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Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) modifies gastrointestinal substances that control hunger and satiation via the brain-gut axis. A potential mechanism implicated in weight loss is the shift in food preferences. Our aim was to assess changes in taste preferences and their relationship to weight loss. This is a prospective longitudinal observational study in 100 consecutive LSG patients. Questionnaire with photographs of tastes was administered before surgery, at postoperative (PO) day 6 and PO month 6. Participants asked to rate each item in terms of desire to consume on a 5-point Likert scale. Preoperative demographics are as follows: 77 women/23 men, mean age 40.8 ± 12 years, and mean BMI 42.46 ± 6.7 kg/m2. Mean 6-month PO % total body weight loss (%TBWL): 24 ± 6.2%. Preferences for bitter, salty, umami, fatty, sour, spicy, and sweet decreased significantly from baseline to PO day 6 (p

Marginal ulcer can be a serious complication after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the rates of marginal ulcer between the antecolic and the retrocolic technique, in a large cohort of patients.Over a near 10-year period, 1,142 patients underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. The antecolic and the retrocolic technique were used in respectively 572 and 570 consecutive patients. All procedures were performed using a circular stapled gastrojejunostomy.Patients were followed for 18 to 99 months (mean 48.8 months). During follow-up, 46 patients developed a marginal ulcer (4 %), 32 in the antecolic group (5.6 %) and 14 in the retrocolic group (2.5 %). Nineteen patients (3.3 %) in the antecolic group and eight patients in the retrocolic group (1.4 %) developed early marginal ulcer (i.e., within 3 months after surgery). The mean time to onset of anastomotic ulcer symptoms after surgery was 11 months (range 0.25-72). Forty-four patients were submitted to medical treatment, and 35 patients (79.5 %) had complete resolution of their symptoms.Patients with an antecolic Roux limb develop significantly more marginal ulcers (p = 0.007) and early marginal ulcer (p = 0.033) than the patients with a retrocolic Roux limb. The antecolic technique seems to be a risk factor for appearance of marginal ulcer.

Gastrointestinal complications after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) are not uncommon. Leakage of the gastro-jejunal anastomosis is the main early surgical complication of LRYGBP. Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) has been described in association with a variety of pathologic conditions. HPVG is a potentially life-threatening condition due to its etiology, with a global survival rate of

Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) was the restrictive procedure of choice for many years. However, VBG has been associated with a high rate of long-term failure. We reviewed our experience of conversion of failed VBG to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). The data on all patients undergoing conversion of failed VBG to RYGBP were reviewed. Failed VBG was defined as insufficient weight loss (BMI > 35 kg/m2) and/or VBG-related complications. We performed 24 conversions from VBG to RYGBP. Median age was 40 ± 8 years (range 28 to 61). Preoperative weight was 111 ± 25 kg (range 85 to 181), and median BMI was 41 ± 8 kg/m2 (range 30 to 69 kg/m2). Indication for conversion was: VBG failure in 18 patients and VBG complications in 6 patients. A gastrectomy (total or proximal) had to be performed in 5 cases (21%). The conversion was performed by laparoscopy in 13 cases. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients (16.7%). There were no leaks, nor mortality. Postoperative BMI was 31 kg/m2 (range 25 to 42) at a median follow-up of 12 months (range 3 to 36 months). The average percentage of excess weight loss was 62% at 1 year. VBG has been associated with a significant reoperation rate for failure and/or complications. Conversion to RYGBP is effective in terms of weight loss and treatment of complications after VBG. Gastrectomy and resection of the staple-line could reduce such complications as leaks and mucocele. Although technically challenging, conversion of VBG to RYGBP is feasible, with acceptable morbidity and no mortality. The conversion is feasible laparoscopically.

To report the prognosis and management of patients reoperated for severe intraabdominal sepsis (IAS) after bariatric surgery (S0) and admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) for organ failure.A French observational study in a 12-bed adult surgical intensive care unit in a 1,200-bed teaching hospital with expertise in bariatric surgery. From January 2001 to August 2006, 27 morbidly obese patients (18 transferred from other institutions) developed severe postoperative IAS (within 45 days). Clinical signs, biochemical and radiologic findings, and treatment during the postoperative course after S0 were reviewed. Time to reoperation, characteristics of IAS, demographic data, and disease severity scores at ICU admission were recorded and their influence on prognosis was analyzed.The presence of respiratory signs after S0 led to an incorrect diagnosis in more than 50% of the patients. Preoperative weight (body mass index [BMI]50 kg/m2) and multiple reoperations were associated with a poorer prognosis in the ICU. The ICU mortality rate was 33% and increased with the number of organ failures at reoperation.During the initial postoperative course after bariatric surgery, physical examination of the abdomen is unreliable to identify surgical complications. The presence of respiratory signs should prompt abdominal investigations before the onset of organ failure. An urgent laparoscopy, as soon as abnormal clinical events are detected, is a valuable tool for early diagnosis and could shorten the delay in treatment.

Background: The outcomes and initial results of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were evaluated. Methods: A prospective study of the initial 10 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was performed. Study endpoints included operative time, complication rates, hospital length of stay and percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL). Results: There were 5 women and 5 men, with mean age 43 years (range 31 to 52). Mean preoperative weight was 182 kg (range 125-247 kg), with mean preoperative BMI 64 (range 61-80). Indication for LSG was related to BMI in all patients. 1 patient had previous restrictive bariatric surgery. Mean operative time was 2 hours (range 1.5-2.5). No patient required conversion. There were no postoperative complications nor mortality. Median hospital stay was 7.2 days. Average %EWL and BMI at 1 year were 51% and 23 kg/m2, respectively. Conclusion: LSG can be safely integrated into a bariatric surgical program with good results in terms of weight loss and quality of life. LSG can be a firststage procedure before gastric bypass or duodenal switch or a one-stage restrictive procedure if longterm results are good. LSG should be considered as a surgical option in the bariatric field.

Background: Controversy exists regarding the best surgical treatment for super-obesity (BMI >50 kg/m 2 ). The two most common bariatric procedures performed worldwide are laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP). We undertook a retrospective single-center study to compare the safety and efficacy of these two operations in super-obese patients. Methods: 290 super-obese patients underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery: 179 LAGB and 111 LRYGBP. Results: There were one death in both groups. The early complication rate was higher in the LAGB group (10% vs 2.8%, P

Background: The feasibility and outcomes of conversion of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) was evaluated. Methods: From November 2000 to March 2004, all patients who underwent laparoscopic conversion of LAGB to LRYGBP were retrospectively analyzed. The procedure included adhesiolysis, resection of the previous band, creation of an isolated gastric pouch, 100-cm Roux-limb, side-to-side jejuno-jejunostomy, and end-to-end gastro-jejunostomy. Results: 70 patients (58 female, mean age 41) with a median BMI of 45±11 (27-81) underwent attempted laparoscopic conversion of LAGB to an RYGBP. Indications for conversion were insufficient weight loss or weight regain after band deflation for gastric pouch dilatation in 34 patients (49%), inadequate weight loss in 17 patients (25%), symptomatic proximal gastric pouch dilatation in 15 patients (20%), intragastric band migration in 3 patients (5%), and psychological band intolerance in 1 patient. 3 of 70 patients (4.3%) had to be converted to a laparotomy because of severe adhesions. Mean operative time was 240±40 SD min (210-280). Mean hospital length of stay was 7.2 days. Early complication rate was 14.3% (10/70). Late major complications occurred in 6 patients (8.6%). There was no mortality. Median excess body weight loss was 70±20%. 60% of patients achieved a BMI of

Postoperative rhabdomyolysis is an uncommon event. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of rhabdomyolysis following laparoscopic obesity surgery.Rhabdomyolysis was studied prospectively. Over a 6-month period, 66 consecutive patients underwent bariatric surgery (gastric banding (n=50) and gastric bypass (n=16)). All patients underwent laparoscopic procedures. A range of blood tests, including serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level and serum creatinine, were systematically performed before surgery, and on the first and third day postoperatively. Rhabdomyolysis was defined as a postoperative CPK level1050 IU/L.Serum CPK was noted to increase significantly postoperatively to1050 units in 3 patients (6%) in the adjustable banding group and 12 patients (75%) in the gastric bypass group (P0.01). In the bypass group, 4 patients (25%) had a serum CPK level10000 IU/L, but there were none in the gastric banding group. All patients with CPK level10000 IU/L had BMI60 kg/m(2). No patients experienced acute renal failure.Rhabdomyolysis occurred in 22.7 % of 66 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Risk factors were identified: massive obesity and long duration of the operation. Early diagnosis may have significant impact on outcome by preventing or reducing the severity of complications from rhabdomyolysis. CPK level should be performed systematically after obesity surgery.