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Biomedical subjects

Bruce M Wolfe

Publications and source records attributed to Bruce M Wolfe.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Three-year follow-up of a prospective randomized trial comparing laparoscopic versus open gastric bypass.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze long-term weight loss, changes in comorbidities and quality of life, and late complications after laparoscopic and open gastric bypass. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Early results from our prospective randomized trial comparing the outcome of laparoscopic versus open gastric bypass demonstrated less postoperative pain, shorter length of hospital stay, fewer wound-related complications, and faster convalescence for patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass. METHODS: Between May 1999 and March 2001, 155 morbidly obese patients were enrolled in this prospective trial, in which 79 patients were randomized to laparoscopic gastric bypass and 76 to open gastric bypass. Two patients in the laparoscopic group required conversion to open surgery; their data were analyzed within the laparoscopic group on an intention-to-treat basis. The 2 groups were well matched for body mass index, age, and gender. Outcome evaluation included weight loss, changes in comorbidities and quality of life, and late complications. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 39+/-8 months. There were no significant differences in the percent of excess body weight loss between the 2 groups at the 3-year follow-up (77% for laparoscopic versus 67% for open). The rate of improvement or resolution of comorbidities was similar between groups. Improvement in quality of life, measured by the Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire, was observed in both groups without significant differences between groups. Late complications were similar between groups except for the rate of incisional hernia, which was significantly greater after open gastric bypass (39% versus 5%, P<0.01), and the rate of cholecystectomy, which was greater after laparoscopic gastric bypass (28% versus 5%, P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized trial with a 3-year follow-up, we found that laparoscopic gastric bypass was equally effective as open gastric bypass with respect to weight loss and improvement in comorbidities and quality of life. A major advantage at long-term follow-up for patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass was the reduction in the rate of incisional hernia.

Adult↗

Surgical treatment of obesity.

The surgical treatment of obesity has existed for over 50 yr. Surgical options have evolved from high-risk procedures infrequently performed, to safe, effective procedures increasingly performed. The operations used today provide significant durable weight loss, resolution or marked improvement of obesity-related comorbidities, and enhanced quality of life for the majority of patients. The effect of bariatric surgery on the neurohormonal regulation of energy homeostasis is not fully understood. Despite its effectiveness, less than 1% of obese patients are treated surgically. The perception that obesity surgery is unsafe remains a deterrent to care.

Bariatric Surgery↗

Assessment of obesity-related comorbidities: a novel scheme for evaluating bariatric surgical patients.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery serves as the superior means of achieving sustained weight loss and improvement in obesity-related comorbidities. Results of bariatric surgery have been reported qualitatively without standardized measurement of comorbidity response. The objective of this work was to develop a clinically based, standardized system for scaled assessment of the major comorbidities of obesity in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. STUDY DESIGN: We constructed a standardized grading scheme for the major comorbidities of obesity, with each condition scored from 0 to 5, according to severity. Data were prospectively collected on 226 patients. Ninety patients have already undergone gastric bypass and are being followed at regular intervals postoperatively. Longest current followup interval is 1 year. RESULTS: Preoperative evaluation of comorbidities identified a total of 1,356 medical disorders. Anatomic comorbidities were most prevalent as a category, although psychosocial impairment was the most common single condition. The majority of comorbidities in our patient population were graded mild (score of 1) to moderate (score of 3). Immediate (2 weeks) followup was available for all operated patients and ranged in number to 1 year postoperatively, depending on the date of operation. Statistically significant reduction in the severity of several comorbidities was observed at postoperative evaluation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This scheme for assessment of obesity-related comorbidities facilitates evaluation of bariatric surgical patients. The system allows standardized preoperative characterization of a bariatric patient population and uniform postoperative longitudinal assessment of changes in comorbidities after weight reduction operation.

Adult↗

Bariatric surgical outcomes.

This article describes the procedures that are performed for weight loss and characterizes the associated short-term success (operative safety, in-hospital morbidity/mortality) and long-term efficacy(weight loss, weight loss maintenance, postoperative complications). It discusses each category of procedure and reviews the current outcomes literature. It also addresses the technical challenges that are involved with the performance of each procedure and how these challenges may affect short and long-term outcomes. It concludes by comparatively analyzing the outcomes of the various bariatric surgical procedures and their respective roles in effectively managing the morbidly obese patient.

Biliopancreatic Diversion↗

The physiologic effects of pneumoperitoneum in the morbidly obese.

OBJECTIVE: To review the physiologic effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum in the morbidly obese. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The number of laparoscopic bariatric operations performed in the United States has increased dramatically over the past several years. Laparoscopic bariatric surgery requires abdominal insufflation with CO2 and an increase in the intraabdominal pressure up to 15 mm Hg. Many studies have demonstrated the adverse consequences of pneumoperitoneum; however, few studies have examined the physiologic effects of pneumoperitoneum in the morbidly obese. METHODS: A MEDLINE search from 1994 to 2003 was performed using the key words morbid obesity, laparoscopy, bariatric surgery, pneumoperitoneum, and gastric bypass. The authors reviewed papers evaluating the physiologic effects of pneumoperitoneum in morbidly obese subjects undergoing laparoscopy. The topics examined included alteration in acid-base balance, hemodynamics, femoral venous flow, and hepatic, renal, and cardiorespiratory function. RESULTS: Physiologically, morbidly obese patients have a higher intraabdominal pressure at 2 to 3 times that of nonobese patients. The adverse consequences of pneumoperitoneum in morbidly obese patients are similar to those observed in nonobese patients. Laparoscopy in the obese can lead to systemic absorption of CO2 and increased requirements for CO2 elimination. The increased intraabdominal pressure enhances venous stasis, reduces intraoperative portal venous blood flow, decreases intraoperative urinary output, lowers respiratory compliance, increases airway pressure, and impairs cardiac function. Intraoperative management to minimize the adverse changes include appropriate ventilatory adjustments to avoid hypercapnia and acidosis, the use of sequential compression devices to minimizes venous stasis, and optimize intravascular volume to minimize the effects of increased intraabdominal pressure on renal and cardiac function. CONCLUSIONS: Morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery are at risk for intraoperative complications relating to the use of CO2 pneumoperitoneum. Surgeons performing laparoscopic bariatric surgery should understand the physiologic effects of CO2 pneumoperitoneum in the morbidly obese and make appropriate intraoperative adjustments to minimize the adverse changes.

Animals↗

Expression of transforming growth factor beta1 in patients with and without previous abdominal surgery.

HYPOTHESIS: Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) plays an important role in the formation of adhesions after abdominal operations. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. SETTING: University-based, tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing elective open abdominal operations were recruited and divided into 2 groups. Twenty-two patients with a history of abdominal surgery were designated as study patients, and 10 patients with no history of abdominal surgery served as controls. INTERVENTIONS: Samples of normal peritoneum, peritoneal scar tissues, and serum were obtained from all patients at the time of surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Samples were assayed for total TGF-beta1 expression using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Scar tissues expressed significantly greater amounts of TGF-beta1 (0.47 pg/ micro L) compared with normal peritoneal tissue from both study patients (0.29 pg/ micro L; P =.03) and controls (0.17 pg/ micro L; P =.002). Serum TGF-beta1 levels were also higher in study patients (1.71 pg/ micro L) compared with controls (1.22 pg/ micro L; P =.02). Neither adhesion nor serum TGF-beta1 expression correlated with time since last operation, total number of previous operations, or severity of intra-abdominal adhesions. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that TGF-beta1 may play an important role in human peritoneal adhesion formation.

Abdominal Cavity↗

Incidence and outcome of anastomotic stricture after laparoscopic gastric bypass.

Anastomotic stricture is a frequent complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP). We evaluated the frequency of anastomotic stricture following laparoscopic GBP using a 21 mm. vs. a 25 mm circular stapler for construction of the gastrojejunostomy and the safety and efficacy of endoscopic balloon dilation in the management of anastomotic stricture. We reviewed data on 29 patients in whom anastomotic strictures developed after laparoscopic GBP. All strictures were managed with endoscopic balloon dilation using an 18 mm balloon catheter under fluoroscopic guidance. Main outcome measures were the number of anastomotic strictures in patients in whom the 21 mm (vs. 25 mm) circular stapler was used to create the gastrojejunostomy, time interval between the primary operation and symptoms, complications of endoscopic balloon dilation, the number of patients with resolution of obstructive symptoms, and body weight loss. There were 28 females with a mean age of 39 years and a mean body mass index of 48 kg/m(2). Anastomotic stricture occurred significantly more frequently with the use of the 21 mm compared to the 25 mm circular stapler (26.8% vs. 8.8%, respectively; P<0.01). The median time interval between the primary operation and presentation of stricture was 46 days. After the initial dilation, recurrent stricture developed in 5 (17.2%) of 29 patients. These five patients underwent a second endoscopic dilation, and only one of these five patients required a third endoscopic dilation. None of the 29 patients required more than three endoscopic dilations. The mean percentage of excess body weight loss at 1 year for patients in whom the 21 mm circular stapler was used for creation of the gastrojejunostomy was similar to that for patients in whom the 25 mm circular stapler was used (68.2% vs. 70.2%, P=0.8). In this series the rate of anastomotic stricture significantly decreased with the use of the 25 mm circular stapler for construction of the gastrojejunostomy without compromising weight loss. Endoscopic balloon dilation is a safe and effective option in the management of anastomotic stricture following laparoscopic GBP.

Adult↗

Thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy for benign and malignant disease: lessons learned from 46 consecutive procedures.

BACKGROUND: Transhiatal and transthoracic esophagectomy are common approaches for esophageal resection. The literature is limited regarding the combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic approach to esophagectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy for the treatment of benign and malignant esophageal disease. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective chart review of 46 consecutive minimally invasive esophagectomies performed between August 1998 and September 2002. Indications for esophagectomy were carcinoma (n = 38), Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia (n = 3), and recalcitrant stricture (n = 5). Of 38 patients with carcinoma 23 (61%) had neoadjuvant therapy. The main outcome measures were operative time, blood loss, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, conversion rate, morbidity, mortality, pathology, disease recurrence, and survival. RESULTS: Approaches to esophagectomy were thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy (n = 41), thoracoscopic and laparoscopic Ivor Lewis resection (n = 3), abdominal only laparoscopic esophagogastrectomy (n = 1), and hand-assisted laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (n = 1). Minimally invasive esophagectomy was successfully completed in 45 (97.8%) of 46 patients. The mean operative time was 350 +/- 75 minutes and the mean blood loss was 279 +/- 184 mL. The median length of intensive care unit stay was 2 days and median length of stay was 8 days. Major complications occurred in 17.4% of patients and minor complications occurred in 10.8%. Late complications were seen in 26.1% of patients. The overall mortality was 4.3%. Among the 38 patients who underwent esophagectomy for cancer the 3-year survival was 57%. In a mean followup of 26 months there was no trocar site or neck wound recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: A thoracoscopic and laparoscopic approach to esophagectomy is technically feasible and safe for the treatment of benign and malignant esophageal disease. With a mean followup of 26 months thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy appears to be an oncologically acceptable surgical approach for the treatment of esophageal cancer.

Combined Modality Therapy↗

Comparison of postoperative hepatic function after laparoscopic versus open gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Pneumoperitoneum has been shown to reduce hepatic portal blood flow and alter postoperative hepatic transaminases. This study evaluated the changes in hepatic function after laparoscopic and open gastric bypass (GBP). METHODS: Thirty-six morbidly obese patients were randomly assigned to undergo either laparoscopic (n = 18) or open (n = 18) GBP. Liver function tests--total bilirubin (T Bil), gamma GT (GGT), albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT)--and creatine kinase levels were obtained preoperatively and at 1, 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in age, sex, and body mass index. Albumin and ALP levels decreased while T Bil and GGT levels remained unchanged from baseline in both groups without significant difference between the two groups. After laparoscopic GBP, ALT and AST transiently increased by sixfold and returned to near baseline levels at 72 hours. After open GBP, ALT and AST transiently increased by fivefold to eightfold and returned to near baseline levels by 72 hours. Creatine kinase level was significantly lower after laparoscopic GBP than after open GBP at 48 and 72 hours postoperatively. There was no postoperative liver failure or mortality in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic GBP resulted in transient postoperative elevation of hepatic transaminase (ALT, AST) but did not adversely alter hepatic function to any greater extent than open GBP. Creatine kinase levels were lower after laparoscopic GBP reflecting its lesser degree of abdominal wall trauma.

Adult↗

Factors associated with operative outcomes in laparoscopic gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic gastric bypass (GBP) is becoming a common approach for treatment of morbid obesity. We analyzed preoperative factors that may be associated with operative outcomes in laparoscopic GBP. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective study evaluates 150 consecutive laparoscopic GBP procedures performed by a single surgeon. Preoperative factors were grouped into three categories: 1) patient-specific (gender, age, abdominal surgical history, smoking), 2) obesity-specific (body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea), and 3) procedure-specific (operative experience of the surgeon [75 cases or less versus more than 75 cases]). Length of operation (240 minutes or less versus more than 240 minutes), postoperative complications (yes versus no), major complications (yes versus no), reoperation (yes versus no), and length of hospital stay (4 days or less versus more than 4 days) were the operative outcomes considered. In this series all patients who had a major complication required a reoperation. Data were analyzed using univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Operative experience of surgeon (75 cases or less) was associated with lengthy operative time (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7 to 8.3), major complications (AOR, 15.0; 95% CI, 1.5 to 143.0), and a lengthy (more than 4 days) hospital stay (AOR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.1 to 18.0). Higher patient age (50 years or more) was associated with more postoperative complications (AOR, 11.4; 95% CI, 3.0 to 43.1) and major complications (AOR, 7.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 48.7). Male gender also was associated with more postoperative complications (AOR 5.2; 95% CI, 1.1 to 23.1). Obesity-related comorbidities, body mass index, past abdominal surgical history, and smoking had no statistical association with operative outcomes in this study. CONCLUSIONS: There is an association of clinical outcomes after laparoscopic GBP with the age and gender of the patient and the operative experience of the surgeon. An operative experience of more than 75 laparoscopic GBP cases was associated with decreases in operative time, length of hospital stay, and number of major complications.

Adult↗

Early gastrointestinal hemorrhage after laparoscopic gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Early gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage after open gastric bypass has been infrequently reported. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of early GI hemorrhage after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP), its presentation, and possible treatment options. METHODS: A retrospective review of 5 patients who developed early postoperative GI hemorrhage after LRYGBP was performed. The charts were reviewed for demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment. All patients underwent a transected LRYGBP with creation of the gastrojejunostomy anastomosis with a circular stapler and the jejunojejunostomy anastomosis with a linear stapler. RESULTS: Of the 155 patients in our database who underwent LRYGBP, 5 (3.2%) developed early clinical GI hemorrhage. There were 2 males with an average age of 40 years. Clinical presentations of GI hemorrhage were hematemesis (2 patients), bright red blood per rectum (1 patient), melena (1 patient), and hypotension (1 patient). A diagnostic study (nuclear scintigraphy) was performed in only 1 of 5 patients. 3 of 5 patients were managed nonoperatively; 2 patients required fluid and blood resuscitation, and the other patient was managed without blood transfusion. The onset of hemorrhage in these 3 patients occurred 24 hours postoperatively or later. 2 of 5 patients required operative intervention for control of hemorrhage. The onset of hemorrhage or hypotension in these 2 patients occurred within 12 hours after surgery. The sites of hemorrhage were at the gastric remnant staple-lines in 1 patient and at the gastrojejunostomy and gastric remnant staple-lines in the other patient. CONCLUSION: Early GI hemorrhage is a potential complication after transected LRYGBP. Early reoperative intervention should be performed for patients with hemodynamic instability and patients with early onset of hemorrhage after surgery.

Adult↗

Method for the simultaneous determination of retinol and beta-carotene concentrations in human tissues and plasma.

To understand differential tissue distribution of retinoids and carotenoids, as it might influence biological processes in humans, we developed and demonstrated a method for measuring them in selected human tissues. The method includes internal standards and a secondary reference standard to eliminate the need for external standard calibration and to minimize sample-handling errors. Tissues were digested (saponified) in ethanolic KOH. Retinol and beta-carotene were extracted with organic solvent containing internal standards. Analytes were separated using isocratic liquid chromatography and quantified at 325 nm for retinol and 450 nm for beta-carotene. Plasma was analyzed in a similar way but without saponification. Retinal-O-ethyloxime and beta-apo-12'-carotenal-O-t-butyloxime served as internal standards. Plasma, breast, and fat from breast surgery patients and colon, liver, muscle, and fat from colon surgery patients were analyzed. Within-day relative standard deviations (RSDs) for plasma were <0.04 for beta-carotene and <0.03 for retinol, between-day RSDs were <0.05 for beta-carotene and <0.04 for retinol. Saponification ensured complete extraction of retinol and beta-carotene and removal of triglycerides that "foul" chromatographic columns. It seems retinol and beta-carotene concentrations in tissues and blood of cancer patients are the same or higher than those in corresponding tissues of patients without these cancers.

Adult↗

Early and late recipient graft function and donor outcome after laparoscopic vs open adult live donor nephrectomy for pediatric renal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopically procured live donor kidney grafts are increasingly transplanted into pediatric recipients. The safety and efficacy of this changed surgical practice are unknown. HYPOTHESIS: Outcomes of laparoscopic vs open donor grafts in recipients 18 years and younger are equivalent. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective review at an academic tertiary care referral center. PATIENTS: Eleven consecutive pediatric recipients of laparoscopically procured kidneys between April 1, 1997, and December 31, 2001, were pair matched for age with 11 recipients of openly procured kidneys between December 1, 1991, and March 31, 1997; the 22 adult donors were also studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Recipients: surgical complications, graft function and survival. Donors: perioperative morbidity and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Twenty (91%) of 22 kidneys were donated by a parent of the recipient. In recipients of laparoscopically procured grafts, we observed significantly lower creatinine clearances and higher creatinine levels on days 1, 4, and 6, but by 1 month, graft function was similar in both groups. No significant differences in surgical complications, delayed function, acute and chronic rejection, and graft survival rates were found. No laparoscopic or open donor required blood transfusion, reoperation, or hospital readmission. One laparoscopic donor (9%) was converted to open nephrectomy. For laparoscopic vs open donors, median operative time was longer (difference, 67 min; P =.08), but median postoperative length of stay was significantly shorter (3 vs 5 days; P =.02). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy has no adverse impact on pediatric recipient outcomes. For donors, the laparoscopic operation is safe and the hospital stay is shortened. These results support the continued use of laparoscopically procured live donor kidneys in pediatric renal transplantation.

Adolescent↗

Systemic stress response after laparoscopic and open gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: The magnitude of the systemic stress response is proportional to the degree of operative trauma. We hypothesized that laparoscopic gastric bypass (GBP) is associated with reduced operative trauma compared with open GBP, resulting in a lower systemic stress response. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-eight patients with a body mass index of 40 to 60 were randomly assigned to laparoscopic (n = 26) or open (n = 22) GBP Blood samples were measured at baseline and at 1, 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively. Metabolic (insulin, glucose, epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, ACTH, cortisol), acute phase (C-reactive protein), and cytokine (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha) responses were measured. Catabolic response was also measured by calculating the nitrogen balance at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: The two groups of patients were similar in terms of age, gender, and preoperative body mass index. The mean operative time was longer for laparoscopic GBP than for open GBP (229 +/- 50 versus 207 43 minutes). After laparoscopic and open GBP, plasma concentrations of insulin, glucose, epinephrine, dopamine, and cortisol increased; IL-8 and TNF-alpha remained unchanged; and negative nitrogen balances occurred at 24 and 48 hours. There was no significant difference in these parameters between groups. Concentrations of norepinephrine, ACTH, C-reactive protein, and IL-6 levels also increased, but these levels were significantly lower after laparoscopic GBP than after open GBP (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Systemic stress response after laparoscopic GBP is similar to that after open GBP, except that concentrations of norepinephrine, ACTH, C-reactive protein, and IL-6 are lower after laparoscopic than after open GBP. These findings may suggest a lower degree of operative injury after laparoscopic GBP.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗

Effect of prolonged pneumoperitoneum on intraoperative urine output during laparoscopic gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative oliguria is common during laparoscopic operations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of prolonged pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic gastric bypass (GBP) on intraoperative urine output and renal function. METHODS: 104 patients with a body mass index between 40 and 60 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to laparoscopic (n = 54) or open (n = 50) GBP. Intraoperative urine output was recorded at 30-min intervals. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were measured at baseline and on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. Levels of antidiuretic hormone, aldosterone, and plasma renin activity were also measured in a subset of laparoscopic (n = 22) and open (n = 24) GBP patients at baseline, 2 hours after surgical incision, and in the recovery room. RESULTS: The laparoscopic and open groups were similar in age, gender, and body mass index. There was no significant difference in amount of intraoperative fluid administered between groups (5.4 +/- 1.6 L, laparoscopic versus 5.8 +/- 1.7 L, open), but operative time was longer in the laparoscopic group (232 min versus 200 min, p < 0.01). Urinary output during laparoscopic GBP was 64% lower than during open GBP at 1 hour after surgical incision (19 mL versus 55 mL, p < 0.01) and continued to remain lower than that of the open group by 31-50% throughout the operation. Postoperative blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels remained within the normal range in both groups. Serum levels of antidiuretic hormone, aldosterone, and plasma renin activity peaked at 2 hours after surgical incision with no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Prolonged pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic gastric bypass significantly reduced intraoperative urine output but did not adversely alter postoperative renal function.

Adult↗