International expert consensus on the current status and future prospects of artificial intelligence in metabolic and bariatric surgery.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the landscape of medicine, including surgical science and practice. The evolution of AI from rule-based systems to advanced machine learning and deep learning algorithms has opened new avenues for its application in metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). AI has the potential to enhance various aspects of MBS, including education and training, decision-making, procedure planning, cost and time efficiency, optimization of surgical techniques, outcome and complication prediction, patient education, and access to care.

Laparoscopic Vertical Clip Gastroplasty with BariClip Experience, Complications, Literature Review, and Proposal of Modification of the Original Technique.

Laparoscopic vertical clip gastroplasty (LVCG) with BariClip is a recent procedure that appears to be safe Gentileschi et al. (Obes Surg 33(1):303-12, 2023). The initial complications reported include erosion, slippage, and gastroesophageal reflux.

Randomized Controlled Trial Based US Commercial Payor Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Versus Lifestyle Modification Alone for Adults With Class I/II Obesity.

Purpose: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive day procedure that the MERIT randomized controlled trial (RCT) has demonstrated to be an effective and safe method of weight loss versus lifestyle modification alone. We sought to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ESG from the perspective of a US commercial payer in a cohort of adults with class II and class I obesity with diabetes based on this RCT.

Materials: We used a Markov modelling approach with BMI group health states and an absorbing death state.

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Obesity Class V (BMI > 60 kg/m): a Modified Delphi Study.

Background: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the preferred method to achieve significant weight loss in patients with Obesity Class V (BMI > 60 kg/m). However, there is no consensus regarding the best procedure(s) for this population. Additionally, these patients will likely have a higher risk of complications and mortality.

Early Bowel Obstruction after Bariatric Surgery: An Analysis of the 2020-2021 MBSAQIP Database.

Background: The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program evaluates 30-day outcomes of bariatric cases performed in the United States. The Participant Use File in 2020 introduced bowel obstruction (BO). We compared the rates of BO, risk factors, and postoperative outcomes after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and duodenal switch (DS).

Evolving Technique of Laparoscopic Vertical Gastric Clip Placement.

Introduction: Laparoscopic BariClip gastroplasty (LBCG) will address a similar tubular restriction than the one achieved with the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) at the level of the gastric fundus, while maintaining the advantage of simplicity and anatomic preservation. The purpose of the current study was to analyze the risk of slippage and to present the evolving technique by adding gastro-gastric plication of the gastric wall covering the BariClip at those areas where the gastric wall "slips" between the limbs of the clip.

Methods: All patients undergoing LBCG with the evolving technique of gastric plication around the device associated with antral gastroplasty from January 2021 to May 2022 were included in the study group (group A).

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty for treatment of class 1 and 2 obesity (MERIT): a prospective, multicentre, randomised trial.

Background: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is an endolumenal, organ-sparing therapy for obesity, with wide global adoption. We aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of ESG with lifestyle modifications compared with lifestyle modifications alone.

Methods: We conducted a randomised clinical trial at nine US centres, enrolling individuals aged 21-65 years with class 1 or class 2 obesity and who agreed to comply with lifelong dietary restrictions.

COVID-19: IFSO LAC Recommendations for the Resumption of Elective Bariatric Surgery.

Background: COVID-19 pandemic varies greatly and has different dynamics in every country, city, and hospital in Latin America. Obesity increases the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and it is one of the independent risk factors for the most severe cases of COVID-19. Currently, the most effective treatment against obesity available is bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS), which further resolves or improves other independent risk factors like diabetes and hypertension.

Correction to: Endoscopic Argon Plasma Coagulation Vs. Multidisciplinary Evaluation in the Management of Weight Regain after Gastric Bypass Surgery: a Randomized Controlled Trial with SHAM Group.

In the original article the captions for Figs. 1-3 are incorrect.

Isolated sleeve gastrectomy stricture: a systematic review on reporting, workup, and treatment.

The isolated stricture after the sleeve gastrectomy is one of the possible surgical complications. Previous algorithms have been proposed to address the workup and treatment of sleeve gastrectomy stricture. However, current literature lacks standardization and systematic reviews on this topic.

Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration With Primary Closure After Failed Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Without Intraoperative Cholangiography: A Case Series from a Referral Center in Bogota, Colombia.

Despite the effectiveness of laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) surgery, no case series details the use and advantages of laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE) without use of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) failure. Therefore, we present a case series regarding our success with LCBDE in managing CBD stones (CBDSs) using laparoscopic technique without IOC. We performed a descriptive retrospective observational study.

Efficacy of Utilizing Argon Plasma Coagulation for Weight Regain in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Patients: a Multi-center Study.

Background: Endoscopic approaches exist for targeting weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), including endoscopic suturing, clipping, and sclerotherapy. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a noncontact electrocoagulation method, and when used in RYGB patients, it has shown reduction in the diameter of the gastrojejunal anastomosis.

Objectives: To study the effectiveness of APC for weight regain in terms of weight loss for RYGB patients, from eight bariatric centers.

Endoscopic sutured gastroplasty: procedure evolution from first-in-man cases through current technique.

Background: Endoscopic sutured gastroplasty (ESG) has evolved over time. With the advent of full-thickness endoscopic suturing, an efficient technique for ESG was developed and refined.

Methods: This prospective first-in-man trial started in April 2012 and represents the first use of full-thickness endoscopic suturing for primary obesity therapy.

Bariatric Surgery Worldwide: Baseline Demographic Description and One-Year Outcomes from the Second IFSO Global Registry Report 2013-2015.

Background: Five International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) surveys since 1998 have estimated the volume and type of bariatric surgery being done in constituent member countries. These reports did not include baseline demographic descriptions.

Methods: An IFSO Global Registry pilot project in 2014 demonstrated that it was possible to amalgamate large numbers of individual patient data from different local and national database systems.

Transoral outlet reduction with full thickness endoscopic suturing for weight regain after gastric bypass: a large multicenter international experience and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Many patients who undergo bariatric surgery will experience weight regain and effective strategies are needed to help these patients. A dilated gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA) has been associated with weight recidivism after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB). Endoscopic transoral outlet reduction (TORe) with a full thickness endoscopic suturing device (Overstitch, Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, TX) is a minimally invasive therapeutic option.