Improvement Of Obesity-related Comorbidities Research Articles

COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENT BARIATRIC PROCEDURES ON WEIGHT LOSS AND COMORBIDITIES

Bariatric surgery has revolutionized the treatment of severe obesity, providing not only significant and sustained weight loss but also improvements in obesity-related comorbidities. Objective: The study's main objective is to compare the effectiveness of different bariatric procedures on weight loss and comorbidities. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at MTI Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from 2019 to 2023. Data were collected from 91 patients who wanted weight loss. Participants aged >18 years, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher accompanied by significant obesity-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnea, were included in the study. All included patients underwent one of the four bariatric procedures. Results: The study included 91 patients who underwent various bariatric procedures at MTI Lady Reading Hospital between 2019 and 2023. The mean age of participants was 42.38 ± 2.35 years. The gender distribution comprised 55 females (60%) and 36 males (40%). The patients' mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 45.2 ± 3.01 kg/m². Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) demonstrated the highest effectiveness, with an average %EWL of 78% at three years and the highest resolution rates for type 2 diabetes (95%), hypertension (90%), and obstructive sleep apnea (85%). Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) also showed substantial weight loss and comorbidity resolution, achieving an average %EWL of 68% at three years. Conclusion: It is concluded that bariatric surgery is a highly effective intervention for achieving significant weight loss and resolving obesity-related comorbidities. Among the procedures studied, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) demonstrated the highest effectiveness, with substantial weight loss and resolution rates for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Impact of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery on Apo B100 Levels in Individuals with high BMI: A Multi-Centric Prospective Cohort Study.

Metabolic and Bariatric surgery (MBS) leads to significant weight loss and improvements in obesity-related comorbidities. However, the impact of MBS on Apolipoprotein B100 (Apo-B100) regulation is unclear. Apo-B100 is essential for the assembly and secretion of serum lipoprotein particles. Elevated levels of these factors can accelerate the development of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels. This study aimed to evaluate changes in Apo-B100 levels following MBS. 121 participants from the Iranian National Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Database (INOSD) underwent Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) (n = 43), One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) (n = 70) or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) (n = 8). Serum Apo-B100, lipid profiles, liver enzymes, and fasting glucose were measured preoperatively and six months postoperatively. Apo-B100 levels significantly decreased from 94.63 ± 14.35 mg/dL preoperatively to 62.97 ± 19.97 mg/dL after six months (p < 0.01), alongside reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, AST, and ALT (p < 0.05). Greater Apo-B100 reductions occurred in non-diabetics versus people with diabetes (p = 0.012) and strongly correlated with baseline Apo-B100 (r = 0.455, p < 0.01) and LDL levels (r = 0.413, p < 0.01). However, surgery type did not impact Apo-B100 changes in multivariate analysis (p > 0.05). Bariatric surgery leads to a significant reduction in Apo-B100 levels and improvements in lipid profiles and liver enzymes, indicating a positive impact on dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk in individuals with high BMI.

Current Management and Treatment Paradigms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease following Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Obesity is associated with serious comorbidities and economic implications. Bariatric surgery, most commonly Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, are effective options for weight loss and the improvement of obesity-related comorbidities. With the growing obesity epidemic, there has been a concomitant rise in bariatric surgeries, particularly in sleeve gastrectomy, which has been the most widely performed bariatric surgery since 2013. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is highly prevalent in obese individuals, can significantly impact quality of life and may lead to serious complications. Obesity and GERD both improve with weight loss. However, as the incidence of sleeve gastrectomy rises, recent data have revealed a risk of exacerbation of pre-existing GERD or the development of de novo GERD following sleeve gastrectomy. We performed a detailed review of GERD post-sleeve gastrectomy, including its overall incidence, pathophysiology and current treatment paradigms.

A46 METABOLIC OUTCOMES 12-MONTHS POST-BARIATRIC SURGERY: SLEEVE VERSUS ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS

Abstract Background Obesity and its related comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are on the rise. When lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, are ineffective at producing sustained weight loss and improvements in obesity-related comorbidities, other interventions may be recommended. Bariatric surgery is considered in those who have a body mass index (BMI) over 40 kg/m2 or with comorbid conditions and a BMI between 35-40 kg/m2. Two commonly used procedures within this category of surgery are Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), the gold standard for weight loss; and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Though both surgeries are effective at inducing weight loss, more information is needed on their comparative effectiveness in improving clinical and biochemical outcomes in patients with T2D, hyperlipidemia, and NAFLD in real-world practice. Aims Therefore, our objective was to determine the overall effectiveness of RYGB versus LSG at 12-months post-surgery and specifically assess their responses in those with hyperlipidemia, T2D and NAFLD. We chose to analyze both glucose and lipid parameters along with anthropometric measures as they not only provide insight into improvements in comorbid outcomes of obesity but also little-to-no prospective studies compare all of these outcomes in one study using the same cohort. Methods This is a prospective cross-sectional and cohort study of 142 patients who underwent bariatric surgery. Clinical and biochemical data were collected at baseline, prior to surgery and 12-months post-bariatric surgery. A liver biopsy was collected during surgery to diagnose NAFLD. The main outcome was 12-month changes in lipid parameters, mainly total cholesterol, between types of surgery. Results 107 individuals underwent RYGB (75.4%) and 35 underwent LSG (24.6%). Both groups were similar at baseline except for the higher waist circumference and proportion of males undergoing LSG. At 12-months post-surgery, RYGB versus LSG resulted in a significantly lower BMI (pampersand:003C0.0001), triglycerides (pampersand:003C0.05), total and LDL cholesterol (pampersand:003C0.005). Interestingly, ALT was significantly lower in those who underwent LSG (pampersand:003C0.005). In subgroup analysis for determining the effect of the type of surgery in those with comorbidities of obesity, RYGB was superior at improving lipid-related parameters in those with hyperlipidemia with a significant decrease in total cholesterol -0.48 (-0.84, 0.34) (pampersand:003C0.05) whereas LSG was superior at reducing ALT in those with NAFLD with significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL. Conclusions RYGB leads to greater reductions in BMI and lipid parameters, especially in those with hyperlipidemia, whereas LSG showed greater improvements in liver enzymes in those with NAFLD. Funding Agencies CIHR

Laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in redosurgery after failed vertical banded gastroplasty with long gastric pouch

Background Up to 50% of patients who undergo vertical band gastroplasty (VBG) experienced weight regain or complications, like band erosion or slippage, within 5–10 years of the procedure, the aim of the study to evaluate laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass as a redosurgery after failed VBG. Patients and methods We analyzed the data of 102 patients (38 males and 64 females) underwent revisional surgery after failed VBGs from July 2021 to August 2022, with mean age 45.92 years, follow up for 1 year in Ain Shams University Hospitals. Results The mean hospital stay was 1.8 days (1–4 days), 2.9 days (2–7 days) in Redo laparoscopic mini gastric bypass (R-LMNGB) and Redo laparoscopic roux en Y gastric bypass (R-LRYGB) respectively. Postoperative BMI after 1 year 31.16±27.83 and 31.94±3.69 in R-LMNGB and R-LRYGB, respectively, %EWL show significant difference between two groups after 3 months and 1 year. Postoperative complications rates were 3.92% in R-LRYGB. Conclusions R-LMNGB after failed VBG has almost the same results of R-LRYGB as regard weight loss, improvement of obesity-related comorbidities with less operative time, hospital stay, less anastomosis, and complications.

The effect of bariatric surgery on opioid consumption in patients with obesity: a registry-based cohort study.

Misuse of opioid medication has become a major health crisis in several countries. A significant number of patients with obesity use opioid medications, mostly to alleviate symptoms due to obesity-related co-morbidities. To compare patterns of opioid drug usage before and after bariatric surgery in this population, hypothesizing that weight loss and improvement of obesity-related co-morbidities could reduce opioid consumption. The Ontario Bariatric Registry (Ontario, Canada). In this retrospective cohort study, the Ontario Bariatric Registry was used to compare opioid consumption in adult patients undergoing bariatric surgery between 2010 and 2021. The primary outcome was the number of patients using opioid medication at 1 year after surgery. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential predictors of opioid consumption. Data of 11,179 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 45.7 ± 10.2 years, mean baseline body mass index was 48.9 ± 8 kg/m2, and 83.6% of patients were female. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was performed in the majority of patients (85.6%), followed by sleeve gastrectomy (14.2%). At baseline, opioids were used by 7.7% and nonopioid pain medications by 42.3% of patients. At 1 year after surgery, these numbers significantly decreased (Δ-1.9% and Δ-18.0%, respectively). The decrease in the consumption of nonopioid pain medication needs to be interpreted in the context of the contraindication to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, which was the most commonly performed procedure. Presence of musculoskeletal pain and use of nonopioid pain medication at baseline were identified as independent predictors of opioid consumption at 1 year after surgery. At 1 year after bariatric surgery, a significant decrease in opioid and nonopioid pain medication consumption was seen among patients with obesity. Aggressive management of excess weight, especially with bariatric surgery, can potentially reduce the impact of the opioid crisis in this population.

Strategies to reduce the onset of sleeve gastrectomy associated bone loss (STRONG BONES): Trial design and methods

BackgroundDespite recognized improvements in obesity-related comorbidities, mounting evidence implicates surgical weight loss in the onset of skeletal fragility. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure and is associated with 3–7% axial bone loss in the year following surgery. Bisphosphonates are FDA-approved medications for the prevention and treatment of age-related bone loss and may represent a strategy to reduce bone loss following SG surgery. MethodsThe Strategies to Reduce the Onset of Sleeve Gastrectomy Associated Bone Loss (STRONG BONES) trial (NCT04922333) is designed to definitively test whether monthly administration of the bisphosphonate, risedronate, for six months can effectively counter SG-associated bone loss. Approximately 120 middle-aged and older (≥40 years) SG patients will be randomized to six months of risedronate or placebo treatment, with skeletal outcomes assessed at baseline, six, and 12-months post-surgery. The primary outcome of the trial is 12-month change in total hip areal bone mineral density (aBMD), measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This will be complemented by DXA-acquired aBMD assessment at other skeletal sites and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) derived changes in bone quality. Change in muscle mass and function will also be assessed, as well as biomarkers of bone health, turnover, and crosstalk, providing mechanistic insight into intervention-related changes to the bone-muscle unit. DiscussionResults from the STRONG BONES trial have the potential to influence current clinical practice by determining the ability of bisphosphonate use to mitigate bone loss and concomitant fracture risk in middle-aged and older SG patients.

The impact of bariatric surgery on colorectal cancer risk.

Obesity is considered a risk factor for different types of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Bariatric surgery has been associated with improvements in obesity-related co-morbidities and reductions in overall cancer risk. However, given the contradictory outcomes of several cohort studies, the impact of bariatric surgery on CRC risk appears controversial. Furthermore, measurement of CRC biomarkers following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has revealed hyperproliferation and increased pro-inflammatory gene expression in the rectal mucosa. The proposed mechanisms leading to increased CRC risk are alterations of the gut microbiota and exposure of the colorectum to high concentrations of bile acids, both of which are caused by RYGB-induced anatomical rearrangements. Studies in animals and humans have highlighted the similarities between RYGB-induced microbial profiles and the gut microbiota documented in CRC. Microbial alterations common to post-RYGB cases and CRC include the enrichment of pro-inflammatory microbes and reduction in butyrate-producing bacteria. Lower concentrations of butyrate following RYGB may also contribute to an increased risk of CRC, given the anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties of this molecule. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy appears to have a more moderate impact than RYGB; however, relatively few animal and human studies have investigated its effects on CRC risk. Moreover, evidence regarding the impact of anastomosis gastric bypass on one is even more limited. Therefore, further studies are required to establish whether the potential increase in CRC risk is restricted to RYGB or may also be associated with other bariatric procedures.

Transoral Outlet Reduction (TORe) for the Treatment of Weight Regain and Dumping Syndrome after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Obesity is a chronic relapsing disease of global pandemic proportions. In this context, an increasing number of patients are undergoing bariatric surgery, which is considered the most effective weight loss treatment for long-term improvement in obesity-related comorbidities. One of the most popular bariatric surgeries is the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Despite its proven short- and long-term efficacy, progressive weight regain and dumping symptoms remain a challenge. Revisional bariatric surgery is indicated when dietary and lifestyle modification, pharmaceutical agents and/or psychological therapy fail to arrest weight regain or control dumping. However, these re-interventions present greater technical difficulty and are accompanied by an increased risk of peri- and postoperative complications with substantial morbidity and mortality. The endoscopic approach to gastrojejunal anastomotic revision, transoral outlet reduction (TORe), is used as a minimally invasive treatment that aims to reduce the diameter of the gastrojejunal anastomosis, delaying gastric emptying and increasing satiety. With substantial published data supporting its use, TORe is an effective and safe bariatric endoscopic technique for addressing weight regain and dumping syndrome after RYGB.

Current status and treatment of obesity in Korea

Background: Over the last decade, the male obesity rate in Korea has surged from 36.3% in 2012 to 46.3% in 2021. The proportion of overweight and obese students among elementary, middle, and high school students increased from 22.9% in 2016 to 30.8% in 2021.Current Concepts: Various methods, such as body mass index, waist circumference measurement, and impedance body fat analysis, are used to diagnose obesity. Obesity treatment is needed to establish an individualized treatment plan based on the cause of obesity, and behavioral changes should be induced through dietary therapy and exercise. Drug therapy should be considered in patients who could not lose weight despite non-pharmacological therapies for over 3 months and have one or more cardiovascular risk factors. Behavioral therapy is the core of obesity treatment because of its application as a programmed treatment for weight control and an approach to changing behaviors related to food intake and physical activity. If non-drug treatment does not lead to weight loss, drug therapy should be considered. Along with drug treatment, dietary therapy, exercise, and behavioral therapy are essential. In severely obese patients, surgical intervention can be considered for weight loss, the maintenance of reduced weight, and improvement of obesity-related comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes.Discussion and Conclusion: To successfully treat obesity, a combination of dietary plans, exercise programs, and drug therapy are required according to an accurate assessment of the cause and degree of obesity.

Clinical Insight on Semaglutide for Chronic Weight Management in Adults: Patient Selection and Special Considerations.

Losses of 5-10% or more of initial body weight are associated with improvements in obesity-related comorbidities. However, attaining and sustaining this level of weight loss is challenging. The novel anti-obesity medication semaglutide 2.4 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity helps patients achieve average losses of 9.6-17.4% of initial body weight at week 68, as well as improvements in cardiometabolic and psychosocial indices. Despite these average benefits, prescribers should carefully assess the suitability of patients for this medication. In this paper, we discuss considerations for the selection of individuals who are candidates for semaglutide and special considerations related to the use of this medication. These include its efficacy and safety, as well as its contraindications, potential adverse effects, management of comorbidities and drug interactions, insurance coverage and cost, and patient preferences.

Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery Before, During, and After Solid Organ Transplantation.

Bariatric surgery (BS) may help transplant patients by improving their comorbidities and graft function and reducing the recurrence of the disease that led to the transplant. Different timings for BS have been proposed. This study aims to describe the outcomes of BS before, during, and after solid organ transplantation. We identified patients with history of solid organ transplantation that underwent BS between January 1, 2012, and April 31, 2022, at our hospital site. We analyzed patients' demographics, obesity-related comorbidities, and transplant history. Measured outcomes included post-operative morbidity; readmission; comorbidity management; weight loss at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up; and survival. Seventy-eight patients were included in our analysis, with a median age of 57 (28-75) years and a median BMI of 40.91 (28.9-61) kg/m2. The most transplanted organ was the liver (53.6%), followed by the kidney (31.9%). Ten patients underwent BS before the transplant, 11 had simultaneous BS and liver transplant, and 57 underwent BS after the transplant. The median operative time, ICU requirement, length of hospital stay, and early post-operative complications were significantly higher in the simultaneous group. The median EBWL% at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up was 47.51%, 57.89%, and 64.22%, respectively, with no significant difference between the three groups. Thirty-four (44.3%) and 40 (50.8%) patients reduced their HTN and DM medication dosage, respectively. One- and five-year survival rates were 98.2% and 87.4%. BS before, during, or after solid organ transplant is safe, leads to a significant weight loss and improvement of obesity-related comorbidities, and improves patient's survival.

Bacteria with potential: Improving outcomes through probiotic use following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Obesity impairs the gastrointestinal microbiome (GM) and may promote micronutrient deficiencies. Bariatric surgery (BS), the most efficacious treatment for severe obesity, produces sustained weight loss and improvements in obesity-related comorbidities, but might not fully restore microbial balance. Moreover, BS may result in deleterious consequences that affect weight loss and further intensify post-operative micronutrient deficiencies. To date, the use of probiotics appears to be associated with greater weight loss in bariatric patients, improved vitamin synthesis and availability, and decreased instances of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Thus, manipulation of the GM through probiotics represents a promising therapeutic approach in bariatric patients. This review aims to highlight the benefits of using probiotics in bariatric surgical patients by addressing the impact of probiotics on the GM, how BS impacts the microbial environment, associations between gastrointestinal dysbiosis and negative health outcomes, how BS contributes to dysbiosis, and how probiotics may prove efficacious in treating patients who undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Based on currently available data, the role of microbial manipulation post-RYGB through probiotics has shown great potential, but a further clinical investigation is warranted to better understand their efficacy.

Long-Term Trajectories in Weight and Health Outcomes Following Multidisciplinary Publicly Funded Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Clinically Severe Obesity (≥ 3 Associated Comorbidities): A Nine-Year Prospective Cohort Study in Australia.

Background: Real-world data on long-term (> 5 years) weight loss and obesity-related complications after newer bariatric surgical procedures are currently limited. The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine the effectiveness and sustainability of bariatric surgery in a cohort with clinically severe obesity in a multidisciplinary publicly funded service in two teaching hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Methods: Patients were adults with complex clinically severe obesity with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 and at least three significant obesity-related comorbidities, who underwent bariatric surgeries between 2009 and 2017. Detailed obesity-related health outcomes were reported from annual clinical data and assessments for up to 9 years of follow-up. Data were also linked with the national joint replacement registry. Results: A total of 65 eligible patients were included (mean, 7; range, 3–12 significant obesity-related comorbidities); 53.8% female; age 54.2 ± 11.2 years, with baseline BMI 52.2 ± 12.5 kg/m2 and weight 149.2 ± 45.5 kg. Most underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (80.0%), followed by laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (10.8%) and one anastomosis gastric bypass (9.2%). Substantial weight loss was maintained over 9 years of follow-up (p < 0.001 versus baseline). Significant total weight loss (%TWL ± SE) was observed (13.2 ± 2.3%) following an initial 1-year preoperative intensive lifestyle intervention, and ranged from 26.5 ± 2.3% to 33.0 ± 2.0% between 1 and 8 years following surgery. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), osteoarthritis-related joint pain and depression/severe anxiety were the most common metabolic, mechanical and mental health comorbidities, with a baseline prevalence of 81.5%, 75.4% and 55.4%, respectively. Clinically significant composite cumulative rates of remission and improvement occurred in T2DM (50.0–82.0%) and hypertension (73.7–82.9%) across 6 years. Dependence on continuous positive airway pressure treatment in patients with sleep-disordered breathing fell significantly from 63.1% to 41.2% in 6 years. Conclusion: Bariatric surgery using an intensive multidisciplinary approach led to significant long-term weight loss and improvement in obesity-related comorbidities among the population with clinically complex obesity. These findings have important implications in clinical care for the management of the highest severity of obesity and its medical consequences. Major challenges associated with successful outcomes of bariatric surgery in highly complex patients include improving mental health in the long run and reducing postoperative opioid use. Long-term follow-up with a higher volume of patients is needed in publicly funded bariatric surgery services to better monitor patient outcomes, enhance clinical data comparison between services, and improve multidisciplinary care delivery.

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

IntroductionNonalcoholic 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. MethodsFifty-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. ResultsSignificant (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. ConclusionSilymarin 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.

AB107. SOH22ABS162. Antidepressant use among patients presenting for bariatric surgery

Background: Bariatric surgery is effective for sustained weight loss (WL) and improvement in obesity related co-morbidities. Depression is the most common psychiatric illness amongst patients referred for bariatric surgery. Evidence suggests that some commonly prescribed antidepressants may be associated with weight gain. The aim of this study was to examine the type and class of antidepressant medication prescribed pre-operatively among patients undergoing bariatric surgery between 2018–2021 within St. Vincent’s Hospital group and investigate whether antidepressants had an impact on total WL following surgery.

Bariatric Surgery and Risk of Urolithiasis: A Review

Obesity is a global epidemic for which dietary and lifestyle modifications alone are ineffective treatment strategies. Subsequently, more patients are opting for bariatric surgery, which has better success rates in weight loss and improvement of obesity-related comorbidities. These procedures involve anatomic alterations of the gastrointestinal tract resulting in either restriction of intake or malabsorption of nutrients. While obesity itself is an independent risk factor for urolithiasis, bariatric surgery may also adversely affect stone risk. Restrictive procedures appear to have the lowest risk, whereas malabsorptive procedures are associated with the highest risks of stone formation. Stone prevention strategies including dietary manipulation are critical in the management of the patients who have had bariatric surgery.

Early Changes in Immune Cell Count, Metabolism, and Function Following Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Prospective Human Study.

To characterize longitudinal changes in blood biomarkers, leukocyte composition, and gene expression following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). LSG is an effective treatment for obesity, leading to sustainable weight loss and improvements in obesity-related comorbidities and inflammatory profiles. However, the effects of LSG on immune function and metabolism remain uncertain. Prospective data were collected from 23 enrolled human subjects from a single institution. Parameters of weight, comorbidities, and trends in blood biomarkers and leukocyte subsets were observed from preoperative baseline to 1 year postsurgery in 3-month follow-up intervals. RNA sequencing was performed on pairs of whole blood samples from the first 6 subjects of the study (baseline and 3 months postsurgery) to identify genome-wide gene expression changes associated with undergoing LSG. LSG led to a significant decrease in mean total body weight loss (18.1%) at 3 months and among diabetic subjects a reduction in hemoglobin A1c. Improvements in clinical inflammatory and hormonal biomarkers were demonstrated as early as 3 months after LSG. A reduction in neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was observed, driven by a reduction in absolute neutrophil counts. Gene set enrichment analyses of differential whole blood gene expression demonstrated that after 3 months LSG induced transcriptomic changes not only in inflammatory cytokine pathways but also in several key metabolic pathways related to energy metabolism. LSG induces significant changes in the composition and metabolism of immune cells as early as 3 months postoperatively. Further evaluation is required of bariatric surgery's effects on immunometabolism and the consequences for host defense and metabolic disease.

Robot-assisted revisional bariatric surgery

: As more bariatric procedures are performed every year in the United States, the number of revisions has increased concomitantly. Most commonly indicated due to weight regain or insufficient weight loss, these operations are usually more challenging and tend to be associated with higher morbidity rates than primary surgery. Although technically demanding, revisional surgery offers additional weight management and improvement of obesity-related comorbidities. Enhanced visualization, improved range of motion and ergonomics, multi quadrant access, and motion scaling are all features that make robotic platforms potentially promising for complex operations such as revisional bariatric surgery. A robotic approach also reduces mechanical strain from thick abdominal walls and allows for easier hand-sewn anastomoses when the field of vision is limited. Benefits need to be contrasted by the known limitations of longer operative times (OTs), including docking, lack of haptic feedback, equipment costs, and the training needed to acquire expertise. So far, most studies do not show significant differences in outcomes between robot-assisted and laparoscopic approaches. Further advancement in the field and widespread use could likely bring costs down and improve patient outcomes when chosen judiciously. Overall, robot-assisted revisional bariatric surgery appears to be a safe and feasible alternative to laparoscopic revisional bariatric surgery (LRBS) for complex patients.

Impact of Age on Obesity-related Comorbidity After Gastric Bypass: A Cohort Study From the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg).

To evaluate the resolution of obesity-related comorbidities after gastric bypass in relation to age. Previous studies have shown that age >60 years is associated with a significant, but small, increased risk of complications after gastric bypass. The effect in terms of improvement of obesity-related comorbidities in this group of patients is not studied. Data on 57,215 patients operated with primary gastric bypass between May 2007 and December 2018 was extracted from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for resolution of comorbidities in 5-years age groups at 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively was calculated by logistic regression with the entire cohort of patients as reference. Resolution was defined as no longer in need for pharmacological (or continuous positive airway pressure) treatment. Follow-up rates in all eligible patients were 89%, 69%, and 59% at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively, and 64% in patients >60 years at 5 years. At baseline, the prevalence of most comorbidities was higher in patients above 60 years. In this group of patients, the preoperative prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was reduced at 5years by 45%, 10%, 24%, and 62%, respectively. Compared to all patients, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for resolution of these comorbidities in patients above 60 years at five years were 0.70 (0.57-0.86) 0.45 (0.37-0.53), 0.80 (0.63-1.01), and 0.54 (0.40-0.72). Although to somewhat lower rates compared to younger patients, marked and sustained improvements in obesity-related comorbidities are seen after gastric bypass in patients >60 years. This, together with the finding that bariatric surgery is safe in this group of patients, suggests that age should not be considered an exclusion criterion by itself.