Perioperative practices concerning sleeve gastrectomy: a survey of 863 surgeons with a cumulative experience of 520,230 procedures

Background Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure worldwide. There is currently no scientific study aimed at understanding variations in practices concerning this procedure. The aim of this study was to study the global variations in perioperative practices concerning SG. Methods A 37-item questionnaire-based survey was conducted to capture the perioperative practices of the global community of bariatric surgeons. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results Response of 863 bariatric surgeons from 67 countries with a cumulative experience of 520,230 SGs were recorded. A total of 689 (80%) and 764 (89%) surgeons listed 13 absolute and relative contraindications, respectively. 65% (n = 559) surgeons perform routine preoperative endoscopy and 97% (n=835) routinely use intraoperative orogastric tube for sizing the resection. A wide variation is observed in the diameter of the tube used. 73% (n=627) surgeons start dividing the stomach at a distance of 3-5 cm from the pylorus, and 54% (n=467) routinely use staple line reinforcement. Majority (65%, n=565) of surgeons perform routine intraoperative leak test at the end of the procedure, while 25% (n=218) surgeons perform a routine contrast study in the early postoperative period. Lifelong multivitamin/mineral, iron, vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin B12 supplementation is advocated by 66%, 29%, 40%, 38% and 44% surgeons, respectively. Conclusion There is a considerable variation in the perioperative practices concerning SG. Data can help in identifying areas for future consensus building and more focussed studies

Association of a variant in the gene encoding for ERV1/ChemR23 with reduced inflammation in visceral adipose tissue from morbidly obese individuals

Obesity comorbidities are closely associated with chronic low-grade adipose tissue inflammation. A number of SNPs associated with inflammation has been identified, underscoring the impact of genetic determinants on this process. Here, we screened SNPs in genes with pro-inflammatory (IL-1 beta, IL-6, STAT3 and JAK2), anti-inflammatory (IL-10 and SOCS3) and pro-resolving (ERV1/ChemR23) properties in 101 obese and 99 non-obese individuals. Among the SNPs analyzed, we identified that individuals carrying a C allele in the rs1878022 polymorphism of the ERV1/ChemR23 gene, which encodes for the receptor of the pro-resolving mediator RvE1, had increased ERV1/ChemR23 protein expression and reduced levels of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in adipose tissue. Moreover, patients carrying the C allele in homozygosity had lower plasma levels of IL-6, IFN-alpha 2, IL-15, IL-1ra, IL-10, GM-CSF, G-CSF and VEGF and enhanced leukocyte responsiveness to RvE1. C-carriers also exhibited decreased TAG to HDL ratio, a surrogate marker of insulin resistance and a predictor of incident fatty liver. Finally, we confirmed in vivo that the ERV1/ChemR23 receptor regulates systemic and tissue inflammation since mice lacking ERV1/ChemR23 expression showed increased IL-6 levels in adipose tissue and peritoneal macrophages. Together, our study identified an ERV1/ChemR23 variant that protects patients with obesity from excessive inflammatory burden

The Art of Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has historically evolved from gastroplasty and anti-reflux procedures into one of the most commonly performed primary metabolic surgeries in the United States and worldwide. Initially initiated in the 1980s as part of the duodenal switch procedure, its standalone effectiveness and simplicity have led to increasing popularity globally. The rise in obesity rates transcends age boundaries, alarmingly affecting not only adults but also the younger demographic. This escalating trend is concerning, as it predisposes these populations to numerous future health complications, as well as highlighting the critical necessity for a safe and potent weight loss strategy. Although sleeve gastrectomy carries a higher risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) compared to other bariatric procedures, it stands out as a reliable, safe and effective surgical solution for obesity. It is particularly beneficial for adolescents and patients with complex medical comorbidities, including, but not limited to, heart failure and immunocompromisation. It has also served as a bridge for transplants in morbidly obese patients with end-stage heart, liver and kidney disease due to its favorable safety profile

Revisional Procedures after Sleeve Gastrectomy for Weight Recurrence or Inadequate Weight Loss: An Analysis of the MBSAQIP Database

Introduction: The safety of conversional bariatric procedures after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) for weight recurrence (WR) or inadequate weight loss (IWL) is debated due to limited evidence. Conversion options include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (SADI), and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS). We aimed to compare serious complications and mortality rates between these procedures within 30 days. Methods: Using the 2020 and 2021 MBSAQIP databases, we identified patients who underwent a conversion from SG to RYGB, SADI, or BPD-DS. We performed a multivariable logistic regression to assess predictors of 30-day complications and mortality. Results: Among 7388 patients (77.6% RYGB, 8.7% SADI, 13.7% BPD-DS), those undergoing SADI and BPD-DS had higher preoperative body mass index. Conversion reasons included WR (63.0%) and IWL (37.0%). SADI and BPD-DS patients had longer operative times (p p = 0.001). Serious complications, reoperations, readmissions, and 30-day mortality were similar across groups. Conversion procedure type was not an independent predictor of complications. Conclusion: RYGB was the most performed conversional procedure after SG. The study indicated a similar safety profile for revisional RYGB, SADI, and BPD-DS, with comparable 30-day complications and mortality rates. However, SADI and BPD-DS patients had longer operative time and higher leak rates