Web-Based Educational Seminars Compare Favorably with In-House Seminars for Bariatric Surgery Patients

Background Comprehensive preparative patient education is a key element in bariatric patient success. The primary objective of this study was to compare attrition rates, demographics, and surgery outcomes between patients who participated in the online vs in-house preparative seminars. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed involving patients who chose to participate in online vs in-house educational seminar between July of 2014 and December of 2016. The patients were divided into two groups based on their choice of educational seminar and tracked to see how many made it to an initial visit and to surgery. In those who had bariatric surgery, data was collected on age, type of insurance, length of stay (LOS), longest follow-up, and change in body mass index. Results Total of 1230 patients were included in this study. There was no difference in attrition rate to initial consultation visit (29.1% vs 29.9%), but there was a statistically higher attrition to surgery in the in-house seminar attendees (72.9%) compared to online participants (66.6%, p < 0.05). Between January 2015 and December 2016, 291 patients underwent primary bariatric surgery. The online group was on average 3 years younger which was statistically significant. There were no differences in LOS, longest follow-up, and weight loss at 12 months between the groups. Conclusion When comparing attrition rates and bariatric surgery outcomes, no overall difference was noted between patients who received web- or hospital-based preparative education. Bariatric programs should provide access to online seminars to attract younger population and save resources and cost

A behavioral rating system predicts weight loss and quality of life after bariatric surgery

Background Bariatric surgery represents the most effective intervention for severe obesity available today; however, significant variability in postoperative outcomes exists. Effective tools that predict postoperative outcomes are needed for decision-making and patient counseling. Objectives We hypothesized that a validated behavioral assessment tool, the Cleveland Clinic Behavioral Rating Scale (CCBRS), would predict excess weight loss, health-related quality of life, depression, anxiety, and alcohol use after bariatric surgery. Setting Hospital in the United States. Methods A prospective observational study with 2-year planned follow-up was conducted with patients who completed a psychological clinical interview, the Short Form 36 (SF-36) v.2 Health Survey and brief self-report questionnaires measuring depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and alcohol use (AUDIT) preoperatively. At the conclusion of the preoperative psychological evaluation, the psychologist completed the CCBRS. All questionnaires were readministered at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess whether any CCBRS ratings predicted surgery outcomes. Results One hundred seventy-nine patients (113 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 66 sleeve gastrectomy) were included in the analyses. SF-36 scores, PHQ-9 scores, and the AUDIT total scores improved significantly after surgery, while GAD-7 scores did not change appreciably. Higher preoperative CCBRS ratings predicted higher SF-36 scores, and lower PHQ-9, GAD-7 and AUDIT scores. The CCBRS social support rating predicted higher postoperative percent excess weight loss. Conclusion A behavioral rating scale (CCBRS) completed before bariatric surgery predicted postoperative weight loss, quality of life, depression, and anxiety. Therefore, this tool may prove useful in patient counseling and expectation management before surgery

Are Perceived Barriers to Exercise and Level of Interest in Fitness Programs Different Between Preoperative and Postoperative Bariatric Surgery Groups?

Background: Exercise following bariatric surgery is associated with better outcomes. We aimed to assess the level of interest in fitness programs, self-reported exercise duration, and perceived obstacles for exercising in bariatric patients. Materials and Methods: All patients who presented to our hospital for any bariatric clinic visit were administered a questionnaire, which explored their interest in a free 10-min DVD-based workout (DW) versus an internet-based workout (IW), average duration of exercise per week, and two perceived obstacles to exercise. Results: One hundred fifty-nine preoperative and 135 postoperative patients were surveyed. Overall, there was more interest in DW than in IW. The mean duration of exercise in the preop group was 89 ± 92.1 min/week, whereas the postop group reported 84.4 ± 103.7 min/week (p = 0.717). Time was the most frequent obstacle in both groups, whereas orthopedic discomfort was reported less frequently in the postoperative compared with the preoperative population (7% vs. 18.1%, respectively, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Despite the postoperative group reporting less orthopedic pain, mean exercise time per week was the same as the preoperative group. Time constraints were the most frequently reported barrier in both groups, suggesting a pathway for intervention

Postoperative Dysphagia Following Esophagogastric Fundoplication: Does the Timing to First Dilation Matter?

Background Postoperative dysphagia after anti-reflux surgery typically resolves in a few weeks. However, even after the initial swelling has resolved at 6 weeks, dysphagia can persist in 30% of patients necessitating esophageal dilation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of esophageal dilation on postoperative dysphagia, the recurrence of reflux symptoms, and the efficacy of pneumatic dilations on postoperative dysphagia. Methods A prospectively collected database was reviewed for patients who underwent partial/complete fundoplication with/without paraesophageal hernia repair between 2006 and 2014. Patient age, sex, BMI, DeMeester score, procedure type, procedure duration, length of stay, postoperative dysphagia, time to first pneumatic dilation, number of dilations, and the need for reoperations were collected. Results The study included 902 consecutive patients, 71.3% females, with a mean age of 57.8 ± 14.7 years. Postoperative dysphagia was noted in 26.3% of patients, of whom 89% had complete fundoplication (p < 0.01). Endoscopic dilation was performed in 93 patients (10.3%) with 59 (63.4%) demonstrating persistent dysphagia. Recurrent reflux symptoms occurred in 35 (37.6%) patients who underwent endoscopic dilation. Patients who underwent a dilation for symptoms of dysphagia were less likely to require a revisional surgery later than patients who had dysphagia but did not undergo a dilation before revisional surgery (17.2% vs 41.7%, respectively, p < 0.001) in the 4-year follow-up period. The duration of initial dilation from surgery was inversely related to the need for revisional surgery (p = 0.047), while more than one dilation was not associated with additive benefit. Conclusion One attempt at endoscopic dilation of the esophagogastric fundoplication may provide relief in patients with postoperative dysphagia and can be used as a predictive factor for the need of revision. However, there is an increased risk for recurrent reflux symptoms and revisional surgery may ultimately be indicated for control of symptoms

Comparison of Oral Iron Supplement Formulations for Normalization of Iron Status Following Roux-EN-y Gastric Bypass Surgery: a Randomized Trial

Background The evidence behind recommendations for treatment of iron deficiency (ID) following roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) lacks high quality studies. Setting Academic, United States Objective The objective of the study is to compare the effectiveness of oral iron supplementation using non-heme versus heme iron for treatment of iron deficiency in RYGB patients. Methods In a randomized, single-blind study, women post-RYGB and iron deficient received non-heme iron (FeSO4, 195 mg/day) or heme iron (heme-iron-polypeptide, HIP, 31.5 to 94.5 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Measures of iron status, including blood concentrations of ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and hemoglobin, were assessed. Results At baseline, the mean ± standard deviation for age, BMI, and years since surgery of the sample was 41.5 ± 6.8 years, 34.4 ± 5.9 kg/m2, and 6.9 ± 3.1 years, respectively; and there were no differences between FeSO4 (N = 6) or HIP (N = 8) groups. Compliance was greater than 94%. The study was stopped early due to statistical and clinical differences between groups. Values before and after FeSO4 supplementation, expressed as least square means (95% CI) were hemoglobin, 10.8 (9.8, 11.9) to 13.0 (11.9, 14.0) g/dL; sTfR, 2111 (1556, 2864) to 1270 (934, 1737) μg/L; ferritin, 4.9 (3.4, 7.2) to 15.5 (10.6, 22.6) μg/L; and sTfR:ferritin ratio, 542 (273, 1086) to 103 (51, 204); all p 0.05). Conclusions In accordance with recommendations, oral supplementation using FeSO4, but not HIP, was efficacious for treatment of iron deficiency after RYGB

What delays your case start? Exploring operating room inefficiencies

Introduction Improving operating room (OR) inefficiencies benefits the OR team, hospital, and patients alike but the available literature is limited. Our goal was, using a novel surgical application, to identify any OR incidents that cause delays from the time the patient enters the OR till procedure start (preparatory phase). Materials and methods We conducted an IRB approved, prospective, observational study between July 2018 and January 2019. Using a novel surgical application (ExplORer Surgical) three observers recorded disrupting incidents and their duration during the preparatory phase of a variety of general surgery cases. Specifically, the number and duration of anesthesia delays, unnecessary/distracting conversations, missing items, and other delays were recorded from the moment they started until they stopped affecting the normal workflow. Results Ninety-six OR cases were assessed. 20 incidents occurred in 18 (19%) of those cases. The average preparatory duration for all the cases was 20.7 ± 8.6 min. Cases without incidents lasted 19.5 ± 7.4 min while cases with incidents lasted 25.9 ± 11.2 min, p = 0.03. The average incident lasted 3.7 min, approximately 18% of the preparatory phase duration. Conclusion The use of the ExplORer Surgical app allowed us to accurately record the incidents happening during the preparatory phase of various general surgery operations. Such incidents significantly prolonged the preparatory duration. The identification of those inefficiencies is the first step to targeted interventions that may eventually optimize the efficiency of preoperative preparation

Chylous ascites in the setting of internal hernia: a reassuring sign

BACKGROUND: Chylous ascites is often reported in cases with lymphatic obstruction or after lymphatic injuries such as intraabdominal malignancies or lymphadenectomies. However, chylous ascites is also frequently encountered in operations for internal hernias. We sought to characterize the frequency and conditions when chylous ascites is encountered in general surgery patients. METHODS: Data from patients who underwent operations for CPT codes related to open and laparoscopic abdominal and gastrointestinal surgery in our tertiary hospital from 2010 to 2019 were reviewed. Patients with the postoperative diagnosis of internal hernia were identified and categorized into three groups: Internal Hernia with chylous ascites, non-chylous ascites, and no ascites. Demographics, prior surgical history, CT findings, source of internal hernia, open or laparoscopic surgery, and preoperative labs were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were found to have internal hernias and were included in our study. 80.3% were female and 86% had a previous Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure (RYGBP). Laparoscopy was the main approach for all groups. Ascites was present in 46% of the cases. Specifically, chylous ascites was observed in 27% of the total operations and was exclusively (100%) found in patients with gastric-bypass history. Furthermore, it was more commonly associated with Petersen's defect (p < 0.001), while the non-chylous fluid group was associated with herniation through the mesenteric defect (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Chylous ascites is a common finding during internal hernia operations. Unlike other more morbid conditions, identification of chylous ascites during an internal hernia operation appears innocuous. However, in the context of a patient with a history of RYGBP, the presence of chylous fluid signifies the associated small bowel obstruction is likely related to an internal hernia through a patent Petersen's defect

Improving Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery in Patients With Cirrhosis in the United States: A Nationwide Assessment

Introduction: With increasing burden of obesity and liver disease in the United States, a better understanding of bariatric surgery in context of cirrhosis is needed. We described trends of hospital-based outcomes of bariatric surgery among cirrhotics and determined effect of volume status and type of surgery on these outcomes. Methods: In this population-based study, admissions for bariatric surgery were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample using International Classification of Diseases, 9th and 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes from 2004 to 2016 and grouped by cirrhosis status, type of bariatric surgery, and center volume. In-hospital mortality, complications, and their trends were compared between these groups using weighted counts, odds ratios [ORs], and logistic regression. Results: Among 1,679,828 admissions for bariatric surgery, 9,802 (0.58%) had cirrhosis. Cirrhosis admissions were more likely to be in white men, had higher Elixhauser Index, and higher in-hospital complications rates including death (1.81% vs 0.17%), acute kidney injury (4.5% vs 1.2%), bleeding (2.9% vs 1.1%), and operative complications (2% vs 0.6%) (P < 0.001 for all) compared to those without cirrhosis. Overtime, restrictive surgeries have grown in number (12%-71%) and complications rates have trended down in both groups. Cirrhotics undergoing bariatric surgery at low-volume centers (<50 procedures per year) and nonrestrictive surgery had a higher inpatient mortality rate (adjusted OR 4.50, 95% confidence interval 3.14-6.45, adjusted OR 4.00, 95% confidence interval 2.68-5.97, respectively). Discussion: Contemporary data indicate that among admissions for bariatric surgery, there is a shift to restrictive-type surgeries with an improvement in-hospital complications and mortality. However, patients with cirrhosis especially those at low-volume centers have significantly higher risk of worse outcomes (see Visual abstract, Supplementary Digital Content, http://links.lww.com/AJG/B648)

Physics Potential of the ICAL detector at the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO)

The upcoming 50 kt magnetized iron calorimeter (ICAL) detector at the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) is designed to study the atmospheric neutrinos and antineutrinos separately over a wide range of energies and path lengths. The primary focus of this experiment is to explore the Earth matter effects by observing the energy and zenith angle dependence of the atmospheric neutrinos in the multi-GeV range. This study will be crucial to address some of the outstanding issues in neutrino oscillation physics, including the fundamental issue of neutrino mass hierarchy. In this document, we present the physics potential of the detector as obtained from realistic detector simulations. We describe the simulation framework, the neutrino interactions in the detector, and the expected response of the detector to particles traversing it. The ICAL detector can determine the energy and direction of the muons to a high precision, and in addition, its sensitivity to multi-GeV hadrons increases its physics reach substantially. Its charge identification capability, and hence its ability to distinguish neutrinos from antineutrinos, makes it an efficient detector for determining the neutrino mass hierarchy. In this report, we outline the analyses carried out for the determination of neutrino mass hierarchy and precision measurements of atmospheric neutrino mixing parameters at ICAL, and give the expected physics reach of the detector with 10 years of runtime. We also explore the potential of ICAL for probing new physics scenarios like CPT violation and the presence of magnetic monopoles.Comment: 139 pages, Physics White Paper of the ICAL (INO) Collaboration, Contents identical with the version published in Pramana - J. Physic