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Needlescopic instruments create a 3-mm incision and may result in less pain and superior cosmesis. There is limited understanding of the effectiveness of needlescopic instruments in patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m2. We report perioperative outcomes and perception of body image with use of needlescopic instruments after bariatric surgery. Laparoscopic bariatric procedures were performed on 30 adults at a single academic medical center from January to December 2017. Patients were randomized to conventional laparoscopy (LAP) or needlescopic (NEED) surgery. The Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) and Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) were completed at 6 months and 1 year. Univariate analysis was performed on perioperative outcomes and survey scores. Surgery was completed on patients in the LAP group (N = 13) and compared to the NEED group (N = 17). The mean BMI was 41.4 kg/m2 LAP and 41.1 kg/m2 NEED. The most common procedure was Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), with 13 RYGB in LAP and 12 RYGB in NEED (P = 0.76).The operative time was not significantly different between the LAP and the NEED group (209.5 ± 66.1 vs 181.9 ± 58.1 min, P = 0.48). There was no leak or mortality in the 30-day follow-up period. Within MBSRQ, the patient’s appearance self-evaluation score was similar between LAP and NEED (2.5 ± 0.6 vs 2.4 ± 0.6, P = 0.61). Within PSAQ, the mean satisfaction score for incision appearance was also similar between LAP and NEED (16.1± 2.9 vs 15.4 ± 4.6, P = 0.85). Incision-related perceptions remained consistent at 6 months and 1 year after bariatric surgery. Needlescopic instruments are safe and a viable alternative to use during bariatric surgery. Appearance and perception of scar were similar between groups. Further studies with needlescopic instruments should include patients with a BMI > 35 kg/m2 and compare additional factors associated with body image.

Introduction:In prostate surgery retraction of the prostate is essential to ensure appropriate visualization of the surgical field. In the past improvement in exposure would require the ded...

Endoscopy is essential in the assessment and treatment of the bariatric patient, especially in the postoperative state. Since bariatric surgery is increasing exponentially, endoscopists should be familiar with the anatomy and how to manage possible complications. New less invasive therapeutic tools will have a major impact on the prognosis of these patients. Dreaded complications such as leaks, stenosis or weight regain can be successfully assessed and treated by endoscopy. Postoperative evaluation of symptoms requires the precise search of details that can change patient's management.

Therapeutic endoscopy is an emerging field within general surgery. This article explores the evidence for and usage of endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection throughout the gastrointestinal tract. We aim to educate surgeons and provide an understanding of these techniques. With education and appropriate training, the surgeon will gain confidence and hopefully adopt these tools into their daily practice.

Obesity is the most prevalent chronic disease in the United States and bariatric surgery stands as the best treatment. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most common bariatric operation performed in the United States. Leaks after LSG are rare but represent the most serious complication. The majority of leaks occur in the proximal third of the stomach near the angle of His, and ischemia is the most likely etiology. Indocyanine green (ICG) is an ideal compound to assess tissue perfusion intraoperatively, and ICG fluorescence angiography during LSG can be used to identify blood supply patterns. Confirming adequate perfusion of the remnant sleeve stomach minimizes perfusion compromise and prevents potential serious postoperative complications including leaks and strictures. ICG can also be used in anastomotic operations such as gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch with many potential future applications.

Obesity is a growing worldwide epidemic and an emerging healthcare problem affecting millions of people in the United States. Currently, mortality is less than 1%, and morbidity is under 10%. One significant long-term concern is weight regain. In order to manage weight regain, a multifactorial approach is critical. Options for treatment include behavioral modifications, pharmacological intervention, endoscopic revision, and surgical operations offer additional weight loss and amelioration of comorbidities.

Background and study aims Sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure in the world. Leaks are the most feared complications after this procedure. Endoscopic septotomy has been described as a resolution technique that could be useful in the setting of late and chronic leaks. We present our experience in the management of gastric leaks with this advanced endoscopic technique. Patients and methods Retrospective review of patients who have been admitted to our hospital from January 2016 to December 2018. Results Five patients were found. All had their index surgery in outside hospitals. The average age was 51 years (range 40 – 69), and four patients were female. Mean time from LSG to leak presentation was 15 days (range 7 – 25). Mean time from leak presentation to septotomy procedure was 61 days (range 21 – 110). All patients were treated with sleeve dilatation before septotomy using endoscopic achalasia balloons. Mean procedure time was 79 minutes (range 55 – 125). Success was achieved in 80 % of patients, and no complications related to the procedure were identified. One patient underwent total gastrectomy for definitive management. Mean follow-up time was 14.25 months (range 6 – 26), and the average time for fistula closure was 60.25 days. Conclusion Endoscopic septotomy is safe and effective for management of chronic leaks after LSG. Associated non-selective dilatation may be a crucial step to allow distal patency and axis rectification for appropriate leak closure.

Bariatric surgery has been proven to be safe and durable for treatment of obesity and obesity-related diseases. Although complication rates continue to decrease, complications occur and may impart significant morbidity. Treatment of complications often includes combinations of medical therapies and surgical or endoscopic interventions. Endoscopic techniques to treat complications of bariatric surgery have evolved, with improved tools and devices, as well as increased experience and expertise. Methods of dilation, hemostasis, suturing, clip placement, stenting, and feeding tube placement have given practitioners less-invasive ways to treat complications and also to provide durable enteral access. In patients with high reoperative complexity, endoscopic access may circumvent the abnormal pathology, with a less-invasive route. This chapter focuses on endoluminal management of common complications of bariatric surgery, including techniques employed and outcomes.

Bariatric surgery is the most effective way to improve comorbidities related to obesity. Since the introduction of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery in the bariatric surgery techniques, the number of procedures has increased substantially; advances in techniques and the transition from open to minimally invasive procedures have decreased morbidity and mortality. Multidisciplinary teams in charge of the operative planning, surgical act, and postoperative recovery are determinant in the success of the management of high-risk bariatric patients; careful identification and preoperative management of these higher-risk patients is crucial in decreasing complications after weight loss surgery.