Meticulous Closure of Mesenteric Defects Effectively Reduces the Incidence of Internal Hernia After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Internal hernia (IH) after Roux-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) can lead to extended small bowel ischemia if it not recognized and treated promptly. The aim of this study is to show whether improvement in mesenteric defect (MD) closure reduces the incidence of IH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from our database including all patients who underwent laparoscopic RYGB between 1999 and 2015. The usual technique was a retrocolic/retrogastric RYGB. We divided patients in four groups according to the closure technique for MD and compared incidences of IH between groups. All patients had at least 8 years of follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 1927 patients (1497 females/460 males, mean age of 41.5 ± 11 years) were operated. A retrocolic/retrogastric RYGB was performed in 1747 (90.7%) and an antecolic RYGB in 180 patients. Mean duration of follow-up was 15 (8-24) years. 111 patients (5.8%) developed IH, the majority through the jejunojejunostomy (JJ, 3.7%) and Petersen (1.7%) defects. With improvement of closure technique, the incidence decreased over time, from 12.9% in the group with separate sutures to 1.05% in the most recent group with running non-absorbable sutures and an additional purse-string at the JJ defect (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Meticulous closure of MD during RYGB is a very important step that significantly reduces the IH risk after RYGB, even with a retrocolic/retrogastric anatomy. Using running non absorbable braided sutures and an additional purse-string suture at the JJ is the most effective technique, but a small IH risk persists. A high index of suspicion remains necessary in patients who present with acute abdominal pain after RYGB.

Is an Early Resumption of a Regular Diet After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Safe?

BACKGROUND: Return to a normal diet is a crucial step after bariatric surgery. Proximal anastomosis is a source of concern for early feeding as the passage of solid food through a recent anastomosis could well increase pressure and the risk of leakage. This study aims to assess the safety of an early normal diet after a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing primary LRYGB between January 2015 and December 2020 were included prospectively. Three postoperative pureed diets were compared at 4 weeks, 2 weeks, and 1 week. All-cause morbidity at 90 days was the main outcome. Overall complications, severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ grade 3a), length of hospital stay, number of emergency, and unplanned consultations during the 3 postoperative months were recorded for each group. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty-seven patients with a mean BMI of 42.10 kg/m2 (± SD: 4.78) were included. All-cause morbidity at 90 days was 11.7% (43/367) and no significant difference was observed between the 3 groups. Adjustment for patients and operative cofounders did not demonstrate any increased risk of postoperative complications between the 3 groups, with an odds ratio of 1, 1.23(95% CI [0. 55-2.75]), and 1.14 (95% CI [0.49, 2.67]) for groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ grade 3a) and emergency or unplanned consultations were also similar in the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: Return to a normal diet 1 week after LRYGB did not increase short-term morbidity and unplanned consultations. It may be safe and contribute to patient comfort.

Physical Activity and Outcomes in Colorectal Surgery: A Pilot Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Mobilization after surgery is recommended to reduce the risk of adverse effects and to improve recovery. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between perioperative physical activity and postoperative outcomes in colorectal surgery. METHODS: The daily number of footsteps was recorded from preoperative day 5 to postoperative day 3 in a prospective cohort of patients using wrist accelerometers. Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), 6 Min Walking Test (6MWT), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were assessed preoperatively. ROC curves were used to assess the performance of physical activity as a diagnostic test of complications and prolonged length of stay (LOS) of more than 5 days. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were included. Patients with complications were significantly older (67 years) than those without complications (53 years, p = 0.020). PEF was significantly lower in the group with complications (mean flow 294.3 vs. 363.6 L/min, p = 0.038) while there was no difference between groups for the other two tests (TUGT and 6MWT). The tests had no capacity to discriminate the occurrence of complications and prolonged LOS, except the 6MWT for LOS (AUC = 0.746, p = 0.004, 95% CI: 0.604-0.889). There was no difference in the mean number of preoperative footsteps, but patients with complications walked significantly less postoperatively (mean daily footsteps 1,101 vs. 1,243, p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal surgery patients with complications were elderly, had decreased PEF, and walked less postoperatively. The 6MWT could be used preoperatively to discriminate patients with potentially increased LOS and foster mobilisation strategies.

Recovery to Usual Activity After Outpatient Anorectal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Most elective anorectal procedures are performed in an outpatient setting, and the supposed recovery time is short. The aim of the present study was to assess return to usual physical activity (UPA), return to work and quality of life (QOL). METHODS: This prospective single-center cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing outpatient anorectal procedures. Physical and work activities were assessed using the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire 7 days before surgery and 7, 14 and 30 days thereafter. In addition, patients were inquired daily on their postoperative QOL until postoperative day (POD)10 on a visual analogue scale (0-10). Patients were stratified by their preoperative physical activity score (POPAS; low, moderate and high). RESULTS: Out of 379 patients, 100 (63 men) were included with a median age of 40 years [interquartile range (IQR) 27]. General QOL was rated at a median of 8/10 (IQR 3.5) at POD10. On POD30, only 69% and 71% of patients had returned to UPA and work, respectively. Patients who returned to UPA at POD30 had a better median QOL at POD10 than those who did not (9 vs. 7/10, p = 0.015). Patients with low POPAS and moderate POPAS returned to UPA earlier than patients with high POPAS (83%, 86% and 44% on POD30, respectively, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Return to UPA and work after outpatient anorectal surgery took longer than expected despite a good QOL 10 days after surgery. High physical activity was associated with longer recovery time. These elements should be emphasized during preoperative counseling.

Preoperative Clinical Factors Associated with Short-Stay Laparoscopic Appendectomy.

BACKGROUND: Outpatient appendectomy for acute appendicitis is a feasible, yet not widely performed procedure, as there are no universally accepted criteria for patient selection. The aim of this study was to assess preoperative clinical factors associated with successful short-stay appendectomy (SSA) and establish a predictive score to help with patient selection. METHODS: All consecutive laparoscopic appendectomies performed in our institution between January 2013 and June 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Several preoperative clinical and biological variables were compared between patients with SSA, defined as a postoperative stay <24 h, and those needing inpatient care. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables independently associated with SSA, and these variables were then used to create a predictive score. RESULTS: A total of 578 patients were included, 303 (53%) in the SSA group and 275 (48%) in the long-stay appendectomy (LSA) group. In multivariate analysis, male gender (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.12-2.31, p = 0.010), ASA class I-II (OR 9.52, 95% CI 1.65-180.69, p = 0.037), absence of generalized guarding (OR 3.55, 95% CI 1.30-11.41, p = 0.019), C-reactive protein <100 mg/dl (OR 3.09, 95% CI 1.81-5.42, p < 0.001) and leukocyte count <20 g/l (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.02-4.30, p = 0.046) were independently associated with SSA. These five parameters were used to construct a predictive score, whereby ≥17 (range 0-21) was defined as the optimal threshold to predict SSA with a high sensitivity (95.6%) and negative predictive value (82.2%). CONCLUSIONS: A purely clinical predictive score based on five widely used preoperative parameters can be used to identify eligible patients for short-stay appendectomy.

[Hyponatremia: diagnostic approach]. / Approche diagnostique de l'hyponatrémie.

Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in hospitalized patients and may be associated with non negligible morbidity and mortality. Here we summerize its diagnostic approach based on the physiopathology. Assessment of volume status, measurement of plasma and urinary osmolality remain key steps in the management of this electrolyte disorder.