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Abstract

Pediatric obesity is a growing problem in United States. Ideally, a non-operative option is preferred but currently there is no medical treatment that guarantees an enduring weight loss. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is popular in some centers due to its safety profiles. Due to the limited experience, gastric bypass, which has shown excellent outcomes in adult population, is less popular in the pediatric population.

Aims: To evaluate our initial experience with gastric bypass in adolescent population.

Patients and methods: Between January 2008 and July 2010, 19 adolescents with morbid obesity underwent laparoscopic Roux Y gastric bypass with a Roux limb of 140 cm.

Results: Mean age 18 years (range: 16-20 years), Male: female ratio= 1:18, Mean weight=305 Ib (range= 230-384), Mean BMI=50 (range: 42-67). Mean Percentage excess weight loss was 88% and 74% at 1 and 2 years respectively. No patient was lost to follow- up. There was a near complete resolution of almost all associated co-morbidities.

Four complications occurred during the study period (1internal hernia, I surgical site infection, 1 hypoglycemic episode and 1 stomal stenosis). Of these, only one patient required reoperation.

Conclusion: Although our initial experience is limited by the small sample size, we believe that our results are comparable to those reported in adult population. We believe that gastric bypass is a viable option alternative in the adolescent population.

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Keywords

Bariatric surgery; Post-bariatric dietary adherence; Post-bariatric assessment; Maladaptive eating behaviors; Disordered eating; Suboptimal weight loss outcomes

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Introduction

Worldwide, the incidence of obesity is growing. In the United States, the prevalence of pediatric obesity has increased from 4% in 1971 to 15% in 2007 [1].

Childhood obesity predisposes to hyperlipidemia, hypertension, insulin resistance and type 2-diabetes mellitus (T2DM), degenerative joint disease as well as liver, renal and menstrual dysfunction. These complications have significant impact on quality of life and may reduce life expectancy. Childhood obesity represents a precursor of adult obesity, as 50-70% of these adolescents will become obese adults [2-4]. Unless this trend is halted, the health and economic implications on global economy will be severe.

The optimal treatment for adolescent obesity is yet to be determined. Data are lacking but still available to draw general conclusions. Available medical treatments are unpredictable.

The two most commonly used and well-studied procedures for adolescents are the adjustable gastric band and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Of these, gastric bypass is the only approved surgical option for pediatric population in the USA. While both gastric bypass and banding are effective in treating the medical consequences of obesity in adolescents, gastric bypass surgery has been shown to be the most effective for optimal weight loss. Because the long-term effects of gastric bypass in pediatric population are largely unknown, some surgeons prefer laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) as the primary option in adolescent patients [5]. LAGB is not effective in all patients and some patients will inevitably require a second procedure. More recently, O’Brien and colleagues from Australia reported a 33% reoperation rate for patients aged 14-18 years who underwent LAGB in a prospective randomized trial [6].

Unlike the European and Australian experience, LABG outcome data in US are variable [6-8]. Yet these results were extrapolated to the adolescent population. For this reason a surgical option that guarantees an enduring weight loss is desired.

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Aims

This study was designed to evaluate our initial experience with 19 morbidly obese adolescent patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass and to compare our result with published results in adult population.

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Patients and Methods

This is a retrospective review of medical records of all patients 20 years or under who underwent laparoscopic Roux Y gastric bypass (RYGB) between January 2008 and July 2010 in a high volume Bariatric Center of Excellence in Bronx, New York. In accordance with the Endo Panel Obesity guidelines, we defined morbid obesity in adolescents as Body mass Index (BMI) > 95 percentile adjusted for age, sex and ethnic group [9,10] (Table 1A and 1B). We defined hypertension as consistent with Systolic blood pressure (SBp) and/ or Diastolic Blood pressure (DSp) > 95 percentile for adjusted for age, gender and height measured at 3 separate occasions [11-13]. We defined diabetes as elevated fasting blood sugar >150 mg/d (samples were analyzed in fresh plasma). Sleep obstructive apnea was defined as respiratory index of at least 10 hypopneic and/or apneic episodes per hour of sleep. Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) was defined as “heart burn” that was relieved by Proton Pump Inhibitor or H2. Blockers and seen on upper Endoscopy or upper gastrointestinal series. Degenerative joint disease (DJD) was defined as the presence of pain in weight bearing joint.

Resolution of hypertension was defined as SBp < 135 mmHg or DBp < 85 mmHg and not on any antihypertensive medications, while resolution of diabetes was defined as fasting blood sugar < 120 mg/dl and in the absence of hypoglycemic drugs (samples were analyzed in fresh plasma).

All patients were initially seen by a multidisciplinary team (consisting of bariatric surgeons, pediatricians, pediatric endocrinologist, pulmonologist, pediatric psychologist, and Bariatric Nutritionist). All patients with symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea or excessive snoring underwent overnight polysomongram.All patients were obese for at least 5 years and have documented evidence of failed attempt at medically supervised weight loss program for 6 months. In preparation for surgery, all patients underwent upper Endoscopy with biopsy and had satisfactory psychological evaluation. All patients underwent appropriate nutritional evaluation, including micronutrients measurements (Iron studies, Vitamin B12, 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D, Folic acid, Homocysteine, Methyl malonic acid, Albumin, Parathormone, Calcium, Copper, Zinc, Selenium, and Thiamine) before their procedure and subsequently at 3 months, 6 months and annually thereafter (Table 1C).One patient with end stage renal failure underwent preoperative echocardiogram.

All patients were evaluated by an attending anesthesiologist before surgery. At the time of operation, all patients received athird generation cephalosporin as well as unfractionated Heparin at induction of anesthesia. Subcutaneous injection of unfractionated Heparin was continued twice daily postoperatively throughout the hospital course. Additionally, sequential compression boots were also used intraoperatively and postoperatively until ambulatory.

In performing the operation, a standard 5 port RYGB wasperformed with a Roux limb of approximately 140 cm (range: 120-180).

A standard 30-50 ml gastric pouch was created over a 32 French gauge Maloney bougie. A 2.5 cm side-to-side gastrojejunal anastomosis was created using linear stapler. The gastrotomy and enterotomy were closed over the bougie using continuous ethibond 0 sutures. In the early part of the study, the Roux limb was tunneled through the retrocolic space to reach the pouch (N=13), but this was changed in the later part of the study following the development of internal hernia in one patient.

The Mean operative time was 2 hours (range: 1.45-3 hours). Estimated blood loss was 30 ml (range: 25-60 ml).

All patients were mobilized within 6hours of operation. One patient had an upper gastrointestinal series to rule out anastomotic dehiscence. All patients were commenced on clear liquid diet on postoperative day 1. All patients were discharged from hospital on postoperative day 2 when they were tolerating 3-4 oz of clear liquid diet/hour. All patients were discharged home with chewable multivitamins, Calcium, Proton pump inhibitor and Ferrous sulfate elixir. Vitamin D was added to the regimen during the first office visit. All patients were followed up closely in the clinic a week later, then at 1, 3, 6, 12 monthly and yearly afterward. During each visit, each patient’s BMI, percent excess weight loss, ability to tolerate regular diet, resolution of co-morbidities, drug requirement and compliance were determined. At the third postpone months, blood was drawn to assess serum nutritional, biochemical, parathyroid hormone and hematological parameters.

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Results

Nineteen consecutive patients (18 females and 1 male) underwent laparoscopic Roux Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Mean BMI =50 (range: 42-67) and Mean weight of 305 lb (range= 230-384), of the 19 patients who underwent RYGB, 4 patients had hypertension (21%), 2 patients had diabetes (11%). One patient with diabetes also had hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Overall, OSA occurred in 4 patients (21%). DJD and GERD occurred in 3 and 1 patients respectively. Hyperlipidemia occurred 3 patients (16%).

Among hypertensive’s, disease resolution occurred in 75% of the patients (Table 2). One patient with hypertension also had end stage renal failure and was the only patients whose hypertension did not resolve following her surgery. She was however taking fewer antihypertensive medications following her surgery.Diabetes mellitus resolved in all patients, as did GERD, DJD, hyperlipidemia and OSA.

With a follow up period of 1-2 years (all 19 patients were seen), we reported percentage excess weight loss of 88 and 74 at one and two years respectively (Table 3).Four patients had postoperative course complicated by internal hernia (1), surgical site infection (1), stomal stenosis (1) and hypoglycemic episode (1). No postoperative death was recorded in our series. Of the four, one patient with internal hernia underwent diagnostic laparoscopy, reduction of hernia and closure of Petersen’s defect 14 months after the index procedure (after total weight loss in excess of 70 lb). Another patient developed stomal stenosis at 10 months. This patient underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with balloon dilatation. One patient with superficial surgical site infection was successfully treated with antibiotic.

No 30-day readmission was reported in this series. Thereafter, we had three readmission rates during the study period. Two of the 3-readmissions were procedural related.

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Discussion

Due to the potential risks of surgical weight loss surgery, absence of evidence based reports and long-term outcome data in adolescent patients, there is reluctance among pediatricians, bariatric surgeons and parents in recommending gastric bypass surgery in this group. Yet the best available alternatives such as family based behavioral modifications to support changes in diets and physical activity, endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics have poor success rates for adolescents with morbid obesity [6].

All studies that have reported outcome data following weight loss surgery in adolescent have shown a clinically important and durable decrease in weight and BMI with minimal risk.

While some agree that LAGB is the preferred option for adolescent because of its safety and reversibility records, others believe RYGB is preferred [6,14,15]. Among patients who underwent LAGB, there is a significant risk of reoperations. In a recent prospective randomized study conducted by Balsiger and colleagues [15], the reoperation rate was 33%. A further 18% and 14% required band replacement or removal respectively. In a separate study, O’Brien et al. reported a similar reoperation rate [6]. Other workers reported major late complications such as pouch dilation, erosion, migration or other device related problems [16,17].

RYGB offers a suitable alternative and has a more predictable excess weight loss. Although earlier report of gastric bypass/ gastroplasty by Anderson et al. in 1980 produced a modest weight loss that was not sustainable at 5 years [18]. Since then Rand and others have reported percentage excess weight loss of 53-80% at 2-6 years follow up [19-22]. In our series, we achieved a percentage excess weight loss of 88% and 74% at 1 and 2 years respectively. Our result is supported by a similar outcome reported by Stanford and colleagues [15]. In their study, Stanford reported %EWL of 87% at 20 months [15]. In a separate report in the adult population, Agaba and associates reported %EWL of 74% and 72% at 1 and 2 years respectively [23]. These data suggest that the long-term efficacy and safety profiles among adolescents’ mirrors the outcomes in larger series in adult population [24,25].

Searching for indicators of direct clinical impact of RYGB in adolescent population is lacking. Resolutions of co-morbidities have been used as surrogate marker. In our series, we had 100% resolution of diabetic (n=2), hyperlipidemia (n=3), degenerative joint. Disease (n=3), Obstructive sleep apnea (n=4) and GERD (n=1). We achieved a 75% resolution of hypertension in our series. Although one patient remained hypertensive, there was an improvement in her condition as the number of her antihypertensive medication was reduced from three to two (patient is currently awaiting renal transplantation). These findings support other previous studies that have shown that weight loss of 5-10% may be beneficial in decreasing cardiovascular risk and increase life expectancy among morbidly obese patients [26,27].

There is a growing concern of psychosocial, sexual and skeletal immaturity among adolescent when offered RYGB at this stage of their development. In Rand’s study this issue was addressed and the evidence was lacking [19]. In Rand’s series, the focus of the paper was psychosocial changes and compliance with nutritional supplement after a successful weight loss surgery [19]. Most of their patients agreed that if they had to do it over again, they would. Two patients who did not achieve a satisfactory weight loss were displeased with their outcomes and would not do it over again. Most of their patients were satisfied with their improved social standing and self esteem. Their worst outcome was “nothing” followed by redundant skin and scarring. All the patients were either in full time education or are gainfully employed. Some patients were married with children. The authors concluded that although the effect of psychosocial benefit was difficult to measure, it was an inevitable gain to the patients [19].

Because RYGB is associated with metabolic and nutritional deficiencies, sexual and skeletal maturity should be attained before undertaking RYGB. In our series, the mean age was 18. Based on the Center for Disease Control growth chart, we believe that at this age an average male would have completed 98.4% of his growth to age 20 and the corresponding percentage for female is 99.6%. We, like others have found no evidence of stunted growth, metabolic or hepatic dysfunction in following RYGB.

To our knowledge, there has been no evidence of negative reports surrounding the use of RYGB in adolescent. Although preoperative complications among the adolescent population parallel those in adults, there is a growing wealth of evidence that suggest it may be safer in adolescents. While the reason for this is unclear, it may reflect a better state of health among adolescents undergoing RYGB. We reported 4 complications (21%). Our result was similar to those of Nguyen and associates who reported a complication rate of 16% among 79 adult patients [26]. Like Tsai et al. series we had no preoperative mortality and had similar length of stay that was comparable with adults [23,28]. We believe that this relatively low mortality rate reflects a better patient selection as well as improvement in advanced surgical skills.

One patient suffered severe postprandial hypoglycemic episode requiring treatment. Unlike in adult population where this complication is well documented [29,30], it is rare in pediatric population. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case in the English language literature. While the exact cause of this remains largely unknown, but it is widely believed to be due to pancreatic islet cell hyperplasia, elevated incretion secretion and inappropriate postprandial hyperinsulinemia [30].

Non-compliant with postoperative nutritional supplements, exercise and preoperative drug regimen raises serious concerns in the follow up of adolescent patients. Rand et al. in their study observed that only 13% of their patients were compliant with their nutritional supplements at 6 years [19]. In our experience, compliance was 95% at 2 years. It is likely that as the patients achieved the desired weight loss, compliance will decrease with time as shown by Rand’s data. The reason for the low compliance in Rand’s series is hard to explain. One reason for our high compliance rate was partly due to the continuing patient education we offered during each visit as well as strong family support.

Readmission after RYGB is a major concern. In our series, we had 3patients that were readmitted during the study period. Two of the three readmission occurred during the first year and supports Dingmond’s observation that readmission during the first year is procedure related [31]. In their series of 24,678 patients who underwent RYGB, Dingmond et al. observed a readmission rate of 20% at first year, 18% in the second year and 15% in the 3rd year [31]. Readmission during the first year is procedure related. In our series all the readmissions were procedure related thus confirming Dingmond observation. Readmission during the 3rd year is related to elective procedures such as panniculectomy or others procedures that were previously deferred due to patient’s obesity.

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Limitation of Study

This was a retrospective study that was limited by its small sample size, selection and information bias.

It main advantage was in attempting to address the all-important question of safety of RYGB in the adolescent population.

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Conclusion

Laparoscopic RYGB in adolescent population was associated with excess weight loss of 74% at 2 years, a robust disease resolution (75-100%) and a low complication profile. Although our sample size was small, we believe that it is a safe procedure and offers a suitable alternative in morbidly obese adolescents.