Concurrent Hiatal Hernia Repair Research Articles

Analysis of emergent reoperations after bariatric surgery: an important metric for safe same-day surgery

BackgroundEarly reoperation after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a severe adverse event that may increase the risk of perioperative mortality if there is a delay in care. However, it is unclear what proportion of reoperations occur within 24 hours of surgery and who is at greater risk, which may impact the safety of performing safe same-day surgery. ObjectivesTo evaluate the incidence of reoperation in the first 24 hours after primary SG and RYGB. SettingMichigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative, Ann Arbor, Michigan. MethodsUsing a statewide bariatric surgery data registry, patients undergoing primary SG (n = 49,848) and RYGB (n = 11,267) cases were analyzed. Patients who had a subsequent reoperation were identified and reasons for reoperation were compared between those occurring <24 hours versus >24 hours. In addition, patients who underwent a reoperation <24 hours were compared with patients who underwent primary SG or RYGB and did not experience any complications. ResultsThe overall rate of reoperation was .72% for SG and 2.1% for RYGB. Reoperation <24 hours of index procedure was 32.0% after SG and 24.2%, after gastric bypass, with the most common reason being hemorrhage (86.15%% and 55.4% respectively). Older age, hypertension, liver disease, and longer operative times were associated with reoperation <24 hours after SG, whereas longer operative times were associated with reoperation <24 hours after RYGB. Concurrent hiatal hernia repair was not associated with increased risk. ConclusionsReoperation after primary bariatric surgery is rare but occurs within 24 hours in approximately one third of the cases after SG and one quarter of cases after RYGB. Older patients with significant comorbidities are at increased risk and should be considered poor candidates for same-day surgery given the possibility of an early life-threatening event.

Does the Repair of an Accidentally Discovered Hiatal Hernia and Gastropexy Affect the Incidence of De Novo Postoperative GERD Symptoms After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy?

The relationship between laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is intricate. Hiatal hernia repair or gastropexy can have an impact on postoperative GERD. To assess the effect of the repair of an accidentally discovered HH and/or gastropexy on the development of de novo postoperative GERD symptoms after LSG. This retrospective study included all obese patients who underwent LSG at our hospital from January 2018 to June 2022. The data retrieved from patients' files comprised demographic and clinical data, including BMI, GERD symptoms, and comorbidities. Hiatal hernias, surgical technique, gastropexy, duration, and intraoperative complications were recorded. Postoperative data included early and late postoperative complications, weight loss, de novo GERD, and medication use. The study included 253 patients, 89 males (35.2%) and 164 females (64.8%), with a mean age of 33.3±10.04 years. De novo GERD was detected in 94 individuals (37.15%). HH was accidentally found and repaired in 29 patients (11.5%). Only 10.3% of LSG and HH repair patients had de novo GERD symptoms, compared to 40.6% of non-HH patients. 149 patients (58.9%) had gastropexy with LSG. Postoperative de novo GERD symptoms were comparable for LSG with gastropexy (40.5%) and LSG alone (40.9%). After one year, concurrent hiatal hernia repair and LSG seem to be safe and beneficial in lowering postoperative de novo GERD symptoms. The inclusion of gastropexy with LSG had no significant impact on postoperative de novo GERD. Both HH repair and gastropexy lengthened the operation but did not increase its complications.

Full esophageal mobilization during hiatal hernia repair with concomitant sleeve gastrectomy improves postoperative reflux symptoms for patients with preexisting reflux.

Hiatal hernia repair (HHR) performed concurrently with vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) has been shown to improve postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, data on the optimal extent of esophageal mobilization during repair are lacking. Mobilization techniques for HHR during VSG include partial (PM) or full (FM) mobilization of the esophagus. We hypothesize that patients who undergo full mobilization will be less likely to develop postoperative reflux. A single-institution retrospective review of all patients who underwent a VSG with a HHR between 2014 and 2021 was conducted. The primary outcome was postoperative reflux symptoms defined by diagnosis in the medical record, utilization of anti-reflux medications, and GERD health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) scores obtained via patient surveys. There were 190 patients included with 80 patients (42.1%) undergoing PM and 110 (57.9%) undergoing FM. Rates of preoperative reflux were similar between the two groups (47.5% vs. 51.8%; p = 0.55). During the GERD-HRQL survey, there were 114 patients (60.0%) contacted with a participation rate of 91.2% (104 patients). Patients with preoperative reflux who underwent PM were found to have a higher rate of reported postoperative reflux (90.0% vs. 62.5%; p = 0.03) and higher GERD-HRQL scores (16.40 ± 9.95 vs. 10.84 ± 9.01; p = 0.04). Patients without preoperative reflux did not have a significant difference in reported reflux (55.0% vs. 51.7%; p = 0.82) or GERD-HRQL scores (12.35 ± 14.14 vs. 9.93 ± 9.46; p = 0.25). Our study found that postoperative GERD was higher in patients with preexisting reflux who underwent partial esophageal mobilization during concurrent hiatal hernia repair with vertical sleeve gastrectomy. In patients without preoperative GERD, our data suggest that postoperative reflux symptoms are not dependent on the extent of esophageal mobilization during hiatal hernia repair with vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

Propensity score matched analysis of laparoscopic revisional and conversional sleeve gastrectomy with concurrent hiatal hernia repair.

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes associated with concurrent hiatal hernia repair (CHHR) when performing a conversional or revisional vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). CHHR is often necessary during VSG due to potential gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) development or obstructive symptoms. The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement (MBSAQIP) participant use file was assessed for the years 2015-2020 for revisional/conversional VSG procedures. The presence of CHHR was used to create two groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed with E-analysis. There were 33,909 patients available, with 5986 undergoing the VSG procedure with CHHR. In the unmatched analysis, there was an increased frequency of patients being female (85.72 vs 83.30%; p < 0.001), having a history of GERD (38.01 vs 31.25%; p < 0.001), and being of older age (49.59 ± 10.97 vs 48.70 ± 10.83; p < 0.001). Patients undergoing VSG with CHHR experienced decreased sleep apnea (25.00 vs 28.84%; p < 0.001) and diabetes (14.27 vs 17.80%; p < 0.001). PSM yielded 5986 patient pairs. Matched patients with CHHR experienced increased operative time (115min ± 53 vs 103min ± 51; p < 0.001), increased risk of postoperative pneumonia (0.45 vs 0.15%; p = 0.005) and readmission (4.69 vs 3.58%; p = 0.002) within thirty days. However, patients undergoing CHHR with revisional or conversional VSG did not experience increased risk of death, postoperative bleeding, postoperative leak, or reoperations. Despite a small association with increased postoperative pneumonia, the rate of complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic revisional/conversional VSG and CHHR are low. CHHR is a safe option when combined with the laparoscopic revisional/conversional VSG procedure in the early postoperative period.

Postoperative outcomes for sleeve gastrectomy patients with positive pH-defined GERD.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a possible side effect of sleeve gastrectomy (SG). However, procedure selection for patients with GERD and risk factors for morbidity after bypass surgeries is complex. For patients with a preoperative GERD diagnosis, literature related to worsening postoperative symptoms is discordant. This study evaluated the effects of SG on patients with pre-operative GERD confirmed through pH testing. University Hospital, United States. This was a single-center case-series. SG patients with preoperative pH testing were compared based on DeMeester scoring. Preoperative demographics, endoscopy results, need for conversion surgery, and changes in gastrointestinal quality of life (GIQLI) scores were compared. Two-sample independent t-tests assuming unequal variances were used for statistical analysis. Twenty SG patients had preoperative pH testing. Nine patients were GERD positive; median DeMeester score 26.7 (22.1-31.15). Eleven patients were GERD negative, with a median DeMeester score of 9.0 (4.5-13.1). The two groups had similar median BMI, preoperative endoscopic findings and use of GERD medications. Concurrent hiatal hernia repair was performed in 22% of GERD positive vs. 36% of GERD negative patients, (p = 0.512). Two patients in the GERD positive cohort required conversion to gastric bypass (22%), while none in the GERD negative cohort did. No significant postoperative differences were noted in GIQLI, heartburn, or regurgitation symptoms. Objective pH testing may allow the differentiation of patients who would be higher risk for need for conversion to gastric bypass. For patients with mild symptoms, but negative pH testing, SG may represent a durable option.

Impact of concurrent hiatal hernia repair during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on patient-reported gastroesophageal reflux symptoms: astate-wide analysis.

Concurrent hiatal hernia repair (HHR) during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) may improve gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. However, patient-reported outcomes are limited, and the influence of surgeon technique remains unclear. To assess patient-reported GERD severity before and after LSG with and without concomitant HHR. Teaching and non-teaching hospitals participating in a state-wide quality improvement collaborative. Using a state-wide bariatric-specific data registry, all patients who underwent a primary LSG between 2015 and 2019 who completed a baseline and 1 year validated GERD health related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) survey were identified (n = 11,742). GERD severity at 1 year as well as 30-day risk-adjusted adverse events was compared between patients who underwent LSG with or without HHR. Results were also stratified by anterior versus posterior HHR. A total of 4015 patients underwent a LSG-HHR (34%). Compared to patients who underwent LSG without HHR, LSG-HHR patients were older (47.8 yr versus 44.6 yr; P < .0001), had a lower preoperative body mass index (BMI) (45.8 kg/m2 versus 48 kg/m2; P < .0001) and more likely to be female (85.2% versus 77.6%, P < .0001). Patients who underwent a posterior HHR (n = 3205) experienced higher rates of symptom improvement (69.5% versus 64.0%, P = .0014) and lower rates of new onset symptoms at 1 year (28.2% versus 30.2%, P = .0500). Patients who underwent an anterior HHR (n = 496) experienced higher rates of hemorrhage and readmissions with no significant difference in symptom improvement. Concurrent posterior hiatal HHR at the time of sleeve gastrectomy can improve reflux symptoms. Patients undergoing anterior repair derive no benefit and should be avoided.

Incidence of Hiatal Hernia Repair During Primary Bariatric Surgery Conversion: an Analysis of the 2020 MBSAQIP Database.

The rate of hiatal hernia (HH) repair during conversion bariatric surgery is largely unknown. Wesought to determine this rate in 12,788 patients undergoing conversion surgery using the 2020 participant use fileof the MBSAQIP database. Concurrent HH repair was performed in 24.1% of conversion cases; most commonlyduring SG to RYGB (33.1%), followed by AGB to SG conversion (20.2%). The remaining conversion pathways hada repair rate around 13%. Only 12.1% of HH repairs were performed using a mesh. GERD was the primaryindication for conversion in 65% of the SG to RYGB cases. A much higher proportion of patients with concomitantHH repair reported GERD as the main reason for conversion than those without a HH repair (44.5% vs. 23.7%;p<0.001).

Impact of hiatal hernia repair technique on patient-reported gastroesophageal reflux symptoms following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Repairing a hiatal hernia at the time of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) can reduce or even prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in the post-operative period. Several different hiatal hernia repair techniques have been described but their impact on GERD symptoms after SG is unclear. Surgeons (n = 74) participating in a statewide quality collaborative were surveyed on their typical technique for repair of hiatal hernias during SG. Options included posterior repair with mesh (PRM), posterior repair (PR), and anterior repair (AR). Patients who underwent SG with concurrent hiatal hernia repair (n = 7883) were compared according to their surgeon's reported technique. Patient characteristics, baseline and 1-year GERD health-related quality of life surveys, weight loss and 30-day risk-adjusted complications were analyzed. The most common technique reported by surgeons for hiatal hernia repair was PR (n = 64, 85.3%), followed by PRM (n = 7, 9.3%) and AR (n = 4, 5.3%). Patients who underwent SG by surgeons who perform AR had lower rates of baseline GERD diagnosis (AR 55.3%, PR 59.5%, PRM 64.8%, p < 0.01), but were more likely to experience worsening GERD symptoms at 1 year (AR 29.8%, PR 28.7%, PRM 28.2%, p < 0.0001), despite similar weight loss (AR 29.8%, PR 28.7%, PRM 28.2%, p = 0.08). Satisfaction with GERD symptoms at 1 year was high (AR 73.2%, PR 76.3%, PRM 75.7%, p = 0.43), and risk-adjusted 30-day outcomes were similar among all groups. Patients undergoing SG with concurrent hiatal hernia repair by surgeons who typically perform an AR were more likely to report worsening GERD at 1 year despite excellent weight loss. Surgeons who typically performed an AR had nearly one-half of their patients report increased GERD severity after surgery despite similar weight loss. While GERD symptom control may be multifactorial, technical approach to hiatal hernia repair at the time of SG may play a role and a posterior repair is recommended.

Robot-assisted versus laparoscopic approach to concurrent bariatric surgery and hiatal hernia repair: propensity score matching analysis using the 2015–2018 MBSAQIP

Up to 37% of class three obesity patients have a Hiatal Hernia (HH). Most of the existent HHs get repaired at the time of bariatric surgery. Although the robotic platform might offer potential technical advantages over traditional laparoscopy, the clinical outcomes of the concurrent bariatric surgery and HH repair comparing robotic vs laparoscopic approaches have not been reported. Using the 2015-2018 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database, patients between 18 and 65year old who underwent Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) with concurrent HH repair were identified. Demographic, operative, and 30-day postoperative outcomes data were compared between laparoscopic and robotic groups. To adjust for potential confounders, 1:1 propensity score matching was performed using 22 preoperative characteristics. 75,034 patients underwent SG (n = 61,458) or RYGB (n = 13,576) with concurrent HH repair. The operative time was significantly longer in the Robotic-assisted compared to the laparoscopic approach both for SG (102.31 ± 44 vs. 75.27 ± 37; P < 0.001) and for RYGB (163.48 ± 65 vs. 132.87 ± 57; P < 0.001). In the SG cohort (4639 matched cases), the robotic approach showed similar results in 30day outcomes as in the laparoscopic approach, with no statistical difference. Conversely, for the RYGB cohort (1502 matched cases), the robotic approach showed significantly fewer requirements for blood transfusions (0.3% vs. 1.7%; P = 0.001), fewer anastomotic leaks (0.2% vs. 0.8%; P = 0.035), and less postoperative bleeding (0.4% vs. 1.1%; P = 0.049). Robotic concurrent bariatric surgery and HH repair leads to similar overall clinical outcomes as the laparoscopic approach despite longer operative times. Furthermore, the robotic approach is associated with reduced blood transfusion and anastomotic leak incidence in the RYGB group.

Incidence and risk factors for early gastrojejunostomy anastomotic stricture requiring endoscopic intervention following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a MBSAQIP analysis.

Gastrojejunostomy (GJ) stricture is one of the most commonly recognized complications following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). The risks involving the formation of early GJ stomal stenosis are largely unknown. The aims of this study are to evaluate the rate and risk factors associated with GJ stricture in patients requiring esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) within 30days after LRYGB. This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent EGD for GJ stricture following LRYGB. Data were retrieved from MBSAQIP database from 2015 to 2018. Descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were performed. Those who had reoperation, readmission, and intervention for other indications rather than GJ stricture were excluded from the risk factor analysis. 760,076 patients underwent bariatric surgery. Of these, 184,660 (24.3%) underwent LRYGB and 875 had GJ stricture within 30days postoperatively. The overall incidence of early GJ stricture after LRYGB was 4.7 per 1000 person-years. The incidence decreased from 6.2 to 3.4 per 1000 person-years during the 4-year period. 85% of patients with GJ stricture required therapeutic intervention. Median (IQR) day to the first endoscopic intervention was 25 (21-28) days. The overall 30-day readmission rate was 40%. 30-day reoperation rate due to GJ stricture was 5.6%. No 30-day mortality occurred. Factors independently associated with an increased risk for early GJ stricture include concurrent hiatal hernia repair (Adjusted Odds Ratio-AOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.2), revision case (AOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.6), African American (AOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.7), gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD (AOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.5), drain placement (AOR 1.3, 95% CI1.1-1.4), and routine postoperative swallow study (AOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.50). The incidence of early GJ stricture following LRYGB decreased at MBSAQIP-accredited centers over the review period. Patients having additional manipulation at or around GJ were at risk of developing early GJ stricture after LRYGB.

Risk factors for readmission for early small bowel obstruction following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: an MBSAQIP analysis

Abstract Background Small bowel obstruction (SBO) following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is associated with significant morbidity. Objectives To evaluate the rate of and risk factors for readmission for SBO within 30 days of LRYGB. Setting Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP)–accredited centers. Methods This is a retrospective study using the MBSAQIP database. A query was performed from 2015–2018 for patients who underwent LRYGB and required readmission for SBO. Those who had a reoperation, intervention, readmission, or expired from causes other than SBO were excluded. Descriptive, bivariate, and binary logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Among 184,660 patients undergoing LRYGB, 1189 (.64%) required readmission due to SBO. Among the readmission cases, 978 (82.5%) were identified as having intestinal obstruction (unspecified), 108 (9.1%) incisional hernia, and 100 (8.4%) internal hernia. Among these cases, 69% had a reoperation and 1.3% expired during the 30-day period. From a logistic regression model, parameters independently associated with an increased risk for readmission for early SBO include being female (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.53) or black (AOR, 1.41) and having gastroesophageal reflux (AOR, 1.35), a history of myocardial infarction (AOR, 1.76), a history of deep vein thrombosis (AOR, 1.73), previous obesity surgery/foregut surgery (AOR, 1.79), a robotic-assisted procedure (AOR, 1.23), concurrent hiatal hernia repair (AOR, 1.66) and adhesiolysis (AOR, 1.42). Conclusion The rate of readmission for early SBO following LRYGB was less than 1%. The majority of these cases required reoperation. The increased intraoperative complexity of LRYGB is associated with an increased risk of readmission due to early SBO.

Evaluation of Patient Reported Gastroesophageal Reflux Severity at Baseline and at 1-year After Bariatric Surgery.

To assess patient-reported gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) severity before and after SG and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Development of new-onset or worsening GERD symptoms after bariatric surgery varies by procedure, but there is a lack of patient-reported data to help guide decision-making. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing bariatric surgery in a statewide quality collaborative between 2013 and 2017. We used a validated GERD survey with symptom scores ranging from 0 (no symptoms) to 5 (severe daily symptoms) and included patients who completed surveys both at baseline and 1-year after surgery (n = 10,451). We compared the rates of improved and worsened GERD symptoms after SG and RYGB. Within our study cohort, 8680 (83%) underwent SG and 1771 (17%) underwent RYGB. Mean baseline score for all patients was 0.94. Patients undergoing SG experienced similar improvement in GERD symptoms when compared to RYGB (30.4% vs 30.8%, P = 0.7015). However, SG patients also reported higher rates of worsening symptoms (17.8% vs 7.5%, P < 0.0001) even though they were more likely to undergo concurrent hiatal hernia repair (35.1% vs 20.0%, P<0.0001). More than half of patients (53.5%) did not report a change in their score. Although SG patients reported higher rates of worsening GERD symptoms when compared to RYGB, the majority of patients (>80%) in this study experienced improvement or no change in GERD regardless of procedure. Using clinically relevant patient-reported outcomes can help guide decisions about procedure choice in bariatric surgery for patients with GERD.

Concurrent hiatal hernia repair and bariatric surgery: outcomes after sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Hiatal hernias are often repaired concurrently with bariatric surgery to reduce risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease-related complications. To examine the association between concurrent hiatal hernia repair (HHR) and bariatric outcomes. A 2010-2017 U.S. commercial insurance claims data set. We conducted a retrospective cohort study. We identified adults who underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) alone or had bariatric surgery concurrently with HHR. We matched patients with and without HHR and followed patients up to 3 years for incident abdominal operative interventions, bariatric revisions/conversions, and endoscopy. Time to first event for each outcome was compared using multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling. We matched 1546 SG patients with HHR to 3170 SG patients without HHR, and we matched 457 RYGB patients with HHR to 1156 RYGB patients without HHR. A total of 73% had a full year of postoperative enrollment. Patients who underwent concurrent SG and HHR were more likely to have additional abdominal operations (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.1; 95% CI, 1.5-3.1) and endoscopies (aHR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.8) but not bariatric revisions/conversions (aHR, 1.7; 95% CI, .6-4.6) by 1 year after surgery, a pattern maintained at 3 years of follow-up. Among RYGB patients, concurrent HHR was associated only with an increased risk of endoscopy (aHR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8)) at 1 year of follow-up, persisting at 3 years. Concurrent SG/HHR was associated with increased risk of some subsequent operative and nonoperative interventions, a pattern that was not consistently observed for RYGB. Additional studies could examine whether changes to concurrent HHR technique could reduce risk.

In the eye of the beholder: surgeon variation in intra-operative perceptions of hiatal hernia and reflux outcomes after sleeve gastrectomy.

Hiatal hernia repair performed at the time of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) may reduce post-operative reflux symptoms. It is unclear whether intra-operative diagnosis of hiatal hernia varies among surgeons or if it affects outcomes. Surgeons (n = 38) participating in a statewide bariatric surgery quality improvement collaborative reviewed 33 videos of LSG in which no hiatal hernia repair was performed. Reviewers were blinded to patient information and were asked whether they perceived a hiatal hernia. Surgeon characteristics and surgeon-specific patient outcomes for LSG were compared between surgeons who identified at least one hiatal hernia during video review and those who did not. Ten surgeons (26%) identified at least one hiatal hernia after reviewing the videos. There were no significant differences in operative experience or practice type between surgeons who did and did not identify hiatal hernias. Surgeons who identified a hiatal hernia more often performed concurrent hiatal hernia repair in their practice when compared to those who did not (43.0% versus 36.5%, p < 0.001). Although complication rates were similar between surgeon groups, there were higher rates of de novo reflux symptoms (13.6% versus 11.1%, p = 0.032) and lower rates of antacid discontinuation at one-year (71.0% versus 77.2%, p = 0.043) among surgeons who identified hiatal hernias. Surgeons who identified hiatal hernias during video review had a higher rate of concurrent hiatal hernia repairs in their practice. This was not associated with improved patient-reported reflux symptoms after LSG. Standardizing identification and management of hiatal hernias during bariatric surgery may help improve reflux outcomes post-operatively.

Safety of concurrent sleeve gastrectomy and hiatal hernia repair: apropensity score-matched analysis of the MBSAQIP registry.

Hiatal hernia repair is an essential step to reduce the incidence of gastroesophageal acid reflux disease in patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy. The safety of addition, a hiatal hernia repair to sleeve gastrectomy, is a critical question. Our study aimed to assess the safety of concurrent hiatal hernia repair and sleeve gastrectomy based on Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program data. University health network, United States. This study was a registry-based analysis. Preoperative characteristics and 30-day outcomes from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Files 2015 to 2017 were selected for all patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy with hiatal hernia repair. Propensity score matching (1:1) was used to control for potential confounding. A total of 101,902 patients (50,951 patients matched pairs) were included in the study. The groups were closely matched as intended. Sleeve gastrectomy with hiatal hernia repair, compared with sleeve gastrectomy alone, was associated with similar risks of death (.02% versus .02%; relative risk [RR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], .61-3.67, P = .503), and higher risk of 30-day readmission (4.01% versus 2.96%; RR, 1.35; 95%CI, 1.27-1.45, P < .001), 30-day reoperation (1.10% versus .77%; RR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.25-1.61, P < .001), 30-day intervention (1.24% versus .95%; RR, 1.31; 95%CI, 1.16-1.47, P < .001), and 30-day morbidity (1.85% versus 1.47%; RR, 1.25; 95%CI, 1.14-1.38, P < .001). Sleeve gastrectomy with hiatal hernia repair is relatively safe in the short term with no increase in the risk of mortality. However, this additional procedure slightly increases the risk of readmission, reoperation, and postoperative intervention, as well as morbidity.

A160 Gastroesophageal reflux disease outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and concurrent hiatal hernia repair

A160 Gastroesophageal reflux disease outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and concurrent hiatal hernia repair

Surgeon variation in severity of reflux symptoms after sleeve gastrectomy.

Prior studies have demonstrated an increase in gastroesophageal reflux after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). However, it is unknown whether symptom severity varies or if outcomes are surgeon-specific. A validated reflux symptom survey was obtained at baseline and at 1year after primary LSG on 7358 patients participating in a state-wide quality improvement collaborative between 2013 and 2018. Patients with worsening symptoms after surgery were divided into terciles based on the degree of increase in survey score (0 = no symptoms, 50 = max symptoms). Surgeon-level data was obtained on 52 bariatric surgeons performing at least 25 LSG cases/year during the study period. Surgeon characteristics, operative experience, and risk-adjusted 30-day complication rates were compared between surgeons in the highest tercile for moderate worsening of symptoms vs those in the lowest. A total of 2294 (31.2%) patients had worsening symptoms of reflux after sleeve gastrectomy. Overall mean increase in severity score was 6.11 (range 1 to 48) and patients with minimal, mild, and moderate symptoms had a mean increase of 1.4, 4.2, and 13.8, respectively. There were no significant differences in surgeon-specific characteristics when comparing surgeons in the highest tercile for moderate worsening of symptoms (44.7% of patients) vs those in the lowest tercile (18.7% of patients). In addition, there were no significant differences in risk-adjusted rates of overall complications (3.70% vs. 4.33%, p = 0.686), endoscopic dilations (2.83% vs. 1.91%, p = 0.417), or concurrent hiatal hernia repair (34.3% vs. 27.0%, p = 0.415) between surgeons in the highest and lowest terciles. We found that 1/3 of patients had worsening symptoms of reflux after LSG and that severity of symptoms varied. Surgeons with the highest rates of worsening reflux had similar operative experience and complication rates than those with the lowest. Further assessment of operative technique and skill may be informative.

Far from Standardized: Using Surgical Videos to Identify Variation in Technique for Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Video assessment is an emerging tool for understanding variation in surgical technique. Representative videos of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) were voluntarily submitted by 20 surgeons who participated in a statewide quality improvement collaborative. The amount of time required to complete the salient steps of the operation was measured and variations in the tasks performed during each step were captured. Twenty-two videos of LSG were submitted and 11 videos included concurrent hiatal hernia repair. Data obtained from video analysis identified variation in time to complete each step of the procedure: prestapling dissection of stomach (5-25 minutes), gastric stapling (8-20 minutes), and management of the staple line (1-25 minutes). Time required to perform a hiatal hernia repair also varied (1-26 minutes), as did the type of repair: 55% were performed with a posterior cruropexy, 27% were performed with an anterior cruropexy, and 18% were performed with both. Ten different permutations of staple heights and buttressing material were used during division of the stomach with a gastric stapler. Management of the staple line included use of buttressing (64%), fibrin sealant (36%), oversewing (9%), surgical clips (18%), imbrication of the staple line (36%), and omentoplasty (55%). LSG technique is not uniform. Video analysis identified variation in (1) time to complete each step of the procedure, (2) hiatal hernia repair technique, (3) stapling technique, and (4) post-transection staple line management. Future efforts linking video analysis with clinical outcomes can provide objective evidence to support best practices.

Is Elective Gastroscopy Prior to Bariatric Surgery in an Asian Cohort Worthwhile?

The preoperative use of gastroscopy for patients undergoing bariatric surgery remains controversial. We aim to evaluate the diagnostic yield of gastroscopy and the clinical significance in asymptomatic individuals undergoing bariatric surgery in Asia. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients undergoing gastroscopy prior to bariatric surgery at the National University Hospital and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore, between Jan 2006 and June 2013. Gastroscopy findings were classified into four groups: group1 (normal study), group2 (abnormal findings that do not modify surgical approach), group3 (abnormal findings that modify surgical approach) and group4 (absolute contraindications to immediate surgery). During the study period, 208 asymptomatic individuals were evaluated by gastroscopy prior to bariatric surgery. Gastroscopy was normal in 70 (33.6%). Group2 comprised 67 (32.2%) patients with mild gastritis or oesophagitis. Group3 included 69 (33.2%) patients diagnosed with erosive gastritis or oesophagitis, peptic ulcer disease, hiatal hernia or mass lesions. There were 2 patients (1.0%) in group4. One patient had a gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, and 1 had a gastrointestinal stroma tumour. In group3, modification of surgical approach included concurrent hiatal hernia repair, institution of medical therapy with delay in surgery, further evaluation of mass lesions and change in choice of surgical procedures. Routine gastroscopy for asymptomatic bariatric patients has a high diagnostic yield. Given the high percentage of patients with clinically important lesions, our current experience supports the use of routine preoperative gastroscopy prior to bariatric surgery in Singapore.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: One Institution's Experience with Omentopexy in the Prevention of Gastric Leaks (Retrospective Review)

Background: The omentum is associated with accelerated wound healing properties. This IRB-approved multisurgeon single-center study is aimed to evaluate whether complications are reduced by omentopexy (OP) to the staple line after a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Methods: Adults who have undergone a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center were reviewed. The group which had the OP performed was compared to the group which did not. Controls were matched for concurrent hiatal hernia repair, degree of obesity, and operating surgeon. OP was only performed by a single surgeon (Surgeon A), however several surgeons performed laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomies. Data extracted included demographics, indication, diagnostic investigations, treatments given, perioperative outcomes, findings, response to treatment given and survival. Complications were defined as a definitive leak or abscess seen on CT or upper GI study. Results: A total of 181 patients underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, of which 75 patients (41%) also underwent OP. 18 patients (9.9%) had a concurrent hiatal hernia repair. Complications were found in 5 patients (2.76%). 4 of the 5 patients who had a complication had underwent OP. Complication rates between the group which had OP and the group which did not have OP showed an OR 6.0571, 95% CI 0.6631 to 55.3280, P 0.1105. No complications were observed in patients who had a concurrent hiatal hernia repair. An association was observed between Surgeon A and increased complications in patients who underwent OP (OR 5.0979, 95% CI 0.2676 to 97.1194, P 0.2787) as well as those who did not undergo OP (OR 1.8271, 95% CI 0.0727 to 45.9307, P 0.7141). An association was also seen between complications and patients who are super obese (OR 1.0833, 95% CI 0.1172 to 10.0126, P 0.9438) and severely obese (OR 2.2319, 95% CI 0.3378 to 14.5153, P 0.3603). No association was seen between complications and patients who are morbidly obese (OR 0.4950, 95% CI 0.0807 to 3.0371, P 0.4474). Limitations: Small sample size, limited patient population, complication rates of a single surgeon performing the omentopexies, comorbidities, as well as limitations of retrospective analysis. Conclusion: OP to the staple line is not associated with decreased overall complication rates. Concurrent hiatal hernia repair was not associated with complications. OP performed in patients who are super obese or severely obese had more complications as opposed to morbidly obese patients who had decreased complications. In addition, OP may be associated with decreased complications only in patients who are morbidly obese. In conclusion, one cannot, in good conscience, continue performing omentopexy given the significantly higher complication rate noted.