity of 4.4%.

Emergency surgery for complicated colorectal cancer. A two-decade trend analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Emergency procedures for colorectal cancer have worse outcomes than elective resections. Temporal trends in emergency surgery are analyzed by comparing two decade-related series of colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: The clinical data of 985 patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery were collected during two decades (1975-1984 and 1995-2004). Rates of emergency surgery, operative mortality, 5-year cancer-related and overall survival were compared retrospectively. RESULTS: The rate of emergency surgery decreased from 81 out of 513 cases (16%) during 1975-1984 to 41 out of 471 cases (9%) during 1995-2004 (p = 0.005). Over the same time, the rate of curative resections in emergency increased from 46% (37/81 cases) to 76% (31/41 cases) (p < 0.001), while patient and tumor characteristics remained similar. Operative mortality after emergency procedures decreased from 14% (11 deaths) to 5% (2 deaths) and cancer-related survival increased from 21 to 42% (p = 0.03). However, when excluding palliative procedures, survival after emergency surgery increased from 52 to 58%, while after elective treatment it increased from 56 to 78% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Frequency and operative mortality of emergency colorectal cancer surgery decreased substantially from 1975-1984 to 1995-2004. No significant improvement in long-term survival was observed when curative emergency resections only were considered. Further efforts are needed to reverse the diverging trend of long-term outcomes between emergency and elective curative procedures.

Outcome of duodenal switch with a transitory vertical gastroplasty, in super-super-obese patients in an 8-year series.

BACKGROUND: In super-super obese (SSO) patients [body mass index (BMI) superior of 60 kg/m2] results of bariatric surgery are still controversial. This study evaluated safety and efficacy of open duodenal switch associated with transitory vertical gastroplasty (DS-TVG) after 8 years of follow-up. METHODS: A prospective observational study of 32 SSO patients who underwent an open DS-TVG from January 1999 till March 2006 was performed. Study endpoints included preoperative comorbidities [diabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)], postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long-term results of BMI and percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) (median 48 months). RESULTS: Results in terms of BMI and %EWL were, respectively, after 12 months, 46.3 +/- 10.2 and 57.1 +/- 9.8; after 36 months (n = 21), 37.5 +/- 7.5 and 73.5 +/- 6.2; and after 84 months (n = 5), 31.7 +/- 2.8 and 76.0 +/- 4.1. With regard to comorbidities, we observed complete control of lipid alterations and type-2 diabetes (suspension therapy within 1 year). All patients with OSAS improved within 1 year without needing domiciliary oxygen therapy. Neither malnutrition nor mortality was observed during the follow-up. Major complications occurred in a total of 5 patients (15.6%): pulmonary embolism (2 cases-9.4%); gastrointestinal bleeding, requiring transfusions (1 case-3.1%); 1 case (3.1%) of abdominal rupture; and 1 case of acute pancreatitis (3.1%). Minor complications occurred in 4 patients (12.5%): 1 case of pneumonia, 1 urinary tract infection, and 2 wound infections. CONCLUSION: Although this study evaluated the outcomes of a small series of patients after open DS-TVG, this procedure seems to be safe and effective in obese patients who have a BMI greater than 60 kg/m2. In our opinion, DS-TVG should be considered as a valid surgical option with two staged laparoscopic procedures.

[Severe obesity and insulin resistance. Result obtained by the bilio-pancreatic diversion independentely for an associated gastroresection or gastropreservation]. / Obesità grave e insulino resistenza. Risoluzione indotta dalla diversione biliopancreatica indipendentemente dalla gastroresezione o gastroconservazione associata.

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes is the paradigm of an obesity-related disease. In most cases it exists because of the obesity and will disappear with weight loss. AIM OF THIS STUDY: To evaluate the glicemic control in obese patients after two malabsorbitive procedure, the bilio-pancreatic diversion with ad hoc stomach resection (BPD-AHS) and the bilio-pancreatic diversion with transitory gastric restriction (BPD-TGR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The effect of weight loss following malabsorbitive procedures was studied on 38 patients operated on between the May 1999 and July 2002. Ten patients were diabetes 2 type (group A, 4 patients with oral antidiabetic therapy and 6 with insulin therapy; mean BMI: 49.4 +/- 8.2 Kg/m2), 18 patients were glucose intolerance (group B; mean BMI: 48.2 +/- 6.4 Kg/m2) and 10 patients were in normal glicemic control (group C; mean BMI: 51.2 +/- 8.3 Kg/m2). Five patients in group A were operated on BPD-AHS and 5 patients on BPD-TGR. Ten patients in the group B were operated on BPD-AHS and 8 patients on BPD-TGR. After 3 months from the malabsorbitive procedure group A patients stopped antidiabetic (mean BMI was: 42.3) and group B patients had normal values of glucose and insuline (mean BMI: 41.8). No significant statistically differences were observed in terms of glicemic control, BMI and Excess Weight Loss (EWL%), comparing the two malabsorbitive procedure. RESULTS: Weight loss after both BPD-AHS and BPD-TGR had a beneficial and durable effect on the fasting plasma glucose and serum insuline levels in diabetic and non-diabetic obese patients. The gastric procedure did not change the glicemic control.

[Our experience in selecting patients for bariatric surgery]. / La nostra esperienza nella selezione dei pazienti candidati alla chirurgia bariatrica.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the parameters applied in Authors' experience for the selection of candidates undergoing bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis has been performed of 447 patients who underwent bariatric surgery from December 1998 to December 2006 at the 1st Service of General Surgery of Spedali Civili of Brescia - Abdominal Surgical Department of University of Study of Brescia; 317 patients underwent a mal-absorptive procedure, 35 a gastro-restrictive procedure and 10 had a conversion from a gastro-restrictive procedure to a mal-absorptive one. RESULTS: At 7 years of follow-up the Authors observed that the excess weight loss was 74.1% +/- 6.2 for mal-absorptive procedures and 42.3% +/- 2.6 for gastro-restrictive procedures. At 2 years of follow-up a progressive weight resumption was observed in the 20% of patients who had a gastro-restrictive procedures. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Optimal clinical outcome were achieved confirming the belief that a strict and rigorous selection of the patients and the applied therapeutic algorithm have to be followed; though even more selective criteria can be suggested such as the preventive BIB. The clinical results supported our preference of mal-absorptive procedures (317 of 352 surgical performances, excepting the 10 conversions with an obliged surgical choice).

Duodenal switch without gastric resection after failed gastric restrictive surgery for morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND: Several surgical treatments have been proposed for patients in whom gastric restrictive operations have failed. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness and safety of duodenal switch (DS) with restoration of normal gastric capacity in such patients. METHODS: Between May 2001 and May 2003, 11 DS with restoration of normal gastric capacity were performed without other gastric procedures in patients who had had previous gastric restrictive operations which had failed because of inadequate weight loss or weight regain. Data were collected and follow-up was 2 years for all patients. RESULTS: At the original operation, mean BMI was 47.3 (range 38-53) kg/m2, and mean age was 42 years. 7 of the 11 patients (63.6%) had previous vertical banded gastroplasty, and 4 of the 11 (36.4%) had previous laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Mean percentage weight regain and mean BMI at the time of DS were 92.1% and 44.6 (range 35-53) kg/m2 respectively. After the second operation, mean BMI at 6 months was 35.4 kg/m2, at 12 months 31.7 kg/m2 and at 24 months 28.6 kg/m2. The % excess weight loss was 41.1 after 6 months, 56.6 after 12 months and 69.6 after 2 years. There was minor morbidity and no mortality. CONCLUSION: After this experience, we suggest that patients with failed gastric restrictive operations (weight regain or inadequate weight loss) may undergo DS with restoration of normal gastric capacity. This second operation proved to be safe and effective.