Sleep Apnea Syndromes: Livingston EH

Mechanick JI, Kushner RF, Sugerman HJ, Gonzalez-Campoy JM, Collazo-Clavell ML, Guven S, Spitz AF, Apovian CM, Livingston EH, Brolin R, Sarwer DB, Anderson WA, Dixon J. · No affiliation provided · Surg Obes Relat Dis. · Pubmed #18848315 No free full text.

Abstract: American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, The Obesity Society, and American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice are systematically developed statements to assist healthcare professionals in medical decision making for specific clinical conditions. Most of the content herein is based on literature reviews. In areas of uncertainty, professional judgment was applied. These guidelines are a working document that reflects the state of the field at the time of publication. Because rapid changes in this area are expected, periodic revisions are inevitable. We encourage medical professionals to use this information in conjunction with their best clinical judgment. The presented recommendations may not be appropriate in all situations. Any decision by practitioners to apply these guidelines must be made in light of local resources and individual patient circumstances. The American Society for Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition fully endorses sections of these guidelines that address the metabolic and nutritional management of the bariatric surgical patient.

Huerta S, Kohan D, Siddiqui A, Anthony T, Livingston EH. · University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center/Veterans Administration North Texas Health Care System, 4500 Lancaster Rd., Dallas, TX 75216, United States. · Am J Surg. · Pubmed #17560908 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The present study assessed the degree to which comorbid conditions improved after bariatric surgery in veteran patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of 55 patients (age 49.1 +/- 1.2, body mass index 49.3 +/- 1.2 kg/m2; 62% male) who underwent open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery at the Dallas Veterans Administration Medical Center was performed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine factors associated with outcomes. RESULTS: There were 17 minor (8 patients with anastomotic ulcer, 5 patients with hernia, 1 patients with cholecystitis, 1 patients with a wound infection, and 2 patients with seroma) and 4 major (3 patients with pulmonary embolism and 1 patients with gastrojejunostomy leak) complications. Univariate analysis demonstrated that body mass index was associated with increased length of hospital stay but not with morbidity. Age was not associated with length of hospital stay or morbidity. There was improvement in 91% of patients affected with diabetes mellitus, in 89% with hypertension, in 80% with dyslipidemia, and in 62% with obstructive sleep apnea. COMMENTS: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass results in a marked amelioration or elimination of obesity-related comorbid conditions in veteran patients. Morbidity and mortality are within acceptable rage for these patients with substantial comorbidities.

Huerta S, DeShields S, Shpiner R, Li Z, Liu C, Sawicki M, Arteaga J, Livingston EH. · Center for Human Nutrition, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1742, USA. · J Gastrointest Surg. · Pubmed #12022987 No free full text.

Abstract: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is used to prevent apneic arrest and/or hypoxia in patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. This modality has not been universally accepted for patients following upper gastrointestinal surgery because of concerns that pressurized air will inflate the stomach and proximal intestine, resulting in anastomotic disruption. This study was performed to assess the safety and efficacy of postoperative CPAP for patients undergoing a gastrojejunostomy as part of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure. A total of 1067 patients (837 women [78%] and 230 men [22%]) were prospectively evaluated for the risk of developing anastomotic leaks and pulmonary complications after the RYGB procedure. Of the 1067 patients undergoing gastric bypass, 420 had obstructive sleep apnea and 159 were dependent on CPAP. There were 15 major anastomotic leaks, two of which occurred in CPAP-treated patients. Contingency table analysis demonstrated that there was no correlation between CPAP utilization and the incidence of major anastomotic leakage (P = 0.6). Notably, no episodes of pneumonia were diagnosed in either group. Despite the theoretical risk of anastomotic injury from pressurized air delivered by CPAP, no anastomotic leaks occurred that were attributable to CPAP. There were no pulmonary complications in a patient population that is at risk for developing them postoperatively. CPAP is a useful modality for treating hypoventilation after RYGB without increasing the risk of developing postoperative anastomotic leaks.