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Background: Women represent 40% of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. This highlights the importance of understanding its effects on pregnancy and newborns (NBs)., Objective: To compare pregnancy and neonatal outcomes between a group of pregnant women with obesity and those who had prior bariatric surgery., Setting: University Hospital, Argentina; Private Practice., Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with bariatric surgery before pregnancy (n = 49) and women with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) without previous bariatric surgery (n = 146) was performed. Variables assessed included type of bariatric surgery, age at pregnancy, interval between surgery and conception, maternal weight and BMI at pregnancy onset and end, weight gain during pregnancy, NB weight, gestational age, premature birth, macrosomia, low birth weight, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), anemia, pre-eclampsia, congenital anomalies, fetal deaths, and mode of delivery., Results: BMI at the start and end of pregnancy was lower in the postbariatric group compared to the group with obesity (P < .001). Weight gain during pregnancy was greater in the postbariatric group compared to the group with obesity (P < .001). The weight of NBs was lower in the postbariatric group compared to the group with obesity (P < .001). The incidence of GDM was lower in the postbariatric group compared to the group with obesity (P < .001). Other variables did not show significant differences between the 2 groups., Conclusion: Pregnant women with obesity have high rates of gestational diabetes and neonatal macrosomia compared to those who underwent surgery., (Copyright © 2024 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: This report aimed to analyze the outcomes of patients with obesity who were on a bariatric program during the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic outbreak and compare those who received surgery with the ones who were not operated on. Methods: This was a retrospective study between 2020 and 2021. Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent surgery (O) and those who were not operated (NO). The evolution of the risk factors identified for severe COVID infection and death was studied (ASMBS criteria). For this study, a follow-up period of 12 months was initiated. Results: In the O group, 83 patients were included and 99 were in the NO group. In the O group, patients with body mass index (BMI) > 35 Kg/m 2 before surgery resolved the condition in 73.5% (61) cases, and this was done in the first 30 days by 38 (45.7%). Type 2 diabetes mellitus remission was documented in 18 patients (85.7%) of the O group, and the mean time elapsed for remission was 102.2 days ( P < .01). Hypertension remitted in 66.7% (20) of the patients in group O in 82.4 days ( P < .01). The subgroup of patients with obesity and one high-risk associated condition (30.2%, 25) resolved both in 44% (11) cases and one in 48% (12) cases. In the group of patients with obesity and two high-risk associated conditions (15.6%, 13), 47% (6) patients resolved the three conditions, 38% (5) resolved two conditions, and 15% (2) resolved one condition. Among the NO group, no comorbidity resolutions were recorded ( P < .01). Admission because of COVID infection was necessary for 7.1% of NO and 1.2% of O ( P = .04). Conclusion: Bariatric metabolic surgery would not increase the risk of COVID infection or of suffering serious complications resulting from it. Patients undergoing bariatric metabolic surgery rapidly resolved high-risk comorbidities and had less need for hospitalization because of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Introduction: Previous studies have detected mitochondrial alterations in tissues of individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metabolic surgery could be an effective treatment to improve mitochondrial morphology and reduce oxidative stress (OS)., Methods: An experimental study was carried out using 48 male Wistar rats, divided into 6 groups (n = 8): control (C), induced Metabolic Syndrome (MS); intervention with sleeve gastrectomy (SG), MS + SG with 6 weeks postoperatively (MS + SG6), MS + SG with 12 weeks postoperatively (MS + SG12), and MS + SG with 24 weeks postoperatively (MS + SG24). Biochemical markers indicative of MS (glycemia, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels) and oxidative stress markers (nitric oxide levels, Superoxide dismutase and Myeloperoxidase activity) were determined. To study mitochondrial morphology, tissue sections of the thoracic aorta, stomach, liver, heart, and kidney were observed by electron microscopy., Results: MS group exhibited elevated glycemic values and dyslipidemia. SG and MS + SG groups showed improvements in glycemia and lipid profiles compared to MS. OS biomarkers indicated reduced oxidative stress in SG and MS + SG groups compared to MS. Electron microscopy revealed mitochondrial alterations in MS. SG group showed no changes compared to the control. MS + SG6 and MS + SG12 groups showed a recovery of mitochondrial morphology until reaching images similar to the control in MS + SG24., Conclusion: Metabolic surgery could improve mitochondrial function by restoring mitochondrial morphology and architecture and, consequently, reducing systemic oxidative stress and remitting associated metabolic alterations., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction: An applicable and reproducible enhanced recovery protocol was developed and implemented to improve our outcomes in a third-world environment. Methods: We compared the results obtained prospectively. The group treated before the application of the enhanced recovery protocol was called usual care (UC) and included all bariatric surgeries operated on between 2014 and 2017. The new protocol was applied between 2017 and 2019 including all operated patients, and this group was called Fast Track (FT). The variables analyzed were the length of stay, readmissions, and complications recorded during the first 30 days. We also analyzed the milligrams of morphine used by each patient, and a cost analysis was performed. Results: During the study period, 816 patients were studied. Of these, 385 (47.2%) belonged to the UC group and 431 (52.8%) to the FT group. The mean hospital stay was 58.5 hours (UC) versus 40.3 hours (FT) ( P  = .0001). When comparing the global morbidity of both groups, we did not find significant differences ( P  = .47). There was also no statistically significant difference when comparing major complications ( P  = .79). No mortality was recorded. Morphine indication reported a statistically significant difference that favored FT. Costs were significantly higher in UC than in FT ( P  < .0001). Conclusions: We believe that the implementation of an enhanced recovery protocol in bariatric surgery is a reliable measure and can be implemented even in an underdevelopment environment enlarging the benefit for patients.

Objetivo: Evaluar la reproducibilidad y la seguridad de un programa de cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica en dos centros de Sudamérica., Método: Se realizó un estudio analítico-descriptivo. Se revisaron retrospectivamente los registros clínicos de pacientes sometidos a cirugía videolaparoscópica colorrectal desde el año 2012 hasta el año 2018, en dos centros académicos de tercer nivel argentinos. Se analizaron datos demográficos, indicaciones y tiempos quirúrgicos, tasa de conversión, evolución posoperatoria, morbimortalidad y resecabilidad oncológica, y se comparó con el abordaje convencional., Resultados: Se realizaron 505 cirugías. La edad media de los pacientes fue de 63.4 años y el 50.9% eran hombres. El tiempo operatorio medio fue de 175 minutos. La principal indicación fue cáncer de colon. La incidencia de conversión fue del 9.5%. El promedio de ganglios por pieza quirúrgica en patología neoplásica fue de 15.9. La morbilidad fue del 35.4%, en su mayoría complicaciones menores. La tasa de fístulas fue del 11.7%. La mortalidad a 30 días fue del 2.5%., Conclusión: La cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica podría representar una opción segura y reproducible en un centro de tercer nivel de un país en desarrollo., Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and safeness of a colorectal laparoscopic program in two centers form South America., Method: We retrospectively review the records of patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery from 2012 to 2018 in two tertiary care academic centers. Surgical indication, operative time, conversion rate, lymph nodes harvested, surgical margins and complications were analyzed. This results were then compared to the open approach., Results: We collected data from 505 patients, mean age 63.4, 50.9% male. The most frequent indication was colon cancer, mean operative time was 175 minutes. Conversion rate was 9.5%, mean nodes harvested was 15.9 with free resection margins in every case. Morbidity was 35.4% at 30 days, most of them were minor complications. The leak rate was 11.7 %. The 30-day mortality was 2.5%., Conclusion: The laparoscopic approach for colorectal surgery might represent a safe and feasible option in an tertiary care hospital from a developing country., (Copyright: © 2021 Permanyer.)

Background: Erosive esophagitis (EE) is related to esophageal mucosal damage caused by GERD and is implicated in the development of Barret´s esophagus and adenocarcinoma, which incidence is rising in association with obesity. It is known that the correlation between symptoms and endoscopic findings is relatively poor, with a predictive value of only 40%. The objective of this study is to report the incidence of EE 1 year after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and gastric bypass (GBP) in consecutive patients in order to obtain an objective parameter of the impact of the two most popular bariatric procedures on esophageal mucosa., Methods: A retrospective review of a prospective database including every primary GBP and SG consecutive cases performed between January 2014 and December 2016. Esophagitis evolution was compared between patients with adequate weight loss versus those with inadequate weight loss. The comparison of baseline and 1-year EE, BMI, %EWL, and %TWL was made by using the Chi square test for categorical variables and Student "t" test for continuous samples., Results: Two hundred and twenty-seven patients were included. GBP was performed to 35.2% (n = 80) and SG to 64.8% (n = 147). Pre- and postoperatively EE evolution in GBP decreased from 54 to 26.2% (p = 0.002) and in SG increased from 8.2 to 30% (p = 0.04) Barret´s esophagus in GBP decreased from 7.5 to 5% (p = 0.001). No statistical difference was observed when we compared the evolution of EE in patients with adequate or inadequate weight loss in both groups., Conclusions: The incidence of EE 1 year after SG is greater than GBP. Moreover, not only GBP seems to improve this condition, but also SG tends to worsen EE. These results are to be associated with GERD disease.

Background: The association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obesity is clearly defined. The incidence of erosive esophagitis (EE) and Barrett's esophagus (BE) are as high as 26 and 6%, respectively. Gastric bypass (GBP) is considered the gold standard for obese patients with GERD. Evidence about the impact of GBP on EE and BE is not yet clear but more inspiring every day., Methods: Obese patients operated by GBP with EE or BE were included for this study. Demographics, BMI, %EWL, and the evolution of EE and BE with pre and postoperative upper endoscopy were analyzed., Results: In this study, 64 patients were included, 55 with EE and 9 with BE. The preoperative BMI was 44.29 km/m 2  ± 3.5 and the %EWL was 78.5 ± 5.8 in the first year postoperative. Preoperatively, EE was distributed as follows: A: 54.5% (30), B: 34.5% (19), C: 9% (5), D: 2% (1). BE findings were the following: short segment (SSBE): 45% (4) and long segment (LSBE): 55% (5). Postoperatively, 80% of the patients with EE resolved their condition, 11% improved, 7% had no changes, and 2% worsened. From the patients with SSBE, 75% resolved their condition and 40% with LSBE resolved their condition after 24 months and no patient progressed to dysplasia., Conclusion: Patients with EE had a statistically significant resolution after GBP. BE was improved or even resolved in many patients without acquiring significance but also without progression. Long-term surveillance data is necessary to define the certain evolution of EE and BE after GBP.

Background: Bariatric surgery is superior to medical treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) control in obese patients. Reports in the literature have been mainly based on Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or adjustable gastric band. The aim of this study was to analyze mid- and long-term metabolic results after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Methods: Obese patients with T2DM undergoing LSG were included in this study. Selection criteria for T2DM remission were: post-operatory fasting glucose (FG) level <100 mg/dL, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) <6% without medication. Results: Between January 2009 and July 2016, 166 T2DM obese patients underwent LSG and completed ≥1 year follow-up. There were 101 women (60.8%; mean age 49.07 ± 12.8 years). Initial body mass index (BMI) was 46.44 ± 7.68 kg/m 2 . Mean time since T2DM diagnosis was 5.95 years (1-28). Preoperative HbA1c was 7.53% ± 0.97%. Before LSG, 75.3% ( n  = 125) were receiving oral hypoglycemic agents, and 13.25% ( n  = 22) insulin. Mean follow-up was 65 ± 10 months. Complete T2DM remission was achieved in 78.3%, 76.2%, and 71.4% at 1, 3, and ≥5 years respectively; in the long term, 7.2% attained partial remission, 10% improved, and 11.4% experienced recurrence of the disease. Remission rate was significantly lower in patients under insulin therapy preoperatively, and in patients with T2DM diagnosed ≥5 years before consultation ( P  = .0004 and .0001, respectively). Conclusions: At mid- and long-term follow-up, T2DM control was satisfactory after LSG. Preoperative insulin therapy and T2DM duration ≥5 years were predictors of less favorable outcomes.

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common nosocomial infection in surgical patients with an incidence that varies between 5-30%., Objective: Identify the risk factors for SSI in colonic surgery in our population. The secondary aims are to determine the incidence and type of SSI, as well as the incidence of an anastomotic leakage (AL)., Methods: Case-control study of patients undergoing colectomy between 2010-2014 at the Hospital Privado Univeristario de Córdoba and Hospital Raúl Ferreyra. Conventional and laparoscopic interventions, with a 30-day postoperative follow up, between 20-85 years and an ASA I-III were included. Patients undergoing emergency surgery and recto-anal resections were excluded. SSI was defined as an infection that occurred within 30 days after surgery., Results: We included 238 patients. SSI was diagnosed in 27.7% (n=66) of the patients of which 12.2% were superficial, 4.6% deep incisional and 10.9% organ/space. Multivariate analysis showed that SSI was independently associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.15; IC95%:1.43-6.92; p=0.004), having undergone previous chemotherapy (OR 6.72; IC95%:1.48-30.93; p=0.01), need for conversion (OR 3.32; IC95%:1.13-9.77; p=0.02), reintervention within the 30 postoperative days (OR 12.34; IC95%:2.65-57.37, p=0.001) and AL (OR 12.83; IC95%:2.97- 55.5; p=0.001). AL had an incidence of 9.6%, of which 91% presented SSI and all were organ/space., Conclusion: We found that male sex, having undergone previous chemotherapy, conversion, reintervention within 30 postoperative days and AL are risk factors for SSI in our population. These results should be considered in implementing preventive measures for SSI., Competing Interests: No, (Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Córdoba)

Background: Improvement of dyslipidemia is an important benefit of bariatric surgery. The benefits of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) among dyslipidemia are still a matter of debate., Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study between 2010 and 2013. Obese patients undergoing LSG, with recorded dyslipidemia at admission and a follow-up for at least 1 year, were included for analysis. Demographic characteristics, medication in use, and a complete lipid profile were collected before surgery. After surgery, weight was controlled at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Lipid profile was re-evaluated 1 year after surgery. Patients were divided according to weight loss into two groups: (A) adequate weight loss and (B) inadequate weight loss. Lipid profile evolution was then compared between groups., Results: One hundred seven patients met the inclusion criteria. Pre-op mean BMI was 45.13 ± 7.5 kg/m 2 . One year after LSG, mean BMI was 30.6 ± 7.1 kg/m 2 with a change in BMI of 11.5 ± 6.6 kg/m 2 , a %TWL of 26.9 ± 13.5%, and a %EWL of 60.3 ± 36.6%. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia remission was achieved in 45 and 86% of the patients and improved in another 19 and 4% respectively. Seventy-four percent improved HDL levels. LDL levels improved in 39% and remitted in 37%. Medication was discontinued in 43.7%. HDL increase and LDL, TG, and non-HDL-C decrease were significantly greater in group A., Conclusions: LSG produces an improvement in lipid profile, with a significant increase in HDL and a decrease in LDL, triglycerides, and non-HDL-C.

Background: Smoking cessation had been typically associated with weight gain. We have reported that there is no relationship between tobacco use and weight loss after bariatric surgery in the short term. The objective of this study was to establish the relationship between weight loss and the smoking habit in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and to analyze weight loss on severe smokers and on those patients who stopped smoking during the long-term postoperative period., Methods: One hundred eighty-four patients included in our previous study were contacted by phone at 7 years after sleeve gastrectomy. They were again divided into three groups: (A) smokers, (B) ex-smokers, and (C) non-smokers. Demographics and weight loss at 6, 12, 24, and 7 years were analyzed. Smokers were subdivided for further analysis into the following: group A1: heavy smokers, group A2: non-heavy smokers, group A3: active smokers after surgery, and group A4: quitters after surgery. Student test was used for statistics., Results: One hundred two patients were included. The follow-up was 80.74 ± 7.25 month. Group A: 29 patients, group B: 34 patients, and group C: 39 patients. Mean BMI was 34.35 ± 8.44 kg/m 2 and the %EWL was 56.95 ± 27. The subgroup analysis showed the following composition: group A1: 6 patients, group A2: 23 patients, group A3: 23 patients, and group A4: 6 patients. Weight loss difference among groups and subgroups was statistically non-significant., Conclusions: This study reaffirms the hypothesis that weight loss among bariatric patients is independent from smoking habit even at long-term follow-up and regardless from cessation.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is markedly increased among the obese population being recognized as one of the many obesity-related comorbidities. This concept should raise awareness, making physicians investigate more profoundly about this disease in this kind of patients. Currently, bariatric surgery is considered the gold standard treatment for morbid obesity. However, not all the operations are appropriate for the treatment of GERD and not all the patients are willing to receive bariatric surgery for the treatment of GERD. Even though sleeve gastrectomy has emerged as a suitable treatment option for morbid obesity, it has been related to development of de novo GERD or worsening the pre-existing one. Conversely, results after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass have been encouraging in this aspect, and it seems to be the best option for patients who suffer both diseases. Therefore, the presence of GERD should not be ignored at the time of deciding which type of surgery will be offered to the patient.

Background: Obesity induces or accelerates diabetes (DBT), hypertension (HT), and dyslipidemia (DSL), which are the main causes of renal failure. Obesity exacerbates in patients after renal transplantation (RT), and it has been associated with increased mortality rate, postoperative complications, and graft loss. We hypothesize that bariatric surgery might have a positive effect on obese patients with history of previous RT., Methods: This was a retrospective review from prospectively collected data. Patients with sleeve gastrectomy (SG) with history of RT were studied. Demographics, anthropometric data, effect on comorbidities, postoperative course, immunosuppressive treatment, reason for transplantation, kidney function, graft survival, and quality of life associated with SG in obese patients with previous RT were assessed using a survey., Results: From January 1, 2012 to January 1, 2016, five kidney transplant patients were operated on; 80% were female, with an average preoperative BMI of 42.18 ± 8.5 kg/m 2 (range 37-54). Related comorbidities: 100% of the patients had HT and DSL, whereas 40% had DBT and gout. The average time gap between RT and SG was 15 ± 8.4 years (range 3-22). Average operative time was 65 ± 12 min (range 60-85), and there were neither complications nor mortality. At 16.8 ± 14.5 months (range 5-46) of follow-up, BMI was 29.8 ± 7.3 kg/m 2 (range 26-44). All patients with HT and DSL were able to decrease their medication, showing improvement in blood pressure levels and laboratory test values. Regarding DBT, insulin was discontinued in one case, limiting the treatment to the use of oral hypoglycemic agents only. In another case, insulin dosage was significantly reduced. Graft function and proteinuria level improved in 80% of patients. All patients experienced a significant improvement in their quality of life., Conclusion: In this specific group of high-risk patients, SG showed encouraging results in terms of weight loss and resolution/improvement of comorbidities, renal function, and quality of life.

Introduction: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has shown excellent results in terms of weight loss and resolution of comorbidities. Despite that, the effect of LSG on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is still a controversial topic. Our objective was to evaluate the presence of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, erosive esophagitis (EE), and hiatal hernia (HH) in obese patients undergoing LSG., Methods: Prospective observational study. LSG patients were studied before and at 18-month follow-up. Demographics, anthropometrics, status of comorbidities, perioperative data, GERD symptoms, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) findings were evaluated., Results: Between June 2012 and July 2014, 285 patients underwent LSG. Pre- and postoperative data were available in 109 patients; therefore, they were included in the study. There were 72 women (66%), age 40 ± 9 years. Preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 47.8 ± 16 kg/m 2 . At 18-month follow-up, body mass index and percentage excess weight loss were 29.3 ± 6 kg/m 2 and 64% ± 9.4%, respectively. Resolution/improvement of comorbidities was as follows: diabetes 73%, hypertension 57.5%, and obstructive sleep apnea 89%. GERD symptoms increased from 33% to 44% (P = no statistical significance), EE from 20.1% (100% grade A) to 33.9% (74% grade A) (P < .001), and HH from 22% to 34.8% (P < .001). Postoperative findings on symptomatic patients were as follows: EE was found in 64.5%, HH in 23%, while 12.5% had normal EGD. There was a significant association between manifestation of GERD symptoms and the presence of EE on EGD (P < .05). Symptoms de novo were observed in 36.9% of patients, EE in 28.7%, and HH in 16.4%. Complication rate was 3.5%; there was no mortality., Conclusion: The prevalence of GERD symptoms, EE, and HH was increased after LSG. At 18-month follow-up, severity of esophagitis was mild, the majority of them being Grade A esophagitis. There was good correlation between manifestation of GERD symptoms and the presence of EE on EGD.

Introduction: The frequency of incidental pathology found during laparoscopic bariatric surgery has been estimated to be 2%. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are infrequent lesions and account for less than 1% of all digestive tract tumors. The reported incidence of this type of tumors during bariatric surgery is around 0.8%. The objective of this study was to evaluate incidence, characteristics, and evolution of incidentally found GISTs in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for the treatment of obesity., Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis from a prospectively collected database was conducted. Demographic data, clinical data, laboratory tests, preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), postoperative pathology report from surgical specimen with tumor markers, and patient's outcomes were evaluated., Results: From June 2006 to January 2014, 915 patients underwent LSG at our institution. Five (0.5%) patients were found to have incidental GIST. There were four (80%) women; average age was 59.6 ± 6.3 years (range 46-63). None of them had symptoms that served as orientation for preoperative diagnosis. EGD findings were non-suggestive of this pathology in any of these cases. Superficial chronic gastritis was the most common finding in the endoscopic biopsy (60%). All the tumors found in the surgical specimen were of low or very low risk of malignancy, with less than 5 mitoses per 50 fields, less than 2 cm in diameter, and disease-free surgical margins. Cluster of differentiation (CD) 117 and CD 34 were positive in 100% of the cases. None of the patients required adjuvant therapy after the surgery. At 5-year follow-up, all patients were asymptomatic and disease free., Conclusion: The incidence of unsuspected GIST in LSG specimens in our series was low and similar to what has been reported. The lack of symptoms and the preoperative EGD findings were not suggestive of this diagnosis in any case. The degree of tumor malignancy was low in all patients and LSG was the definitive treatment, without recurrence at 5-year follow-up.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. Recently, many studies have addressed the laparoscopic management of these tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic atypical gastrectomy in the resolution of these neoplasms. In the period between January 2009 and December 2015, 24 patients with suspected gastric GIST less than 5 cm in size underwent surgery under this approach. Abscense of peritoneal and liver metastases and immunohistochemistry expression of CD117 antigen were considered as inclusion criteria. We retrospectively analyzed clinical and histopathological characteristics, surgical outcomes, postoperative complications and oncological results. Statistical analysis included 14 patients. The mean age was 60 years (10 women and 4 men) and upper gastrointestinal bleeding was the chief complaint for consultation. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in one case and no major complications, readmissions or reoperations were recorded. The mean tumor size was 41 mm with negative resection margin in all samples. The mean hospital stay was 3 days and no tumor recurrences were recorded in 44 months of follow-up. Laparoscopic atypical gastrectomy for gastric GIST is a safe and effective technique with good outcomes in experienced hands.

Introduction: Bochdalek hernia is a congenital diaphragmatic defect that results from improper fusion of the septum transversum and the pleuroperitoneal folds. It rarely persists asymptomatic until adulthood. The reported incidence is as low as 0.17%. Surgical repair of the defect can be performed through the abdomen or through the chest, and in both cases open or through laparoscopy/thoracoscopy., Case Report: We present 2 cases of fully laparoscopic repair of giant Bochdalek hernia in adults. In both cases we used a GORE ® DUALMESH ® and we had neither complications nor recurrence. It is worthy of mention that hernia sac was not found in any of the cases. This has been described as a distinct characteristic that confirms diagnosis., Conclusion: Bochdalek hernia in the adult is a rare entity that requires surgical treatment to avoid complications. CT scan of the abdomen and chest with oral and IV contrast is the gold standard for diagnosis.

Background: Smoking cessation had been typically associated with weight gain. So far, there are no reports documenting the relationship between weight loss after bariatric surgery and smoking habit. The objective of the study was to establish the relationship between weight loss and smoking habit in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and to analyze weight loss on severe smokers and on those patients who stopped smoking during the postoperative period., Methods: All patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) with at least 2-year follow-up were included. Patients were divided into three groups: (A) smokers, (B) ex-smokers, and (C) non-smokers. Demographics and weight loss at 6, 12, and 24 months were analyzed. Smokers were subdivided for further analysis into the following: group A1: heavy smokers, group A2: non-heavy smokers, group A3: active smokers after surgery, and group A4: quitters after surgery. Chi-square test was used for statistics., Results: One hundred eighty-four patients were included; group A: 62 patients, group B: 57 patients, and group C: 65 patients. Mean BMI was 34 ± 6, 31 ± 6, and 31 ± 6 kg/m2; mean %EWL was 63 ± 18, 76 ± 21, and 74 ± 22 % at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. The subgroup analysis showed the following composition: group A1: 19 patients, group A2: 43 patients, group A3: 42 patients, and group A4: 20 patients. Weight loss difference among groups and subgroups was statistically non-significant., Conclusions: Our study shows that weight loss evolution was independent from smoking habit. Neither smoking cessation during the postoperative period nor smoking severity could be related to weight loss after LSG.

Background: It is commonly believed that eating habits, specially the sweet eating habit, can predict results after bariatric surgery; for this reason, it is considered one of the selection criteria when deciding the surgical technique. However, there is not enough evidence of its impact on the results after sleeve gastrectomy (SG)., Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the sweet eating habit and weight loss after SG., Design: Cross-sectional retrospective study., Material and Methods: Group A: nonobese subjects, and group B: patients who underwent SG and had ≥6 months follow-up. Demographics, anthropometrics, percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) at 6, 12, and 24 months, and eating habits before surgery were analyzed. Sweet eating consumption was classified as follows: mild, moderate, and severe. Uni- and bivariate logistic regression analysis according to each variable was performed., Results: Between 2006 and 2011, 157 patients underwent SG at our institution; 36% were male, age 41 years old, and initial body mass index 46 kg/m(2). Mean %EWL at 6, 12, and 24 months was 66%, 77%, and 70%, respectively. Sweet eating consumption: Mild: 59%; Moderate: 38%; and Severe: 3%. No difference was found in sweet eating patterns among groups A and B; %EWL for mild, moderate, and severe sweet eaters at 6 months was 66 ± 16, 66 ± 14, and 65 ± 10, respectively (P = non-significant [NS]). The same analysis was made at 12 months: 76 ± 20, 79 ± 18, and 78 ± 11 (P = NS). At 24 months, only mild and moderate sweet eaters were available for comparison: 69 ± 23 and 73 ± 19, respectively (P = NS)., Conclusion: Preliminary data suggested that preoperative sweet eating habit would not predict results after SG in terms of weight loss.

Background: Metallic stent placing is the first choice in the treatment of malign or benign strictures of the esophagus. Stent migration is a well-known complication of this procedure. We report a case of stent migration in which surgical laparoscopic intervention was used to retrieve it., Methods: An 85 years old man with unsuccessfully endoscopic retrieval of a migrated stent underwent laparoscopic gastrotomy for solution. The patient recovered without incident., Conclusion: This case illustrates that laparoscopic technique can be an optional way to retrieve migrated stents in selected patients.

Morgagni's hernia is a rare congenital disorder, usually asymptomatic, but may cause respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. We reviewed the clinical findings of a patient with a Morgagni's hernia, diagnosed and treated in our department. The Morgagni's hernia caused various symptoms in our patient and surgery was performed via laparoscopy. A chest CT-scan established the diagnosis. The hernial defect was closed with a synthetic mesh. Our patients had an uneventful postoperative recovery. We believe that the laparoscopic approach is an effective way of repairing Morgagni's hernia.

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS), or celiac trunk compression syndrome, is caused by extrinsic compression of median arcuate ligament, prominent fibrous bands and periaortic nodal tissue. In many cases is asymptomatic, but it may manifests with symptoms such as postprandial abdominal pain or during exercise, nauseas, vomiting and weight loss. Trough less invasive diagnostic techniques, such as doppler ultrasound for screening and preoperative angiotomograhpy, it is possible to obtain good results, comparable to those with arteriography. Surgical treatment by laparoscopic approach is a safe and effective technique. A symptomatic case that required surgical treatment, a laparoscopic approach, with clinical and imaging improvement after the procedure, is presented.

Omental hernia through the esophageal hiatus is extemely infrequent. Paraesophageal hiatal hernia with omentum in the herniary sac mimics a mediastinal lipomatous tumor and differential diagnosis should be made. This diagnosis requires experience and knowledge of the differences between these two pathologies. In the following study we describe the case of an omental hernia and the characteristics that make it different from other pathologies.

Granulomatous peritonitis due to surgical glove starch is an entity of difficult diagnosis and low incidence. Patients present with abdominal pain, fever and prolonged functional ileus three to four weeks postoperatory of a laparotomy where corn starch as glove's lubricant had been used. In surgical re-exploration both the peritoneum and omentum are widely affected with multiple small white nodules together with peritoneal fluid. Histopathology shows inflammatory tissue with giant multinucleated cells containing bi-refringent cornstarch particles inside. Under polarized light the typical maltese cross appearance of cornstarch is revealed. We present a 54 year old woman admitted with abdominal pain, fever and an unusually prolonged ileus in postoperatory period after a laparotomy. Conventional hysterectomy was performed three months before. At admission, exploratory videolaparocopy was done, in which accidentally distal jejunum was perforated which required laparotomy for enterorraphy. One month after she was re-laparotomized due to persistence of ileus. Granulomatous peritonitis was evidenciated and confirmed by histopathology. Endovenous hydrocortisone was given during two weeks and shifted to oral prednisone during four weeks with gradual diminution until suppression. Patient is asymptomatic at seven months of postoperatory. Corticosteroid treatment is an efficient choice. The prevention is crucial and is based on the employment of starch free surgical gloves.

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) has become the standard treatment option for achalasia. The incidence of esophageal perforation reported is about 5%-10%. Robotically assisted Heller myotomy (RAHM) is emerging as a safe alternative to LHM. Data comparing the two approaches are scant. The aim of this study was to compare RAHM with LHM in terms of efficacy and safety for treatment of achalasia. A total of 121 patients underwent surgical treatment of achalasia at three institutions. A retrospective review of prospectively collected perioperative data was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: group A (RAHM), 59 patients, and group B (LHM), 62 patients. All the operations were completed using minimally invasive techniques. There were 63 women and 58 men, with a mean age of 45 +/- 19 years (14-82 years). Fifty-one percent of patients in group A and 95% of patients in group B reported weight loss. Duration of symptoms was equal for both groups. Dysphagia was the main complaint in both groups (P = NS). There was no difference in preoperative endoscopic treatment in both groups (44% versus 27%, P = NS). Operative time was significantly shorter for LHM in the first half of the experience (141 +/- 49 versus 122 +/- 44 minutes, P < .05). However, in the last 30 cases there was no difference in operative time between the groups (P = NS). Intraoperative complications (esophageal perforation) were more frequent in group B (16% versus 0%). The incidence of postoperative heartburn did not differ by group. There were no deaths. At 18 and 22 months, 92% and 90% of patients had relief of their dysphagia. This study suggests that RAHM is safer than LHM, because it decreases the incidence of esophageal perforation to 0%, even in patients who had previous treatment. At short-term follow-up, relief of dysphagia was equally achieved in both groups

Background: Morbid obesity (MO) has reached epidemic proportions and is a major health problem in developed nations. In the adolescent with MO, early intervention can minimize obesity-related comorbidities, avoid premature mortality, improve quality of life, and prevent obesity-related diseases as these patients mature into adulthood. The primary surgical treatment of adolescent patients meeting National Institutes of Health criteria for bariatric surgery has been the gastric bypass (GB). Although GB has led to weight loss and improvement of comorbid conditions, concerns remain over the high incidence of postoperative complications and life-style-altering long-term sequelae of gastrointestinal tract reconstruction. Based on the excellent results from international adult series as well as the authors' own experience of more than 300 adult patients, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) as an alternative to GB to eligible adolescents was offered., Methods: After medical, psychologic, and nutritional screening, 4 patients (ages 17-19 years) with a body mass index of 40 or more (range, 40-61) who failed medical attempts at weight loss were selected for LAGB., Results: The operative time was 40 to 90 minutes. All patients were discharged on the day of surgery. There were no early complications. One patient had cholecystitis 6 months after surgery requiring laparoscopic cholecystectomy. For the 4 patients, the amount of excess weight loss was 57% at 30 months, 34% at 12 months, 87% at 7 months, and 15% at 4 months, respectively., Conclusions: In this preliminary series of the US experience in the use of LAGB for the management of adolescents with MO, the lack of operative morbidity, short operative time/hospital stay, and encouraging initial weight loss mirror the adult experience and illustrate that the LAGB is a safe and effective alternative to GB. These encouraging results support further evaluation of LAGB as a surgical option in a comprehensive adolescent weight loss program.

Obesity is a serious health problem in the United States today, and surgical treatment is recognized as long-term effective therapy. Minimally invasive techniques are becoming the "gold standard" approach to the treatment of disease, and robotic surgery has the potential to advance the use and development of minimally invasive procedures. In this article, we report our experience using robotically assisted technology to perform bariatric surgery. From mid 2002 to early 2004, 110 robotically assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 32 robotically assisted gastric banding procedures were performed at our institution. The mean preoperative body mass index was 46 for the patients receiving Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 49 for the patients receiving gastric banding. The mean length of stay was 2.1 days and 1 day for patients in the 2 respective groups. There were 3 strictures in the Roux-en-Y group and 1 marginal ulcer in the gastric banding group; no leaks were observed in any patients in either group. There was 1 conversion to a laparoscopic procedure in the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass group. We conclude that robotically assisted bariatric surgery will allow more surgeons to offer patients the same safety and successful outcomes currently available through open techniques but without the significant morbidities of large surgical wounds.

The application of minimally invasive techniques in the field of transplant surgery is expanding the number of living-related donor nephrectomies. In 2003, the number of living kidney donors exceeded the number of cadaveric donors. The laparoscopic techniques already have been described extensively. Our experience with robotic donor nephrectomy began in October 2000. In this article, we describe the surgical technique for living-related donor nephrectomies using robotic technology (computer-enhanced surgery), as well as the most important considerations regarding the pre- and postoperative management of this group of patients.