Update on bariatric surgical procedures and an introduction to the implantable weight loss device: the Maestro Rechargeable System.

There are many different methods of treating obesity, ranging from various medical options to several surgical therapies. This paper briefly summarizes current surgical options for weight loss with a focus on one of the newest US Food and Drug Administration-approved devices for surgical weight loss therapy, the Maestro Rechargeable System. Also known as the vagal blocking for obesity control implantable device, this tool blocks vagal nerve activity to induce weight loss.

Laparoscopic bariatric surgery improves candidacy in morbidly obese patients awaiting transplantation.

Background: To evaluate, at a university tertiary referral center, the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in patients with cirrhosis or end-stage lung disease (ESLD); and to determine whether these procedures help patients become better candidates for transplantation.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of selected patients with end-stage organ failure who were not eligible for transplantation because of morbid obesity who underwent LRYGB or LSG. The prospectively collected data included demographics, operative details, complications, percentage of excess weight loss, postoperative laboratory data, and status of transplant candidacy.

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

The safest and most effective inguinal hernia repair (laparoscopic versus open mesh) is being debated. As the authors point out, the former accounts for the minority of hernia repairs performed in the United States and around the world. The reasons for this are a demonstration in the literature of increased operative times, increased costs, and a longer learning curve.

Predictors, treatment, and outcomes of gastrojejunostomy stricture after gastric bypass for morbid obesity.

Background: 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.

Methods: 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.