Interventions for the Management of Post–Sleeve GERD

Over the last decade, sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has steadily gained popularity and has now become the most commonly performed bariatric procedure in the United States. It is technically less complex than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch and has relatively good weight loss results in addition to comorbidity resolution. The long-term complication profile is appealing to patients and surgeons alike, save one issue, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is frequently seen in bariatric surgery patients; thus, proper patient selection for SG is paramount. However, SG effects on GERD remain controversial in the literature. Thus, patients are intensively cautioned of the possibility of de novo GERD or worsening of already existing GERD following SG. Therefore, it is imperative that the discussion also occurs regarding potential treatment options if GERD does occur. GERD management following SG consists of a multitude of options. While lifestyle modifications and proton pump inhibitors remain the initial treatment of choice, some will have persistent symptoms needing additional interventions, which may range from a variety of endoscopic techniques (lower esophageal sphincter [LES], radiofrequency ablation, magnetic LES augmentation, and antireflux mucosectomy) to ReSleeve and ultimately conversion to RYGB.

Durability of Cardiometabolic Outcomes Among Adolescents After Sleeve Gastrectomy: First Study with 9-Year Follow-up

Background Long-term durability of weight loss and comorbidity resolution beyond 7 years after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) among adolescents is completely lacking. Methods Retrospective review of adolescents aged ≤ 18 years who underwent primary LSG at our institution between 2011 and 2015 (N = 146). We assessed anthropometric and cardiometabolic outcomes at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 years. Results Follow-up rates were 57.53%, 82.87%, 85.24%, 83.92%, and 83.33% at the five time points. The preoperative mean body mass index (BMI) (45.60 ± 6.50 kg/m2) decreased at year 1 (30.04 ± 4.96 kg/m2, P=0.001) and was maintained up to 9 years (30.20 ± 3.92 kg/m2, P = 0.001). Remission rates were triglycerides, 100% (11/11) at 5 years, and 100% (1/1) at 9 years; high density lipoprotein, 89.4% (17/19) at 5 years, and 100% (3/3) at 7 years; low density lipoprotein, 71.4% (11/14) and 100% (3/3) at 5 and 7 years; total cholesterol, 70% (7/10) at 5 years, and 100% (2/2) at 9 years; uric acid, 100% (3/3) at 5 years. Remission of liver enzymes was 84.6–100% (22/26–2/2) at 5–9 years. Prediabetes remission was 87.5% (14/16 and 7/8) at 5 and 7 years and 100% (3/3) at year 9. Type 2 diabetes complete remission was 50% (3/6, 1/2) at years 5 and 7, with all cases resolved at 9 years. The only case of hypertension completely resolved. Conclusions LSG achieved substantial weight loss and remission of cardiometabolic risk factors that were sustained on the long term. This is the first study among adolescents to assess such outcomes beyond 7 years. Graphical abstract

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Adolescents

Purpose of Review The prevalence of obesity is increasing in all age groups. Following its success in adults, and with limited success using conservative therapies, metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is increasingly being utilized in adolescents. This review highlights the current evidence and guidelines supporting its use. Recent Findings Safety and efficacy mirror results seen in adults. The most recent evidence, as outcomes enter the long term, suggests that comorbidity resolution, including diabetes and hypertension, can even outperform that of adults. Mental health problems persist despite good weight loss. Overall, the positive early weight and comorbidity outcomes are well sustained into the long term. Summary There is a growing need to prevent and treat adolescent obesity. Current evidence supports the use of MBS in adolescents. Ongoing and future studies will provide 10-year outcomes and assist in the refinement of multimodal pathways incorporating MBS for the treatment of severe childhood obesity.

Long-Term Quality of Life Outcomes After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass—a Comparative Study

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) have been shown to improve metabolic comorbidities as well as quality of life (QoL) in the obese population. The vast majority of previous studies have investigated the metabolic effects of bariatric surgery and there is a dearth of studies examining long-term QoL outcomes post bariatric surgery. The outcomes of 43 patients who underwent bariatric surgery were prospectively assessed, using BAROS questionnaires to quantify QoL and metabolic status pre-operatively, at 1 year and at 8 years. Total weight loss and comorbidity resolution were similar between RYGB and SG. The RYGB cohort experienced greater QoL improvement from baseline and had higher BAROS scores at 8 years. RYGB may provide more substantial and durable long-term benefits as compared to SG.

Suture pattern does not influence outcomes of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty in obese patients

Background and study aims ESG is an effective and safe medium-term procedure for obesity treatment. A variety of suture patterns have been reported. We aimed to compare whether there are differences in efficacy depending on suture pattern used. Patients and methods Retrospective and comparative review of 5 years of prospectively collected data, including consecutive obese patients undergoing ESG at two collaborative centers. Primary outcomes included weight loss (mainly % total body weight loss [TBWL] and % exces weight loss [EWL]) at 12 months and safety profile. We compared them according to three suture patterns (transverse bilinear [TBp], longitudinal [Lp] and transverse monolinear [TMp]), and number of sutures (4 – 7) and stitches (< 25, 25 to 30 and > 30) applied. Evolution of major obesity-associated morbidities (hypertension, dyslipidemia, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), sleep obstructive apnea syndrome, and arthropathy) were also described. Results 88 patients (mean age 46.1±12.3 years, 69.3 % female) underwent ESG. Mean body mass index (BMI) at baseline was 39.40 ± 4.69 kg/m². At 1 year, %TBWL was 17.36 ± 6.09 % (%EWL 46.41±20.6 %) with TBWL > 10 % in 95.5 % of patients (EWL > 25 % in 94.3 % of patients). According to pattern, there were no differences in %TBWL but there were in %EWL (43.7 ± 20.4 %, 59.8 ± 18.9 % and 45.4 ± 14.9 % in TBp, Lp and TMp patterns, respectively) (P = 0.034). No differences were found related to number of sutures (mean 5.2 ± 0.73, r = 4 – 7) or stitches (mean 27.4 ± 6.50, r = 18 – 50) applied. Forty-three of 72 (59.7 %) major comorbidities were resolved. No serious adverse events were observed with any pattern. Conclusions ESG is an effective procedure at 12-month follow-up for weight loss and comorbidity resolution. All three analyzed patterns are safe and effective without differences in %TBWL, but there was a slight increase in %EWL in Lp, regardless of the number of sutures or stitches applied.