Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND:Studies reporting revisionary options for weight loss failure after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) have been underpowered and lacking long-term data. We have previously shown that short-term (12 mo) and midterm (24 mo) weight loss is achievable with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) for failed RYGB. The present study represents the largest published series with longest postoperative follow-up of patients receiving salvage LAGB after RYGB failure. OBJECTIVE:To investigate long-term results of salvage gastric banding. SETTING/METHODS:University Hospital, New York, United States. METHODS:Data were prospectively collected with retrospective review. Baseline characteristics were evaluated and weights at multiple time intervals (before RYGB, before LAGB, each year of follow-up). Additional data included approach (open or laparoscopic), operative time, hospital length of stay, and postoperative complications. RESULTS:with 22.5% total weight loss and 65.9% excess weight loss. The long-term reoperation rate for complications related to LAGB was 24%, and 8% of patients ultimately had their gastric bands removed. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:The results of our study have shown that LAGB had good long-term data as a revisionary procedure for weight loss failure after RYGB.

BACKGROUND:Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are often used as revisional surgeries for a failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB). There is debate over which procedure provides better long-term weight loss. OBJECTIVE:To compare the weight loss results of these 2 surgeries. SETTING/METHODS:University hospital, United States. METHODS:A retrospective review was conducted of all LAGB to RYGB and LAGB to LSG surgeries performed at a single institution. Primary outcomes were change in body mass index (BMI), percent excess BMI lost, and percent weight loss. Secondary outcomes included 30-day complications and reoperations. RESULTS:The cohort included 192 conversions from LAGB to RYGB and 283 LAGB to LSG. The baseline age and BMI were similar in the 2 groups. Statistical comparisons made between the 2 groups at 24 months postconversion were significant for BMI (RYGB = 32.93, LSG = 38.34, P = .0004), percent excess BMI lost (RYGB = 57.8%, LSG = 29.3%, P < .0001), and percent weight loss (RYGB = 23.4%, LSG = 12.6%, P < .0001). However, the conversion to RYGB group had a higher rate of reoperation (7.3% versus 1.4%, P = .0022), longer operating room time (RYGB = 120.1 min versus LSG = 115.5 min, P < .0001), and longer length of stay (RYGB = 3.33 d versus LSG = 2.11 d, P < .0001) than the LAGB to LSG group. Although not significant, the conversion to RYGB group had a higher rate of readmission (7.3% versus 3.5%, P = .087). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Weight loss is significantly greater for patients undergoing LAGB conversion to RYGB than LAGB to LSG. However, those undergoing LAGB conversion to RYGB had higher rates of reoperation and readmission. Patients looking for the most effective weight loss surgery after failed LAGB should be advised to have RYGB performed, while also understanding the increased risks of the procedure.

Perforated duodenal ulcer following RYGB is an unusual clinical situation that may be a diagnostic challenge. Only 23 cases have previously been reported. We present five cases. The hallmark of visceral perforation, namely pneumoperitoneum, was not seen in three of the four cases that underwent cross sectional imaging. This is perhaps due to the altered anatomy of the RYGB that excludes air from the duodenum. Our cases had more free fluid than expected. The bariatric surgeon should not wait for free intraperitoneal air to suspect duodenal perforation after RYGB.

Introduction: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a common and effective form of bariatric weight loss surgery. However, a subset of patients will fail to achieve the expected total body weight loss (TBWL) greater than 20% after 12 months or experience significant weight regain despite dietary, psychiatric, and behavioral counseling. Although alternative procedural interventions exist for operative revision after suboptimal RYGB weight loss, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) provides an option with short operative time, low morbidity, and effective results. We have previously demonstrated that short-term (12-month), and mid-term (24-month) weight loss is achievable with LAGB for failed RYGB. The objective of this study is to report the long term 5 year outcomes of LAGB after RYGB failure. Methods and Procedures: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data before and after RYGB when available, and before and after revision with LAGB was performed. The data included weight, height, body mass index, gender, race, age, operative time, length of stay, postoperative complications, and percentage of total body weight loss. Results: A total of 182 patients (81.3% female, 18.7% male) were included in this study. The mean age of patients undergoing LAGB after RYGB was 47+/-9.98 years old. The majority of patients (98.4%) underwent gastric band placement laparoscopically, with 2 patients requiring conversion to an open procedure, and 1 planned open approach. The mean preoperative weight was 319+/-64 lbs and BMI of 53+/-10 kg/m² before RYGB. After RYGB, patients experienced a mean %TBWL of 16+/-11%, had a weight of 264+/-50 lbs, and a BMI of 43+/-7 kg/m² before undergoing LAGB an average of 9 years after their first bariatric procedure. At the time of 5 year follow up after LAGB the patients had a %TBWL of 35+/-13%, weight of 201.9+/-46 lbs, and had a BMI of 33+/-7 kg/m². The mean operative time was 73+/-34 minutes and 85% of patients had a hospital length of stay less than 24 hours. Conclusion: The results of our study have shown that LABG had good long term data as a revi-sionary procedure for weight loss failure after RYGB. Patients experienced a satisfactory amount of total body weight loss with reduction in BMI and had a short operative time and length of stay

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Bariatric surgery reduces obesity and knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain, but some patients improve more than others. We aimed to identify characteristics that predict this knee pain improvement. METHODS:We reviewed NYU Langone Health bariatrics records (2002-2015) and called eligible patients reporting pre-operative knee pain. Patients were asked to rate their pain on a 10-point scale at three time points: before surgery, one year post-surgery, and time of survey administration. Subjects were asked about pre-operative knee injuries and surgeries, presence of OA in other joints, and OA family history. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and ANOVA. RESULTS:Of 125 eligible patients reporting knee pain, we analyzed the 120 patients who had laparoscopic gastric band (LAGB) surgery. The cohort was 78.3% female, with an average age at surgery of 49.7 ± 10.2 years. There was no correlation between pre-operative body mass index (BMI) and knee pain reduction at one year post-LAGB, but the subgroup with the most BMI improvement reported the most knee improvement (p = 0.043). We found significantly better pain reduction after one year in younger patients (p = 0.009). Those with prior knee injuries improved less than those who were injury-free (p = 0.044), but a history of prior knee surgery was not similarly significant. Patients with multifocal OA improved less (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Younger knee OA patients and those without prior knee injury or other OA involvement, experience more knee pain relief from LAGB weight loss surgery. LAGB may be a viable treatment option for knee OA pain, irrespective of the degree of obesity.

BACKGROUND: Portomesenteric 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. OBJECTIVES: To report the prevalence of FVIII elevation as well as other clinical characteristics in a multicenter series of patients who developed PMVT after LSG. SETTING: University hospitals. METHODS: A 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. RESULTS: Forty 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. CONCLUSIONS: A 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.

AIMS: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a commonly performed bariatric procedure. Although bariatric surgery is becoming increasingly recognized as a treatment option for diabetes, there remain concerns about the operative risks faced by diabetic patients. This study's objective was to determine the safety of bariatric surgery in diabetic patients, specifically the type 2 diabetic (T2DM) population. METHODS: Patients over 18 years of age with a body mass index (BMI) >/= 35 kg/m2 who underwent LSG in 2012 in the ACS-NSQIP database were identified. Emergency cases were excluded from analysis. Data included patient demographics, comorbidities, length of stay, and 30-day complications. The primary outcome was 30-day overall complication rate, and secondary outcomes included major complications and reoperation rates. RESULTS: There were 6399 LSG in the NSQIP database in 2012. Three hundred and twenty-two patients were excluded for BMI < 35, and 15 cases were deemed emergencies and excluded. Of the 6062 LSG who met the study criteria, 4726 (78 %) of patients were non-diabetic, 941 (15.5 %) had T2DM, and 395 (6.5 %) had T1DM. T2DM patients were more likely to be male (28.9 vs. 19.3 %, p < 0.001), were older (47.6 years vs. 42.5 years, p < 0.001), and had a higher BMI (46.4 vs. 45.7 kg/m2, p = 0.027) compared with non-diabetics. The overall 30-day complication rate did not differ between groups (6.5 % T2DM vs. 5.6 % non-diabetic, p = 0.292). After controlling for possible confounders, T2DM remained at no increased risk of 30-day complications (OR 1.16, 95 % CI 0.87-1.55, p = 0.301). In sub-analyses of specific complications, T2DM had a slightly higher rate of blood transfusions (1.8 vs. 1.0 %, p = 0.037). Other postoperative complications did not differ between groups. The 30-day complication rate for type 1 diabetics was greater than for T2DM (9.9 vs. 6.5 %, p = 0.031) and non-diabetics (9.9 vs. 5.6 %, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a safe procedure for type 2 diabetics with regard to early postoperative complications.