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Background: The primary obesity surgery endoluminal (POSE) procedure is an innovative incision-less endoscopic bariatric procedure that is increasingly used. However, variable weight loss response and recurrence post-endoscopic bariatric procedures have at times necessitated laparoscopic bariatric conversion. The safety and approach of conversion to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), however, have been an active point of discussion within revisional bariatric surgery., Methods: This retrospective review of four consecutive patients is the largest description of medium-term postoperative outcomes and technical highlights of a laparoscopic conversion of POSE to RYGB. Chart review was completed to evaluate patients' post-POSE clinical course and perioperative outcomes after surgical conversion., Results: Early data suggests varied weight loss trajectory with POSE and marked improvement in weight response after surgical conversion. Qualitative review reveals successful single-staged conversions contrary to previous smaller case series describing staged conversions involving endoscopic removal of plications followed by RYGB. Review additionally reveals key perioperative considerations for successful conversions to include intraoperative endoscopy, upper gastrointestinal fluoroscopic studies, and at times computed tomography. The latter study and laparoscopic view of the post-POSE stomach challenge the prior notion that distal POSE allows for easy revision to LSG., Conclusions: Our case series underscores the complex multifactorial nature of metabolic disease and the increasing importance of a conscientious approach to conversion bariatric surgery as the adoption of POSE and the bariatric patient population continues to grow., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Transoral outlet reduction (TORe) is an incisionless, endoscopic procedure to address weight recurrence after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Given the chronic, progressive nature of obesity and the minimally invasive, anatomy preserving technique of TORe, the procedure is expected to be met with high patient acceptance and widening clinical adoption. Nevertheless, the approach to TORe has been heterogeneous. As endoscopic bariatric therapies are increasingly incorporated into the multidisciplinary management of obesity, it is crucial to have a standardized, evidence-based framework for their implementation. In this review, based on the available literature and the authors' combined experience of over 1,000 TORe procedures, we present our approach to patient selection, procedural technique, troubleshooting, and patient aftercare unique to TORe., (Copyright © 2024 by The American College of Gastroenterology.)

Background and Aims: Endoscopic suturing is a complex skill with broad applications. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a novel endoscopic suturing simulator and scoring system for the purse-string suture pattern., Methods: This was a prospective study of an endoscopic suturing simulator that consists of a circular opening representing a dilated gastrojejunal anastomosis of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with 12 small target holes around its circumference. Purse-string suturing is performed in a counterclockwise fashion. Time allotted is 5 minutes, and each successful bite is awarded 10 points. Participants were divided into the novice, intermediate, and experienced groups. Validity evidence based on content, validity evidence based on other variables, and validity evidence based on consequences of testing were assessed., Results: Seventeen subjects (3 novice, 7 intermediate, and 7 experienced) participated in the study. Validity evidence based on content: The content validity index for realism, relevance, and representativeness was 0.89, 1.00, and 1.00, respectively. Validity evidence based on other variables: The novice, intermediate, and experienced groups scored 30.0 ± 8.2, 57.1 ± 28.1, and 131.2 ± 51.7 (P = .001). Validity evidence based on consequences of testing: The simulator group required 5 ± 5 transoral outlet reduction cases before being able to independently complete an entire purse-string, whereas the non-simulator group required 38 ± 11 clinical cases (P < .0001)., Conclusions: This novel endoscopic suturing simulator seems realistic, relevant, and representative of the clinical suturing experience. In addition, it seems effective at objectively assessing suturing skills and shortening the clinical learning curve., Competing Interests: Disclosure The following authors disclosed financial relationships: P. Jirapinyo: Consultant, research support, and advisory board member for Apollo Endosurgery; research support from Boston Scientific, Fractyl, and USGI Medical; royalties from Endosim; consultant for ERBE and Spatz Medical; and consultant/research support from GI Dynamics. C. Thompson: Consultant and research support from Apollo Endosurgery, Boston Scientific, GI Dynamics, and Olympus/Spiration; research support from Aspire Bariatrics and USGI Medical; venture fund/general partner for Blueflame Healthcare; consultant for Medtronic and Xenter; consultant and institutional research grant for EndoQuest Robotics, Fujifilm, and Lumendi; founder, consultant, and board member for EnteraSense Ltd and Envision Endoscopy; institutional research grant from ERBE; consultant and advisory board member for Fractyl and USGI Medical; and founder, board member, and ownership interest in GI Windows., (Copyright © 2024 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aims: Transoral outlet reduction (TORe) and antiobesity medication (AOM) are effective treatments for weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This study aims to assess the efficacy of combination therapy (TORe + AOM) for treating weight regain and to compare the safety and efficacy of combination therapy with AOM alone, TORe alone, and surgical revision of RYGB., Methods: This was a retrospective study of RYGB patients with weight regain who underwent combination therapy, defined as initiation of at least 1 AOM within 6 months before or after TORe. Outcomes were weight loss after combination therapy and comparison of combination therapy with AOM alone, TORe alone, and surgical revision., Results: One hundred forty-five RYGB patients underwent combination therapy. Most commonly prescribed AOMs were topiramate, phentermine/topiramate, phentermine, and liraglutide. At 12 months, patients experienced 15.2% ± 7.4% total weight loss (TWL). Ninety percent of patients achieved ≥5% TWL at 12 months. Combination therapy was associated with greater weight loss than AOM alone (15.2% ± 7.4% vs 6.8% ± 8.2% TWL, P < .0001) or TORe alone (15.2% ± 7.4% vs 8.7% ± 8.3% TWL, P < .0001), with similar serious adverse event rates (2.1% vs 4.7% vs .6% for combination therapy vs AOM alone vs TORe alone, P > .05). Combination therapy yielded similar weight loss to surgical revision (15.2% ± 7.4% vs 16.4% ± 13.1% TWL, P = .34), with a lower serious adverse event rate (2.1% vs 14.3%, P = .0004)., Conclusions: Combination of TORe with AOM is superior to either therapy alone, providing similar efficacy to surgical revision with a better safety profile for the treatment of weight regain after RYGB., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Purpose: Weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is associated with worsening of liver outcomes. However, the effect of transoral outlet reduction (TORe) on liver fibrosis in RYGB patients with weight regain and possible advanced fibrosis remains unknown., Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of RYGB patients who underwent TORe for weight regain. Only patients with possible advanced fibrosis were included. TORe was performed using either an endoscopic suturing device (S-TORe) or plication device (P-TORe) to reduce the gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA) and pouch sizes. Primary outcomes included changes in non-invasive tests (NITs) for fibrosis at 6-12 months. Secondary outcomes included weight loss and changes in insulin resistance and lipid profile at 6-12 months., Results: Fifty RYGB patients were included. Baseline age and BMI were 55 ± 11 years and 40.1 ± 7.3 kg/m 2 . Baseline GJA and pouch sizes were 20 ± 7 mm and 5 ± 2 cm, respectively. Thirty patients (60%) underwent S-TORe and 20 patients (40%) underwent P-TORe. At 12 months following TORe, there were statistically significant improvements in NITs for fibrosis, including ALT, AST and FIB-4. There was a trend towards significant improvement in liver stiffness measurement on transient elastography. Patients experienced 8.8 ± 11.2% total weight loss (TWL) (p < 0.0001), with 60% experiencing at least 10% TWL. Additionally, there was a significant improvement in HbA1c and a trend toward significant improvement in Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), suggestive of improved insulin sensitivity., Conclusion: TORe is associated with an improvement in hepatic fibrosis in patients with NAFLD and possible advanced fibrosis., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background and Aims: Gastric plication involves inverting the stomach with tissue anchor placement to achieve serosa-to-serosa apposition. One potential application of gastric plication is the treatment of weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), a procedure also known as plication transoral outlet reduction (P-TORe). This study aims to assess technical feasibility, safety, and efficacy of P-TORe., Methods: This was a registry study of RYGB patients who underwent P-TORe for weight regain. The primary outcome was the amount of weight loss and clinical success rate, defined as percentage of total weight loss (TWL) of at least 5% at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were technical success, adverse events (AEs), and predictors of weight loss., Results: One hundred eleven RYGB patients underwent P-TORe. Average body mass index (BMI) was 38.5 ± 7.5 kg/m 2 . Baseline gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA) and pouch sizes were 17 ± 6 mm and 5 ± 2 cm, respectively. The primary outcome was total weight loss, defined as patients experiencing 9.5% ± 8.5% TWL at 12 months. Clinical success rate was 73%. Technical success rate was 100%. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) was performed around the GJA in all patients (100%) before plication placement. The total number of plications per case was 7 ± 3. Overall AE rate was 12.6%. These included GJA stenosis (9.9%), melena because of marginal ulceration (1.8%), and deep vein thrombosis (.9%). The severe AE rate was 0%. Predictors of weight loss were the amount of weight regain and baseline pouch length., Conclusions: This novel P-TORe technique combining APC with gastric plication appears to be technically feasible, safe, and effective at treating weight regain after RYGB., (Copyright © 2022 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Dumping syndrome is a known complication of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Recently, endoscopic gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA) revision has been employed as a treatment option. The primary aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis for the role of endoscopic GJA revision in patients with RYGB for the treatment of dumping syndrome., Methods: Search strategies were developed for PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from inception through December 2020 in accordance with PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. Pooled proportions with rates estimated using random effects models were used. Outcomes included pooled technical success, clinical success, adverse events, and rate of reintervention. Heterogeneity was assessed with I 2 statistics and publication bias by funnel plot using Egger and Begg tests., Results: Six studies (n = 263 patients; 60.25% female) were included (1 prospective and 5 retrospective). Mean age was 46.27 ± 2.54 years. Average patient weight was 95.59 ± 4.78 kg, BMI of 41.43 ± 3.07 kg/m 2 , and pre-procedure GJA size of 32.23 ± 8.68 mm. Pooled technical and clinical success was 98.15% and 89.5%. Among studies reporting Sigstad scores, endoscopic GJA revision resulted in a significant improvement [mean Sigstad score difference of - 9.96 (95% CI, - 19.951 to - 0.975); P < 0.03]. Mean procedure time was 37.12 ± 10.40 min with an intra-procedural adverse event rate of 2.42%. Over a mean follow-up of 8.03 ± 6.87 months, post-procedure adverse events occurred in 2.96% of patients with a reintervention rate of 11.54%., Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that endoscopic GJA revision appears an effective and safe treatment for dumping syndrome., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background and Aims: An enlarged gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA) is associated with weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and can be corrected with endoscopic or surgical revision; however, there has been no direct comparison between techniques. This study aims to compare serious adverse event (AE) rates and weight loss profiles between endoscopic and surgical revisional techniques over a 5-year period., Methods: This is a retrospective matched cohort study of RYGB patients who underwent endoscopic or surgical revision for weight regain with an enlarged GJA (>12 mm). Patients who underwent endoscopic revision (ENDO group) were matched 1:1 to those undergoing surgical revision (SURG group) based on completion of 5-year follow-up, age, sex, body mass index, initial weight loss, and weight regain. Demographics, GJA size, serious AEs, and weight profiles were collected. The primary outcome was comparison of serious AE rates between groups. Secondary outcomes included weight loss comparisons. A Fisher exact test was used to compare the serious AE rate, and a Student t test was used for weight comparisons., Results: Sixty-two RYGB patients with weight regain and an enlarged GJA (31 ENDO, 31 matched SURG) were included. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The AE rate in the ENDO group (6.5%) was lower than the SURG group (29.0%, P = .043). Zero and 6 (19.4%) serious (severe) AEs occurred in the ENDO and SURG groups, respectively (P = .02). There was no significant difference in weight loss at 1, 3, and 5 years., Conclusions: Endoscopic revision of the GJA is associated with significantly fewer total and serious AEs and similar long-term weight loss when compared with surgical revision., (Copyright © 2021 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aims: Gastric Access Temporary for Endoscopy (GATE), also known as EUS-Directed Trangastric ERCP (EDGE), has demonstrated advantages over device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) and laparoscopic-assisted ERCP (LA-ERCP) for patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) anatomy. We aimed to directly compare clinical outcomes and cost utility among the three ERCP modalities., Methods: Patients with RYGB anatomy who had DAE, LA-ERCP, or GATE from 2009 to 2019 at 2 tertiary centers were included in our review. We measured outcomes in three areas: success rate, post-procedural adverse events (AEs) and hospitalization, and cost utility per Medicare/Medicaid insurance payments., Results: Cohort Total 130 patients (70 underwent DAE, 42 LA-ERCP, and 18 GATE). Success rate DAE was successful in 59% of patients, compared to success rates of 98 and 100% for LA-ERCP and GATE, respectively (p < 0.001). For DAE, 62% of unsuccessful cases required rescue therapy. Adverse events and hospitalization Patients who underwent GATE had the lowest rate of hospitalization post procedure (44% vs. 77% and 100% for DAE and LA-ERCP, respectively, p < 0.01) and spent the least amount of time hospitalized (median time 0 days vs 2 and 3 days for DAE and LA-ERCP, respectively, p < 0.0001). GATE had lower AE rates than LA-ERCP (6 vs 31%, p = 0.046), and both had similar rates to DAE. Cost utility LA-ERCP carried the highest total procedural and hospitalization cost per Medicare/ Medicaid insurance payments (median payment difference of $9.7 K vs GATE and $7.9 K vs DAE, p < 0.01 for both). Procedural and hospitalization costs were similar between GATE and DAE (p = 0.76)., Conclusions: GATE is a safe modality for ERCP with high success rates in RYGB patients and exhibits the lowest hospitalization time and rate of adverse events when compared to DAE and LA-ERCP. GATE is similar to DAE from a cost utility approach, and both are less costly than LA-ERCP.

Introduction: Gastrogastric fistulae (GGF) occur in 1-6% of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients. Many patients undergo abdominal computed tomography (CT) as an initial test owing to its wide availability; however, CT diagnostic accuracy for GGF is unclear. Our aim was to evaluate test characteristics of abdominal CT compared to upper gastrointestinal series (UGI) and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for diagnosing GGF using surgery as a gold standard., Methods: Retrospective review of RYGB patients who underwent abdominal CT with oral contrast within 1 year. Demographics, weight parameters, and symptoms were collected. Surgery within 1 year of the diagnostic tests was included as the gold standard comparison. Primary outcomes included CT sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy (DA) for GGF., Results: One hundred thirty-seven patients were included, where 42 (30.1%) had positive CT and 95 (69.3%) had negative CT for GGF. Compared to surgical confirmation, CT abdomen with PO contrast had sensitivity of 73.1% (59-84.4), specificity of 95.2% (88.3-98.7), PPV 90.5% (77.4-97.3), NPV of 85.1% (76.3-91.2), and DA 89.7%. UGI series had sensitivity of 58.5% (42.1-73.7), specificity of 98.8% (93.5-99.9), PPV of 96% (79.7-99.9), NPV of 82.8% (73.9-89.7), and diagnostic accuracy (DA) of 85.4%. EGD had sensitivity of 78.3% (63.6-89.1), specificity of 98.8% (93.5-99.9), PPV 97.3 (85.8-99.9), and DA 91.5%. There were no significant differences in diagnostic test characteristics among modalities., Conclusions: Abdominal CT with oral contrast has similar diagnostic test characteristics to UGI and EGD at detecting GGF when using surgical diagnosis as a gold standard.

Background and Aims: Although traditional transoral outlet reduction (TORe) involves argon plasma coagulation (APC) before endoscopic suturing, modified endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has also been used. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of modified ESD-TORe in comparison with traditional APC-TORe., Methods: This was a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from patients who underwent modified ESD-TORe and APC-TORe for weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Our outcomes were technical success, adverse events as categorized by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy lexicon, and percent total weight loss (TWL) at 6 and 12 months and patients who underwent ESD-TORe were matched 1:3 based on gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA) and pouch sizes to those who underwent APC-TORe. TWL between groups was compared. A linear regression was performed to control for any confounders., Results: Nineteen RYGB patients underwent ESD-TORe. Technical success rate was 100%, with no severe adverse events. At 6 and 12 months, patients experienced 13.4% ± 6.6% and 12.1% ± 9.3% TWL, respectively (P < .05 for both). Nineteen ESD-TORe patients were also matched with 57 APC-TORe patients based on GJA and pouch sizes. At 12 months, the ESD-TORe group experienced greater weight loss compared with the APC-TORe group (12.1% ± 9.3% vs 7.5% ± 3.3% TWL, respectively; P = .036). On regression analysis, ESD remained a significant predictor of percent of TWL at 12 months after controlling for age, sex, body mass index, weight regain, and years from RYGB (β = 5.99, P = .02)., Conclusions: Combining endoscopic tissue dissection with suturing provides greater and more durable weight loss for patients with weight regain after RYGB., (Copyright © 2020 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aims: Argon plasma coagulation (APC) of gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA) is effective in treating weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This study aims to compare the efficacy of different APC settings for treating weight regain., Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study of patients who had undergone RYGB and then underwent APC from 2014 to 2018 for weight regain. Patients receiving only low-dose APC (45-55 W) or high-dose APC (70-80 W) were compared. The primary outcome was the difference in percentage total weight loss (% TWL) between the groups at 6 and 12 months after the last treatment. Secondary outcomes were technical success, adverse events (AEs), and predictors of weight loss at 12 months., Results: Two hundred seventeen patients met the inclusion criteria and underwent 411 APC sessions. Of these, 116 (53.5%) patients underwent 267 low-dose APC sessions (2.4 ± 1.5 sessions/patient) and 101 (46.5%) patients underwent 144 high-dose APC sessions (1.4 ± 0.7 sessions/patient). Follow-up rates were 82.9% and 75.3% at 6 and 12 months. At 6 months, the low- and high-dose groups experienced 7.3% ± 6.6% and 8.1% ± 7.4% TWL, respectively (P = .41). At 12 months, the low- and high-dose groups experienced 5.1% ± 8.5% and 9.7% ± 10.0% TWL, respectively (P = .008). Technical success was 100%. The overall AE rate was 8.0%; the most common AE was GJA stenosis (4.6%). The GJA stenosis rate was similar for the low- and high-dose groups (3.0% vs 7.6%, P = .06). High-dose APC remained a significant predictor of greater weight loss at 1 year after controlling for confounders., Conclusion: APC is effective at treating weight regain after RYGB, and higher-watt APC was associated with greater weight loss., (Copyright © 2020 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aims: Transoral outlet reduction (TORe) is a common endoscopic treatment for patients with weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) with a dilated gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA). This study aims to assess long-term efficacy of TORe., Methods: This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on RYGB patients who underwent TORe for weight regain or inadequate weight loss. The primary outcome was efficacy of TORe at 1, 3, and 5 years. Secondary outcomes were procedure details, safety profile, and predictors of long-term weight loss after TORe., Results: Three hundred thirty-one RYGB patients underwent 342 TORe procedures and met inclusion criteria. Of these, 331, 258, and 123 patients were eligible for 1-, 3- and 5-year follow-ups, respectively. Mean body mass index was 40 ± 9 kg/m 2 . Pre-TORe GJA size was 23.4 ± 6.0 mm, which decreased to 8.4 ± 1.6 mm after TORe. Patients experienced 8.5% ± 8.5%, 6.9% ± 10.1%, and 8.8% ± 12.5% total weight loss (TWL) at 1, 3, and 5 years with follow-up rates of 83.3%, 81.8%, and 82.9%, respectively. Of 342 TORe procedures, 76%, 17.5%, 4.4%, and 2.1% were performed using single purse-string, interrupted, double purse-string, and running suture patterns, respectively, with an average of 9 ± 4 stitches per GJA. Pouch reinforcement suturing was performed in 57.3%, with an average of 3 ± 2 stitches per pouch. There were no severe adverse events. Some patients (39.3%) had additional weight loss therapy (pharmacotherapy or procedure), with 3.6% getting repeat TORe. Amount of weight loss at 1 year (β = .43, P = .01) and an additional endoscopic weight loss procedure (β = 8.52, P = .01) were predictors of percentage of TWL at 5 years., Conclusions: TORe appears to be safe, effective, and durable at treating weight regain after RYGB., (Copyright © 2020 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Weight regain (WR) after gastric bypass is thought to be multifactorial in etiology with behavioral, neurohormonal, and anatomic features playing a role. A significant proportion of patients complain of dysphagia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and may have difficulty tolerating solid foods. Our observations suggest that this subgroup of patients compensate for esophageal symptoms by increasing their intake of calorie-dense liquid and soft foods, which can precipitate WR., Objectives: We hypothesize that dysphagia predisposes to greater WR than seen in individuals without swallowing symptoms., Setting: Single tertiary care referral center., Methods: This was a matched-cohort study analysis of prospectively collected data on RYGB patients. All individuals who underwent high-resolution manometry after RYGB were enrolled. Controls were identified via a retrospective analysis of a prospective institutional database. Patients who developed dysphagia were matched with controls, from a subset of 450 eligible controls. Each patient with dysphagia was matched with 4 control patients based on age, body mass index, and time since surgery. WR was defined as an increase of ≥15% from nadir. Χ 2 and t test (or Wilcoxon rank sum, if applicable) were used for bivariable analysis. Multiple logistic and linear regression were used for multivariable calculations., Results: Forty-nine patients with dysphagia were included. After matching, there were 196 RYGB controls that did not have swallowing or esophageal symptoms. Controls had similar baseline demographic characteristics and initial weight loss compared with dysphagia cases. WR was common in both groups; however, total WR in those with dysphagia was greater than controls (15.7 versus 11.4 kg, respectively; P = .02). In addition, percent WR in those with dysphagia exceeded that seen in controls (mean 37% versus 25%, P = .003), and more individuals regained 15% of nadir weight (55% of dysphagia cases versus 38% of controls, P = .03) when adjusting for baseline body mass index, age at surgery, and race. Dietary histories suggested that, among those with dysphagia, patients with partial or complete conversion to soft or liquid calories had greater WR than those who adhered to the solid food diet., Conclusions: Dysphagia is a risk factor for WR post-RYGB. This is likely due to increased intake of soft or liquid foods that are tolerable in these patients but lead to a positive energy balance and accelerated WR. More than half of patients with dysphagia after RYGB regain significant weight. Screening for and aggressively managing dysphagia in patients before or after RYGB may be warranted to prevent significant WR., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Mechanisms for weight regain after gastric bypass are not fully understood and the process is likely multifactorial. The initial step in the management of weight regain is a comprehensive evaluation of contributing factors. While lifestyle modification is fundamental, it has limited efficacy which can be enhanced by medications and/or endoscopic revision. Anatomic changes such as larger pouch size and dilation of the gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA) may contribute to increased postoperative weight gain. Endoluminal revisions offer an effective and less invasive management strategy for this population., Methods: A 55-year-old female with history of RYGB in 2006 presented with weight regain. She was referred to our unit for endoscopic evaluation., Results: During endoscopy, a large GJA (25 mm in diameter) was diagnosed. A novel trans-oral outlet reduction (TORe) was then performed. A modified ESD was first performed on the GJA, followed by argon plasma coagulation of the margins of the ESD. Then a purse-string TORe with suturing was performed, using a 10 mm balloon to size the GJA. On 6-month follow-up, patient lost 20 lb. and 12.26 %TBWL and EGD showed a 10 mm diameter GJA. On 1-year follow-up, patient weight loss was 14 lb. and 8.58 %TBWL. The follow-up endoscopy showed a 12 mm diameter GJA., Conclusion: Endoluminal therapies are safe, reproducible, and effective in the treatment of weight regain and should be utilized as a first-line approach to manage this condition. This novel-combined approach is feasible and may be more effective in the treatment of weight regain.

Background: Traditionally, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is diagnosed when there is an early peak in breath hydrogen or methane. Given unclear intestinal transit time in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients, it is unknown if the traditional approach at diagnosing SIBO is adequate in this patient population., Aim: To assess oral-cecal transit time (OCTT) and its impact on the interpretation of breath tests in the diagnosis of SIBO in patients with RYGB., Methods: This study was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on RYGB patients who underwent testing for SIBO using lactulose breath test (LBT) with or without small bowel follow-through (SBFT) to assess OCTT. Outcomes of SIBO test based on LBT alone versus LBT with OCTT were compared using a chi-squared test., Results: Sixty-two of the 151 RYGB patients who underwent LBT underwent an additional SBFT to assess OCTT. Median OCTT was 60 min. Of these, 59.7% had OCTT shorter than 90 min. Based on LBT alone, 36/62 patients (58.1%) were classified as positive SIBO. When LBT results were combined with OCTT, 26/36 patients (72.2%) had hydrogen or methane rise within OCTT, suggesting 27.8% false positive rate. Patients with true positive SIBO based on LBT and OCTT had a higher response rate to antibiotics compared to those with false positive SIBO (78.3% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.03)., Conclusion: A personalized approach of combining LBT with SBFT to assess OCTT may improve the accuracy of SIBO testing and enhance clinical outcomes in patients with RYGB.

Purpose of Review: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a spectrum of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is defined as the presence of fatty liver along with inflammation and hepatocyte injury. To date, weight loss achieved via lifestyle intervention remains the mainstay of NASH treatment. However, given the known benefit of weight loss on NASH and the known effect of bariatric surgery on weight loss, several studies have explored the potential role of bariatric surgery on the treatment of NASH., Recent Findings: This review article summarizes the evidence on the effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), a common bariatric surgery, on NASH therapy. Specifically, studies show that RYGB is associated with an improvement of all NASH histologic features at 1 year. Compared to adjustable gastric band, RYGB appears to be superior at treating NASH. Randomized controlled trials and long-term studies are underway to better clarify the role of these procedures specifically for NASH therapy.

Objective: Duodenal-jejunal bypass liner (DJBL) is an endoscopic device that may mimic small bowel mechanisms of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of DJBL at inducing weight loss. We assessed the effect of DJBL on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with obesity., Research Design and Methods: Data sources included MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science through 1 July 2017. Included were published studies that assessed DJBL outcomes in obese T2D patients., Results: Primary outcomes were change in HbA 1c and HOMA of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Secondary outcomes were change in weight and gut hormones glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and ghrelin. Seventeen studies were included. At explant, HbA 1c decreased by 1.3% [95% CI 1.0, 1.6] and HOMA-IR decreased by 4.6 [2.9, 6.3]. Compared with control subjects, DJBL subjects had greater HbA 1c reduction by 0.9% [0.5, 1.3]. Six months after explant, HbA 1c remained lower than baseline by 0.9% [0.6, 1.2]. At explant, patients lost 11.3 kg [10.3, 12.2], corresponding to a BMI reduction of 4.1 kg/m 2 [3.4, 4.9], total weight loss of 18.9% [7.2, 30.6], and excess weight loss of 36.9% [29.2, 44.6]. The amount of weight loss remained significant at 1 year postexplantation. After DJBL, GIP decreased, whereas GLP-1, PYY, and ghrelin increased., Conclusions: DJBL improves glycemic control and insulin resistance in T2D patients with obesity. DJBL also appears to induce significant weight loss in this population. Additionally, changes in gut hormones suggest mechanisms similar to RYGB. Study limitations included heterogeneity among studies., (© 2018 by the American Diabetes Association.)

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) resolves in >80% of patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). It has been hypothesized that foregut exclusion is mechanistically important to this observation. This study aimed to determine whether gastrogastric (GG) fistula, with a loss of foregut exclusion, is associated with T2DM relapse, and to assess whether closure of GG fistula is associated with T2DM resolution., Study Design: A matched cohort study of patients who experienced T2DM remission after RYGB. Cases (patients with GG fistula) were matched to controls (patients without GG fistula) based on age, BMI, weight regain, and duration from RYGB. Primary end point was T2DM relapse. Time-to-event analysis was performed to identify an association between GG fistula and time to T2DM resolution., Results: One hundred and twenty-six patients (42 cases and 84 controls) were included. Cases experienced a higher rate of T2DM relapse than controls (48% vs 13%; odds ratio 18; p < 0.0001). On multivariable analysis, GG fistula remained a significant predictor of T2DM relapse after controlling for sex and insulin use (odds ratio 6.3; p = 0.02). Of the 42 cases, 20 experienced T2DM relapse, with 1 spontaneous resolution. Of 19, thirteen underwent fistula revision and experienced a higher rate of T2DM resolution than the nonrevision group (69% vs 0%; odds ratio 27; p = 0.036). Time to T2DM resolution was shorter in the revision group compared with the nonrevision group (p = 0.006)., Conclusions: The RYGB patients with GG fistula have a higher rate of T2DM relapse, compared with those without GG fistula with similar BMI and weight regain. Successful fistula revision is associated with resolution of T2DM., (Copyright © 2017 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is an effective treatment for diabetes. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a gut hormone that is important to glucose homeostasis., Objective: This study aimed to assess GLP-1 level and its predictors after RYGB., Methods: The study design was a meta-analysis. The data sources were MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Databases. The study selection composed of studies with pre- and post-RYGB levels. The main outcomes were as follows: Primary outcome was the change in postprandial GLP-1 levels after RYGB. Secondary outcomes included the changes in fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and fasting GLP-1 levels after RYGB. Meta-regression to determine predictors of changes in GLP-1 levels was performed. Outcomes were reported using Hedge's g., Results: Twenty-four studies with 368 patients were included. Postprandial GLP-1 levels increased after RYGB (Hedge's g = 1.29, p < 0.0001), while fasting GLP-1 did not change (p = 0.23). Peak postprandial GLP-1 levels gave the most consistent results (I 2  = 9.11). Fasting glucose and insulin levels decreased after RYGB (p < 0.0001). Roux limb length was a significant predictor for amount of GLP-1 increase (β = - 0.01, p = 0.02). Diabetes status, amount of weight loss, length of biliopancreatic limb, and time of measurement were not significant predictors (p > 0.05)., Conclusion: Postprandial GLP-1 levels increase after RYGB, while fasting levels remain unchanged. Shorter Roux limb length is associated with greater increase in postprandial GLP-1, which may lead to better glycemic control in this population.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure. Despite its high efficacy, some patients regain part of their lost weight. Several endoscopic therapies have been introduced as alternatives to treat weight regain, but most of the articles are relatively small with unclear long-term data. To systematically assess the efficacy of endoscopic therapies for weight regain after RYGB. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, OVID, CINAHL/EBSCo, LILACS/Bireme, and gray literature. Primary outcomes were absolute weight loss (AWL), excess weight loss (EWL), and total body weight loss (TBWL). Thirty-two studies were included in qualitative analysis. Twenty-six described full-thickness (FT) endoscopic suturing and pooled AWL, EWL, and TBWL at 3 months were 8.5 ± 2.9 kg, 21.6 ± 9.3%, and 7.3 ± 2.6%, respectively. At 6 months, they were 8.6 ± 3.5 kg, 23.7 ± 12.3%, and 8.0 ± 3.9%, respectively. At 12 months, they were 7.63 ± 4.3 kg, 16.9 ± 11.1%, and 6.6 ± 5.0%, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that all outcomes were significantly higher in the group with FT suturing combined with argon plasma coagulation (APC) (p < 0.0001). Meta-analysis included 15 FT studies and showed greater results. Three studies described superficial-thickness suturing with pooled AWL of 3.0 ± 3.8, 4.4 ± 0.07, and 3.7 ± 7.4 kg at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Two articles described APC alone with mean AWL of 15.4 ± 2.0 and 15.4 ± 9.1 kg at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Full-thickness suturing is effective at treating weight regain after RYGB. Performing APC prior to suturing seems to result in greater weight loss. Head-to-head studies are needed to confirm our results. Few studies adequately assess effectiveness of other endoscopic techniques.

Purpose: Ghrelin is a gut hormone that induces hunger, gastric acid secretion, and gastrointestinal motility. A number of studies have previously demonstrated a possible correlation between a decrease in ghrelin level and weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This study aimed to assess if there was a relationship between ghrelin level and weight regain after RYGB nadir weight had been achieved., Materials and Methods: Sixty-three consecutive RYGB patients who were referred for an upper endoscopy were enrolled. Weight and responses to the 21-item Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R21) were collected. Ghrelin levels were measured. Upper endoscopy was performed to evaluate pouch length and stoma diameter. Multivariate linear regression was performed to assess an association between ghrelin level, TFEQ-R21 score, pouch length, stoma diameter, and percentage of weight regained., Results: Subjects were 47 ± 10 years old and had a BMI of 38 ± 7.7 kg/m 2 . Out of 63 patients, 76 % had weight regain (gaining of ≥20 % of maximal weight lost after the RYGB) and 24 % did not. Average pouch length was 44 ± 13 mm, stoma diameter 20 ± 6.6 mm, and ghrelin levels 125 ± 99 ng/ml. Ghrelin level was not associated with weight regain (β = 0.17, p = 0.2). GJ stoma diameter was associated with weight regain (β = 0.39, p < 0.01) and the uncontrolled eating domain of the TFEQ-R21 (β = 0.45, p < 0.01)., Conclusion: Ghrelin levels do not appear to correlate with weight change after RYGB nadir weight has been achieved. A dilated GJ stoma diameter is a risk factor for weight regain and uncontrolled eating behavior after RYGB.

Background: Weight regain is common after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass., Objectives: To assess the mechanisms of weight loss after 2 gastrojejunal anastomotic reduction (GJAR) procedures to treat weight regain., Setting: University hospital, United States., Methods: Forty-three Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients with weight regain were prospectively enrolled. Weight, ghrelin levels, responses to the 21-item three-factor eating questionnaire, and gastrojejunal anastomotic diameter were assessed. Nine patients underwent endoscopic suturing and 34 patients underwent sclerotherapy. At 3 months, weight, ghrelin levels, eating behavior, and outlet diameter were reassessed., Results: Patients were aged 47±10 years and regained 43%±26% of maximal lost weight. Ghrelin levels were 123±106 ng/mL and outlet diameter was 21±6.3 mm. At 3 months, the entire cohort lost 4.1%±5.9% of total weight (TBW) and showed improvement in cognitive eating habits (P<.01). Endoscopic suturing and sclerotherapy patients lost 10.4%±2.2% TBW and 2.7%±5.5% TBW (P<.01), respectively. Suturing and sclerotherapy reduced the outlet diameter by 15.0±6.7 mm and 2.6±5.7 mm (P<.01). Ghrelin levels increased after suturing by 46±55 ng/mL and decreased by 37±110 ng/mL after sclerotherapy (P = .02). Suturing resulted in greater improvement in cognitive eating behavior than sclerotherapy (P = .03). Reduction in outlet size and changes in cognitive and emotional eating behaviors were predictors of weight loss after GJAR on a univariate analysis. On a multivariate analysis, the only predictor of weight loss was a reduction in outlet size (P< .01)., Conclusions: Endoscopic suturing resulted in greater reduction in outlet size, improvement in eating behavior, and weight loss than sclerotherapy. Reduction of anastomosis size was a significant predictor of weight loss after GJAR., Competing Interests: All authors have no conflict of interest to declare, (Copyright © 2016 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background & Aims: After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), many patients experience changes in metabolism that could affect the amount of sedative they require. We assessed whether patients who have vs have not received RYGB have different sedation requirements during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)., Methods: In a retrospective study, we collected data from patients who had received RYGB (n = 200; mean age, 45 years; 188 women; body mass index [BMI], 34.0 ± 7.1 kg/m2) or had not (controls, n = 200; mean age, 45 years; 188 women; BMI, 34.1 ± 7.2 kg/m2) and underwent EGD under conscious sedation from 2005 through 2010; groups were matched for age, sex, and BMI. Sedative doses were compared by using the Student t test. Multivariate linear regression was used to identify factors associated with sedation dose. We performed a subgroup analysis of RYGB patients who underwent EGD before and after RYGB, comparing sedative doses with a paired t test., Results: Patients with RYGB were given 132.4 ± 40.4 μg fentanyl and 5.4 ± 1.5 mg midazolam, whereas controls received 108.6 ± 31.6 μg fentanyl (P < .001) and 4.3 ± 1.2 mg midazolam (P < .001). Increased time from RYGB, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and therapeutic procedure were associated with higher doses of sedation (P < .05). Thirty-two patients underwent EGD before and after RYGB. Patients were given 95.0 ± 39.0 μg fentanyl before RYGB and 130.5 ± 41.3 μg fentanyl afterward (P < .05); they were given 4.0 ± 1.0 mg midazolam before RYGB and 5.5 ± 1.7 mg midazolam afterward (P < .05)., Conclusions: Patients with RYGB require larger amounts of fentanyl and midazolam during EGD than patients without RYGB, despite similar age, sex, and BMI. Among patients who underwent EGD before and after RYGB, levels of drugs required for sedation increased after gastric bypass, despite weight loss., (Copyright © 2015 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Safety of conscious sedation for performing esophagoduodenoscopy (EGD) in obese and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients remains controversial. Additionally, it has been suggested that patients with higher body mass index (BMI) require higher sedation doses, imparting greater risk., Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of sedation-related adverse events and the independent predictors of sedation requirements in RYGB patients., Methods: This study is a retrospective database review of RYGB patients who underwent EGD under conscious sedation. Database analysis was performed and linear regression applied to identify significant predictors of sedation requirement. Primary outcomes are sedation-related adverse events and predictors of sedation requirement., Results: Data on 1,385 consecutive procedures (diagnostic 967; therapeutic 418) performed under conscious sedation were analyzed. Unplanned events were reported in 1.6 %, with 0.6 % being cardiopulmonary in nature and 0.7 % requiring early termination. Multivariable linear regression revealed procedural time was the only significant predictor of fentanyl (standardized β 0.34; P value < 0.001) and midazolam (standardized β 0.30; P value < 0.001) doses. Post-RYGB BMI was not significantly associated with the dose of fentanyl (standardized β 0.08; P value 0.29) or midazolam administered (standardized β 0.01; P value 0.88)., Conclusions: Upper endoscopy can be safely performed in RYGB patients under conscious sedation with a similar cardiopulmonary risk profile to that of standard EGD. The non-cardiopulmonary adverse events were procedure-specific and unrelated to sedation. Procedure length, and not absolute BMI, was the only predictor of sedation requirement in this patient population., Competing Interests: None.

Background and Study Aims: A dilated gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA) is thought to be associated with weight regain in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Due to a high rate of perioperative morbidity, surgical revision is not generally performed. The aim of this study was to assess the technical feasibility, safety, and early outcomes of a procedure using a commercially available endoscopic suturing device to reduce the diameter of the GJA., Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 25 consecutive patients who underwent transoral outlet reduction (TORe) for dilated GJA and weight regain. An endoscopic suturing device was used to place sutures at the margin of the GJA in order to reduce its aperture. On chart review, clinical data were available at 3, 6, and 12 months., Results: Patients had regained a mean of 24 kg from their weight loss nadir and had a mean body mass index of 43 kg/m2 at the time of endoscopic revision. Average anastomosis diameter was 26.4 mm. Technical success was achieved in all patients (100 %) with a mean reduction in anastomosis diameter to 6 mm (range 3 - 10 mm), representing a 77.3 % reduction. The mean weight loss in successful cases was 11.5 kg, 11.7 kg, and 10.8 kg at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. There were no major complications., Conclusion: This case series demonstrated the technical feasibility, safety, and efficacy of performing gastrojejunostomy reduction using a commercially available endoscopic suturing device. This technique may represent an effective and minimally invasive option for the management of weight regain in patients with RYGB., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Background: Weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is common. Endoscopic sclerotherapy is increasingly used to treat this weight regain., Objectives: To report safety, outcomes, durability, and predictors of response to sclerotherapy in a large prospective cohort., Design: Retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort study of patients with weight regain after RYGB., Patients: A total of 231 consecutive patients undergoing 575 sclerotherapy procedures between September 2008 and March 2011., Interventions: Single or multiple sclerotherapy procedures to inject sodium morrhuate into the rim of the gastrojejunal anastomosis., Main Outcome Measurements: We report weight loss, complications, and predictors of response. We also used Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank test to compare time to continuation of weight regain after sclerotherapy in patients undergoing a single versus multiple sclerotherapy procedures., Results: At 6 and 12 months from the last sclerotherapy procedure, weight regain stabilized in 92% and 78% of the cohort, respectively. Those who underwent 2 or 3 sclerotherapy sessions had significantly higher rates of weight regain stabilization than those who underwent a single session (90% vs 60% at 12 months; P = .003). The average weight loss at 6 months from the last sclerotherapy session for the entire cohort was 10 lb (standard deviation 16), representing 18% of the weight regained after RYGB. A subset of 73 patients (32% of the cohort) had greater weight loss at 6 months (26 lb, standard deviation 12), representing 61% of the weight regained. Predictors of a favorable outcome included greater weight regain and the number of sclerotherapy procedures. Bleeding was reported in 2.4% of procedures and transient diastolic blood pressure increases in 15%, without adverse health outcomes. No GI perforations were reported., Conclusions: Endoscopic sclerotherapy appears to be a safe and effective tool for the management of weight regain after RYGB., (Copyright © 2012 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)