Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND: Life expectancy is increasing, with more elderly people categorized as obese. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) on patients aged>/=70 years. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of patients aged>/=70 years who underwent LAGB at our university hospital between 2003 and 2011. The data included age, weight, body mass index (BMI), and percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) obtained before and after gastric banding. Operative data, length of stay, postoperative complications, and resolution of co-morbid conditions were also analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients aged>/=70 years (mean 73 years) underwent gastric banding between 2003 and 2012. Mean preoperative weight and BMI were 123 kilograms and 45 kg/m(2), respectively. On average, each patient had 4 co-morbidities preoperatively, with hypertension (n = 49; 86%), dyslipidemia (n = 40; 70%), and sleep apnea (n = 31; 54%) being the most common. Mean operating room (OR) time was 49 minutes, with all patients discharged within 24 hours. There was 1 death at 4 years from myocardial infarction, no intensive care unit admissions, and no 30-day readmissions. Mean %EWL at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years was 36 (+/-12.7), 40 (+/-16.4), 42 (+/-19.2), 41 (+/-17.1), 50 (+/-14.9), and 48 (+/-22.6), respectively. Follow-up rates ranged from 55/55 (100%) at 6 months to 7/9 (78%) of eligible patients at 5 years and 2/2 (100%) at 8 years. Complications included 1 band slip at year 5, 1 band removed for intolerance, and 1 port site hernia. The resolution of hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, lower back pain, and non-insulin-dependent diabetes was 27%, 28%, 35%, 31%, and 35%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LAGB as a primary treatment for obesity in carefully selected patients aged>/=70 can be well tolerated and effective with moderate resolution of co-morbid conditions and few complications.

BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that hiatal hernia repair (HHR) during laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) decreases the rate of reoperation. However, the technical aspects (location and number of sutures) are not standardized. It is unknown whether such technical details are associated with differing rates of reoperation for band-related problems. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed from a single institution, including 2,301 patients undergoing LAGB with HHR from July 1, 2007 to December 31, 2011. Independent variables were number and location of sutures. Data collected included demographics, operating room (OR) time, length of stay (LOS), follow-up time, postoperative BMI/%EWL, and rates of readmission/reoperation. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and Chi squared tests. Kaplan-Meier, log-rank, and Cox regression tests were used for follow-up data and reoperation rates, in order to account for differential length of follow-up and confounding variables. RESULTS: There was no difference in length of follow-up among all groups. The majority of patients had one suture (range 1-6; 55 %). Patients with fewer sutures had shorter OR time (1 suture 45 min vs. 4+ sutures 56 min, p < 0.0001). LOS, 30-day readmission, band-related reoperation, and postop BMI/%EWL were not statistically significant. Anterior suture placement (vs. posterior vs. both) was most common (61 %). OR time was shorter in those with anterior suture (41 min vs. posterior 56 min vs. both 59 min, p < 0.0001). Patients with posterior suture had a longer LOS (84 % 1 day vs. anterior 74 % 1 day vs. both 74 % 1 day, p < 0.0001). There was no difference in 30-day readmission, band-related reoperation, and postoperative BMI/%EWL. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with fewer or anterior sutures have shorter OR times. However, 30-day readmission, band-related reoperation, and postoperative weight loss were unaffected by number or location of suture. The technical aspects of HHR did not appear to be associated with readmission or reoperation, and therefore a standardized approach may not be necessary.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is safe and effective. This less invasive option involving fewer incisions and umbilical approaches is coined as single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS). Over the last 3 years, we performed 46 % of our LAGBs as SILS with excellent results. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 1,644 LAGBs performed between 2008 and 2010. A total of 756 were performed as SILS bands (46 %) and 888 as standard (non-SILS) (54 %). Data points compared include operative time, percent of excess weight loss at 1 and 2 years, complication, and re-operation rates. RESULTS: Groups were matched by age, initial BMI, and gender: 584 non-SILS and 710 SILS patients. The average operating time was 44.3 +/- 19.6 min for SILS and 51.1 +/- 19.4 min for non-SILS (p < 0.001). The 12-month percent excess weight loss (%EWL) for SILS was 45.0 +/- 19.1; it was 40.7 +/- 17.5 for non-SILS (p = 0.003). The 24 month %EWL for SILS was 54.4 +/- 16.3; it was 46.4 +/- 16.1 for non-SILS (p = 0.10). Complication rates were 5.6 % (40 of 710) for SILS and 4.5 % (26 of 584) for non-SILS (p = 0.34). The 30-day readmission/re-operation rates are 1 % (seven of 710) for SILS and 1.5 % (nine of 584) for non-SILS (p = 0.37). There was one death in the SILS group. CONCLUSIONS: We have been performing more SILS bands over time. Our operative times and weight loss figures show that it is an efficient and effective means of weight loss. Furthermore, the data also show that the SILS approach is safe and does not increase operative time. In conclusion, SILS laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a safe and effective means of attaining weight loss in selected patients.

Purpose: Bariatric surgery can achieve sustained weight loss compared to medical management. Among bariatric surgeries, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is less-invasive and potentially reversible. LAGB may decrease BMI through restriction of food intake, behavior changes, satiety and digestive hormone levels. The dramatic reduction of appetite observed with LAGB can be ameliorated if the band is underfilled. This effect has not been well evaluated in terms of patient behavior and hormonal changes. Our aim was to assess outcomes related to eating behavior, insulinotropic hormones, and weight change before and after temporary gastric band release. Methods: Adults >= 18 yeaars of age who previously underwent LAGB and achieved successful weight loss were enrolled. All patients underwent standardized evaluation including anthropometric measurements and completion of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TEFQ-R18) before and after a period of 14 days during which the band was completely loosened. At baseline and follow-up, blood was collected after an overnight fast and 1h after a standard high protein meal, and levels of insulinotropic hormones determined. Results: The mean age of the study cohort (9 women and 6 men) was 42 +/-14 years with mean pre-band adjustment BMI of 32.9 +/- 5.6 and mean waist circumference of 40 +/- 7 inches. All patients had >30% percent reduction in weight within 12-months of the LAGB and demonstrated a lower degree but continued weight loss in the 6-months before study enrollment. Compared to baseline values for the TEFQ-R18, within 2-weeks of loosening the band, cognitive restraint was reduced (11.2 +/- 3 vs. 10.4 +/- 4), while there was a significant increase in both disinhibition (6.4 +/- 3 vs. 9.4 +/- 3, p=0.004) and hunger scores (4.1 +/- 3 vs. 8.0 +/- 3, p=0.004). Compared to baseline, at follow-up insulin output in response to a meal showed a downward trend [Median (IQR) 1,110 (728-1,332) vs. 621 (375-1,325) pg/ml; p=0.21] while leptin was significantly elevated [10,400 (6,030-11,350) vs. 13,700 (10,500-43,900) pg/ml; p=0.001]. Consistent with these findings BMI significantly increased (32.9 +/- 5.6 vs. 34.5 +/- 5.6, p=0.001) along with waist size (40 +/- 7 vs 42 +/- 6, p=0.003). The amount of weight regained within two weeks, returned the cohort to the weight loss level noted at the 12-month post LAGB time point. Conclusion: LAGB adjustment continues to impact eating behavior, satiety hormones, and body weight beyond the initial 12-months following placement. Complete loosening of the LAGB can result in rapid changes in eating behavior, insulinotropic hormones, and significant changes in BMI. Careful adjustment of the band is necessary for continued maintenance of weight loss