Metabolic and bariatric surgery in adolescents: a single-center study of efficacy and outcome predictors.

Introduction: Some adolescents undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) have suboptimal responses to surgery, particularly over the longer term. This study aimed to quantify changes in weight loss over time in adolescents undergoing MBS and identify preoperative predictors of weight loss.

Methods: This was a prospective, observational cohort study of 73 adolescents (12-19 years) living with obesity undergoing MBS.

Characteristics of adolescents referred for bariatric surgery in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

About a third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese in the United Arab Emirates, and referrals for metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) are now common. Despite excellent evidence that MBS should be considered in adolescents with severe obesity, it remains a management approach of last resort in many cases. Baseline, real-world data on adolescent patients living with obesity referred for surgery, their characteristics, and how these relate to current and future referral policy are important to ensure best practice.

Diagnostic laparoscopy is more accurate than Computerized Tomography for internal hernia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Background: Internal hernia rate after Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) is variable (0.5%-9%).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy for possible internal hernia after RYGB from 2009 to 2016.

Mandatory Risk Assessment Reduces Venous Thromboembolism in Bariatric Surgery Patients.

Introduction: Bariatric surgery patients are at high risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), and chemoprophylaxis is recommended.

Methods: Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) is an American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) member since 2009. We report the rates of VTE in bariatric surgery patients from 2010 to 2016 compared to ACS NSQIP bariatric surgery programs before and after switching from heparin to low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), initiating mandatory risk assessment using Caprini scoring for VTE and adopting an aggressive strategy for high-risk patients regarding dosage of LMWH and chemoprophylaxis after discharge.

The Peri-operative Bariatric Surgery Care in the Middle East Region.

Background: Bariatric surgery is common in the Middle East region. However, regional accreditation bodies and guidelines are lacking. We present the current peri-operative practice of bariatric surgery in the Middle East region.

Tips and Tricks of Converting Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in one Stage.

Background: Conversion of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) to other operations is commonly done for significant weight recidivism and complications.

Methods: This is a consecutive series of LAGB converted to RYGB done at the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute (BMI) Abu Dhabi from 2009 to 2013 for weight recidivism. Our preferred approach is to convert LAGB to LRYGB in one stage.

Internal Hernia Following Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Prevention and Tips for Intra-operative Management.

Background: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is considered the golden standard for bariatric surgery. However, the potential risk for internal hernia after LRYGB remains a significant concern to both patients and surgeons. In addition, patients presenting with abdominal pain after LRYGB warrant careful attention to avoid missing or delaying the diagnosis of internal hernia.