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Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a current global health priority and Asia is the epicenter of this epidemic disease. Unlike in the west, where older population is most affected, the burden of diabetes in Asian countries is disproportionately high in young to middle-age adults. The incidence of diabetic nephropathy is alarmingly high in patients with early onset T2DM, especially in those with poor glycemic control. How to control this chronic and debilitating disease is currently a very important health issue in Asia. Bariatric surgery has proven successful in treating not just obesity but also T2DM in morbid obese patients (body mass index [BMI] >35 kg/m²). Gastrointestinal metabolic surgery recently has been proposed as a new treatment modality for obesity related T2DM for patients with BMI <35 kg/m². Many studies from Asia reported promising results of metabolic surgery to treat obese patients with T2DM which is not well controlled. It has been demonstrated that changes in gastrointestinal hormone secretion after gastrointestinal surgery would favor an early improvement of T2DM in Asians. New procedures have also been designed and proposed specifically for the treatment of diabetes in Asia. This article examines clinical trial data and accepted algorithms with a view toward elucidating the application of metabolic surgery for the treatment of T2DM in the Asia. We propose a systematic approach to surgical treatment, addressing current evidences, patient selection, procedure of choice, and timing and guideline for new procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a promising procedure for the surgical treatment of morbid obesity. We report our 2-year experience with LSG and specifically evaluate the importance of staple-line protection to prevent leakage after the laparoscopic procedure. Methods: One hundred eighteen consecutive patients with BMI > 30 who underwent LSG from January 2006 to February 2009 were included in our study. There were 88 women and 30 men with a mean age of 33.2 ± 9.6 years and a mean BMI of 38.0 ± 6.4 kg/m. The first 40 patients (group 1) underwent the operation without any reinforcement procedure and the other 78 patients received reinforcement of the staple-line (group 2). Data including demographics, hospital stay, blood loss, operative time, complications, excess weight loss percentage (EWL%), and gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) were collected prospectively for evaluation. Results: The overall mean operative time was 118.5 ± 37.0 min, mean blood loss was 56.8 ± 56.7 ml, mean hospital stay was 5 ± 3 days. The mean EWL% at 12 and 24 months was 81.5 and 76.0%, respectively. The overall leakage rate was 3.39% (4/118). All leakage occurred in group 1 patients, with a leakage rate of 10% (4/40). Mean preoperative GIQLI was 98.7, and the postoperative GIQLI were 116.4, 115, 112.4, and 97.6 at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Conclusions: LSG is an effective obesity treatment to achieve significant weight loss after 24 months. Staple-line reinforcement is strongly recommended for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy to decrease complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, and it has been shown to lead to dramatic improvement in type T2DM. However, data concerning obese Asian patients have not been reported, and the mechanism of improving T2DM after bariatric surgery in this population remains speculative. From April 1997 to March 2006, 1,375 patients undergoing obesity surgery were recruited for our study of the effects of weight loss surgery on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Laparoscopic vertical banded gastric partition (LVBG) was performed in 552 patients (40.1%), laparoscopic gastric bypass in 660 patients (48.0%), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in 140 patients (10.2%). Another 23 patients (1.7%) received open or revision surgery. We evaluated the clinical data and effect of obesity surgery on T2DM, impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and compared the changes with those with normal fasting glucose. Among all the patients, 166 (12.1%) had impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and 247 (18.0%) had T2DM. Patients with IFG or DM were significantly older, more central obese, and they had higher insulin resistance and a higher HbA1C level than those with normal fasting glucose. The mean total weight loss for the population was 28.6%, 29.1%, 28.5%, 23.8%, and 24.4% (at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 years after surgery). There was no increase of surgical risk in T2DM or IFG patients. One year after operation, fasting plasma glucose returned to normal in 78.5% of T2DM patients and 94.7% of IFG patients. The HbA1C level returned to under 7.0 in 81.5% of T2DM and in 100% of IFG patients. Laparoscopic gastric bypass patients had a greater weight loss and a higher rate of glucose normalization (93.1%) than the LVBG patients (85.3%) and LAGB patients (73.9%), but no difference in HbA1C normalization. Obesity surgery resulted in significant and sustained weight loss with a cure rate of T2DM up to 80% in morbidly obese Asian patients. Gastric bypass surgery had a better result in T2DM cure rate than LVBG and LAGB because of better weight reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Laparoscopic gastric bypass resulted in significant weight loss and resolution of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current indication for bariatric surgery is mainly applied for patients with body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m² with comorbidity status. However, little is known concerning T2DM patients with BMI <35 kg/m². Recent studies have suggested that T2DM patients with BMI <35 kg/m² might benefit from gastric bypass surgery. Methods From Jan 2002 to Dec 2006, 820 patients who underwent laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass were enrolled in a surgically supervised weight loss program. We identified 201 (24.5%) patients who had impaired fasting glucose or T2DM. All the clinical data were prospectively collected and stored. Patients with BMI <35 kg/m² were compared with those of BMI >35 kg/m². Successful treatment of T2DM was defined by HbA1C <7.0%, LDL <100 mg/dl, and triglyceride <150 mg/dl. Results Among the 201 patients, 44 (21.9%) had BMI <35 kg/m², and 114 (56.7%) had BMI between 35and 45, 43 (21.4%) had BMI >45 kg/m². Patients with BMI <35 kg/m² are significantly older, female predominant, had lower liver enzyme and C-peptide levels than those with BMI >35 kg/m². The mean total weight loss for the population was 32.1, 33.4, 31.9, and 32.8% (at 1, 2, 3, 5 years after surgery), and percentage to change in BMI was 31.9, 34.2, 32.2, and 29.5% at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years. One year after surgery, fasting plasma glucose returned to normal in 89.5% of BMI <35 kg/m² T2DM and 98.5% of BMI >35 kg/m² patients (p=0.087). The treatment goal of T2DM (HbA1C <7.0%, LDL <150 mg/dl and triglyceride <150 mg/dl) was met in 76.5% of BMI <35 kg/m² and 92.4% of BMI >350 kg/m² (p=0.059). Conclusion Laparoscopic gastric bypass resulted in significant and sustained weight loss with successful treatment of T2DM up to 87.1%. Despite a slightly lower response rate of T2DM treatment, patients with BMI <35 still had an acceptable DM resolution, and this treatment option can be offered to this group of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Obesity is an increasing health problem in developed countries, where the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection is decreasing. Recent studies suggested colonization of the stomach by H pylori might affect gastric expression of appetite- and satiety-related hormone and patients cured of H pylori infection gained weight. It was hypothesized that H pylori could be a contributing pathogenic factor in childhood and adult obesity. Methods To determine whether H pylori infection is linked to obesity, a case-control study composed of 414 patients with morbid obesity (a body mass index [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters] of ≥35 with serious comorbidity or a body mass index of ≥40) and 683 control subjects (a body mass index of <25) with a comparable socioeconomic status was conducted. Immunoglobulin G antibodies against H pylori were measured from frozen serum samples by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The overall seropositivity was significantly lower in obese patients (181 [43.7%] of 414) than controls (410 [60.0%] of 683) (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.39-0.65; P<.001). Differences in the estimated risk of the presence of H pylori were more pronounced in younger age groups, with ORs of 0.32 (95% CI, 0.10-1.00; P = .05) in those aged 10 to 19 years, 0.55 (95% CI, 0.34-0.89; P = .01) in those aged 20 to 29 years, 0.49 (95% CI, 0.30-0.80; P = .007) in those aged 30 to 39 years, and 0.58 (95% CI, 0.33-1.00; P = .05) in those aged 40 years or older. Conclusions Our data indicated an inverse relationship between morbid obesity and H pylori seropositivity. These findings raise the hypothesis that a lack of H pylori infection, especially during childhood, might enhance the risk of the development of morbid obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We compared 3-year achievement of an American Diabetes Association composite treatment goal (HbA1c <7.0%, LDL cholesterol <100 mg/dL, and systolic blood pressure <130 mmHg) after 2 years of intensive lifestyle-medical management intervention, with and without Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, with one additional year of usual care.Research Design and Methods: A total of 120 adult participants, with BMI 30.0-39.9 kg/m(2) and HbA1c ≥8.0%, were randomized 1:1 to two treatment arms at three clinical sites in the U.S. and one in Taiwan. All patients received the lifestyle-medical management intervention for 24 months; half were randomized to also receive gastric bypass.Results: At 36 months, the triple end point goal was met in 9% of lifestyle-medical management patients and 28% of gastric bypass patients (P = 0.01): 10% and 19% lower than at 12 months. Mean (SD) HbA1c values at 3 years were 8.6% (3.5) and 6.7% (2.0) (P < 0.001). No lifestyle-medical management patient had remission of diabetes at 36 months, whereas 17% of gastric bypass patients had full remission and 19% had partial remission. Lifestyle-medical management patients used more medications than gastric bypass patients: mean (SD) 3.8 (3.3) vs. 1.8 (2.4). Percent weight loss was mean (SD) 6.3% (16.1) in lifestyle-medical management vs. 21.0% (14.5) in gastric bypass (P < 0.001). Over 3 years, 24 serious or clinically significant adverse events were observed in lifestyle-medical management vs. 51 with gastric bypass.Conclusions: Gastric bypass is more effective than lifestyle-medical management intervention in achieving diabetes treatment goals, mainly by improved glycemic control. However, the effect of surgery diminishes with time and is associated with more adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE--Genetic variants in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene have been linked with obesity and type 2 diabetes in European populations. We aimed to test the role of FTO genetic variants in obesity and type 2 diabetes in the Chinese population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS--We genotyped 19 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning from the 3′ end of the neighboring RPGRIP1L gene to the 5′ flanking region of the FTO gene. We analyzed their associations with obesity (638 case and 1,610 control subjects), type 2 diabetes (759 case and 784 control subjects), and obesity-related traits in nondiabetic subjects. RESULTS--Among the 19 SNPs, the rs9939609 A allele was strongly associated with obesity (P = 7.0 x 10[sup -4]) and BMI (P = 0.0024) in the Chinese population. The odds ratio for obesity was 2.60 (95% CI 1.24-5.46) (P = 0.011) for the AA genotype and 1.32 (1.05-1.66) (P = 0.018) for the AT genotype compared with the TT genotype. Each additional copy of the rs9936609 A allele was associated with a BMI increase of ∼0.37 kg/m[sup 2]. The rs9939609 A allele was substantially less common in the Chinese population than in the European population (12.6 vs. 45%). We did not find significant associations of the 19 SNPs with type 2 diabetes or other obesity-related traits. CONCLUSIONS--Genetic variation in the FTO gene is strongly associated with obesity and BMI in the Chinese population. The risk variant is less common in the Chinese population, but its effect size on BMI is comparable with that in the European population. Diabetes 57:2245-2252, 2008 Obesity is strongly influenced by genetic factors, with an estimated heritability of >60% BMI (1,2). Genetic susceptibility to the common form of obesity appears to be polygenic. Although theoretical analyses emphasized the power of genetic association study in common polygenic diseases, the search for genes conferring the risk of obesity has thus far not been very successful. A few reported associations with genes such as GAD2, ENPP1, and INSIG2 also yielded inconsistent results in replication efforts (3-5). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiponectin gene polymorphisms have recently been reported to be associated with obesity, insulin sensitivity, and the risk of type 2 diabetes. We examined a T94G polymorphism of the adiponectin gene in 245 ostensibly normal nondiabetic subjects. The G allele frequency was lower among subjects with higher BMI (≥27) than in those with lower BMI. BMI was inversely correlated with the dose of G allele. Multivariate linear regression analyses showed that the adiponectin genotypes were significantly related to BMI after adjusting for age and gender. The dose of the G allele was associated with a reduction of approximately 1.12 kg/m2 in BMI. We further found that the relative mRNA levels of G allele were consistently higher than those of T allele in the omental adipose tissue from 21 heterozygous subjects. Finally, we observed that the expression levels of adiponectin affected insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In conclusion, the allele-specific differential expression of this common polymorphism could be responsible for its biological effects observed in this and the other studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE--To find clinically meaningful preoperative predictors of diabetes remission and conversely inadequate glycemic control after gastric bypass surgery. Predicting the improvement in glycemic control in those with type 2 diabetes after bariatric surgery may help in patient selection. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS--Preoperative details of 154 ethnic Chinese subjects with type 2 diabetes were examined for their influence on glycemic outcomes at 1 year after gastric bypass. Remission was defined as HbA1c ≤6%. Analysis involved binary logistic regression to identify predictors and provide regression equations and receiver operating characteristic curves to determine clinically useful cutoff values. RESULTS--Remission was achieved in 107 subjects (69.5%) at 12 months. Diabetes duration <4 years, body mass> 35 kg/m², and fasting C-peptide concentration >2.9 ng/mL provided three independent preoperative predictors and three clinically useful cutoffs. The regression equation classification plot derived from continuous data correctly assigned 84% of participants. A combination of two or three of these predictors allows a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 87% for remission. Duration of diabetes (with different cutoff points) and C-peptide also predicted those cases in which HbA1c ≤7% was not attained. Percentage weight loss after surgery was also predictive of remission and of less satisfactory outcomes. CONCLUSIONS--The glycemic response to gastric bypass is related to BMI, duration of diabetes, fasting C-peptide (influenced by insulin resistance and residual β-cell function), and weight loss. These data support and refine previous findings in non-Asian populations. Specific ethnic and procedural regression equations and cutoff points may vary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to investigate whether appendix diameter is an independent risk factor for wound infection in laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). Patients who underwent LA (n = 582) were grouped into those with wound infections and those without. Possible factors associated with wound infection were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. When the diameter of the appendix was greater than 15 mm, patients were 2.32 times as likely to have a wound infection (95% CI, 1.02 to 5.29; P = 0.045) than if the appendix was less than 10 mm in diameter. Patients with perforated appendices were 2.51 times as likely to have a wound infection (95% CI, 1.25 to 5.02; P = 0.010) than if the appendix was not perforated. Wound infection was associated with longer operation time, return to oral intake, and hospital stay. Appendix diameter may predict postoperative wound infection after laparoscopic appendectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between July 2004 and June 2005, a cross-sectional study was performed to determine the prevalence and patterns of anti-obesity medicine use among subjects seeking obesity treatment in Taiwan. Eighteen obesity outpatient clinics were selected via a random stratified sampling method and 1,060 first-visit clients (791 females and 269 males) aged above 18 years were enrolled and then completed a self-administered questionnaire. The prevalence of anti-obesity medicine use was 50.8%; more females than male used anti-obesity medicines (53.6% vs. 42.4%). Of the 1,060 subjects, 17.1% had used orlistat, 21.1% had taken sibutramine, and 18.3% had utilized unproven drugs such as cocktail therapy and other anti-obesity drugs. Furthermore, 23.6% and 22.4% of subjects indicated that they concurrently used Chinese herbal preparations and dietary supplements, respectively. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that the odds ratio (OR) for anti-obesity medicine use was substantially higher in females (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3-2.6), those aged 18-24 years (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0-2.6), those with a body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m² (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 2.1-5.7) and respondents concurrently using Chinese herbal preparations (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4) and dietary supplements (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.6-3.1). In conclusion, the prevalence of anti-obesity drugs use is high among Taiwanese adults before they seek obesity treatment. Young, obese females, and those who had taken Chinese herbal preparations/dietary supplements had a high likelihood to report using anti-obesity medicines. Use of unproven weight-loss drugs is common and warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrojejunostomy through laparotomy is a traditional procedure for the relief of gastric outlet obstruction in patients with unresectable carcinoma of the gastric antrum. However, patients face pain and high rates of morbidity and mortality after this operation. We present two cases of gastrojejunostomy for unresectable and obstructing gastric antral cancer using a double scope technique. The operative time was approximately 90 minutes for each patient, and the postoperative hospital stays were 9 and 10 days, respectively. Operative results were good. Vomiting was relieved. There were no delays in gastric emptying. No recurrence of gastric outlet obstruction was noted in the first patient, who died 9 months postoperatively. The second patient survived without this problem 6 months postoperatively. Palliative gastrojejunostomy via the double scope technique is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for the relief of gastric outlet obstruction in patients with unresectable carcinoma of the gastric antrum. It also provides accurate staging of the disease perioperatively. It should be considered the surgical choice for geriatric patients when clinically appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate whether laparoscopic appendectomy is suitable for training residents to become proficient in laparoscopic surgery. Materials and Methods: A total of 1574 laparoscopic appendectomies were performed at En-Chu-Kong Hospital between January 1998 and December 2003 (788 men and 786 women). These cases were divided into three groups: 543 cases (in 1998–1999) performed by 5 attending surgeons during the learning and trial stage; 536 cases (in 2000–2001) performed by 5 attending surgeons assisted by 2 senior residents with prior experience in open appendectomy; and 495 cases (in 2002–2003) done by these 2 senior residents, supervised by the attending surgeons. Demographic data, intraoperative findings, operative time, conversion rate, frequency of analgesic injection, timing of oral intake, hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality were analyzed. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the operations performed by attending surgeons (mature stage) vs. senior residents in terms of intraoperative findings, operative time (60.1 ± 60.4 minutes vs. 56.3 ± 25.6 minutes), conversion rate (1.12% vs. 0.81%), frequency of analgesic injection (0.57 ± 1.37 times/stay vs. 0.43 ± 0.94 times/stay), timing of oral intake (23.7 ± 30.2 hours vs. 20.8 ± 27.5 hours), hospital stay (73.9 ± 61.8 hours vs. 70.3 ± 51.6 hours), morbidity, or mortality (0% vs. 0.2%). Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendectomy can be safely incorporated into the training of surgical residents under the supervision of experienced surgeons. Laparoscopic appendectomy also provides knowledge of the basics of laparoscopic technique before going on to more complex operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the case of a 51-year-old man who had abdominal distension and intermittent cramping pain for 4 months. A lower gastrointestinal double-contrast study revealed a protruding mass at the transverse colon. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed a lesion arising from the submucosal layer. Instead of a laparotomy, the lesion was removed laparoscopically with the assistance of a colonoscope. No operative morbidity was noted. With future improvements of this technique, tumors that are difficult to remove with colonoscopy can be excised laparoscopically without the aid of an endoscopic stapler. In our case, the tumor was localized intraoperatively and extracted using the intraoperative colonoscopy. This double-scope technique is safe and cost-effective for some difficult colonic lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucinous cystadenoma is a rare lesion of the vermiform appendix and is seldom diagnosed before surgery, although radiologic and ultrasonographic findings have been reported. We present the case of a 65-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis who presented with general malaise, poor appetite, fever, and right upper and lower quadrant pain of about one week's duration. Abdominal sonography and computed tomography revealed an 8 × 4 × 3 cm cystic lesion of the appendix. Laparoscopic evaluation confirmed this finding and the lesion was resected without rupturing the tumor during manipulation. Laparoscopic surgery provides the advantages of good exposure and evaluation of entire abdominal cavity, as well as more rapid recovery. It is important to avoid tumor rupture during manipulation, and formation of pseudomyxoma peritonei, in case the tumor is malignant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which attempted to evaluate the relative efficacy of a method, which provides the benefits of both conventional and minilaparoscopic cholecystectomy. Port sites for combined laparoscopic cholecystectomy; Results of the study; Conclusion.