The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to a worldwide suspension of bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) services. The current study analyses data on patterns of service delivery, recovery of practices, and protective measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic by bariatric teams.The current study is a subset analysis of the GENEVA study which was an international cohort study between 01/05/2020 and 31/10/2020. Data were specifically analysed regarding the timing of BMS suspension, patterns of service recovery, and precautionary measures deployed.A total of 527 surgeons from 439 hospitals in 64 countries submitted data regarding their practices and handling of the pandemic. Smaller hospitals (with less than 200 beds) were able to restart BMS programmes more rapidly (time to BMS restart 60.8 ± 38.9 days) than larger institutions (over 2000 beds) (81.3 ± 30.5 days) (p = 0.032). There was a significant difference in the time interval between cessation/reduction and restart of bariatric services between government-funded practices (97.1 ± 76.2 days), combination practices (84.4 ± 47.9 days), and private practices (58.5 ± 38.3 days) (p < 0.001). Precautionary measures adopted included patient segregation, utilisation of personal protective equipment, and preoperative testing. Following service recovery, 40% of the surgeons operated with a reduced capacity. Twenty-two percent gave priority to long waiters, 15.4% gave priority to uncontrolled diabetics, and 7.6% prioritised patients requiring organ transplantation.This study provides global, real-world data regarding the recovery of BMS services following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the most commonly performed bariatric operation across the world, but sometimes revision is necessary. Inadequate weight loss, weight regain, and complications such as dumping syndrome are common reasons for revision. We report the 1-year outcomes of five patients who underwent laparoscopic conversion of RYGB to sleeve gastrectomy during surgical revision.Mean age was 38.8 ± 9.1 years. Mean BMI at primary surgery was 57.9 ± 8.1 kg/m(2) . Two patients were diabetic and sleep apneic. One was hypertensive. All patients underwent a RYGB as the primary weight loss procedure. Mean weight loss was 36.8 ± 8.6 kg (excess weight loss = 39.8 ± 14.9%) at 2 years. At the end of 5 years, these patients regained 10.9 ± 4.1 kg (31.5 ± 13.6% of excess weight loss). Primary indications for revision surgery were failure to lose weight, weight regain, and intractable dumping syndrome. Mean duration between primary and revision surgery was 6.2 ± 1.1 years. RYGB was converted to sleeve gastrectomy as a first stage in all cases.Mean duration of revision surgery was 120.0 ± 15.5 min. Mean blood loss was 70 ± 50 mL. One year after revision surgery, a mean weight loss of 21.5 ± 10.5 kg was achieved (mean excess weight loss = 35.8 ± 8.8%). Two patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the one with hypertension achieved remission. Dumping was resolved. There were no complications.Laparoscopic conversion of RYGB to sleeve gastrectomy as a first stage may be considered as an additional option in the armamentarium of revision procedures after RYGB.
Summary Global obesity rates have risen dramatically, now exceeding deaths from starvation. Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), initially for severe obesity (BMI ≥35 kg/m 2 ), is performed globally over 500 000 times annually, offering significant metabolic benefits beyond weight loss. However, varying eligibility criteria globally impact patient care and healthcare resources. Updated in 2022, ASMBS and IFSO guidelines aim to standardise MBS indications, reflecting current understanding and emphasising comprehensive preoperative assessments. Yet, clinical variability persists, necessitating consensus‐based recommendations. This modified Delphi study engaged 45 global experts to establish consensus on perioperative management in MBS. Experts selected from bariatric societies possessed expertise in MBS and participated in a two‐round Delphi protocol. Consensus was achieved on 90 of 169 statements (53.3%), encompassing multidisciplinary team composition, patient selection criteria, preoperative testing, and referral pathways. The agreement highlighted the critical role of comprehensive preoperative assessments and the integration of healthcare professionals in MBS. These findings offer essential insights to standardise perioperative practices and advocate for evidence‐based guidelines in MBS globally. The study underscores the need for unified protocols to optimise outcomes and guide future research in MBS.
Abstract Introduction: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered the gold standard bariatric surgical procedure. However, its complexity has led to various technical adaptations being practiced globally, including in India. Recognizing the need for uniformity in such a crucial procedure, the Obesity Surgery Society of India (OSSI) took the initiative of doing a Delphi consensus on the technique of RYGB. Methods: A panel of 17 experts, chosen from OSSI members, was formed based on their extensive experience with RYGB, years of practice, the proportion of RYGB in their practice, and their academic contributions and recommendations from the executive committee. A questionnaire comprising 40 statements regarding the key steps of the procedure was shared with the selected experts through email. Consensus was deemed to be reached when the statements received scores exceeding 70%. Results: After three rounds of surveys, consensus was reached on 34 statements. Following the first round, statements without consensus underwent reformulation and were redistributed along with pertinent literature. Despite these efforts, six statements remained unresolved by the end of the third round, indicating areas where expert consensus could not be achieved. Conclusions: This Delphi consensus gives a snapshot in the practices of experts doing RYGB in India. It details the various intricacies and technical aspects of the procedure.
Summary Background The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) on Quality of Life (QoL) in Indian patients with obesity over 10 years. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted at 11 centres for individuals with MBS between February 2013 and May 2022. Patient medical records provided the source of de‐identified data. Results Data from 2132 individuals with a mean age of 43.28 ± 11.96 years was analysed. There were 37.43% men and 62.57% females in the study population. The study population had a mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) of 45.71 ± 10.38 kg/m 2 . The Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) scoring method showed a higher overall QoL score throughout all follow‐up periods, with ‘very good’ outcomes at one, three and 7 years and ‘good’ outcomes at 5 and 10 years. Improvements in QoL were associated with a substantial improvement ( p < .01) in BMI at every follow‐up time point. Conclusions Following MBS, individuals with obesity exhibited a substantial and long‐term improvement in their overall QoL for up to 10 years. This study presents Indian data on QoL, which is considered one of the most important decision‐making factors for or against an intervention.