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Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases 01/2013; 9(1):152-3. · 3.93 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A 49-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Her symptoms were severe, and she required total parenteral nutrition for nutrition support. Both CT and barium upper GI series demonstrated a large "windsock" diverticulum that obstructed the duodenal lumen. The patient was referred to undergo a surgical diverticulectomy. After a multidisciplinary discussion, a less invasive endoscopic diverticulotomy was recommended, and the patient agreed. The linked video demonstrates the endoscopic findings and therapeutic technique. Upper endoscopy showed the diverticulum arising from the proximal duodenum. The scope could not traverse the true lumen due to compression by the diverticulum. A guidewire was passed to delineate the true lumen. At that point, the diverticulum spontaneously inverted into a proximal position. The tip of the diverticulum was then clipped to the duodenal wall to increase exposure and to allow a more controlled incision. Clips were placed on the vascular pedicle of the diverticulum to prevent bleeding. An incremental incision was performed using a needle-knife to divide the diverticulum completely. Mild bleeding occurred twice and was managed with clips. A complete diverticulotomy was accomplished, allowing easy passage of the endoscope. The patient had an uneventful postprocedural recovery and was discharged the same day with instructions for dietary advancement. After 2 months, the patient reported complete symptom resolution. She was eating well, had gained weight, and had discontinued total parenteral nutrition. A repeat endoscopy confirmed a patent lumen and no recurrence of the diverticulum. This case demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of endoscopic diverticulotomy performed from a proximally inverted position. This "top-down" approach provided very good exposure for the incision and easy treatment of bleeding complications.
Surgical Endoscopy 10/2012; · 4.01 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Data regarding the management of bariatric patients with cirrhosis are scarce, and there is no strong evidence that supports a specific approach for this group of patients. The aim of this study was to review our experience with cirrhotic patients undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database was reviewed to assess the outcomes of bariatric surgery for patients with known cirrhosis and for patients with cirrhosis discovered at surgery (unknown cirrhosis). RESULTS: From April 2004 to September 2011, 23 patients (12 with known cirrhosis and 11 with unknown cirrhosis) met inclusion criteria. There were 14 females and 9 males with a mean age of 51.5±8.3 and a mean body mass index of 48.2±8.6 kg/m2. Child-Pugh classes were A (n = 22) and B (n = 1). Patients had a high frequency of diabetes (83%), dyslipidemia (61%), and hypertension (83%). Procedures performed were laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) (n = 14), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) (n = 8), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (n = 1). Two patients underwent LSG successfully after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Mean length of hospital stay was 4.3±2.7 days. Complications developed in 8 patients. One patient died of unknown cause 9 months after surgery. No patients had liver decompensation after surgery. The patients lost 67.4%±30.9% of their excess weight at 12 months follow-up and 67.7%±24.8% at 37 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: LRYGB and LSG can be performed without prohibitive complication rates in carefully selected patients with cirrhosis. In our experience, bariatric patients with cirrhosis achieved excellent weight loss and improvement in obesity-related co-morbidities.
Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases 09/2012; · 3.93 Impact Factor
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Orhan Agcaoglu,
Shamil Aliyev,
Halit Eren Taskin,
Sricharan Chalikonda,
Matthew Walsh,
Meagan M Costedio,
Matthew Kroh,
Tomasz Rogula, Bipan Chand,
Emre Gorgun,
Allan Siperstein,
Eren Berber
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: There has been recent interest in using robots for general surgical procedures. This shift in technique raises the issue of patient safety with automated instrumentation. Although the safety of robotics has been established for urologic procedures, there are scant data on its use in general surgical procedures. The aim of this study is to analyze the incidence of robotic malfunction and its consequences for general surgical procedures. METHODS: All robotic general surgical procedures performed at a tertiary center between 2008 and 2011 were reviewed from institutional review board (IRB)-approved prospective databases. RESULTS: A total of 223 cases were done robotically, including 102 endocrine, 83 hepatopancreaticobiliary, 17 upper gastrointestinal, and 21 lower gastrointestinal colorectal procedures. There were 10 cases of robotic malfunction (4.5 %). These failures were related to robotic instruments (n = 4), optical system (n = 3), robotic arms (n = 2), and robotic console (n = 1). None of these failures led to adverse patient consequences or conversion to open. Six (2.7 %) cases were converted to open due to bleeding (n = 3), difficult dissection plane (n = 1), invasion of tumor to surrounding structures (n = 1), and intolerance of pneumoperitoneum due to CO(2) retention (n = 1). There was no mortality, and morbidity was 1 % (n = 2). CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the largest North American report to date on robotic general surgical procedures. Our results show that robotic malfunction occurs in a minority of cases, with no adverse consequences. We believe that awareness of these failures and knowing how to troubleshoot are important to maintain the efficiency of these procedures.
Surgical Endoscopy 06/2012; · 4.01 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Obesity is a risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia. Studies have demonstrated poor symptom control in obese patients undergoing fundoplication. The ideal operation remains elusive. However, addressing both obesity and the anatomic abnormality should be the goal. METHODS: This study retrospectively identified 19 obese (body mass index [BMI], >30 kg/m(2)) and morbidly obese (BMI, >40 kg/m(2)) patients who presented between December 2007 and November 2011 for management of large or recurrent paraesophageal hernia. All the patients underwent a combined primary paraesophageal hernia repair and longitudinal gastrectomy. Charts were retrospectively reviewed to collect preoperative, operative, and short-term postoperative results. Quantitative data were analyzed using Student's t test and qualitative data with χ(2) testing. RESULTS: Laparoscopy was successful for all 19 patients. The mean preoperative BMI was 37.8 ± 4.1 kg/m(2), and the mean operative time was 236 ± 80 min. Preoperative endoscopy showed that 5 patients who had undergone prior fundoplication experienced anatomic failures, whereas the remaining 14 patients had type 3 and one type 4 paraesophageal Hernia. Mesh was used to reinforce the hiatus in 15 of the 19 cases. The postoperative complications included pulmonary embolism (n = 1) and pulmonary decompensation (n = 2) due to underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The mean hospital stay was 5.3 ± 3 days. Upper gastrointestinal esophagography was performed for all the patients, with no short-term recurrence of paraesophageal hernia. Weight loss was seen for all the patients during the first month, with a mean BMI drop of 2.7 ± 1 kg/m(2). All the patients experienced near to total resolution of their preoperative symptoms within the first month. CONCLUSION: Combined laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair and longitudinal gastrectomy offer a safe and feasible approach for the management of large or recurrent paraesophageal hernias in well-selected obese and morbidly obese patients. In a short-term follow-up period, this approach demonstrated effective symptom control and weight loss.
Surgical Endoscopy 06/2012; · 4.01 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate the safety and weight loss efficacy of endoscopic transoral gastric volume reduction using an endoscopic suturing system.
Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30-45 kg/m(2) were enrolled in the present institutional review board-approved study. Anterior to posterior gastric plications were placed in the gastric fundus and body using the suturing device. The endpoints were procedure time, adverse events, weight loss, and endoscopic findings at 1, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. The nominal P values are presented.
A total of 18 patients underwent the procedure (9 at each site). The mean age and BMI was 40 years and 38 kg/m(2), respectively. The average number of plications placed per patient was 6, and the mean procedure time was 2.1 hours (range 1.5-2.8). At 12 months of follow-up (n = 14), decreases in the mean weight (-11.0 ± 10.0 kg, P = .0006), mean BMI (-4.0 ± 3.5 kg/m(2), P = .0006), and mean waist circumference (-12.6 ± 9.5 cm, P = .0004) were observed. The mean excess weight loss at 12 months was 27.7% ± 21.9%. The proportion of patients with an EWL of ≥ 20% or ≥ 30% was 57% and 50%, respectively. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 15.2 mm Hg (P = .0012) and 9.7 mm Hg (P = .0051), respectively. No device- or procedure-related serious adverse events. Endoscopy at 12 months of follow-up showed partial or complete release of plications in 13 patients.
Transoral gastric volume reduction procedure using the RESTORe Suturing System device proved to be safe and well tolerated. Procedural technical success was achieved for all subjects. Modest decreases in weight, BMI, and waist circumference were observed, as was a decline in the frequency of hypertension. Despite some overall positive clinical findings, the plications were not durable, and the effects of the procedure varied widely among the study participants. Additional research is needed to provide a more reproducible and durable effect.
Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases 11/2011; 8(3):296-303. · 3.93 Impact Factor
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Gastrointestinal endoscopy 11/2011; 74(5):943-53. · 6.71 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Enlargement of the gastric pouch and/or gastrojejunostomy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is postulated to be the antecedent to suboptimal weight loss or weight regain. The present study evaluated the gastric pouch and stoma dimensions in RYGB patients and correlated them with the weight loss outcomes.
Patients who underwent upper endoscopy for investigation of gastrointestinal symptoms or weight regain after RYGB were identified. The stoma was considered enlarged if >2 cm in diameter and the pouch was considered enlarged if >6 cm long or >5 cm wide. Successful weight loss was defined as excess weight loss >50% or a body mass index decrease to ≤ 30 kg/m(2).
A total of 380 patients had nondiagnostic upper endoscopy findings at a mean post-RYGB interval of 5.9 ± 4.0 years. Among these were 175 patients (group A; 87% women) who had successful weight loss and 205 patients (group B; 86% women) who were referred for investigation of weight regain. The pouch and stoma size were normal in most of the patients in group A (63.4%) compared with 28.8% of the patients in group B (P <.001). The most common abnormality was an enlarged stoma. The pouch length, pouch volume, and stoma diameter correlated inversely with excess weight loss. Multivariate analysis identified that the stoma diameter was independently associated with weight regain after RYGB.
The current definition of a "normal" size pouch/stoma is associated with optimal weight loss after RYGB, although this might need to be reviewed. Patients who regain weight are likely to have abnormal anatomy, in particular, stoma enlargement. The surgical RYGB technique and methods of evaluating the gastric anatomy in RYGB patients need to be standardized, intraoperatively and postoperatively.
Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases 09/2011; 8(4):408-15. · 3.93 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Interest in single-incision laparoscopic techniques continues to grow. A learning curve certainly exists, and although the techniques have improved, technical considerations including external clashes, poor visualization of critical structures, and surgeon fatigue remain. Applications of robotics to these newer techniques are evolving. The da Vinci Single-Site robotic surgery platform is a new semi-rigid robotic operative system designed to work with the Intuitive Surgical da Vinci Si operative system. The authors present the first human experience with this new device used to perform single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study aimed to present the first human experience performing cholecystectomy with a novel robotic single-port platform.
After Cleveland Clinic Institutional Review Board approval, patients with symptomatic biliary disease fitting standard criteria for cholecystectomy were enrolled in the study. A total of 13 consecutive single-port, robotic cholecystectomy operations were performed. Patient demographics and operative results were evaluated.
All 13 operations were completed successfully with the Single-Site platform. A critical view of safety as determined by the operative surgeon was obtained in all cases. One patient required placement of an additional extra-umbilical trocar for appropriate visualization secondary to gallbladder necrosis, and this incision also was used for eventual drain placement. For two patients, an intraoperative choloangiogram was performed. The mean operative time was 107 ± 54 min, and the mean docking time was 15 ± 9 min. Discharge for 11 patients was within 24 h. No significant complications occurred.
Cholecystectomy using the da Vinci Single-Site system is feasible. Availability of this new semi-rigid, robotic surgery platform may increase access to the potential advantages of single-site surgery. Additional advantages of single-site surgery may be elucidated with further studies.
Surgical Endoscopy 06/2011; 25(11):3566-73. · 4.01 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Anastomotic complications after upper gastrointestinal surgery present an arduous therapeutic challenge. Avoiding revisional surgery is desirable and might be possible with the advent of endoscopically placed stents. We reviewed our experience with endoscopic stent management of anastomotic complications after esophagogastric surgery.
A prospectively maintained database at our surgical endoscopy unit was reviewed to identify patients who had undergone endoscopic stent placement after various foregut procedures. Data were obtained on patient demographics, primary surgical and endoscopic procedures, and outcome.
From January 2007 to August 2010, 18 patients (12 women, mean age 51 ± 15 yr) underwent endoscopic stent placement for anastomotic complications; 14 were bariatric patients. A total of 31 stents (21 covered metal, 5 salivary, and 5 silicone-coated polyester) were used to treat anastomotic leaks (n = 13), strictures (n = 3), and fistulas (n = 2). Symptomatic improvement occurred in all but 2 patients (89%), and early oral intake was initiated in 11 (61%). Stent treatment was successful in definitively managing the anastomotic complication in 13 (72%) of the 18 patients. Five patients required additional surgical or endoscopic intervention. Stent migration occurred in 4 cases and was amenable to endoscopic management. Two patients died, with both deaths unrelated to stent placement.
Endoscopic stent management of anastomotic complications after foregut surgery is effective in resolving symptoms, expediting enteral nutrition, and particularly successful for treating anastomotic leaks. In the absence of stents specifically designed for surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy, some factors that might reduce the risk of stent migration include appropriate stent selection, anchoring the stent proximally, and regular surveillance after placement.
Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases 05/2011; 7(5):628-36. · 3.93 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Significant weight regain occurs for 10% to 20% of patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Potential causative factors include anatomic abnormalities such as enlargement of the gastric pouch and gastrojejunostomy (GJ). This report describes endoscopic findings for patients referred for investigation of weight regain and presents the outcomes of revisional therapy for patients with abnormal anatomy.
To evaluate gastric pouch and stoma size, RYGB patients referred for weight regain underwent upper endoscopy. A GJ was defined as enlarged if it had a diameter greater than 2 cm in any dimension, and a pouch was defined as enlarged if its length exceeded 6 cm long or its width exceeded 5 cm. Patients with abnormal anatomy who subsequently underwent revisional procedures were arbitrarily categorized into three groups based on the interval from RYGB to endoscopic evaluation: less than 5 years (group 1), 5 to 10 years (group 2), longer than 10 years (group 3). The percentage of regained weight lost (%RWL) after revision was compared between the groups.
In this study, 205 RYGB patients (176 women with a mean age of 47 ± 10 years and a current body mass index [BMI] of 43.4 ± 8.4 kg/m(2)) were evaluated. The mean time from primary RYGB was 6.9 ± 3.7 years, and the increase in BMI from its nadir was 9.78 ± 5.80 kg/m(2). Abnormal endoscopic findings (n = 146, 71.2%) included large GJ (n = 86, 58.9%), large pouch (n = 42, 28.8%), or both (n = 18, 12.3%). Of the 205 patients, 51 (24.9%) underwent a revisional surgical or endoluminal procedure. At a mean follow-up assessment 13 months after revision, group 1 (n = 12) had a mean %RWL of 103% ± 89.3%, and 62% of these patients lost all their regained weight. The mean %RWL was 45% ± 12.6% in group 2 (n = 30) and 40% ± 13.6% in group 3 (n = 9).
Endoscopy is a valuable tool for evaluating weight regain after bariatric surgery that can identify abnormal post-RYGB anatomy in a majority of patients. Revisional procedures to restore normal RYGB anatomy appear to be most successful if performed within 5 years after the primary procedure.
Surgical Endoscopy 04/2011; 25(10):3345-52. · 4.01 Impact Factor
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Bipan Chand
Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases 04/2011; 8(1):46-7. · 3.93 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: With the increasing number of bariatric surgeries being performed, multiple specialties encounter bariatric patients. This article gives an overview of the comprehensive evaluation and preoperative preparation of a bariatric patient. Medical, psychological, and behavioral evaluation is discussed. The role of routine preoperative endoscopy is controversial but can be very important and may alter the operation performed. Immediate postoperative care is also addressed. Undergoing bariatric surgery is a lifelong commitment, and frequent follow up with reinforcement and monitoring for nutritional deficiencies is extremely important.
Gastrointestinal endoscopy clinics of North America 04/2011; 21(2):229-40.
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ABSTRACT: Endoscopic balloon dilation is an effective treatment of gastrojejunal (GJ) strictures after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), although its success might depend on the point at which they occur postoperatively. We hypothesized that "late" strictures (≥90 d after RYGB) might be less amenable to balloon dilations than "early" strictures occurring within 90 days postoperatively.
A review of a prospectively maintained database at a bariatric center was conducted to identify all patients who underwent upper endoscopy (UE) for investigation of gastrointestinal symptoms after RYGB. Those who were diagnosed with a GJ anastomotic stricture at endoscopy were selected for additional evaluation. The patients were classified into 1 of 3 groups, according to the point at which they presented with stricture symptoms (group 1, 0-90 d after RYGB; group 2, 91-365 d after RYGB; and group 3, >1 yr after RYGB). All strictures were dilated using through-the-scope controlled radial expansion balloons.
From July 2006 to July 2009, 929 RYGB procedures were performed in our bariatric unit. Our surgical endoscopy team performs approximately 1500 UE investigations annually. Most investigations were for preoperative assessment of bariatric patients; however, a proportion is indicated for the investigation of postoperative weight regain and complications of foregut surgery, as well as endoluminal surgery. In the present study period, 591 gastric bypass patients underwent UE for investigation of gastrointestinal symptoms postoperatively. In total, 72 patients were diagnosed with a symptomatic GJ anastomotic stricture and underwent balloon dilation. Almost two thirds (63.9%) of the dilations were performed within 90 days after RYGB; 98% of these "early" strictures resolved with dilation. In comparison, of the "late" strictures, only 61% (16 of 26 patients) resolved and 38.5% (n = 10) required revisional surgery for additional management.
Endoscopic balloon dilation is effective in treating early GJ strictures after RYGB. Late strictures are less amenable to endoscopic dilation and often require revisional surgery. Patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal symptoms after RYGB warrant early investigation with UE to investigate for a GJ stricture, which if present, should be promptly dilated.
Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases 03/2011; 8(2):151-7. · 3.93 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to determine the role of intraoperative endoscopy in identifying gastrojejunostomy leak in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRNYGB) and to define other roles that can be achieved by this diagnostic maneuver.
A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent LRNYGB at both Cleveland Clinic (USA) and Adan Hospital (Kuwait) was undertaken. All operations were performed by 2 surgeons (B.C. and F.A.).We analyzed the following parameters in the patients: mean age, estimated blood loss, average hospital stay, the number of patients who had intraoperative leaks, and those who developed intraoperative pouch bleeding.
Between July 2004 and January 2009, 290 patients (244 women-85% and 46 men-15%) were operated upon with a mean age of 42 years (range: 19 to 61 y). The average body mass index was 48 kg/m2 (range: 35 to 65 kg/m2), and the average American Society of Anesthesiology classification of 3 (range: 2 to 4). Mean estimated blood loss of 95 mL (range: 27 to 310 mL) and the mean operative time was 165 minutes (range: 102 to 348 min). The average hospital stay was 3 days (range: 2 to 13 d). Eleven patients (3.7%) developed intraoperative leaks that were controlled intraoperatively. Ten patients (3.4%) developed intraoperative pouch bleeding, in 6 of them the bleeding vessel was controlled laparascopically. No documented postoperative leak in this series of patients. One patient (0.34%) underwent diagnostic laparoscopy for clinical suspicion of a leak which could not be identified.
Intraoperative endoscopy for LRNYGBP may reduce the leak rate postoperatively and also, may minimize postoperative endoscopy and surgical intervention for gastrointestinal bleeding.
Surgical laparoscopy, endoscopy & percutaneous techniques 12/2010; 20(6):424-7. · 1.23 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Endoluminal suturing to reduce the gastric volume might provide an additional option for the treatment of obesity. Potential advantages of a nonoperative endoluminal intervention include less pain, the ability to perform it as an outpatient procedure, and a high level of patient acceptance. The purpose of the present pilot study was to demonstrate the feasibility and procedural safety of transoral gastric volume reduction (TRIM procedure) using the Restore Suturing System in patients with a body mass index of 30-45 kg/m(2). Successful completion of the procedure and adverse events were evaluated at academic/university hospitals.
This was a nonrandomized feasibility study performed at 2 institutions. After institutional review board approval, the patients underwent the TRIM endoluminal gastric plication procedure with the Restore Suturing System (Restore device). Gastric plications were completed to approximate the anterior and posterior gastric walls to achieve restriction of the upper stomach. The number and location of successful plications were recorded, and patients were monitored for complications. The present report described the short-term procedural results (≤ 24 hours after the procedure) of the studied cohort.
A total of 18 patients were enrolled in the present study. The TRIM procedure was successfully completed in all patients, with placement of 4-8 plications (average 6 per patient). The average procedure time was 125 ± 23 minutes, and no serious or significant procedure-related complications occurred. After the procedure, common patient complaints were nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. The first 10 patients enrolled were kept overnight according to the study protocol, and the remaining 8 patients were discharged on the day of the procedure.
Endoluminal suturing using the TRIM procedure and the Restore device was technically feasible, and no serious or significant procedure-related complications were reported. Weight loss, co-morbidity improvement, and durability are under assessment.
Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases 08/2010; 6(6):689-94. · 3.93 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Herniorrhaphy continues to be one of the most commonly performed operations worldwide. As the literature shows, there is a clear advantage to tension-free mesh reinforcement versus primary suture repair alone in most settings. The choice of medical implant is based on many factors, including type and location of hernia, host environment, efficacy with product utilization, and total cost. The use of prosthetic implants has evolved over the years from "first-generation" synthetic materials to "third-generation" biologic grafts. In this review, we report on various biologic materials used in the repair of ventral, inguinal, and hiatal hernias. Despite an ever-expanding selection of products, there is currently no consensus on when or how to use them, and no long-term data exist regarding the effect of implantation. The goal of this study is to highlight the current indications for bioprosthetic materials used in hernia repair, as well as the reported short- and long-term effects of implantation.
Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants 01/2010; 20(2):159-69.
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ABSTRACT: We describe an afferent loop obstruction in a patient who had a subtotal gastrectomy with Roux-en Y gastrojejunostomy for postvagotomy syndrome. The clinical presentation and initial studies suggested acute pancreatitis. A computed tomography scan showed a small bowel obstruction distal to the jejunojejunal anastomosis. The patient was taken to the operating room for an exploratory laparotomy, lysis of adhesions, and closure of her jejunostomy. Surgery was successful at resolving her obstruction. In any Roux-en-Y gastric reconstruction or gastric bypass patient presenting to the emergency department with abdominal pain and elevated transamines or pancreatic enzymes, a small bowel obstruction must be considered. Additional imaging with a computed tomography scan is advocated, as well as surgical consultation.
The American journal of emergency medicine 11/2009; 27(9):1167.e5-7. · 1.54 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Little data exists regarding filling regimens for laparoscopic adjustable gastric bands (LAGB). In addition to patient symptoms and weight changes, we have instituted surgeon-performed, real-time fluoroscopic evaluation in our clinical decision making during all band adjustments.
Our hypothesis is that surgeon-performed, real-time contrast fluoroscopy conducted routinely during all LAGB adjustment results in significant deviations in clinical care.
The study is set at the Academic Referral Center, United States
Fifty-two consecutive patients who underwent LAGB and presented for adjustment were given a questionnaire evaluating obstructive symptoms. The patient's weight loss history was also reviewed. Each patient underwent real-time fluoroscopy performed by the surgeon during adjustment. Data were recorded and compared to final decision to fill, make no adjustment, or remove fluid.
Patients were, on average, at post-operative visit 5. Sixty-three percent of patients received a fill, 31% had no change, and 6% had fluid removed. On the questionnaire, 15% of patients noted reflux, 10% had dysphagia, and 8% had regurgitation. Eighty percent of patients requested a fill. Thirty-one percent had an abnormality noted on fluoroscopy. Fifteen percent of patients demonstrated esophageal dilation, 15% had a delay of greater than 5 s, 19% had reflux of contrast. Three patients had band displacements on imaging. Additionally, six patients (12%) were not filled based on fluoroscopic findings alone, not predicted by either the survey or historical weight loss.
Surgeon-performed, real-time, fluoroscopy during LAGB adjustment results in significant changes in clinical care that are not predicted by history and weight loss alone. Routine fluoroscopic imaging altered the course of management in 12% of patients and identified three asymptomatic displaced bands.
Obesity Surgery 09/2009; 20(2):188-92. · 3.29 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Atypical complications of gastric bypass surgery include the Roux-en-O configuration: an improper connection of the bilio-pancreatic limb to the gastric pouch.
Four cases of Roux-en-O, which occurred at institutions not affiliated with the authors, were reviewed for issues related to causation and patient outcomes.
One case was diagnosed intraoperatively (patient 1), while the time of diagnosis in the remaining three patients was postoperative days 2, 52, and 230 (patients 2-4). The delay resulted in two computed tomography scans, two endoscopies, and four contrast studies per patient. These patients presented with protracted biliary emesis and a clinical picture of bowel obstruction. Irrespective of time to diagnosis, all patients endured significant postoperative sequelae-numerous surgeries (n=10, 3, 1, and 3, respectively) and increased length of stay (97, 86, 49, and 125 days, respectively). Patients 2 and 3 were diagnosed by repeat laparotomy, and patient 4 was diagnosed by HIDA scan.
Nevertheless, surgery remains the most effective means by which to diagnose the problem, as well as correct the complication. Maneuvers that should be employed to prevent this rare complication include keeping the bilio-pancreatic limb short, identifying the ligament of Treitz and marking the Roux limb shortly after jejunal transection.
Obesity Surgery 07/2009; 19(8):1190-4. · 3.29 Impact Factor
