Surgical complications of bariatric surgery among patients with rheumatic diseases.

Background: Obesity is one the most prevalent diseases all around the world. Some studies have shown a relationship between obesity and the worsening of rheumatic disorders. Higher rates of surgical complications might also be seen among these patients. Methods: This retrospective-descriptive study was performed on 25 patients with rheumatic disease referred to Loghman Hakim Hospital (Tehran- Iran) and candidates for bariatric surgery (laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy) from 2018 to 2020. Duration of hospitalization after surgery and history of post-operation surgical and rheumatic complications were assessed. Patients were followed through 6 months after surgery. Results: The age (Mean±SD) of recruited patients was (38.4 ±10.0) years. The mean body mass index was 45.54 kg/m2 with the minimum and maximum values of 37.5 kg/m2 and 56.5 kg/m2. Among them, the prevalence of rheumatic disorders was rheumatoid arthritis 32%, psoriasis 28%, gout 16%, lupus erythematosus 8%, and other rheumatologic disorders 16%, respectively. One patient had a surgical complication that was a port site infection. One patient had a relapse of gout and other patients had remission and also, their therapeutic drugs were discontinued or reduced. Conclusion: Patients with rheumatic disorders revealed no higher surgical complication rate after bariatric surgery, and bariatric surgery helped disease remission among these patients.

Acute post sleeve surgery bleeding as rare cause of acute renal failure: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgeries have been considered as one of the most important treatment procedures in recent years. Being aware of the side effects of this surgery will lead to better results after the surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 37-year-old Iranian male patient presented one day after sleeve surgery with symptoms of weakness, lethargy, and shortness of breath, which hospitalization and workup to were done to rule out pulmonary embolism. Because of the high creatinine and anuria, we couldn't perform computed tomography angiography. A bedside ultrasound was done for the patient and showed a mild to moderate amount of fluid around the spleen and some blood clots. Due to the progressive clinical findings and suspected internal bleeding, the patient was a candidate for laparoscopic revision procedure. Gradually, after performing the surgery, removing the blood clot and reducing the compressive effect of that on the inferior verna cava which was the main reason of renal failure, the patient was able to urinate afterwards and was discharged in good general condition. CONCLUSION: Surgeons should be aware of the management of rare surgical complications after bariatric surgeries. To be best of our knowledge, this was the first case report of a patient with acute renal failure after bariatric surgery and the rare cause of clot compression on inferior vena cava and raised abdominal compartment pressure.

A 20 Years Retrospective Descriptive Study of Human Cystic Echinococcosis and the Role of Albendazole Concurrent with Surgical Treatment: 2001-2021.

Background: Hydatid cyst, caused by the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus, is one of the most severe cestode infections occurring in Iran. The liver is the most commonly involved organ. The present study was carried out to review the demographic of 20 years surgically treated hydatic cysts. Methods: Ninety-eight patients were enrolled in the study. Demographic features, time of surgery, cyst size, and albendazole usage have been reviewed from the medical records of patients in Loghman Hakim Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from 2001 to 2021. Statistical analysis was performed to find any correlation between the uses of concurrent albendazole with surgical procedure. Results: Of 98 patients with hydatid cyst, 57 (58.2%) were female. The mean age of patients was 39.4 ±18.7 yrs, and the mean surgery time was 217.5 ± 81.4 minutes. Regarding the infection site, the liver (60.2%) and lungs (22.4%) were the most affected organs, respectively. 56.1% of patients had one cyst, and 42.9 % had two or more cysts. 20.4% of them had taken albendazole before surgery, but 86.7 % took it after the operation. No recurrent cysts were seen among 91.8% of them, but 8.2% mentioned suffering from a recurrent cyst. 85.7% of those recurrent cases did not receive albendazole before surgery, and 75% of recurrent cases after surgery did not take albendazole (P<0.05). Conclusion: Administration of albendazole before and after the operation was significantly related to reduced recurrence, bleeding, morbidity, and even the time of surgery.

Effects of ondansetron, metoclopramide and granisetron on perioperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergone bariatric surgery: a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common problem after sleeve gastrectomy. In recent years, following the increase in the number of such operations, special attention has been paid to preventing PONV. Additionally, several prophylaxis methods have been developed, including enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) and preventive antiemetics. Nevertheless, PONV has not been completely eliminated, and the clinicians are trying to reduce the incidence of PONV yet. METHODS: After successful ERAS implementation, patients were divided into five groups, including control and experimental groups. Metoclopramide (MA), ondansetron (OA), granisetron (GA), and a combination of metoclopramide and ondansetron (MO) were used as antiemetics for each group. The frequency of PONV during the first and second days of admission was recorded using a subjective PONV scale. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were enrolled in this study. The MO group showed a lower incidence of PONV (46.1%) compared to the control group (53.8%) and other groups. Furthermore, the MO group did not require rescue antiemetics, however, one-third of control cases used rescue antiemetics (0 vs. 34%). CONCLUSION: Using the combination of metoclopramide and ondansetron is recommended as the antiemetic regimen for the reduction of PONV after sleeve gastrectomy. This combination is more helpful when implemented alongside ERAS protocols.

Case report of multidisciplinary approach to post single anastomosis sleeve jejunal bypass (SASJ) surgery refusal to eat.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Bariatric surgeries are introduced as novel procedures in the whole world. Among the most important side effects after these surgeries is malnutrition. One of the reasons for suffocation can be the patient's psychological problems (such as depression). Paying attention to these symptoms can be effective in managing post-surgical complications. CASE PRESENTATION: A 36-year-old female patient who was operated with SASJ BYPASS surgery method presented three weeks after the surgery with symptoms of weakness, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, and PO (Per OS) intolerance, which did not respond to outpatient treatment. Barium swallow imaging and abdominopelvic CT scan was done for the patient and findings were normal. During conservative treatment and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) the patient underwent psychiatric consultation and took psychiatry medications. Gradually after these consultation sessions the patient had a good PO tolerance, no edema and no weakness and was discharged in a good condition. She was advised to continue psychologic consultation sessions besides other post-surgical follow ups. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: After complete assessment of malnutrion etiologies after bariatric surgeries it was advised to ensure that the patients demonstrate an understanding of the bariatric surgical procedure, necessity of changes in eating habits. Any existing psychological issues should be identified and treated the patient should be educated to make a commitment to multidisciplinary care after these surgeries. CONCLUSION: With continued communication, support, and multidisciplinary monitoring, nutritional complications can be minimized among patients undergoing bariatric surgeries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Effect of 8 Weeks milk thistle powder (silymarin extract) supplementation on fatty liver disease in patients candidates for bariatric surgery.

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide and is becoming the most frequent indication of liver transplantation. At present, since no Food and Drug Association (FDA) approved medication exists for NAFLD patients, bariatric surgery is indicated for the significant improvement in obesity-related comorbidities, such as NAFLD. However, alternative therapy is emerging to manage NAFLD. Problematically, many patients taking herbal remedies, such as Silymarin (milk thistle), with little/no understanding of its purported properties. Methods: Fifty-two morbidly-obese (47.84 ± 6.48 kg m-2) patient candidates (mean age: 38.90 ± 10.28 years; n = 41 women and 11 men) for bariatric surgery with NAFLD were randomly assigned to determine the efficacy of eight weeks of Silymarin supplementation (140 mg four times daily for a total of 560 mg) on the aspartate transaminase (AST)/alanine transaminase (ALT) (AST/ALT) ratio, Fibrosis-4 (Fib-4) score, NAFLD score, sonographic grading, and fibroscan stages of NAFLD. Results: Significant (p ≤ 0.05) improvements were found in AST/ALT ratio, BMI and sonographic grading. No significant change was found for fibroscan staging, Fib-4, and NAFLD scores. Conclusion: Silymarin improved ultrasound fatty liver grading and liver enzymes morbidly-obese patient candidates for bariatric surgery with NAFLD after only eight weeks, without any adverse effects.

Direct medical cost and cost analysis of COVID-19 in Iran: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

Background: Although our daily life and economics were severely affected by COVID-19, cost analysis of the disease has not been conducted in Iran. Hence, we aimed to perform a cost analysis study and then estimate direct medical costs of COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in Tehran and recorded medical files from March 1, 2020, to September 1, 2020, were examined. A predefined electronic form was developed and all required variables were included. All people whose both first and final diagnoses were COVID-19 positive and were admitted in governmental hospitals were considered for inclusion. Using stratified random sampling method, 400 medical records were evaluated to gather all data. STATA 14 was used for data analysis. Results: We evaluated 400 medical records and the age of patients ranged from 22 to 71 years. The mean cost of COVID-19 was 1434 USD. Of 400 patients, 129 of them had underlying disease and statistical significance was observed in people who had underlying diseases than people who did not have underlying disease. Conclusion: Beds and medications were the most important factors that added to the costs. COVID-19 has undoubtedly imposed a high financial burden on the health system. It is highly recommended that patients with positive test result be strictly encouraged to stay at home and adhere to safety protocols.

Severe malnutrition after single anastomosis sleeve jejunal bypass (SASJ) surgery due to a rare surgical complication: Report of the case.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric procedures rates are increased due to the epidemic in obesity. Up to 50% of patients operated with vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) procedures experience failure or complications in the mid- and long-term and present for revision bariatric surgery. Despite the increase in revisions, their safety and efficacy remain controversial. CASE PRESENTATION: A 44-year-old female patient with severe malnutrition after single anastomosis sleeve jejunal bypass (SASJ) surgery was referred to this center. SASJ was the chosen bariatric procedure for her after the first failed VBG. She was unable to swallow anything. Upper GI endoscopy was done and the laparoscopic prolene mesh used in the first bariatric surgery (VBG) was seen inside the gastric lumen. Total parental nutrition was initiated and continued for 12 days in this medical center and then she was candidate for exploratory laparoscopy. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Using prophylactic preperitoneal Prolene mesh during wound closure in bariatric surgery is safe and effective in preventing incisional hernia development. During the revision bariatric surgeries, surgeons should be careful about the used mesh in the first bariatric surgery. CONCLUSION: Surgeons should be aware of the management of rare surgical complications that might lead to malnutrition which is insidious. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.