News Release

New approaches, technological advances offer promise for obesity treatment

Health outcomes explored at DDW 2011

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Digestive Disease Week

CHICAGO, IL (May 7, 2011) – Research being presented at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) shows that while there are significantly increased benefits for qualifying patients undergoing bariatric surgery, the potential side effects and outcomes need to be considered when determining whether the surgery is appropriate for patients. DDW is the largest international gathering of physicians and researchers in the field of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery.

Bariatric Surgery Outcomes in the Elderly Population: An ACS NSQIP Study (Abstract #804)

Old age alone does not predict a worse outcome following bariatric surgery, yet people 65 and older still face increased risks. Based on an analysis of five years of national data, researchers found that patients in this age group had longer hospitalizations. Their mortality rate was higher, too, although the difference was not statistically significant compared to younger age groups. Previous studies had linked age to increased morbidity and mortality following bariatric surgery, but they included only Medicare patients, adjusted for limited risk factors and omitted laparoscopic procedures.

Dr. Dorman will present these data on Monday, May 9, at 2:15 p.m. CT in S501A, McCormick Place.

How do Adults and Adolescents Compare in Improvement of Biochemical Cardiac Risk Factors S/P Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (Abstract #689)

Adults and adolescents who undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass show marked improvement in biochemical cardiac risk factors (BCRFs), with adolescents realizing the greater benefit in several key categories. The findings are the first to show BCRF improvement across the board in adults and the first to demonstrate positive change in adolescents, and they underscore the impact that this intervention can have, particularly for adolescents who are morbidly obese.

These data will be presented by Shushmita Ahmed, a Stanford University medical student, on Monday, May 9, at 10:00 a.m. CT in S505, McCormick Place.

The Risk of Alcohol Dependence is Increased After Gastric Bypass Surgery (Abstract #266)

Bariatric patients have significantly higher rates of inpatient treatment for psychiatric disease before and after surgery compared to the general population and post-operatively, gastric bypass is associated with a two-fold

increased risk of inpatient treatment for alcohol abuse compared to restrictive surgery. Patients were assessed in terms of inpatient treatment for psychosis, depression, attempted suicide, substance abuse and alcoholism. The increased risk of hospitalization remained after surgery for all disorders except psychosis.

Dr. Östlund will present these data on Saturday, May 7 at 4:00 p.m. in S503, McCormick Place.

One year results of an endoscopic, duodenal-jejunal exclusion device for weight loss and control of type 2 diabetes (EndoBarrier) (Abstract #792)

Investigators have performed extensive research on the success of a novel weight loss device that functions almost exactly like gastric bypass surgery but without the painful and permanent effects of surgery. The duodenal-jejunal bypass liner, or EndoBarrier, is an endoscopic implant that mimics the intestinal bypass component of the common Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure. Use of this nonsurgical, reversible implant in obese patients with type 2 diabetes resulted in improved blood sugar control, significant weight loss and reductions in LDL and triglyceride levels, important cardiovascular risk factors.

Bruno da Costa Martins, MD, Attending Physician in Endoscopy Department of Hospital das Clinicas, Sao Paulo, Brazil, will present these data on Monday, May 9 at 2:15 p.m. in S104, McCormick Place.

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Digestive Disease Week® 2011 (DDW®) is the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers and academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery. Jointly sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, the AGA Institute, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, DDW takes place May 7 – May 10, 2011 in Chicago, IL. The meeting showcases more than 5,000 abstracts and hundreds of lectures on the latest advances in GI research, medicine and technology.


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