The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Nitrogen Balance at Six months Post-surgery.

PURPOSE: Obesity, defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health, rose from 8.6 to 10.5% in Singapore's residents. Bariatric surgery, the primary treatment for severe obesity, induces fat and muscle loss. Adequate protein intake is vital for preventing muscle loss. This study examines nitrogen balance in individuals with obesity pre- and post-surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen participants with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 32.5 kg/m2) undergoing bariatric surgery (14 sleeve gastrectomy, 2 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) and 20 normal-weight controls (BMI < 25 kg/m2) were recruited. Nitrogen balance, calculated from dietary protein intake and urine nitrogen excretion, was assessed. Participants with obesity were re-evaluated 6 months post-surgery. Data were analyzed using parametric methods. RESULTS: At baseline, controls had a BMI of 20.8 ± 2.1 kg/m2; those with obesity had 40.9 ± 7.3. Daily calorie and protein intake for participants with obesity were not statistically significantly different from controls (calorie intake at 1467 ± 430 vs. 1462 ± 391 kcal, p = 0.9701, protein intake 74.2 ± 28.7 vs. 64.6 ± 18.3 g, p = 0.2289). Post-surgery, BMI, fat-free mass, fat mass, total energy intake, carbohydrate, and protein intake decreased significantly (p < 0.01). Protein oxidation and urine nitrogen excretion did not change after bariatric surgery. However, nitrogen balance significantly reduced from 2.62 ± 5.07 to - 1.69 ± 5.07 g/day (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Dietary protein intake is inadequate in individuals with obesity at 6 months post-bariatric surgery and contributes to a state of negative nitrogen balance.

Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Elastography to Evaluate the Early Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Background: Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity and reduces the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the long term. Less is known about the effects of bariatric surgery on liver fat, inflammation, and fibrosis during the early stages following bariatric surgery. Aims: This exploratory study utilises advanced imaging methods to investigate NAFLD and fibrosis changes during the early metabolic transitional period following bariatric surgery. Methods: Nine participants with morbid obesity underwent sleeve gastrectomy. Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) were performed at baseline, during the immediate (1 month), and late (6 months) postsurgery period. Liver fat was measured using proton density fat fraction (PDFF), disease activity using iron-correct T1 (cT1), and liver stiffness using MRE. Repeated measured ANOVA was used to assess longitudinal changes and Dunnett's method for multiple comparisons. Results: All participants (Age 45.1 ± 9.0 years, BMI 39.7 ± 5.3 kg/m2) had elevated hepatic steatosis at baseline (PDFF >5%). In the immediate postsurgery period, PDFF decreased significantly from 14.1 ± 7.4% to 8.9 ± 4.4% (p = 0.016) and cT1 from 826.9 ± 80.6 ms to 768.4 ± 50.9 ms (p = 0.047). These improvements continued to the later postsurgery period. Bariatric surgery did not reduce liver stiffness measurements. Conclusion: Our findings support using MRI as a noninvasive tool to monitor NAFLD in patient with morbid obesity during the early stages following bariatric surgery.

Pepsin in saliva for the diagnosis of erosive esophagitis post-sleeve gastrectomy: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become the preferred bariatric procedure in many countries. However, new onset erosive esophagitis (EE) is a major shortcoming. Current recommendation is esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD) should be performed routinely at 1 year and subsequently every 2-3 years to enable the early detection of Barrett's or esophageal adenocarcinoma. This would put significant strains on resources and costs of bariatric program. Our study assesses the association between and diagnostic value of salivary pepsin concentration and endoscopically proven EE in post-LSG patients as a surrogate for EGD. METHODS: Twenty patients on routine post-LSG endoscopy between June and September 2022 were recruited for this correlational pilot study. Under supervision, fasting and post-prandial saliva sample was collected and analyzed by Peptest lateral flow device. EGD examinations were performed, and patients completed a validated 25-item QoLRAD questionnaire. RESULTS: We found a significant correlation between positive endoscopy findings of EE and salivary pepsin concentrations. The normal group had a lower mean fasting pepsin level (13.13 ng/mL ± 18.97) versus the EE-group (90.55 ng/mL ± 81.28, p = 0.009) and lower mean post-prandial pepsin level (30.50 ng/mL ± 57.72) versus the EE-group (135.09 ng/mL ± 130.17, p = 0.02). The predictive probabilities from the binary regression of fasting and post-prandial pepsin concentrations yield AUC of 0.955 ± 0.044 (95% CI 0.868 to 1.000, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study distinctively identified salivary pepsin to have excellent sensitivity and negative predictive value in EE, potentially useful to preclude the need for post-LSG EGD in asymptomatic patients with low salivary pepsin.

Revisional Surgery or Pharmacotherapy for Insufficient Weight Loss and Weight Regain After Primary Bariatric Procedure: a Descriptive Study.

PURPOSE: Bariatric surgery is the most effective and durable treatment option for clinically severe obesity. Unfortunately, some degree of weight regain (WR) is common after nadir weight is achieved. Pharmacotherapy and revision surgery are potential options to treat this phenomenon. We aim to determine the efficacy of both approaches in patients with WR versus insufficient weight loss (IWL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively collected database of patients who underwent bariatric surgery from 2008 to 2018 with IWL or WR. RESULTS: Of 422 patients with WR or IWL after bariatric surgery, 150 patients were placed on pharmacotherapy and 27 underwent revisional surgeries. Mean age of patients was 41.4 years and mean BMI was 42.1 kg/m2. The most common conversion surgery was LSG to RYGB. % Total weight loss (TWL) was higher in IWL group (23.8% ± 11.0) compared to WR group (17.2% ± 7.9) in revisional surgery (p = 0.02). The converse was observed for pharmacotherapy, with %TWL 1.9% in the WR group compared to 0.7% in the IWL group (p = 0.0067). CONCLUSION: Patients with IWL or WR had modest weight loss with adjunctive use of pharmacotherapy after primary bariatric surgery. Conversely, revisional surgery is an effective treatment for both IWL and WR.

Safety and early efficacy of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) for obesity in a multi-ethnic Asian population in Singapore.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is an alternative nonsurgical treatment option for obesity. However, most studies on the utility and efficacy of ESG are derived from the Western population. It is unknown if ESG elicits similar results in Asians with different fat distribution, sociocultural customs, and dietary practices. Our study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of ESG among a multi-ethnic Asian population. METHODS: We reviewed 35 patient records who underwent primary ESG for obesity at our unit. We followed a U-shaped suture pattern. Our primary outcome was to assess technical feasibility and safety. The secondary outcome was to determine the percentage total body weight loss (TBWL) at the last follow-up. RESULTS: The mean ± SD age and body mass index were 43.6 ± 11.3 years and 34 ± 4.9 kg/m2, respectively. The majority were female (57%) and of Chinese ethnicity (51%). The procedure was technically successful in all patients. We used an average of five sutures (range, 4-7), and the mean ± SD procedure time was 65 ± 10 min. No major complications occurred, and the average length of stay was 1 day. Twenty-one patients completed 3 months of follow-up, and 10 patients 6 months. The mean ± SD TBWL at 3 and 6 months were 14.5 ± 4.8% and 16.2 ± 4.9%, respectively. We observed improvement in diabetes mellitus (87%), fatty liver (86%), and hypertension (58%) during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: ESG is a safe and effective option for promoting weight loss in a multi-ethnic Asian population. ESG-induced weight loss may improve obesity-related comorbidities.

Small hiatal hernia and postprandial reflux after vertical sleeve gastrectomy: A multiethnic Asian cohort.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a popular bariatric procedure performed in Asia, as obesity continues to be on the rise in our population. A major problem faced is the development of de novo gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after LSG, which can be chronic and debilitating. In this study, we aim to assess the relationship between the presence of small hiatal hernia (HH) and the development of postoperative GERD, as well as to explore the correlation between GERD symptoms after LSG and timing of meals. In doing so, we hope to gain a better understanding about the type of reflux that occurs after LSG and take a step closer towards effectively managing this difficult to treat condition. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data collected from patients who underwent LSG in our hospital from Dec 2008 to Dec 2016. All patients underwent preoperative upper GI endoscopy, during which the identification of hiatal hernia takes place. Patients' information and reflux symptoms are recorded using standardized questionnaires, which are administered preoperatively, and again during postoperative follow up visits. RESULTS: Of the 255 patients, 125 patients (74%) developed de novo GERD within 6 months post-sleeve gastrectomy. The rate of de novo GERD was 57.1% in the group with HH, and 76.4% in the group without HH. Adjusted analysis showed no significant association between HH and GERD (RR = 0.682; 95% CI 0.419 to 1.111; P = 0.125). 88% of the patients who developed postoperative GERD reported postprandial symptoms occurring only after meals, and the remaining 12% of patients reported no correlation between the timing of GERD symptoms and meals. CONCLUSION: There is no direct correlation between the presence of small hiatal hernia and GERD symptoms after LSG. Hence, the presence of a small sliding hiatal hernia should not be exclusion for sleeve gastrectomy. Electing not to perform concomitant hiatal hernia repair also does not appear to result in higher rates of postoperative or de novo GERD.

Branched-Chain Amino Acid Oxidation Is Elevated in Adults with Morbid Obesity and Decreases Significantly after Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Plasma concentrations of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are elevated in obese individuals with insulin resistance (IR) and decrease after bariatric surgery. However, the metabolic mechanisms are unclear. OBJECTIVES: Our objectives are to compare leucine kinetics between morbidly obese and healthy-weight individuals cross-sectionally, and to prospectively evaluate changes in the morbidly obese after sleeve gastrectomy. We hypothesized that leucine oxidation is slower in obese individuals and increases after surgery. METHODS: Ten morbidly obese [BMI (in kg/m2) ≥32.5, age 21-50 y] and 10 healthy-weight participants (BMI <25), matched for age (median ∼30 y) but not gender, were infused with [U-13C6] leucine and [2H5] glycerol to quantify leucine and glycerol kinetics. Morbidly obese participants were studied again 6 mo postsurgery. Primary outcomes were kinetic parameters related to BCAA metabolism. Data were analyzed by nonparametric methods and presented as median (IQR). RESULTS: Participants with obesity had IR with an HOMA-IR (4.89; 4.36-8.76) greater than that of healthy-weight participants (1.32; 0.99-1.49; P < 0.001) and had significantly faster leucine flux [218; 196-259 compared with 145; 138-149 µmol · kg fat-free mass (FFM)-1 · h-1], oxidation (24.0; 17.9-29.8 compared with 16.1; 14.3-18.5 µmol · kg FFM-1 · h-1), and nonoxidative disposal (204; 190-247 compared with 138; 129-140 µmol · kg FFM-1 · h-1) (P < 0.017 for all). After surgery, the morbidly obese had a marked improvement in IR (3.54; 3.06-6.08; P = 0.008) and significant reductions in BCAA concentrations (113; 95-157 µmol/L) and leucine oxidation (9.37; 6.85-15.2 µmol · kg FFM-1 · h-1) (P = 0.017 for both). Further, leucine flux in this group correlated significantly with IR (r = 0.78, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: BCAA oxidation is not impaired but elevated in individuals with morbid obesity. Plasma BCAA concentrations are lowered after surgery owing to slower breakdown of body proteins as insulin's ability to suppress proteolysis is restored. These findings suggest that IR is the underlying cause and not the consequence of elevated BCAAs in obesity.

Resolution of Erosive Esophagitis After Conversion from Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become the preferred bariatric procedure in many countries. However, there is one shortcoming of LSG in the long-term follow-up, and this is the onset of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis (EE). Conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered an option in patients unresponsive to medical therapy. Currently, there is no evidence of EE improvement or resolution after conversion surgery. In this study, we objectively evaluate the effectiveness of RYGB in management of EE with upper endoscopy (EGD) to identify the significant variables in patients with GERD symptoms post LSG refractory to medical therapy and require conversion surgery. METHODS: Over a period of 11 years (2008-2019) at Singapore General Hospital, we retrospectively reviewed a prospectively collected database of a cohort of patients whom had conversion surgery to RYGB for refractory GERD and EE after LSG. Patient's endoscopic findings and demographic and anthropometric data were analyzed. RESULTS: We identified a total of 14 patients who underwent LSG to RYGB conversions for endoscopic proven erosive esophagitis in our unit during the study period. Eight patients (57.1%) had concurrent hiatal hernia repaired. Nine (64.3%) patients were females. The median age of patients in this cohort was 44 (range 30-61) years. Mean weight and BMI were 87.7 kg (± 19.2) and 32.8 (± 3.09) kg/m2, respectively, on the day of conversion surgery. The median time between LSG and revision to RYGB was 36 (range 6-68) months. Seven patients (50%) had complete resolution of GERD symptoms after conversion, and 6 patients (42.9%) had partial resolution. Six out of 7 patients had complete resolution of EE. There were 4 anastomotic strictures (28.6%). Older patients, Indian ethnicity, present of hiatal hernia and lower weight loss after initial LSG were more likely to undergo conversion surgery. CONCLUSION: Conversion to RYGB after LSG is clinically relevant and may be a feasible solution if patients have ongoing GERD refractory to medical therapy. Ninety-three percent of our patients achieved complete resolution of their GERD symptoms and significant improvement of erosive esophagitis with significant weight loss after conversion. This study has important implications as LSG is increasingly being performed and a proportion of these will need revision surgery for various reasons, particularly GERD which is extremely prevalent.

A case of gastric cancer after sleeve gastrectomy.

There is concern over how to survey the remnant upper gastrointestinal tract, as well as what to do if a patient subsequently develops an upper gastrointestinal cancer following bariatric surgery. We hereby report a case of gastric cancer arising 8 years after a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The patient, a 42 year-old woman, was diagnosed with a gastric cancer via esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). As such, she underwent a laparoscopic total gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy. The final histopathology was that of a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cells without lymph node metastases (staging pT4aN0). The background gastric mucosa displayed no Helicobacter pylori. There have only been a few reported cases of gastric cancer after sleeve gastrectomy. Nevertheless, it may be wise to consider performing EGD at regular intervals after bariatric surgery, especially in Asia. In this regard, LSG holds an advantage over Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with respect to the feasibility of surveillance of the remnant stomach.

Attitudes and perceptions of the general public on obesity and its treatment options in Singapore.

Data on attitudes and perceptions towards obesity are lacking in Asia. Participants who attended an obesity public forum were surveyed concerning obesity and its treatment options. Although obesity is generally accepted as a disease with biological underpinnings such as hormonal imbalances and slow metabolic rate, it is also regarded as an issue of personal responsibility. 65.1% believed that weight-loss medications are dangerous. 20.6% thought that pharmacotherapy is effective for weight loss, whereas 41.1% were unsure. Most believed that bariatric surgery could improve health (81.9%) and diabetes control (74.0%) although 64.1% were unsure of its risks.

Influence of Asian Ethnicities on Short- and Mid-term Outcomes Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: Prevalence of obesity in Asia has been on the increasing trend, with corresponding increase in utilisation of bariatric surgery. The objective of this study was to examine differences in weight loss outcomes following bariatric surgery between Asian ethnicities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective database review was conducted of patients undergoing primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between 2009 and 2013 in 14 centres from Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Switzerland, and the USA. All patients with available follow-up data at 12 months and 36 months post-surgery were included in this study. Outcome measures used were percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) and percentage total weight loss (%TWL). Differences in outcomes between ethnicities were analysed after adjusting for age, gender, baseline body mass index (BMI), and presence of diabetes. RESULTS: The study population (n = 2150) consisted of 1122 Chinese, 187 Malays, 309 Indians, 67 Japanese, 259 Koreans, and 206 Caucasians. 67.1% were female and 32.9% were male. Mean age was 37.1 ± 11.2 years. Mean pre-operative BMI was 40.7 ± 8.1 kg/m2. With the Caucasian population as reference, Japanese had the best %TWL (3.90, 95% CI 1.16-6.63, p < 0.05) and %EWL (18.55, 95% CI 10.33-26.77, p < 0.05) while the Malays had the worst outcomes. Both Chinese and Koreans had better %EWL but worse %TWL as compared to Caucasians and there were no significant differences with the Indian study group. CONCLUSION: There are differences in weight loss outcomes following bariatric surgery between Asian ethnicities.

Correlation Between Symptomatic Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Erosive Esophagitis (EE) Post-vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG).

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become the preferred bariatric procedure in many countries. However, there is one shortcoming of LSG in the long-term follow-up and this is the onset of GERD and erosive esophagitis (EE). Current evidence of the effect of SG on GERD did not consolidate to a consensus. In this study, we objectively evaluate the incidence of EE 1 year post-LSG with upper endoscopy (EGD) and try to identify the significant variables and possible underlying mechanisms of the EE post-LSG. METHODS: Over a period of 5 years (2011-2016) at Singapore General Hospital, we retrospectively reviewed a prospectively collected database of a cohort of patients whom had LSG by a single surgeon who routinely performed EGD pre-operative and 1 year post-operative to assess EE and hiatal hernia. Patient's endoscopic findings and demographic and anthropometric data were analyzed. RESULTS: We identified a total of 97 obese patients who underwent LSG at our hospital by studied surgeon. Sixty-three patients (64.9% of original sample) were finally evaluated in the present study, 40 (59.7%) of whom were female. The mean (range) age of patients was 38.2 (18-66) years, and mean BMI was 36.3 ± 4.1 kg/m2. Median time to follow-up EGD was 13 months (range, 12-15). Following LSG, there was a significant decrease in both BMI (42.1 ± 1.2 vs. 29.9 ± 1.0 kg/m2) and percentage excess weight loss of 56.6 ± 3.6%. The prevalence of EE on endoscopy increased from 9 (14.3%) to 28 (44.4%) patients. Of which 15 (23.8%) were grade A, 11 (17.5%) were grade B, and 2 (3.2%) were grade C. There was no correlation between GERD symptoms with EE; however, our study found a trend suggesting higher prevalence of EE with a sleeve diameter measuring > 2 cm wide (p = 0.069). CONCLUSION: Although LSG is effective in treating obesity and its metabolic syndromes, the prevalence of EE increased significantly 1 year after the surgery. Since we do not fully understand the long-term impact of chronic esophagitis in post-sleeve population, we recommend follow-up EGD assessment post-operatively and treat the esophagitis if present.

Comprehensive Assessment of the Effects of Sleeve Gastrectomy on Glucose, Lipid, and Amino Acid Metabolism in Asian Individuals with Morbid Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Obesity-induced insulin resistance leads to abnormalities in glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. Our study examined the differences in insulin-mediated glucose, amino acid, and lipid metabolism between morbidly obese subjects with non-obese controls and the associated changes following sleeve gastrectomy (SG). METHODS: Non-obese controls and individuals with morbid obesity and scheduled for SG were recruited. Metabolic assessments were performed for all subjects at baseline and at 6 months after SG for eight subjects. The hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique together with comprehensive metabolomic profiling was used to quantify insulin-mediated glucose, amino acid, and lipid metabolism. RESULTS: Eleven morbidly obese non-diabetic subjects scheduled for SG and nine non-obese controls were recruited. Compared to controls, obese subjects had significantly lower glucose uptake (4.4 ± 0.6 vs. 17.3 ± 2.4 mg/kg FFM/min per µU/mL·100) and higher concentration of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs, 332.5 ± 26.8 vs. 235.3 ± 11.0 µM), non-esterified fatty acid (52.9 ± 9.9 vs. 25.6 ± 6.7 µM), and lipid-related acylcarnitines (intermediate chain 389.8 ± 32.5 vs. 285.9 ± 20.5; long chain 301.7 ± 22.1 vs. 236.0 ± 13.3 nM) during insulin clamp. Body weight significantly reduced at 6 months after bariatric surgery (92.5 ± 6.3 vs. 115.2 ± 6.9 kg), together with improvements in insulin-mediated glucose uptake, and suppression of BCAAs, non-esterified fatty acids, and lipid-related metabolites. CONCLUSIONS: Morbid obesity in Asian individuals was associated with impairment in the regulatory actions of insulin on glucose, amino acid, and lipid metabolism, and these obesity-induced regulatory dysfunctions improved significantly 6 months after SG.

Effectiveness of bariatric surgery in diabetes prevention in high-risk Asian individuals.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a key risk factor in the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Bariatric surgery causes a large amount of durable weight loss in those with clinically severe obesity. We reported the effect of weight loss via bariatric surgery on DM prevention in those at high risk of developing DM. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 44 patients with obesity (mean body mass index 43.8 kg/m2) and pre-DM who underwent bariatric surgery and were followed up for up to three years. We also reviewed a non-surgical cohort of patients with obesity and pre-DM seen at the weight management clinic. RESULTS: 91% of patients attained normal glycaemic status at one year after bariatric surgery. At the three-year follow-up, 87.5% of the patients maintained normoglycaemia. None of the patients developed T2DM after surgery. 26.9% of patients achieved absolute weight loss at one year after bariatric surgery and maintained this at two and three years post surgery (p < 0.001 vs. baseline). The homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance index in patients also decreased from 5.50 at baseline to 1.20, 1.14 and 1.44 at one, two and three years, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery produces significant weight loss, and leads to reversion from the pre-diabetic state to normal glycaemic status and reduction of the incident DM rate in those with pre-DM and morbid obesity.

Five-year long-term clinical outcome after bariatric metabolic surgery: A multi-ethnic Asian population in Singapore.

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for morbid obesity and its metabolic related comorbidities; type 2 diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia.1 However, the literature is scarce regarding the long-term outcome after bariatric surgery, especially among multi-ethnic Asian populations. Considering the growing number of bariatric metabolic surgeries in Asia, we have attempted to provide a regional perspective on 5-year long-term clinical outcomes post bariatric surgery in Singapore. Between 2010 and 2016, all bariatric operative cases were included, and these comprised: laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), 393; laparoscopic Roux-En-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), 125; laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass (MGB), 43. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of excess weight loss (% EWL) at 6 months, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years, with % remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at 1 year following LSG (49.7%, 61.2%, 56.1%, 47.8%, 40.8% and 47.3%; 82.2%), RYGB (60.2%, 62.1%, 57.6%, 50.1%, 48.7% and 47.7%; 86.9%) and MGB (58%, 68.1%, 62.7%, 66.2%, 64.0%, 65.2%; 71.9%). In conclusion, MGB and RYGB showed the greatest % EWL at 5 years and are recommended for moderate T2DM. LSG is an effective bariatric operation with a high % EWL up to 2 years, and a high remission rate of mild T2DM. The remission rate of T2DM was equally high in all 3 surgical groups, independent of ethnic differences.

Ethnicity Does Not Influence Glycemic Outcomes or Diabetes Remission After Sleeve Gastrectomy or Gastric Bypass in a Multiethnic Asian Cohort.

BACKGROUND: In Asia, metabolic-bariatric surgery (MBS) rates have grown rapidly in parallel with rising prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify factors that influence glycemic outcomes and diabetes remission 12 months after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or gastric bypass (GB) in a multiethnic Asian cohort. SETTING: The study's setting was in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. METHODS: Data from 145 T2D patients who had SG (37%) or GB (63%) and at least 1-year follow-up were analyzed. Diabetes remission was defined as hemoglobin A1c ≤ 6.0% without diabetes medications. Analysis involved binary logistic regression to identify predictors and general linear regression for variables associated with glycemic improvement after surgery. RESULTS: Baseline parameters are as follows: BMI 40.0 ± 7.6 kg/m2, A1c 8.4 ± 1.6%, diabetes duration 9.3 years, ethnic composition: Chinese (51.7%), Malay (23.4%), Indian (20.7%), Others (4.1%). 55.9% achieved diabetes remission at 1 year. Baseline A1c, baseline BMI, and diabetes duration were significant pre-operative factors for remission (cumulative R 2 = 0.334). At 12 months, percentage weight loss was similar after SG (24.1 ± 7.4%) and GB (25.4 ± 7.4%, p = 0.31). Greater A1c decrease was seen with GB compared to SG (2.7 ± 1.6 vs 2.0 ± 1.5%, p = 0.006), significant even after adjustment for weight loss, age, BMI, baseline A1c, and diabetes duration (p = 0.033). Weight loss at 12 months also correlated independently with A1c reduction. Ethnicity did not influence weight loss, diabetes remission, or glycemic control after MBS. CONCLUSION: Baseline A1c, baseline BMI, and diabetes duration independently predict diabetes remission after MBS. GB is more effective in controlling T2D compared to SG despite similar weight loss, whereas ethnicity does not play a significant role in the multiethnic Asian cohort.

Governmental or Social Support of Bariatric Surgery in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Herein we review the management status of governmental financial support of bariatric surgeries in several Asia-Pacific areas of Japan, Singapore, and Australia, which were discussed in the 2016 International Congress on Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (ICOMES). Patient's body mass index criteria of bariatric surgery for public support are different one another in the three countries. Whereas laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) are applicable in both Singapore and Australia, the coverage of insurance is limited to LSG in Japan. In addition, the surgical fees and equipment costs are not fully covered by public health insurance for performing sleeve gastrectomy in Japan, but patients with morbid obesity can still use public health insurance. In Singapore, the waiting time for surgery in public hospitals is longer on average than for private hospitals. However, patients can obtain subsidies of up to 80% of the costs of surgery in public hospitals, while particularly needy patients may even be able to obtain completely free bariatric surgery through Medifund. In Australia, bariatric surgeries in public sectors are publicly funded, but most bariatric surgeries occur in the private sector and Medicare only reimburses surgical costs in the private sector. Although certain characteristics need to be improved, the access to bariatric surgery has shown steady progress through public support in each of these countries.

Laparoscopic wedge resection for suspected large (≥5 cm) gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic wedge resection (LWR) for small gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) is now widely accepted, but its application for large GISTs remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of LWR for suspected large (≥5 cm) gastric GISTs. METHODS: Retrospective review of 82 consecutive patients who underwent attempted LWR for suspected gastric GIST. LWR for large (≥5 cm) (n = 23) tumors was compared with LWR for small (<5 cm) tumors (n = 59). The 23 patients with LWR for large tumors were also compared to 36 consecutive patients who underwent open wedge resection (OWR) for large tumors. RESULTS: Comparison between patients who underwent LWR for large versus small tumors demonstrated that resection of large tumors was associated with a longer operating time. There was no difference in other perioperative outcomes, and oncological outcomes such as frequency of close margins (≤1 mm) and recurrence-free survival. Comparison between patients who underwent LWR versus OWR for large tumors showed that LWR was associated with decreased median time to fluid or solid diet, shorter postoperative stay but longer operating times. There was no difference in oncological outcomes. CONCLUSION: LWR for suspected large gastric GIST is feasible and safe. It is associated with similar short-term outcomes with LWR for small tumors and favorable short-term outcomes over OWR for large tumors without compromising on oncological outcomes.