Search

Background: Bariatric surgery (BSx) is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the USA. Nonetheless, data regarding 11-month period after BSx remain limited. Methods: A retrospective cohort study using the 2016 National Readmission Database. Adult patients admitted for BSx in January were included. The follow-up period was 11 months (February–December). The primary outcome was all-cause 11-month readmission. Secondary outcomes were index admission (IA) and readmission in-hospital mortality rate and healthcare resource use associated with readmission. Multivariate regression was performed to identify independent risk factors for readmission. Results: A total of 13,278 IA were included. The 11-month readmission rate was 11.1%. The mortality rate of readmission was 1.4% and 0.1% for IA (P < 0.01). The most common cause of readmission was hematemesis. Independent predictors were Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score ≥ 3 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.34; P = 0.05), increasing length of stay (aHR 1.01; P < 0.01), transfer to rehabilitation facilities (aHR 5.02; P < 0.01), undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (aHR 1.71; P = 0.02), adjustable gastric band (aHR 14.09; P < 0.01), alcohol use disorder (2.10; P = 0.01), and cannabis use disorder (aHR 3.37; P = 0.01). Private insurance as primary payer (aHR 0.65; P < 0.01) and BMI 45–49 kg/m2 (aHR 0.72; P < 0.01) were associated with less odds of readmission. The cumulative total hospitalization charges of readmission were $69.9 million. Conclusions: The 11-month readmission rate after BSx is 11.1%. Targeting modifiable predictors of readmission may help reduce the burden of readmissions on our healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: As the pig model has similar gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology to humans, we used pigs to create a gastric mucosal devitalization (GMD) model in preparation for clinical translation of this technique as an endoscopic bariatric therapy (EBT). The aims of this study were to determine the ablation parameters and technique for a successful, safe, and feasible large surface area GMD that produces weight loss. Methods: We performed GMD using argon plasma coagulation (APC) in 3 phases. Phase 1 assessed the ablation energy required to accomplish selective mucosal ablation using ex vivo pig stomachs (n = 2). Phase 2 assessed the optimal percentage of mucosal surface area to be treated and was performed on 10 pigs. Phase 3 assessed feasibility, efficacy, and safety with 8 pigs randomized into GMD (n = 4) or sham (SH, n = 4) and survived for 1 month. Body weights (GMD, n = 4, SH, n = 4) were measured daily in phase 3 for 1 month, and relative body weights were calculated and analyzed using one-tailed Student's t-test. Percent body fat was compared between GMD and SH at baseline and 1 month post-GMD. Results: Phase 1 identified the optimal ablation parameters (120 W) that were then used in phase 2. Phase 2 revealed a trend that was suggestive that the optimal percent surface area to ablate was similar to that which is removed at laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. In phase 3, GMD was performed over 70% surface area of the greater curvature of the stomach in four pigs. GMD pigs had significantly lower relative body weight increase compared to SH at 1 month (1.375 ± 0.085 vs 1.575 ± 0.047, p = 0.0435). MRI showed a significantly lower body fat mass at 1 month in GMD pigs (5.9 ± 0.4% vs 12.7 ± 2.3%, p = 0.026) compared to SH. Conclusions: GMD resulted in decreased weight gain in the GMD group as evidenced by a lower relative body weight at 1 month. GMD in an animal model appears to show promise as a potential weight loss therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Weight regain after balloon retrieval is a concern with all intra-gastric balloons (IGBs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, to prevent weight regain following IGB retrieval. Materials and Methods: This was a case-matched study of patients undergoing Spatz3 adjustable IGB (Spatz FGIA, Inc. NY, USA) at three outpatient clinics in Brazil between November 2015 and January 2019. Seventy-seven patients that opted to take liraglutide following IGB retrieval (IGB-L) were matched 1:1 to 198 patients that declined the medication—IGB-Alone (IGB-A). Propensity score adjustment was performed at the time of balloon retrieval on factors known to influence the choice of liraglutide. Weight and percent body fat (%BF) was measured at baseline and 9 months after IGB retrieval. % BF is defined as the total mass of fat divided by total body mass, multiplied by 100. The primary outcome was weight regain, and the secondary outcome was change in %BF 9 months after IGB retrieval. Results: Propensity score matching yielded 53 matched pairs. Weight regain to the starting point was not observed in either group. There was significantly less weight regain in IGB-L compared to IGB-A, − 1.15 ± 0.94 kg versus − 0.66 ± 0.99 kg (p = 0.010) 9 months after balloon retrieval. Additionally, %BF decline in IGB-L was superior to IGB-A − 10.83 ± 1.50 versus − 7.94 ± 2.02 (p < 0.01). There was no difference in weight regain or decline in %BF based on liraglutide dose. Conclusion: Liraglutide has an additive benefit with respect to efficacy and a reduction in body fat when commenced after IGB retrieval. Future randomized control studies will be needed to determine the optimal dose and duration of liraglutide to achieve superior outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The mechanism of weight loss with the intra-gastric balloon (IGB) is thought to be a decrease in gastric emptying (GE); however the evidence is conflicting. Nausea, abdominal pain, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause intolerance resulting in early removal. This is demoralizing for the patient and costly for the healthcare system. The ability to predict which patients will have superior weight loss and tolerance is invaluable. We sought to investigate if the IGB induced weight loss by reducing GE and the effect of the IGB on the DeMeester score. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data for patients undergoing IGB placement at a single hospital. Manometry and pH studies were performed before and with the IGB in place. Weight was measured at baseline, at removal, and 6 months later. Adverse events leading to early removal were recorded. Results: Twenty-four patients were evaluated. There was a statistically significant decrease in GE for solids with the IGB (117.92 ± 150.23 vs 281.48 ± 206.49 min; p = 0.0048), but not for liquids (54.44 ± 17.97 vs 56.08 ± 43.96 min; p = 0.7228). The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure did not change significantly with placement of the IGB (17.76 ± 7.39 vs 14.74 ± 7.24 mmHg; p = 0.09). On multivariate analysis, increase in DeMeester score was associated with total body weight loss (p = 0.0125) and change in GE (p = 0.038) independently. Conclusion: The IGB delays GE for solids, but not for liquids, and increases the DeMeester score by a mechanism other than a loss of LES pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Partially covered self-expandable metallic stents (PCSEMS), although an effective treatment for anastomotic/staple line leaks and strictures, can be difficult to remove. This study examines the effectiveness of the inversion technique for the removal of PCSEMS in the treatment of leaks and strictures that occurred post-sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent PCSEMS removal for a leak and/or stricture post-SG or RYGB between July 2013 and December 2016 at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions were reviewed. All PCSEMS removals were first attempted via the inversion technique, which involves grasping the distal end of the stent and inverting it through itself. Results: Fourteen patients (four males) underwent PCSEMS removal via the inversion technique for an anastomotic/staple line leak (50%), stricture (29%) or both (21%) post-SG (79%) or RYGB (21%). Technical success (successful removal of the stent) was achieved in one endoscopic session for 13 of the 14 PCSEMS (93%). One PCSEMS required the use of the stent-in-stent technique for removal. The median dwell time was 47 days (range 5-72). A distal partial occlusion developed in five patients (35%) due to tissue overgrowth and one PCSEMS (7%) migrated, necessitating premature removal. Eight patients (57%) experienced clinical success at follow-up, and six patients (43%) required subsequent treatment due to persistence or recurrence of the pathology. Conclusions: The inversion technique is a safe, effective, and efficient method of removing PCSEMS placed to correct anastomotic/staple line leaks and strictures post-SG and RYGB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]