Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the most effective and durable therapeutic intervention for patients with obesity. In recent years, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become the most commonly performed primary MBS procedure owing to its technical feasibility and excellent short-term outcomes. Despite these favorable results and perceived advantages, SG is associated with several unique complications. Complications such as a postoperative leak or bleeding have been more commonly observed and reported than others, and their management approaches are well described. However, other complications following SG are far less familiar to surgeons, which may delay recognition and result in poor patient outcomes. Of these complications, we describe splenic injuries; esophageal perforation; staple line malformations; stapling of intraluminal devices; phytobezoar formation; gastro-colic, gastro-pleural and gastro-bronchial fistula; pancreatic leak; and portomesenteric venous thrombosis. It is paramount for surgeons to be aware of these underreported issues and have the resources to learn how to recognize and manage them when they arise. This review aims to describe rare (i.e., reported incidence <1%) and underdescribed complications after SG, focusing on causes, clinical presentation, prevention strategies, and management.
Risk of non-hormonal cancer after bariatric surgery: meta-analysis of retrospective observational studies
Abstract Background Obesity is associated with an increased incidence of at least 13 types of cancer. Although bariatric surgery has been associated with a reduced risk of hormonal cancers, data for non-hormonal cancers are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery on the incidence of non-hormonal cancers. Methods Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for articles between 1984 and 2018, following the PRISMA system. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effect model with subgroup analysis by procedure and cancer type. Results From 2526 studies screened, 15 were included. There were a total of 18 583 477 patients, 947 787 in the bariatric group and 17 635 690 in the control group. In comparison to the non-surgical group, the bariatric group had a lower incidence of cancer (OR .65 (95 per cent c.i. 0.53 to 0.80); P < 0.002). In the subgroup analysis, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy were associated with decreased risk of developing cancer, while no difference was observed with adjustable gastric banding. When evaluated by cancer type, liver (OR 0.417 (95 per cent c.i. 0.323 to 0.538)), colorectal (OR 0.64 (95 per cent c.i. 0.49 to 0.84)), kidney and urinary tract cancer (OR 0.77 (95 per cent c.i. 0.72 to 0.83)), oesophageal (OR 0.60 (95 per cent c.i. 0.43 to 0.85)), and lung cancer (OR 0.796 (95 per cent c.i. 0.45 to 0.80)) also presented a lower cancer incidence in the bariatric group. Conclusion Bariatric surgery is related to an almost 50 per cent reduction in the risk of non-hormonal cancers.
Aspirin Use as a Risk Factor for Marginal Ulceration in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Patients: A Meta-Analysis of 24,770 Patients
Background Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a recognized, safe bariatric procedure with minimal complications. Marginal ulceration, however, remains a challenging problem with an incidence of 8-12%. While chronic NSAID use is an established risk factor for ulcer formation, aspirin use itself as a cause for marginal ulceration is still unclear. We aim to compare the rates of marginal ulceration in RYGB with and without aspirin use. Methods PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for articles between 2008 and 2021 by two independent reviewers using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). The risk of bias was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was conducted using a fixed-effect model. Results From 5324 studies screened, we included 3 studies. Two studies had a low risk of bias, and the other one presented a high risk of bias on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We included 24,770 patients, 1911 with aspirin use and 22,859 without aspirin use. After the meta-analysis, patients who used aspirin had a significantly higher marginal ulceration rate than those who did not (OR = 1.33 [95% CI 1.08 to 1.63], P < .002; I 2 = 39%). Conclusions Aspirin use is associated with increased rates of marginal ulceration after RYGB.