Shahzeer Karmali

Background Prophylactic drain use during primary bariatric surgeries continues despite previous literature cautioning against their routine use. Modern drain utilization and associated outcomes remain largely poorly studied which limits selective utilization and perhaps may lead to excess morbidity and healthcare resource utilization. This study aimed to reassess current trends of drain use in primary bariatric procedures, factors driving surgeons to place drains, and patient outcomes associated with drain placement. Methods Patients undergoing the most common primary bariatric surgery operations from 2020 to 2022 were included using the Metabolic and Bariatric Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database. Two cohorts were created, a drain placed (DP) cohort and no drain (ND) cohort, which were then compared in terms of baseline characteristics, rates of complications, and length of stay. Multivariate modeling was performed to assess the effect of drains on various complications and factors associated with drain placement. Results Of 526,723 included patients, drain utilization decreased across operative years (8.7% in 2020 to 6.1% in 2022, p < 0.001). Factors associated with drain placement in multivariate models included older age, higher BMI, partially dependent functional status, renal insufficiency, venous thromboembolism, hypoalbuminemia, and non-sleeve anastomotic procedures. Drain placement was associated with increased risk of numerous complications on bivariate analysis, which was still significant in multivariate analysis, including 30-day serious complications (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.24, p < 0.001), anastomotic leak (aOR 2.1, p < 0.001), organ space infection (aOR 2.0, p < 0.001), reoperation (aOR 1.2, p = 0.036), and excess length of stay (LOS, aOR 1.45, p < 0.001). Conclusions The frequency of prophylactic drain placement during primary bariatric surgical procedures has decreased in recent years and patients with drain placement seem to have increased 30-day morbidity, including longer length of stay. Independent predictors of drain placement include increased age and metabolic burden along with anastomotic procedures. Surgeons should be judicious in selecting patients for drain placement and future prospective, controlled studies may better answer drain placement association with complications.

Background: The use of a single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (SADI) as a revisional procedure in patients with pre-operative GERD is not well understood. Thirty-day outcomes in patients with pre-existing GERD undergoing revision with an SADI have not been previously reported. Methods: The Metabolic and Bariatric Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program registry was consulted to identify patients undergoing revisional bariatric surgery with an SADI between 2020 and 2021. Our analysis sought to determine if preoperative GERD had significant impact on thirty-day outcomes. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of 30-day morbidity. Results: Preoperative GERD was seen in 342 patients (36.7%). Preoperative GERD was not associated with anastomotic leak (2.5% non-GERD cohort vs. 1.2% GERD cohort; p = 0.2) nor bleeding (1% non-GERD cohort vs. 1.8% GERD cohort; p = 0.33). There was no difference in thirty-day readmission (5.6% vs. 5.9%, p = 0.9), reintervention (2.4% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.2), or reoperation (3.6% vs. 2.05%; p = 0.19) rates. The multivariable regression analysis revealed that a history of myocardial infarction was associated with a significantly elevated risk of serious complication (OR 12.2; 95% CI 2.79–53.23; p = 0.001), as was dyslipidemia (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.04–4.56; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Pre-operative GERD does not have any association with anastomotic leak, bleeding, thirty-day readmission, reintervention, or reoperation in patients undergoing revisional bariatric surgery to SADI. A history of myocardial infarction and dyslipidemia are independent predictors of post-operative thirty-day morbidity, irrespective of the presence of preoperative GERD.

Purpose Small bowel obstruction (SBO) after bariatric surgery is an uncommon but important complication. We sought to characterize bariatric surgery patients who developed SBO, to compare 30-day complications, and to determine the influence of patient and procedure factors on the development of SBO. Methods and Materials All data was extracted from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database using the 2020 operative year. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to determine the influence of patient and operative factors on the development of SBO. Results Of a total of 142 111 patients, 408 (0.3%) were identified as having developed an SBO. SBO patients were older (45.7 ± 11.5 vs. 43.5 ± 11.9 years; p = 0.0002), of reduced BMI (43.6 ± 6.8 vs. 45.1 ± 7.7; p = 0.0001), and more likely to be of female sex (92.2% vs. 81.1%; p < 0.0001). At 30 days post-operation, serious complications were increased in SBO patients. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) was the largest independent predicator of the development of SBO (OR 11.91; 95% CI 8.92–15.90; p < 0.0001). With regard to patient factors, COPD (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.54–4.38; p < 0.0001) and prior DVT (OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.49–3.77; p < 0.0001) were found to be independently predictive of the development of SBO. Additionally having a lower BMI and being of female sex were found to be independently predictive. Conclusion SBO occurred in approximately 0.3% of MBSAQIP cases. SBO is associated with serious outcome measures and patients of female sex and reduced index BMI, and those undergoing RYGB may be at an increased risk. Graphical Abstract

Background Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) frequently requires conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or weight recurrence. Current evidence evaluating the safety of conversion from SG to RYGB and its indications is limited to single centers. Methods The objective was to determine the rate of serious complications and mortality of conversion of SG to RYGB (SG-RYGB) compared to primary RYGB (P-RYGB). This was a retrospective analysis of the MBSAQIP database which includes 30-day outcomes. Individuals undergoing P-RYGB or SG-RYGB were included. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine if revisional surgery was an independent predictor of serious complications or mortality. Results In 2020 and 2021, 84,543 (86.3%) patients underwent P-RYGB and 13,432 (13.7%) underwent SG-RYGB. SG-RYGB cohort had lower body mass index, lower rates of diabetes and hypertension, and higher rates of GERD. GERD was the most common indication for revision (55.3%) followed by weight regain (24.4%) and inadequate weight loss (12.7%). SG-RYGB had longer operative times (145 vs. 125 min, p < 0.001) and a higher rate of serious complications (7.2 vs. 5.0%, p < 0.001). This included higher rates of anastomotic leak (0.5 vs. 0.4%, p = 0.002), bleeding (2.0 vs. 1.6%, p < 0.001), and reoperation (3.0 vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001) but not death (0.1 vs. 0.1%, p = 0.385). On multivariable analysis, SG-RYGB was independently predictive of serious complications (OR 1.21, 95%CI 1.12 to 1.32, p < 0.001) but not mortality (p = 0.316). Conclusions While SG-RYGB is safe with a low complication rate, SG-RYGB was associated with a higher rate of serious complications compared to P-RYGB. Graphical Abstract

Background Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on rates of early postoperative follow-up after bariatric surgery are poorly understood. Our study characterizes 30-day follow-up after bariatric surgery prior to COVID-19 (years 2015–2019) and during the pandemic of COVID-19 (year 2020) and evaluates general predictive factors of short-term follow-up. Methods Data was extracted from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) data registry from 2015 to 2020. Cohorts were divided into pre-pandemic and pandemic years and patients with and without 30-day follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify general factors independently predictive of 30-day follow-up. The primary aim was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on short-term 30-day follow-up adherence. A secondary outcome was to characterize general short-term postoperative 30-day follow-up associated with elective bariatric surgery and identify independent predictors of 30-day follow-up among bariatric surgery patients using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 834,646 patients were identified. Follow-up rates significantly increased in the COVID era in 2020 (p < 0.0001). Patients who achieved 30-day follow-up were older and had an increased burden of medical comorbidities, including non-insulin and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, as well as increased BMI compared to patients lacking follow-up. The cohort with successful 30-day follow-up was more likely to receive gastric bypass and had increased rates of metabolic comorbidities. After adjusting for comorbidities, the greatest independent predictors of follow-up were the 2020 COVID-19 era year, Asian race, black race, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Conclusions After adjusting for comorbidities, the 2020 COVID-19 era year was one of the greatest predictors of follow-up after bariatric surgery. Postoperative follow-up rates after elective bariatric surgery are excellent at > 95% and increased during the 2020 COVID-19 era year. Several independent predictors of follow-up were identified which may help in development of strategies aimed to mitigate lack of postoperative follow-up. Graphical Abstract

Background The aim of the study was to characterize the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in elective bariatric surgery patients and to determine if OSA is an independent predictor of 30-day serious complications and 30-day mortality among bariatric surgery patients. Methods An analysis of the MBSAQIP database from 2015 to 2019 was conducted, and patients were stratified by OSA diagnosis. Data was extracted on patient age, sex, race, and comorbidities. A multivariate logistic regression model was created to evaluate the impact of OSA on 30-day serious complications and 30-day mortality. Results Of 751,952 patients, 287,180 (38.2%) were identified as having OSA. OSA patients were older (48.0 ± 11.4 vs. 42.2 ± 11.9 years; p < 0.0001) and were of increased BMI (46.5 ± 8.5 kg/m² vs. 44.6 ± 7.3 kg/m²; p < 0.0001). OSA was not associated with 30-day mortality in the multivariable logistic regression model (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.83–1.16; p = 0.829). OSA was associated with increased odds of 30-day serious complications (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.30–1.36; p < 0.0001). In addition, dialysis (OR 3.07, 95% CI 2.68–3.52; p < 0.0001), positive venous thromboembolism history (OR 2.46, 95% CI 2.32–2.60; p < 0.0001), and oxygen dependence (OR 2.42, 95% CI 2.18–2.68; p < 0.0001) were all identified as major predictors of serious complications. Conclusion We identified OSA as a modifiable factor predictive of serious complications following elective bariatric surgery. OSA is highly prevalent in this patient population, and it appears to be an important risk factor that deserves further attention in terms of peri-operative optimization strategies. Graphical abstract

Introduction Decreasing the length of stay following bariatric surgery can reduce pressure on hospitals and surgical costs and increase patient satisfaction. We examine trends in length of hospital stay following bariatric surgery and in post-operative complications. Methods and Procedures The 2015–2019 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database was used to compile patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy. Patients were categorized into either early discharge (within one day of surgery) or late discharge, and patient and non-patient factors were compared between the two groups. A multivariable logistic regression was carried out to determine predictive factors for early discharge. Results We evaluated 748,955 patients, with 399,918 (53%) being discharged early. Patients discharged early were younger and had fewer associated medical problems. The rate of early discharge increased between 2015 and 2019 (42.1% in 2015 vs 62.0% in 2019), while complication rates decreased or were unchanged. Multivariable analysis revealed lower ASA classification (OR 1.07; CI 1.06–1.09; p < 0.0001) and operative year (2019 vs. 2015 OR 2.26; CI 2.22–2.29; p < 0.0001) to be independently associated with early discharge. Several factors including undergoing RYGB (OR 0.44 CI 0.44–0.45; p < 0.0001), and dialysis dependence (OR 0.50; CI 0.45–0.55; p < 0.0001) among others, were associated with reduced early discharge likelihood. Conclusions There is a trend in bariatric surgery towards the practice of early discharge, which is safe for patients. Further work is needed to develop a set of criteria to determine which patients are best suited for this practice. Graphical abstract

Objective Pulmonary complications in patients with obesity carry a high morbidity and mortality. An analysis of the MBSAQIP database was performed to determine the effect of post-operative pulmonary complications on patients undergoing elective bariatric surgery, with the primary outcome of 30-day mortality. Methods We extracted data from the MBSAQIP database from 2015 to 2019 on patients who underwent elective Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. Pulmonary complications were defined as prolonged ventilation, pneumonia, unplanned intubation, pulmonary embolism, and coma past 24 h (with the assumption of this being due to hypercapnia). Data on post-operative complications and 30-day mortality was extracted. To determine the effect of pulmonary complications on 30-day mortality, a multivariable logistic regression model was developed. Results Pulmonary complications were associated with a near 50-fold increased odds of 30-day mortality (OR 47.1; 95%, 38.6–57.5; p < 0.0001). Pulmonary complications were also associated with higher rates of anastomotic leaks (9.5% vs. 0.3%; p < 0.0001), post-operative bleeding (13.7% vs. 0.9%; p < 0.0001), cardiac complications (6.6% vs. 0.0%; p < 0.0001), post-operative AKIs (9.6% vs. 0.1%; p < 0.0001), incidence of deep SSI (9.4% vs. 0.2%; p < 0.0001), incidence of post-operative sepsis (6.2% vs. 0.1%; p < 0.0001), and incidence of Clostridioides difficile (2.0% vs. 0.1%; p < 0.0001). Conclusion Pulmonary complications after elective bariatric surgery are a strong predictor of 30-day mortality. Patients who experience pulmonary complications have a higher incidence of co-morbidities and unfavorable baseline patient characteristics, and thus, likely form a unique subset of the bariatric patient population. Graphical abstract

Purpose With the growing prevalence of bariatric procedures performed worldwide, it is important to understand the timing of postoperative complications following bariatric surgery and the differences which may exist between procedures. Methods This retrospective study was conducted using the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) data registry from 2017 to 2018. All patients with primary elective Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) procedures were included. The primary outcome was to characterize the timing of postoperative complications for RYGB and SG. Results A total of 316,314 patients were identified with 237,066 (74.9%) in the SG cohort and 79,248 (25.1%) in the RYGB cohort. Early complications included myocardial infarction (4.7 ± 6.4 days), cardiac arrest (6.4 ± 8.5 days), pneumonia (6.9 ± 6.9 days), progressive renal insufficiency (8.1 ± 8.1 days), and acute renal failure (8.2 ± 7.6 days). Late complications included Clostridioides difficile infection (11.3 ± 7.8 days), organ space infections (11.7 ± 7.9 days), deep incisional infections (12.4 ± 6.6 days), superficial incisional infections (13.2 ± 6.9 days), and urinary tract infections (14.0 ± 8.4 days). SG patients were more likely to be diagnosed later than RYGB patients with regard to superficial incisional infections (14.0 ± 7.4 days vs 12.5 ± 6.3 days; p = 0.002), organ space infections (12.6 ± 7.8 days vs 10.8 ± 7.9 days; p = 0.001), acute renal failure (9.3 ± 8.1 days vs 6.8 ± 6.8 days; p = 0.03), and pulmonary embolism (13.7 ± 7.5 days vs 11.3 ± 8.0 days; p = 0.003). No significant difference in timing was observed for any other complication by procedures. Conclusion We demonstrate that significant differences in timing exist between complications and that these differences also vary by surgical procedure. Graphical abstract