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In order to design the most effective weight loss procedure, the ideal biliopancreatic limb (BPL) and alimentary limb (AL) length in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) have been discussed extensively. Yet, no consensus has been reached. The aim of this study was to compare weight loss after a short and long BPL in patients who underwent a RYGB with a minimum of 4 years follow-up. This retrospective cohort study consisted of 574 patients who underwent a primary RYGB procedure between March 2015 and January 2017. Patients were divided in two groups based on the surgical procedure performed: a short BPL group (BPL of 50 cm with an AL of 150 cm) and long BPL group (BPL of 150 cm with an AL of 75 cm). The percentage total weight loss (%TWL) between groups was compared up to 4 years after surgery. Secondary outcomes were 30-day postoperative complications and health-related quality of life (RAND-36). The short BPL group consisted of 286 patient and the long BPL group of 288 patients. Follow-up rates of both groups at the first, second, third, and fourth year after surgery were comparable. The long BPL group showed significantly more %TWL compared to the short BP limb group starting at 6 months (p = 0.004) until 4 years after surgery (p

Although the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) is the gold-standard bariatric procedure, it remains uncertain what the optimal bowel limb lengths are to accomplish maximal weight loss while minimizing nutritional deficiencies and related gastro-intestinal complaints. The aim of this randomized controlled multicenter trial is to investigate the effect of significant lengthening of the length of the Roux limb (RL) at the cost of the length of the common channel (CC) while keeping the biliopancreatic limb (BPL) lengths the same on both study arms. Four hundred forty-four patients were randomized to receive either a Very Long Roux Limb LRYGB (VLRL-LRYGB) (variable RL length, BPL 60 cm, and CC 100 cm) or a Standard LRYGB (S-LRYGB) (RL 150 cm, BPL 60 cm, and a variable CC length). Results at 1-year follow-up for weight loss, effect on obesity-related comorbid conditions, complications, re-operation rate, malnutrition rate, and re-admission rate were investigated. Weight loss at 1-year showed no significant differences for %EWL (84.3% versus 85.3%, p = 0.72) and %TWL (34.2% versus 33.6%, p = 0.359) comparing VLRL-LRYGB versus S-LRYGB. Malabsorption requiring surgical bowel length adjustment was observed in 1.4% in VLRL-LRYGB group versus 0.9% in S-LRYGB group (p = 0.316). Significant lengthening of the RL at the cost of the common channel seems to have no effect on the weight loss at 1-year follow-up, which supports the theory that absorption of nutrients also occurs in the RL. Nevertheless, long-term results of the VLRL-LRYGB have to be awaited to draw final conclusions as part of the discussion towards optimal limb length in LRYGB surgery.

The use of one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is rapidly spreading. Concerns about biliary reflux and malabsorption with consequent nutritional deficits exist, so studies on biliopancreatic limb (BPL) adequate length in OAGB are required to balance excess weight loss in percentage (% EWL), resolution of comorbidities, and nutritional deficit. The purpose was to evaluate, at 2 years after OAGB, the effects of BPL length on weight loss, resolution of comorbidity, and nutritional deficiencies in patients. From January 2015 to January 2017, 180 patients were collected into three groups based BPL length: group A, 150 cm; group B, 180 cm; and group C, 200 cm. Aims were to compare %EWL, co-morbidity resolution rates, nutritional parameters, and morbidity/mortality in the three groups. The total number of patients was 180: 60 for each group. One hundred seventy-two (95%) patients attended the 1-year follow-up (group A = 58; group B = 58, group C = 56). One hundred fifty-seven (87%) patients attended the 2-year follow-up (group A = 52 (87%); group B = 53 (88%); group C = 52 (87%)). There was no statistically significant difference in %EWL, %TWL, T2DM, and hypertension resolution rates among the groups. About vitamin deficiency, differences were not statistically significant. Iron and ferritin deficiency rate were statistically significant only between A and C groups. According to our evidence, standardization of BPL length shorter than 200 cm is suggested, potentially minimizing malnutrition-related outcomes. Our study seems to show that a BPL of 150–180 cm is safe and effective in terms of EWL and comorbidity improvement with low malnutrition effects even in BMI > 50.

Introduction Tailoring limb length in bariatric surgery is a subject of many studies. To acquire the optimal limb length, accurate measurement of the small bowel length is essential. Objective To assess the intra- and inter-individual variability of laparoscopic bowel length measurement using a hand-over-hand technique with marked graspers. Method Four bariatric surgeons and four surgical residents performed measurements on cadaver porcine intestine in a laparoscopic box using marked graspers. Each participant performed 10 times a measurement of three different lengths: 150, 180, and 210 cm. Acceptable percentage deviation from the goal lengths was defined as less than 10%, while unacceptable deviations were defined as more than 15%. Results The bariatric surgeons measured the 150-, 180-, and 210-cm tasks with 4% (CI 0.4, 9), − 6% (CI − 11, − 0.8), and 1% (CI − 4, 6) deviation, respectively. In total, the bariatric surgeons estimated 58 out of 119 times (49%) between the margins of 10% deviation and 36 times (30%) outside the 15% margin. Considerable inter-individual differences were found between the surgeons. The surgical residents underestimated the tasks with 12% (CI − 18, − 6), 16% (CI − 19, − 13), and 18% (CI − 22, − 13), respectively. Conclusion Bariatric surgeons estimated bowel length with on average less than 10% deviation. However, this still resulted in 30% of the measurements with more than 15% deviation. There were considerable inter-individual differences between the surgeons and residents structurally underestimated the bowel length. Ascertainment of measurement accuracy and adequate training is essential for bariatric procedures in which limb length is of importance. Graphical abstract

Lack of standardization in the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RY-GBP) is quite well established. We all learned the basics of the technique, but a lot of differences do exist in performing each step of the procedure. Based on scientific evidences, coming from an extensive and meticulous review of the literature of the last 20 years, we thus address the different technical steps of the procedure and their importance to try and propose a standardization of RYGBP. A lot of possibilities exist at each and every step of a RYGBP. They influence the postoperative complications, the end weight loss (EWL), weight regain, and resolution of obesity bounded comorbidities. Furthermore, lack of standardization leads to problems regarding comparison of scientific data in the related literature.

Weight regain after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) occurs in up to 35% of patients. Revisional surgery may be applied. Conversion from RYGB to a long biliopancreatic limb (BPL) RYGB is a potential option for revisional surgery and short-term results are promising. All patients who underwent conversion to long BPL RYGB due to weight loss failure, defined as excess weight loss (EWL) 35 kg/m2, were assessed. Proximal RYGB or very very long limb RYGB (VVLL RYGB) was modified by shortening of the total alimentary limb length (TALL) to create a long BPL. A total of 28 patients received revisional surgery from either PRYGB (n = 22) or VVLL RYGB (n = 6). Mean age at operation was 45.3 ± 10.4 years, with 78% females. Mean prerevisional BMI was 41.7 ± 4.4 kg/m2. Mean time to revision was 76.5 ± 38.5 months. Limb lengths were 150 cm (95% CI 133–156 cm) for RL and 100 cm (95% CI 97–113 cm) for CC, thus providing a total median alimentary limb length of 250 (95% CI 238–260 cm). Additional %EWL and TWL improved significantly in long-term. Five years postoperatively, all patients (n = 9) had an EWL% > 50%. Six patients (21.4%) required reoperation due to severe malnutrition during the postoperative course. Conversion from RYGB to BPL RYGB leads to significant additional weight loss in the long term. However, the morbidity is relevant, especially severe protein malnutrition and the frequency of revisional surgery. Therefore, this type of surgery should not be done routinely.

One anastomosis/mini gastric bypass (OAGB-MGB) is now an established bariatric procedure for patients suffering from obesity. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the role of this operation in patients with body mass index (BMI) ≤ 35 kg/m2. A literature review was performed as per preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. This review reports cumulative results of 376 OAGB-MGB procedures with a mean age of 44.28 years and mean BMI of 29.16 kg/m2 (range 22–35). Females represented 67.67% of the patients. The leak rate was 0.27%. The mean follow-up was 32.6 months (6–84 months). The mean operative time was 89.45 min. The median limb length was 120 cm (range 100–200 cm). The mean fasting plasma glucose (FPG) decreased from 196.97 to 103.28 mg/dL. The mean HbA1c came down from 9.13% preoperatively to 6.14% postoperatively. The total cholesterol levels came down from a mean of 197.8 mg/dL preoperatively to 120.6 mg/dL postoperatively. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride levels came down from 127.7 and 209.3 mg/dL to 81 and 94.8 mg/dL, respectively. Mortality was 0%. Marginal ulceration rate of 6.3% and an anaemia rate of 4.7% were reported. Low albumin was reported in 1 (0.2%) patient. The mean BMI came down to 23.76 kg/m2 at 12 months. We conclude that there is now satisfactory evidence to consider OAGB-MGB as a safe and effective metabolic procedure for diabetic patients with BMI ≤ 35 kg/m2. Randomised studies comparing different bariatric procedures with longer term follow-up are needed.

The influence of the Roux limb (RL) length on weight loss in Roux-en-Y (RYGB)-type gastric bypass procedures is still unclear. This study analyzes the true impact of RL length by comparing the long-term outcomes of proximal RYGB (PRYGB) and very-very long limb RYGB (VVLL-RYGB). RL length in PRYGB was 150 cm. In VVLL-RYGB, common channel length was 100 cm. In both groups, biliopancreatic limbs measured 50–60 cm, resulting in equal total alimentary limb lengths. To adjust for pre-operative differences between groups, and to predict the long-term outcome, a mixed model analysis was performed. Two hundred thirty-two patients with VVLL-RYGB (73.7% female, mean age 41.1 ± 10 years, initial BMI 45.8 ± 6.3 kg/m2) and 223 with PRYGB (83.9% female, mean age 38.5 ± 11 years, initial BMI 42.9 ± 4.9 kg/m2) were included. Mean follow-up was 9.4 ± 4 years in VVLL-RYGB and 5.3 ± 1.9 years in PRYGB. After 5 years, mean BMI reduction was 15.7 ± 5.9 kg/m2 in VVLL-RYGB and 11.9 ± 4.1 kg/m2 in PRYGB (p

Although Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) has proven its reliability over time in terms of weight loss and resolution of comorbidities, there continues to be a significant controversy in terms of used limb lengths. In the classical RYGBP, most surgeons have reported an alimentary limb length (ALL) of 100 to 150 cm and a bilio-pancreatic limb length (BPLL) of 50 to 75 cm. On the other hand, the common limb length (CLL) remains unknown in all the patients. As it is theoretically related to the level of malabsorption, CLL could influence weight loss after RYGBP. We performed a laparoscopic RYGBP in 90 patients with a mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) of 44.8. ALL and BPLL were respectively fixed at 150 and 75 cm. A systematic intraoperative measurement of CLL was performed. As expected, we found a great variation of the jejuno-ileal length and also of the CLL. We created three subgroups of patients: one with the entire population, one excluding the super-obese patients (BMI > 50) and the third one excluding the revisions. There was no statistically significant correlation between CLL and excess BMI loss (EBMIL) at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of follow-up in each group. We also found a linear correlation between the jejuno-ileal length and the height of individuals. With a fixed 150-cm ALL and a 75-cm BPLL, there is no evidence that the anatomical variations of CLL could influence weight loss after classical RYGBP.

While some studies have shown that long-limb gastric bypass with Roux limb length of 150 to 200 cm can attain better weight loss outcomes in super-obese patients (BMI50 kg/m(2)) than the standard limb gastric bypass with Roux limb length of 100 to 150 cm, other studies have not shown similar findings. Additionally, no study has demonstrated the optimal length of the Roux limb that will result in ideal weight loss. The purpose of this study is to compare the long-term weight loss and weight regain of standard limb length (SLL) and long limb length (LLL) gastric bypass in patients with BMI50 kg/m(2).A total of 120 patients with BMI50 kg/m(2) underwent either SLL (total bypass length = 200, biliopancreatic limb = 50-80 cm, Roux limb = 120-150 cm) or LLL (total bypass length = 250 biliopancreatic limb = 50-80 cm, Roux limb = 170-200 cm) RYGB. The excess weight loss (EWL), the weight regain, and the rate of complications were measured at 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up. Statistical comparisons were performed using t-test.There was no difference in patient demographics, pre-operative BMI, or comorbidities between the two groups: SLL (n = 55) and LLL (n = 65). In comparing standard- to long-limb cohorts, preoperative BMI was 56.1 ±5.34 vs. 57.5 ± 6.05 kg/m(2), respectively. There was no statistical difference in percent EWL at 1, 2, and 3 years between the two groups [55.2 vs. 55 (P = 0.933), 61.5 vs. 60.8 (P = 0.831), and 61.1 vs.60 (P = 0.932)]. There was no difference in percent weight regain between the two groups, 11.2 (SLL) and 5.2 (LLL) (P = 0.13). The rates of complications were similar in the two groups.There is no difference in weight loss or weight regain between the SLL and LLL RYGB. Longer-limb gastric bypass is not required in patients with BMI50 kg/m(2) for them to obtain long-term, sustained weight loss.

Extending the length of the Roux limb (RL) in gastric bypass (GBP) may improve weight loss in super obese patients (body mass index [BMI]50 kg/m(2)), but no consensus exists about the optimal length of the RL. We sought to determine the impact of RL length on weight loss in super obese patients 1 year after GBP.One-year weight loss outcomes were analyzed in all super obese patients who underwent consecutive and primary laparoscopic or open GBP between January 2003 and June 2006. Patients were divided into two groups according to RL length (100 vs. 150 cm). The RL length was at the discretion of the attending surgeon. Baseline and follow-up data were collected prospectively. Multiple linear regression was used to adjust for potential confounders in the weight loss outcomes.Twelve-month follow-up data were available in 137 (85%) of 161 patients with a BMIor= 50 who underwent GBP during the study period. An RL of 100 or 150 cm was used in 102 (74.5%) and 35 patients (25.5%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, patients with the 150-cm RL lost more weight (68.5 vs. 55.3 kg, p0.01), had a greater change in BMI (25 vs. 21 kg/m(2), p = 0.01), and had greater excess weight loss (64 vs. 53%, p0.01).A 150-cm RL provides better weight loss outcomes in super obese patients at 1-year follow-up.

The aims of this study were to determine the rate of gastrojejunostomy (GJ) stricture following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP), the independent predictors of stricture, and clinical outcomes with and without a stricture. Univariate and multivariate analysis of peri-operative and outcomes data were prospectively collected from 379 morbidly obese patients who underwent consecutive open or laparoscopic RYGBP from January 2003 to August 2006. Predictors studied were age, gender, BMI, co-morbidities, surgical technique (hand-sewn vs linear stapler vs 21-mm vs 25-mm circular stapler; open vs laparoscopic; retrocolic retrogastric vs antecolic antegastric Roux limb course, and Roux limb length), and surgeon experience. Outcomes studied consisted of occurrence of GJ strictures, technical details and outcomes after endoscopic therapy, and excess weight loss (EWL) at 12 months. 15 patients (4.1%) developed a GJ stricture. The use of a 21-mm circular stapler was identified as the only independent predictor of a GJ stricture (odds ratio 11.3; 95% CI 2.2-57.4, P = 0.004). Endoscopic dilation relieved stricture symptoms in all patients (60% one dilation only). There was no significant difference in %EWL at 12 months between the patients with a stricture (median EWL 54%, IQR 49 – 63) vs those without a stricture (median EWL 61%, IQR 49-73, P = 0.33). The rate of GJ strictures is 4.1%. The use of a 21-mm circular stapler is the only independent predictor of GJ stricture. Endoscopic dilation relieved symptoms in all patients.Weight loss is independent of the anastomotic technique used and occurrence of a GJ stricture.

The lengths of the bypassed segments in the initial laparoscopic roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are usually a matter of the individual surgeon’s routine. The literature is inconclusive about the association between the Roux limbs’ length and weight-loss or malabsorption (Stefanidis et al. Obes Surg. 21(1):119–24, 2011); (Rawlins et al. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 7(1):45–9, 2011). However, jejunojejunal anastomosis (JJ) “redo” and Roux limb length revision could be considered for patients with a very short Roux limb and weight loss failure or for short common channel and malabsorption. Complications of JJ may also require revision. In over 1000 LRYGBs since 2001, eight patients required JJ revision for failure to lose enough weight (n = 6), malabsorption (n = 1), and stricture (n = 1). Instead of completely taking down the JJ, a simple technique was evolved to keep the enteric limb continuity. In a following step, the biliopancreatic limbs have been transected from the JJ and reconnected proximal (for malabsorption) or distal (for weight loss failure). In this video, a step-by-step the laparoscopic technique for JJ revision and relocating the biliopancreatic limb is presented. Procedure takes 40–60 min to perform using four trocars and the hospital stay was 1–2 nights. No complications occurred during the procedures or postoperative period. Laparoscopic revision of JJ is feasible and safe and should be part of surgeons’ options on the long-term management of patients post LRYGB.

Capella surgery is one of the technical variations of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The method includes the preparation of an alimentary (Roux) limb with a standardized length (110 cm) in order to induce deficiencies in the absorption of macronutrients and thereby contribute to weight loss. The recognized variation in jejunoileal length in humans (approximately 4 to 9 m) is not considered, although this range correlates with the wide variation in the length of the common limb.In order to assess the influence of variations in jejunoileal and common limb lengths on weight loss, intra-operative measurements were made of these segments on 100 patients undergoing Capella surgery. Patients were followed for a period of 1 year. Statistical analysis included subdivisions of the population by gender and body mass index.Average jejunoileal length was 671.4 +/- 115.7 cm (434-990 cm). Average common limb length was 505.3 +/- 113.3 cm (268-829 cm). No correlation was detected between jejunoileal length and weight loss at 6 months or 1 year following surgery. A weak negative correlation was detected between weight loss and common limb length at 1 year following surgery in male and super-obese patients.Jejunoileal and common limb length vary widely in gastric bypass patients. To make modifications in the alimentary and/or biliopancreatic limb length, surgeons must consider the variability of the jejunoileal and common limb length.

Laparoscopic gastric bypass, currently the most popular surgical method for bariatric therapy, have proved to be effective in weight loss, but some matters regarding its long-term efficacy for super-obese patients (BMI >50 kg/m2) have arisen. Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) is a complex technique that has shown good results in the treatment of the super-obese patient. We analyze our >5 years results, evaluating weight loss, morbidity and mortality of this operation, depending on the length of the common and alimentary limbs. We studied two series of patients: 150 patients with BPD of Scopinaro (50–200 cm) and 70 patients with modified BPD (75–225 cm). The results have been analyzed in terms of weight loss, co-morbidity improvement, and postoperative morbidity using BAROS. Range of follow-up is 1–12 years. Weight loss was slightly higher for the Scopinaro group than for the Modified group but with no significant difference. There was more prevalence of malnutrition and of iron deficiency in the Scopinaro group (16% and 60%) than in the modified group (2% and 40%), with similar postoperative morbidities. The modified BPD method (75–225 cm) shows long-term effectiveness in weight loss and comorbidity improvement for super-obesity. Proteins, vitamins and oligoelement deficits appear distant in time, and thus it is necessary to maintain strict followup of these patients and supplement against deficiencies for the rest of their lives.