High-volume Bariatric Center Research Articles

Abstract 16013: Evidence for Improvement in NYHA Class and Freedom From Hospitalization in Bariatric Surgery Patients With an Established Diagnosis of Heart Failure

Introduction: Heart failure patients with severe obesity endure significant morbidity and frequent hospitalizations. Bariatric surgery is proven to provide durable weight loss for those with severe obesity, but the clinical impact and safety of these procedures among patients with heart failure has not been well-demonstrated. Methods: We conducted a medical record query of patients who have a previous diagnosis of heart failure (HFpEF and HFrEF) and underwent subsequent Roux-En-Y gastric bypass or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at a high-volume metabolic and bariatric surgery center. We compared clinical, demographic, and echocardiographic data captured just prior to the bariatric procedure to the most recent data available in the medical record for each patient. Results: There were 50 patients (88% had HFpEF) included in this study. Time from HF diagnosis to most recent follow-up ranged from 0.2 to 20.3 years (median 6.7 years) and there was no recorded mortality. The median time from HF diagnosis to surgery was 2.3 years and median time from surgery to recent follow-up was 2.9 years. Post-operative median decrease in BMI was 8.8 kg/m 2 , HF hospitalizations were 0.4 per patient year (PPY) to 0.15 PPY, p=0.008, and median NYHA Class was II pre-op and I post-op, p=0.048). LVEF, LVESD, and LVEDD were not significantly changed post-operatively (Table 1). Conclusion: Weight loss following bariatric surgery for patients with HF led to improvements in NYHA Class, fewer hospitalizations for HF, and was not associated with perioperative mortality. It is reasonable to consider bariatric surgery for this patient population, but further prospective investigation is warranted.

Outcomes of primary versus revisional robotically assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a multicenter analysis of ten-year experience

BackgroundPostoperative morbidity after laparoscopic bariatric surgery is considered higher for patients undergoing revisional versus primary procedures. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to compare outcomes between patients undergoing primary versus revisional robotically assisted laparoscopic (RAL) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).MethodsData of all patients who underwent RAL primary and revisional RYGB between 2009 and 2019 at two accredited, high-volume bariatric surgery centers—the Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX, and the Tower Health, Reading Hospital, Reading, PA, were analyzed. Primary outcomes were early (< 30 days) and overall postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative complications, operative times, conversions to laparotomy, length of hospital stay, early (< 30 days) postoperative readmissions and deaths.ResultsData of 1072 patients were analyzed, including 806 primary and 266 revisional RAL RYGB procedures. Longer operative times (203 versus 154 min, P < 0.001), increased number of readmissions for oral intolerance (10.5% versus 6.7%, P = 0.046) and higher rate of gastrojejunal stricture (6.4% versus 2.7%, P = 0.013) were found in the revisional group. Gastrointestinal leak rates were 0.2% for the primary versus 1.1% for the revisional group (P = 0.101). Early (< 30 days) reoperations rates were 2.2% for the primary versus 1.1% for the revisional group (P = 0.318). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in overall and severe complication rates.ConclusionPatients undergoing RAL primary and revisional RYGB had comparable overall outcomes, with a non-significant higher early complication rate in the revisional group. Despite the study being underpowered to detect differences in specific complication rates, the morbidity seen in the revisional RYGB group remains markedly below literature reports of revisional laparoscopic RYGB and might suggest a benefit of robotic assistance. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

Hernia Management in a Bariatric Patient Population: A Summary of Treatment Recommendations at a High-Volume Bariatric Center

Hernia Management in a Bariatric Patient Population: A Summary of Treatment Recommendations at a High-Volume Bariatric Center

Bariatric and metabolic surgery during COVID-19 outbreak phase 2 in Italy: why, when and how to restart.

In Italy elective bariatric and metabolic surgery was cancelled on February 21,2020 at the beginning of the so-called phase 1 of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Gradually it was restarted on May 4,2020 at the beginning of the so-called phase 2, when epidemiological data showed containment of the infection. Before the outbreak in eight high-volume bariatric centers 840 patients were surgically treated developing a Covid-19 infection, during phase 1, in only 5 cases (0.6%) without mortality. The post-operative complication rate was similar when compared to the 836 subjects submitted to bariatric surgery the year before. Since the high prevalence of infection in subjects with BMI > 30, it was argued that early intervention on obesity during phase 2 could help to minimize the effects of the disease in the event of a possible reversion to a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak phase 1. At the same time a prospective observational study from July 1 till the WHO declaration of the end of the pandemic has started in the eight high volume centers to monitor the post-operative outcome and its effect on SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Management of 69 Gastric Leakages after 4294 Consecutive Sleeve: The Experience of a High Volume Bariatric Center.

To propose an algorithm of treatment for leakage after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Sixty-nine patients who developed gastric leakage out of 4294 patients who underwent LSG from 2010 to 2018 were considered in this study. Patients' outcomes in terms of incidence of resolution and time to leakage resolution were compared by leakage characteristics and type of treatment. Three patients were lost to follow up. Leakage occurred in a median of 6days from surgery, and for majority of patients (80.3%), it was in the upper part of the sleeve. The median dimension of leakage was 6.5mm. Low level leakage resulted in a lower time of resolution (p< 0.001). Patients with clinical leakage were treated with surgery or endoscopic placement of a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS). The median time of leakage resolution was 42days. The hospitalization time for SEMS was shorter with a 68.3% of complete resolution compared with the 29.4% of surgery. In patients with subclinical and small leakage, a conservative treatment was successful in 87.5%. Overall 39.4% of patients needed a second line treatment after that the first failed. Leakage could be treated conservatively if subclinical and < 5mm. Surgery is mandatory if a perigastric collection is present or an organ lesion is suspected. SEMS seems to be the best option to treat high level leakage.

Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery in Morbidly Obese End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients as Preparation for Kidney Transplantation. Matched Pair Analysis in a High-Volume Bariatric and Transplant Center

BackgroundThe number of morbidly obese kidney transplant candidates is growing. They have limited access to kidney transplantation and are at a higher risk of postoperative complications. Bariatric surgery is considered as a safe weight loss method in those patients.ObjectivesMatched pair analysis was designed to analyze the preparatory and postoperative weight loss after bariatric procedures in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and non-ESKD morbidly obese patients.MethodsTwenty patients with ESKD underwent bariatric surgery in our Centre of Excellence for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery between 2015 and 2019 (nine one-anastomosis gastric bypasses, nine Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses, and two sleeve gastrectomies). They were compared with matched pairs from a dataset of 1199 morbidly obese patients without ESKD. Data on demographic factors and comorbidities was recorded. BMI was obtained at the start of the preparatory period preceding the bariatric procedure, at the time of procedure, and during the 1-year follow-up.ResultsThe ESKD and non-ESKD patients did not differ significantly in preoperative weight loss (13.00 ± 11.69 kg and 15.22 ± 15.96 kg respectively, p = 0.619). During the 1-year follow-up, the weight loss was similar to the non-ESKD group. In the first 3 months, faster weight loss in ESKD was observed. Initial and follow-up BMI values did not differ significantly between groups. We demonstrated that obese patients with ESKD can lose weight as effectively as non-ESKD patients.ConclusionMorbidly obese ESKD patients have an equal weight loss to patients without ESKD. Bariatric surgery could improve access to kidney transplantation and may potentially improve transplantation outcomes of obese patients with ESKD.

Upper endoscopy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: diagnostic yield and factors associated with relevant findings.

After laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass many patients present with complaints for which an upper endoscopy is performed. However, often no abnormalities are found. To investigate the incidence of relevant findings at upper endoscopy and identify patient characteristics associated with a relevant finding. A high-volume bariatric center. A retrospective cohort study was performed. All patients presenting with complaints after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass who consequently underwent a diagnostic upper endoscopy were identified from a prospective endoscopic database. Primary outcomes were the number and type of relevant findings at upper endoscopy and its association with patient characteristics. Relevant findings were defined as abnormalities requiring treatment. Ninety-eight (39.2%) of 250 patients had a relevant finding at upper endoscopy, mostly marginal ulcer and stomal stenosis. Male sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.47 [1.12-10.76]), alcohol consumption (OR 7.27 [1.58-33.36]), dysphagia or suspicion of bleeding as referral reason (OR 3.62 [1.54-8.52] and 39.93 [4.96-321.47], respectively, compared with abdominal pain), an abnormal upper gastrointestinal series (OR 6.81 [2.06-22.48]), and no abdominal ultrasound (OR 7.41 [1.48-37.08] compared with a normal ultrasound) were significantly associated with a relevant finding at upper endoscopy. In this study sex, alcohol consumption, referral reason, and prior imaging studies were associated with a relevant finding at upper endoscopy after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Value-Based Healthcare and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Implementation in a High-Volume Bariatric Center in Italy

BackgroundBariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for patients affected by morbid obesity. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol increases clinical outcomes, but the most recent literature shows incomplete patients’ adherence. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of applying a Value-Based Healthcare (VBHC) strategy associated with ERAS to increase patients’ engagement and outcomes.MethodA multiprofessional team redesigned the process considering ERAS recommendations and patients’ feedbacks. Outcomes that matter to patients were defined with structured patients’ interviews and collected in the electronic clinical record. Adherence to the pathway and the cost of the cycle of care were measured to demonstrate sustainability. A model was developed to grant its replicability.ResultsA total of 2.122 patients were included. The lowest adherence to the protocol for a single item was 82%. 74% of excess weight loss; 90% better comorbidities control; 77.5% had no pain after surgery; 61% no postoperative nausea and vomiting. Zero mortality; 1.8% overall morbidity; 0.4% readmission and reoperation rate within 30 days. The average length of stay is 2.1 days. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) documented increased productivity and quality of life.ConclusionBuilding a caring relationship by a multidisciplinary team, adding patient wellness in a VBHC framework on top of ERAS as a patient-centered approach, increases patients’ engagement and adherence to the pathway of care, resulting in better health outcomes (clinical and PROMs). The Value-Based Model is sustainable and replicable; it represents the prototype for redesigning other pathways and may become a model for other organizations.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Reversal: A Novel Technique With Functional Reversal - Case Series.

Reversal of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) to normal anatomy (NA) is mandated in selected cases. However, reversal operations are associated with high complication rates and long operative times. In this study, we present the functional reversal (FR) as a novel method and an alternative to reversal to NA in treating the otherwise intractable symptoms rarely occurring after RYGB. This is a retrospective cohort study of RYGB-patients with symptoms resistant to non-surgical treatment. Placement of gastrostomy tube for surgical evaluation and optimization of patients was usually done before FR. Resolution of symptoms was assessed along with efficacy and safety of the procedure. Achieved results were compared with data from the literature pertaining to reversal to NA. High-volume bariatric center, Norway. Ten patients underwent FR. Mean follow-up after reversal was 18.4months. Symptoms leading to operation improved in all patients. Eight patients suffered from hypoglycemia; resolution was seen in six and improvement of symptoms in the remaining two. Food intolerance, early dumping, nausea, postprandial abdominal pain, and malnutrition were alleviated in all patients. One leak was seen. Mean surgical time was 35.2min. Total weight loss (TWL) and excess weight loss (EWL) after index RYGB were reduced 4.5% and 17.8%. Functional reversal looks promising as an alternative to reversal to normal anatomy as it is technically simpler and safer and seems at least as effective in treating otherwise refractory symptoms.

Enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery (ERABS) in a high-volume bariatric center

BackgroundThe growing demand for bariatric surgery has been accompanied by an expensive technological evolution and the need to contain healthcare costs and to increase the quality of care. The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols applied to the bariatric setting can be the answer to all these different issues. ObjectivesFeasibility and safety of ERAS protocol in a single, high-volume bariatric center. SettingHumanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano MI, Italy. MethodsOur ERAS bariatric protocol is based on the following 3 steps: (1) preoperative: optimization of all co-morbidities, counseling patients and family with information and education, and shortening fasting times (clear fluids up to 2 hr and solids up to 4 hr before induction of anesthesia); (2) intraoperative: premedication, parallel team work, awake patient positioning, standardized multimodal anesthesia and analgesia, noninvasive monitoring, video-laryngoscopy in reverse Trendelenburg position, short-acting anesthetic agents, and standardized laparoscopic surgery avoiding the nasogastric tube, catheter, and drain; and (3) postoperative: analgesia, early mobilization, early oral fluid, thromboprophylaxis, discharge planning, and follow-up telephone call. Clinical pathways were established and outcomes were retrospectively collected. ResultsComparison between conventional care and ERAS protocol reveals a reduction of the length of hospital stay (from 4.7 to 2.1 d) and a low morbidity rate. From July 2015 to July 2018, a total of 2400 consecutive patients underwent primary or revisional bariatric surgery (2122 sleeve gastrectomies and 278 Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses [RYGB]). Mean body mass index was 44.9 kg/m2, mean age was 41.9 years, and the male to female ratio was 1:2.5. Total mean operative time was 85 minutes, with a surgical time of 65 minutes and an anesthesiologic/patient induction time of 4 minutes. Early complication rate was 3.5% with no perioperative mortality. Mean hospital stay was 2.1 days and the rate of readmission was .9%. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that our ERAS protocol is safe, feasible, and efficient. Patient preparation and multidisciplinary/parallel team work are crucial points.

Gastrointestinal symptoms before and after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a longitudinal assessment

BackgroundRoux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is an effective treatment for morbid obesity, but many patients have increased gastrointestinal symptoms. ObjectivesTo evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms and food intolerance before and after RYGB over time in a large cohort of morbidly obese patients. SettingA high-volume bariatric center of excellence. MethodsA prospective cohort study was performed in patients who underwent RYGB between September 2014 and July 2015, with 2-year follow-up. Consecutive patients screened for bariatric surgery answered the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and a food intolerance questionnaire before RYGB and 2 years after surgery. The prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms before and after surgery and the association between patient characteristics and postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed. ResultsFollow-up was 86.2% (n = 168) for patients undergoing primary RYGB and 93.3% (n = 28) for revisional RYGB. The total mean GSRS score increased from 1.69 to 2.31 after surgery (P < .001), as did 13 of 16 of the individual scores. Preoperative GSRS score is associated with postoperative symptom severity (B = .343, P < .001). Food intolerance was present in 16.1% of patients before primary RYGB, increasing to 69.6% after surgery (P < .001). Patients who underwent revisional RYGB had a symptom severity and prevalence of food intolerance comparable with that among patients with primary RYGB, even though they had more symptoms before revisional surgery. ConclusionsTwo years after surgery, patients who underwent primary RYGB have increased gastrointestinal symptoms and food intolerance compared with the preoperative state. It is important that clinicians are aware of this and inform patients before surgery.

Conversion of both Versions of Vertical Banded Gastroplasty to Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Analysis of Short-term Outcomes.

Conversional bariatric surgery has relatively high rates of complications. We aimed to analyze our single-center experience with patients requiring conversional laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) following a failed primary open or laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty (OVBG or LVBG, respectively). The records of patients who underwent LRYGB as a conversional procedure after VBG between November 2004 and December 2017 were reviewed. Characteristics, body mass index (BMI), operation time, intraoperative problems, length of hospitalization, and early (< 30days) morbidity and mortality were analyzed. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation or frequency. A total of 329 patients (81.76% females) who underwent conversional RYGB were included. For the LVBG group (224 patients) and OVBG group (105 patients), respectively, BMI was 34.15 ± 6.38 and 37.79 ± 6.31kg/m2 (p < 0.05), the operation time was 96.00 ± 31.40 and 123.15 ± 40.26min (p < 0.05), hospitalization duration was 2.96 ± 1.13 and 3.20 ± 1.20days (p = 0.08), the early complication rate was 7.14 and 11.43% (p = 0.19), and the reoperation rate was 2.23 and 2.86% (p = 0.73). There were no major intraoperative problems. Three patients with OVBG were converted to open RYGB (2.86%). There was no mortality. The conversion of OVBG and LVBG to laparoscopic RYGB is technically feasible and provides comparably low early morbidity rates and length of hospitalization. However, compared to LVBG, conversional laparoscopic RYGB following OVBG is technically more challenging and time-consuming, with a slightly higher risk of conversion to open surgery. We support the use of such conversional bariatric surgery in specialized, high-volume bariatric centers.

A novel fully covered double-bump stent for staple line leaks after bariatric surgery: a retrospective analysis

BackgroundStaple line leakage after bariatric surgery can be treated by endoscopic placement of a self-expandable stent. The success rate of stent placement is generally high, but migration is a frequent adverse event that hampers successful treatment. The Niti-S Beta stent is a fully covered double-bump stent that was specifically designed to prevent migration. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and adverse event rate of the Niti-S Beta stent.MethodsA retrospective study was performed in three high-volume bariatric centers. All consecutive patients between 2009 and 2016 who underwent placement of a Beta stent for staple line leakage were included. Primary outcome was resolution of the leakage; secondary outcome was the adverse event rate including migration.ResultsThirty-eight patients were included. Twenty-five (66%) had resolution of the leakage. Success rate was higher in patients who were treated with implantation of a Beta stent as initial treatment (100%) than in patients who were treated with a stent after revisional surgery had failed (55%, p = 0.013). Migration occurred in 12 patients (32%). There were two severe adverse events requiring surgical intervention, including a bleeding from an aorto-esophageal fistula.ConclusionsThe success rate and the migration rate of the Beta stent seem comparable to other stents in this retrospective study. Despite the novel double-bump structure of the stent, the migration rate does not seem to be decreased.

Symptomatic Stenosis after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy - Incidence and Management in a High-Volume Bariatric Surgery Center.

Background: Owing to the increased use of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a metabolic procedure, a rarely associated complication, the Symptomatic Stenosis (SS) will be more often encounter. The objective of this study is to establish a safe and effective management of SS after LSG. Methods: We have analyzed all the patients with SS after LSG treated in Ponderas Academic Hospital from 2011 to 2018. The information was retrospectively extracted from a prospectively maintained database. Laparoscopy and/or endoscopy were used to treat the organic or functional SS. The procedure's outcomes (effectiveness and complications) were analyzed. Results: Out of the 4304 patients with LSG 47 (1.1%) patients were identified with SS after LSG. The incidence is depending on the LSG technique. Other 4 patients referred to our center have been added. Surgery was the first choice in 9 cases with only 33.3% success rate. For the 46 patients referred to endoscopy there have been 79 pneumatic dilation with an average of 1.7+- 1.1 per patient. We have encountered 1 perforation but any hemorrhage or death. Follow-up rate was 93.5%. Over all, the success rate of endoscopic dilatations was 90.7%. Conclusion: The incidence of SS is low. Endoscopic pneumatic dilation is a safe and effective procedure and should be the front line choice in the management of SS after LSG.

Factor VIII elevation may contribute to portomesenteric vein thrombosis after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a multicenter review of 40 patients

BackgroundPortomesenteric vein thrombosis (PMVT) has been increasingly reported after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Factor VIII (FVIII) is a plasma sialoglycoprotein that plays an essential role in hemostasis. There is increasing evidence that FVIII elevation constitutes a clinically important risk factor for venous thrombosis. ObjectivesTo report the prevalence of FVIII elevation as well as other clinical characteristics in a multicenter series of patients who developed PMVT after LSG. SettingUniversity hospitals. MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of all patients that developed PMVT after laparoscopic bariatric surgery from 2006 to 2016 at 6 high-volume bariatric surgery centers. ResultsForty patients who developed PMVT postoperatively, all after LSG, were identified. During this timeframe, 25,569 laparoscopic bariatric surgery cases were performed, including 9749 LSG (PMVT incidence after LSG = .4%). Mean age and body mass index were 40 years (18–65) and 43.4 kg/m2 (35–59.7), respectively. Abdominal pain was the most common (98%) presenting symptom. Of patients, 92% had a hematologic abnormality identified, and of these, FVIII elevation was the most common (76%). The vast majority (90%) was successfully managed with therapeutic anticoagulation alone. A smaller number of patients required small bowel resection (n = 2) and surgical thrombectomy (n = 1). There were no mortalities. ConclusionsA high index of clinical suspicion and prompt diagnosis/treatment of PMVT usually leads to favorable outcomes. FVIII elevation was the most common (76%) hematologic abnormality identified in this patient cohort. Further studies are needed to determine the prevalence of FVIII elevation in patients seeking bariatric surgery.

Is Daily Low-Dose Aspirin Safe to Take Following Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Obesity Surgery?

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) surgery is a safe and effective procedure for patients with severe obesity. One potential complication of LRYGB is the development of marginal ulcers (MUs). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to significantly increase the likelihood of developing marginal ulcers after surgery. However, the risk associated with low-dose aspirin consumption is not well defined. We examined the impact of daily low-dose aspirin (81mg) on the development of marginal ulcers following LRYGB. A retrospective cohort design studied patients undergoing LRYGB surgery, between January 2009 and January 2013, at a single, high-volume bariatric center in Ontario, Canada. The marginal ulcer rate of patients taking low-dose aspirin after surgery was compared to that of the control patients who did not take any NSAID. Diagnosis of MU was confirmed by upper endoscopy in patients presenting with symptoms and a history indicative of marginal ulceration. A chi-square test of independence was performed to examine the difference in marginal ulcer rates. A total of 1016 patients underwent LRYGB. Patients taking aspirin were more likely to be male, older, and have diabetes than patients not taking NSAIDs. Of the 1016 patients, 145 (14.3%) took low-dose aspirin following LRYGB and the rest did not (n=871, 85.7%). The incidence of marginal ulceration was not significantly different between the two treatment groups (12/145, 8.3% versus 90/871, 10.3%; p=0.45). Patients treated with LRYGB at our institution were not at increased risk of marginal ulcer formation when taking low-dose aspirin after surgery.

A one-step conversion from gastric banding to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is as safe as a two-step conversion: A comparative analysis of 885 patients

Aims: To achieve additional weight loss or to resolve band-related problems, a laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) can be converted to a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). There is limited data on the feasibility and safety of routinely performing a single-step conversion. We assessed the efficacy of this revisional approach in a large cohort of patients operated in a high-volume bariatric institution.Methods: Between October 2004 and December 2015, a total of 885 patients who underwent LAGB removal with RYGB were identified from a prospectively collected database. In all cases, a single-stage conversion procedure was planned. The feasibility of this approach and peri-operative outcomes of these patients were evaluated and analyzed.Results: A single-step approach was successfully achieved in 738 (83.4%) of the 885 patients. During the study period, there was a significant increase in performing the conversion from LAGB to RYGB single-staged. No mortality or anastomotic leakage was observed in both groups. Only 45 patients (5.1%) had a 30-d complication: most commonly hemorrhage (N = 20/45), with no significant difference between the groups.Conclusion: Converting a LAGB to RYGB can be performed with a very low morbidity and zero-mortality in a high-volume revisional bariatric center. With increasing experience and full standardization of the conversion, the vast majority of operations can be performed as a single-stage procedure. Only a migrated band remains a formal contraindication for a one-step approach.

A population-based analysis of the drivers of short-term costs after bariatric surgery within a publicly funded regionalized center of excellence system

BackgroundThe most significant driver of healthcare utilization for bariatric surgery is the index admission and readmissions within the first 30 days after a procedure. Identifying areas to create efficiencies during this period is essential to decreasing overall healthcare costs. ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to characterize the short-term costs of bariatric surgery within a regionalized center of excellence bariatric care system. SettingThe Ontario Bariatric Network is a regionalized bariatric care system with 4 high-volume Bariatric Centers of Excellence. MethodsWe performed a population-based retrospective analysis including all adult patients who received a bariatric surgical procedure in Ontario from April 2009 until March 2012. Total hospital cost and number of days in hospital was calculated for all index admissions and all readmissions within 30 days of a bariatric surgical procedure. An inverse Gaussian generalized linear model was utilized to model the effect of covariates on costs. A Poisson regression was used to determine the effect on covariates on total days in hospital. ResultsAfter multivariable adjustment, the sleeve gastrectomy procedure decreased costs by $1447 over gastric bypass (95% confidence interval [CI] $1578 to−$1315]); P<.001). This effect increased when adjusting only for preoperative factors with a cost savings of nearly $2000 ($1953) (95% CI−$3250 to−$533; P = .003). Conversely, complications were the major drivers of increased cost as anastomotic leaks added $24,397 (95% CI $20,688−$28,106; P<.001) to healthcare costs. In addition, medical complications, such as respiratory failure/infection ($19,465) (95% CI $11,007−$27,924; P<.001), were also significant cost drivers. ConclusionMajor drivers of increased resource utilization included major surgical and medical complications, such as anastomotic leaks and respiratory failure/infection. Days in hospital were affected more by medical complications than surgical complications. Sleeve gastrectomy resulted in a clear short-term cost advantage over Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and this was likely related to the procedure itself as opposed to differences across procedures in co-morbidity and complication rates.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity in 3003 Patients: Results at a High-Volume Bariatric Center.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is gaining wide acceptance as a single surgical treatment for obesity. The reported morbidity and mortality rates are low. We herein report the results of LSG performed in a high-volume center by an experienced team. Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of all bariatric surgery (BS) was performed between May 2006 and December 2014. Data inspected included operative time, length of hospital stay (LOS), comorbidity resolution, re-operation, percent excess weight loss (%EWL), and 30-day morbidity and mortality. In the study period, 3003 patients underwent BS (1901 (63%) female). Mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 43years (range 14-73) and 42.8kg/m(2) (range 35-73), respectively. %EWL at 1year was 72% (n = 937; 57% follow-up rate). There was 1 perioperative mortality due to bleeding (0.03%). Comorbidity improvement and resolution were 98% for obstructive sleep apnea, 79% for diabetes mellitus, 87% for dyslipidemia, and 85% for hypertension. Mean operative time and LOS were 50min (range 32-94) and 2.2days (range 1-38), respectively. Of the patients, 132 had complications (4.4%), 25 leaks (0.83%), 63 bleeding (2.1%), 1 intra-abdominal abscesses (0.03%), 3 sleeve strictures (0.1%), 2 mesenteric vein thromboses (0.06%), 10 trocar site hernias (0.3%), and 78 symptomatic cholelithiasis (2.6%). Re-operation was needed in 13 patients (0.43%). In a high-volume center with an experienced team, LSG can be performed with low morbidity and mortality.

Learning curve for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: role of training in a high-volume bariatric center.

Since the great diffusion of laparoscopic treatment of obesity, there is a growing interest concerning the learning process for those surgeons who undertake the bariatric activity. However, papers analyzing the learning curve (LC) for sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are still scarce. This study aims to investigate whether the LC for SG of a novice bariatric surgeon might be positively influenced by the training in a high-volume bariatric center (HVBC). Between October 2010 and January 2014, 128 patients underwent SG by the same young surgeon who previously attended a 2-year training in a HVBC. His LC has been divided into three consecutive periods: in the first period (1st-47th SGs) he operated in the HVBC, while in the second (48th-88th SGs) and third period (89th-128th SGs) he moved to a novel department where surgical and ancillary staff were initially not confident with bariatric procedures but progressively owned the proper experience. Preoperative characteristics, operative data, complications and postoperative results of the three periods were compared. Mean follow-up was 1year. Preoperative patients' characteristics were homogeneous. No significant differences have been registered among the three periods concerning operative data, mortality, intra- and post-operative complications, weight loss outcomes and comorbidities' resolution. Post-operative follow-up rates at 6 and 12months were 98.4 and 92.1%, respectively. Long-lasting fellowship in a HVBC might allow the novel bariatric surgeon to safely and proficiently overcome the LC for SG, even in a new established bariatric setting.