Prospective, randomized, multicenter study evaluating safety and efficacy of intragastric dual-balloon in obesity.

Background: Intragastric balloons are designed to occupy space within the stomach and induce satiety. The present study evaluated the safety and efficacy of an intragastric dual balloon as an adjunct to diet and exercise in obese patients compared with diet and exercise alone.

Methods: After approval from the institutional review board, patients provided written consent and were randomized to the treatment group (TG) or control group (CG) in a 2:1 ratio.

Analysis of weight loss after bariatric surgery using mixed-effects linear modeling.

Background: The standard analysis of bariatric surgery weight outcomes data (using t tests) is well known. However, these uncontrolled comparisons may yield misleading results and limit the range of research questions. The aim of the study was to develop a valid approach to the longitudinal analysis of weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery using multivariable mixed models.

Sexual dysfunction is common in the morbidly obese male and improves after gastric bypass surgery.

Background: There has been limited research examining the mechanisms and epidemiology of sexual dysfunction in the morbidly obese. Our objectives were to measure sexual function in the morbidly obese man before and after substantial weight loss induced by gastric bypass surgery.

Study Design: All male patients in undergoing gastric bypass completed the Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory (BSFI) before and after operation.

Bariatric surgery in patients older than 65 years is safe and effective.

Background: To review the short-term safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) and laparoscopic gastric bypass (GBP) in patients older than 65 years.

Methods: A single-institution review of all bariatric procedures was performed.

Results: Twenty-seven patients were identified.

Continuous intravenous heparin infusion prevents peri-operative thromboembolic events in bariatric surgery patients.

Background: The pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous heparin administration in the obese patient are unpredictable. Peak levels are slowly reached and the effects are not rapidly reversible. Low-dose, continuous, intravenous heparin is easily reversed, is more efficacious and is cost-effective.

The orientation of the antecolic Roux limb markedly affects the incidence of internal hernias after laparoscopic gastric bypass.

Background: Internal herniation of the bowel may be a late complication after the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). A seemingly minor change in technique is described that significantly prevents herniation behind the Roux limb mesentery. We hypothesized that internal hernias behind the Roux limb mesentery occur more frequently when the Roux limb is oriented such that the distal tip is toward the lesser curvature of the gastric pouch with the bowel then curving to the patient's left, compared with the opposite orientation.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity.

Gastrointestinal obstructive complications after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) are not uncommon. Their usual causes are strictures, internal hernias and adhesions. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare disorder caused by compression of the third portion of the duodenum by the SMA that can occur after rapid weight loss.