Jejunojejunal Intussusception After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Review

Small bowel intussusception is a rare long-term complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the etiology of which remains unclear. Except for one series reporting on 23 patients, case reports represent the vast majority of all cases reported so far. With this complete review of the world literature, based on a total of 63 patients including 2 of our own cases, we provide an extensive overview of the subject. The origin of intussusception after gastric bypass is different from that of intussusception of other causes, in that there is usually no lead point. It is likely related to motility disorders in the divided small bowel, especially in the Roux limb. This rare condition may cause obstruction and lead to bowel necrosis if not recognized and treated promptly. Clinical presentation is not specific. Computerized tomography scan represents the diagnostic test of choice, but surgery is sometimes the only way to establish the diagnosis. Treatment may be limited to reduction if the small bowel is viable, but resection of the affected segment is recommended on the basis of this review, since it seems to result in fewer recurrences. Knowledge of this entity and a high index of suspicion are required to make the correct diagnosis and offer appropriate treatment in a timely fashio

Improved Surgical Technique for Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Reduces Complications at the Gastrojejunostomy

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures for morbidly obese patients. It is associated with effective long-term weight loss, but can lead to significant complications, especially at the gastrojejunostomy (GJS). All the patients undergoing laparoscopic RYGBP at one of our two institutions were included in this study. The prospectively collected data were reviewed retrospectively for the purpose of this study, in which we compared two different techniques for the construction of the GJS and their effects on the incidence of complications. In group A, anastomosis was performed on the posterior aspect of the gastric pouch. In group B, it was performed across the staple line used to form the gastric pouch. A 21-mm circular stapler was used in all patients. A total of 1,128 patients were included between June 1999 and September 2009—639 in group A and 488 in group B. Sixty patients developed a total of 65 complications at the GJS, with 14 (1.2%) leaks, 42 (3.7%) strictures, and 9 (0.8%) marginal ulcers. Leaks (0.2% versus 2%, p = 0.005) and strictures (0.8% versus 5.9%, p < 0.0001) were significantly fewer in group B than in group A. Improved surgical technique, as we propose, with the GJS across the staple line used to form the gastric pouch, significantly reduces the rate of anastomotic complications at the GJS. A circular 21-mm stapler can be used with a low complication rate, and especially a low stricture rate. Additional methods to limit complications at the GJS are probably not routinely warrante

Preoperative Upper Gastrointestinal Testing Can Help Predicting Long-term Outcome After Gastric Banding for Morbid Obesity

Background: Gastric banding (GB) is one of the most popular bariatric procedures for morbid obesity. Apart from causing weight loss by alimentary restriction, it can interfere with functions of the esophagus and upper stomach. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the results of extensive preoperative upper GI testing were correlated with long-term outcome and complications after GB. Methods: Using a prospectively maintained computerized database including all the patients undergoing bariatric operations in both our hospitals, we performed a retrospective analysis of the patients who underwent complete upper gastrointestinal (GI) testing (endoscopy, pH monitoring, and manomatry) before GB. Results: One hundred thirty-four patients underwent complete testing before GB. Abnormal pH monitoring (increased total reflux time, increased diurnal reflux time, increased number of reflux episodes) predicted the development of complications and especially pouch dilatation and food intolerance. The mean De Meester score was higher among patients who developed complications than in the remaining ones (25.4 vs 17.7, P = 0.03). High lower esophageal sphincter pressure also predicted progressive long-term food intolerance. Endoscopic findings were not predictive of the long-term outcome. Conclusions: There is some association between the function of the upper digestive tract and long-term complications after gastric banding. Abnormal pH monitoring predicts overall long-term complications, especially food intolerance with or without reflux, and pouch dilatation, and a high lower esophageal sphincter pressure predicts long-term food intolerance. Extended upper gastrointestinal testing with endoscopy, 24-h pH monitoring, and esophageal manometry is probably worthwhile in selecting patients for gastric bandin

A New Questionnaire for Quick Assessment of Food Tolerance after Bariatric Surgery

Background: Bariatric surgery is often associated with reduced food tolerance and sometimes frequent vomiting, which influence quality of life, but are not included in the overall evaluation of these procedures, notably the BAROS. Our aim was to develop a simple questionnaire to evaluate food tolerance during follow-up visits. Methods: A one-page questionnaire including questions about overall satisfaction regarding quality of alimentation, timing of eating over the day, tolerance to several types of food, and frequency of vomiting/ regurgitation was developed. A composite score was derived from this questionnaire, giving a score of 1 to 27.Validation was performed with a group of nonobese adults and a group of morbidly obese nonoperated patients. Patients were administered the questionnaire at follow-up visits since January 1999. Data were collected prospectively. Results: It takes 1-2 minutes to fill out the questionnaire. Food tolerance is worse in the morbidly obese population compared with non-obese adults (24.2 vs 25.2, P=0.004). Following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, food tolerance is reduced after 3 months (21.2), but becomes comparable to that of the normal population and remains so at 1year postoperatively. Following gastric banding, food tolerance is already significantly reduced after 3months (22.3), and worsens continuously over time (19.03 after 7years). In the gastric banding population, the decision to adjust the band is based at least partially on food tolerance, and the questionnaire proved helpful in that respect. Conclusion: Our new questionnaire proved very easy to use, and helpful in day-to-day practice, especially after gastric banding. It was also helpful in comparing food tolerance over time after surgery, and in comparing food tolerance between procedures. Evaluation of food tolerance should be part of the overall evaluation of the results after bariatric surger

CT-guided methylene-blue labelling before thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary nodules

Objective: Evaluation of the efficiency of our technique of methylene-blue labelling of pulmonary nodules to facilitate thoracoscopic recognition and excision. Design: Patients with a peripheral pulmonary nodule smaller than 2.5 cm and not in contact with the visceral pleura were included. Under tomodensitometric guidance, the nodules were labelled with methylene-blue within hours before thoracoscopic wedge resection. If frozen section revealed a primary bronchial carcinoma, thoracotomy and classical resection were performed during the same anesthesia. Results: Between July 1992 and August 1996, 54 nodules were removed in 51 patients. Labelling was performed between 75 and 270 min before surgery and was complicated in 13 patients (25.4%) by a small pneumothorax without any clinical consequence. Labelling allowed successful thoracoscopic recognition of 50 nodules (92%) and thoracoscopic wedge resection was possible in all but one cases (91%). Five patients (9%) required thoracotomy. Histology showed a benign lesion in 22 cases, a primary lung carcinoma in 17 and a metastases in 15. Twenty of the 22 benign nodules (91%) were removed without thoracotomy. According to the protocol, 13 patients with a primary lung tumour underwent lobectomy during the same session. There was no mortality nor morbidity amongst patients who had thoracoscopy only. Conclusions: Our technique of labelling peripheral pulmonary nodules with methylene-blue is very effective and is not associated with any relevant complication. Thoracoscopic excision and diagnosis is possible in more than 90% of the cases. We therefore recommend this simple, low-cost and reliable technique for nodules not in contact with the visceral pleura before thoracoscopic wedge resectio

Oximetry Alone Versus Portable Polygraphy for Sleep Apnea Screening Before Bariatric Surgery

Background: Screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is recommended as part of the preoperative assessment of obese patients scheduled for bariatric surgery. The objective of this study was to compare the sensitivity of oximetry alone versus portable polygraphy in the preoperative screening for OSA. Methods: Polygraphy (type III portable monitor) and oximetry data recorded as part of the preoperative assessment before bariatric surgery from 68 consecutive patients were reviewed. We compared the sensitivity of 3% or 4% desaturation index (oximetry alone) with the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI; polygraphy) to diagnose OSA and classify the patients as normal (30 events per hour). Results: Using AHI, the prevalence of OSA (AHI > 10 per hour) was 57.4%: 16.2% of the patients were classified as severe, 41.2% as mild to moderate, and 42.6% as normal. Using 3% desaturation index, 22.1% were classified as severe, 47.1% as mild to moderate, and 30.9% as normal. With 4% desaturation index, 17.6% were classified as severe, 32.4% as mild, and 50% as normal. Overall, 3% desaturation index compared to AHI yielded a 95% negative predictive value to rule out OSA (AHI > 10 per hour) and a 100% sensitivity (0.73 positive predictive value) to detect severe OSA (AHI > 30 per hour). Conclusions: Using oximetry with 3% desaturation index as a screening tool for OSA could allow us to rule out significant OSA in almost a third of the patients and to detect patients with severe OSA. This cheap and widely available technique could accelerate preoperative work-up of these patient

Laparoscopic management of appendicitis and symptomatic cholelithiasis during pregnancy

Background: Laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy is a challenging procedure that most surgeons are reluctant to perform. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether laparoscopic appendectomy and cholecystectomy is safe in pregnant women. The management of these situations remains controversial. We report a single center study describing the successful management of 16 patients during pregnancy. Methods: More than 3,356 laparoscopic procedures were performed in our institutions between May 1990 and June 2005. Sixteen of these patients were operated on in the second and third trimester between 22 and 32weeks of estimated gestational age. We performed 11 laparoscopic appendectomies and 5 laparoscopic cholecystectomies. We also reviewed the management and operative technique used in these patients. Results: In this study, the laparoscopic appendectomy or cholecystectomy was performed successfully in all patients. Three patients were in their second trimester, weeks22, 23, and 25, and 13 were in the third trimester, weeks27 (three patients), 28 (five patients), 31 (three patients), and 32 (two patients). No maternal or fetal morbidity occurred. Open laparoscopy was performed safely in all patients and all patients delivered healthy babies. Conclusion: From our experience laparoscopic management of appendicitis and biliary colic during pregnancy is safe, however the second trimester is preferable for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Pregnancy is not a contraindication to the laparoscopic approach to appendicitis or symptomatic cholelithiasis. We believe that laparoscopic operations, when performed by experienced surgeons, are safe and even preferable for the mother and the fetu

The Four Different Types of Internal Hernia Occurring After Laparascopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Performed for Morbid Obesity: Are There Any Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) Features Permitting Their Distinction?

Background: Four different types of internal hernias (IH) are known to occur after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) performed for morbid obesity. We evaluate multidetector row helical computed tomography (MDCT) features for their differentiation. Methods: From a prospectively collected database including 349 patients with LRYGBP, 34 acutely symptomatic patients (28 women, mean age 32.6), operated on for IH immediately after undergoing MDCT, were selected. Surgery confirmed 4 (11.6%) patients with transmesocolic, 10 (29.4%) with Petersen's, 15 (44.2%) with mesojejunal, and 5 (14.8%) with jejunojejunal IH. In consensus, 2 radiologists analyzed 13 MDCT features to distinguish the four types of IH. Statistical significance was calculated (p < 0.05, Fisher's exact test, chi-square test). Results: MDCT features of small bowel obstruction (SBO) (n = 25, 73.5%), volvulus (n = 22, 64.7%), or a cluster of small bowel loops (SBL) (n = 27, 79.4%) were inconsistently present and overlapped between the four IH. The following features allowed for IH differentiation: left upper quadrant clustered small bowel loops (p < 0.0001) and a mesocolic hernial orifice (p = 0.0003) suggested transmesocolic IH. SBL abutting onto the left abdominal wall (p = 0.0021) and left abdominal shift of the superior mesenteric vessels (SMV) (p = 0.0045) suggested Petersen's hernia. The SMV predominantly shifted towards the right anterior abdominal wall in mesojejunal hernia (p = 0.0033). Location of the hernial orifice near the distal anastomosis (p = 0.0431) and jejunojejunal suture widening (p = 0.0005) indicated jejunojejunal hernia. Conclusions: None of the four IH seems associated with a higher risk of SBO. Certain MDCT features, such as the position of clustered SBL and hernial orifice, help distinguish between the four IH and may permit straightforward surger

E-Biothon: an experimental platform for BioInformatics

International audienceThe E-Biothon platform is an experimental Cloud platform to help speed up and advance research in biology, health and environment. It is based on a Blue Gene/P system and a web portal that allow members of the bioinformatics community to easily launch their scientific applications. We describe in this paper the technical capacities of the platform, the different applications supported and finally a set of user experiences on the platform

Laparoscopic Gastric Banding Outcomes Do Not Depend on Device or Technique. Long-Term Results of a Prospective Randomized Study Comparing the Lapband® and the SAGB®

Background: Gastric banding still represents one of the most widely used bariatric procedures. It provides acceptable weight loss in many patients, but has frequent long-term complications. Because different types of bands may lead to different results, we designed a randomized study to compare the Lapband® with the SAGB®. We hereby report on the long-term results. Methods: Between December 1998 and June 2002, 180 morbidly obese patients were randomized between Lapband® or SAGB®. Weight loss, long-term morbidity, and need for reoperation were evaluated. Results: Long-term weight loss did not differ between the two bands. Patients who maintained their band had an acceptable long-term weight loss of between 50 and 60% EBMIL. In both groups, about half the patients developed long-term complications, with about 50% requiring major redo surgery. There was no difference in the overall rates of long-term complications or failures between the two groups, but patients who had a Lapband® were significantly more prone to develop band slippage/pouch dilatation (13.3 versus 0%, p < 0,001). Conclusions: Although in the absence of complication, gastric banding leads to acceptable weight loss; the long-term complication and major reoperation rates are very high independently from the type of band used or on the operative technique. Gastric banding leads to relatively poor overall long-term results and therefore should not be considered the procedure of choice for the treatment of morbid obesity. Patients should be informed of the limited overall weight loss and the very high complication rates