Hage, Karl

Importance A greater proportion of older patients (age ≥65 years) are undergoing thyroidectomy amidst an aging population. Given the elusive results in the literature, clarifying whether older patients face different thyroidectomy safety profiles is crucial for optimizing risk assessment and patient counseling. Objective To evaluate the association between older age (age ≥65 years) and thyroidectomy safety by comparing endocrine-related complications, including recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, hypocalcemia, hematoma, and mortality in older compared with younger patients. Data Sources Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Ovid Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from inception to May 29, 2025; only English-language studies were included. Study Selection Cohort studies comparing thyroidectomy outcomes between older and younger patients and reporting endocrine-related complications were included. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full texts. Of 3192 studies identified, 11 met inclusion criteria. Data Extraction and Synthesis Two independent reviewers extracted data following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Risk of bias across studies was evaluated using the ROBINS-I (Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions) tool. Random-effects models were used to pool data. Main Outcomes and Measures Incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, hypocalcemia, and hematoma; odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were calculated. Results The analysis included 11 studies with a total of 427 886 patients of whom 104 232 (24.4%) were older adults (≥65 years). Older adults had greater odds of overall recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (2.3% vs 1.0%; OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.15-2.16; I 2 = 76%), hematoma (2.4% vs 1.0%; OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.70-3.16; I 2 = 0%), and mortality at last follow-up (0.3% vs 0.01%; OR, 11.09; 95% CI, 1.77-69.52; I 2 = 90%) compared with younger patients. However, rates of overall hypocalcemia (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.61-1.05; I 2 = 71%) and wound complications (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.92-2.06; I 2 = 0%) were similar. Conclusions and Relevance This systematic review and meta-analysis found that thyroidectomy is safe in older patients, with only small absolute increases in recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, hematoma, and mortality despite statistical significance. These findings support individualized counseling and perioperative planning while acknowledging the overall safety of thyroidectomy in this population.

Objective: To develop and validate 2 predictive models, the Diabetes Remission Index (DRI) and the Weight loss–adjusted DRI (W-DRI), for assessing type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission following metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). Background: MBS, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, is highly effective in achieving T2D remission, but outcomes vary across populations. Predicting remission remains critical for individualized patient care and optimizing surgical outcomes. Existing tools focus on general outcomes, and a specific model incorporating weight loss data has been lacking. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included patients with T2D and overweight/obesity (body mass index: ≥27 kg/m 2 ) who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy between 2008 and 2018. Institution 1 (I-1) data (n = 503) were used to develop and internally validate the models, whereas Institution 2 (I-2) data (n = 409) were used for external validation. The DRI model incorporated preoperative variables, and the W-DRI model, in addition, included postsurgical weight loss. Predictive accuracy was assessed using area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve [area under the curve (AUC)], calibration plots, and stratified analyses. Results: In I-1, 44.7% of patients achieved T2D remission, with a DRI model AUC of 0.80. In I-2, 52.6% achieved remission, with a model AUC of 0.78. Incorporating weight loss improved W-DRI predictive accuracy (AUC: 0.82 in I-1, 0.79 in I-2). Calibration plots demonstrated strong agreement between predicted and observed remission rates. An online DRI and W-DRI calculator is available through the Mayo Clinic webpage (https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/dri-calculator/). Conclusions: The DRI and W-DRI models accurately predict T2D remission post-MBS, enabling personalized patient care and informed decision-making. Further validation across diverse populations is warranted.

Summary Metabolic and bariatric surgeries (MBS), including Roux‐en‐Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) and Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG), have proven effective in promoting long‐term diabetes remission among patients with type‐2 diabetes (T2D). In this multicentre retrospective cohort study, we investigated the effectiveness of RYGB and SG in achieving diabetes remission, specifically among patients with T2D and vascular complications, while accounting for similar baseline diabetes severity. Although various scores predict diabetes remission after bariatric surgery, they do not consider diabetes‐related vascular complications, which can influence outcomes even in patients with similar baseline T2D severity. We collected preoperative data on microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy) and macrovascular comorbidities (coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular accidents, peripheral artery disease) to compare the efficacy of RYGB and SG. Among 961 patients analysed, those with vascular complications showed higher remission rates with RYGB (OR: 1.97) compared to SG, despite similar baseline diabetes severity. Notably, RYGB patients with microvascular complications had a significant advantage in achieving T2D remission (OR: 2.95). However, no significant differences in remission were observed in patients with macrovascular complications. These findings suggest that RYGB may be more effective than SG in specific patient populations, particularly those with microvascular complications, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment strategies.

Summary Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD‐DS) and single anastomosis duodeno‐ileostomy with sleeve (SADI‐S) are associated with superior and sustained weight loss outcomes. Despite their growing popularity, long‐term safety profiles, particularly the risk of internal hernia (IH), remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of IH following BPD‐DS and SADI‐S procedures, comparing their clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and outcomes. A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent BPD‐DS or SADI‐S between 2008 and 2023 in two high‐volume tertiary referral centres for bariatric surgery in the United States. Demographic data, comorbidities, operative details, and follow‐up outcomes were collected. A subgroup analysis of IH cases was conducted to compare the incidence, location of hernias, and diagnostic modalities between procedures. Out of 1160 patients (85.1% BPD‐DS; 14.9% SADI‐S), the overall incidence of IH was 1.12%, with a higher rate in BPD‐DS (0.8%) than in SADI‐S (0.57%). Most IHs occurred within the first 24 months postoperatively. The majority of IHs in BPD‐DS patients were in the pseudo‐Petersen's space. The single IH case in the SADI‐S group occurred in the same space. Most patients presented with abdominal pain and were diagnosed by CT imaging. SADI‐S showed a lower IH rate compared to BPD‐DS, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings. The variability in clinical presentation complicates the diagnosis of IH, emphasizing the need for increased clinical vigilance.

Background: The field of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is currently an expanding surgical field with constant refinements in techniques, outcomes, indications, and objectives. MBS has been effectively applied across diverse patient demographics, including varying ages, genders, body mass indexes, and comorbidity statuses. Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature review of published retrospective cohort studies, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and literature reviews from inception to 2024, reporting outcomes of MBS using databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Springer Link. Results: MBS is a safe and efficient therapeutic option for patients with obesity and associated medical conditions (mortality rate 0.03–0.2%; complication rates 0.4–1%). The favorable safety profile of MBS in the short-, mid-, and long-term offers the potential to treat patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, chronic anticoagulation, neoplastic disease, and end-organ failure without increased morbidity and mortality. Conclusions: In conclusion, the future of MBS lies in the ongoing innovation and adapted therapeutic strategies along with the integration of a variety of other techniques for managing obesity. Careful preoperative assessments, coupled with a multidisciplinary approach, remain essential to ensure optimal surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction after MBS.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) demonstrates high rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission, a phenomenon hypothesized to be mediated mainly by weight loss. Compared with procedures that do not bypass the proximal small intestines, such as sleeve gastrectomy (SG), RYGB exhibits weight loss–independent intestinal mechanisms conducive to T2DM remission. We investigated continued diabetes remission (CDR) rates despite weight recurrence (WR) after RYGB compared with an SG cohort. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of patients who underwent successful primary RYGB or SG with a BMI value of 35 kg/m 2 or more and a preoperative diagnosis of T2DM was performed. Patients with less than 5 years of follow-up, absence of WR, or lack of T2DM remission at nadir weight were excluded. After selecting the optimal procedure for glycemic control, rates of CDR were then stratified into WR quartiles and compared. RESULTS: A total of 224 RYGB and 46 SG patients were analyzed. The overall rate of CDR was significantly higher in the RYGB group (75%) compared with the SG group (34.8%; p < 0.001). The odds of T2DM recurrence were 5.5 times higher after SG compared with RYGB. Rates of CDR were stratified into WR quartiles (85.5%, <25%; 81.7%, 25% to 44.9%; 63.2%, 45% to 74.9%; and 60%, >75%). Baseline insulin use, higher preoperative glycosylated hemoglobin, and longer preoperative duration of T2DM were associated with T2DM recurrence, whereas WR was not. CONCLUSIONS: T2DM remission rates after RYGB are maintained despite WR, arguing for a concurrent weight loss–independent metabolic benefit likely facilitated by bypassing the proximal small intestine.

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has demonstrated excellent glycemic control and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission for patients with obesity and T2DM. Duration of T2DM is a consistent negative predictor of remission after RYGB. However, the exact timing to offer surgical intervention during the course of the disease is not well elucidated. Material and methods: The authors performed a retrospective cohort study between 2008 and 2020 to establish the exact association between duration of T2DM and remission after RYGB. The authors divided our cohort into quartiles of preoperative disease duration to quantify the change in remission rates for each year of delay between T2DM diagnosis and RYGB. The authors also compared the average time to remission and changes in glycemic control parameters. Results: A total of 519 patients (67.2% female; age 53.4±10.7 year; BMI 46.6±8.4 kg/m 2 ) with a follow-up period of 6.6±3.8 years were included. Remission was demonstrated in 51% of patients. Longer duration of T2DM was a significant negative predictor of remission with an estimated decrease in remission rates of 7% for each year of delay [(OR=0.931 (95% CI: 0.892–0.971); P< 0.001)]. Compared to patients with <3 years of T2DM, remission decreased by 37% for patients with 3–6 years, 64% for those with 7–12 years, and 81% for patients with more than 12 years ( P <0.001). Half of the patients reached T2DM remission after 0.5 and 1.1 years, respectively, for the first and second quartiles, while patients in the other quartiles never reached 50% remission. Lastly, The authors noted an overall improvement in all glycemic control parameters for all quartiles at last follow-up. Conclusion: Patients with a recent history of T2DM who undergo early RYGB experience significantly higher and earlier T2DM remission compared to patients with a prolonged history of preoperative T2DM, suggesting potential benefit of early surgical intervention to manage patients with obesity and T2DM.

Objective Multiple scores validate long-term type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). However, studies comparing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) have not adequately controlled for certain parameters, which may influence procedure selection. Methods We conducted a multicenter retrospective review of patients with T2DM who underwent RYGB or SG between 2008 and 2017. Data on demographics, clinical, laboratory, and metabolic values were collected annually for up to 14 years. Each eligible RYGB patient was individually matched to an eligible SG patient based on diabetes severity, weight loss, and follow-up duration. Results Among 1149 T2DM patients, 467 were eligible for matching. We found 97 matched pairs who underwent RYGB or SG. RYGB showed significantly higher T2DM remission rates (46.4%) compared to SG (33.0%) after matching. SG patients had higher insulin usage (35.1%) than RYGB patients (20.6%). RYGB patients also experienced greater decreases in HbA1c levels and diabetes medication usage than SG patients. Conclusions RYGB demonstrates higher efficacy for T2DM remission compared to SG, regardless of baseline characteristics, T2DM severity, weight loss, and follow-up duration. Further studies are needed to understand the long-term metabolic effects of MBS and the underlying pathophysiology of T2DM remission after MBS.

Background: The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program evaluates 30-day outcomes of bariatric cases performed in the United States. The Participant Use File in 2020 introduced bowel obstruction (BO). We compared the rates of BO, risk factors, and postoperative outcomes after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and duodenal switch (DS). Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent laparoscopic RYGB, SG, or DS obtained from the 2020-2021 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. Patients who underwent either as a primary procedure with a body mass index >35 kg/m2 were selected. Baseline characteristics, operative details, and postoperative complications were collected. The outcome of interest was BO occurring within 30 days. Results: A total of 205,533 cases of which 148,944 were SG (72.4%), 54,606 were RYGB (26.5%), and 1983 were DS (1%). BO occurred in 0.74%, 0.4%, and 0.03% of patients who underwent an RYGB, DS, or SG, respectively. Patients with a BO in the RYGB group were more likely to be on immunosuppressive therapy (5.4% vs. 1.9%, P<0.001) with longer operative time (136.2 min±58.0 min vs. 117.4 min±53.6 min, P<0.001). SG patients with a BO were older (47.5±13.6 vs. 41.9±11.6, P=0.011) with longer operating times (98.6±63.8 vs. 68.9±33.4, P=0.002). Patients in the RYGB group with a BO had the highest rates of readmissions (71.9%) and reoperations (58.4%). Conclusions: Early bowel obstruction is rare after bariatric surgery. It is more common after RYGB and least common after SG. Readmission and reoperation rates were highest in patients with BO in the RYGB group.

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 < 0.001) and higher leak rates (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.