Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery Research Articles

Lung Volume and Ventilation Distribution After Bariatric Surgery-High-Flow Nasal Cannula Versus CPAP.

Patients with obesity are at increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. CPAP has been used successfully to prevent and treat acute respiratory failure, but in many clinical scenarios, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy is emerging as a possible alternative. We aimed to compare HFNC and CPAP in a sequential study measuring their effects on gas exchange, lung volumes, and gas distribution within the lungs measured through electrical impedance tomography (EIT). We enrolled 15 subjects undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Postoperatively they underwent the following oxygen therapy protocol (10 min/step): baseline air-entrainment mask, HFNC at increasing (40, 60, 80, and 100 L/min) and decreasing flows (80, 60, and 40 L/min), washout air-entrainment mask and CPAP (10 cm H2O). Primary outcome was the change in end-expiratory lung impedance (ΔEELI) measured by EIT data processing. Secondary outcomes were changes of global inhomogeneity (GI) index and tidal impedance variation (TIV) measured by EIT, arterial oxygenation, carbon dioxide content, pH, respiratory frequency, and subject's comfort. Thirteen subjects completed the study. Compared to baseline, ΔEELI was higher during 10 cm H2O CPAP (P = .001) and HFNC 100 L/min (P = .02), as well as during decreasing flows HFNC 80, 60, and 40 L/min (P = .008, .004, and .02, respectively). GI index was lower during HFNC 100 compared to HFNC 60increasing (P = .044), HFNC 60decreasing (P = .02) HFNC 40decreasing (P = .01), and during 10 cm H2O CPAP compared to washout period (P = .01) and HFNC 40decreasing (P = .03). TIV was higher during 10 cm H2O CPAP compared to baseline (P = .008). Compared to baseline, breathing frequency was lower at HFNC 60increasing, HFNC 100, and HFNC 80decreasing (P = .01, .02, and .03, respectively). No differences were detected regarding arterial oxygenation, carbon dioxide content, pH, and subject's comfort. HFNC at a flow of 100 L/min induced postoperative pulmonary recruitment in bariatric subjects, with no significant differences compared to 10 cm H2O CPAP in terms of lung recruitment and ventilation distribution.

Factors contributing to weight loss success after bariatric procedures in patient over 65 years old - a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Although bariatric surgery in patients over 65 years of age gives comparable results to treatment in the younger population, there are still controversies regarding the indications for surgery, risk assessment and choice between different types of surgery. The study aimed to identify the factors contributing to weight loss success after bariatric surgery in patients over 65 years of age. This is a retrospective, multicenter cohort study of patients with obesity aged over 65 years undergoing primary laparoscopic bariatric surgery in the years 2008-2022. Data came from 11 bariatric centers. Patients were divided into two groups: responders (R) who achieved more than 50% EWL and non-responders (NR) who achieved less than 50% EWL. Both groups were compared. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of weight loss success. Out of 274 analyzed patients, the average BMI before surgery was 42.9kg/m2. The most common obesity-related diseases were hypertension (85.1%) and type 2 diabetes (53.3%). Sleeve gastrectomy was the most frequently performed procedure (85.4%). Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed preoperative BMI (OR=0.9, 95%CI:0.82-0.98, P=0.02), duration of diabetes >10 years (OR=0.3, 95%CI:0.09-0.82, P=0.02), balloon placement (OR=10.6, 95%CI: 1.33-84.83, P=0.03), time since first visit (OR=0.9, 95%CI:0.84-0.99, P=0.04), preoperative weight loss (OR=0.9, 95%CI:0.86-0.98, P=0.01) and OAGB (OR=15.7, 95%CI:1.71-143.99, P=0.02) to have a significant impact on weight loss success 1 year after bariatric surgery. Patients with higher preoperative weight loss may have a poorer response to surgery. OAGB emerged as the most beneficial type of surgery in terms of weight loss. Intragastric balloon placement before surgery may be effective in patients above 65 years of age and may be considered as a two-stage approach.

Patients’ perioperative experiences of an opioid-free versus opioid-based care pathway for laparoscopic bariatric surgery: A qualitative study

BackgroundDespite recent evidence supporting the adoption of opioid-free anaesthetic and analgesic alternatives in the perioperative context, opioid-based regimens remain standard of care. There is limited knowledge about the patients’ perioperative experiences of bariatric surgery, with no study yet investigating their experiences within an opioid-free care pathway. ObjectiveWe aimed to describe similarities and differences in patients’ perioperative experiences of undergoing bariatric surgery with either an opioid-free or opioid-based care pathway. DesignA qualitative interview study SettingA strategic sample of patients enrolled in an ongoing randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of opioid-free anaesthesia for bariatric surgery were recruited. In the randomized controlled trial, participants were randomized to either opioid-based anaesthesia or opioid-free anaesthesia, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation as primary postoperative pain management. ParticipantsTwenty patients were interviewed 3 months after surgery: 10 participants in the opioid-free group versus 10 in the opioid-based group. MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted between December 2020 and February 2022 and analysed with qualitative content analysis. ResultsThe analysis yielded four categories and 12 subcategories. In Category 1, participants shared diverse emotions before surgery, including anticipation of a healthier life, but also apprehensions and feelings of failure. In Category 2, describing liminality of general anaesthesia, there were similar descriptions of struggling to remember the anaesthesia induction and struggling to surface when recovering from anaesthesia. However, some participants in the opioid-free group shared descriptions of struggling to keep control, describing accentuated memories of the anaesthesia induction. Category 3, managing your pain, showed similar experiences and strategies but different narrations of pain management, with the opioid-free group stating that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation works but not when it really hurts, and the opioid-based group describing confidence in but awareness of opioids. Throughout the overall perioperative time period, participants acknowledged Category 4, a patient-professional presence, stating that preparations boost the feeling of confidence before surgery and that they felt confidence in a vulnerable situation although vulnerability challenges communication. ConclusionsWe highlighted the overall similarities in perioperative experiences of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. However, the differences in experiences during opioid-free anaesthesia induction need to be addressed in further implementation and research studies investigating strategies to reduce the sense of loss of control. More research is needed to facilitate the implementation of opioid-free treatment strategies into clinical practice and improve the patient care experience.

Obesity Surgery Mortality Risk Score as a Predictor for Intensive Care Unit Admission in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery.

Background: Laparoscopic bariatric surgery provides many benefits including lower postoperative pain scores, reduced opioid consumption, shorter hospital stays, and improved quality of recovery. However, the anaesthetic management of obese patients requires caution in determining postoperative risk and in planning adequate postoperative pathways. Currently, there are no specific indications for intensive care unit (ICU) admission in this surgical population and most decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. The aim of this study is to investigate whether Obesity Surgery Mortality Risk Score (OS-MRS) is able to predict ICU admission in patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery (LBS). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of patients who underwent LBS during a 2-year period (2017-2019). The collected data included demographics, comorbidities and surgery-related variables. Postoperative ICU admission was decided via bariatric anaesthesiologists' evaluations, based on the high risk of postoperative cardiac or respiratory complications. Anaesthesia protocol was standardized. Logistic regression was used for statistical analysis. Results: ICU admission was required in 2% (n = 15) of the 763 patients. The intermediate risk group of the OS-MRS was detected in 84% of patients, while the American Society of Anaesthesiologists class III was reported in 80% of patients. A greater OS-MRS (p = 0.01), advanced age (p = 0.04), male gender (p = 0.001), longer duration of surgery (p = 0.0001), increased number of patient comorbidities (p = 0.002), and previous abdominal surgeries (p = 0.003) were predictive factors for ICU admission. Conclusions: ICU admission in obese patients undergoing LBS is predicted by OS-MRS together with age, male gender, number of comorbidities, previous abdominal surgeries, and duration of surgery.

Efficiency of CONTRAfluran™ in reducing sevoflurane pollution from maintenance anaesthesia in minimal flow end-tidal control mode for laparoscopic surgery.

Recommendations exist that aim to mitigate the substantial ecological impact of anaesthesia. One option is to use anaesthetic gas capturing technology at anaesthesia workstation exhausts to harvest and recycle volatile agents. However, the efficiency of such technology is mainly unverified in vivo. The efficiency of CONTRAfluran™ in capturing sevoflurane from an anaesthesia workstation exhaust (when set to minimal flow and end-tidal control mode) was evaluated in 70 adult patients scheduled for general or bariatric laparoscopic surgery. The weight of the sevoflurane vaporiser and CONTRAfluran canister was measured before and after each case, to calculate total sevoflurane consumption and retention. Retention was measured after the minimal flow maintenance phase and after the high flow washout phase. The total retention efficiency was the fraction of all consumed sevoflurane captured by the CONTRAfluran canister. The primary objective was to examine the retention efficiency of CONTRAfluran in a clinical surgical setting, where all feasible strategies to minimise sevoflurane consumption and optimise the efficacy of CONTRAfluran were utilised. The secondary objective was to analyse the correlation between mass transfer and the duration of the case. Mean (SD) volume of sevoflurane captured using CONTRAfluran was 4.82 (1.41) ml, representing 45% (95%CI 42-48%) of all sevoflurane administered. The highest amount of retention was found during the washout phase. Retention efficiency did not correlate with the duration of the case. Over half of the sevoflurane administered was not captured by the CONTRAfluran canister when minimal flow techniques were used, likely due to residual accumulation of sevoflurane in the patient after tracheal extubation or, to a lesser extent, due to ventilation system leakage. However, as every prevented emission is commendable, CONTRAfluran may be a potentially valuable tool for reducing the environmental footprint of sevoflurane-based anaesthesia.

The Effect of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on Hemodynamics and Regional Cerebral Oxygen Saturation in Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery with Mild Hypercapnia in the Steep Reverse Trendelenburg Position.

Obesity negatively affects hemodynamics and cerebral physiology. We investigated the effect of the utilization of an intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) device on hemodynamics and cerebral physiology in patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery under general anesthesia with lung-protective ventilation. Sixty-four patients (body mass index > 30 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to groups that received an IPC device (IPC group, n = 32) and did not (control group, n = 32). The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), need for vasopressors, cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2), and cerebral desaturation events were recorded. The incidence of intraoperative hypotension was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.153). Changes in MAP and HR over time were similar between groups (p = 0.196 and p = 0.705, respectively). The incidence of intraoperative cerebral desaturation was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.488). Changes in rSO2 over time were similar between the two groups (p = 0.190) during pneumoperitoneum. Applying IPC to patients with obesity in the steep reverse Trendelenburg position may not improve hemodynamic parameters, vasopressor requirements, or rSO2 values during pneumoperitoneum under lung-protective ventilation. During laparoscopic bariatric surgery, IPC alone has limitations in improving hemodynamics and cerebral physiology.

Laparoscopic assisted versus ultrasound guided transversus abdominis plane block in laparoscopic bariatric surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundTransversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) guided by laparoscopy and ultrasound showed promise in enhancing the multimodal analgesic approach following several abdominal procedures. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety between Laparoscopic (LAP) TAP block (LTAP) and ultrasound-guided TAP block (UTAP) block in patients undergoing LAP bariatric surgery.Patients and methodsThis non-inferiority randomized controlled single-blind study was conducted on 120 patients with obesity scheduled for LAP bariatric surgeries. Patients were allocated into two equal groups: LTAP and UTAP, administered with 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine on each side.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in the total morphine consumption, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score at all times of measurements, and time to the first rescue analgesia (p > .05) between both groups. The duration of anesthesia and duration of block performance were significantly shorter in the LTAP group than in the UTAP group (p < .001). Both groups had comparable post-operative heart rate, mean arterial pressure, adverse effects, and patient satisfaction.ConclusionsIn LAP bariatric surgery, the analgesic effect of LTAP is non-inferior to UTAP, as evidenced by comparable time to first rescue analgesia and total morphine consumption with similar safety blocking through the low incidence of post-operative complications and patient satisfaction.Trial registrationThe study was registered in Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR) (ID: PACTR202206871825386) on June 29, 2022.

Opioid-Sparing Anesthesia Versus Opioid-Free Anesthesia for the Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Patients who undergo laparoscopic bariatric surgery (LBS) are susceptible to postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) or opioid-sparing anesthesia (OSA) protocols have been proposed as solutions; however, differences between the 2 alternative opioid protocols for anesthesia maintenance in obese patients remain uncertain. A network meta-analysis was conducted to compare the impacts of OFA and OSA on PONV. Systematic searches were conducted using Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing OFA and OSA strategies. After screening according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to assess the credibility of the evidence. The main concern of this review was the difference between OFA and OSA in reducing PONV. The primary outcome was any PONV occurrence within 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain intensity, opioid consumption, opioid-related adverse events, and length of hospital stay. Fifteen RCTs involving 1310 patients were identified for a network meta-analysis from 1776 articles that compared OFA, OSA, and traditional opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) strategies in LBS. Twelve RCTs (80%) with 922 participants (70%) were eligible for the occurrence of PONV. These included 199 (22%) patients who received OFA and 476 (52%) and 247 (27%) patients who received OSA and OBA, respectively. OFA was more effective at reducing PONV (relative risks [RR], 0.6, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5-0.9, moderate-quality evidence) compared to OSA. No differences were observed in postoperative pain control or opioid consumption between the OFA and OSA strategies (very low-to high-quality evidence). Notably, OFA is associated with a higher risk of bradycardia than OSA (RR, 2.6, 95% CI, 1.2-5.9, moderate-quality evidence). OFA is more effective than OSA in reducing the occurrence of PONV during the early postoperative period of LBS, although it may associate with an increased risk of bradycardia. Patients who received either opioid-alternative strategy demonstrated similar effects in reducing postoperative opioid consumption and alleviating pain intensity.

Cohort study on incidence of new-onset type 2 diabetes in patients after bariatric surgery and matched controls.

Metabolic bariatric surgery the reduces risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes in individuals with obesity, but it is unclear whether the benefit varies by sex, age, or socioeconomic status. The aim was to assess the risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes after metabolic bariatric surgery in these subgroups. The Finnish Public Sector study, a follow-up study with matched controls nested in a large employee cohort, included patients without type 2 diabetes and with a diagnosis of obesity or self-reported BMI of at least 35 kg/m2. For each patient who had laparoscopic metabolic bariatric surgery (2008-2016), two propensity-score matched controls were selected. New-onset type 2 diabetes was ascertained from linked records from national health registries. The study included a total of 917 patients and 1811 matched controls with obesity. New-onset type 2 diabetes was diagnosed in 15 of the patients who had metabolic bariatric surgery (4.1 per 1000 person-years) and 164 controls (20.2 per 1000 person-years). The corresponding rate ratio (RR) was 0.20 (95% c.i. 0.12 to 0.35) and the rate difference (RD) was -16.1 (-19.8 to -12.3) per 1000 person-years. The risk reduction was more marked in individuals of low socioeconomic status (RR 0.10 (0.04 to 0.26) and RD -20.6 (-25.6 to -15.5) per 1000 person-years) than in those with higher socioeconomic status (RR 0.35 (0.18 to 0.66) and RD -11.5 (-16.9 to -6.0) per 1000 person-years) (Pinteraction = 0.017). No differences were observed between sexes or age groups. Metabolic bariatric surgery was associated with a reduced risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes in men and women and in all age groups. The greatest benefit was observed in individuals of low socioeconomic status.

Pharmacokinetics of propofol in severely obese surgical patients.

Existing PK models of propofol include sparse data from very obese patients. The aim of this study was to develop a PK model based on standardised surgical conditions and spanning from normal-weight up to, and including, a high number of very obese patients. Adult patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy or bariatric surgery were studied. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol 2 mg/kg adjusted body weight over 2 min followed by 6 mg/kg/h adjusted body weight over 30 min. For the remainder of the operation anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane. Remifentanil was dosed according to clinical need. Eight arterial samples were drawn in a randomised block sampling regimen over a span of 24 h. Time-concentration data were analysed by population PK modelling using non-linear mixed-effects modelling. Four hundred and seventy four serum propofol concentrations were collected from 69 patients aged 19-60 years with a BMI 21.6-67.3 kg/m2 . Twenty one patients had a BMI above 50 kg/m2 . A 3-compartment PK model was produced wherein three different body weight descriptors and sex were included as covariates in the final model. Total body weight was found to be a covariate for clearance and Q3; lean body weight for V1, V2 and Q2; predicted normal weight for V3 and sex for V1. The fixed allometric exponent of 0.75 applied to all clearance parameters improved the performance of the model. Accuracy and precision were 1.4% and 21.7% respectively in post-hoc performance evaluation. We have developed a new PK model of propofol that is suitable for all adult weight classes. Specifically, it is based on data from an unprecedented number of individuals with very high BMI.

Small bowel obstruction secondary to barbed sutures in bariatric surgery: a cautionary tale.

Laparoscopic bariatric surgery relies on technically challenging intracorporeal suturing for critical parts of the operation. Barbed sutures have been developed to provide an alternative to suturing for certain manoeuvres within a procedure. Barbed sutures theoretically negate the need for knot tying and allow for continuous application of tension; however the barbs can unintentionally adhere to surrounding tissues. We describe a case series of three patients who developed V-Loc™ (barbed) suture related small bowel obstruction (SBO) to promote awareness of this unusual but preventable complication. Medical records of patients diagnosed with V-Loc™ related SBO between 2018 and 2021 at a tertiary centre were reviewed. Data regarding presentation, diagnosis, management and outcomes were obtained. Three patients were identified where V-Loc™ sutures were aetiologically related to early post-surgical small bowel obstruction secondary to small bowel adherence to barbed suture tail or adhesions between barbed suture tail and unintended viscera. In these cases, non-absorbable V-Loc™ sutures were used to close the small bowel mesenteric defect at Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. All patients required adhesiolysis at re-look laparoscopy prior to resolution. All patients were discharged home well after relook laparoscopy. Overly long or exposed V-Loc™ suture tails can result in SBO following laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Cutting the suture tail as close as practical to the final throw of the suture and/or covering exposed suture ends may prevent this complication.

Bariatric surgery for young people with obesity and results of laparoscopic bariatric surgery in Serbia

Bariatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity. Bariatric surgery is a surgical weight loss procedure used to treat extreme obesity. Minimal invasive surgery became standard procedure for the treatment of obesity as well. Gastric banding (GB) usually takes 45–60 min, but in USA it is not approved for use in teenagers. Laparoscopic Roux-en Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) is operation where proximal pouch of stomach is anastomosied with short intestinal Roux limb. Laparoscopic gastric sleeve (LGS) procedure is laparoscopic operation during which surgeon removes about ¾ of the patients stomach along the greater curvature and create a new stomach in the shape of tube. When compared to other weight-loss surgeries, sleeve gastrectomy is technically easier with relatively less morbidity. Gastric sleeve procedure has been performed in our hospital on three patients aged 15 to 17 years. One male and two female patients, all with BMI more than 39 kg/m2. Postoperative follow up was without any complications. This small study demonstrated that children aged ≤ 18 years could successfully undergo LGS with a significant reduction in weight and BMI. Although there were no short- or long-term complications in our study, the small sample size necessitates larger studies. Results of future research will create future clinical decisions to solve the epidemic of obesity.

Readmission and reoperation rates after laparoscopic bariatric surgery in an Italian center of excellence.

The aim of this study was to analyze short-term outcomes focusing on readmissions after laparoscopic bariatric metabolic surgery (BMS) in an Italian academic Bariatric Center of Excellence IFSO-European Chapter (EC). This is a retrospective study based on the analysis of a prospectively maintained institutional database. Patients aged between 18 and 65 years who underwent primary BMS and/or revisional BMS (RBMS) between 2012 and 2021 were included. Primary endpoint was to analyze the readmission rate at 30 postoperative days. The secondary endpoint involved assessing the causes of readmission within 30 days of discharge, the rates, and types of reoperations and/or additional procedures related to the first surgery, and the outcomes of readmitted patients. A total of 2297 patients were included in the study. Among them, 2143 underwent primary surgery and 154 patients underwent RBMS. Eighty-two percent of the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocol items were applied starting from 2016. Within 30 days after discharge, 48 patients (2.09%) were readmitted. Overall readmission rate following primary and revisional BMS was 2.15%, respectively 1.30%. Ten readmitted patients (20.8%) had complications graded IIIb or more (Clavien-Dindo classification) and needed additional procedures. Mortality rate was 4.17% among readmitted patients. Only 2.09% of patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery were readmitted. Of these, 20.8% required additional procedures. Standardization of surgical techniques and perioperative protocols in a bariatric center of excellence resulted in a low readmission rate even in RBMS.

Operation-specific risk of postoperative nausea: a cross-sectional study comparing 72 procedures

ObjectivesDetermination of the procedure-specific, risk-adjusted probability of nausea.DesignCross-sectional analysis of clinical and patient-reported outcome data. We used a logistic regression model with type of operation, age, sex, preoperative opioids, antiemetic...

Can Surgeons Reliably Identify Non-cirrhotic Liver Disease During Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery?

Identification of liver disease during bariatric operations is an important task given the patients risk for occult fatty liver disease. Surgeon's accuracy of assessing for liver disease during an operation is poorly understood. The objective was to measure surgeons' performance on intra-operative visual assessment of the liver in a simulated environment. Liver images from 100 patients who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery and pre-operative ultrasound elastography between July 2020 and July 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. The perception of 15 surgeons regarding the degree of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis was collected in a simulated clinical environment by survey and compared to results determined by ultrasonographic exam. The surgeons' ability to correctly identify the class of steatosis and fibrosis was poor (accuracy 61% and 59%, respectively) with a very weak correlation between the surgeon's predicted class and its true class (r = 0.17 and r = 0.12, respectively). When liver disease was present, surgeons completely missed its presence in 26% and 51% of steatosis and fibrosis, respectively. Digital image processing demonstrated that surgeons subjectively classified steatosis based on the "yellowness" of the liver and fibrosis based on texture of the liver, despite neither correlating with the true degree of liver disease. Laparoscopic visual assessment of the liver surface for identification of non-cirrhotic liver disease was found to be an inaccurate method during laparoscopic bariatric surgery. While validation studies are needed, the results suggest the clinical need for alternative approaches.

Robotic versus laparoscopic revisional bariatric surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

In recent years, the need for revisional bariatric surgery (RBS) procedures has experienced a noteworthy surge to confront complexities and weight recidivism. Despite being a subject of controversy for many, the utilization of the Da Vinci robotic platform (Intuitive Surgical, Inc.) may present benefits in RBS. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of robotic RBS in comparison to Laparoscopic RBS. A meticulous and thorough analysis was ensured through a comprehensive exploration of the literature, which included PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane. This exploration was conducted in adherence to the directives outlined in the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used for quality assessment. A total of 11 studies were included in this meta-analysis, comprising 55,889 in the laparoscopic group and 5,809 in the robotic group. No significant differences were observed in the leak, bleeding, operative time, or length of stay across both groups. However, the robotic group showed higher rates of conversion to open surgery (odds ratio [OR], 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53-0.79; p < 0.0001; I2 = 0%), reoperation (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.57-0.87; p = 0.0009; I2 = 6%), and readmission (higher rate of readmission in the robotic group; OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62-0.92; p = 0.005; I2 = 30%). Robotic-assisted bariatric surgery has no significant advantage over conventional laparoscopic surgery. Further research is warranted to explore and evaluate surgeons' methodology and proficiency differences.

IBC-Oxford University2023_BJSOral_16Surgical Outcomes of Totally Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Primary Bariatric Metabolic Surgeries

Abstract Background Over the past several years, the numbers of bariatric metabolic surgeries (BMS) performed robotic have been steadily increasing. Recent meta-analyses and registry reports find that primary surgeries performed robotic have similar outcomes to conventional laparoscopy but with longer operative times and higher costs. Most of the robotic surgeries in these reports, however, have been robot-assisted rather than totally (fully) robotic. The introduction of robotic staplers and conversion of the robotic system to the Xi platform now allow surgeons to perform bariatric surgeries totally robotic. Objectives To compare surgical outcomes of total robotic (TR) versus laparoscopic (LAP) primary bariatric metabolic surgeries (BMS) including sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (DS). Methods The study is a retrospective analysis of 600 (302 TR and 298 LAP) primary BMS performed by a single surgeon between January 2020 and January 2023. Primary surgeries included 332 SG, 214 RYGB and 54 DS cases. Outcome measures included: 1) patient characteristics (age, weight, BMI, gender), 2) total number and incidence of preoperative co-morbidities, 3) operative time, 4) length of hospital stay (LOS), 5) complications, readmissions, and reoperations. Results Characteristics of the TR and LAP patients were similar, i.e., age = 45.5 vs. 44.9 y, respectively; BMI = 46.3 vs. 46.1; number major co-morbidities = 2.73 and 2.75. Operative times did not differ significantly between the TR and LAP approaches (84.3 vs. 88.2 min, respectively). LOS, however, was significantly (p&amp;lt;0.0001) less following surgeries performed totally robotic (1.16 days TR vs. 1.36 days LAP). There were no differences between the TR and LAP surgeries as regards 30-day readmission or reoperation rates but there was a trend toward fewer TR 30-day complications (2.3% TR vs. 5.0% LAP). With the RYGB, operative times were significantly lower for the totally robotic approach (99.6 min TR vs. 115.1 min LAP, p&amp;lt;0.0001) and LOS was significantly less (1.18 days TR vs. 1.38 days LAP, p&amp;lt;0.0001). For the SG, there were no significant differences between the TR and LAP approaches regarding operative times, but TR LOS was significantly (p&amp;lt;0.0001) less (1.13 days TR vs. 1.31 days LAP). Postoperative recovery rates (LOS) with the DS were also enhanced with the totally robotic approach (1.24 days TR vs. 1.58 days LAP, p=0.02), but operative times did not significantly differ (188.7 min TR, 176.5 min LAP). Conclusions Primary bariatric procedures (SG, RYGB, DS) performed totally robotic are as safe as conventional laparoscopy and have somewhat fewer complications, a faster rate of recovery, and,for the RYGB, shorter time in surgery.

Global benchmarks in primary robotic bariatric surgery redefine quality standards for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

Whether the benefits of the robotic platform in bariatric surgery translate into superior surgical outcomes remains unclear. The aim of this retrospective study was to establish the 'best possible' outcomes for robotic bariatric surgery and compare them with the established laparoscopic benchmarks. Benchmark cut-offs were established for consecutive primary robotic bariatric surgery patients of 17 centres across four continents (13 expert centres and 4 learning phase centres) using the 75th percentile of the median outcome values until 90 days after surgery. The benchmark patients had no previous laparotomy, diabetes, sleep apnoea, cardiopathy, renal insufficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, immunosuppression, history of thromboembolic events, BMI greater than 50 kg/m2, or age greater than 65 years. A total of 9097 patients were included, who were mainly female (75.5%) and who had a mean(s.d.) age of 44.7(11.5) years and a mean(s.d.) baseline BMI of 44.6(7.7) kg/m2. In expert centres, 13.74% of the 3020 patients who underwent primary robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 5.9% of the 4078 patients who underwent primary robotic sleeve gastrectomy presented with greater than or equal to one complication within 90 postoperative days. No patient died and 1.1% of patients had adverse events related to the robotic platform. When compared with laparoscopic benchmarks, robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass had lower benchmark cut-offs for hospital stay, postoperative bleeding, and marginal ulceration, but the duration of the operation was 42 min longer. For most surgical outcomes, robotic sleeve gastrectomy outperformed laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with a comparable duration of the operation. In robotic learning phase centres, outcomes were within the established benchmarks only for low-risk robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The newly established benchmarks suggest that robotic bariatric surgery may enhance surgical safety compared with laparoscopic bariatric surgery; however, the duration of the operation for robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is longer.

Inpatient opioid use and pain control after robotic versus laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

BackgroundDuring the past decade, the proportion of bariatric surgery performed robotically has been rising. However, the clinical benefits of the robotic approach over laparoscopy are uncertain. One area in need of further investigation is pain control after robotic versus laparoscopic bariatric surgery. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted of bariatric surgery patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic sleeve gastrectomy at a single institution from October 2019 to August 2022. Inpatient opioid use was measured in morphine milliequivalents. Pain scores were collected by the nursing staff. ResultsA total of 368 patients were included: 286 laparoscopic and 82 robotic surgery patients. The groups shared similar demographics. For the entire cohort, the mean age was 42 years, the body mass index was 50 kg/m2, and 79% were female. Mean operative time was significantly lower for laparoscopic surgeries (87.5 ± 47.3 minutes vs 109.3 ± 30.3 minutes; P < .01). The median total inpatient morphine milligram equivalents used was similar for both groups: 52.3 (31.5–77.0) for the laparoscopic group versus 40 (24–74.5) for robotic (P = .13). Mean postoperative pain scores (scale out of 10) were not significantly different between groups: 5.2 ± 1.7 (postoperative day 0) and 4.5 ± 1.7 (day 1) for laparoscopic patients versus 5.1 ± 2.0 (day 0) and 4.4 ± 1.8 (day 1) for robotic. The proportion of patients prescribed opioids at discharge was significantly higher for the laparoscopic group (75.2% vs 62.2%; P = .02). Other clinical outcomes, including duration of stay, 30-day readmissions, and visits to the emergency department, were not significantly different. ConclusionThere is no difference in inpatient opioid use or pain scores between patients undergoing laparoscopic and robotic sleeve gastrectomy.

Unreported rare but serious complication: Major vascular injuries during bariatric surgery.

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, and management of major vascular injuries during bariatric surgery, with a specific focus on the role of different access methods in abdominal cavity entry. A nationwide survey was conducted among bariatric surgeons to assess the prevalence of major vascular injuries. A questionnaire was distributed to 365 surgeons through WhatsApp groups of two national bariatric surgery societies, with 76 surgeons completing the survey. The study population included general surgeons practicing bariatric surgery, and the questionnaire consisted of 12 questions. Among the participants, 16.9% reported experiencing a major vascular injury during bariatric surgery. The majority of injuries (75%) occurred at the trocar entrance, with the remaining cases during the dissection phase. Notably, 66.7% of surgeons used optical trocars for access, while 27.8% employed the Veress needle technique. Early detection varied, with 45% identifying the injury immediately and 30% recognizing it within three minutes. Most injuries (52.4%) were repaired laparoscopically, and only three surgeons sought assistance from cardiovascular surgeons. Vascular injuries are infrequent but potentially serious complications in laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Understand-ing their incidence, timely recognition, and proper management are crucial to minimize adverse effects. The findings of this study shed light on the patterns of vascular injuries and the potential role of specific access methods, providing valuable insights for enhancing patient safety in bariatric surgery.