Maciej Michalik’s research while affiliated with Nicolaus Copernicus University and other places

Purpose Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is currently the most common bariatric surgery in the world. Although it appears to be a safe treatment for obesity, it is still at risk of complications. The latest literature shows that postoperative bleeding occurs in 2–4% of cases, and up to 3% of cases requires reoperation for hemostasis. The aim of the study is to assess the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) on hemorrhagic events and the reoperation rate in patients undergoing LSG. Methods The study was designed as a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing LSG. We investigate the patients 6 months before and 6 months after introducing the prophylaxis doses of TXA into our bariatric protocol (non-TXA group vs TXA group). Results Three hundred fourteen patients underwent LSG in a high-volume center from 2016 to 2017. After introducing TXA, a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of hemorrhage during surgery was observed (22.3% vs 10.8%, p = 0.006). There was a statistically significant reduction in the need for the staple line oversewing (10.2% vs 1.9%, p = 0.002). The mean operating time and the mean length of hospital stay were significantly higher in the non-TXA group than TXA group (63.1 vs 53.7 min, p < 000.1; 2.3 vs 2.1, p = 0.02). In both groups of patients, no venous thromboembolism or other complications occurred within 6 months after the surgery. Conclusions The prophylactic doses of TXA may be useful in reducing the hemorrhagic events during LSG. It may also shorten the length of hospital stay and the operating time.

Background and Objectives: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases. It affects 20% of the adult population and is the third most common cause of chronic cough in adults. This study describes the results of LNF for the relief of GERD-related cough. Materials and Methods: The prospectively collected data on 135 laparoscopic LNF in our department from 2014 to 2018 were reviewed. During consultations, patients were asked about the frequency of symptoms using the GERD Impact Scale (GERD-IS), their satisfaction and recommendation to others, and their general condition after the procedure. Results: We analyzed 23 of 111 patients (20.7%) reporting chronic cough. The mean age was 47 years (range 27–76 years, ±13.9 years) and the mean follow-up time was 48.3 months (range 22.6–76.3 ± 18.05 months). Most patients reported relief from cough after the surgery (78.3%, p < 0.001). Five patients (22%) reported the recurrence of symptoms after a mean of 10.8 months (6–18 months). Seventeen patients (74%) would undergo the surgery again and 18 patients (78%) would recommend the surgery to their relatives. There was a statistically significant improvement in all symptoms from the GERD-IS (p < 0.05). Conclusions: LNF may play an important role in the management of GERD patients with extraesophageal symptoms. After LNF, most of the operated patients reported complete resolution of chronic cough and would recommend the procedure to their relatives.

Up to 33% of the population suffers from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Given its high prevalence, the negative impact on quality of life, and the possible progression to esophageal cancer, the definitive treatment of GERD should be used more frequently. This study aims to assess long-term patient satisfaction after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). We reviewed the prospectively collected data of patients who underwent LNF for GERD in our department in 2014–2018. Each patient completed a preoperative questionnaire according to GERD Impact Scale (GERD-IS). Postoperative survey consisted of GERD-IS, the need for PPIs, and two “yes or no” questions to assess satisfaction with the outcome. The mean follow-up time was 50 months (21.2–76.3 ± 16.6 months). There was a statistically significant improvement in each GERD-IS question (p < 0.001). A total of 87 patients (78.4%) would recommend the surgery to their relatives. Patients without symptom recurrence and without the need for chronic PPI use after surgery were significantly more likely to recommend surgery and to undergo the procedure again (p < 001). The age of patients did not influence patients’ recommendations (p = 0.75). A total of 17 patients (15.3%) would not undergo LNF again. There was no significant correlation between the answer and patient’s complications or age (p > 0.05). LNF is a good treatment for GERD with a satisfaction rate of 78.4%.

Background and Objectives: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms located mainly in the fundus (60–70%). The incidence of GIST is approximately 10 per million population per year in Europe, with a peak incidence at the age of 63. Recent studies suggest that morbidly obese patients have a higher incidence of GIST than the general population. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of GIST in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in our department. Materials and Methods: this paper present the retrospective study of prospectively collected data of 1564 patients who underwent LSG in a single large bariatric center from October 2013 to September 2021. After surgery, each sample of the resected stomach was sent for histopathological examination. For the analysis, we included patients diagnosed with GIST intraoperatively or postoperatively. Results: GISTs were found in five patients (0.31%). There were three men and two women. The mean age was 50.2 (range 32–63 ± 11.8) and the mean preoperative body mass index was 43.3 kg/m2 (40–49.4 ± 3.2). In four cases, GISTs were found in the fundus (80%), and in one in the pylorus (20%). None of the tumors were larger than 7 mm in diameter and all were diagnosed as a very low-risk category. No adjuvant treatment was required. All patients achieved good or satisfactory bariatric and metabolic results. Conclusions: The incidence of GIST in our study was estimated at 0.31%. All patients had a very low-risk GIST and no recurrence until follow-up. Recent literature suggests that the risk of GIST is higher in the obese population, and therefore surgeons should be aware of the risk of incidental GIST during LSG.

The paper "Laparoscopic treatment of the rare median arcuate ligament syndrome - mid-term follow-up" is important because the results of treatment are based not only on the subjective feelings of patients, but also on objective imaging tests, which is not observed in the previously published works on this topic. SUMMARY Introduction Median arcuate ligament syndrome [MALS] is a rare cause of chronic epigastric pain. The presentation might be unclear and non-specific. Diagnosing the syndrome requires interdisciplinary methods and specialists. Treatments consist of celiac axis release performed laparoscopically or robotically, and intraluminal stenting. The aim of the study was to report the medium-term postoperative follow-up results for four patients with MALS. Material and methods We performed 5 laparoscopic celiac axis releases in patients with MALS in our department in 2018. We included 4 patients in this study and all patients were admitted 16-23 months after the surgery for computed tomography angiography. Results Patients constituted 4 women aged 28-63 years with a mean body mass index of 22.4 kg/m2. The diagnosis of MALS was confirmed by computed tomography angiography, which showed severe (> 70%) narrowing of the celiac axis. Patients underwent laparoscopic celiac axis release, and all patients were discharged on the first postoperative day with no postoperative complications. Patients improved quality of life and complete relief of symptoms. Follow-up computed tomography angiography confirmed full decompression of the celiac axis in all four patients, with no stenosis caused by scarification of the celiac axis. Conclusions Laparoscopy is a valuable and safe method to treat patients with MALS. Keywords: Dunbar syndrome, median arcuate ligament syndrome, laparoscopy, MALS, digestive surgery

The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Chapter of the Association of Polish Surgeons (Polish acronym: SCMiB TCHP) is a Polish specialist scientific society representing bariatric surgeons as well as specialists from other disciplines and professions cooperating with them during the provision of services in the field of bariatric and metabolic surgery, as well as the entire care process before and after surgery. The following standards constitute the minimum requirements set by the SCMiB TCHP for good practice of the basic process of bariatric care throughout its entire period, which ensure satisfactory safety and effectiveness of the obesity treatment and its metabolic complications.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.